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 […]
Simple Inuit Crafts for Kids
February 1, 2014 by
Every winter, we love studying all things that deal with the cold. One of our favorite topics is the Inuits – the Native Americans who live in the Arctic Circle in Canada and Alaska. Here are some simple Inuit crafts to teach your kids about these Arctic Circle natives: Inuksuk An inuksuk is a stack […]
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 […]
Holiday Service Projects for Kids
November 27, 2013 by
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget the importance of giving. Holiday service projects for kids is an easy ways to foster at an early age why it’s important to give to others, and not just receive gifts for ourselves during this time. The concept of giving is something […]
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, […]
Kids Can Set the Table
November 20, 2013 by
Between ages 3 and 5, young children are ready to learn how to set the table. As your child masters this basic chore, he will feel responsible, capable, and proud. And you? Well, you will have one less thing to worry about at mealtime! Kids Can Set the Table . . . But, they may […]
5 Books About Thanksgiving
November 13, 2013 by
Every holiday, I arrange a basket of seasonal children’s books in the living room for my children to enjoy. These books about Thanksgiving are some of my favorites for welcoming the day of gratitude. Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving by James Dean This lift the flap book with groovy cat Pete makes learning about […]
Teaching Children to be Thankful
November 8, 2013 by
Teaching children to be thankful does not require a grandiose act of generosity, sacrifice, or service. Instead, it has everything to do with how you live your day to day life, as children are constantly watching and reflecting as they play, grow, and learn. How do you show you’re thankful? Take a moment to think […]
Books about Healthy Eating
October 30, 2013 by
Halloween is quickly approaching and with it comes the inundation of many of our homes with candy, candy, and more candy. During this time, it’s easy for kids to get distracted by all the sugary goodness in their trick-or-treat bags. Here are 8 great children’s books about healthy eating for you to explore with your […]
