Education

Can’t afford preschool?

Most parents recognize the value of a good preschool education. Preschool offers a chance for young children to learn social skills and develop building...

Can you spell "winners"…?

The top spellers from each grade were seated at the front of the room, a giant map of the world behind them. They glanced...

In praise of chores

Kristy Clason was appalled when she saw the homework assignment her son brought home one day. The gym teacher at his California school sent...

Puberty and the special needs child

Pu•ber•ty, n.A physical and emotional rollercoaster that kids begin riding anytime between ages 9 and 14, lasting about five years. Pro•cras•tin•ate, v. The parental tendency...

GOV. JANET NAPOLITANO AND STEVE NASHTeaming up for early childhood education in Arizona

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article went to press the week President-elect Barack Obama appointed Gov. Janet Napolitano to join his cabinet as Director of Homeland...

Puppet play: setting the stage for social skills

The crowd cheers. The actors take a bow. The curtain closes with a dramatic swish. But this isn’t the latest production at ASU Gammage—it’s...

A bridge to dialogue: Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Program

Chi-Wei and Robert at the Grand Canyon. One evening in late March, 27 newly appointed Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassadors and their parents waited in...

Recess Before Lunch concept gains momentum

After a morning of academic work and quiet cooperation, most elementary school students are ready to blow off some steam. When the lunch bell...

Get focused

Last July, Steven Russell was reading below grade level, couldn’t shoot a basketball anywhere near the hoop and was often frustrated and angry—especially when...

Should your teen consider AP classes?

When 19-year-old Walker Donaldson graduated from Sunnyslope High School last spring, he had more than the usual stuff to pack for college. Donaldson took...

Writing a college essay

"Every shoe has a story to tell and to know my shoes is to know me." So begins Chrissie Clemency's college essay. Now, if you...

Preparing for college entrance exams

If you remember showing up at a high school classroom at 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning, two number two pencils in hand, hoping...

PARTY ARTICLES

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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