Amanda Rock
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Writer, editor, mom to 3; About.com's Guide to Parenting Preschoolers
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Articles by Amanda Rock
What ‘Scaffolding’ in Education Means—and How It Can Help Kids Learn With Less Stress Original
Credit: Getty Images • Scaffolding helps kids learn new skills by breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. • This method builds confidence and reduces frustration, making learning less stressful for children. • Parents can use scaffolding at home to support their child’s independence and problem-solving skills. Scaffolding is a particularly effective technique for teaching new skills to young children.
What ‘Scaffolding’ in Education Means—and How It Can Help Kids Learn With Less Stress
5 hours ago History teaching in schools has a “bloke-ish” fixation on dates and battles that is putting children off the subject, according to Dame Mary Beard. The Cambridge University academic said children should be taught more engaging stories about how ordinary people lived and that the rote learning should …
What Do Kids Actually Learn in Preschool? Here’s What Parents Should Know Original
Credit: GettyImages/Jacob Wackerhausen From learning how to take turns to counting to 10, preschool is all about discovery. By the time your child graduates from pre-K, they will have learned a lot. The entire span of lessons and content that your child will be taught during preschool education is what’s known as the preschool curriculum.
A Parent’s Guide to the ‘Bubble Guppies’ Characters Your Kid Already Knows by Heart Original
Credit: Nickelodeon Many preschoolers love the underwater adventure cartoon Bubble Guppies, about an underwater preschool and its adorable, aquatic students. The series, which ended production in 2023, is still airing on Nick Jr. and streaming on Paramount+, YouTube, and other streaming platforms. Your kids likely know the names of their favorite Bubble Guppies, but parents, do you know who’s who on the show? What Is Bubble Guppies About?
How To Plan a Preschool Birthday Party Without the Stress
Credit: GettyImages/JGI/Jamie Grill Let your child help pick a party theme, place, and activities they will enjoy. Simple plans, short activities, and extra adult help can keep the celebration fun for everyone. Planning food, favors, and gifts way ahead of time can help the big day feel less stressful. For many kids, their birthday is their favorite day of the year. And why not? It is a day dedicated entirely to them—complete with cake, balloons, singing, and presents.
35 Leprechaun Pranks That Make St. Patrick’s Day Extra Magical Original
Photo: gpointstudio Leprechaun tricks add extra magic and fun to your child's St. Patrick's Day. Simple, creative pranks can surprise and delight your kids at home. Involve your family in celebrating with laughter and joyful mischief. It's the perfect time of year to claim: "the leprechauns made me do it!" One way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your kids is by playing a leprechaun trick.
Vertical Deli Opens in South Salt Lake, Expanding Ian Brandt’s Vegan Legacy
Ian Brandt has introduced plant-based eating to generations of Salt Lake City locals. Sage’s Cafe, cozy yet elegant, opened in 1999. Vertical Diner, comfort food in a casual setting, opened in 2007. His latest venture is Vertical Deli, where he’s looking forward to expanding his reach. Growing up in Philadelphia, Brandt was raised in deli culture. Opening one in Salt Lake City seemed obvious.
Lunching Guide 2025
Lunch is one of those meals that often gets lost in the shuffle of a busy day—which is too bad. In my book, lunch is like that supportive loved one waiting on the sidelines with a bit of refreshment while you're in the middle of running a marathon. It's a reprieve from the grind, an excuse to be social with people you wouldn't normally hang out with and, perhaps most of all, it's a moment of self-care amid all of life's daily demands.
35 Hilarious Kid-Friendly Leprechaun Tricks To Pull This St. Patrick's Day
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35 Hilarious Kid-Friendly Leprechaun Tricks To Pull This St. Patrick's Day
It's the perfect time of year to claim: "the leprechauns made me do it!" With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, one way to celebrate with your kids is by playing a leprechaun trick. It's a fun little prank you can pull off in the comfort of your home and a bit like having the tooth fairy stop by—only leprechauns tend to cause a lot more mischief. Here's how to create a bit of St. Paddy's Day magic by fooling your kids into believing that a leprechaun stopped by for a sneaky little visit.
Where to Find the Best Crêpes in Salt Lake City
Tucking into a crêpe is an event. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dessert, crêpes are an escape from the usual daily fare. Endlessly versatile, crêpes can be sweet or savory — filled with anything from fresh fruit and melty chocolate to creamy brie and salty prosciutto. You can even opt for gluten-free or vegan in some places. I’ve never met a crêpe I didn’t like, and I bet you feel the same way. Each of these charming crêperies has a distinct vibe and story you’ll love.
