To prepare for Martin Luther King Jr. Day read children’s books about the civil rights leader and make a peace sun catcher to recognize Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. In “Martin Luther King the Peaceful Warrior” by Ed Clayton readers follow the inspiring life of Martin Luther King Jr. in a moving, vital, and informative […]
“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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
Origami Butterflies
A girl I babysit on the weekends loved making these origami butterflies I found for free on the itsalwaysautumn web site. I simply printed the two templates and allowed her to color them in with her favorite markers. The instructions on how to fold the butterflies is available on the itsalwaysautumn web site. You Will […]
“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 […]
Action Water Painting with Kids
Jackson Pollock was a modern, abstract artist that painted the way he felt by dripping, pouring, and splattering paint all over large canvases on the floor using sticks and dowels. He showed an abstract expression of his feelings through his art. Some people called them drip paintings. Some called them action paintings. I read the […]
“Grandma’s Purse” by Vanessa Brantley Newton and Quilted Purse Craft

This is an adorable project to do as a literary connection to the picture book “Grandma’s Purse” by Vanessa Brantley Newton. In the book, when Mimi’s Grandmother comes to visit she always brings warm hugs, sweet treats, and her purse. Mimi never knows what her Grandmother have in there — fancy jewelry, tokens from around […]