Morning Mayhem

Mornings can be stressful getting ready for school and work. 

You are tired.

They are tired.

You are hungry.

So are they.

Picture it…

Little Tommy can’t find his shoes because his brother Johnny is wearing them.

Johnny can’t understand why his shoes don’t fit properly, because he is mistakenly wearing Tommy’s shoes that are a half size too small. Now, he is spiraling into a temper tantrum.

Because remember, tired and hungry.

Your husband is answering emails and sipping his coffee while the pancakes burn on the griddle behind you, because you’re trying to help Tommy and Johnny. 

Milk has spilled onto the counter and now you have Nutella fingerprints all over the front of your dress, because baby Susie is crying for her mama and trying to climb you like a tree.

Does this sound familiar?

Hang in their Mom.

Check out a few tips that we have found extremely helpful to propel mornings in the right direction with less madness and mayhem.  Most of which is prepared the night before.

Lunches are best prepared the night before because it can be one of the most time consuming activities of the entire routine.  If you do this at nighttime, it is guaranteed to shave off a good ten minutes of your morning rush.

And mom, if they are old enough to criticize what they find in their lunchbox, they are old enough to make it themselves.

Kiiiiiiiiiiidddddinnnnnng. Sort of.

Lay out the outfits you are all planning to wear the next day.

Make sure all chores are done the night before.  You don’t want to have to climb any unnecessary hurdles throughout the morning.

In the mornings make sure that the TV stays off. If they get preoccupied with a show they aren’t going to easily get moving when you need them to be on the top of their game the most.

Spend the last few minutes before racing out to the car to do something fun like a little game or maybe sing some songs together.  Something that will have you all parting on a good note after the morning rush.

Hopefully this will help you have less mornings with mayhem and more time enjoying your family before the day begins.

Walking Water Science Experiment

How cool is this science experiment?

It is something so easy to do and produces results immediately. Try it at home with your little ones and experience the wonder that we did here in class.

If you are a Teacher you would enjoy doing this with your students during the spring months due to its rainbow effects. You could add it to your spring theme in the classroom along with other activities.

The supply list needed for this fun little experiment is simple:

~ Small clear cups

~ Paper towels

~ Food coloring (stick to primary colors)

~ And of course...water.

The setup is quite simple. Take a peak at the pictures to see just how easy it is.

~ Line your cups in a row or as you can see in the pictures, a circle will work just fine.

~ Fill your cups with water. Not necessarily to the rim. You will want to leave some space so that you avoid overflow when it is time to add the paper towels.

((When adding food coloring you will want to use the same amount of drops in each cup))

~ Add a few drops of red food coloring to the first and the last cup.

~ Add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the third cup.

~ Add a few drops of blue food coloring to the fifth cup.


Now, it's experiment time:



Cut your paper towels in half unless you have the "select-a-size." You won't need an entire paper towel because it will be entirely too bulky.

Fold that half sheet in half lengthwise and then again lengthwise.

Place a paper towel in the first cup and bend it placing the other half in the cup next to it. (Ex: form a rainbow)

Place another paper towel in the second cup and forming the rainbow into the third and so on until you reach the end of the line.

Immediately, you should notice the colored water starting its travel up the paper towels.

Eventually you will see how the colored water has traveled up the paper towel and down into the ends that are in the empty cups.

Those empty cups aren't there for decoration. They have their own purpose. There might be a little mixing action taking place within a few hours!

See? Super easy and fun. Enjoy!

Springtime Books For Preschoolers

It is the first day of Spring and we are expecting a BIG Snowstorm. 😞 A great way to remedy this situation?

We can dream of warmer days.

Orrrrrrrr...How about a few book ideas that you can read with your child? 😉

Here is a list for you to enjoy.

1 ~ Planting a Rainbow

Young children will enjoy learning about colors and flowers with this new edition of one of Lois Ehlert's most popular titles in a brand-new format.

