How to Code a Sandcastle: Making Coding Fun!

I am absolutely thrilled that there are so many amazing resources available today to teach kids about STEM concepts and subject. If you regularly follow the blog, you know that I am a big fan of the push for kids (and especially girls) to get more involved in STEM fields. Today, we had the opportunity to check out a new coding book for kids from Viking Books that introduces kids to simple coding concepts through a fun and relatable summer story.

Finding Beauty Everywhere with the Anywhere Artist!

Warmer weather means that we take our learning outdoors! We love to take walks together around our neighborhood and check out all of the natural elements that surround our home. The new book Anywhere Artist gave us some inspiration to see the nature around us in a more creative way.

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Finding Time to Read

Reading is such an important skill for kids to have, but it is also a beneficial hobby for all ages. Reading just a little bit every day not only expands your mind and your knowledge, but it can also reduce stress, help you wind down from your day, and give you a break from the craziness that occurs on a daily basis. We have all heard how important it is for parents to read to their kids. We often forget how important it is for kids to see the adults in their lives reading. But how can we find time to read in our busy lives?

How to Be a Good Dragon!

We got hit by the cold and flu bugs flying around this year, like a lot of families out there. As my toddler sneezed and coughed and inevitably passed it on to me, I was constantly reminding her to cover her mouth. Then we met Enzo the dragon. This children’s book about dragons is not only a lot of fun, but shares a rhyming reminder to keep your germs to yourself, which my daughter now happily repeats!

Books, Pretend Play and Delicious Snacks: Reviewing Babbleboxx’s Just For Kids Box

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.com. I received the Just For Kids Babblebox in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Spring is here (or should be soon)! With the weather turning warmer, we are hoping to get outside more and take our learning outdoors. I am always on the lookout for quality products to introduce to my daughter and help us in our day to day activities. We need products that we can grab on the move, and that can hold up to our active learning. Babbleboxx provided us with the Just For Kids box full of cool products that will help us take our learning off the page!

How Your Dog Can Help Your Child With Reading!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NutrishRealMeatTreats #NutrishPets  #CollectiveBias Dogs are amazing. They are fiercely loyal, friendly and happy creatures that can give you unconditional love. I have always loved dogs, and we had pet dogs when I was growing up. Our dog Sheldon (yes that is really his name!) is now my daughter’s best friend, and she loves playing with him and reading to him. I have always encouraged her to read to him because reading to dogs can be extremely beneficial to kids. Since he is such an important part of our family and her life, we like to make sure that we make is life extra special. I decided to encourage their special reading time by creating a comfortable place for them to read and snack together.

Grandma’s Kitchen: Baking with Kids

My mother loves to bake and cook. She bakes a birthday treat for every single person at her work and is always finding some new recipe to try with all of us. I have fond memories of baking cookies with her in our kitchen, and now it is also one of my daughter’s favorite things to do. Baking with kids provides so many opportunities for learning and creating memories. Today’s book acknowledges all of the love and special memories that many people associate with baking with their grandparent, and it has quickly become one of my daughter’s favorite books!

You are My Sunshine!

You are My Sunshine is a song that my mom sang to me a lot when I was little. It stuck with me as I grew up, and when I became a mom, it was the first song I sang to my daughter. I have sung it to her every night before bed, and it’s become our special song. She asks me to sing it when she’s sick or upset, and she sings it along with me some nights too. I was so excited when I found an illustrated version of the song, and I decided we should have some fun with it.

Teaching Kids to Read with ABCmouse!

I am always looking for different kinds of learning resources to use with my daughter. We read lots of books, take field trips, do crafts and activities, and also use technology to make learning fun. When I was in grad school, we did a lot of research on the benefits of using technology when teaching kids to read, and the topic has interested me ever since. I have previously talked about how allowing my daughter to have some screen time has actually helped her on her path to reading.  So I was thrilled when we were given the opportunity to check out ABCmouse, and see how this platform can make learning fun!

Benefits of Reading Interactive Books with Your Kids

Reading to kids who are full of energy can sometimes be frustrating. My 2 year old is constantly on the move. I’m always amazed and thrilled when she wants to just sit with me and read a book. But there are plenty of times when a traditional book just can’t hold her attention. Thankfully, there are plenty of interactive books available to keep your little ones interested in reading, and there are lots of educational benefits of reading interactive books with your kids!