holiday

Favorite Hanukkah Books for Kids

Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, these Hanukkah books for kids will introduce the holiday and traditions in kid-friendly stories. 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 friends and neighbors. I love that! To those […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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. […]