You know when you have an idea for a craft that you think will turn out super cute and then, well, it doesn’t? I bring you, my lantern craft. Actually, it still turned out pretty, just not as I had intended. But I’m jumping ahead a little. We have been invited to participate in a…
DIY Light Table that is Easier than Easy to Make!
I had been thinking about making a DIY light table for years. Literally years. I am not sure why I wasn’t making it, really – they look so cool – and I found some super easy tutorials online too. But for years we remained a light table-less family. Sigh. Those poor deprived kiddos of mine….
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…
How to use Quiet Bins in the Classroom
Happy Friday! We have officially survived our first week of homeschooling. All of us. And Madeline has survived her first week of High School! I did not set my hopes too high and I am very, very happy with survival. Onward and upward! Our days at home are quite lovely right now, with one small…
Pompom Hockey Quiet Bin
A Quiet Bin idea on Friday (These Quiet Bins are to add to my original Quiet Bins book, A Year of Educational Quiet Bins: The secret to peaceful days at home with kids) Oh I have super exciting news! I have been working and working on a new Quiet Bin book – and it is…
How I Boosted My Shy Son’s Confidence
I am so thrilled to be partnering with The Little Gym today to let you know about the incredible role they have played in boosting my shy son’s confidence. But just before I do, please let me set the stage … And as normal, this might take awhile … My little Benjamin has been shy…
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…
An Invitation to Build Big
We have some absolutely lovely neighbours. Neighbours who were thrilled at the chance to swap firewood from their woods for (loads of) eggs from our lovely ladies. Goodness, is there anything my chickens can’t do? They can even keep us warm all winter long. That great big load of wood, ready to be chopped, had…
Cottage Craft Ideas
We head away each summer to a cottage with my parents, sisters, brother, and all the spouses and kids between us. It is always busy, but something I look forward to every year. Lots of time to laugh and visit and catch up. Last year, the apple juice cups outnumbered the wine glasses. And this…









