“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 […]

Cardboard Ornaments

It couldn’t be cheaper or easier than making crafts using the cardboard in the recycling bin at work. The boys and girls I care for at my nanny job, and those I babysit, enjoyed decorating cardboard ornaments with gel markers, paint pens, and markers. You Will Need: Cardboard Scissors X-Acto Knife Paint, Gel Markers, Paint […]

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 […]

Acorn Faces

Children enjoy collecting acorns in the backyard or while on autumn hikes. Each year I have the children decorate the acorns they collect to make little faces. Be sure to read children’s books about acorns including, “Because of an Acorn,” “The Acorn Thief,” “The Oak Inside the Acorn,” and “Acorn.” You Will Need: Acorns Acrylic […]

Autumn Leaf Crowns

During a babysitting job with boys and girls aged 4- to 8-years-old I brought autumn crafts to make with the bunch of little ones. They enjoyed making these easy autumn leaf crowns. I especially loved when the little boy was dancing and singing, “I am Autumn Man,” while wearing his leaf crown. Be sure to […]

3D Autumn Tree Pointillism

In “Meet Georges Seurat,” Seurat the artist describes his unique approach to art. He describes pointillism and how to use math, logic, and lots of dots to make beautiful paintings. I had the children I care for use the idea of pointillism to make autumn leaves for 3D cardboard trees. Also be sure to read […]

Pressed Flower Cards and Stationary

My Nanny Kids enjoy making cards and stationary with pressed flowers from their backyard and neighborhood. We use this microwave flower press kit to quickly dry flowers within minutes. With the help of the microwave, we press flowers quickly and efficiently, saving us time with no need to wait for weeks to dry. The microwave […]

Borax Bouncy Balls

Science Fun Kids love science experiments and they love bouncy balls. I found this super easy science experiment that makes bouncy balls on the36thaveune.com web site. I recommend using disposable cups and plastic utensils to throw out after you are done making the balls. You Will Need: 1/2 Cup Warm Water 1 Tb Borax 1 […]