What’s Happening
What’s Happening
The Car Ride Secret Pt.1: 6 Podcasts to Spark Your Kid’s Curiosity on Your Next Drive
[caption id="attachment_28175" align="alignnone" width="300"] Educational podcasts[/caption] Parents searching for STEM afterschool programs in Chicago often ask how to keep their kids learning and engaged, even during long, screen-free moments like a family road trip. We’ve all been there: you’re only twenty minutes into a family road trip, and the dreaded “Are we there yet?” echoes from the backseat. While handing over a tablet is a quick fix, long drives are actually a fantastic, screen-free opportunity to engage your child's imagination and keep their mental gears turning! Whether your young innovator is fascinated by weird science, loves solving a good mystery, or just enjoys learning how things work, we've rounded up seven incredible educational podcasts guaranteed to spark their curiosity and make the miles fly by. Click the images to start listening to the podcasts! Forever Ago: Ages 7-12 A history podcast that looks back at the origins of everyday things, from sandwiches to video games, in a way that’s fun and surprising. Story Pirates: Ages 3-11 A hilarious mix of comedy and music, where actors bring kids’ own original stories to life on stage and in song. Smash Boom Best: Ages 6-12 A debate show where two awesome things go…
Why Minecraft Is More Than Just a Game for Kids
In Ravenswood, a neighborhood known for its creativity, community spirit, and strong focus on education, parents are always looking for ways to make screen time more meaningful. Minecraft might look like just a video game—but it’s actually a powerful platform that helps kids develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and even early coding knowledge. At iCode Ravenswood, we see how kids transform gameplay into real-world learning every day. A Creative Outlet Inspired by the Neighborhood Ravenswood has a rich culture of art, design, and innovation—and Minecraft fits right in. Kids can design their own versions of city streets, build creative structures, or experiment with new ideas in a completely open environment. This helps develop: Creative thinking Spatial awareness Planning and design skills At iCode Ravenswood, students go beyond free play with guided Minecraft projects that encourage structured creativity and innovation. Problem-Solving Through Exploration Minecraft encourages kids to think, adapt, and experiment. Whether they’re gathering resources or building complex systems, they are constantly solving problems and learning from outcomes. This builds: Logical reasoning Decision-making skills Persistence through trial and error It’s not just gaming—it’s hands-on learning. Collaboration and Community Building Ravenswood is known for its strong sense of community—and Minecraft reflects that perfectly.…
