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Welcome to Up for Debate. Each week, Conor Friedersdorf rounds up timely conversations and solicits reader responses to one thought-provoking question. Later, he publishes some thoughtful replies. Sign up for the newsletter here.Last week, I asked readers if parents should stop giving their children smartphones before high school.Replies have been edited for length and clarity.Eric is a teacher. He writes: Cell phones are the single biggest addiction, obsession, and obstacle to learning, maturing, and socializing that I have seen in almost 20 years as an educator. Most students—hell, most adults—are powerless to resist the temptation to stay continually connected to...

[TAG0] A Fishing Pole, A Picnic and A Book: Simple Activities in Educational Terms ~ Written by Lusi Austin from That Homeschool Life Having home schooled three older kiddos and now homeschooling their two younger siblings, has given me an unexpected gift: perspective. The blessing of perspective is that I can easily see the big picture. I have experienced how fast time really flies. I have learned to not sweat the unimportant things. I’ve learned to give more time to the things that matter most. I see how simple experiences can be learning opportunities.  I’ve now learned how to express the...

Take a camel ride, step back in time aboard a vintage train, or gaze at a mesmerizing blown glass ceiling Pack your bags, and get ready to enjoy quality family time in Oklahoma City. This bustling, friendly frontier town is the perfect getaway for families that love free family fun, epic experiences, and delicious food. So whether you are road-tripping across the country or taking a day trip from Tulsa, Oklahoma City is a bucket list town full of must-see places and family-friendly activities everyone in your crew will love. So keep reading to plan your perfect family vacation in...

Summer is a welcome break from the rigor of school for most kids. They might busy themselves with summer camps, vacations, adventures, free play, and time with family and friends. Although these activities are often framed as a break from learning, quite the opposite is true. In fact, different forms of play, especially free play, are great ways to promote learning and overall development. Even though summer is the perfect time for play, that doesn’t mean that learning needs to be sacrificed. Unfortunately, research shows that children often experience a summer slump, returning to school in the fall with lower...

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure statement for more information. Hey there sisters! We said that we were taking a break … But come on! We just miss you all and doing the podcast too much! So today we are breaking our own rules for just a minute to share our Top 10 episodes with you! We just thought they might help us all get through summer until we come back with a brand new season in late August!!! (We’re only a little excited!) Listen to the mini-sode Just click here to listen to the mini-sode!...