Thanksgiving fingerplays are a great way to interact with younger children. These fingerplays help children with gross and fine motor skills, improve memory skills, and help them to visualize stories, all while having FUN! Here are my favorite Thanksgiving fingerplays: I’m A Little Turkey (sung to the tune of I’m A Little Teapot) I’m a…
Has Handwriting Become A Lost Art?
Has handwriting truly become a lost art? One of my son’s friends came over to the house after school, and the first thing she asked…“Can anyone here read cursive?” What?? I thought to myself. But this girl is so smart…“Don’t they teach you this in school?” I ask her.“Nope,” she says, “and I really want…
Curiosity And Play In Unschooling
Curiosity and play in unschooling Unschooling is an educational philosophy that empowers children to learn through their natural curiosity and love of play. Unschooling allows children to explore their interests freely, which fosters creativity, independence, and a lifelong love for learning–which is the whole point of education really. Curiosity Is Crucial to unschooling Curiosity drives…
PEEPS HOUSES
One of my favorite Easter time activities is our annual making of Peeps Houses. Oh, how the kids love this! I start out by having a storytime, based on Easter books full of bunnies and chicks. Then, we sing and act out some bunny songs. Some of my favorites are:Little Bunny Foo Foo and Peter…
PLAY KITCHEN
Who knew the memories our play kitchen would evoke? My son called me up earlier this week, while cleaning out our attic, and said,“Hey mom, we don’t need that old play kitchen that’s up in the attic anymore, do we?”I couldn’t respond.I was literally flooded with memories. Yes son, we do still need that play…
AUTUMN LEAVES
Autumn is a season that absolutely delights the senses!!The images of leaves changing colors, the scent of apples, the feel of the cool air, the taste of pumpkin pie, and the sound of leaves rustling, can send you into an autumn euphoria! Ahhhh….those autumn leaves(can’t you just smell them now?) Sharing this season with the…
St. Patrick’s Day Fun
St. Patrick’s Day Fun I love going all out and making holidays super memorable for the children in my life.Making St. Patrick’s Day Fun is no exception. I will begin the St. Patrick’s Day Fun by decking my house out in as much green as I can possibly stomach.Green streamers, balloons, shamrocks, leprechauns, stars, and…
Cuddle Up And Read
Cuddle up and read. As I’m embracing my word of the year, I’ve been reflecting on which simple activities bring me the most joy. To learn more about this, please read my earlier blog post: https://learningisawayoflife.com/word-of-the-year/. I was reminiscing back to when my oldest daughter was born, over 20 years ago. As a new mom,…
Word Of The Year
I know everyone approaches the New Year a little differently when it comes to goals, resolutions, word of the year, bucket lists, etc. In my opinion, including one of these typical methods into my New Year routine, keeps me motivated and gives me a positive outlook on the year before me. So, this year, I…
Sweet Potatoes
Growing up, my favorite dish at the Thanksgiving table each year, was sweet potato casserole. I was always amazed that my mom could turn sweet potatoes into something so ooey, gooey, and delicious! Kids in the kitchen. My children have always loved helping me with anything and everything I do in the kitchen(except the cleaning…
