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How to Homeschool: Two Easy Crafts for Preschoolers

Posted on April 15, 2020 by shopkick

Mrs. Lamb was back on Facebook Live yesterday, and this time she answered your question about how to encourage preschool age students to be creative. Throughout her broadcast, Mrs. Lamb explained how to do two different crafts with young kids between the ages of three and seven. We loved seeing the results of her mosaic art and dot art projects, and we’re excited to share more about each below!

Mosaic Art:

Supplies:

A picture either hand drawn or printed onto a piece of paper (a coloring book picture could work too!)
Construction Paper
Glue Stick

Why It’s Important:

This project encourages preschoolers to work on their fine motor skills because they will need to rip small pieces of paper. The skills they are exercising through this craft are the same skills they will use when they begin to work on their handwriting. That’s why projects like this one are important! Students can also learn about colors, math (you can ask them to count how many pieces of paper are needed to fill in each section), and staying within the lines.

Directions:

Draw or print the outline of an object onto a piece of 8”x11” paper. The outline is important because your student will be filling the interior with paper.
Tear small pieces of construction paper
Beginning with the large sections, glue each piece of construction paper onto the larger paper within the section where your student would like it to be placed. The small pieces of paper should overlap.
Repeat steps 2 + 3 until the outline is filled in.
Hang your preschooler’s project up! Placing it face out on a window is a great idea, so your neighbors can enjoy your student’s colorful art during their walks.

Dot Art:

Supplies:

A picture either hand drawn or printed onto a piece of paper (a coloring book picture could work too!)
Water Based Paint (Crayola works well!)
Q-tips

Why It’s Important:

Like the mosaic art project, dot art encourages your student to work on their fine motor skills because they are pinching a Q-tip while they’re painting. They can also work on coloring within the lines, learning the difference between cool colors and warm colors, and how to describe their work.

Directions:

Draw or print the outline of an object onto a piece of 8”x11” paper. The outline is important because your student will be filling the interior with paint.
Dip your Q-tip into the paint and paint dots* onto the paper.
Repeat until the page is complete.
Ask your student to describe what each color they’re using means to them and make a color guide.
Hang your preschooler’s art in a place where you and your neighbors can enjoy it!
*If your preschooler would prefer to paint longer strokes using the Q-tip, that’s fine too! As Mrs. Lamb points out, they are still working on their fine motor skills.

The important thing to keep in mind with either project is there isn’t a right or wrong way to complete them. Encourage your child’s creativity along the way!

For more ideas and to see Mrs. Lamb explain (and make!) the projects, make sure to watch her Facebook Live. We’ll see you back on Facebook tomorrow for Mrs. Lamb’s next session!

15 Things to Do in Quarantine This Weekend

Posted on April 10, 2020 by shopkick

Welcome to the weekend! Saturdays and Sundays have definitely felt different for the past few weeks while we have been practicing social distancing. Going out to run errands, meeting up with friends, attending a game, or enjoying a meal out at a restaurant are off of the table, and our sole options have become things we can do at home. It’s very easy for overwhelm to take over as you try to think of new activities to do over the weekend, and you’re likely also battling feeling a bit stir-crazy. So, we thought we would share 15 things you can do this weekend while quarantined at home!

1. Bake or Cook a New Recipe

If you have new recipes on your list that you’ve been wanting to try, now is a great time to jump in and try something new. Source a new recipe (or many!) and piece it together. If you really want to challenge yourself, try making a new breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipe. You might find new options to add to your weekly rotation! P.S: If you want to try to bake bread for the first time, this focaccia recipe from Bon Appetit is excellent and easy to make.

2. Read Outside

Do exactly as it says – take your magazine, book, or newspaper outside! Sometimes a simple change of scenery can make an activity you have been turning to frequently feel completely new.

3. Dine Outside

Support a local business and order takeout from a restaurant to mix up your cooking routine. Then set up a table and chairs outside or take this as your sign to get your backyard furniture ready for the season. Fresh air is needed, especially now!

4. Get Crafty

We have been sharing great crafts to do with kids or on your own, so take a peek at some of our past posts (here + here). Crafts can feel relaxing, and they almost always take your mind off of the present.

5. Garden

Continue to practice social distancing as you pick up flowers, pots, and potting soil from Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or your local gardening store. Then get busy outside and plant everything! You could also opt to plant your first fruit, vegetable, or herb garden if you’re looking to try something new.

6. Do a Puzzle

There are plenty of puzzles available for you to purchase online to pick up curbside, and they’re something you can complete at your leisure rather than piecing the entire puzzle together in one sitting. Also, think about completing a crossword puzzle or download Sudoku pages online.

7. Learn Something New

If you have been wanting to try a new craft, learn how to sew, try your hand at guitar, learn a new language, or take up another new-to-you hobby, purchase the supplies you will need and give it a try!

8. Try a New Workout

There are plenty of fitness classes that are currently available online, and many companies are waiving fees for a month or even three for you to join. One that we have been enjoying is the Peloton app. There are yoga, stretching, HIIT, running, and cycling classes, plus many more available, and the majority you can do from home without purchasing anything new.

