Pressed Flower Cards and Stationary

My Nanny Kids enjoy making cards and stationary with pressed flowers from their backyard and neighborhood. We use this microwave flower press kit to quickly dry flowers within minutes. With the help of the microwave, we press flowers quickly and efficiently, saving us time with no need to wait for weeks to dry. The microwave […]

Borax Bouncy Balls

Science Fun Kids love science experiments and they love bouncy balls. I found this super easy science experiment that makes bouncy balls on the36thaveune.com web site. I recommend using disposable cups and plastic utensils to throw out after you are done making the balls. You Will Need: 1/2 Cup Warm Water 1 Tb Borax 1 […]

Does it Fit?

Here’s a simple, yet fun activity to do with toddlers. Use different sized sensory balls and assorted stacking boxes and let the child explore. Let them help you solve the problem of not being able to put a large ball into a small box. You Will Need: Sensory BallsStacking Boxes What to Do: 1. Gather […]

Rainbow Lacing Cards

I always try to bring new projects to do with kids when babysitting or working as a nanny. Knowing everyone loves rainbows, I made two different rainbow lacing cards for differently skilled, (one younger and one older), children. I also include children’s books with the projects I do with children to encourage their love of […]

Matching Colors in Nature

Using a self-adhesive laminating sheet and cardboard I made this color matching game for my Nanny Kid to take on a nature hike. I had her walk around her yard and neighborhood to see if she could find petals of similar colors on the matching board. You Will Need: Cardboard Scissor and Xacto Knife Self-Adhesive […]

Origami and Origami Puppets

Origami is the ultimate boredom buster that can be done anytime and anywhere. Japanese paper folding (origami) has been an art form for many centuries. In Japan folding paper is an important skill for children to learn just like learning to use scissors and learning to write letters. Little kids love when I make them […]

Jellyfish Craft and “Bloom” by Julia Seal

“Bloom” by Julia Seal of a beautiful book that has a great message for children about climate change and pollution. The illustrations in “Bloom” are so stunning they inspire little ones to make their own craft jellyfish. Before reading this book I didn’t know that a group of jellyfish is called a bloom and that […]

Summer Mosaics

While at the beach with the Nanny Kids this summer their favorite activity was going whale watching! So I got the 8-year-old supplies from Amazon to make her own mosaic whale. You can use self-adhesive mosaic tiles but we thought the transparent mosaic tiles we used with glue were prettier. She is displaying this as […]

Spin Art T-Shirt

By Stacie Gebeke I love getting fun ideas to do with my Nanny Kids from other nannies. Stacie Gebeke is a stellar nanny with 33 years experience who often inspires me with the STEAM activities she shares on social media, (see her biography below). Here is how Stacie made a spin art t-shirt. You Will […]

Paper Plate Marble Run

Who knew a few paper plates and cardboard rolls could unlock hours of giggles and genius? Building a marble run with everyday items isn’t just a rainy-day lifesaver and summer STEAM activity — it’s a hands-on adventure in creativity, problem-solving, and good old-fashioned fun. I found this marble run idea from the frugalfun4boys web site. […]