Holidays
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Thoughts on Decorating the Classroom for the Holidays
You know that I’m big on celebrating holidays – personally, and in the classroom – so it should come as no surprise that I’m a fan of decorating the classroom to support this. At the same time, I know this can be a little tricky. We want to acknowledge the things that are happening in children’s lives, while also being culturally appropriate and making sure to respect all families’ traditions. I’ll be the first to say that I’m not an expert in this area, but I definitely try to do my best! Children are coming into contact with holiday decor and displays in the real world, so it’s important to…
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Finishing the Year Strong!
We’re so close to December! Can you believe that it’s nearly the end of another year already? This can be such a strange time when it comes to teaching – everything is a bit of a whirlwind because there’s so much going on, it’s the end of a calendar year, but not the end of the school year, and it many cases it feels like you’re surviving until a holiday break. Is it possible to be intentional as we head into December so that everyone enjoys this season, while feeling some closure to 2023 and prepared to start fresh in the new year? Of course it is! Here are my…
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Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Freebie
I can imagine that you’re feeling the Thanksgiving crunch, so I’m coming through with a quick and easy last-minute Thanksgiving activity – oh, and did I mention that it’s free?! This opinion survey set can be used in the classroom, but it would also be an excellent activity for any holiday get together. Print the pages and put them on a clipboard, then send your preschooler around to ask everyone for their opinions! These would be great conversation starters, and they’re sure to spark some strong opinions. You can download them HERE (or by clicking on the photo).
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Thanksgiving Pie Experiment
I know that there are very strong opinions about using food for preschool activities, and I understand both sides of the argument. Personally, I believe that food is something that brings us together. It is a powerful way to open children’s minds to new experiences, and to introduce them to cultural experiences. I am especially partial to taste-tests as science and social studies activities because it gives me the opportunity to expose children to something that they may not ever encounter at home. I’ve been known to taste test fruits and vegetables, in order to introduce new foods and encourage children to be open to trying new things. This particular…
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Best Gifts for Teachers 2023
I’ve got one more gift guide for you this week! When it comes to putting these together, the teacher gift guide is always the most challenging. What you choose to give your child’s teacher has a lot to do with your relationship with them – which can mean that there are a ton of different variables at play. I also find it really important to share ideas that don’t look like every other list on the internet (do you know how many teacher gift lists there are that list gift cards, scented candles, and hand soap???? – Too many). Here are the items that the teachers I know would absolutely…
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Christmas gifts for 3, 4 and 5 year olds 2023
Gift guide number 3 is here! Preschoolers really have opinions about what they like, and that makes a huge difference when it comes to shopping for holiday gifts. Even if you don’t know what the preschooler that you’re shopping for loves, there are still some gifts that will absolutely hit the mark. Here are my best recommendations for 2023. Just a reminder, all links are affiliates and I’ll receive a portion of the proceeds. Picasso Tiles Marble Run Set – This looks like so much fun! Magnet tiles are always a win, they keep preschoolers busy forever, so adding the marble run component is genius. I can definitely see the…
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Christmas gifts for 2 and 3 year olds 2023
Here’s another holiday gift guide! Toddlers are so fun to buy for because they’re finally understanding how to play with toys. There are so many things that you can introduce them to and they use toys in such creative ways. Here are my favorite recommendations for 2023. Just a reminder, all links are affiliates and I’ll receive a portion of the proceeds. Peanut Shaped Crayons – These are good for so many reasons! They’re designed to be easy for little hands to hold, and the lake of a paper wrapping means that children can use them any way they like. They’re also nice and thick, so they won’t break as…
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Christmas Gifts for Babies 2023
Halloween is tomorrow, which means it’s the perfect time to start sharing holiday gift guides… I know, it makes no sense, but this is the world we live in! Sharing gift recommendations for the youngest children is one of my favorite things to do. Infants can be so tough to buy for – they don’t NEED anything, and they aren’t old enough to really play with much, or let’s be honest even understand why they’re getting new things on this random day. Buying gifts for babies is truly about the giver and the child’s parents. Here are some infant gifts that are fun to give, and families will be grateful…
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Quick Halloween Teacher Gift
It’s always been my mission to make sure that my daughter’s teachers know they’re appreciated – because it’s something that teachers don’t hear enough. Sometimes that looks like personal, handmade gifts, and sometimes there just isn’t time for that! Here’s a quick and easy Halloween gift that I I just put together. Who doesn’t love a Halloween movie night? I found a bucket at the Dollar Tree, added some movie theater candy, Halloween Peeps, candy corn, and our family’s famous homemade kettle corn (but any popcorn would work). Then I tied on this cute tag, and decided to share it with you. You can download your own tags here. I…
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Last Minute Teacher Costumes
I love Halloween, but I’m not a huge fan of dressing up – it’s the introvert in me that doesn’t want any extra attention! I also don’t love the idea of spending a ton of money on something that I’m only going to wear once. I’ve gotten really good at creating fun, comfortable costumes from my own closet. The fact that they’re made from clothes I already own means that they’re also very school-appropriate. Here are some of the ideas that I’ve used in the past, just in case you’re looking for a last minute teacher costume that won’t break the budget. Gardener – Pull out a pear of jeans…
