I love process art and am here to share my favorite art supplies for kids to help them create! Selecting the right art supplies is crucial for parents, educators, and caregivers seeking to nurture a child’s artistic abilities. In this guide, I’ll share all the best art supplies for kids, ensuring you choose tools that are safe, age-appropriate, and conducive to creativity. In this post: Importance of Art for Kids Art Supplies for Toddlers (Ages 1-3) Art Supplies for Preschoolers (Ages 4-5) Art Supplies for School Ages Kids (Ages 6+) How to Pick Art Supplies for Kids Setting Up an Art Space W ..read more

Reggio Emilia and Montessori are two of the most influential philosophies in early childhood education. Both approaches are highly respected and have developed large followings worldwide, but they differ in their methods, principles, and educational outcomes. This comprehensive exploration of the Reggio Emilia vs. Montessori philosophy will help parents, educators, and caregivers understand the core of each approach and make informed decisions about the best educational path for their children. In this post: Origins and Philosophical Foundations Key Principles and Curriculum Educational Envir ..read more

Literacy is the cornerstone of education, and its foundations are laid in the early years of a child’s life. For preschoolers, literacy is not just about reading and writing; it encompasses a broad range of activities that stimulate language development, cognitive skills, and creativity. In this blog post, we will explore various literacy activities tailored for preschoolers, designed to foster a love for reading and learning. What are literacy skills? Literacy skills are the capabilities that enable individuals to read, write, speak, and listen effectively. These skills are fundamental for co ..read more

Heading out on a trip with children can be an exciting adventure, but long hours on the road or in the air can sometimes lead to boredom and restlessness. Keeping little ones entertained during travel is a common challenge that many parents face. Enter the magical solution: travel games for kids! I’m here to share all my favorite travel games for kids to help you peacefully navigate long travel days! Some games require materials such as a doodle board or gameboard, while others don’t. None of the games on this list need a table to be played, so they can be enjoyed in the car or on an airplane ..read more

Spending time outside is essential for all kids! A few of the best outdoor toys for kids can encourage your little ones to step outside and engage in active, imaginative play. Outdoor toys are not just about fun; they’re about fostering a love for the outdoors, developing physical skills, and promoting social interaction among kids. From a simple ball to the thrilling adventure of climbing domes to the creative potential of mud kitchens, many great options exist for kids. Whether you’re looking for something to suit a bustling backyard party or searching for the perfect toy to encourage solita ..read more

Sensory bins are a fantastic way to engage children’s senses, encourage curiosity, and support their developmental learning. Filled with materials that stimulate the senses, these bins can be tailored to any theme or interest, providing endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. In this post, I’ll share all my favorite sensory bin filler ideas, each offering unique play opportunities. In this post: Benefits of Sensory Play for Kids Top 19 Sensory Bin Filler Ideas Tools and Accessories for Sensory Bins Tips for Using Sensory Bins Sensory Bin FAQs We get commissions for purchases ma ..read more

In the world of parenting and child development, the term “open-ended toys” is often bandied about, but what does it truly mean? If you’re struggling to keep your kids from getting bored with all their toys, open-ended toys are for you! In this post, I’ll explain the benefits of open-ended toys and how they differ from other types of toys. In this post: What are open-ended toys? Examples of Open-Ended Toys Benefits of Open-Ended Toys Open-Ended Toys vs. Overly Detailed or Battery-Powered Toys How to Pick Open-Ended Toys FAQs We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. A ..read more

Maybe you’ve been seeing cute wooden balance beams for kids on Instagram or have a child who would like to explore gymnastics. Either way, balance beams are a great addition to any play area and can be a great tool for fostering independent play! Balance beams are not just an apparatus for gymnasts. They’re a fun and engaging way for children to develop essential physical and cognitive skills. I often use a balance beam and other gross motor toys, such as an indoor slide, in my preschool classroom to give kids a space to move inside. The benefits of balance beams for kids are numerous, from en ..read more

Independent play, a simple yet powerful concept, is often overshadowed in a world where structured activities and digital distractions reign supreme. Kids spend their days in school or shuttled to adult-directed activities such as soccer, art class, and Lego robotics. Yet, it is in unstructured moments that a child’s imagination and self-sufficiency flourish. I love stepping back and watching my students, engrossed in their world of blocks and dolls, narrating stories that were uniquely theirs – a testament to the magic of independent play. Independent play is necessary for all kids, and I’m h ..read more

Trampolines and basketball are both thrilling activities that offer hours of fun and exercise. Combine them, and you get an exhilarating experience: trampoline basketball! And all you need is a trampoline basketball hoop! A trampoline basketball hoop is an accessory designed to enhance the trampoline experience by allowing users to play basketball while jumping on a trampoline. Like a slackline or a climbing dome, basketball hoops are an excellent addition to any backyard setup. This unique combination of trampoline jumping and basketball adds an extra layer of fun and challenge to both activi ..read more