9. Build a Fort

Gather pillows, sheets, and blankets together and turn a space in your home into a fort! Utilizing your living room, family room, or basement is always fun, especially if the space has a TV where you can watch shows and movies while in your fort. This is definitely a family favorite activity, and one your kids will surely appreciate!

10. Watch a Performance

From city orchestras to ballet companies and Broadway shows, there are nearly countless opportunities to take in a performance from home. This article from Town & Country magazine is a great resource for Broadway shows, and a quick Google search for your local arts groups will likely help you to uncover more options for your city.

11. Print Your Photos

Simply put, get your photos off of your phone or computer! Walmart has great options to print your photos, and you can also turn to a company like Artifact Uprising if you’re hoping to house your photos in a modern album. Consider creating yearbooks of your family’s memories. It does take time to organize and print your photos, but it’s a process that offers a fun way to remember past moments.

12. Hang New Art

If you would like to update your space with minimal modifications or if you’ve been wanting to hang a gallery wall, switch up the art on your walls! This small change has the ability to make any room feel completely different, which is a feeling we could all use at this point.

13. Have a Spa Day

We recommend you leave cutting your hair to an expert, but you can definitely paint your nails, take a bath, or do a face mask this weekend! A day of self-care is sure to help any anxiety you may be battling.

14. Take a Ride

You might not have a specific destination in mind, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a ride! Get in your car, roll down the windows, and turn on a great playlist while you drive around town. You can even pop by to see family, friends, or neighbors to say “hi” from a very safe distance. A change of scenery can offer plenty of refreshed energy!

15. Organize

When all else fails, organize! Think about tackling a closet, kitchen, bathroom (check for expired makeup, clean your makeup brushes), playroom (are your kids playing with all of their toys?), basement, or garage. It will take time, and the results are definitely worth it!

How have you been spending your weekends? Let us know on Facebook!

How to Homeschool: DIY Time Capsule + Craft

Posted on April 8, 2020 by shopkick

First grade teacher Mrs. Lamb returned to Facebook Live yesterday for her latest segment! She offered insight into how we can all consider adopting a different mindset while social distancing continues. We think the quote Mrs. Lamb mentioned was so on point for this time in all of our lives, especially as it relates to how kids and families might walk away from this COVID-19 experience.

We didn’t realize we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun.

With the above in mind, Mrs. Lamb offered a new craft idea and a fun way to memorialize this quarantine experience. Let’s dive into both below!

Quarantine Time Capsule:

Mrs. Lamb said she has seen a quarantine capsule PDF from Kiddy Charts making the rounds on social media, so she and her family decided to download it. We’re so happy she did! Mrs. Lamb highlighted a few of the great pages that are inside, and we think families with kids of all ages will enjoy it.

One page prompts participants to trace their hand, and Mrs. Lamb layered her family hands on top of each other in colorful construction paper. The result is so sweet, and it will be a wonderful memory to look back on years later! Other pages offer chances for your kids to interview you for your outlook as an adult during the quarantine, favorite activities you’ve done together as a family, about me pages, and more.

Think about completing one page each day, and encourage your kids to add color and their own unique doodles using crayons, colored pencils, markers, and more. Once your book is complete, Mrs. Lamb said she plans to laminate her family’s book. She purchased a laminator online from Walmart, which is a great idea, or you could also opt to create a box or slip completed pages into page protectors within a binder.

DIY Bird Feeder:

If you have citrus in your refrigerator, considering creating a DIY bird feeder! Mrs. Lamb said she cut an orange in half, made sure to eat the fruit in the interior, and then saved half of the peel. She created two holes, which you can make too using a pen or pencil, and threaded twine through to act as a way in which to hang the feeder.

Then, Mrs. Lamb researched what birds can eat. She realized she had many of the items, like sunflower seeds, raisins, and nuts, in her cabinet, so she and her kids created their own bird food mixture. They popped their bird food inside of the peel and placed the completed feeder in the freezer to help the ingredients bind together.

To continue their learning experience, Mrs. Lamb and her family plan to place the feeder outside and take note of the birds that pay visits to the feeder. You and your kids can take pictures of the birds that visit, make videos, and even create your own drawings.

Overall, a DIY bird feeder is a simple craft that costs very little to make, and the results can be enjoyed for a while!

Make sure to take a peek at Mrs. Lamb’s full video for even more, and tune in tomorrow for her next installment on Facebook Live! Let’s keep making memories.

Family Fun Themed Easter Basket

Posted on April 7, 2020 by shopkick

This weekend, we’re welcoming a chance to celebrate because Sunday is Easter! Since families are spending more time together than ever before, we thought we would curate an Easter basket with a family fun theme. From LED Easter eggs for a fun nighttime egg hunt to corn hole, a book, and even something for your pup, all of the items we’ve included below are budget-friendly (for the most part!), wonderful to enjoy together, perfect for many ages, and completely available online so you can shop with your Shopkick app and earn kicks. Let’s fill your Easter basket!

1. DIY Birdhouse

If you and your kids are looking for a new activity to enjoy together, consider building a birdhouse. The Home Depot has a complete tutorial available online, and their stores are still open for you to purchase all of your supplies. Once complete, your family will be able to enjoy the new animals that stop by to visit your birdhouse!

