I’m in deep denial about the fact that new year is almost upon us again! It’s been the fastest and the longest year at the same time, and I can look back and see some good things as well as … Read More ...
Turkey in Disguise Activities
Every year at my daughter’s school I think it’s the second or third graders do an activity where they have to disguise a turkey to keep it from being eaten at Thanksgiving. The kids draw the disguise and write a … Read More ...
Viking Unit Study
I love the idea of unit studies, which can be done at school, in a homeschool environment or just for fun at home as a way to learn about something specific your kids might be into (or maybe that you … Read More ...
Using the Scientific Method with Kids
The scientific method is the basis for all research that’s done in science, and it’s how we go about doing experiments in the classroom or in the real world. You probably remember at least parts of it from your own … Read More ...
Book Review: The Not-So-Wicked Witch
Witches tend to have a bad reputation in literature, especially children’s stories. From the Wicked Witch to Roald Dahl’s The Witches, they’re always scheming and trying to cause havoc, steal children (and sometimes even eat them) and other terrible … Read More ...
Book Review: Spooky Stories Aloud
When my daughter was younger it seems like spooky stories were an all-year thing, with “The Ghost and Jenny Jemima” a regular feature. Whether you’re looking for a readaloud for the classroom or home, Spooky Poems Aloud is a fun … Read More ...
Tips for Teaching Kids to Sew
I’ve had a lot of fun through the years teaching kids (including my own) how to sew, whether that’s sewing by hand or on a sewing machine, decorative stitching or more practical projects.
September is National Sewing Month, so I … Read More ...
Make a Lego Sundial
Kids are usually impressed by the idea that we can tell time using the sun, and making a sundial is a great summer activity that doesn’t have to involve being outside for too long (though it helps if you can … Read More ...
Review: Where Kids Go to School Around the World
As we gear up for another school year to start, your kids might be interested in how other kids learn. Whether you have a child who is getting ready to go to school for the first time, you’re adding back … Read More ...
Play Idea: Kinetic Sand and Legos
When my daughter was younger, one of her favorite sensory things to play with was kinetic sand. This is a special kind of sand that has a soft and squishy texture, and it’s moldable and holds its shape until … Read More ...
Watermelon Learning Activities
Last year I did a post full of watermelon activities for kids that focused on more craft and sensory type projects. This time around let’s look at some learning activities that use these fruits or involve their shape in some … Read More ...
Butterfly Learning Activities and Crafts
Butterflies are starting to show up where I live, and my daughter and I are excited to volunteer this summer at the butterfly house at our local botanical garden. She already knows a lot about butterflies, but for the rest … Read More ...
Strawberry Activities for Kids
Strawberry season has already come and gone where I live, but I still think of strawberries as being a transition between spring and summer. They’re fun to talk about and explore any time of year, but if strawberries are in … Read More ...
Outdoor Learning Areas and Ideas
When my daughter was really young, she went to an at-home daycare with a great backyard full of fun things for the kids to do. They had water tables and a sand area, birdfeeders and a place to do sidewalk … Read More ...
Anzac Day Activities for Kids
Anzac Day is basically the Australian and New Zealand equivalent of Memorial Day or Remembrance Day. Anzac stands for Australia New Zealand Army Corps, and it commemorates in particular the conflict at Gallipoli in World War I, though it’s generally … Read More ...