Holiday Activities

Valentines and Dinosaurs

This play-of-the-day combines 3 ingredients: a book, movin’ and groovin’, and dinosaurs; what an awesome combination for kids and valentine fun.

valentine dinosaur bookDinosaurs appeal to kids of various ages. In the story “I Love You, Snugglesaurus” by Sandra Magsamen, a dinosaur encourages kids to do a variety of actions, such as jump and clap. When reading the story to kids, they can get involved by doing the actions on each page.

Movement and physical activities are so important for young children, not just for healthy bodies but also for healthy minds. As children move, they exercise muscles that are still developing. They also figure out the necessary mental thinking to make muscles move purposefully. After reading this story, kids can suggest their own ideas for ways to move like a dinosaur.

Reading books to kids is tremendously valuable. Learning to speak and use language is massively complex and kids need to hear millions and millions of words. The challenge of learning to read is much easier if children have a strong language foundation. With this book, children get to connect what they know about dinosaurs with the excitement of valentines. This story has some extra bonuses, like hugs and snuggles.

dinosaurs and valentinesValentines is a special event for kids. Feelings and emotions can be pretty complicated. Valentines focuses on loving and caring. We think of different ways to say I love you and different ways to show others about our feelings.

Sharing books boosts language and reading. This story also helps kids understand emotions in themselves and others.  The movement fun is just a warm up for more exercise for kids. And the dinosaurs? While dinosaurs may not have had big hearts for feelings, this story will warm hearts, and minds, and bodies. Would you agree there are lots of reasons why this book is dino-mite?

Children Are Not Too Young: A Legacy of Service

MLK Day may not be celebrated in every country of the world, and here, there or wherever you live, your family can participate in the message. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'”

Children may be young in years but they still have an amazing depth of compassion for others. Recently, I found a downloadable poster of 100 Acts of Kindness for Kids on the blog Coffee Cups and Crayons. That inspired this poster of 10 Ways for kids to serve.

10 ways for kids to serve others

These are simple actions that kids can do. Children will have their own ideas and ways to show compassion and empathy.  Dr. King reminded us “We must learn to live together…” and we need to teach that to children. They will learn from our example and our words. What else can you suggest for kids and families?

New Year’s Resolutions vs Bucket List Wishes for Young Kids

When parents and caregivers think of young children and resolutions, we include things that are important, like play, exercise, nature, and healthy foods. There is so much learning and development that has to happen in the early years and what children see, hear, and do now will impact them for a lifetime.

new year's resolutions for kidsBut the word resolution does not have a positive reputation. It implies something that we have to do, whether we like it or not, interfering with being spontaneous. It will be ‘good’ for us and probably hard too. Who wants a list of resolutions? No wonder resolutions are impossible to keep, even if they come with benefits.

bucket list for young kidsOn the other hand, a bucket list has a very different image, with places we want to visit, adventures we’d like to have, dreams, and wishes. There will be excitement, exploring, and amazing discoveries. Quite a difference between the two and the choice seems pretty obvious. I know which one I’d rather make and you would probably prefer the same one too. For kids, we know we want their days to have numerous play activities. Is there a place for resolutions?

early learning and developmentMany resolutions can certainly be part of play, such as learning to be kind, connecting with nature, and getting lots of exercise. Resolutions can also be goals, such as saving money for an adventure on the wish list. Other resolutions are part of development, like daily chores and having a routine. Children also need to have opportunities to make healthy food choices and get optimum sleep.

When it comes to resolutions and bucket lists, kids and grownups need both. They are like two ends of a teeter-totter, and together they give some balance. A teeter-totter that doesn’t move is not very much fun. It needs to go up and down. There’s a whole new year ahead and who knows what it will bring. What are some resolutions for your kids and family? What are some of the wishes and dreams on the bucket list?

New Year’s Eve Bubbly, Fizz and Dancing Fun for Kids

While adults have champagne for New Year’s Eve, kids can have their own bubbly with some baking soda and vinegar that absolutely fizzes with fun! Just make sure you don’t get any glasses mixed up! Thank you to Liam and his mom at Little Bins for Little Hands for this sparkling idea and inspiration. Supplies … Continue reading New Year’s Eve Bubbly, Fizz and Dancing Fun for Kids

Make Some Noise for New Year’s with a Homemade Noisemaker

New Year’s Eve is coming with more holiday excitement! While noisemakers are traditional, did you know for kids they stimulate all kinds of brain connections? To welcome in the new year, kids can make their own. There are many different ideas for noise makers, but small objects such as beans and dried peas can be … Continue reading Make Some Noise for New Year’s with a Homemade Noisemaker

Why is it Called Boxing Day? So Kids Can Play with Boxes!

Christmas might be over for another year, but the fun isn’t, because now comes Boxing Day, the day when kids get to play with the boxes! Sometimes, the new toys are put aside and the adults wonder why the kids are more attracted to the boxes or wrapping paper tubes. The answer involves two things … Continue reading Why is it Called Boxing Day? So Kids Can Play with Boxes!