51 Fun Things To Do Outside With Kids as a Family
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50 Fun Things to Do Outside With the Family Original
Playing outside with your children isn't just about encouraging more physical activity. Research has found that kids who spend less time in green spaces are more likely to develop psychiatric issues, such as anxiety and mood disorders. So, time spent outside may improve your child's mental health, too. And not only that, getting outside with your family encourages bonding, provides a much needed change in scenery in between the routine of work and school, and offers the chance for adventure.
50 Fun Things To Do Outside With Kids as a Family
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
Here's How To Make Your Kids Think a Leprechaun Visited on St. Patrick's Day Original
An extra fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your preschooler or young grade-schooler is to have a leprechaun visit. It's a fun little prank you can play in the house and a bit like having the tooth fairy stop by—only leprechauns tend to cause a lot more mischief. Here's how to create a little bit of St. Paddy's Day magic by making your kids believe that a St. Patrick's Day leprechaun stopped by for a visit. Vstock LLC / Getty Images Leprechauns are mythical figures in Irish folklore.
Do You Know the Names of These Bubble Guppies Characters? Original
Many preschoolers love the underwater adventure cartoon Bubble Guppies. The Nickelodeon series, which is also streaming on Paramount+, about an under-the-sea preschool and its adorable, aquatic students, has aired on Nick Jr. since 2011 and is still adored by little ones. Kids who are fans likely know the names of their favorite Bubble Guppies, but parents, do you know the names of the Bubble Guppies? Bubble Guppies - Gil.
Nose-Picking: Why Kids Do It and How To Stop Original
Nose-picking is a common behavior from time to time, but it is prevalent and troublesome among young children. Little kids can do pretty gross things, including picking their noses and sometimes eating what they dig out. In addition to being socially unacceptable, nose-picking spreads germs. Moreover, it can cause trauma to nasal passages, resulting in nosebleeds, infections, and hard-to-heal sores.
What To Expect at Your Child's Kindergarten Screening Original
Before your child starts kindergarten, there are a few things you'll need to take care of first. In addition to helping your child be emotionally and socially ready for kindergarten1 and teaching them some basic academics, you'll need to register them for kindergarten and bring them for a kindergarten screening.
Dining Guide 2024
It's been seven years since I took over City Weekly's food and dining beat, and I couldn't have asked for a better stretch of time to explore Utah's dining scene. In that time, local foodies have seen culinary empires rise and fall in a cultural melting pot that, despite its hardships, never fails to impress.
What Kids Learn in Preschool
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What Parents Should Know About Scaffolding in Early Childhood Education
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
How the Scaffolding Method Is Used in Early Childhood Education Original
Scaffolding is a particularly effective technique for teaching new skills to young children. Whether they are learning to read, ride a bike, or draw a picture, breaking down the task into more manageable chunks and expanding on what they already know makes the process more accessible. Scaffolding—also known as scaffold learning, scaffold method, scaffold teaching, and instructional scaffolding—is a popular teaching method in early childhood education.
Preschool Curriculum: What Kids Learn in Preschool Original
From learning how to take turns to counting to 10, preschool is all about discovery. By the time your child graduates from pre-K, they will have learned a lot. The entire span of lessons and content that your child will be taught during preschool education is what's known as the preschool curriculum.
Create Sweet Memories with These Holiday Pastries
There’s something special about holiday pastries. My favorite Christmas memories are as a kid, eating golden struffoli (fried balls of dough drenched in honey) and pizzelle (delicate wafer cookies that resemble snowflakes) made by my Italian grandma. I’m grateful my mom is carrying on the tradition. To me, spending time with family and eating homemade cookies are the essence of the holidays.
How to Host a Successful Preschool Birthday Party
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Your Complete Guide to Hosting the Best Birthday Party for Your Preschooler Original
For many kids, their birthday is their favorite day of the year. And why not? It is a day dedicated entirely to them—complete with cake, balloons, singing, and presents. Although parents sometimes stress over the idea of planning a birthday party, the preschool age is actually an ideal time to throw one. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you keep your sanity while ensuring that everyone has a good time.
10 Ways to Avoid Bedtime Tantrums
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Experts Offer 10 Tips on How to Avoid Bedtime Tantrums, So You Can All Get Some Rest
What is bedtime like in your house? For many parents of small children, when the clock rolls around to bedtime, even the best days start to go wrong. And if you have a child who is reluctant at bedtime, it can really affect the whole household.
Is The Rio Grande Depot in Downtown SLC Haunted
I don’t know what was more weird — being on a ghost tour while headed to my workplace, or being on a ghost tour with a bachelorette party and a tour guide named “The Preacher of Truth.” It was 2014 and I was researching ghost tours for an article. It was dark as the van pulled up and we spilled out onto the sidewalk. The Rio Grande Depot looked ominous, lit up against the night. The Preacher of Truth loudly broadcasted the story of The Purple Lady who supposedly haunts the building.
