Free Father's Day Gifts, Cheap/Free Activities to Do With Dad

Looking for low-cost Father's Day gifts? (Hint--it's the third Sunday in June, don't forget!) Why not do something with dad instead of buy him something? Here are 26 free Father's Day activities from A-Z. Don't limit it to just dad. Remember all special men this holiday--brothers, uncles, grandfathers, step-fathers, Godfathers, priests, rabbis, ministers, scout leaders, teachers, friends.  Free Father's Day Gifts, Do-With-Dad Activities from A-Z

Free Printable Cinco de Mayo Coloring Pages and Crafts

Like so many borrowed U.S.  holidays, Cinco de Mayo is pretty schmaltzy.  But that shouldn't stop us celebrating Mexican history and culture. Making traditional crafts, singing songs, eating foods, brings multiculturalism to the classroom. And that's all good. Here are printable Cinco de Mayo coloring pages, Mexican arts and crafts and Spanish-themed activities for kids. Latino and non-Latino will enjoy a fiesta of fun! I've tried to keep the kitsch to a minimum.  Free Printable Cinco de Mayo Coloring Pages and Crafts

Mother's Day Gifts for SAHM or WAHM Moms

Is Mother's Day gift-giving different for SAHM (stay at home moms) or WAHM (work at home moms) than for moms who go to job? I think it is a little. WAHMs long to get out more, while job  moms look forward to being home with the family. Not better worse--just different. Granted, Mother's Day gifts should be individual for every woman. But I was a SAHM and WAHM. I can speak to the unique needs that we have.  Here's a guide to get us just what we what and need for Mother's Day. Mother's Day Gifts for the SAHM Mom

Free Printable Advent Countdown to Christmas Activities

Advent begins on Sunday late in November or early in December. For the next 25 days we will prepare our hearts for the coming (Advent) of Jesus. Here are free printable Advent coloring, puzzles, crafts, calendars, wreaths and activities to celebrate the season. These activities will help kids anxious kids occupied (so mom and can work) till Christmas. I have been exploring and testing links for free printable Advent activities to keep children busy productive and happy as they prepare for Christmas.  read more

Free Printable Halloween Trick-or-Treat Countdown Calendar

Oh the agony waiting can be, especially for little ones looking forward to Halloween. And for the busy mom, a restless child can be a real productivity killer. About a million times a day, they ask "When is (fill in special event)????" Till you want to shriek "If you ask me one more time, NEVER!" Why not turn kids' anticipation into a fun learning experience? Here is a free printable Halloween trick-or-treat countdown calendar. Using this countdown to Halloween, children can mark the days themselves. It's a counting lesson, telling time activity, comprehension builder and personal organizer all in one! And making the countdown calendar will keep fidgety kids out of your hair, erhm, I mean happily busy. And you won't have to worry about what mischief the bored child is finding to occupy herself with! At 3, my youngest once "made a cake" (which included paring an apple, cracking NINE EGGS and scooping out half a jar of peanut butter) all in the space it took me to go to the bathroom! We did salvage it, but I wish I'd had these free printables....! Free Printable Halloween Trick-or-Treat Countdown Calendar 

Montessori mom: At-home preschool dramatic play learning center

 As a special needs and former Montessori teacher, my classrooms have always been organized on the learning center principle. Learning centers are rotational play areas were children perform tasks related to specific content areas: math, reading, science, art, practical life, dramatic play. When I had children, I imported the learning center philosophy into my home. The play room was set up like a modified preschool classroom. Got toddler or preschool age kids? I highly recommend setting up learning centers. If you're homeschooling, learning centers are a must. Here's how this Montessori mom designed an at-home dramatic play area.  Montessori mom: At-home preschool dramatic play learning center 

Recycled Halloween, Fall Crafts for Preschoolers

With older kids going back to school, little ones get bored. And bored preschoolers means parents must entertain or face consequences. Here are fall and Halloween-themed preschool crafts to occupy preschool children. These are great for a Halloween party, too. Easy, inexpensive crafts using recycled materials. Eco-Friendly Recycled Halloween and Autumn Harvest Craft Ideas 

Cheap Kids Party Organizer

Cheap Kids Party Organizer Need ideas for holiday activities for children? Here is the definitive guide! Compiled by a 25-year veteran teacher, it's loaded with timesavers, money shortcuts and energy saving ideas, you can host a party that everyone, even parents, will enjoy. Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday parties. View more »