Spring Spelling Activity

This Spring spelling activity is a simple, easy, and festive way for kids to practice their spelling words! The kids start by saying the word, then match the word on the flower to the corresponding word on the paper, and finally write the word out on a sheet of paper. Added bonus — Read below to […]

Kid Craft — Simple Leather Bracelets

As part of the Michaels Passport to Imagination program, the kids and I thought it would be fun to try one of the take-home projects they have outlined in the passport! This one is inspired by South Africa to make leather bracelets, and they are fun and easy to make!! I love how the passport […]

Passport to Imagination

Early last week, I took the kids to visit Michael’s craft store for their Passport to Imagination program. It was a big hit!! Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from now until August 2nd 10am-noon, Michael’s is hosting 2 kid-friendly craft projects inspired by countries around the world for just $2 per child per visit. It’s […]

Early Problem Solving with Trains

Today we’re having the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Pinterest take turns hosting posts on each others’ site. We are so lucky to have Jamie from Hands On As We Grow to share this fun post about developing early problem solving skills using toy trains! If you’re not already familiar with Jamie’s site, you will […]

7 Creative Uses for Pool Noodles

Do you have pool noodles sitting around at home collecting dust from last Summer? Wish you could put them to use with something other than a pool for the Fall and Winter months? Need a few creative ideas for inspiration?? Here are seven of our favorite ways to use pool noodles: 1. Hammer Time — […]

Simple Activities for Little Engineers

Do your kids enjoy learning about how things work? Do they love to solve problems? Did they grow up reading classics such as HTML for Babies?? If so, you may be raising an engineer in-the-making! Here are some of our favorite play ideas and activities to foster the next generation of innovators. Newspaper Play Structures — […]

Water Beads and Glow Sticks

I had some clear water beads chilling in the fridge, and since we’re in the midst of a heat wave this Summer, I thought now might be a good time to let the kiddos play with them. Note — Water beads are designed for use in floral arrangements, and not as toys. They are non-toxic […]

Tips to Avoid the Summer Slide — Plus Giveaway!

Are you looking for easy tips to keep your kids engaged with learning this Summer? Recently, I had the opportunity to ask the lovely Soleil Moon Frye (Mommy Ambassador for Target) to share her best tips for avoiding the “Summer Slide” — when students are most at risk for losing reading skills. Not only did […]

Father’s Day Gift Kids Can Make — BBQ Sauce

Looking for an easy Father’s Day gift idea that the kids can make?? The girls and I have been hard at work making and canning batches of homemade BBQ sauce for a gift to Mark this Father’s Day! ((Shhhhhhh… it’s a surprise!)) Mark loves to cook on the grill. I’m pretty sure this is because […]

Easy Botanical Prints

The girls and I made some pretty botanical prints with the help of the Sun, some water, and a Sunprint Kit similar to this one. They were so proud of how nicely their prints turned out! We used natural items we collected from our yard — sticks, flower petals, and leaves. A few things I […]

Sunshine Crafts and Activities for Kids

Here are some of our favorite crafts and activities for kids that celebrate sunshine — no matter what weather you happen to be experiencing at the moment. Besides, sometimes it’s more fun to make your own sunshine! Sunny Indoor Beach — If the weather is not cooperating, why not make your own sunny beach indoors? […]

Simple Science for Kids — Make a Rainbow

Here’s another learning activity to add to the list of Things to Do with the Kids this Summer — Make a rainbow with a hose! This is a simple way to demonstrate that when sunlight shines on water droplets at a certain angle, the water refracts the beams of sunlight to separate them into different […]

Kid-Made Patriotic Note Cards

I’m guest posting for my friends at Melissa & Doug today — come see how Clara and I made Patriotic Note Cards (while sneaking in some learning fun too)! Wishing you and your lovely family a wonderful holiday weekend!!

Tips for Organic Gardening with Your Kids

I’m guest posting for my friends at Stonyfield today to share tips for organic gardening with your kids! Have you started a garden with your kids? We would love to hear about it! Leave a comment and share your stories with us.

Special Storytime

For a GREAT time, pack up some of your favorite books, a few tasty snacks, and a picnic blanket. Visit your favorite park for some outdoor storytime fun and make some lovely memories with your kids!! Stories don’t always have to be read indoors, you know. Extra bonus points if your books happen to be […]

Cardboard Classroom

Do your teddy bears need to be educated? Do you want to send them to the best school around?? Then it’s time to enroll them into Miss Clara’s cardboard classroom! Miss Clara grades her papers promptly — with lots of colorful stamps (a yard sale find)! Her classroom is so neat and organized! With lovely […]

Inspiring Crafts for Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Kiddos off from school for Martin Luther King, Jr Day? Looking for something artsy and fun to do?? Here are some inspiring crafts, activities, and art projects that promote peace and diversity. I love that each one of these peace signs is unique! Instructions can be found here for this very toddler-friendly art project!     […]

Giveaway — Press Here by Hervé Tullet

It’s time for another FUN giveaway — this time from my friends at MonkeyReader.com!! MonkeyReader.com is an online bookstore that specializes in children’s books, many at a discount. The best part?? MonkeyReader.com donates five percent (5%) of their profits to non-profit children’s literacy programs and organizations! One of my girls’ favorite books at the moment […]