Ages & Stages

Banned Books I Encourage My Teen To Read By definition, book banning is the act of removing materials from a school or library as a result of objections from groups or individuals who say they need to protect others from the difficult information or ideas contained in the books. These controversial topics include everything from sexuality and religious views to information on racial and social injustices. I am a strong believer that for the most part, reading should not be censored. Growing up, I gained a wealth of knowledge and empathy through books. Learning about different views, experiences, and life paths from books has shaped me into a woman and mom who is able to spread my empathy to others around...

Favorite 2023 Products For My Toddler The new year is here and I have listed some of my favorite products for my toddler from 2023. These are products that I have used throughout the year, and they worked great for us so I decided to share them. I will definitely be using them in the new year. Here are my favorite products from 2023 Snack Cups  Snacks are mandatory, especially when having a toddler. Snack cups are perfect for storing your toddler snacks when you're on the go. My favorite ones are 100% silicone and spillproof. Your toddler can easily grab snacks without having to worry about a big mess. They are not like traditional ones; they are soft and easy for...

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by BASIS Baton Rouge. Behind the Desk: Unveiling BASIS Mid-City’s New Visionary Leader Forget boring introductions! We snagged some quality time with Marissa Carroll, the new Head of School at BASIS Baton Rouge Mid City, to crack the code on what makes this school tick for EBR students. With over two decades of teacher and administrator credit under her belt (including a stint as the SPED Coordinator at BASIS Baton Rouge Materra), Marissa brings a passion for learning and a contagious enthusiasm that's impossible to ignore. What inspired you to become an educator, and how did you end up in a leadership role as a principal? The spark that ignited my educator flame? Witnessing those "aha!" moments...

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Take Note.  The Journey to Impact "We need a school that looks like Disneyland but operates like Harvard," said Chakesha Scott as she began dreaming of ways to change the education landscape in Baker, Louisiana. In 2014, Scott turned her aspirations into reality by establishing Impact Charter School, Baker's inaugural and only locally-based charter school. However, the journey to fulfill her dream was filled with adversity and challenges. As the founder and CEO, Scott describes the process of opening a charter school in Louisiana as "one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life." Through it all, Scott would lean on her "why,” the students. “The children I witnessed suffering in Baker's...

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Take Note.  ‘Tis the Season to Thrive: Supporting a School Where Home and Education Meet As the holiday season approaches, students and teachers across the greater Baton Rouge area eagerly prepare for festive parties and winter break. However, the holiday season also marks the beginning of holiday fundraising and philanthropic efforts from the Thrive Foundation. As a branch of the local boarding school, Thrive Academy, the Foundation has several ways they support and advance the school's mission during the holidays. Thrive Academy was founded in 2011 and currently has 180 students grades 6-12. Their mission is to serve under-resourced communities, including low-income households and unhoused children. Thrive Foundation offers extended support to the school building,...