Are you teaching young children to write the alphabet? Today I'm sharing seven simple steps for beginning handwriting practice. Looking for some creative ways to learn to write the alphabet? Here are the seven steps I follow when teaching my kids to write their letters. 1. Fill a large block letter with objects that begin with the letter's sound. You can print one of my large block letters ... Read More
Math Activities with Counting Bears (for ages 2-8)
Looking for math activities with counting bears? You'll find ideas in here for toddlers all the way through second grade! (This post contains affiliate links.) We had a set of bear counters in our closet that were just sitting there, so I spent the last couple of weeks finding math ideas for my toddler, preschooler, kindergartner, and second grader. If you have a set of bears, all the ... Read More
Bear counter pattern strips for preschoolers
Do you have a set of bear counters? Even if you don't, you can use these 25 free pattern strips with your preschooler! We've been doing a lot of math with our counting bears to go along with our exploration of the Letter B. Today I'm sharing a set of free printable bear pattern strips. My Four couldn't resist! Bear counter pattern strips for preschoolers Last week I printed a set of free bear counter pattern ... Read More
Lowercase block letters
Looking for printable letters? Today I'm sharing an entire lowercase set! Have you seen my set of uppercase block letters? I use them with my preschoolers when introducing new letters and reviewing letter sounds. Today I'm sharing a lowercase set. You can use these in a variety of ways! Four ways to use my free printable letters Print a letter and have your child fill it with ... Read More
7 fun activities for toddlers using BUBBLES!
Looking for some fun activities for toddlers? Make some bubbles! Do you have a toddler in your house? Our little guy is 2 1/2. Not quite a preschooler, but a busy little guy who's learning every day. After seeing his fascination with the soap bubbles as I wash dishes, I knew he'd love to make some bubbles of his own. Today I'm sharing seven simple activities for toddlers - all featuring ... Read More
Here is the Beehive rhyme for kids (with finger puppets)
Today I'm sharing a favorite rhyme for kids: Here is the Beehive. My kids have loved this one since they were little. This is the last in a series of free finger puppets that I'm sharing with Malia of Playdough to Plato. Today's rhyme is a favorite at our house because it ends with a tickle! Here is the Beehive is simple, quick, and fun. Pop on these finger puppets and say the rhyme to ... Read More
Fun Rhyme for kids: 5 Little Hot Dogs (with finger puppets!)
Here's another super fun rhyme for kids: 5 Little Hot Dogs Sizzling in the Pan! Did you see my recent post with ten reasons today's kids still need to know nursery rhymes? Those rhymes from 500 years ago have so many important benefits for kids. But the modern rhymes are wonderful too! You might know this rhyme as "5 Little Sausages." We like "five little hot dogs" because it's more ... Read More
An Animal Sound Song with free finger puppets
The classic songs and rhymes for kids are so important for babies and toddlers. Today I'm sharing a simple animal sound song that your toddler will love! I've teamed up with Malia of Playdough to Plato to share a series of eight rhymes and songs - with printable finger puppets! I'll be honest and admit that today's rhyme doesn't actually rhyme. :) But no problem - it's catchy and fun, and ... Read More
Rhymes for Kids: One Elephant Went out to Play (free finger puppets!)
Even in today's media driven world, the classic nursery rhymes and other songs and rhymes for kids are so important! Today I'm sharing free finger puppets for the song "One Elephant Went out to Play." Have you seen my little letter books? In each free printable book I share six rhymes and songs for a particular letter of the alphabet. Today I'm sharing another free printable to help you enjoy ... Read More
10 reasons kids need nursery rhymes
(This post contains affiliate links.) Today's children have screens everywhere they turn. Many of us know a toddler (perhaps our own!) who can operate an iPad. Things are surely different than when we were kids! Aren't nursery rhymes a thing of the past? They shouldn't be. (This post contains affiliate links.) Mary had a little lamb, her fleece was white as snow... Peter Piper picked a peck of ... Read More