Here’s a free template for a Letter to Santa to use during writers’ workshop. Children will be thrilled to write a letter to Santa. Knowing the children’s family traditions is important. Referring to the Family Tree (which can be completed at the beginning of the year) can help determine the students able to do this assignment. One option is to have [...]

The Candy Cane Reindeer Ornament can be used to decorate the classroom Christmas tree. Students can also bring them home and give them as gifts. Materials: Candy cane (1 per student) Pom pom (red or black, 1 per student) Chenille stems (white, brown or yellow, 1 per student) Glue Wiggly eyes (2 per student) Instructions: To make the antlers, cut the chenille stem in [...]

Working with an adult, children will love creating colorful, original houses to put on display during the Christmas holiday season. We’ve all heard of gingerbread houses. Graham cracker houses are made the same way, yet there is no need to bake gingerbread because the crackers are already made. Creating these sweet, little houses can become a [...]

Here’s a free “Daily Chores Chart“. It can be helpful to post this chart in the kitchen or in your child’s bedroom. A chart can help the child and parent keep track of important daily tasks. (We also have a tooth brushing chart.) As a parent and teacher, I’ve found that many young children enjoy helping out. If [...]

As a previous K-2nd grade teacher and school counselor, I have seen astonishing results from the obvious effort many parents are taking to prepare their children for Kindergarten. If you are reading this, you are likely one of the parents who will create an environment in which your child can thrive. However, many teachers have seen the devastating results [...]

Here’s a free template to use for your own Halloween lantern. You can use this free template, or create a design of your own. As an alternative to the Halloween Lantern, the teacher can have the students make Pin Art (in the classroom with small groups). To do this, print out the free template on thick, orange, yellow [...]

Your little ones will be “tricked” while having a healthy treat! Being creative and having fun is a great way to get our kids to eat healthy. Here’s a quick and easy snack that will fill their tummies with yummy yogurt and berries. There’s even a surprise blueberry hidden inside the boo-berry cone! Have fun, and be [...]

Here’s a recipe for face paint. You can use it as part of your child’s Halloween costume and you can use it for a classroom drama activity. Face Paint Recipe 1/8 cup baby lotion 1/4 tsp powdered tempera paint (Create as many colors as you like.) 1 squirt of liquid dish soap Mix together. Bring a hand mirror, so the kids [...]

Here’s a simple and quick recipe for glitter play dough. The recipe does not require cooking. You can add glitter and food coloring for extra sparkle, or keep it out. Play Dough Activities for Fall Make orange and yellow play dough. The kids can make little Jack-o’-lanterns with yellow faces. It can also be fun to press leaves into [...]

Going to your child’s conference can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be – here are some suggestions to help you feel prepared for a conference with your child’s teacher.