What if I told you that there was something fun you could do with your family this summer that would cut down on whining, help your family bond, teach your kids valuable life lessons and make the world a better place all at the same time? Would you think I was crazy? Or that I was about to suggest the latest parenting book or e-course? The truth is making this summer one full of memories is pretty simple. The secret is teaching kids to think of … [Read more...]
Printable Monster Play Dough Mats
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...]
100 Acts of Kindness Certificate
It's important to not only to teach our kids to be kind but also to celebrate the kindness we see in them and others. Just as you would cheer for winning a sports game or being chosen for a geography bee doing good is also something that should be praised and encouraged. You may be thinking, "but I want my kids to be kind because it's the right thing to do. Not for a party." But hear me out for a second. When we celebrate something we are … [Read more...]
Printable School Bus Ten Frame Activity
Ten frames are a great way for kids to develop number sense! While kids are building and taking apart numbers on a ten frame they are starting to visualize what numbers really represent. This understanding is the first step in being able to explore numbers and relate them to each other--key math skills for young kids. This free printable school bus ten frame activity is a fun way for preschoolers, kindergartners and first graders to play and learn … [Read more...]
Ice Cream Act of Kindness for Kids
Summer. A season full of sunshine, laughter and lazy days at the pool...and hot and cranky kids and moms! Instead of complaining about the heat surprise a friend or neighbor with this ice cream act of kindness. You'll find it's a great way to turn your day around too. Doing acts of kindness with your kids is more than just a way to teach them to care about others. It's a way to empower kids and give them the confidence to believe that they have … [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...]
Ocean Animals Tracing Coloring Pages
If your kids are eagerly anticipating summer or a trip to the seaside these ocean animals tracing coloring pages are just the thing! Just print them out and throw in your bag to do in the car, at home, or even on the go. They're a great way to sneak in some fine motor practice while keeping kids from getting bored. (Affiliate links included below.) Printable Ocean Animals Tracing Coloring Pages These go beyond your regular coloring pages … [Read more...]
Take the Thank You Note Kindness Challenge
Raise your hand if you know any kids that love animals? Or nature? Yep. Me too. In fact being outdoors in the fresh air while learning about our native environment is one of my kids' favorite things to do. We love to explore our parks and on a recent trip to one of our local state parks we noticed just how hard working and kind the rangers were. It's not easy taking care of wildlife and nature some days. I know I like to stay inside when it's wet … [Read more...]