keeping kids busy in the summer: tabletop surprises

We’re keeping our busy kids’ brains moving this summer with tabletop surprises.

Simple ways to keep Maddy, Owen, and Cora engaged when they’re able and when they’re ready.

It worked for us last summer, and it’s working this summer.

They’re called ‘tabletop surprises’ because the kids have no idea what’s coming. They just know that every day in the summer, there’s going to be something waiting for them on the table in the kitchen.

And if they carve out time to do it during the day–and I catch them or sit down to do it with them? Gems in the Gem Jars! Conversation with Mom! Fun times to be had!

Take a look at this past week’s tabletop surprises, and if you want to get the updates as they happen (so totally exciting!) then do follow me on Instagram. I post the photo by 8 am or so each day.

It’s nothing super-crazy or complicated; usually it’s just some activity that involves reading, writing, math, or creating.

Here’s the skinny. . .