“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 […]

“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 […]

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 […]

Thankful Wreath

Each year I have my Nanny Kids make a Thankful Wreath to show what they are grateful for as Thanksgiving approaches. Teaching children to be thankful, generous, and kind is a lifelong process, and one that involves many friends and family to help develop. Hang the wreath to proudly display what the child is grateful […]

Turkey Headbands 

This is a quick and easy craft project to do with the kids of any age to prepare for Thanksgiving. I found one turkey headband template for free and another on Amazon and allowed the children in my care to decorate them as they wished.  You Will Need: Heavyweight Paper Turkey Headband Template  Printer Scissors […]

Leaf Scavenger Hunt

The children are delighted as the leaves are changing colors.  This is an easy printable leaf scavenger hunt I found on the thebestideasforkids web site that children can use during a nature walk. Just print and bring this scavenger hunt with you on your next outdoor adventure! You Will Need: Leaf Scavenger Hunt Template PrinterPrinter Paper MarkerSelf-Adhesive Laminating […]

Halloween Punch Board

This is a fun game for a Halloween party. It’s an idea inspired by the Punch a Bunch game on Price is Right. The children will be excited to see what they get after punch through the tissue paper to get a prize on the cup. You Will Need:  Foam Board or Cardboard Small Halloween PrizesPlastic […]

3-D Cardboard Haunted Houses

I found this cute 3-D cardboard haunted house idea from Studio Rosie Creations. Studio Rosie has an Etsy shop to buy the digital template for the house for merely $2. But I helped my Nanny Kids cut out their own houses from cardboard found in their recycling bin to make their own haunted houses. I […]

Frankenstein Sun Catcher

This is an easy Frankenstein Sun Catcher to make with the kids. Click here to see how to make Jack-o-Lanterns and Ghost Sun Catchers as well. I prefer using self-adhesive laminating sheets rather than contact paper, which is more flimsy, to make this adorable Halloween sun catcher.  You Will Need: Black Construction Paper Green Tissue […]