Cardboard Roll Butterflies

I found this easy project on the patchwork parent blog. For little kids I recommend putting primary colored paint close to each other on a paper plate so they can play with mixing the primary colors to make secondary colors when making these butterflies. Older children can decorate the tubes with paint and markers in […]

Sea Shell Necklaces

All children love hunting for beautiful sea shells along the beach. Here is an easy way to save the children’s favorite sea shells they gathered at the shore this summer. Click here to see some other projects I have made with children with their sea shells collections. Be sure to read our favorite children’s books […]

“Are You a Bee?” and Honeybee Bubblewrap Painting

Lesson Plans Many people are afraid of bees but honey bees are incredible. Are You a Bee? by Judy Allen with illustrations by Tudor Humphries shows that — from the perspective of a honeybee — the backyard is a busy place. A young bee faces many challenges as it takes its place in the hive. […]

I’m Nuts About You Dad

Father’s Day Gift I love helping my Nanny Kids make Father’s Day Gifts for their Dad and Grandfathers. I don’t have to spend a dime to help the children make a card or gift to celebrate their father. I found these free labels at tarywhiteaker.com. Here’s how to make this simple tribute for your Dad […]

Patriotic Stars

I found this patriotic craft idea from happinessishomemade blog. It’s a super easy way for the kids to decorate for a day off from school on Memorial Day this upcoming Monday. My Nanny Kids loved decorating the front of the crafts stick stars with glitter glue pens. You can purchase the supplies for this project […]

Scissor Skills and Practicing Cutting

Creative Wednesdays It’s easy to make cutting worksheets on your own for your nanny kids. The photo shows some cutting strips I made myself. I simply drew lines, dashes, and dots on colorful paper with a permanent marker to draw lines where the kids should cut the paper. But if you prefer to print out […]

Hanging Seasonal Trees

Creative Wednesdays It is spring here in the NorthEast and the trees are changing. Discuss how the trees look different in the changing seasons with the children in your care. The bare trees of winter are currently changing to have buds in the spring, which will grow leaves and fruit in the summer. As the […]

Read “Waiting for Wings” and Make Coffee Filter Butterflies

Creative Wednesdays The little ones I care for absolutely love making butterflies out of coffee filters. It’s one of the best boredom busters ever as they want to do this over and over for hours of fun. Plus, it is fascinating to learn how a worm-like caterpillar turn into a delicate creature with wings reading […]

Cardboard Tube Shape Matching

Creative Wednesdays I save toilet paper and paper towel cardboard tubes to make free, quick, and easy projects for my Nanny Kids. This is an easy activity to let older siblings help make for their younger siblings. The shapes pictured might not look perfect because my Nanny Kid’s brother enjoyed drawing the shapes for his […]

Heart Garland

Creative Wednesdays Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 as a celebration of romantic love. You can help the little ones left in your care make simple cards, write letters, or make inexpensive presents to give to their family and friends. Here is a simple decoration to make with your Nanny Kids to decorate their […]