2. Corn Hole

Corn hole is a classic outdoor game, and it’s perfect for all ages to enjoy. This set from Dick’s Sporting Goods arrives with two boards and eight beanbags – four for each team – ready for you to play. Corn hole is a game you will enjoy long after our quarantine ends, and it’s the perfect addition to barbecues if you’re looking to up your gathering (once we can gather again!) with a little friendly competition.

3. Giant Jenga

Like corn hole, Jenga is another great family game! This Jenga set from Dick’s Sporting Goods takes the fun of the classic game to the next level thanks to its giant size. Add this set to your backyard collection to encourage you and your family to spend more time outside together on Easter and beyond.

4. Easter Book

Get ready to read along as Pete the Cat helps the Easter Bunny in “Pet the Cat: Big Easter Adventure”! Pete the Cat is already beloved by many kids, so whether your kids are fans or you’re hoping to find a new book for them to enjoy, this New York Times Bestseller is definitely the way to go. Find it online with Walmart.

5. Rainbow Kite

Bright colors are such a source of fun and joy, especially now when we’re all looking to find happy details. Fly this kite into the sky on Easter in your backyard and make sure to save it for summer beach trips that will start happening soon. You can add this rainbow kite to your Easter basket when you shop online with Walmart!

6. LED Easter Eggs

One of the highlights of any Easter holiday is an egg hunt with family, and these LED Easter Eggs from Walmart are about to make your hunt even more interesting! You can definitely still enjoy a classic egg hunt during the day, but make your Easter evening more fun when you hide this set of eggs in the dark. The glow is sure to make sure kids smile!

7. Disney Theme Park Edition Candyland Game

If you were supposed to spend your spring break at Disney World or Disneyland, you can still pay the parks a virtual visit. We found Candyland online with shopDisney, and this version might be even more fun than the original. It’s based off of Walt Disney World’s theme parks!

8. “Frozen II”

Once your Easter evening is underway, gather your family together for a movie night. It’s always more fun when you’re watching a new-to-you movie, so add the newly released “Frozen II” to your family fun Easter basket. You can shop this movie and many more on shopDisney’s website!

9. Pet Ball Thrower

It’s safe to say our pets are enjoying having us home the most! If you’ve been playing more fetch than ever before, make your job as Official Thrower even easier with this Hyper Pet Throw-N-Go Tennis Ball Launcher Dog Toy from Pet Care Supplies. There’s room for two tennis balls – one to toss and an extra, just in case – so you will be set for a long game of fetch.

10. Bunny Dog Toy

Your pup needs to join in on the festivities, so purchase a bunny dog toy from Pet Care Supplies! Available in three sizes, this Kong Wubba Ballistic Friends Dog Toy is durable and ready for play.

How are you and your family celebrating Easter? What items are you thinking about adding to your own family-fun themed Easter basket? Let’s keep the conversation going on Facebook!

10 Ways to Combat Anxiety

Posted on April 6, 2020 by shopkick

Have you been feeling more anxious over the past few weeks? It’s safe to say the majority of us are right there with you. There is new information daily about the coronavirus, the timeline for social distancing was extended earlier this week, and many of us are missing our daily routines. To offer a respite of calm to you, we thought we would share 10 ways we’re combatting our anxiety in order to weather the storm for the long haul.

1. Practice Deep Breathing

On Tuesday, first grade teacher Mrs. Lamb shared two great breathing exercises. The first involves inhaling for five counts and exhaling for five counts. The second is called Smelling the Cake and Blowing Out the Candles. Envision a birthday cake and breathe in as though you are smelling it (five counts works well). Then, exhale as though you are blowing out the candles (five counts works well here too). Repeat as needed!

2. Create a Routine

Many of us crave routine, and keeping one in place is a great way to create continuity in your day even if you’re spending the majority of your time at home. In fact, keeping your morning routine in place can work wonders to keep your mind in a positive place. We find one of the keys is to make sure to get dressed daily. Then, be mindful of meal times, and don’t be afraid to work in different rooms in your house if you’re working from home. Keeping your kids on a schedule they know can help to guide them too.

3. Limit News Intake

We find we feel more anxious the more we watch and read the news, so it can be helpful to limit how much information you’re able to absorb. Think about checking for the latest updates in the morning and perhaps once more later in the day rather than receiving information all day long. Sometimes the most helpful thing to do, mentally, is to take a step back.

4. Take a Walk

One of the best ways to keep your anxiety in check is through movement and exercise. It helps because it offers a change of pace and scenery, plus a walk offers the opportunity for a further distraction. Turn on an audiobook, listen to music, or catch up on a podcast! A walk doesn’t have to only occur one time each day either – multiple walks have benefits.

5. Get Cozy

Although stores may be closed for the foreseeable future, there are plenty of great deals to enjoy online. LOFT has great sweatpants and joggers, Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh have colorful and fun layers for kids, and Old Navy and Gap have athleisure pieces that are on par with more expensive brands at bargain prices. Plus, you can also stock up on essential oils and beauty products to have an at-home spa day, and there are weighted blankets you can purchase online.

6. Enjoy Screen Time

Sign up for a new Hulu membership and get lost in a new series (we’ve heard “Little Fires Everywhere” is excellent!), make progress on your “must watch” movie list with help from FandangoNOW, and more. TV and movies have the great ability to transport us to other places, and that’s definitely necessary right now.

