One of the basic rules of parenting is that kids are willing to play quietly as long as you don't need them to. The second you need to make a call or get into the shower they "need" you or immediately get into everything and anything they aren't supposed to play with! That's why busy bags and quiet time activities are so popular with parents of younger kids. We all need to be able to pull something out to keep the kids happy so we can get something … [Read more...]
Bug Themed Story Stones for Preschool
If you haven't used story stones with your preschoolers before then you must stop what you are doing and add it to your "must do list" right now! Story stones are ones of those super simple activities that are jam-packed full of learning in the guise of keeping kids busy. These kind of activities are worth their weight in gold. Or maybe more because stones don't weigh that much. Make these bug themed story stones for your preschool kids today! I … [Read more...]
Heart Lacing Busy Bag
Looking for an indoor activity for your preschooler that's both fun and educational? Then you need a busy bag! Or if you're like me and like to drink coffee while it's still hot then you may want two...or three...or four! Because once you venture into the world of low prep-high fun (and learning!) busy bags you'll be hooked. They're a great hands-on way for kids to learn and play on their own. Make this foam heart lacing busy bag … [Read more...]
Pipe Cleaner STEAM Activity
Let's face it, being in charge of kids whether as a parent or teacher is busy. In order to prep anything (a fun activity, dinner, your bathroom break) you need easy activities that kids can have fun doing all by themselves. Sometimes that activity is a busy bag, sometimes it's an art project, sometimes it's a boredom buster...sometimes it's all three like this pipe cleaner STEAM activity! STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) … [Read more...]
Printable Watermelon Counting Cards
If you have a preschool aged child then you know that learning about numbers and counting isn't as easy as it seems. There's more to the process than just repeating numbers in order. That's why these printable watermelon counting cards are so great! When kids are using these cute counting cards they are developing number sense and working on number identification, one to one correspondence, counting and even fine motor skills. Throw the … [Read more...]
Best Boredom Buster Ever: I SPY Busy Bag
Are you looking for the best boredom buster ever? You've come to the right place. Admittedly, we do have an enormous collection of creative busy bags for kids. There is something for everyone and every season. But maybe one of the following applies to you. A. You can never have enough busy bags to keep your kids...well.... busy. Or... B. You forgot to put together a busy bag for the day and you just need to print something out. Like 5 … [Read more...]
Washing Farm Animal Sensory Bin
The secret to happy, engaged kids is sometimes as easy as filling a bin with water for them to play in. With all of the super cool activities all over the internet it's the simplest ones that kids gravitate to again and again. Which is great for parents and teachers--who doesn't love a low prep activity? I know I do! This simple farm animal sensory bin can be set up in minutes and is irresistible--the kids will be begging for a turn as soon as they … [Read more...]
Apple Lacing Fine Motor Busy Bag
The reason you see fine motor activities all over the internet for preschoolers is that developing these skills is so important. They're the foundation for the formal skills of writing and tying shoes, but also are used for building, playing, creating, cooking and more. Giving kids opportunities to practice and develop their fine motor skills--like with this apple lacing busy bag--increases their confidence and ability to engage in their … [Read more...]