I mentioned yesterday that I am not one for spooky Halloween things. But I do LOVE Halloween. I mean, just seeing those tiny little people smiling ear to ear and dressed up in the cutest little outfits is enough to make my day. I have one little one who is still (sort of) okay with…
Stump and Nails Geoboard
I am always, always cold. I also hardly ever, ever wear socks. The combination of these two competing forces means that come winter we best have a lot of firewood. The conversation about how much firewood we should have always goes something like this: “I think 6 cords really would be enough. The neighbours have…
Turn the Water Table into an Inventor’s Bin
Happy Friday! This week has gone by in the blink of an eye. It was very good, lots of fun and learning and time out and about with friends – just very fast. I hope you had a lovely week as well. I wanted to share an idea with you that has been a humongous…
A Painter’s Tape Road (again)
Guess what? I just published my 500th post. 500 posts about playful ways to get those little ones learning – and a few about my chickens. Turns out I have a lot to say – but there are some ideas that simply keep reappearing again and again in this space. Quiet Bins, obviously, but also…
Wrapping It Up
Turns out all 3 of my little ones are gift givers. And with a big birthday only 18 days away, the crafts are turning into birthday surprises. While I cannot believe my baby is going to be 4, I can believe that we are counting down already. I have mentioned before that birthdays are big…
A Pretty Pebble Alphabet
My sister recommended a book to me and it was all about simplifying your life. The main point of the book, which I have heard time and time again, was to only keep things you know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. Contains affiliate links, thank you Well, that book has resulted in…
DIY Wooden Building Blocks
Today I am bringing you a fabulous DIY. Well, actually it’s not me who’s bringing it so to speak, but it is completely fabulous. A friend of mine made me these incredible DIY building blocks and today she is bringing us all the tutorial. This means in no time at all we will all be…
DIY Puppets
Puppets! Goodness, I had forgotten about puppets! With our most recent quiet bin (the puppet making one below) I have been reminded of the important role puppets can play in children’s play. Letting little ones create their own characters is a fabulous means to helping them immerse themselves in the beautiful land of make believe….
A Puppet-Making Quiet Bin
A Quiet Bin idea on Friday. (To add to the ideas in my book A Year of Educational Quiet Bins) Here is the newest Quiet Bin we have added to the rotation this week. And it is a really big hit. Some popsicle sticks, pipecleaners cut in half, a few beads, and a pencil. Oh…
Crafts, Lotions, and Potions That Will Have You Running for Beeswax
I did something over the weekend that I thought I would never do again. I made soap. Sounds simple, but goodness that Lye makes me nervous. But I did it. I conquered my fear, I tried it again, and guess what? The second time was not nearly as bad. Only moderately terrifying. Perhaps next time…
