For generations, Lego Bricks have been applauded by teachers and parents as one of the best toys for learning, building creativity, and strengthening fine-motor skills. Lego Bricks are an open-ended toy, meaning they can become just about anything a child or adult imagines, including an educational tool. Listed below are 3 creative ways to use […]
Learning in an Instant- Colors of the Rainbow
March 17, 2014 by
Did you know that there are actually seven colors in a rainbow and they are always found in the same order? Learning the colors of the rainbow can be a great starting point to understanding the science behind rainbows. This free printable coloring activity is a great way to learn the seven colors of the […]
Map Learning Activity for Kids
March 11, 2014 by
Teaching your children about map skills starts with knowing the basics. So I start with the cardinal directions! A simple game of Simon Says can turn into a wonderful treasure hunt with a bonus of always knowing which direction to point to find the North Star! This map learning activity is sure to teach your kids […]
Fine Motor Craft – Winter Snowflake Ornaments
February 19, 2014 by
This fine motor craft to make Winter snowflake ornaments can be set up as a quick and easy “invitation to create” while celebrating Winter with the kids! Added bonus — some unique snowflake ornaments that are sure to add a little sparkle to your home. To make the Winter Snowflake Ornaments, you will need: craft […]
Valentine’s Day Montessori Trays
February 10, 2014 by
Valentine’s day is a time of giving and a time of love. Getting our kids into the spirit of the holiday is often hard without a moose-sized dose of sugar. But we can easily turn the things they normally do into special holiday crafts that create adorable keepsakes (and even better memories) with a […]
Invitation to Learn: Valentine Patterning
February 3, 2014 by
Whether studying cultural traditions or origin, manipulating food, toys, or other festive trinkets, holidays are brimming with learning opportunities for children. In this post, I will share how to arrange a simple invitation to learn that uses festive Valentine M&Ms to learn about patterning. What is an Invitation to Learn? An invitation to learn is […]
Playful Learning with Puzzles
January 29, 2014 by
Whether your child is just learning to master a wooden peg puzzle, or breezing through a 100 piece jigsaw, an incredible amount of learning is taking place! Putting together a puzzle is a learning activity in itself, but the following activities really up the education factor! Spelling Puzzles via No Time for Flashcards Simple Word […]
Learning in an Instant- Snowball Fight Math
January 27, 2014 by
Looking for a quick, easy, and FUN way to teach math this winter? Just add marshmallows! This snowball fight math activity is a playful way for kids to practice their math skills. And who doesn’t love a good snowball fight? Snowball Fight Math Items Needed: marshmallows magnetic numbers Directions: Use the magnetic numbers (or a […]
Books about Animals in Winter
January 15, 2014 by
Does your child want to learn more about animals in winter? Reading is a wonderful way to obtain new information and encourage children to use their imagination. Here are ten of our favorite children’s books about animals in winter. Books about Animals in Winter Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II and Jean […]
Birds in Winter
January 13, 2014 by
Last weekend, our region experienced extreme sub-zero temperatures. While outside watching bubbles freeze, my youngest son noticed a fluffy bird shivering on our neighbor’s air conditioner. “Mommy,” he began, “I feel so bad for that little bird! It must be cold!” His empathy and curiosity led him to a series of excellent questions: How do […]
My Year in Review Free Printable
December 30, 2013 by
It wasn’t until the other day that I realized how much my son’s interests had changed from the beginning of the year. In these past twelve months, he’s grown from a 4 year old preschooler to a 5 year old little boy. The past year went by like a blur, making me realize that I […]
Most Popular Learning Activities in 2013
December 26, 2013 by
As this year is coming to an end, I’d like to thank everyone for making this first full year of Inner Child Learning a great one! We have a great team of contributing writers that have really helped make learning fun. And we are thankful to have the support of a fantastic community of readers. […]
Sight Word Ornaments
December 19, 2013 by
Last week, Colin received his first school report card. He is doing very well and I am so proud of him! In the narrative section of the report card, his teacher encouraged us to continue practicing sight words at home. I have been using the classic method of folding in, but he has become incredibly bored […]
Holiday Gift Kids Can Make — Peppermint Necklace
December 13, 2013 by
Here’s a quick and easy holiday gift kids can make using just a few materials, and you can even sneak in a pattern lesson while working on fine motor skills too! To make your own peppermint necklaces, you will need some string (or shoelaces), and cut up stripy straws to make beads that look like […]
Peppermint Mocha Teacher Gift
December 11, 2013 by
This holiday season, show appreciation and gratitude for your child’s teacher by giving her/him a mug full of delicious, sweet Peppermint Mocha Mix. Kids can help mix it, package it, and will experience the warmth and joy of giving. Ingredients: 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup instant coffee granules 1/2 cup cocoa powder 20 peppermint starlight […]
Invitation to Explore Early Math Concepts
December 1, 2013 by
Recently inspired by the lovely Imagination Tree, I set up a simple invitation to explore early math concepts for Clara using some of her existing learning toys and other household items. This has been a HUGE hit with her, and I love how arranging the toys in this way helped to renew her interest in […]
Thankful Turkeys
November 22, 2013 by
Thankful Turkeys are a classic Thanksgiving craft for children I never grow tired of. This year, I’m especially fond of our turkeys because for the very first time, Colin wrote every single word independently using phonics, visual clues, and his sight words. To make Thankful Turkeys, you will need: colored card-stock scissors glue, tape, […]
Rainy Day Fun in NYC
October 28, 2013 by
Last week I went on a fun field trip adventure to NYC, and the forecast called for rain. A quick search of rainy day fun in NYC brought up the idea to visit the American Museum of Natural History along Central Park West — an exciting and educational place indeed!! Here are some of the […]
