“Whispers of the Snake” and Split Pin Snake 

It is the start of Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) and it is the year of the snake. Read “Whispers of the Snake: A Chinese New Year Book: A Story for Kids to Celebrate the Year of the Snake and Learn about Chinese Traditions” by Chloe E. Gore and then help the children […]

“Snowflake in My Pocket” and Making Paper Snowflakes 

Making paper snowflakes is fun at any age — from elementary school to adult. Read “Snowflake in My Pocket” by Rachel Bright and make paper snowflakes with the children in your care. I found plenty of free templates to print and use at madeinapinch.com, superstarworksheets.com, and thebestideasforkids.com.  “Snowflake in My Pocket” by Rachel Bright  is […]

“Martin Luther King the Peaceful Warrior” and Peace Sun Catcher  

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 […]

“Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille” by Jen Bryant 

Since January 4th is World Braille Day it’s the perfect time to read, “Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille” by Jen Bryant to the children in your care.  “Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille,” is the story of the inventor of the touch alphabet.   Louis Braille was just five years old […]

“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 […]

“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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

“The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” and Make a Fire Breathing Dragon

This is the year of the dragon for Chinese New Year, making it the perfect time to read “The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” by Virginia Loh-Hagan and make a fire breathing dragon with the kids. “The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” explains why people light firecrackers, wear red, and give food offerings to celebrate […]