“Martin Luther King the Peaceful Warrior” and Peace Sun Catcher  

To prepare for Martin Luther King Jr. Day read children’s books about the civil rights leader and make a peace sun catcher to recognize Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.  In “Martin Luther King the Peaceful Warrior” by Ed Clayton readers follow the inspiring life of Martin Luther King Jr. in a moving, vital, and informative […]

“The Three Little Pigs” Story and DIY Puppets 

My Nanny Kids love puppets and puppet shows. Puppetry is a great way to promote story telling and to foster language, imagination, communication, and more.  Using construction paper, white and pink paper plates, jumbo or extra large craft sticks, crayons, markers, glue sticks, and hot glue, I made a few quick puppets for the story […]

“Too Many Pumpkins” by Linda White and Craft

It’s pumpkin season! I used an orange marker to make dashes on orange paper for the kids to practice using their scissor skills. Then, we made little pumpkins with the orange strips of paper.  Be sure to read “Too Many Pumpkins” by Linda White with the children while they make this craft. In this heartwarming classic […]

Scissor Skills Autumn Tree 

It’s Autumn in my neck of the woods, making it a great time to read children’s books about autumn and the changing colors of the leaves with the little ones in my care. I also had the kids practice their scissors skills while making autumn trees out of construction paper. I recommend reading children’s books […]

“My Book of Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg and Activities 

I love the book “My Book of Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg. One part of social emotional development is the ability to “go with the flow.” Allowing ourselves to make mistakes and to adjust is a key part of maturity and a personality trait that can be difficult to teach unless given examples and practice. […]

5 Children’s Books to Help with Separation Anxiety 

In over 30 years working as a nanny I have known many children that suffer from separation anxiety. It’s a common form of anxiety and worry can happen with children of all ages.  But, separation anxiety disorder is when a child becomes excessively anxious when separated from parents. Separation anxiety differs from normal clinginess. Children […]

“Coyotes All Around” to Teach Rounding Numbers and Coyote Craft

“Coyotes All Around” by Stuart J. Murphy is perfect for teaching rounding numbers to first, second, and third graders. Clever Coyote thinks it’s time for lunch — and also time to show her friends how, with some simple rounding, she can add up numbers in her head. If only she were as good at hunting […]

Action Water Painting with Kids

Jackson Pollock was a modern, abstract artist that painted the way he felt by dripping, pouring, and splattering paint all over large canvases on the floor using sticks and dowels. He showed an abstract expression of his feelings through his art. Some people called them drip paintings. Some called them action paintings. I read the […]

9 Best Children’s Books for Father’s Day Gifts

Children’s books make great, inexpensive Father’s Day gifts because they offer a unique opportunity for bonding between fathers and their children. Children’s books share heartfelt messages about love, family, and life lessons, making them a meaningful way for children to express their appreciation for their dads. These children’s books make great Father’s Day gifts that […]

“Grandma’s Purse” by Vanessa Brantley Newton and Quilted Purse Craft

This is an adorable project to do as a literary connection to the picture book “Grandma’s Purse” by Vanessa Brantley Newton. In the book, when Mimi’s Grandmother comes to visit she always brings warm hugs, sweet treats, and her purse. Mimi never knows what her Grandmother have in there — fancy jewelry, tokens from around […]