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. […]
[Continue reading...]One Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
This recipe is called ice cream but it’s really healthy and just has one ingredient of frozen bananas. Just freeze overripe bananas and blend them in a food processor or blender and serve the kids banana ice cream. It’s an incredibly refreshing snack children love. You Will Need: 4 Over Ripe Bananas Freezer Zip Bag Food […]
[Continue reading...]Tulip® Tie-Dye Shirts
Kids love tie-dying shirts each summer. I used the Tulip® Block Party One-Step Tie-Dye® Kit with the kids to make these shirts. Stocked with 8 must-have shades of One-Step Dye (128 ounces) in a bright rainbow palette: 8 (16-oz.) XL dye bottles (yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, turquoise, and green), plus gloves, rubber bands, […]
[Continue reading...]Berry Yogurt Smoothie
This is a refreshing snack on a hot day for kids. I simply use Greek yogurt and frozen berries to make this easy, high protein snack for kids. Use any yogurt and frozen fruit the kids like. You Will Need: 2 Cups Vanilla Greek Yogurt2 Cups Frozen BerriesSplash of Milk (optional) What to Do: 1. […]
[Continue reading...]Animal Clothespin Puppets
Here’s a quick and easy project to make with the kids in your care. Simply print the animal templates onto heavyweight paper and cut them out. Attach the top and bottom of the heads to clothespins to make puppets that can open their mouths. You Will Need: Puppet TemplatesPrinterHeavyweight PaperScissorClothespinsHot Glue What to Do: 1. […]
[Continue reading...]Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Wontons
Baked Cream Cheese Rangoons are a fun and tasty appetizer found in Chinese and Asian restaurants everywhere. You can bake them easily at home. Be sure to let the children help wrap their own crispy baked cream cheese wontons I found on the Real Plans App. Don’t forget to dip these wontons in the sweet […]
[Continue reading...]“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 […]
[Continue reading...]Sheet Pan Chicken with Tomatoes and Pancetta

This is a sheet pan dinner from the Today show that my Nanny Family has asked me to make several times. I just marinaded the chicken thighs in the morning and it is easy to make after school as the main dish for dinner. I often make the recipe with bone in chicken thighs with […]
[Continue reading...]Painting Sea Shells
I allow children in my care to collect a few shells every summer at the beach and take them home to paint them. If you can’t visit the beach you can buy shells online. Older children can also use pencils and Sharpie markers to help decorate sea shells. Kids can make pendants and hair clips […]
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