7. Create a Playlist

Like TV and movies, music offers a great source of distraction. Create a playlist of uplifting songs or even those known to calm you down on your go-to site for streaming music. We’ve seen more than a few playlists titled “Quarantunes”, and we think the name is great! You might find your playlist is one you turn to during other moments that are known to cause stress even after our current climate shifts.

8. Socialize

A great conversation with a friend can make you feel so much better, so don’t be a stranger to friends and family! Schedule Zoom calls, Facetime, or simply talk on the phone. Everyone feels very similarly during these times, and it’s helpful to hear about someone else’s day to keep that in perspective.

9. Pursue a New Hobby

If there’s a hobby you have been wanting to try and you can easily pursue it from home, now is a great time to start! There is not a need to become an expert over the next few days and weeks, but jumping in is the very first step. Maybe you want to learn how to bake or cook; perhaps sewing or learning how to play the guitar are on your agenda; maybe taking up running or cycling have been on your list. Whatever you’ve been considering, give it a try!

10. Look to the Future

Even though we’re uncertain when our social distancing and unsettling newsfeeds will officially come to an end, all sources are pointing to the fact that this, too, shall pass. Remind yourself of that fact often. Consider making loose plans with friends and family to have dinner, meet for ice cream, or go to the beach once we’re able to gather again. Sometimes simply having a date (that can be altered!) on the calendar helps because it means you’re looking ahead.

What are some of the best ways you have found to stay calm? Chime in on Facebook and join us later today as we go LIVE on our page for a yoga class!

How to Homeschool: Easy Science Experiments

Posted on April 3, 2020 by shopkick

We continued to share more fun activities you can do with your student at home while you navigate homeschooling together. Yesterday was all about science! We welcomed first grade teacher Mrs. Lamb back to Facebook Live, and she shared two great science experiments she discovered on ScienceFun.org. We’ve listed the steps and her ideas to further your student’s learning experience below.

Orange Fizz Experiment:

This experiment allows students to discover what happens when an acid combines with a base. Hint: Mrs. Lamb and her kids describe it like experiencing a healthy version of orange soda!

You will need:

1 citrus fruit – An orange or clementine works perfectly.
Baking Power – You only need just enough to dip a piece of fruit.

Steps:

Peel your fruit and separate it into pieces.
Dip a piece of fruit into the baking power. You don’t have to cover the entire fruit. Dipping a portion will work well.
Pop the fruit into your mouth.
Share what you experience!

Further Learning:

Mrs. Lamb shared she likes to combine subjects together as much as possible, so she encourages parents and students to share the results of the experiments through writing about the experiment and the results, turning to PowerPoint to work on tech skills to create a presentation, and talking through what happened.

Explode a Bag Experiment:

Like the orange fizz experiment, this experiment also showcases what happens when carbon dioxide is emitted and contained. The results may take you by surprise!

You will need:

Ziploc Bag
Baking Soda (1 tablespoon)
White Vinegar (1/4 cup)
Baking Sheet

Steps:

Pour the white vinegar into the bag.
Twist the bag so when the baking soda is added, it’s in the envelope at the top of the bag.
Seal the top of the bag.
Release your hand to allow the mixture to combine.
Shake the bag and place it onto your baking sheet.
Step away and watch it explode!

Further Learning:

Mrs. Lamb suggests turning your phone onto video in order to capture a slow-motion video of your facial expressions and the exploding bag. Then share your video with friends, family, and teachers to share what you’re learning!

Make sure to tune into Mrs. Lamb’s Live on our Facebook page to try both experiments this weekend! Also, keep watching because Mrs. Lamb (and her kids!) offers tips for healthy snack recipes, how to limit screen time, and creative challenges you and your family can do together.

How to Homeschool: 3 Engagement Tips

Posted on March 31, 2020 by shopkick

Did you catch the second installment in our How to Homeschool series on Facebook Live this morning? First grade teacher Mrs. Lamb was back on our channel sharing more tips. Today, she highlighted three great ways to keep your students engaged in their work at home. And, we loved seeing comments rolling in from parents who said they were trying her calming techniques right along with her and seeing results! Today, let’s dive into energy, stamina, and poetry.

1. How to Release Energy

Kids are naturally energetic, and sometimes their energy levels feel even higher when they’re at home. Because they still need to complete their schoolwork (and parents need to work!), the best thing to do is to encourage your kids to release their energy through movement breaks. Here are a few of Mrs. Lamb’s top suggestions:

Go Noodle: Go Noodle specializes in educational games and activities for students, especially those who are in elementary school. The best part is each game requires students to move their bodies in order to reach the next level (think: waving arms, jumping, dancing, and yoga).

Yoga: If you want to encourage your student to release their energy and practice relaxation at the same time, turn to Cosmic Kids Yoga.

Flashcard Stair Race: Mrs. Lamb said she frequently writes a sight word on a flashcard and places one flashcard on every stair. Then, her kids have to run up and down the stairs and read while they get their wiggles out. This trick would also work well with math problems!

HIIT Workout: Many adults have learned the positives about HIIT workouts, and they’re great for kids too. Frog jumps, bear walks, cheetah runs (running in place!), and elephant stomps are all part of the workout. Kidokinetics has great videos on their website!

