Turn storytime into a hands-on fall activity! “There Was an Old Lady that Swallowed Some Leaves” by Lucille Colandro is a breezy, whimsical rhyme book paired with vivid illustrations making it a chaotic tribute to autumn and an absolute page-turner for children. It is an excellent book for preschool through early elementary kids to practice […]
“The Crayons Trick or Treat” by Drew Daywalt and Making Costumes for the Crayons
Last week the kids and I made costumes for the Sheepy in “Creepy Sheepy” and this week we did the same with the crayon protagonists in “The Crayons Trick or Treat” by Drew Daywalt. After reading “The Crayons Trick or Treat” with the children in your care, set up a coloring and drawing station where […]
“Creepy Sheepy” by Lucy Ruth Cummins & Make a Costume for Your Own Sheepy
Nothing tested a nanny’s patience quite like the annual Halloween costume crisis — until “Creepy Sheepy” came along. In Lucy Ruth Cummins’s hilarious “Creepy Sheepy,” the wooly protagonist is determined not to follow the herd. While every other sheep in the pasture decides to dress up as a classic, generic ghost, Sheepy wants a look […]
Groundhog Day Puppets
Today is Groundhog Day. The celebration derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. The kids love making […]
Using “Goodbye, Paci!” By Lovevery to Wean Child Off Pacifier
Weaning a toddler off their pacifier can feel like a difficult milestone! The “Goodbye, Paci!” book by Lovevery which comes with a special pacifier bag helps make the process easier. Here’s how l have used “Goodbye, Paci!” (with Pacifier Bag) to Wean a Child Off the Pacifier: 1. Read the Story Together Start reading “Goodbye, […]
Outdoor Nature Sorting
Summer learning has never been so fun! Read “Hello Hello: Opposites” by Brendan Wenzel with the children In your care then sort items you find in nature into opposites outside. “Hello Hello: Opposites” by Brendan Wenzel is a vibrant and engaging picture book that explores the concept of opposites through a wide array of animals. […]
“Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell and Owl Craft
“Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell is a reassuring and stunningly illustrated book that tackles the subject of separation anxiety that all children experience. For example, parents will go to work while their nanny cares for them. When three baby owls awake one night to find their mother is gone, they can’t help but wonder where […]
“The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” and Lamb Craft
To prepare for Easter, read “The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” by Kellie Hurley with the children in your care and make a doily lamb craft. “The Little Lamb’s Easter Miracle” is a children’s picture book by Kellie Hurley, aimed at children aged 2 to 6. Through the perspective of a curious lamb, the story introduces […]