christmas

  • Infant Gift Guide 2017

    It’s my favorite week of the year – the week that I get to share my annual gift guides with all of you! I love putting these together because I am always being asked what makes a great gift for a little one, being a teacher brings a unique perspective.  I love to share my favorite items, and the ones that I’ve seen young children love – and use – over and over again.  Here’s what I recommend for infants, in fact, my daughter is getting a lot of these items this year! **All links are affiliates** Sassy Look Photo Book – This photo album was specifically designed for little…

  • Fine Motor Orange Pomanders

    Have you ever made orange pomanders? I remember making these in preschool, but I haven’t seen them around much recently.  I always love to refresh some of the activities that left an impression on me personally, so it seems like this one might be a keeper.  They are very easy to make, you just need some oranges (any kind will work – even little clementines), whole cloves, something to poke holes with (a toothpick, push pin, screw, etc.), and some twine or ribbon.  Start by showing the children how to poke starter holes into the skin of the orange. Once the starter holes have been made it is easy to…

  • 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…