Blog

Welcome to the Way to Grow blog! Here you’ll find parenting tips, early childhood resources, and stories from home visits across the Twin Cities. We believe parents are their child’s first and most important teacher, and our home visiting model is built around that: bringing tools, activities, and encouragement right into the home. Browse for book recommendations, everyday learning ideas, program updates, and family stories from across our community.

Our newest Family Educator! 2500 1459 Angelique McDonald

Our newest Family Educator!

Tell us a little bit about you! I am a wife of 24 years to an awesome husband. I have three grown and wonderful children, ages 30, 25, and 22 years old. I am also a proud grandmother to two adorable grandchildren, ages 8 and 2 years old. What brings you to Way to Grow?…

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Make your Target run count…again! 1200 630 Melissa Meyer

Make your Target run count…again!

We are honored and excited to announce that we have been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us! Now through December 31, vote for us through the Target Circle program to help determine…

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Thanks for shining with us! 2500 1309 Way to Grow

Thanks for shining with us!

On Friday, September 25 Way to Grow hosted its first virtual Gala – “Let’s Connect” Shine Celebration. Together, we raised over $305,000 to fund our Great by Eight program, stabilizing families and providing education to those who need it most. If you would still like to help us meet our goal, please consider a gift now.   A special shout out…

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Family Fun: Fall Leaves Hand Tree 3334 1459 Way to Grow

Family Fun: Fall Leaves Hand Tree

Believe it or not, it’s still fall! If you miss those beautiful colors, our Preschool Pals staff has a great activity for you to do with your family! You will need: paper, pencil, scissors, markers (or any coloring/painting tool), toilet paper/paper towel roll Step 1:Trace your hands with the pencil. The more hands you trace, the fuller your tree will be.…

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What a difference a toy makes. 3334 1459 Jessica Waller

What a difference a toy makes.

Way to Grow has been beyond blessed by the gracious giving of our friends at the Manhattan Toy Company in Minneapolis. Box after box of dolls, rattles, plushies, books, and blocks arrived in our offices. We could not be more grateful and our staff and their families could not have been more thrilled! To have a special…

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Celebrating Neighborhood Spirit 1440 2560 Jessica Waller

Celebrating Neighborhood Spirit

In 2019, Way to Grow moved into new offices better designed to meet its staffing needs, in the Harrison Neighborhood situated between Bryn Mawr and downtown Minneapolis. Staff soon discovered the Bryn Mawr Market, a family owned and run grocery store that is open 365 days a year.   “During a visit to Bryn Mawr Market,” says Kim…

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Family Fun: On the hunt! 1080 1920 Maren Nelson

Family Fun: On the hunt!

Run out of ideas for your kids this summer? Our preschool staff has you covered with a scavenger hunt bingo game! Supplies: Download and print off this bingo card and grab a marker. What to do: Go on a walk around your neighborhood or anywhere you could find these items. Look around carefully and encourage your child…

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Gifting Summer Fun 1224 1632 Maren Nelson

Gifting Summer Fun

Two of Way to Grow’s supporters, friends Deb and Mary, asked us what our families needed most. When we responded with educational games, books, children’s socks and underwear, and summer clothing, they truly stepped up. Thank you Deb and Mary for your generosity and for helping to ensure families can learn and grow together this summer.

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Children are falling behind: Here’s what we can do. 1200 600 Way to Grow

Children are falling behind: Here’s what we can do.

by Deedee Stevens-Neal, Director of Education The early part of 2020 became a great experiment in virtual learning. Experts predict children could have a four to eight month regression in academic skills, and the American Academy of Pediatrics is worried about the social and emotional effects of distance learning. There is further concern with children…

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Showing up for community: Thank You, Slalom! 640 480 Maren Nelson

Showing up for community: Thank You, Slalom!

Way to Grow was pleasantly surprised when Lauren and her team from Slalom reached out to offer feminine products for our families. “We were seeking additional ways to help the Minneapolis/St. Paul area during this time of need, and a fellow female co-worker and myself wanted to organize donations for feminine hygiene products. We know that…

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Dear Third Grade Graduate… 3334 1459 Way to Grow

Dear Third Grade Graduate…

Dear Third Grad Graduate, You did it! You graduated from Way to Grow! We are so proud of you. You have worked hard in school, even when school closed and class was on the computer. You worked hard to stay healthy, eat good food, and get exercise. You worked really hard to get better at…

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Thank You, Headwaters Relief Organization! 1024 768 Maren Nelson

Thank You, Headwaters Relief Organization!

When the pandemic arose, Headwaters Relief Organization went to work creating a science-informed coloring book to help parents explain to their children what the coronavirus is and why families were quarantining at home together, instead of going to work and school. Their intention was to distribute the coloring books to local charities to increase understanding of the…

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