christmas

  • Save your extra wrapping paper!

    Preschool teachers are well known for saving everything, so it should come as no surprise that I’m telling you to save your left over wrapping paper.  There are so many things that you can use it for in the classroom, here are a few ideas: Create artwork on top of the wrapping paper design. Most wrapping paper is shiny, so it would be interesting to see how paint, crayons, and glue react to this surface. It would also be interesting to see if the children cover the design, or if they incorporate it into their art.  Cut wrapping paper into smaller pieces and use it for collages. I always had…

  • Tips for banishing pre-holiday behavior problems

    If you’re spending this week with young children – your students, or your own children – then I’m sure you’ve taken a deep breath and prepared yourself for chaos and tantrums.  While some off the behavior problems you might encounter come with the season, others are a product of messed up routines, missed nap times, and too many sweet treats.  Those are the kind of problems that can be avoided with some careful preparation. Here are a few tips that I’ve picked up along the way: Try to keep your routine as normal as possible.  If you can’t schedule fun events into your normal routine, then prepare the children in…

  • Friday Freebie – Cookie Patterning

    Happy Friday! We’ve almost made it to the holidays, and let me tell you, I am ready for a break! I had to share this Cookie Patterning freebie from Stuff from Steff because I’m pretty sure it was the first thing that I ever downloaded from TPT. I still use it every year, so I can attest to how wonderful it is, and how much my students love it! Go download your and enjoy your weekend!

  • Books to help you celebrate Christmas

    It’s not a preschool holiday without some themed children’s books! Here are some of the best for Christmas – Just a note, I’ve always stuck with stories that stay away from the religious aspects of the holiday because that’s what I feel most comfortable with in the classroom, so that’s what I’ve got to share with you! All links are amazon affiliates. The Polar Express is a classic for a reason. I remember having this story read to us every year as a child and it’s an endearing tradition that needs to be shared.  The illustrations are magical and the story leaves just enough to a child’s imagination to make…

  • Countdown to Christmas!

    It’s December 1st so we can officially begin that countdown! Whether you countdown to Christmas, or winter break, it’s always fun to watch those days go by as you anticipate the holiday – or a little bit of time off! I was overwhelmed by the cute ideas that are out there so I had to share some of my favorites with you. I still can’t decide which one I like best, but I love that they are all simple to use and involve the children in the process.  This cute freebie is from Erin Wing, and it includes little positive notes and compliments for each day. This Santa Countdown is adorable,…

  • Friday Freebie – Holiday Checklists

    Happy Friday! We’ve made, just a couple more days until Thanksgiving (and hopefully a nice little break), and then we rush headfirst into December. If you have given any thought at all to everything you have to get done in December – even if just to dread managing all of it – then this freebie is for you. I am so excited about this Holiday Checklist Sampler from Ladybug’s Teacher Files.  You put your students’ names into one list and it automatically fills all of the lists for you, so you have easy checklists to help you make sure that everyone has finished their gifts for their families and you…

  • Toddler Gift Guide 2016

    I know that we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet, but since the official start of the holiday shopping season is next Friday that means it’s time for my annual gift guides.  The following items would be perfect for the toddlers in your life – these would also be great gifts for any toddler classroom! All links are Amazon affiliates. These Boon Water Pipes are the best bath toys! They suction to the wall of the bathtub and each pipe has a different function.  Toddlers can explore them each on it’s own, or line them up to create a pipe maze for the water to flow through.  This will definitely help…

  • Infant Gift Guide 2016

    I know that we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet, but since the official start of the holiday shopping season is next Friday that means it’s time for my annual gift guides.  The following items would be perfect for the infants in your life – these would also be great gifts for any infant classroom! All links are Amazon affiliates. I always include these Sassy Ring’O Links in my infant gifts for a couple of reasons; They are simple toys that are safe for the smallest infants to grasp and chew, they don’t take up a ton of space making them easily portable and perfect for the diaper bag, they are…