2 ~ The Snail and the Whale

When a tiny snail meets a humpback whale, the two travel together to far-off lands. It's a dream come true for the snail, who has never left home before. But when the whale swims too close to shore, will the snail be able to save her new friend?

3 ~ It's Spring! 

A beautifully illustrated rhyming story about spring.

The robin told the rabbit...
The rabbit told the deer...
The deer told the duck...
Then all the birds began to sing
To tell the bears, "Wake up, it's spring!"

4 ~ Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo

Little things can have a big impact, as in this funny Beginner Book by Dr. Seuss (writing under the name Rosetta Stone) and Michael Frith. When a little bug sneezes, he unknowingly sets off a hilarious chain reaction that wreaks havoc clear across town. From a toppled turtle to a sinking ship to a disrupted circus parade, Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo! takes a hysterical look at consequences in a way that only Dr. Seuss can.

5 ~ The Little Gardener

Discover what it takes to become a little gardener with this interactive board book that's perfect for spring and summertime reading. 

It takes more than just seeds and water. Lift the flaps in this bright board book and find out all you need to know in order to create and care for your very own garden!

Shovel.
Pail.
Rake.
Ho.
Tiny seeds in a row.

Compost water.
Rain.
Sun.
Seeds sprout, one by one.

6 ~ And Then It's Spring 

Following a snow-filled winter, a young boy and his dog decide that they've had enough of all that brown and resolve to plant a garden. They dig, they plant, they play, they wait . . . and wait . . . until at last, the brown becomes a more hopeful shade of brown, a sign that spring may finally be on its way.

7 ~ Spring is Here (Bear and Mole Stories)

Sniff. Sniff. Sniff. Spring is in the air. Mole can smell it. But Bear is still asleep after his long winter nap. How will Mole wake up Bear so they can celebrate together? When a knock, knock, knock and toot, toot, toot can't get Bear out of bed, Mole cooks up a special treat.

Spring fever is catching in this vibrant story of friendship.

8 ~ The Tiny Seed (The World of Eric Carle)

Eric Carle’s classic story of the life cycle of

a flower is told through the adventures of a tiny

seed. This mini-book includes a piece of

detachable seed-embedded paper housed on the

inside front cover. Readers can plant the entire

piece of paper and watch as their very own tiny

seeds grow into beautiful wildflowers.

9 ~ Bear Wants More 

When springtime comes,

in his warm winter den

a bear wakes up

very hungry and thin!..."

Bear finds some roots to eat, but that's not enough. He wants more! With his friends' help, he finds some berries, clover, and fish to eat, but that's not enough. Bear wants more!

10 ~ Terry Treetop and the Lost Egg

Terry joins his family for a camping excursion. A lost egg sends him on an adventure in nature, where he meets different animal moms and learns about their eggs, their life cycle and their habitat. Terry manages to help someone in need, while gaining beautiful friendships along the way.

Top 10 Children's Books To Read For Fall

Fall is FINALLY here!  And your local libraries are showcasing all of the best Fall time reads.  Here are our Top 10 Children's books for the Fall season:

1 ~ The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages

This story by Leo Buscaglia is a warm, wonderfully wise and strikingly simple story about a leaf named Freddie. How Freddie and his companion leaves change with the passing seasons, finally falling to the ground with winter's snow, is an inspiring allegory illustrating the delicate balance between life and death.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf is a warm and thought-provoking story and both children and adults will be deeply touched by this inspiring book. This 20th anniversary edition of this beloved classic has helped thousands of people come to grips with life and death.

2 ~ Llama Llama Gives Thanks

From beloved storyteller Anna Dewdney comes the perfect way to give thanks: a Llama Llama Thanksgiving board book!
 
In Llama Llama Gives Thanks, it's Thanksgiving time for Llama Llama and his family! That means yummy foods and autumn leaves and being thankful for everything from pumpkin pies to blue skies. Thanksgiving may only come once year, but in Llama's family, giving thanks is always here!

