With the publication of several excellent, new Hanukkah books, I thought I'd share these and other favorite picture books to read with kids during this holiday season. I don't just recommend these books for Jewish families who celebrate the holiday either. We all can learn about the history and holiday of Hanukkah even if we aren't Jewish because it builds bridges of understanding with our Jewish … [Read more...]
Best Children’s Books for Valentine’s Day Reading
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get special children's books to give and read. From sweet to silly to yes, even gross, find the best kids' books for the holiday. I've divided the books into board books for babies and toddlers, picture books for preschool age up to upper elementary, and activity books for elementary and up. (And, I add to this list when I … [Read more...]
New Monster and Halloween Books Fall 2015
Celebrate Halloween by reading good monster and Halloween books with your children. New Monster and Halloween Books Spookie Pookie by Sandra Boynton Don't you just love Sandra Boynton board books? My kids ADORED her writing and illustrations when they were littler. This cute Halloween book shows how Pookie makes a decision about what to wear as a Halloween costume. You'll love it. It's … [Read more...]
15 Meaningful Homemade Gifts Kids Can Make
Kids loving making you gifts from the heart. Here are some ideas for meaningful homemade gifts that you'll cherish for years to come that your kids can make themselves. Gifts Kids Can Make! Gift Bookmarks Word Collage Bookmark via Simple Kids Ribbon Bookmark via In Between Laundry Tassel Christmas Bookmark via Activity Village Embroidered Portrait Bookmarks via SouleMama Gift … [Read more...]
Christmas Tree I Spy
Christmas Tree I Spy is our favorite after-dinner December game. It's exactly what it sounds like -- an I Spy game with Christmas tree ornaments. Christmas Tree I Spy You play the same way you play the traditional I Spy. Get two or more people. One person spies an ornament for the others to find. If it's your turn to spy, you say: "I spy something ________________. " (Insert … [Read more...]
Q-Ba-Maze = Amazing Building and Marble Play
Did you see the New York Times article about the math and language benefits of block play? It made me think of my new favorite building toy, Q-Ba-Maze 2.0, which is more than just blocks - it's also a marble maze. One of my favorite companies, MindWare, brainy toys for kids of all ages, sent it to me to review. Q-Ba-Maze The clear and colored interlocking cubes attach top to bottom and side … [Read more...]
Me Time and a Wish For You
Just when I started getting my life back in balance from a tumultuous few years, September 15, JJ had a break-through seizure, or a seizure that broke through her medication. This time, the neurologist sort of kind of thought maybe, possibly her precise seizure disorder is Panayiotopoulos. Which isn't controlled by medication. And is long (20 - 60 minutes.) And, won't cause brain-damage, probably. … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Gratitude, Learning Ideas, and Books for Kids
Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful and facilitate gratitude with our children. As my kids learn about about Thanksgiving, I'm reminded to consciously teach my children the truth, the myths, and the stereotypes of Native Americans and the First Thanksgiving. So, I'll recommend Thanksgiving books and teaching ideas to help you with that as well. Thanksgiving Gratitude Ideas Thankful Book from … [Read more...]
Geometry Fun with Tangrams for Kids
Want a fun math activity? Try tangrams. Tangrams are seven shapes, or tans, which come from China. It's geometry and it's a lot more fun than proofs! (Or is it just me who still hates 10th grade geometry?) Make Your Own Tangrams Print out your own set of tangrams or order a set from ThinkFun. Rearranging the tans increases spacial skills. Make cookies into tangrams and play with your … [Read more...]
Learning Valentine’s Day Crafts
Why not give your Valentine's Day crafts a learning twist? 4- 7 year olds: Get out your old magazines and cut out big letters for this cutting and gluing home-made Valentine's Day card craft. 7 - 10 year olds: Print out a craft. Cut up the directions into different strips of paper. Mix up the direction strips and give them (out of order) to your children. Have them read through the steps and … [Read more...]