Marbling Paint Kit

One of my Nanny Kids absolutely adores using this Marbling Paint Kit by the Jar Melo Store. She got this crafts kit for her birthday. She made these six marbled papers this week and cannot wait to do more next week. This Marbling Painting Kit for kids comes in a beautiful gift box and makes […]

Does it Fit?

Here’s a simple, yet fun activity to do with toddlers. Use different sized sensory balls and assorted stacking boxes and let the child explore. Let them help you solve the problem of not being able to put a large ball into a small box. You Will Need: Sensory BallsStacking Boxes What to Do: 1. Gather […]

Rainbow Lacing Cards

I always try to bring new projects to do with kids when babysitting or working as a nanny. Knowing everyone loves rainbows, I made two different rainbow lacing cards for differently skilled, (one younger and one older), children. I also include children’s books with the projects I do with children to encourage their love of […]

Matching Colors in Nature

Using a self-adhesive laminating sheet and cardboard I made this color matching game for my Nanny Kid to take on a nature hike. I had her walk around her yard and neighborhood to see if she could find petals of similar colors on the matching board. You Will Need: Cardboard Scissor and Xacto Knife Self-Adhesive […]

Spin Art T-Shirt

By Stacie Gebeke I love getting fun ideas to do with my Nanny Kids from other nannies. Stacie Gebeke is a stellar nanny with 33 years experience who often inspires me with the STEAM activities she shares on social media, (see her biography below). Here is how Stacie made a spin art t-shirt. You Will […]

Paper Plate Marble Run

Who knew a few paper plates and cardboard rolls could unlock hours of giggles and genius? Building a marble run with everyday items isn’t just a rainy-day lifesaver and summer STEAM activity — it’s a hands-on adventure in creativity, problem-solving, and good old-fashioned fun. I found this marble run idea from the frugalfun4boys web site. […]

Tissue Paper Flowers

My youngest Nanny Kid and I are making flower crafts this summer and reading our favorite children’s books about flowers. This is a super simple arts and craft flower activity to make with kids preschool-aged and up. See how to make beautiful flowers with coffee filters, flowers out of paper plates, cupcake liner flowers, paint […]

Clothespin Dragonflies

Here’s a cute project I found on the First Pallette web site. I always include children’s books that correspond with the projects we do. I read “Are You a Dragonfly?” by Judy Allen and “Fast Facts About Dragonflies” by Garstecki-Derkovitz while doing this project. My 7-year-old Nanny Kid clipped her pretty dragonflies on her bedroom […]

Laundry Detergent Slime

For kids that like using their hands to make projects, this is such a simple slime recipe to make at home. The 7-year-olds I care for are addicted to making this slime. I never measure the glue and laundry detergent precisely but mixing the two ingredients together always works. I bought a bunch of glue […]

Itsy Bitsy Spider Characters

One of the most popular finger plays is the “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” It’s fun using props to act out the story while singing the song. I had my school-aged Nanny Kid help make the characters in the song for her younger sibling. Click here to learn how to use other finger plays with the children […]