Sensory bins are such a fun way to learn and play. This apple tree sensory bin is perfect for talking about colors while exploring nature. We worked on building our own apple tree with pieces from nature. Apple Sensory Bin Idea: We started with a low tray and went on a walk around the yard, collecting sticks and little leaves. Snapping the twigs was such a fun activity for my Little Guy (age 5). That satisfying *snap* of the sticks was … [Read more...]
Teach Kids to Pack Healthy School Lunches
This school year my kids are packing their own healthy school lunches! It gives them a chance to learn about making good food choices and choosing the food themselves makes it much more likely that they will eat it. That's why we were so excited to partner will Horizon Organics to create a free printable lunch box checklist! Teach Kids to Pack Healthy School Lunches Before you can turn lunch packing over to your kids you need to give them some … [Read more...]
Strawberry Patch Counting Game
We LOVE playdough at my house! It is one of the most often played with sensory materials at my house. The kids are just happy to sit down with playdough and their playdough scissors. When I have time I love to find new and fun ways to let them explore with playdough. If we can add a little learning in there, all the better. That is what I did today. I set them up with a Strawberry Patch Counting Game. And if you know me, you know I made a fresh … [Read more...]
Healthy After School Snacks
Do your kids come home from school ready for a snack? Mine sure do! After a busy day their little bodies need to re-energize before heading outside to play or starting homework. Here are some of our favorite healthy after school snacks and drinks that keep kids happy and fueled until dinner! Healthy After School Snacks: Ants on a log. Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on celery sticks and top with raisins. Kids love to help put it … [Read more...]
Entertain Your Toddler With Household Objects
Before I entered the world of blogging I would spend hours searching on the internet and in brochures for the latest toy that would entertain my little boy. I’d spend a small fortune on all singing and all dancing toys that promised to enhance my child’s development. I soon realised that the saying “the more a toy does, the less your child has to do” holds true. Typically toys require our children to sit and watch the toy perform which is … [Read more...]
DIY Mail Box and Letter Writing Practice
This easy DIY mail box is sure to inspire lots of great pretend play. Use it sneak in a little learning, too. Our mail box beckoned us to write letters. DIY Mail Box This is a very easy tutorial for building a mail box. Find a large cardboard box {or whatever size you want for your mail box}. Carefully cut a door in the side. Use a utility knife to cut 3 sides of a rectangle. The fourth side of the rectangle folds down. You now have a door to … [Read more...]
Rock Candy Science Experiment
A science experiment that ends in candy is sure to motivate kids! You can show your kids how to make rock candy and learn about crystals at the same time. Rock candy is simple to make at home, but it does take awhile for the crystals to form. This gives kids a chance to make observations over a period of days which is a great way to teach them to think like scientists! How to Make Rock Candy: 2 cups sugar 1 cup water thin wooden … [Read more...]
Mouse House Craft
This cute mouse house craft was my 4 year old son's idea. He saw the granola bar box and placed his toy mouse inside. We found a book at the library that goes along with the craft perfectly. {Affiliate links are included in this post.} A New House for Mouse A New House for Mouse by Petr Horacek is a cute story about a mouse searching for a new house that can fit her and her apple. Mouse peeks into the burrows of several animals to see if they … [Read more...]
