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
September 7, 2024 1 Comment
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 […]
Origami Butterflies
August 28, 2024 1 Comment
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
July 31, 2024 Leave a Comment
“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 […]
“Grandma’s Purse” by Vanessa Brantley Newton and Quilted Purse Craft
May 15, 2024 Leave a Comment
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 […]
“The Chinese New Year Dragon Nian” and Make a Fire Breathing Dragon
February 7, 2024 1 Comment
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 […]
“Winter Trees” by Carole Gerber and Bubble Wrap Painting
January 24, 2024 Leave a Comment
Have the kids paint with bubble wrap to make a snow covered tree after reading “Winter Trees” by Carole Gerber. In “Winter Trees” a boy and his dog stroll through the winter forest discovering seven different types of trees. This book is a fun early introduction to tree identification and a great way to encourage […]
“Elmer the Elephant” by David McKee and Craft
November 2, 2022 Leave a Comment
Children love the Elmer the patchwork elephant book series by David McKee. I love the Mini Mad Things blog. After reading “Elmer’s Colors,” “Elmer and Butterfly,” “Elmer and the Rainbow,” and “Elmer’s Special Day,” by David McKee I let the child in my care use paint and pastels to decorate a cardboard Elmer. It might […]
“A Fish Out of Water” and Craft
September 14, 2022 Leave a Comment
In “A Fish Out of Water” by Helen Palmer a young boy hilariously learns the consequences of not following instructions when he feeds too much to his goldfish. Overfeeding the goldfish causes it to grow as big as a whale. With delightfully retro illustrations by P.D. Eastman this book shows that getting a pet is […]
“A Pet for Pete” by James Dean and Paper Plate Craft
August 10, 2022 Leave a Comment
Pete the Cat can’t wait to get a new pet! He gets a goldfish he names Goldie. Pete paints a cool painting of Goldie and now everyone wants a piece of it! But Pete doesn’t have enough time to make one for everyone. Will Pete find a way to have fun painting Goldie and have […]
