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12 Easy Ideas for at-home memories with your child

Folks, it's true! A day home doing something with your child that she enjoys can be just as memorable and special to them as a day out spending tons of money. Kitchen projects are our favorites, and my daughter always talks about the time spent cooking, even after the meal is long gone.  

 

Keep reading for some super simple activity ideas your little one might enjoy doing at home with you today:

Win "Mom of the Year" with these gifts for your teen!



Are you shopping for a teenager for Christmas this year? Groan. I know the feeling. Most teenagers are difficult to shop for. I mean, how are you supposed to know what they want when most times THEY don't even know? Unless they have some specific interests, choosing gifts are sometimes a shot in the dark. But... it really is possible to find gifts they will love. Here are some really great options that most older kiddos - and even some adults - will enjoy:
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Your child will love these Thanksgiving lapbooks!

School's out! So what can you do with your child during the Thanksgiving break? We're so glad you asked! In addition to baking zucchini bread, watching TV, reading, and playing around the house, your child is sure to enjoy a lapbook activity about Thanksgiving!
 
Lapbooking is a cute, creative, hands-on way for your child to learn about a specific topic in a fun way. The best thing about lapbooking is that it's so simple! You'll use a file folder or a school folder and some tape and/or glue. From there you'll find a lapbook that's suitable for your child (there are hundreds available online - some are free, some require a small cost), print the interactive templates, and help your child assemble the lapbook. Lapbooking involves cutting, folding, coloring, gluing, and other fine motor activities that are great for your child' development!

Editor's Book Pick: "The Ugly Vegetables"

Have you read The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin? We suggest getting your hands on a copy of this memorable, delightful book that we recommend for ages 4 to 10 years old. Not only is it a precious, well-told story, but the book is a wonderful lesson in gardening, patience, and culture appreciation. While it's not a Thanksgiving book per se, it's one of our favorite books for reading during harvest time, and we've personally read it to our own kiddos over and over and over again!

Why you must add pop-up books to your library!

There’s nothing quite like a pop-up book. Their intricate designs have come a long way since the days of my childhood, and even those were fascinating enough. If you haven’t added pop-up books to your home library, I highly recommend investing in one or two, and eventually having a whole collection, regardless of your child’s age. As a grown-up, I enjoy our special books as much as my kids do, if not more. The adventures spring to life before our very eyes, and each page is a pleasant, beautiful surprise. When we’re not currently reading them, we keep our pop-up books stored away in their plastic sleeves to preserve them for many years to come.

Full Year of Lesson Plans for Little Ones!

To babies, everyday is an adventure as they begin to explore the world around them. Your baby is counting on you! Every waking moment is an opportunity to teach him something new - a movement, a sound, a song. Our Editors have made it easy for you with these theme-based lesson plans designed especially for infants. Each fun learning theme is for babies up to 2 years old, and each "lesson" is designed to be used for a week. Enjoy! 
 
Your toddler has quickly begun to connect with the world around him. Each day is an adventure -  an opportunity for learning new animal sounds, fun songs, age-appropriate concepts, and more! We make your job easy with these free theme-based lesson plans designed especially for toddlers up to age 4. Each "lesson" was created to be used for a week. Be sure to print out the seasonal/holiday-themed lesson plans when the time of year dictates. Enjoy!