Discover fun and engaging afterschool activities to help kids develop the 6+1 Traits of Writing. Boost your child's writing skills with these creative ideas and easy tips.Writing with Grade School ChildrenWhat I love about our team of after-schooling parents (Those of us that believe strongly in providing educational opportunities to our grade school children at home) Little Wonder Days, Mouse Grows Mouse Learns, Just Playin' Around, Mama Smiles, Superheroes and Princesses, The Educators' Spin ... Read more...
Autumn Tot School
Embrace the beauty and wonder of autumn with fun, hands-on activities for your toddler for our autumn tot school. Spark curiosity and encourage development in a fun, relaxed environment.From the vibrant colors of changing leaves to discovering pumpkins, apples, and acorns, explore the sights, sounds, and textures of fall. Through playful learning, your toddler will engage in sensory experiences, art projects, and outdoor exploration to celebrate the season. We’re excited to kick off this cozy ... Read more...
Owl Pizza Recipe for Kids
WHOOOO wants to cook? Create your very own owl shaped pizza with this easy to bake pizza dough recipe. Plus a few owl themed activity ideas too while the pizza bakes. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. Owl Themed Pizza Recipe and Lesson for KidsThe theme for Cooking Class today was Owls!We read this adorable book about this little baby owl who didn't want to go out with his parents in the night. He meets new friends each night who teach him many ways that the night is special including ... Read more...
Fall Sight Word Games and Activities
Learning to read is a process that is spread out over many years. No one program or activity will teach your child how to read. It is a combination of developing a love for reading and teaching different aspects of reading that will help your child learn. You are your child’s first and most important teacher. You know how your child will learn best and will be able to adapt these different activities to fit their needs and abilities. Each child learns at his own pace and I believe ... Read more...
Tot School Make a Fall Painting with Your Toddler this Autumn
Red, orange and yellow. Bring out the fall colors with this fall painting project for toddlers. Best for children 2 years and older Learning Objectives: Explores a variety of materials. Names the colors.Affiliate linksMake a Fall Painting with Your ToddlerToddlers are great at running and climbing. They love to explore the world and find out how things move. They need to make and create things with their hands, but are not quite ready for "crafts" in the traditional sense. 1 and 2 year ... Read more...
Using Playtime for Writing Inspiration
Using Playtime to Inspire Story Writing We had a great time celebrating Halloween over the past week. Every story time seemed to involve books that are thematic to Fall and Halloween. My daughter has been running around with her costume and horse the past week pretending to be Jessie from Toy Story. I created a post this week about the Important of Dramatic Play with our children, please Check it out here! Making real life connections to literacy is so important at this age.Using all of this ... Read more...
Wood floors and coffee cake – the Natural Playscape Way
Discover the beauty of natural playscapes as a backdrop to family life, creativity, and learning. Explore how simple joys like wood floors, coffee cake, and outdoor play inspire connection and imagination.What I love about a natural playscape is that they are always changing. Bamboo rods can be turned into almost anything with the help of an amazing husband and dad. Inspiring Creativity with a Natural PlayscapeNatural playscapes are outdoor play areas designed to encourage children to explore ... Read more...
Literacy Connections: Save Your Halloween Costumes for Playtime
Turn Halloween costume fun into meaningful literacy moments! Explore creative ways to build reading and writing skills through imaginative play and costume-inspired activities.Don't put away those Halloween Costumes yet! It's time to make Literacy Connections!My daughter had a very descriptive idea of what she wanted to be this year for Halloween. She wanted to be Jessie from Toy Story. I'm not sure where it started from, as we've only watched the movie a handful of times, but something in that ... Read more...
The Magic of Snuggling Up with Your Baby and Reading: Why It Matters for Parents
Set aside time for reading every day with your baby — even if it's only a few minutes.Snuggling up and reading to your baby fosters emotional bonding, strengthens early language development, and nurtures a love for reading. These quiet moments not only support their cognitive growth but also create lasting memories and a comforting routine for both parent and child.Snuggle Up and Read Your BabyBabies love books with bright colors, baby faces, flaps, textures, or simple activities. You ... Read more...
Halloween Story Writing
Tips for teaching kids to learn to write this Halloween... use stickers! Here's how to encourage your child to write their own story with Halloween stickers. I loved Amanda's Afterschool Express Post last week about teaching writing with beginning writers. Her little one expresses herself so freely in writing, I love it! My daughter is also in Kindergarten but is more reserved with her writing and needs a little encouragement. She really wants us to help her spell the words and we're working on ... Read more...