With short and simple rhyming text, the Llama Llama board books introduce Llama Llama to babies and toddlers before they’re ready for longer full-length stories. And their small size and durable pages are perfect for little hands.

3 ~ Mouse's First Fall 

Lauren Thompson and Bucket Erdogan show what makes fall so much fun in Classic Board Book edition of Mouse's First Fall!

One cool day Mouse and Minka venture out to play. From leaves of all colors—red, yellow, orange to brown—to leaves of all shapes and sizes—Mouse learns what makes fall such a special season! Before their fun, fall day is over, Mouse takes a big "leap!" Now featuring the newly redesigned Classic Board Book logo, this sturdy book is perfect for little ones learning about the seasons!

4 ~ I Love Fall!: A Touch-and-Feel Board Book

From plump orange pumpkins to crunchy leaves, readers will love all the textures fall has to offer in this delightful touch-and-feel board book.

From woolly scarves and plump orange pumpkins to crunchy leaves and smooth wicker baskets, readers will delight in all the different textures fall has to offer. With simple, rhyming verses and sweet, vibrant illustrations, youngsters can celebrate the season with this touch-and-feel board book that's perfect for small hands.

5 ~ The Busy Little Squirrel

The leaves have started to fall. The air is cold. Squirrel needs to get ready for winter. He cannot nibble with the mice. He does not have time to hop with the frogs or run with the dogs. Will this busy little squirrel ever slow down? 

Focusing on all the charming features of the fall season, this sweetly illustrated story features country animals, pumpkins, leaves, apples and other signs of autumn. Now available as a sturdy board book, the newly redesigned Classic Board Book logo calls out this title's seasonal theme on the front cover.

6 ~ There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves!

Our favorite old lady is back and swallowing autumn items!

That wild old lady is back swallowing fall-themed items. What can you make from leaves, clothes, a pumpkin, and rope? That's right, a scarecrow!

Perfect for back-to-school time. 

7 ~ Apples and Pumpkins

A young girl spends a glorious fall day picking apples and searching for the perfect pumpkin in this refreshed classic.

"When red and yellow leaves are on the trees," a little girl goes with her parents to a farm where they pick apples and choose "the best pumpkin of them all." Back home, she helps to carve a grinning jack-o'-lantern face on the big orange pumpkin, which guards their doorstep on halloween night while her mother hands out shiny red apples and she and her father go trick-or-treating with the neighborhood ghosts and goblins.

8 ~ Fall Mixed Up 

"Every Septober, Every Octember, Fall fills my senses with scenes to remember." "Bears gather nuts. Geese hibernate. Squirrels fly south in big figure eights." Fall is all mixed up in this silly book from Bob Raczka! Can you find his mistakes in the words and pictures?

9 ~ Why Do Leaves Change Color?

It's fall! The leaves are changing color. This Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book explains the magical process of how leaves change their color in autumn.

Now rebranded with a new cover look, this classic picture book features graceful text and simple, fun diagrams to explain concepts like photosynthesis and the different types of leaves. This book also includes simple activities to do with leaves like leaf rubbings. Both the text and art were expert-vetted for accuracy.

This is a Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores more challenging concepts perfect for children in the primary grades and supports the Common Core Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Let's-Read-and-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.

10~ Little Critter: The Fall Festival (My First I Can Read) 

Join Little Critter^® and his family on their exciting road trip to the Fall Festival! From apple picking to hayrides, discover how fun the harvest season can be.

Hurricane Harvey Relief Donations

Did you know that Texas and several national relief organizations have set up Amazon online wish lists for their most high demand items needed immediately?

Tens of thousands of people in Texas were displaced due to the floods of Hurricane Harvey. As of the end of last week they were up to 36,000+ people living in shelters. Around 40% of those are children. This is confirmed as the biggest flood ever recorded in U.S. History.

If you want to contribute, please consider visiting the wish lists of some of these organizations.  They will receive your items directly in a matter of a few short days.