Christopher Blatchford: Vegan Barbeque Trailblazer
Blatch’s Backyard BBQ is anything but boring. His meatless barbeque has inspired a cult following, and his fan base is dedicated. “Chris’ chicken sandwich specials have to be my absolute favorites because they’re so creative and unique,” says Stephanie Bachman, theslcveggie on Instagram. “The sauces he makes for them are so good, they’re straight drinkable.” Jeremy Beckham claims, “You can’t go wrong ordering anything at Blatch’s, but my favorite dish there is probably the vegan Reuben sandwich.
Five Visionary Vegan Chefs
During the pandemic, you could find Chef Fee selling “vegan crack” out of her trunk in parking lots. Once her copycat version of Snickers put her on the map, she quit her job as a sous-chef to pursue her vegan dreams. Fast forward three years. She now owns Sweet Hazel and Co. Bakeshop & Bistro with her wife, Laurie. Her full line of vegan candy bars are sold throughout the country, including shops in Salt Lake City.
Smith Orchards: A Tale of Tree-Ripened Delights and Environmental Stewardship
You can find his peaches, sweet cherries, apricots, and other delectable fruits at the Downtown Farmers Market in Salt Lake City, Park City Farmers Market, and the Farm Yard Fresh Online Market with pickups from Farmington to Santaquin. Smith, the youngest of five kids, displayed a solid work ethic early on. He tagged along with his father doing farm chores, a little red wagon filled to the brim with apricots trailing behind. “My dad said, ‘Man, that kid’s ambitious,’” remarked Smith.
Utah's Homeless Pet Crisis: Ways You Can Help Homeless Pets
When I saw this post from Salt Lake County Animal Services on Instagram, I knew I had to do something to help homeless pets. Per Best Friends Animal Society — Animal Shelter Statistics: The number of dogs and cats killed in our state – simply for lack of homes has nearly DOUBLED from 2021 to 2022. In 2020, 829 dogs and cats were killed because they didn’t have homes. In 2021, it was 886. Last year it jumped to 1,700.
Preserving Murray's History: The Fight to Save Historic Buildings
Drive down the stretch of State Street between 4800 South and Vine Street and you’ll wonder if you’ve gone back in time. Historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places like the Desert Star Theatre and the Murray Theatre line the street. Take a detour through the neighboring Murray Downtown Residential Historic District where you’ll see rows of charming old houses and … a seven story high-rise of brand new condos.
10 Vegan Burgers to Die For in Salt Lake and Beyond
Vegan doesn’t have to be boring. Being good doesn’t have to be boring. Here are the most decadent and delicious vegan burgers in Salt Lake City: 1. Most Customizable The potential of the BYOB (Build Your Own Burger) is only limited by your imagination. You’ll pay $11 for a Beyond Burger patty topped with a slice of vegan cheddar cheese. Sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, and sauces cost an extra 50 cents, while exotic toppings like Chickpea Chorizo will put you back $1.50.
Plant-Based Meal Options Meant to Impress this Thanksgiving
Trying to make a good impression this holiday season? Bring food. Trying to save the world this holiday season? Bring plant-based food. A 2021 report published by the Journal of Ecological Society says that animal agriculture is responsible for at least 87% of greenhouse gas emissions. The holiday season is the perfect time to share my passion for plant-based food with friends and family, which means I also get to share my love of animals and not wrecking the environment.
Where to Find Vegan Replicas of Your Favorite Candy Bars in Murray, Utah
Chef Felicia Holmberg of Sweet haze & Co. Photos by Mike Jones. Chef Felicia Holmberg (“Chef Fee”) revolutionized Salt Lake’s vegan scene with a Facebook post selling candy. Soon after, she was meeting customers in parking lots, peddling her version of Snickers, called Snix, or “vegan crack”, she jokes. Made with nougat, caramel, and salted peanuts dipped in semi-sweet chocolate, her vegan candy bars created a cult following.
When 911 needs help, who can they call? Not Drexel. | Opinion
Despite best efforts of medical providers and facilities around the world, the coronavirus pandemic has revealed gaps in readily affordable and accessible medical care, particularly in the city of Philadelphia.
6 Fun and Easy Bird Feeders for Kids to Make
Written by Amanda Rock Updated 01/18/21 If you're looking for a fun craft project that will let your child explore science and nature while their creative muscles get a workout, try making your own bird feeder. There are plenty of simple bird feeder plans that are easy for kids to make using materials found in your home or after a quick trip to the grocery store. These bird feeders will continue to bring joy long after your little one has created it.
