Favorite Train Tables

Train tables and train sets provide hours of open ended fun for children of all ages. Playing with trains helps children build fine motor skills, problem-solve, and foster their creativity. When choosing a train set and train table first consider the manufacturer’s age recommendation. Next, consider the size of the train table for the space […]

Marbling Paint Kit

One of my Nanny Kids absolutely adores using this Marbling Paint Kit by the Jar Melo Store. She got this crafts kit for her birthday. She made these six marbled papers this week and cannot wait to do more next week. This Marbling Painting Kit for kids comes in a beautiful gift box and makes […]

Does it Fit?

Here’s a simple, yet fun activity to do with toddlers. Use different sized sensory balls and assorted stacking boxes and let the child explore. Let them help you solve the problem of not being able to put a large ball into a small box. You Will Need: Sensory BallsStacking Boxes What to Do: 1. Gather […]

Matching Colors in Nature

Using a self-adhesive laminating sheet and cardboard I made this color matching game for my Nanny Kid to take on a nature hike. I had her walk around her yard and neighborhood to see if she could find petals of similar colors on the matching board. You Will Need: Cardboard Scissor and Xacto Knife Self-Adhesive […]

Origami and Origami Puppets

Origami is the ultimate boredom buster that can be done anytime and anywhere. Japanese paper folding (origami) has been an art form for many centuries. In Japan folding paper is an important skill for children to learn just like learning to use scissors and learning to write letters. Little kids love when I make them […]

Spin Art T-Shirt

By Stacie Gebeke I love getting fun ideas to do with my Nanny Kids from other nannies. Stacie Gebeke is a stellar nanny with 33 years experience who often inspires me with the STEAM activities she shares on social media, (see her biography below). Here is how Stacie made a spin art t-shirt. You Will […]

Paper Plate Marble Run

Who knew a few paper plates and cardboard rolls could unlock hours of giggles and genius? Building a marble run with everyday items isn’t just a rainy-day lifesaver and summer STEAM activity — it’s a hands-on adventure in creativity, problem-solving, and good old-fashioned fun. I found this marble run idea from the frugalfun4boys web site. […]

July 4th Paper Plate Hats

Uncoated white paper plates can be used in so many inexpensive crafts with kids. For the Fourth of July I used paper plates to make silly hats for the kids to wear for the federal holiday. You can purchase the supplies needed for these projects by tapping the links below or by visiting my Amazon […]

Paper Plate Flowers

Uncoated white paper plates can be used in many easy, inexpensive crafts with kids. Making flowers with paper plates is fun for children of all skill levels and any age group. Be sure to read these great children’s books about flowers while the kids make flowers out of paper plates. You can purchase the supplies […]

Clothespin Dragonflies

Here’s a cute project I found on the First Pallette web site. I always include children’s books that correspond with the projects we do. I read “Are You a Dragonfly?” by Judy Allen and “Fast Facts About Dragonflies” by Garstecki-Derkovitz while doing this project. My 7-year-old Nanny Kid clipped her pretty dragonflies on her bedroom […]