This free Get Out & Move in the 'Hood activity will get kids--siblings, even!--outside, thinking, and working together. Promise. Sometimes it's difficult to get our kids outside, right? Sometimes it's hard to get them to use their brains in fun and creative ways. Sometimes it's all we can do to get them to not hurt each other or get into a fistfight over finishing the last of the Lucky Charms. I feel your pain. Really I do. So last weekend, my husband and I put our heads … [Read more...]
YouTube dances for kids: fun indoor moving and grooving to get the wiggles out
We just got another boatload of snow, so on Sunday morning, when we were snowed in and couldn't even get out of our house to make it to mass, we got our dance on. Because why not? Turns out that Cora and Owen's awesome teachers for the past few years had often put on short little YouTube dances for them when they need to get the wiggles out. We found most of Cora and Owen's faves, and we found some more. Not only does moving mid-day help increase concentration and focus (for … [Read more...]
neighborhood spirit month: let’s be together, but apart in April
How about we join forces with the people in our neighborhood for a Spirit Month? Let's get everyone together--but apart--this month for some spirit-filled fun! Neighborhood Spirit Week? YOU BET! We don't have to be together to have fun. We can show our unity from the comfort of our homes. Here's the skinny. . . Neighborhood Spirit Week -- Let's Be Together, but Apart, in April It's simple: all you have to do is share this flier with neighbors, and the party's already … [Read more...]
new year’s eve bingo bonanza
Every New Year’s Eve that we join forces with a few other families, we make Bingo our go-to game for the kids. And the kids—and parents--love it. But it’s not just any Bingo game. We’re not just busting out the ole Bingo roller and Bingo cards and calling it a day. Noooooo way. It’s a Bingo Bonanza—marathon Bingo played! And the kids not only have no idea about how much the game helps them to recognize and name numbers and letters (hey, even B-I-N-G-O counts in my book!), but they’re … [Read more...]
the polar express night: a holiday family tradition
The Polar Express is more than a book for some people. It's a holiday family tradition that has become an eagerly-anticipated December event! The following guest post is written by Karen Blake in 2013, but it's one of my most popular holiday posts. Karen is a teacher, mom of three, and aunt of many. She's a lover of traditions and is quite honestly one of the most creative and crafty friends I have. —————————— Traditions are my favorite. And Christmas traditions are the absolute BEST! My … [Read more...]
5 fun back-to-school rituals for busy families
Friends. There's no denying it. Back-to-school season is in full swing, so I thought I'd take a minute to share a few fun back-to-school rituals for busy families. I Here's the skinny. . . 5 Fun Back-to-School Rituals for Busy Families Family Camp-In No matter where in the world you live, the weather's always perfect for a Family Camp-In. A Camp-In is the opposite of a Camp-Out, of course! A Camp-In takes place in your house, in a room large enough for the whole family. And though you … [Read more...]
get involved in Red Nose Day’s Joke-Ha-Thon and make a difference in children’s lives
First of all: What is Red Nose Day? You might vaguely recall seeing people wearing silly, red clown noses in the name of raising money for children in poverty? That's Red Nose Day! Red Nose Day really makes a difference in children's lives. And what's the Red Nose Day Joke-Ha-Thon? The Joke-Ha-Thon gives students the chance to tell—and sell—their best jokes in their classrooms, schools and communities to spread some much-needed joy and raise some life-changing cash. Why am I … [Read more...]
valentine’s day class party ideas, 2.0
For many years now I've been roped into being Room Parent for my kids' classes, and though I do love the opportunity to meet other families from the school and to get to know the kids in the class, it's a lot of work. More than once I've wished that there was a secret site that gave me all of the Valentine's Day class party ideas I needed--the letters to send, the snacks to serve, crafts to make and the games to play. But knowing that such a thing doesn't exist and that each class party is … [Read more...]
what you need to know: disney’s performing arts programs
In the whole world, Disney is one of the largest employers for those in the performing arts. With all of the the Disney platforms--the resorts, theme parks, cruise ships, and experiences, it only makes sense that Disney would want to invite student performers into the fold. I cannot speak highly enough about our experience with Disney's Youth Programs, especially the Energy and Waves Physics Lab of the Youth Education Series. But I would be remiss if I didn't share my love for Disney's … [Read more...]
disney youth programs: YES you need to know about the youth education series
This summer, I had the great opportunity to learn about Disney Youth Programs. Have you heard of Disney Youth Programs? Maybe you've seen those cool, Disney Cast Members with YES! on their blue shirts? Or maybe you've heard of a high school band or choir performing in a Disney parade? Honestly, Disney Youth Programs are Disney's best-kept secret if you ask me. You know I'm always on the hunt for fun and sneaky learning opportunities, and you know we're huge Disney fans. Right? So … [Read more...]
create summer sparks with everyday acts of kindness
Sponsored by author T.A. Barron and the Spark Goodness Program. If you want my expert opinion, teaching our kids about the importance of being a good, kind person is the greatest lesson we could teach them. It's the absolute biggest, most important lesson ever. And it's not like we can just say, "You've got to be kind to others," and we're done. Nope. Teaching our kids about kindness is something we need to do nearly on a daily basis from the time they're toddlers until they … [Read more...]
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