Compound Caterpillars

Creative Wednesdays It is fun making Compound Caterpillars with the kids. Explain that a compound word is two separate words that are combined to make one word. Take turns naming compound words. Write the words on a chart. Then create Compound Caterpillars as we did below. You Will Need: Construction Paper Markers Circle to Trace […]

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Fun Fraction Games

Creative Wednesdays Fractions are everywhere. Next time you see a sale price (such as 1/3 off), or tell the time (“It’s a quarter after 9”), use measuring cups in a recipe (such as 1/2 cup), or read a road sign (exit is 1/4 mile ahead), be sure to point out, “There’s another fraction!” Playing card […]

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SipSnaps: Make Any Cup a Sippy Cup

Products Nannies Love SipSnaps is a simple, spill-proof, kid’s drinking lid that fits any cup, anytime, anywhere. SipSnap Tot turns even your most sophisticated tumbler into a sippy cup. The safe silicone topper can be stretched over any cup, no matter what material, no matter where you are. I love that they can be used […]

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Fun with Clouds

Making a Condensation Chamber Children love to gaze at the changing shapes of clouds and watch them go by overhead. But, do the youngsters you care for know how clouds are formed? Teach them with these two super easy activities: You Will Need: Mirror Water Two clear plastic cups What to Do: 1. Have them […]

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My Plate: Nutritional Portion Plates

Products Nannies Love Want to help teach kids how to eat proper portions of healthy food? Forget the confusing food pyramids of the past. Try using this easy visual aid promoted by the first lady of the United States. MyPlate for Kids Nutrition Plate helps nannies, parents, and children visualize what they should have on a plate […]

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Foam Beehive: Bubble Science

Creative Wednesdays All children love bubbles. They will all love this bubble science experiment. When bubbles connect to one another, they create a shape with minimal surface area. If three bubbles unite, they arrange themselves into a 120 degree angle from one another to create a perfect hexagonal shape — exactly like a beehive. Bees […]

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Weaving Loop Bracelets, Headbands and Pot Holders

Creative Wednesdays One of the easiest bracelets for kids to make only requires fabric loops and fingers — no special tools. Once kids feel confident weaving bracelets and headbands on their fingers they can move to a weaving loom to make pot holders and more. Here’s what to do: Will Need: Fabric Loops Weaving Loom […]

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The Nanny Time Bomb by Jacalyn S. Burke

Weekly Trip to the Library I am ashamed to admit I was hesitant to read The Nanny Time Bomb: Navigating the Crisis in Child Care simply because I thought the title sounded aggressive and negative. I regret having waited so long. Author Jacalyn S. Burke is a terrific writer who understands the nanny industry in America […]

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When the Workplace is a Home

Respecting Professional Boundaries for Nannies and Parents Nannies are in a unique position because their workplace is their employer’s home. This often creates a difficult balancing act for both nannies and families. Both parties must keep in mind that while families like to relax when at home, nannies are working in the home. Nannies shouldn’t […]

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Summer Reading Reward Coupons

Good Behavior Reward Coupons Summer is here and the perfect time to create a reading program for your charges. You should create a specific reading chart and a reward system to encourage each individual child to enjoy reading while off from school. I simply googled reading charts online to find a reading chart each of […]

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