Samantha Dinelle

September 25, 2026

Raising a curious kid, the kind who constantly asks “how does that work?”, is one of the best things you can do for their learning. Curiosity drives kids to explore, question, and figure things out, and it is closely linked to how well they do in school. You nurture it by encouraging questions, giving hands-on things to explore, and resisting the urge to hand over every answer.

Why curiosity matters more than you think

Curiosity is not just cute; it is a genuine engine of…

September 23, 2026

The right after-school program does more than keep your child busy. It gives you reliable coverage, a calmer routine, fewer “what do we do today?” scrambles, and a child who comes home engaged instead of restless. For a stretched-thin week, a good program is not one more thing to manage. It is one big thing handled.

Why the after-school hours are so stressful

The gap between school ending and the workday ending is one of the tightest squeezes in family life. And parents are…

September 22, 2026

A great kids' coding teacher does more than know how to code. They explain ideas simply, stay patient through mistakes, make learning genuinely fun, and meet each child where they are. Technical skill matters, but the ability to connect with kids and keep them motivated matters just as much. Here is what to look for in a great teacher.

Why does the teacher matter so much?

Because the person leading the room shapes whether a child thrives or checks out. A program is only as…

September 17, 2026

Your child may need a creative challenge if they seem bored despite plenty to do, take apart or tinker with everything, have big ideas but no outlet, lose interest in old toys and activities, or constantly ask how things work. These are not problems; they are signs of a mind ready for more. The fix is not less stimulation, but a better outlet for it.

Why do kids need a creative challenge?

Because a curious, capable kid who is under-challenged does not simply relax, they get…

September 12, 2026

Yes, 3D printing is worth learning, and not just because watching an object appear is genuinely cool. Designing and printing a 3D model teaches kids real skills: spatial reasoning, geometry and measurement, design thinking, and the patience to turn an idea into something they can hold. The cool factor gets them in the door; the skills are why it sticks.

Is 3D printing actually educational for kids?

It can be one of the most hands-on ways to learn. Before anything prints, a…

September 11, 2026

On a MakerKids PA Day, your child arrives to a full day of hands-on STEM: two morning “Making” blocks, a park trip and lunch at midday, two afternoon Making blocks, and a Parent Show & Tell at pickup. Before Care (8-9am) and After Care (3:30-5pm) are available for early drop-off or late pickup.

Key takeaways

• Camp hours are 9:00am-3:30pm, with Before Care (8-9am) and After Care (3:30-5pm) add-ons
• Kids get four Making blocks across the day, broken up by snack breaks, lunch,…

September 10, 2026

The extracurriculars that pay off long-term are the ones that build skills kids keep, not just fill a season. A sport wraps up when the season ends, but coding, building, and problem-solving compound over time and carry into school, future studies, and eventually careers. The best extracurricular is one where this month’s progress becomes the foundation for next year’s.

Key takeaways:

• The best extracurriculars build transferable skills, not just fill a season.
• How a program…

August 30, 2026

On a PA day in Toronto, the best plans keep kids active, engaged, and off the couch without leaving parents scrambling. Good options include a STEM camp, a hands-on project at home, a museum or library visit, or outdoor time at a local park. At MakerKids, kids can spend their day off exploring Coding, Robotics, Minecraft, and other hands-on STEM activities.

Plan Ahead So PA Days Don’t Catch You Off Guard

PA days have a way of sneaking up, often landing mid-week when work is busy…

August 26, 2026

Kids are already using AI for homework, so the goal is not to ban it but to set smart rules. The simple line: AI is fine for understanding and checking work, not for doing the work. Let your child use it to explain concepts, brainstorm, or review, but not to write the essay or solve the problem for them. Clear rules, paired with strong underlying skills, turn AI into a tool instead of a crutch.

Are kids really using AI for homework?

Yes, and the trend is accelerating fast. A…

August 24, 2026

You do not need to know how to code to raise a confident young coder. Your job is not to teach the syntax. It is to open the door, encourage curiosity, and connect your child with the right guidance. Plenty of skilled young programmers have parents who have never written a line of code. Here is how to support your child without coding yourself.

Do parents need to know how to code?

No. Supporting a young coder is a lot like supporting a young musician or athlete: you do not have…