I am not going to pretend to like bugs. I do not.However, I have to admit, that for children, bugs are exciting and intriguing. I first realized this when I was a preschool teacher and our themes were chosen for us. When I saw “bugs” on the list, I debated calling in sick for the…
Category: Early Childhood
LEGOS
Quite a few years ago, we attended a birthday party for a little boy my daughter’s age. When I asked the boy’s mom what things he liked, so I could purchase him a gift, she told me LEGOS. It was his obsession and how he spent every free minute he had. She went on to…
Gardening
Let’s start thinking about gardening. With the sun finally starting to shine through this time of year, temperatures slowly rising, and seeing the first buds and blooms of the season is the time to think about gardening. Now I have to be honest, growing up in the city, gardening wasn’t anything I’ve ever been familiar…
Favorite Fingerplays
Fingerplays are something I’ve always enjoyed sharing with my children from the time they were very young. Since almost all children find singing so entertaining and enjoyable, fingerplays are a perfect first activity. Fingerplays can teach rhythm, counting skills, establish fine motor skills, and work on memory skills, all while capitalizing on children’s natural…
PARACHUTE GAMES
I grew up as a complete tomboy. So when I think back to my childhood memories, most involve some sort of sporting event. When I think back on my school days memories, most involve gym class. Recently, one of the children that I care for after school asked me what my favorite subject in school…
Stone Soup Ideas
Since it is Super Bowl Sunday, it made me think of soup(see how I can make anything be about food). Of course, this brought to mind one of my all-time favorite children’s books: STONE SOUP I cannot think of a children’s book that embraces the concept of sharing any better than this one. One of the…
Snowman Unit Study
When my children were young, I did a lot of unit studies. With my in-home daycare, I have also always used themes. One of my favorites each year is our Snowman unit study. Through the years, I cannot even begin to count how many different activities we have done during this unit. I found ways…
Do You Want To Build A Snowman?
Playing outside in the snow is a delightful experience for children of all ages. Not only does it get them active and outside, but it also delights their senses. The sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound of it can be thrilling. It may sound silly, but building a snowman actually involves many life skills. First,…
Read To Me!
This time of year always has me feeling nostalgic. Earlier this week, a friend told me that she wanted to buy her daughter some books for Christmas and asked me what my kids’ favorite books were when they were 2. I couldn’t help but start thinking of those magical memories from reading to my…
Christmas Kitchen Fun
Bringing my children into the kitchen with me was born more out of necessity than desire. I needed to cook/bake/clean. I was home with a baby. Thus it began. I never went into the kitchen alone. At first, I’d bring the baby in her little bouncy seat. Then it was a saucer. I even went…
