“The Tree That’s Meant to Be” and Pine Cone Christmas Tree Craft 

In “The Tree That’s Meant to Be” by Yuval Zommer, a small, crooked fir tree is left all alone after the others near it in the forest are chosen by families as Christmas to bring home.  But when the forest animals gather around the lonely little tree to cheer it up and celebrate the season, […]

Make Bread with Children While Reading, “Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story” by Pat Zietlow Miller

To help prepare for Thanksgiving read, “Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story” by Pat Zietlow Miller and then extend the story’s themes of teamwork and gratitude through a fun, sensory activity of baking bread that encourages cooperation, fine motor skills, and patience with the children in your care. “Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving […]

Have a Teddy Bear Picnic While Reading “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” 

Pull out a blanket or towel and have the kids gather some of their teddy bears and bring them to the picnic blanket. The little ones will love doing all the activities described below while reading, “Teddy Bear Picnic.” “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” is a delightful padded board book that brings the  beloved song to life […]

“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 […]

“Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons” and Craft 

After reading, “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons” by James Dean make a simple button craft with the toddlers and preschoolers in your care.  Pete the Cat puts on his favorite shirt, which has four colorful buttons. He loves the buttons so much that he sings a simple song about them: “My buttons, […]

Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Kids love baking for many reasons, including the sense of achievement, the fun of creating something, and the opportunity to bond with their caregiver. Baking can also help kids develop math skills and learn about measurements. Be sure to allow the children to help with every part of making cookies from collecting the ingredients, measuring, mixing, […]

“Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson and Paper Plate Bear Crafts

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

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 […]

“Whispers of the Snake” and Split Pin Snake 

It is the start of Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) and it is the year of the snake. Read “Whispers of the Snake: A Chinese New Year Book: A Story for Kids to Celebrate the Year of the Snake and Learn about Chinese Traditions” by Chloe E. Gore and then help the children […]