View the full episode transcript In an age where screens dominate classrooms and workplaces, handwriting might seem like a relic of the past. But research shows that putting pen to paper plays a crucial role in literacy development. “I can’t talk about handwriting without talking about reading and spelling—they’re integrated. In our brains, the networks are connected,” said Dr. Nancy Cushen White, a language therapist and educator who has worked with students of all ages, including adults, to develop writing skills. Handwriting is more than just a motor skill, White explained. Research shows writing by hand leads to better recognition…
Author: Anna Mikhailova
There’s a lot that goes into preparing your home for sale. After meeting, vetting, and hiring your Realtor, they’ll likely tell you that you’ve got a lot of work ahead – from cleaning and decluttering to staging and more. But what if you don’t have a ton of time? The good news is that with an experienced real estate agent and his team, you don’t have to go it alone. I’ve put together a day-by-day plan with a handy checklist to get your home ready to show in 10 days or less. Don’t have that tight of a deadline? Take…
Gwen Partridge, or Mrs. Gwen to her pre-K students, walked around her homemade Black History Museum at the YMCA Immanuel Early Learning Center in Omaha, Neb., on an icy Thursday. She and her co-workers researched and created each exhibit. “What’s great is when they learn something about Black history and then the parents come back and say ‘Thank you,’” Partridge said. Partridge has been a pre-K teacher for 20 years, and the Black history museum she spearheaded for the school has interactive exhibits for the students. There’s a music section with a piano, a makeshift hair salon, and plenty of…
Galbijjim Braised Ribs, or Korean braised short ribs, is a rich, savory, and slightly sweet dish that embodies the depth of traditional Korean cuisine. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, these ribs are infused with a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from fruits or sugar. Often served during special occasions and holidays, Galbijjim is a must-try dish for anyone who loves hearty, fall-off-the-bone meat. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, cooking techniques, variations, and expert tips for making the perfect Galbijjim at home. The History of Galbijjim Braised Ribs Galbijjim Braised…
Samgyeopsal Grilled Pork, or Korean grilled pork belly, is one of the most beloved dishes in South Korea. Known for its rich, juicy texture and smoky aroma, Samgyeopsal Grilled Pork is a staple in Korean barbecue culture. Whether enjoyed at a traditional Korean BBQ restaurant or grilled at home with friends and family, this dish provides an unforgettable dining experience. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, cooking techniques, variations, side dishes, and expert tips to help you prepare the perfect samgyeopsal at home. The History of Samgyeopsal Samgyeopsal Grilled Pork, which translates to “three-layered flesh” in Korean,…
I love hostels. Even after over nineteen years traveling the world, I still stay in hostels because they’re the best way to meet people and the cheapest accommodation option in much of the world. But what makes a good hostel? And how do you avoid a bad hostel? After staying in over a thousand hostels since I first started traveling the world, I’ve become adept at figuring out very quickly if the hostel owners know what they are doing or if they just randomly woke up one day and said, “Let’s open a hostel. It sounds like fun.” While hostels…
Spring isn’t just a season—it’s an invitation. A chance to refresh your space, reset your routines, and embrace what feels good. As the days get longer and the air turns softer, now is the perfect time to shed the mental and physical clutter that’s been weighing you down. Whether it’s a small shift in your morning ritual or a thoughtful update to your home, embracing the season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Ahead, discover ideas for how to spring clean your life and learn to make simple, meaningful changes that bring more ease, beauty, and joy into your day. Why…
These cheesy beer bread muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with savory flavor! The key is to not overmix the batter. Mixing until just combined will give you the perfect airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will keep you coming back for more. Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe Cheesy Beer Bread Muffins These beer bread muffins are quick, easy, and made with ingredients you probably already have. I tested them twice to make sure they’re extra fluffy, tweaking the flour so a full 12-ounce beer works perfectly. Just crack one open and pour it in! Well . . . not so fast,…
Whenever I ask readers what the number one thing holding them back from traveling is, I almost always get the same answer: money. This problem — and how to overcome it — is my most asked question. “Matt, I don’t know how to afford travel. Help!” I have answered this question in a plethora of posts, emails, tweets, and Facebook posts. Long-term readers might even be getting sick of me discussing this subject because it is one I talk about so much. But I know no matter how often I address this question, it will come up again. Since this…
I am thrilled with how incredibly delicious this Fench Onion Pot Roast turned out! The meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender, after slow cooking to perfection in the perfect caramelized onion gravy! Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe Ingredients Needed ***Onion Tip: We tested this recipe a couple of times to get it just right. When the onions were sliced too thin, they were almost nonexistent when everything was done cooking. I switched to cutting the onions thicker, about 1/2 inch slices, and it was perfect! How to Make French Onion Pot Roast Making French Onion Pot Roast is all about patience, and…
