Some of the best nanny activities begin with a favorite story! “You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie” by Nicola Edwards is a sweet, autumn-themed board book filled with adorable illustrations and loving sentiments perfect for sharing with the youngest children in your care. It celebrates the loving bond between a caregiver and a little one through […]
“There Was an Old Lady that Swallowed Some Leaves” and Fun Craft
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 […]
“Nanny in a Book” by Louise Heren
As a nanny, I love resources that combine practical advice with real-world experience, and “Nanny in a Book” delivers exactly that. Drawing on the trusted methods of the renowned Norland Nannies, Louise Heren offers straightforward guidance on everything from sleep routines and potty training to behavior, manners, and everyday childcare challenges. What makes “Nanny in […]
10 Best Children’s Books for Father’s Day
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 […]
Building a Rainbow Garden and “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert
After reading “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert, bring the rainbow to life using colored craft sticks and matching paper flowers. Invite children to sort their flowers by color, then attach each one to the coordinating stick. It’s a hands-on way to reinforce color recognition and fine motor skills. The best part? No green thumb […]
Dried Flower Valentine’s Sun Catcher
Over the summer a child I care for and I used a microwave flower press to dry flowers quickly and efficiently to make crafts during the year. This week we used some of the pink and red flowers to make a heart-shaped sun catcher as a Valentine’s craft. You Will Need: Small FlowersMicrowave Flower PressConstruction […]
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 […]