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 […]

“Martin Luther King the Peaceful Warrior” and Peace Sun Catcher  

To prepare for Martin Luther King Jr. Day read children’s books about the civil rights leader and make a peace sun catcher to recognize Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.  In “Martin Luther King the Peaceful Warrior” by Ed Clayton readers follow the inspiring life of Martin Luther King Jr. in a moving, vital, and informative […]

“The Three Little Pigs” Story and DIY Puppets 

My Nanny Kids love puppets and puppet shows. Puppetry is a great way to promote story telling and to foster language, imagination, communication, and more.  Using construction paper, white and pink paper plates, jumbo or extra large craft sticks, crayons, markers, glue sticks, and hot glue, I made a few quick puppets for the story […]

“Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille” by Jen Bryant 

Since January 4th is World Braille Day it’s the perfect time to read, “Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille” by Jen Bryant to the children in your care.  “Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille,” is the story of the inventor of the touch alphabet.   Louis Braille was just five years old […]

“Too Many Pumpkins” by Linda White and Craft

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 […]

“Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn” by Kenard Pak

Weekly Trip to the Library I absolutely love the changing seasons from summer into fall. “Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn” by Kenard Pak captures all the delights of the changing seasons perfectly.  In “Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn” we join a young girl on her walk from her house, through the woods and country, and into her […]

Origami Butterflies

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 […]