Enjoying Autumn With Kids

What Does Autumn Smell Like? We have been discussing ways for kids to learn about Autumn using their senses. Autumn smells like the first fire in the fireplace, apple pies, and beeswax candles on the dinner table as night’s darkness falls earlier and earlier. Help kids identify smells like fireplaces and bonfires, pickling spices, and […]

What’s Your Favorite Autumn Recipe?

What Does Autumn Taste Like? Photo from amomamok When I think of autumn I think of the harvest of apples, pumpkins, cranberries, and corn. Just think of Thanksgiving dinner, and what American doesn’t love Thanksgiving? I love to cut up a red and green apples and have the kids close their eyes and have a taste […]

What Does Autumn Look Like?

Using Our Senses to Enjoy Autumn The most beautiful sight in Autumn is the changing colors of the leaves. This provides opportunities to create leaf rubbings and other leaf related crafts. We can rake leaves together, which naturally leads to jumping in leaf piles! Kids also love collecting acorns and seed pods, watching migrating birds, and […]

Has a Child You Cared For Been a Vicitm of Bullying? Review of "Oliver Button Is a Sissy"

Weekly Trip to the Library for Nannies and Au Pairs In New Jersey (NJ) the law, known as the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, became effective this September. The Anti-Bullying Law is considered the toughest legislation against bullying in the nation. Each NJ school must designate an antibullying specialist to investigate complaints; each district must, in […]

First-Graders Assure a Nation After September 11

Review of September 12th…We Knew Everything Would be All Right by Masterson Elementary students of H. Bryon Masterson Elementary School September 12th…We Knew Everything Would Be All Right is a great book for children and adults. It delivers a message of hope in the wake of the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. The authors […]

Having Age-Appropriate Discussions About Hurricanes

Children’s Books About Hurricanes! As the east coast of the United States prepares for a hurricane this weekend it’s important to have age-appropriate discussions about hurricanes with children to help relieve some of their anxiety. We recommend including the following age-appropriate children’s books about hurricanes to help children understand the storms. We have included both […]

Children’s Books About the First Day of School

Weekly Trip to the Library Reading children’s books about going to Preschool, Kindergarten, or First Grade is a great introduction to school and to help reduce separation anxiety for kids. Also, since all kids like to play school we recommend playing Kiddie College to help prepare children for school. Children learn through play and playing school with […]

Reading and Learing About Caterpillars and Butterflies

Weekly Trip to the Library Each Saturday on the Be the Best Nanny Newsletter blog we take a Weekly Trip to the Library for nannies and au pairs. The following book and activity are from Scholastic, a terrific resource for reading and learning with kids. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle The story of The Very […]

Fun for Nannies and Au Pairs: Teaching with Clifford’s Big Idea

Weekly Trip to the Library for Nannies and Au Pairs When children are given opportunities to try new things, they gain confidence and belief in themselves. Learning about one’s own potential early in life can help motivate and inspire young children to become the best they can be! Read Clifford’s Family (Clifford’s Big Ideas)and Clifford […]

Children’s Books About the 4th of July

Weekly Trip to the Library for Nannies and Au Pairs The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh The thirteen colonies unite in the desire for independence. They select Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. The news carried of independence across the colonial settlements. A great read aloud for younger children. Fireworks, Picnics, and […]