Easy Homemade Dreidel 

Children of any faith love playing the traditional game played during Hanukkah called dreidel. You don’t have to buy a dreidel to play the game. See how I made these simple dreidels with cardboard and pencils that my Nanny Family already had in their home.  Be sure to read these children’s books about dreidels before […]

“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 […]

Scissor Skills Autumn Tree 

It’s Autumn in my neck of the woods, making it a great time to read children’s books about autumn and the changing colors of the leaves with the little ones in my care. I also had the kids practice their scissors skills while making autumn trees out of construction paper. I recommend reading children’s books […]

“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 […]

“My Book of Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg and Activities 

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. […]

5 Children’s Books to Help with Separation Anxiety 

In over 30 years working as a nanny I have known many children that suffer from separation anxiety. It’s a common form of anxiety and worry can happen with children of all ages.  But, separation anxiety disorder is when a child becomes excessively anxious when separated from parents. Separation anxiety differs from normal clinginess. Children […]

“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 […]

Chalk and Pastel Fourth of July Fireworks

I had planned to just use red, white, and blue sidewalk chalk to have the kids make Fourth of July fireworks on black paper while reading, “The Night Before the Fourth of July” by Amy Wummer, “Fireworks and Freedom” by Educational Parade, and “Fireworks” by Lori Haskins Houran. But I allowed them to let their […]

Patriotic Paper Plate Purses

After reading “The Fourth of July Story” by Alice Dalgliesh, “Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols” by James Cross Giblin, and “Apple Pie Fourth of July” by Janet S. Wong I helped my Nanny Kids make these patriotic paper plate purses to prepare for the Fourth of July. You […]

9 Best Children’s Books for Father’s Day Gifts

Children’s books make great, inexpensive Father’s Day gifts because they offer a unique opportunity for bonding between fathers and their children. Children’s books share heartfelt messages about love, family, and life lessons, making them a meaningful way for children to express their appreciation for their dads. These children’s books make great Father’s Day gifts that […]