Wall Pushups: Rather than doing pushups on the group, encourage your student to do them against a wall. Place hands shoulder-width apart and lean into the wall as though you’re doing a pushup. Think about completing these in reps of 5-10.

Resistance Bands: Mrs. Lamb said she has placed resistance bands around chairs for her kids to use to exercise their legs while working on their schoolwork at the table.

Calming Techniques: These were definitely the fan favorite!

Belly Breathing: Breathe in for 5 counts and out for 5 counts.
Smelling Cake & Blowing Out Candles: Imagine you’re smelling cake. Then blow out the candles. The idea is a fun visual one, and you will still want to breathe in and out for 5 counts.
Starfish Hands: Spread your hand out on the table. Then trace it with your other hand. You could also trace your hand with a pencil onto paper.

2. How to Keep Stamina Up

If you decide you want to run a marathon, most don’t go outside and run 26.2 miles the next day. Instead, you need to train in order to build up endurance and stamina. In order to learn to spend more time reading, learning, or working independently, kids need to build up their stamina in the same way. Mrs. Lamb offered these great tips!

Set a Timer: Mrs. Lamb used the idea of encouraging students to read independently. She said she will set a timer, and ask her kids to choose a book to read or look at the pictures until the buzzer sounds. Think about starting with 5-10 minutes, depending on your child’s age, and add 2 minutes to the timer each day to build up to longer stretches.

Celebrate Small Wins: Mrs. Lamb related this suggestion back to the Gem Jar from our last post. Decide with your child what you would like your goal to be (maybe it’s 3 consecutive days of independent reading). Then celebrate the win! Mrs. Lamb mentioned her students love flashlight reading. Turn out the lights in a room and read a book with a flashlight.

3. How to Celebrate Poetry Month

April is Poetry Month, and many students would have been celebrating at school. So, celebrate at home and keep your kids engaged in reading and writing! Here’s what Mrs. Lamb suggests.

Read Poetry: This is the easiest way to celebrate! Check out famed (and fun!) poets, like Shel Silverstein, online.

Try Writing a Poem: Writing a poem in the shape of an object or writing about a color are great ways to introduce poetry. In terms of writing about colors, a go-to prompt is to describe a color using all five senses:

What does the color look like?
What does the color sound like?
What does the color smell like?
What does the color taste like?
What does the color feel like?

Submit to a Poetry Contest: Mrs. Lamb noted there are plenty of contests kids of all ages can submit to! Try searching in your local area or find a contest online.

At the end of her Live, Mrs. Lamb answered questions from how to celebrate Earth Day to the books she loves for elementary school students and more! Make sure to watch the complete segment on our Facebook page.

Great news! Mrs. Lamb will be back for another segment on Thursday. We’ll see you on Facebook!

6 best rewards apps for students on a tight budget

Posted on March 31, 2020 by shopkick

So the other day I was taking a study break—which typically involves scrolling through my timelines for a good laugh or two—and I came across an ad for a rewards app. I clicked the link and it took me to an app that rewards you for shopping; I couldn’t believe it. I used to do a ton of shopping when I was in high school, but now that I’m in college on a tight budget, I only shop for the essentials—books, a book bag to carry my books, oh, and food to eat so that I’m strong enough to carry those books.

But all jokes aside, discovering a rewards app for students on a tight budget was the best thing to happen to me since acing my bio exam! I was so excited that I started to look up how many other apps were out there that can help students like me. Luckily for all of you, I’ve listed my top six because I couldn’t choose just five. I did, however, try to make sure I included a few different types of apps to get a little something in there for everybody. Check them out.

The 6 Best Rewards Apps for Students, In My Opinion

1. Shopkick

So this first app on my list is the one that I mentioned earlier—the one that started this whole list thing. And if you can probably already tell, it’s my favorite. It’s an app called Shopkick, and it gives you rewards for literally going shopping. How Shopkick works is that you download it on your phone and then you get points, which it calls “kicks,” for doing stuff like walking into stores and making your purchases. You can even earn kicks without having to go to a physical store by watching videos and shopping through the app. You can then trade your kicks in for gift cards, which are just as good as cash. I also really like Shopkick, because it turns every shopping trip into a fun scavenger hunt for kicks. Now when I take a study break I’ve switched it up and I scroll through the Shopkick app to see how many kicks I can earn.

2. BookScouter

I know I joked earlier about books taking over my budget, but they seriously do! It seems like books in college cost way more than they should but they’re a necessity that I can’t avoid—trust me, I’ve tried. Thankfully, I discovered an app that can help us college students spend less money on books. BookScouter is this super dope app that you can use it to find the places that give you awesome value on your books. It works both ways, too, because I can use it to find places (usually online) where I can purchase books at really low prices and then I can use it again later when the semester is over to find the places that are paying the best prices when it’s time to sell my books back. It’s usually just a few bucks here and there, but when your budget is as tight as mine, every dollar counts.

3. Google Opinion Rewards

The first time I heard about Google Opinion Rewards, I was kind of like, “Nah, I’m good.” It’s because the way this app works is that you have to earn your rewards by answering questions. I mean, I’m all about earning rewards but I wasn’t too thrilled with having to answer a bunch of questions to do so. But then I gave this app a try, and, I have to be straight up about it, I didn’t really mind it at all. One of the reasons I like it is because I didn’t have to spend a lot of time answering the survey questions; they were pretty short. In exchange, the app gave me Google Play credit, which I can use to buy other apps and games in the Google store. This is perfect for me because I love a good photo editing app and the good ones usually aren’t free.

