Halloween! It will be here before I know it. Costumes have been decided (well, one for sure, and the second keeps changing between a hockey player or a baseball player—my money is on a combo of the two). Crafts have already begun, and this year, we will be hosting a Halloween party—which means… Halloween Games…
Sewing a Fall Leaf Crown
Ready or not, here comes Autumn! At least on our farm. The fall leaves are plentiful now, and so is the crisp, cool air. I really do love the fall, even though I know it is a prelude to our very chilly, very long winter. But I try not to think about that. Really try. …
Science Experiment: Why Do Leaves Change Color?
Science experiments for kids are big in our home. My kids love them—and so do I. While teaching Kindergarten, I made science experiments a priority. Kids are so naturally curious about the world around them, and science experiments bring this learning fully to life! This is my ABSOLUTE favorite science experiment of all time—oh yes,…
42 Splendidly Creative Homemade Musical Instruments
Do you know what is perfect for a rainy day? A playdate? Any sick day? Or a just-about-an-anything day? Homemade musical instruments! If you’re not sure what to do with those little ones, making a homemade musical instrument band is the answer! There is so much fun to be had and amazing memories to be…
Gross Motor Alphabet Games for Kids
These little ones of mine love to learn on the move! They like to touch things, reach and stretch, run and jump, and use all of those great big muscles they are forming. And guess what? Using gross motor alphabet games is a fabulous way to really retain that letter learning. In fact, How Wee…
Pre-Writing Skills: What is Form Drawing?
Have you ever tried form drawing with your little ones? Or perhaps you are brand-new to the term and stumbled across it while searching for pre-writing skills and activities for children. If that’s the case, let me introduce you! Essentially, form drawing is the freehand drawing of repetitive lines and curves. Sounds simple enough, right?…
Porcupine Woodworking Craft
Crafts that involve wood, hammer, and nails are always (always) a hit around here. So I am always on the lookout for a fun and creative woodworking craft for my kids. I was browsing through Pinterest when I saw these cute woodworking hedgehogs by Vszell—simple and perfect for little hands. I popped over to the website…
Independent Activities for Kids: 15 Things to Do Instead of TV
When we first moved to the country, we had no TV, and things were really just fine. After that, we opted for Netflix, but just for Madeline, John, and I—not the little ones. Well, that lasted a little while but then the draw of the TV set in. Not for the kids—for ME! It’s such…
Creating a Gentle Daily Rhythm
Have you ever noticed how little ones love to read the same story again and again… and again and again? While fabulous for developing language skills, this also gives little ones a much-desired sense of control and predictability in their day. The same holds true with a daily rhythm. When little ones know what to…
Weather Activities for Preschoolers
Have you ever stopped to consider how amazing this world is? I think it helps that I am surrounded by little people all day long, but every time we head outside, we have at least one “WOW” moment. Children are so great at slowing down and noticing things. The amazing variability of weather we have…