For my daughter's Harry Potter birthday party, one of the activities, besides spells and sorting, was writing magical spells using Latin words. You can download the Spell Book I created for free here -- and use it for your own magical party or even your classroom. Write Your Own Latin Based Harry Potter Spells The Spell Book includes some of the most familiar spells from the Harry Potter books … [Read more...]
Activity Books Beat Boredom
Sometimes all we need is a spark to get our brains out of boredom into engagement. Interesting activity book can be just that spark of inspiration! These are great for travel, sick days, bad weather days, or as an alternative to technology. Activity Books Beat Boredom Stuck on Fun! Play with Patterns, Sticker Tape, & More! by Jannie Ho Punch out the sturdy cardboard animal characters in … [Read more...]
Best Tips for Holiday Toy Gift Giving
Have you ever noticed that the best gifts are ones that kids play with over and over for years? And kids are happy to get them as gifts and play with them! If you're wondering how to find a meaningful, long-lasting toy gifts to give, here are my specific suggestions. Share in the comments your toy buying tips or the toys you're most excited to give this holiday season! Best Tips for Holiday … [Read more...]
Play with Green Toys Playsets
Guess what? Your favorite open-ended, eco-friendly toy company, Green Toys, now has two new and totally impressive Playsets! Both the Fire Station and Farm are brand new kid-approved Playsets that come with a building, vehicle, characters, and accessories for kids 2 - 6 years old. Scroll down for a chance to win a Playset! Play is linked with empathy according to play researcher Stuart Brown. … [Read more...]
Creative Art and Craft Gifts for Kids
If you're looking to find an art and craft gift for your child, look no further. This up to date list of ideas for 2016 should help! Creative Art and Craft Gifts for Kids Color a Doghouse Kit ages 4+ Whether a real dog or your plush toys live in this house, you'll be able to design it exactly how you want for a colorful, creative home! Sew Mini Treats KLUTZ ages 4+ This beautiful … [Read more...]
Guided Play with Picture Books
Did you know that with guided play, children learn to plan, communicate, and think critically? This is playful learning, the way that children learn best. And one of my favorite ways to begin guided play is with picture books. In guided play, the child is in charge of the direction of play but the adult supports with props, vocabulary, and new ideas. Green Toys, known for its line of simple, … [Read more...]
New Books for Summer 2016
I can't wait to tell you about the latest new books to get your kids excited about reading. So for this summer vacation 2016 or any time, browse through these reviews and see what will appeal to your child. See also my summer book lists by grade and age. New Books for Summer 2016 Nick and Tesla's Solar-Powered Showdown by Bob Pflugfelder, Steve Hockensmith ADVENTURE (ages 7 - 10) I LOVE … [Read more...]
Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids
Monthly subscription boxes for kids make fantastic holiday gifts because they last all year long. You can find interesting gift boxes for all ages and many interests. I imagine that grandma or auntie would find something perfect for your child on this list of ideas. Monthly Subscription Boxes for Kids For the Imaginative Preschooler Bramble Box ages 3 - 8 Bramble Box is a monthly subscription … [Read more...]
Celebrate Big Imaginations in Picture Books!
Books in themselves encourage our imaginations, don't they!? Today let's celebrate big imaginations and wild musings with beautiful new picture books. This list of picture books celebrates dreamers and possibilitarians. I hope they inspire you and your children! Of course there are many more books that the ones listed below. These are the most recently published. Do you have any familiar … [Read more...]
Four Rock-Your-World 2015 Middle Grade Books
Some books change your life. Here are four new (2015) middle grade books that will rock your world in a good way -- they're beautifully written with themes that are relevant to adults as well as children: the power of storytelling, the power of love, the power of forgiveness, and the power of love. These are all don't-stop-now-go-directly-and-buy-these books. Read them with your children for a … [Read more...]
13 Sight Word Apps + 26 Alphabet and Phonics Apps
I love reading apps for kids because they're not just mindless tech time but either provide practice or learning to read. Learning letters and letter sounds start a child's journey to reading words and these alphabet and phonics apps will help. Learning "sight words," or words to recognize at a glance, is another step. Download these sight word apps when your child is ready to learn these … [Read more...]
Spring 2015 Learning Apps for Kids
Learning apps for kids are a solid choice for summer learning options. Researchers say that the best educational apps are: ACTIVE ENGAGING --not overly distracting MEANINGFUL to a child's life SOCIAL to include parents and peers Do you agree? Here's a list of new apps your kids might enjoy this summer . . . Spring 2015 Learning Apps for Kids The Counting Kingdom $2.99 Add the … [Read more...]