4. iPoll

This next app is called iPoll and it’s a lot like Google Opinion Rewards, but the big difference is that instead of getting Google Play Credits, you can gift cards for answering questions about things you’ve bought or places you’ve visited. You do you, and you get gift cards for it. Easy. I also like that you can take more surveys on the iPoll website so you don’t have to use up the battery life on your phone. This app is a little bit more limited than Google Opinion Rewards in terms of when you can take the surveys to earn your gift cards, but you can set it to send you alerts on your phone to let you know whenever there’s a new survey available.

5. Foap

This next app is pretty cool for the picture-taking enthusiasts out there. While I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a photographer, I do happen to love playing around with filters and taking and editing photos on my phone. I typically upload my favorite photos to Instagram but when I discovered Foap, I started uploading my photos and videos there too. Foap is for creators to sell their content, which is a big mood right now, to be honest. I’m more than happy to sell some of the pictures and videos I’ve been taking with my phone. The way Foap works is that you upload videos and photos, and if a brand wants to use it for their own content, you get paid for it. How much? It depends. But note that whatever price you charge, you have to split the profit with Foap.

6. Sweatcoin

If taking polls or snapping pics isn’t your thing, you should be able to relate to this next app. Sweatcoin rewards you for walking. That’s right! You can earn rewards for working out or for simply walking across campus from class to class. If you walk enough, you get what the app calls sweat coins, and then you can trade them in for health stuff like energy drinks, health bars, running shoes, and even some digital wearables like watches. Everyone always talks about ways to avoid the dreaded “Freshman 15”—using Sweatcoin is definitely one of those ways.

10 Work from Home Tips

Posted on March 30, 2020 by shopkick

With our current climate, many people have had to jump into working from home without having the opportunity to properly prepare emotionally, mentally, and physically. It’s safe to say, it’s a big shift all around! Understandably, you might feel as though you’re attempting to determine your new normal as you go. To help you create a work from home life you can grow to enjoy, we thought we would offer our top 10 work from home tips. For many of our Shopkick teams, working from home is part of our weekly routine. So, here’s how we get things done:

10 Work from Home Tips:

1. Keep Your Routine

If you had a morning routine you enjoyed before the quarantine went into effect, make sure to keep that going! If you like to get up and workout first thing, continue doing that. Maybe you look forward to drinking coffee and checking social media – keep it up! Routines help us to feel “normal”, and having that sense of normalcy will keep your productivity going throughout your day.

2. Get Dressed

Shopkickers, getting dressed it key! We know it’s tempting to stay in your pajamas all day because the option of going out is suddenly no longer a true possibility. But, getting dressed will likely make you feel more alert and ready to tackle your day. Again, this also relates to the above of creating and continuing your routine – getting dressed will likely make you feel better. And, for that reason, it’s worth it!

3. Explain Your Work to Family

Working from home can feel tricky, especially if you’re home with kids, other family members, or partners who aren’t joining you by working from home. Your loved ones might spot you and think because you’re also home, you’re free to spend time together. So, set work from home boundaries. Maybe your signal to be interrupted is an open door, or perhaps you step away to enjoy a snack or lunch together. Reminding those you love and who also love you that you’re still working even though you’re home will help everyone to adjust through the transition.

4. Create Your Workspace

If you typically work in an office setting, you likely spend your days at your desk. However, the options will likely feel endless at home. Decide where you would like to work, but don’t feel limited in your options. If you have a desk at home and you enjoy working there, go for it. But, if you would prefer to work from your table or living room, that’s fine too. As a general note: kitchen counters, especially those that have bar height counters can serve as excellent standing desks. Move around your house! It may help your productivity and inspiration.

5. Soak in the Sun

We’ve all woken up to a rainy day and felt like going back to sleep. Working without natural light in sight has the ability to make you feel tired before you begin, so work where you can see the sun. Natural light helps us to feel energized, and working by a window also offers the opportunity to enjoy a nice view and even catch a glimpse of people walking outside.

6. Don’t Snack

One of the top questions many people ask when they’re first starting to work from home is how to avoid snacking. The answer is simple and complicated at the same time: don’t do it! To go back to the first point we mentioned about keeping a routine, keep your breakfast and lunch times intact throughout the day. This will help you to feel satisfied because you will already know when your next mealtime will occur. The other tip: choosing not to work from your kitchen (and the source of the snacks) will likely help if you feel like your willpower is in question.

7. Socialize

The biggest complaint many have to offer about working from home is the lack of socialization. You likely went from eating lunch with coworkers and attending in person meetings throughout the day to being by yourself for hours on end. So, make it a point to meet with coworkers for meetings, meals, and even post-work cocktails over Zoom and Google Hangout. If you’re leading work meetings, start things off by asking everyone round table style how they’re doing. A quick catch up has the ability to remind everyone that though you’re not all physically together, you’re still equally as connected virtually.

