There’s a Skool magazine writing by Skoolers for Skoolers. It’s a monthly publication and free for anyone. I’ve applied to help with Issue 07. What topics should I suggest? Would you rather read a magazine, listen to a podcast, or watch a video? https://skoo.ly/readskoolmagazine

Words are the building blocks of reality. The more words a child has access to, the more "resolution" they have for their own feelings. If a child only has the word "mad," they are stuck. But if they have "frustrated," "indignant," or "overwhelmed," they have a map to navigate their inner world. In the "Language of Mattering," we use words to build bridges. This isn't about spelling bees or vocabulary tests (which add to that performance pressure); it’s about Curiosity over Correctness. When we play with how words are built, their roots, their sounds, and their meanings, we give our kids the tools to name their world and, eventually, to change it. I know I’m “dating” myself here but did anyone else enjoy reading the dictionary for fun? From an early age, I was taught the value of words. What’s your favorite word and why? I’ll share mine after at least two others share.

I remember one time in college, some friends and I cut class and decided to walk to the Lincoln Park Zoo from campus. It was probably 2 miles there and back. At the zoo, we decided to rename all the animals, then rush back to campus for History with our favorite Professor Dr. Garfield. We then regaled him with the new animal names. He was puzzled, amused, and tolerant. Have you ever done something like this? No? Well then, today is for you! Today, we are going to act like linguists and invent words for things that don't have a name yet. Get Started: 1. Identify a "vague" feeling or a specific household situation that needs a name. • Example: The feeling of being tired but not wanting to stop playing. • Example: The specific sound a LEGO makes when you step on it in the dark. 2. The Goal: Combine two existing words to create a "Portmanteau." • Example: "Tired-Play" = Tiray. "Pain-Crunch" = Pancrunch. 3. Use your new word in a sentence at dinner tonight. Options for Older Kids For Ages 12–14: The Etymology Hack. Give them a "root" word (like auto meaning self or graph meaning writing). Challenge them to find 5 words in the house that use that root. Then, have them invent a futuristic machine using those roots (e.g., An "Autograph-o-matic"). For Ages 15–17: The Slang Translation. Ask them to explain a piece of modern slang to you (e.g., rizz, cap, bet). Then, challenge them to translate a "serious" news headline or a classic poem into that slang. Does the meaning change, or just the "vibe"? Your Turn: Post your "New Word" and its definition below. Let's see if we can start a Connected Through Play dictionary!

Literacy doesn't end at the edge of a page. Environmental Literacy is the ability to walk into a space and understand its "story." Who lives here? What do they value? What is the "vibe" of this environment? When we teach kids to "read the room," we are building their situational awareness and empathy. We are helping them move from the "lead vest" of being self-conscious (worrying about how they look) to being conscious of others (observing how others feel). This shift is the ultimate social safety net. Here’s the plot twist, with more people immersed in screens, how do you learn to read that room? Require cameras to be always on? Create a new way of deciphering meaning from short bursts of text? This one truly stumps me and I’m curious how you read the digital room?

It’s the first day of spring and for many of you, it’s a great day to get out and enjoy nature. For me, well, nature and I are currently not on speaking terms- allergies anyone? I digress, today we’re going to practice being "detectives" in our own home or a local park. Get Started: 1. Pick a room in the house you don't spend much time in, or a specific corner of a park. 2. Find 3 "clues" that tell a story about someone who was there recently. Use these as examples but be creative and create your own clues. Clue 1: A crumpled receipt. (Story: Someone was rushed while shopping.) Clue 2: A bent blade of grass. (Story: A dog or a kid ran through here.) Clue 3: A plate with a partially eaten bagel. (Story: Someone needed something and that person forgot to finish eating) 3. Piece the clues together to tell a "Mini Story" about that person’s day. Options for Older Kids: For Ages 12–14: The Grocery Store Anthropologist. Next time you’re at the store, look at someone’s cart (discreetly!). What does their "grocery story" tell you? Are they hosting a party? Are they a tired parent? For Ages 15–17: The Space Audit. Look at your own bedroom. If a stranger walked in, what "story" would they think is true about you? Is that the story you want them to see, or are you "performing" for a version of yourself that doesn't exist? Your Turn What "clue" did your Room Detective find today? What was the funniest story they imagined based on that clue? No kids? No problem you can play with a friend, a partner, or by yourself, just record the story in your “handy dandy notebook!”