To do that we focus on tools to help parents become better first teachers. And these days, every parent I know has gotten a crash course in being a teacher. And found out we all have a lot to learn.

Our respect for teachers and all they do every day has grown so much. And that is why we are proud to partner with Step One Auto to make our contributions to Step One Academy.

We hope this video series is another tool parents can use to help keep learning alive over the coming weeks. Being a parent is the toughest job you'll ever love, if I can borrow an old ad slogan. I have two children of my own, and I will be the first to say that I needed help on my parenting journey.

Everyone does. 

That’s why we are part of this series. 

We tapped into educators who work with preschool children and children in the early elementary grades to create easy, fun lessons that families and caregivers can use at home to make learning fun.

And it ought to be fun. Kids — and adults — learn best when it is fun.

Chapter one features Jen Kemp, the media specialist at C.A. Weis Elementary School. 

Of course we couldn’t do any of it without our education partners. We are so grateful to them for sharing their time, their talents and their wisdom. Thank you to them from the bottom of our hearts.

I hope you enjoy our lessons. And most of all I hope you use them and share them with friends! And please send us your questions, suggestions and ideas for lessons you might like to see in the future. Email me at [email protected]. 

In our community, only 47 percent of our kindergartners are ready for school. We can do better than that. We can give all of our children a good chance for a great start in school -- and life.

We hope these lessons are just one more way to build a brain, build a life and build a community.