It’s finally spring in my neck of the woods and the children I care for have enjoyed finding the new blossoms of yellow forsythia, pink cherry trees, and white apricot trees in the neighborhood. After reading, “Spring is Here” by Heidi Pross Gray help the children in your care make their own spring blossoms with […]
“Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson and Paper Plate Bear Crafts
February 26, 2025 Leave a Comment
The end of February and March, when it’s still cold but the days are getting longer as Spring approaches, is the perfect time to discuss animals coming out of hibernation with children. Start the conversation by reading the board book, “Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman and then make these […]
“Duck and Goose” by Tad Hills and Sensory Bin
February 19, 2025 Leave a Comment
Parents love when nannies incorporate activities that correspond with their children’s favorite books. “Duck and Goose” by Tad Hills is a great board book series to share with toddlers. I made a sensory bin for the toddler in my care to play with while reading her favorite books “Duck and Goose” to her. In this first […]
“Too Many Pumpkins” by Linda White and Craft
October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment
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 […]
Origami Butterflies
August 28, 2024 1 Comment
A girl I babysit on the weekends loved making these origami butterflies I found for free on the itsalwaysautumn web site. I simply printed the two templates and allowed her to color them in with her favorite markers. The instructions on how to fold the butterflies is available on the itsalwaysautumn web site. You Will […]
“Coyotes All Around” to Teach Rounding Numbers and Coyote Craft
July 31, 2024 Leave a Comment
“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
June 19, 2024 Leave a Comment
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 […]
“The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” and Make a Fire Breathing Dragon
February 7, 2024 1 Comment
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
January 31, 2024 Leave a Comment
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
January 24, 2024 Leave a Comment
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 […]
