• rainy day ideas

    Can’t go outside? No problem!

    We’ve been dealing with a lot of haze from Canadian wildfires this summer, which has meant spending more time inside than we might like. I thought it might be helpful to share a trick that has worked so well for me on those days that you just can’t go outside. This is a post that was originally written in 2015, and it was intended for rainy day ideas – but it could definitely work for any long stretch of days where you’re stuck inside! You can read the original post here. One of the best things that I’ve done for my classroom is to put together a rainy day box.…

  • camping snacks

    Camping Recipes for the Classroom

    It can be intimidating to think about camping-themed snacks for the classroom, because so many of those traditional favorites require a campfire. Some programs might embrace that, but my experience has always been that this wouldn’t even be a possibility due to licensing regulations (nor would I want to be the one supervising so many children in a potentially unsafe situation). So here are a ton of really great camping snack ideas that offer many of the same flavors, without the fire aspect!

  • Preschool Camping

    Camping Activities for Preschool

    One of my favorite units to use in the summer is camping! It’s something that my family loves to do together, and I know that the children get so much more from my passion for this subject. Here are some of thecamping activities for preschool that are available in my TPT store:

  • simple bug catcher

    Easy Camping DIY

    We enjoyed a nice long camping trip last weekend and I’m still working through all of the laundry! I had to share this little DIY before I forget – Simple bug catchers. These are such an easy way to keep kids busy and encourage exploration. Before we left I was looking for a quick project that my girl and I could put together for all of the kids that were camping with us. I wanted something that we already had all of the supplies for, would actually capture interest, and wouldn’t take up a lot of space. Catching lightning bugs is always a favorite camping activity, so this was a…

  • The Simple Life

    I had to share this because I KNOW I’m not the only one feeling this way. I made this wallpaper for my computer using my Patriotic Bicycle Parade clipart. When I opened my laptop this morning I had to laugh at the sentiment – life feels anything but simple at the moment! It’s more like a whirlwind of holidays, trips, activities, and managing everyone’s schedules. If that describes what you’re dealing with right now, just know that you aren’t alone!

  • Prime Day for the classroom

    Back to school already?!

    Now that all of my July materials are officially available, it can only mean one thing – it’s time to think about August, you know… back to school season! I might not be ready, but I will definitely take advantage of Amazon Prime day to help me get in the mood. Prime day is July 11th and 12th, so I’m making my list now, here’s what I’m buying on Prime Day for the classroom (all links are affiliate links and I may receive a portion of the proceeds): First things, first – my Prime membership always renews in August, which seems appropriate as we gear up to head back to…

  • 4th of july preschool

    All Things 4th of July!

    The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays, which is likely because of how close it is to my birthday. I love to go all in when it comes to red white and blue – and this includes in the classroom. I can’t believe that we’ve already made it to this point of the summer! Last week I shared a ton of patriotic resources, but If you’re planning for this week and next week here are ALL of the 4th of July posts that I’ve every written (you know, for inspiration): Children’s Books for the 4th of July 4th of July Bingo 4th of July Fruit…

  • Bicycle Parade Clipart

    I finally got this posted! I am so in love with this pretty patriotic set. I started making these 1 year ago and it has been the best to see how much they’ve improved each month – making these is truly my favorite part of my job. Take a look at all of the great sets (they can also be purchased as a bundle)!

  • permission to take the break

    It’s always ok to take care of ourselves

    I’m putting this message out there today because I need to hear it – which probably means that some of you need to hear it too (it’s always better when we feel like we’re not alone). There’s so much pressure to keep working, move forward, and improve ALL THE TIME. We’re not built for that – no one can be “on” all of the time, and working (whatever your work may be) 24/7 isn’t healthy. It’s always ok to take a break, and one thing we can all do better is to give ourselves permission to take the break – without feeling guilty or lazy! I know that I’m the…

  • planning a summer week

    Plan with me!

    I usually like to sit down on Friday afternoon or sometime on Sunday and look over my calendar for the upcoming week – this week it didn’t happen until Monday morning, but it’s summer right?! Summer weeks look a lot different in my planner than a typical week during the school year. There are a lot more moving pieces and ever-changing plans in the summer, so having it all written down is so important. Take a look at what goes into planning a summer week: Some of these plans were put in my calendar before my girl broke her arm, so we’ve had to do a bit of shuffling in…