Turn November’s colorful leaves into a little learning and a lot of fun! Pair autumn-themed storytime with a hands-on craft as children transform real fall leaves and glass jars into glowing night lights. I found this idea on the Fox Farm Home web site. LIt’s a creative way to explore nature, colors, textures, fine motor […]
“There Was an Old Lady that Swallowed Some Leaves” and Fun Craft
October 17, 2026 Leave a Comment
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
October 10, 2026 Leave a Comment
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 […]
10 Best Children’s Books for Father’s Day
June 20, 2026 Leave a Comment
Children’s books make a wonderful, inexpensive Father’s Day gift because they create a special opportunity for dads and children to slow down, cuddle, and share meaningful moments together. A favorite story can become a family tradition and remind children that reading together is one of the simplest ways to build connection. Instead of a gift […]
Pinecone Bird Feeder and Winter Bird Books
January 7, 2026 1 Comment
Not all birds fly south for the winter. Read children’s books about winter birds listed below with the little ones in your care. Then, they will love making this simple bird feeder from a pine cone they find on a nature hike for the birds that have stayed in the neighborhood for the winter. You […]
“The Tree That’s Meant to Be” and Pine Cone Christmas Tree Craft
December 3, 2025 Leave a Comment
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
November 8, 2025 Leave a Comment
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 […]
“Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell and Owl Craft
April 23, 2025 Leave a Comment
“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 […]
