preschoolers Archives

top 5 must-read books for kids: babies through teens

Over the years, many readers and friends have asked me the about the must-read books for kids. Every few weeks, I get asked the million dollar questions: What books should my kids read? What are the best books for 5-year-olds? Which books will my 12-year-old love to read? Please tell me how to spend my book money--which are the must-have books for kids? We're heading to the library. Which books should I pick up? I've had the conversation over and over and over again. So … [Read more...]

STEM Lab: free, hands-on STEM activities for kids & teens

As a teacher and parent, I am always, always on the hunt for free, hands-on STEM activities for kids and teens. It's always been my goal to raise confident, curious kids--children who question the world around them and want to learn how and why things work the way they do. So whenever we've had questions about things, we researched the answer together. I was recently introduced to an incredible resource that I'm thrilled to share with parents and educators--it's totally free, it's … [Read more...]

hello teacher notes: let kids connect with teachers

Another one of our fave back-to-school traditions involves a little bit of writing, some decorating, and a wee bit of walking. Not much walking, really. Just to the mailbox or up to the school, depending on where you live. But for the last few years, we've rocked Hello, Teacher Notes to ease the transition from summer break to school year just a tiny bit easier for Maddy, Owen, and Cora. Okay, and me. We sent them: last year, when Owen went to Kindergarten, Maddy went to 2nd, and … [Read more...]

how to teach kids the ABCs: 5 fun ways

Let's face it: the letters of the alphabet are the building blocks of the English language. They are. The ABCs are among the most important things our children will learn when they're young, and the good news is that they're something that families can very easily help children learn. But how should you teach kids the ABCs? Where should you begin and when should you start? What kinds of supplies do you need? How much time do you need? Really, it's pretty simple, friend. … [Read more...]

where to find inexpensive books for your kids

I'm so thankful that my mom is always looking for inexpensive books for my kids. From the time my kids were born, she's been on the hunt for great, new reads for Maddy, Owen, and Cora. She searches for their favorite authors at her local library's book sale each time it's held. She keeps an eye out for books at yard sales. And when she finds them, she sets them aside to bring to Maryland, or she keeps them at her house for when we come to visit. It makes a difference. It really, … [Read more...]

make this summer rock: Smart Summer Challenge 2018!

Next up? Summer. I'm over the moon thrilled and elated that summer is right around the corner! This year, I've got something so cool planned. So totally awesome and fabulous, I can't stand it. I've just finished up--after months of drafts!--the plans for our Smart Summer Challenge 2018. And it's going to rock. Totally, 110%, completely going to rock. Here's the skinny. . . Smart Summer Challenge 2018 -- an invitation to learn, play, create, and invent -- on their own … [Read more...]

gifts that give back: ideas for kids and family #givingtuesday

Did you know that today is Giving Tuesday? It's a really simple concept: give. Any way you are able, to anyone. Give. The concept of giving is especially important at this time of the year, and lucky for us, many organizations have made it super easy--and so meaningful!--to give at holiday time. Looking at my kids' bedrooms and our playroom, I see we need very little. So I'm encouraging all of our family members to do something this year that packs a bit more of a punch: buying … [Read more...]

alphabet egg hunt: uppercase and lowercase letter match

Originally published on April 2, 2013, but republished today because it totally rocks. Kids need to learn the letters of the alphabet. And even if we play with the letters for ten minutes a day, it adds up--and before we know it, our kids will be ready for success in reading and in school. It's a perfect time of the year to throw in some sneaky before-nap or after naptime learning for our little ones, and though I know finding time can often be difficult, here's an easy one for you: … [Read more...]

must-have books for easter baskets

Easter means egg hunts, candy, and plastic grass in bright baskets, right? Well what if you want to use this holiday as a time to sneak in a little reading for your kids? What books are must-have's for Easter baskets? I have done all the hard work for you, friends, and I have your answer here. First, I'll tell you which books you should have for the little guys, and then I'll tell you which books you should grab for the bigger guys. Ready? Here's the skinny. . . Must-Have … [Read more...]

make free ICE [In Case of Emergency] cards for your kids

Friends. I've shared that this month is National Preparedness Month. Have you checked it out? Have you created your Emergency Prep Kit? Your Go-Bags? Your ICE Cards? It's okay. I know you're busy. We all are. But take two minutes today and create ICE [In Case of Emergency] Cards for your kids. ICE Cards are super easy to make, and the whole purpose of them is to keep your kids safe. Thanks to Save the Children's site, you can make these cards in two minutes. Two … [Read more...]

back to school tips and tricks: make this year ROCK #backtoschool #schoolsuccess

Re-running this post today because it's timely and packed with tips. Enjoy! School's in full swing here, and I cannot believe it. I really, truly cannot. Maddy's in 6th grade, Owen's in 4th grade, and Cora's in 3rd grade. Where has the time gone? If you're anything like me, you're doing everything humanly possible to adjust to a new schedule, which is not always easy. I've found a few of my most popular back-to-school posts, and I have them here for you. After … [Read more...]