1 - Texas Diaper Bank

A complete list of items needed can be found here:  http://amzn.to/2vrUyia

***They are still asking for diapers and feminine products.***

2 - Junior League of New Orleans Diaper Bank

This group is assisting Hurricane Harvey victims by accepting donations of diapers, wipes, and feminine products through their diaper bank foundation.  

The complete list is here:  http://amzn.to/2cl3YgM

3 - American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has its own wish list designated for Hurricane Harvey:  http://amzn.to/2x33dab

Educational Websites for Preschoolers

We know how much kids today love to have their "screen time." Whether you give them 20 minutes a day, 30 minutes a day, or more. Why not make it educational AND fun for them? There are many websites out there that want this very combo for your children. They understand the importance of keeping them engaged while learning.

Here are some of our favorites:

1. www.abcya.com/

Here you will find free games and apps for kids. Games such as connect the dots, Bingo, letter and number tracing, and more.

2. www.abcmouse.com

This site offers Reading, Math, Music, Art, and other easy to use content for preschoolers. They offer a paid subscription, but you will find plenty of great games for free.

3 - www.funbrainjr.com

The fun and vibrant games you will find here will help children ages 2 - 6 years will help them build early learning skills in math AND reading!

4 - www.pbskids.org

Learn about letters and the alphabet and play games with some of your favorite PBS Kids characters.

Fun Summer Activities To Do With Your Children

IT'S SUMMER. AHHHHHHH!!!

The air is vibrating with excitement. The kids will be home from school and you are wondering what in the world you can do to keep them entertained. We have compiled a list of activities for you to consider throughout the season to be enjoyed by the whole family.

1 - Local Library

Most libraries have weekly events planned throughout the year and especially in the summer when everyone is off of school.  Look online for your Library's list of fun and educational plans.  Also, don't forget to sign them up for the summer reading program. Not only does this come with a few perks, but you will also find a list of recommended reading for all ages.

2 - Local Parks

Parks aren't just for jungle gyms.  Many will orchestrate family-friendly fun for you as well.  And, most of the time they are FREE events.  Fireworks for the 4th of July.  Performances at the pavilion. Concerts on the lawn. Nature tours.  So cool!

3 - Local Town Centers

So many of these shopping centers offer family-friendly activities such as concerts and outdoor movie nights.  What a great way to enjoy an evening with your loved ones than a nice meal and community?

4 - Free or Deeply Discounted Movies

Did you know that over the summer, some movie theatres have children's movies for $5 or less? Whaaaaaaaat???  I knooooooowww!  Companies like Regal have them on Tuesday mornings.  Every year they put out their list of films and the schedule for which it will be released throughout the summer break.

Kids have all of the fun 😒

5 - Visit the Farm

Most Farms are free to visitors.  Many offer activities that are free or low in cost, such as hayrides, arts and crafts, milking the cows, and so on.  Make an afternoon of it by packing a picnic lunch. Some farms offer strawberry and blueberry picking along with general stores where you can purchase local honey, jams, and baked good.

Last but not least, don't forget to check around your town for free attractions.  You might be able to find smaller museums that have free entry.

Another idea would be to explore a nearby town or city.  Summertime is chock full of festivals with rides, music, games, and delicious foods.

Top 9 Valentine's Day Books To Read With Your Children

Reading time is a great bonding experience between you and your child. A few minutes before bedtime can create memories that your child will cherish for many years to come.

How many of you remember stories from your childhood?

I went around the school asking our Teachers for their absolute favorite Valentine's Day stories and these were the results. 


1 - Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff


Join Mouse of If You Give A Mouse A Cookie as he celebrates Valentine's Day with all the friends he loves.

2 - Love From The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

3 - Pete The Cat. Valentine's Day Is Cool by James Dean

4 - Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney

5 - The Biggest Valentine Ever by Steven Kroll

6 - Happy Valentine's Day Curious George by N. Di Angelo

7 - Fancy Nancy Heart To Heart

8 - The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond

9 - My Fuzzy Valentine by Naomi Kleinberg