(This post contains affiliate links.) Giving our kids time with play dough is important. (Here are six reasons why.) We've recently made play dough a regular activity at our house (after a time of keeping it locked away for this mom's sanity!). The other day we made a new batch of play dough using this no-cook recipe, and the kids had fun using craft items to make their creations. My oldest two (ages 5 ... Read More
Whole Grain Muffins
Looking for a new recipe for whole grain muffins? I found this recipe on the back of a package of Bob's Red Mill wheat bran and tweaked it just a bit. These are soft, hearty muffins full of whole grain goodness. You can find the original recipe here. Whole Grain Muffins makes 12 muffins 1 cup wheat bran 1.5 cups whole wheat flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 ... Read More
An indoor game to burn energy: Hunt for exercise cards!
We've had a string of very cold days here. The deal is that my four-year-old really needs an energy burner when he doesn't get outside. I created this simple indoor game to burn energy for him and his five-year-old sister. I make a series of index cards with an instruction to perform some kind of exercise -- each card also states where to find the next one. It gets the kids running all over the house and ... Read More
How to teach rhyming
If you want your child to be a successful reader (and of course you do!), it's so important that you know how to teach your child to rhyme. Rhyming is a super-important skill (see Why Is Rhyming Important?) that can be taught with two of my favorite things: books and games. How to teach your child to rhyme Read nursery rhymes - and read them some more! They are easy to find and fun to learn. Get ... Read More
Rhyming Books for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Looking for rhyming books for toddlers? Here's a great collection! (This post contains affiliate links.) Why is rhyming important? In a nutshell, it prepares your children to be excellent readers. Here's a list of terrific rhyming books for toddlers and preschoolers. Rhyming books for toddlers and preschoolers Mouse Mess, by Linnea Riley Our copy of this book has been loved so much it is now in ... Read More
Rhyming Books for Babies
(This post contains affiliate links.) It can be hard to pick the right book to read to your baby. Especially when the baby a) is so little that he has no change of expression when you read to him, b) is a few months older and only wants to grab at the pages, or c) he is older yet and promptly closes the book as soon as he loses interest. What's a book-loving mother to do? The important thing is to not ... Read More
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Banana Muffins
My sister developed this recipe, and I've tweaked it just a little. These healthy muffins taste great when served warm with cream cheese. Whole Wheat Pumpkin Banana Muffins makes 12 muffins 2 bananas, very ripe 1 cup canned pumpkin 1/2 cup applesauce 1/3 cup honey 1 tbsp olive oil 2 eggs 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/s tsp baking soda ... Read More
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This simple baked macaroni and cheese recipe is perfect for when you're going to be home but don't have time to work in the kitchen. It goes together in just a few minutes. Easy Baked Macaroni & Cheese 3 tbsp butter 2.5 cups whole wheat (or regular) macaroni, uncooked 1.5 cups shredded cheddar 4 cups lowfat milk (or whole) 1/2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp black pepper Melt the ... Read More
Great Board Games for 5-year-olds
(This post contains affiliate links.) Our kindergartner loves to play board games. Here are some of our favorites! Games for 5-year-olds Here are the games! Scroll down to learn more about each one. 1. Cranium Hullaballoo. While not technically a board game, this is a boxed game which includes a talking musical console and a set of colorful pads. Your child sets the pads out, turns on the ... Read More
Hearty Chicken Wild Rice Soup
This healthy, comforting soup is a favorite for my husband and me and each of our four children. I chop the chicken and vegetables in my food processor so that even our 12-month-old can enjoy it. When the soup is done I let it cool in small bowls with ice cubes so that it doesn't burn little tongues. I adapted it from this recipe: Taste of Home Cream of Wild Rice Soup Hearty Chicken Wild Rice Soup makes 9 ... Read More