Highlights is proud to collaborate with HP to launch free, research-backed resources designed to spark curiosity, conversation, and connection among kids and families.
Highlights and HP are introducing a new collection of playful, research-informed printables designed to spark curiosity, foster connection, and create joyful moments for families. Bite-Sized Lessons — developed in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Bonawitz of Harvard University — offer 20 printable activities that help transform everyday family meals into fun, meaningful learning experiences for children ages 5–10.
Created for children ages 5-10, this educational printable collection supports a formative stage when imagination, curiosity, and family connection deeply influence learning. Mealtime moments become opportunities for shared discovery and conversation, helping families build strong educational connections that may be linked to better academic outcomes.
“In a world full of distractions, creating intentional moments of togetherness is more important than ever,” said Highlights CEO Kent Johnson. “That’s why we wanted to collaborate with HP on these Bite Sized Lessons. They are more than just fun activities — they’re invitations to connect, to laugh, to wonder together as a family, helping them slow down and rediscover the joy of learning.”
Each lesson is rooted in learning principles and designed to make education feel less like a task and more like an adventure, with topics spanning sports, music, nature, and animals. Much like sneaking veggies into a meal, these education placemats offer “bite-sized-lessons" in a playful, low-pressure way to help engage kids in critical thinking.
“We may underestimate the value of simple conversations. Moments like mealtime, when families naturally gather, can become powerful touchpoints for learning and curiosity,” said Dr. Elizabeth Bonawitz. “The more kids feel safe to wonder and share ideas, the more confident they are to act on their natural curiosity, which is essential for lifelong learning. When adults show genuine interest in a child’s thinking, it validates their ideas and inspires more exploration. That’s a powerful dynamic.”
Bite Sized Lessons are available now at printables.hp.com/us/en/learning — just download, print, and bring learning to the table. No Highlights subscription required.
About Elizabeth Bonawitz - Dr. Elizabeth Bonawitz is an Associate Professor of Learning Sciences at Harvard. University. Her research focuses on how children learn through exploration, curiosity, and explanation-based thinking in everyday environments.