Teach Children About Their African-American Heritage During Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a relatively new winter holiday that honors African heritage. The holiday is celebrated by Black American families and in communities of African descent around the world. The week-long celebration, which was inspired by traditional African harvest festival customs, focuses on building family tradition, culture, and community. Kwanzaa, which is celebrated between December 26 and January 1, is a wonderful holiday to observe with your children, extended relatives, and friends.
9 Kitchen Gadgets You’ll Actually Use
Tenderly contributors share their favorite non-essential cooking tools — time to start a wish list! Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash Air Popper “I use my popcorn air popper all the time! I love to make popcorn at home and choose all my own toppings.” — Rachel Krantz Apple Cutter Photo: Amazon “I have an apple cutter (AKA apple murderer) at home and at work. It’s a fun tool to use, coring your apple and leaving you with eight perfect apple slices with one hefty push.
25 Fun Games and Activities to Play in the Rain
Wet weather day? Head outside anyway! By Updated on October 08, 2019 Tim Hall / Digital Vision / Getty Images For most families, a rainy day means being cooped up inside, quiet activities like watching movies, playing video games, making puzzles, or reading a book. But just because it's wet outside doesn't mean you have to spend your day indoors. With some creativity, you can turn a little rain into a lot of fun.
17 Cat And Dogs Just Being The Best
By Amanda Rock| October 6, 2019 And they are adorable and hilarious! Just like your cats and dogs! 1. When your dad is like, OMG so embarrassing. Waking my cat up because he woke me up early. pic.twitter.com/pQLmnyKYwY — Nik Sharma (@abrowntable) September 18, 2019 2. This is what every cat owner's kitchen look like. Good morning. Here is Squid in a pot.
19 Cats And Dogs vs. The World
By Amanda Rock| September 9, 2019 Spoiler alert: the dogs and cats win. They always win. Lost her collar and only had this old Halloween harness for their morning walk. pic.twitter.com/Ltc1wn0Xso — emily savage (@tofuandwhiskey) August 12, 2019 3. Corgi vs. Corgi vs. Corgi vs. Corgi I did not know there was an annual corgi walk in Portland Oregon. Also there is a race.
Kermit the Frog Messed Me Up
How my empathy for a frog puppet led me to ethical veganism Digging into my favorite strawberry Jello at Thanksgiving dinner, my grandpa exclaimed, “It’s made from horse hooves!” I dropped my spoon and the red Jello jiggled back into the bowl. I was ten years old when I stopped eating Jello. I don’t remember when I realized hamburgers were once cows, but I can tell you exactly when I learned people ate frog legs.
16 Lifestyle Tips From Successful Pets
By Amanda Rock| August 25, 2019 Cute pets are our lifestyle gurus. 1. Time you enjoy wasting, is not wasted time. sorry I can’t leave bed pic.twitter.com/yhWQr1qAsU — Summer Anne Burton (@summeranne) July 31, 2019 2. Find cuteness in every day. Time out for a dose of Wednesday cuteness courtesy of Amber & Cleo.
Thinking Way Outside the Bun
Derek Carlisle Welcome to the future. We have self-driving cars, our telephones are mini-computers and delicious fast food hamburgers are not necessarily made from dead cows. The two meatless burgers on everyone's lips (literally) are the Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger. They're made by two different companies tackling climate change by offering an alternative to animal agriculture.
Just 22 Random Hilarious Pet Pics For You
Sometimes you just need to look at 22 funny pet pics and laugh. 1. Closet Dog always goes on the craziest adventures. Closet Dog has found a nice cozy spot to nap. pic.twitter.com/yHRPd7QVNN — Sam Sykes (@SamSykesSwears) June 25, 2019 2. This is what it's like to date a cat: All relationships are complicated pic.twitter.com/mFPuxGkWli — Rachel Piper (@RachelTachel) June 24, 2019 3. #MondayMotivation is getting kinda random.
17 of the Most Hilarious Cats And Dogs On Twitter
Some people scroll Twitter for politics and news. We are not those people. 1. "Someone had a big day at doggie daycare!! Cookie is the best boy of all the best boys đ€đ€" 2. "Sugar offers up a dance to spring." She's a regal beagle. 4. "This is my dog Theo. Theo isnât allowed at the dog park because he is a pitbull. RT if Theo should be allowed to play at the dog park." RT INFINITY The purrfect gift. 6. "he mönch toast crönch" Such delicate cronching. 7.
The World in a Box
The answer to your Thursday dinner dilemma If you’re passionate about supporting refugees, trying new foods and eating take-out on Thursday nights, you’re going to love Spice to Go, Spice Kitchen Incubator’s meal service. Spice Kitchen Incubator is one of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) programs that, in concert with Salt Lake County, offers technical assistance and training for refugees and disadvantaged community members wanting to start their own food businesses.
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