8. Go for a Walk

It’s easy to not even realize how many steps you take walking to and from your car into work and throughout your workplace during the day until you’re at home without the need to move around as much. So, get outside! Take a walk in the morning before you start working, plan to walk again after lunch, and consider taking another walk at the end of your day. Use this time to listen to music, an audiobook, or a podcast. You’ll feel refreshed and energized to keep going, and you’ll get your steps in.

9. Log Off

When you’re working from home, you’re likely working from your computer, which is now just feet or a few rooms away from you at all times. The temptation to work at odd times or to keep working into the night is definitely there. But, if you typically walk away from work when you work in-person, keep that up! The best way to make sure this happens is to sign out of all of the apps and programs you use rather than keeping them open on your desktop. Knowing you have to login oftentimes provides enough of a barrier to keep you from continuing to work.

10. Plan Your Evening

The other thing that will help you to sign off from work and feel as though you still have separation between your personal and professional lives is to make plans during the evening. Schedule a call with friends, let your family know you want to have a movie night together, remember to watch your favorite TV shows, workout virtually, make dinner, catch up on chores, etc. Knowing you have things to do will make you feel encouraged to use your time well during the day so you can rest at night.

Do you work from home? What do you find helps you to embrace it? Let us know on Facebook!

How to Homeschool Your Kids: Tips from a Teacher

Posted on March 27, 2020 by shopkick

In an effort to continue to share content that can make an impact in your lives, we have been sharing tips for keeping kids busy at home. Combined with your requests and requests from our own families and friends, today we thought we would tackle a new topic with help from an incredible educator: homeschooling!

Students, teachers, and parents are currently trying to navigate completely uncharted territory as many jump into homeschooling for the first time, and we knew first grade teacher, Mrs. Lamb, would offer great insight. So, we went live with Mrs. Lamb today on Facebook! Did you catch it? If not, make sure to watch the replay, and take a peek at the comments. There are so many great learning ideas from fellow Shopkickers who are homeschooling for the first time just like you!

A few of our favorite takeaways from Mrs. Lamb about how to homeschool:

1. Prep the Night Before

For parents who are also trying to work from home, we think this tip is especially meaningful! The night before, review the schoolwork your child needs to accomplish. Then, set initial assignments aside, especially those your child can complete without guidance from you. When you spot work that will require hands-on help, pull that from the pile and save it to do together to prevent interruptions during your work calls.

2. Create a Schedule

Kids (and adults!) are used to schedules, and it’s important to keep that going at home. Of course, you’re free to make modifications depending on how you and your family feel the day is going. However, having a general plan works wonders! Mrs. Lamb mentioned she and her kids have found it’s best to complete work that will require them to sit at the table during the morning. Then, they switch to a special, like art or music, during the afternoon and sometimes do a science experiment together. The freedom to play is especially important after lunch when energy levels rise and the desire to sit still starts to fade.

3. Encourage Independent Work

Mrs. Lamb was quick to point out students are asked to work independently at school, so they should be able to do the same thing at home! As we mentioned above, starting the day with independent work or scheduling it for times when you need to attend meetings works well. Mrs. Lamb also said Go Noodle is one of her go-to sites for younger kids who need fun activities that they can do on their own.

4. Set Up a Reward System

Mrs. Lamb mentioned a few different ways to offer rewards during her Live. She said she and her kids have been filling a mason jar with gems – they’ve named it The Gem Jar. Mrs. Lamb also mentioned choosing a word and then spelling it out with stickers each time a child (or parent!) has an accomplishment. A key takeaway: “wins” can be things like completing work or doing well on an assignment, but they can also be even more simple like being kind to a sibling or getting dressed for the day on their own. Once your goal is met, do something fun together at home!

5. Explore Activities at Home

Whether you’re planning how to explore specials together or thinking of a fun family reward for a full Gem Jar or completed work, you definitely don’t have to look further than your home! A few ideas that stood out to us: build a fort, camp in the living room, create chalk art with painter’s tape (here’s a tutorial), or enjoy a family movie night.

BONUS: Stay Connected

We’re all missing the everyday connections we typically make without effort, so it’s more important now than ever before to make sure to stay connected to friends and teachers. Turn to Zoom, FaceTime, and more to stay in touch! While you’re talking, share what you and your family are doing during your school time together.

Mrs. Lamb sent us all of her go-to resources for at-home learning, and we wanted to make sure you can access them too. Here’s the full list:

Movement

Reading:

Math Tools:

Enrichment Activities

275+ Ideas

Virtual Field Trips:

30 Places to “Visit” Online

Communication Tools:

Zoom
Google Hangout
Facebook Messenger Kids
Class Dojo

We’ll be sharing more tips and tricks from Mrs. Lamb, but don’t hesitate to chime in on Facebook in the meantime!

5 Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids

Posted on March 27, 2020 by shopkick

Almost all of us may have been asked to stay at home, and we’ve shared ideas for indoor activities to do with kids, like crafting and cooking, but that doesn’t mean that time spent exploring the outdoors is suddenly off limits. In fact, now more than ever, outdoor fun feels refreshing and even more necessary as a way to burn off energy for both kids and parents. Walking and running around your neighborhood together is always a wonderful option, but we have five more ideas for you to consider. Let’s go outside!

