We love all things simple in this house, which might be why paper plate crafts are such a hit. No need for anything too fancy, complicated, or expensive for my kids to get creative with. We like things like paint, paper, glue, yarn, tape, and paper plates. We really like paper plates. So much so…
Incredible Woodworking Projects for Handy Kids!
Do you have a handy kid? All of my little ones amaze me with what they are capable of (when I give them the opportunity to show me, that is). And woodworking projects are no exception! Madeline didn’t have too many opportunities when she was little, I’m afraid to say. I cringed with the idea…
The Ultimate No Cook Playdough Recipe
Sometimes it is fabulous to have a trick or two up your sleeve for when you need a quick craft or activity to save the day. My ULTIMATE, Easy, No Cook Playdough Recipe is definitely one trick that needs to be up there friends. Five minutes to make, and lasts for 6 months! I am…
An A-maze-ing Learning Letters Game!
Sometimes I feel like I am very productive and a real go-getter! And sometimes I feel like I am doing the same thing day in and day out. This blog of mine, which I love so very much, reminds me that I really do the latter. The same thing, day in and day out. But……
Teaching Kids to STOP and THINK
My little boys are incredible people. Kind, funny, and smart—and impulsive as the dickens. They are certainly not alone. In the kindergarten classroom, I see the same things again and again and again. Little ones hitting, pushing, interrupting, yelling, grabbing, and tattling. Why? Simple. They are still very little. And making good choices is a…
The Art of Reading Aloud to Kids
When I started teaching Kindergarten, I was given this book called Reading Magic by Mem Fox. I read it before stepping foot in my classroom, thought it was good, and went about teaching Kindergarten with those skills in my teacher’s toolbox. It wasn’t until many years later that I truly and completely saw the value in that…
Once Upon a Time …
Once upon a time, in a land near yet far, there lived a Mama. This Mama wanted nothing more than to stay home with her kids. She longed for those long, sunny days full of finger painting, stories, and snuggles. Those moments of connection, watching all those incredible firsts, and hearing those tiny voices all…
10 Quotes on Educating Children and Parenting
As a teacher and a Mama I am passionate about working with children. While there are many, many, many view on the best way to work with children, I thought I would compile some quotes on mine. You are most welcome to share these pictures and quotes as you wish, and please provide a link…
Alphabet Activities for Preschoolers: No Pencil Required!
Sammy is very interested in letters and ‘spelling’ right now. He loves to ask how to spell words, point out letters he knows everywhere he goes, and generally all alphabet activities for preschoolers. He would also very much love to print these letters. However, he is simply not quite ready for writing. He is 3…
Alphabet Games for Preschoolers: The Letter Monster!
While teaching Kindergarten, I created a character known to my wee ones as the Letter Monster. We would create him or her in various forms and play various games throughout the year. This character was a HUGE hit with my class, so I decided to make a Letter Monster with Sammy. This Letter Monster was…