I love the book “My Book of Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg. One part of social emotional development is the ability to “go with the flow.” Allowing ourselves to make mistakes and to adjust is a key part of maturity and a personality trait that can be difficult to teach unless given examples and practice. […]
“Coyotes All Around” to Teach Rounding Numbers and Coyote Craft

“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
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 […]
“Grandma’s Purse” by Vanessa Brantley Newton and Quilted Purse Craft

This is an adorable project to do as a literary connection to the picture book “Grandma’s Purse” by Vanessa Brantley Newton. In the book, when Mimi’s Grandmother comes to visit she always brings warm hugs, sweet treats, and her purse. Mimi never knows what her Grandmother have in there — fancy jewelry, tokens from around […]
“The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” and Make a Fire Breathing Dragon

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

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

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 […]
Make a Sled after Reading “Snow Day!” By Lester L. Laminack

Going to the library with children weekly is fun. The parents you work for and the children you care for will love doing crafts projects that correspond to the children’s books you borrow from the library. After reading “Snow Day!” by Lester L. Laminack make a sled out of craft sticks with the kids. In […]