Five Fun + Simple Outdoor Activities for Kids:

Bike or Scooter Ride:

Your kids likely love riding their bikes or scooters on your driveway or around the block, but when was the last time you joined them on your own set of wheels? Take a family ride together! Explore your street, neighborhood, or a new-to-you part of town. This is a great family activity to incorporate daily even if it’s just a quick ride around the block.

Scavenger Hunt Walk or Hike:

Now is the time to explore your own backyard or neighborhood, but switch things up so it doesn’t feel like an everyday walk or hike. Think about creating a scavenger hunt! You can create your hunt by listing shapes or colors you would like your kids to find, or you can suggest specific objects. This printable Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt by Baby Boy Bakery is perfect for the occasion!

Backyard Camping:

A proper camping trip might not be in the cards at the moment, but we’re certain all of your gear will be equally as fun in your backyard. So, camp out together! Tell stories, make up a skit by the fire, play games, and don’t forget about the s’mores. If you don’t own a fire pit, never fear – you can make s’mores in the oven! The Food Network has a great quick and easy recipe.

Field Day:

School is out of session, and your kids might be missing out on field day. So, create your own! Create an obstacle course, jump rope, play volleyball, see which family member can win at H.O.R.S.E, run races, and more. This post by The Simple Parent has a number of fun (and easy!) ideas you can play at home.

Outdoor Movie:

You don’t always have to watch movies inside! If your weather is cooperating, take your movie night outside. Use a projector to create your own screen on the side of your house or on a sheet. If you don’t own a projector, set your laptop up outside. Don’t forget to pop popcorn and have your favorite candy on-hand.

What other ways are you and your family spending time outdoors together? Let us know on Facebook!

This shopping app for clothes will have all your friends envying you!

Posted on March 26, 2020 by shopkick

One of the best feelings in life is when someone compliments your outfit, and then asks you where you found such a cute shirt or pair of shoes. I’m always happy to tell my friends where I got something, but I would be lying if it didn’t make me feel good to be a subject of their envy, if even for a moment. I love the attention so much that it motivates me to spend more time and energy shopping at my favorite stores. However, the problem with spending more time and energy at my favorite stores is that I’m also spending more money. Luckily for me and my budget, I recently discovered a shopping app for clothes that rewards me for making purchases.

Now, not only are my friends envying my outfits, but they’re also envying the fact that I’m able to use a shopping app to help me shop for clothes (and make money while shopping). But don’t worry, I don’t mind sharing the wealth. So, if you’re looking for a shopping app for clothes, I’ve got you covered.

How to Find the Right Shopping App for Clothes

One thing I should note right away is that there are lots of different shopping apps for clothes to choose from. There are apps that you can use to find and buy clothes, there are apps that you can only use at certain stores, and there are apps that work like digital coupons, although those are much more common for something like grocery shopping than for clothes. At the same time, there is also a certain type of shopping app for clothes that you can use at many different stores, and these are the ones I would recommend. If you’ve done as much clothing shopping as I have, you know that to find the perfect shoes or handbag, you may have to visit more than one store. You need a shopping app that you can use at your favorite stores!

You also want to make sure you find an app that gives you rewards for shopping online, too. When I was younger, I used to buy all my clothes in physical stores, but these days I buy about half my clothes in-person and the other half online, especially now that I shop at stores where I automatically know what size and fit I need. Many of my friends do the same, and I suspect you’re nodding your head right now too, thinking about your own shopping habits. So make sure to get a shopping app that you can use online, too!

Look for Apps That Reward

In addition to being versatile, the best shopping apps for clothes, in my opinion, all work with a rewards system. What this means is that instead of having some kind of sale alert or coupon functionality, they give you rewards points instead. You can then trade these rewards points in for gift cards or use them to earn cashback. I think it’s pointless to use an app that doesn’t reward you. If you’re rewarded for making a purchase, you’re probably going to purchase again to earn even more rewards.

In addition to being versatile, the best shopping apps for clothes, in my opinion, all work with a rewards system.

Give Shopkick a Try

If you’re in need of a suggestion for a shopping app for clothes, I would recommend Shopkick—it checks all the boxes I talked about above. You can use it both online and in-person. It gives you points for several different activities, including walking into stores, scanning barcodes on items, and making purchases. Finally, it also gives you rewards points, which it calls kicks, that you can trade-in for gift cards that are just as good as cash.

What I also like about Shopkick is that the list of stores where you can use it is so large. I can use Shopkick at stores with great savings on designers like T.J. Maxxx, Marshalls, and Kohls. I can also use it for the stores where I like to get my work or going out clothes, like Lane Bryant and Banana Republic. I can even use it to get workout clothes at Under Armour! The list of stores is always growing so it’s best to check with the app often so you know which stores to find the best deals and earn the most kicks. And, while you’re checking it, click the “Discover” tab to learn about new products, too!

I highly recommend Shopkick as the shopping app for clothes that will have all your friends envying you. The list of stores is unmatched, you can use it both online and off, and it’s a whole lot of fun. With Shopkick, I’ve been saving more and more money while shopping for clothes. And you know what that means, I can afford to buy more clothes at my favorite stores!

It’s time to get your kicks while shopping for clothes! Shopkick is the best shopping app for clothes that will have all your friends envying you. Download the app today!

Image courtesy of Syda Productions