Laura McKinster
I’m a Maine native and after a long stretch of time living in Chicago, I feel lucky to again call the Seacoast my home. I currently live in Kennebunk with my husband, two sons, and a spaniel mix who truly believes he is a furry big brother to our boys. I hold a Master of Education degree from the University of Maine and as a certified English and Special Education teacher, a passion of mine has always been helping students and connecting them to reading and writing. Free time is best spent in the sunshine with family and friends, curled up with a good book, eating my husband’s incredible cooking, running the beautiful roads of the Maine and New Hampshire coastlines, or creatively writing for the kids in my life. Being a mom is the most challenging and amazing job I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Halloween Inspired Literacy Activities for Bigger Kids
October is hands down my favorite month of the year in New Hampshire. The air has that crisp chill to it, all the leaves have finally changed color, and it’s not too late for...
Five Easy Literacy Activities for Preschoolers to Do At Home
Full disclosure - I am currently doing something that I never imagined I would be doing. I’m homeschooling a preschooler.
Yikes.
It’s true, I'm a certified teacher, but I’ve primarily taught middle and high school students....
Tips for Getting Your Preschooler to Read With You
I have the busiest preschooler on the planet. No, really, I do. You should meet him. He never stops moving....ever. And while I love his curiosity and zest for exploring life, it presented me...
8 Ways to Bring Music into Your Home Kids Will Love
I have a very musical family. As I write this post, I can hear my three-year-old son singing “Old MacDonald” at the top of his lungs while his dad, who plays several instruments, plays...
A Reminder: It’s Okay to Not be Okay Right Now
It was the breaking point that I knew was coming. I just knew it.
I needed to get out of the house for a change of scenery, so I decided to take my three-year-old son...
43 Online Educational Resources For Kids They’ll Love
I’m always fascinated by what you can find on the Internet. Some things are good and some things are not so good. And then some things are great, like these online educational resources for...
The Unit Study: Homeschooling Help For You Your Kids Will Love
It’s official. Your kids are home from school for the next few weeks due to COVID-19. No doubt your child’s teacher has sent home tons of resources for remote learning, but you’re still nervous....
9 Strategies to Help Your Kids With Writing Assignments At Home
When I taught a basic English class to high school students, I would never lie to them. I always told them the honest and brutal truth: writing is hard. It’s hard work to think...
10 Fun Reading and Writing Activities for Kids
It’s that time of year again: school vacation. The kids are home, their energy level is at an all time high, and it feels like there is an endless stretch of time until school...
