“There Was an Old Lady that Swallowed Some Leaves” and Fun Craft

Turn storytime into a hands-on fall activity! “There Was an Old Lady that Swallowed Some Leaves” by Lucille Colandro is a breezy, whimsical rhyme book paired with vivid illustrations making it a chaotic tribute to autumn and an absolute page-turner for children. It is an excellent book for preschool through early elementary kids to practice […]

“The Crayons Trick or Treat” by Drew Daywalt and Making Costumes for the Crayons

Last week the kids and I made costumes for the Sheepy in “Creepy Sheepy” and this week we did the same with the crayon protagonists in “The Crayons Trick or Treat” by Drew Daywalt. After reading “The Crayons Trick or Treat” with the children in your care, set up a coloring and drawing station where […]

10 Best Children’s Books for Father’s Day

Children’s books make a wonderful, inexpensive Father’s Day gift because they create a special opportunity for dads and children to slow down, cuddle, and share meaningful moments together. A favorite story can become a family tradition and remind children that reading together is one of the simplest ways to build connection. Instead of a gift […]

Building a Rainbow Garden and “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert

After reading “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert, bring the rainbow to life using colored craft sticks and matching paper flowers. Invite children to sort their flowers by color, then attach each one to the coordinating stick. It’s a hands-on way to reinforce color recognition and fine motor skills. The best part? No green thumb […]

Groundhog Day Puppets

Today is Groundhog Day. The celebration derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks. If the groundhog does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. The kids love making […]

How Mel Robbins’ “The Let Them Theory” is a Survival Guide for Nannies

Weekly Trip to the Library If you’ve ever found yourself negotiating with a toddler about a diaper change, a preschooler about giving them the wrong cup, a tween about wearing a coat in the winter, or a parent about the child’s sleep schedule, “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins might feel like it was […]

Using “Goodbye, Paci!” By Lovevery to Wean Child Off Pacifier

Weaning a toddler off their pacifier can feel like a difficult milestone! The “Goodbye, Paci!” book by Lovevery which comes with a special pacifier bag helps make the process easier. Here’s how l have used “Goodbye, Paci!” (with Pacifier Bag) to Wean a Child Off the Pacifier: 1. Read the Story Together Start reading “Goodbye, […]

Have a Teddy Bear Picnic While Reading “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” 

Pull out a blanket or towel and have the kids gather some of their teddy bears and bring them to the picnic blanket. The little ones will love doing all the activities described below while reading, “Teddy Bear Picnic.” “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” is a delightful padded board book that brings the  beloved song to life […]

“Adventure Nannies: Tales of Wonder, Wildness, and Wisdom” Compiled by Shenandoah Davis 

“Adventure Nannies: Tales of Wonder, Wildness, and Wisdom” is the quickest read I have had this summer with just 116-pages featuring first-person accounts from 10 nannies, compiled by the CEO of the nanny placement agency Adventure Nannies.  The background stories of the 10 nannies show that people of varying cultures, educational backgrounds, and previous careers […]

Outdoor Nature Sorting

Summer learning has never been so fun! Read “Hello Hello: Opposites” by Brendan Wenzel with the children In your care then sort items you find in nature into opposites outside.  “Hello Hello: Opposites” by Brendan Wenzel is a vibrant and engaging picture book that explores the concept of opposites through a wide array of animals. […]