Chattanooga, TN isn’t known for lots of snow, so when it does snow we enjoy the rare treat of sledding and throwing snowballs. The boys love it! Usually the temperature rises quickly and the snow starts to melt….except on our back porch. Wanting to savor the last little bit of snow, I scoop up some […]
Letter Tiles Spelling Mats
February 3, 2014 by 76 Comments
Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. I’ve got a treat for you today! I’ve put together a printable pack of spelling mats to go with the our favorite letter tiles that are perfect for preschool or kindergarten kids. What’s in the Letter Tiles Spelling Mats Pack? Combined, this printable pack is 27 pages long. Inside […]
Thoughts on Play from Mr. Rogers
October 6, 2013 by 2 Comments
This post is a part of the series, 31 Days of Open-Ended Play. Be sure to read all the posts in the series for more great ideas for encouraging learning and creativity through open-ended play.
Throwing out the Script to Engage in Open-Ended Play
October 4, 2013 by 2 Comments
Beep-Beep! Chugga-Chugga! Vroom-Vroom! If my days had a soundtrack, those sounds would definitely dominate the playlist. If a toy has wheels, my boys love it. If the toy has sounds and batteries, I’m a tad bit more selective. In these modern days with iPads, smart phones, and buttons at every turn, I find myself a […]
The What & Why of Open-Ended Play
October 2, 2013 by 1 Comment
How many times have you given a child the latest, expensive toy only to have them unwrap it and find more pleasure in the wrapping paper and box than the toy inside? It happens all the time. Little did you know you just provided an open-ended play experience! What is Open-Ended Play? Open-ended play is, […]
31 Days of Open-Ended Play
October 1, 2013 by 13 Comments
For the month of October, I’m going to participate in the Nester’s 31 Days Series link-up. While things here are hectic with baseball season, I’m ready to get back to writing and sharing things I’m passionate about. Each day this month, I’ll be adding a new post in the series 31 Days of Open-Ended Play. […]
Simple Science: Observing Worms
August 29, 2013 by 5 Comments
Worms. There’s just something about them that makes little boys giggle. Observing worms is a simple science activity because you don’t need any fancy tools! Since worms are underground, it’s hard to see them making tunnels in their natural habitat, unless you set up an observation. Jonah and I had fun setting up a worm […]
Simple Science: How to Make a Volcano with Kids
July 23, 2013 by 6 Comments
While we were studying rocks and volcanoes during one of our homeschool units, we made a simple volcano using household items. Making a volcano with kids is an easy and fun science activity. Little ones are fascinated by the fizzy “lava” and can’t wait to do the activity again. Materials small disposable paper cup playdough […]
Dog’s Colorful Day
July 8, 2013 by 7 Comments
Dog’s Colorful Day is a fun book for young children. The book naturally leads to learning activities focusing on colors and numbers. It’s a favorite around our house. Dog’s Colorful Day: A Messy Story About Colors and Counting About the book: Dog starts off the day with one black spot on his ear. But it […]
10 Favorite Toys for Fine Motor Skills
October 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
While I try to set up frugal fine motor skills activities from common household items as often as I can, there are times that we purchase items, receive them as gifts, or even dig them out of our own childhood closets for fine motor fun. I thought I’d share some of our favorites with you! […]
Connect With Me