Creative Gift Ideas that Feed Your Child's Passions

I'm one of those parents that still believes in surprises during the holidays. As in, I tell my kids you can make that Christmas list as loooong as you want to but there will be a few things under the tree that you never knew you wante...

Fun Math Games: Plot Points on a Map Scavenger Hunt

I'm super excited about today's activity!Why?  It's a fun way to get the kids outside PLUS there's some math involved AND there's also an element of surprise! So your kids won't even notice the math & learning that's involved ...

Kids Books about Fractions & Hands-on Math Activities

We have a running joke in our house about the 'bigger half'. My daughter started it when she was younger -- we would ask if she wanted to split a sandwich or cookie with someone and her reply was always "Yes, but I want the bigger half!" We...

150+ Activities for Year-Round Play & Learning

If you were standing right next to me when I tell you this, I'm sure you would laugh a little because it's hard for me to say it without jumping up & down ... We have written a book! Being an author is a life goal of mine so I'm reall...

18 Clothespin Math Activities & Games

Math is one of those topics that many kids find easier to learn if they can DO something with it. Instead of just working problems on a worksheet, learning becomes hands-on when you sort coins, pull out the tape measure or build items ...

100+ Free Online Games & Book Activities

I love getting kids excited about books!  Sometimes it's not as easy as just handing them a book though. Getting kids into books isn't just about reading -- it's also about making the story interactive. And there are quite a few chi...

Life Skills for Kids: Money Management, Map Skills & Healthy Behaviors

As parents, we all know how important it is to teach our children various life skills.  Learning about money, healthy behaviors and other everyday tasks are just as important as all the math & reading skills the kids learn at scho...

Sandpaper Science: Take a Peek Inside Nature

Sometimes the weather makes it difficult to connect with nature. And the winter months present several challenges -- nature is no longer in 'full bloom' and cold weather has set in which usually means less time outside. But I love a good ...

40 Free Pretend Play Printables

Kids will love these pretend play printables - police, doctor, detective, scientist, architect, zookeeper and more!Do you have kids who LOVE to pretend?One day, they're a zoo keeper and the next day, playing school with friends -- pretend p...

20 Science Experiments You Can Do in a Jar

We're starting a new monthly series on the blog today -- A Year of Simple Science Experiments! Each month, we'll feature some fun science projects that can easily be done at home or in the classroom.  These hands-on activities will g...

20 Things to do with a Deck of Cards

Get creative with these 20 fun things to do with a deck of cards!Have you ever needed an activity to keep the kids busy while you're out to dinner or waiting at the doctor's office?  You know, something you could keep in your purse or ...

Science Projects for Kids: Notebooks & Journals

Have you ever visited the zoo with the kids -- they look at the animals, play around, you talk to them about various things -- and then you're home for a hour or so and the questions begin... Why do the monkeys comb each other?  ...

Ideas for Connecting Nature with Books: A Year in the Secret Garden

Have you ever read a book with the kids and thought "Wow!  I wish there was something more that we could do with the story." ? Than boy do we have an awesome post for you today! One of our amazing friends has created a book of extens...

Halloween Countdown Calendar {free printable!}

How many days until Halloween?  This Halloween Countdown Calendar is the perfect way for your kids to track the days 'til trick or treats!I looked at the calendar today and realized that October begins next week.Yikes!Because as soon a...

Ecology for Kids: Learning about Biomes

Wow has summer just flown by or what?!  The kids only have a few more weeks before they start classes here (they are NOT ready to go back) and this is the last topic in our Summer Science series. If you've missed the previous science ...