“The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” and Make a Fire Breathing Dragon

This is the year of the dragon for Chinese New Year, making it the perfect time to read “The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” by Virginia Loh-Hagan and make a fire breathing dragon with the kids. “The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” explains why people light firecrackers, wear red, and give food offerings to celebrate […]

“The Day it Rained Hearts” and Raining Hearts Craft

After reading “The Day it Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond to children make a craft with raining hearts. In “The Day it Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond it rains hearts, and the main character, Cornelia Augusta, catches the raining hearts. Cornelia decided the hearts would be perfect to make Valentines for her friends. She began […]

“Winter Trees” by Carole Gerber and Bubble Wrap Painting

Have the kids paint with bubble wrap to make a snow covered tree after reading “Winter Trees” by Carole Gerber. In “Winter Trees” a boy and his dog stroll through the winter forest discovering seven different types of trees. This book is a fun early introduction to tree identification and a great way to encourage […]

“Winter Dance” by Marion Dane Bauer and Coloring Page

“Winter Dance” by Marion Dane Bauer is a fun winter book about a fox trying to figure out what to do when winter comes. Snow is coming, and it’s time to get ready! The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soar south, and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. But what should the […]

3-D Winter Coloring Pages

I printed out these 3-D winter coloring pages from the krokotak web site and the kids loved decorating them with markers and crayons. The templates show how to make the drawings 3-D by folding the paper and attaching the paper flaps with white glue or a glue stick. You Will Need: Templates from Krokotak Printer […]

Make a Sled after Reading “Snow Day!” By Lester L. Laminack

Going to the library with children weekly is fun. The parents you work for and the children you care for will love doing crafts projects that correspond to the children’s books you borrow from the library. After reading “Snow Day!” by Lester L. Laminack make a sled out of craft sticks with the kids. In […]

New Year’s Eve Hats

I found these 2024 New Year’s Hats on The Craft Train and Artsy Farts Mama web sites. These free printable 2024 Happy New Year party hats are super quick and easy to create. I may make a small profit when you buy supplies for this project from the links below. You Will Need: Card Stock […]

Melted Candy Ornaments

Despite working as a nanny for 30 years I can always find a new way to make Christmas ornaments each year. I found this super easy melted candy ornament idea on the frugalmomeh web site. Our ornaments turned out beautiful looking like stained glass. You Will Need: Hard CandiesCookie CuttersParchment PaperBaking SheetsToothpicksRibbon or Ornament Hangers […]

Cardboard Winter Wonderland

For last few years I have been cutting out 3-D crafts for the children in my care from cardboard found in their recycling bins. I found this amazing winter wonderland idea from the Mr Printables web site. Although the child who decorated this project only wanted to decorate the trees with green paint, one star […]

Christmas Sun Catchers

These sun catchers make beautiful Christmas decorations made by children of nearly any age. I found this fun Christmas craft on Fun365 web site. They provide free printables that I used but you can use any simple silhouette pattern you wish. I find it easier to use high quality self-adhesive laminating sheets than contact paper. […]