From texting to social media to chat apps, technology has altered the way adults and kids communicate. Texting has replaced phone calls as the most common communication method for kids. And these changes are now reflected in classrooms across the country. While many schools ban the use of smartphones, most provide students with access to…

Social media has transformed modern life, but it can be problematic for children and teens who are still developing the social–emotional intelligence required to handle this constant stream of images and ideas. It takes real social media skills to handle these channels appropriately and to deal with some of the psychological repercussions of hyper-connectivity. Fortunately,…

Creative students had the chance to express their adventurous side during K12’s 14th Annual Art Contest recently. This year’s theme was Artistic Adventure, and the more than 1,600 submissions illustrated kids’ visions of the many places they can go in their imaginations. We invite you to?view the online collection of submitted artwork to see all…

What kind of toys should parents look for when shopping for their kids? Over the years, toys have evolved from simple wooden blocks to high-tech, computer-powered play. But has this evolution been good for kids? Not really, according to a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The report, entitled “Selecting Appropriate Toys…

You’ve likely heard of emotional intelligence, but social intelligence (SI) can be an obscure topic for many. This fact is ironic, considering how many people practice and develop it without putting the proper name to it. You’ve probably referred to a socially intelligent person as “outgoing” or “the life of the party” numerous times before.…