Check out this absolutely gorgeous rainbow cellophane window art shared by Erica of What Do We Do All Day? You'll love this fun art project for kids to make! As a mom of two rowdy boys, I am all about super simple indoor activities and one of my favorite ways to keep my kids busy is to create window art. It serves the double purpose of being a creative and fun activity while ...
The Floor is Lava “Don’t Step in the Lava!”
Have you ever played "don't step in the lava" where the floor is lava and you can't touch the floor? We always played this as kids and somehow my own kids picked it up (I really don't think I ever encouraged the notion of the floor being lava). It's a favorite pastime of mine and I hope it will be of my boys too (often when we walk on cushions, they pretend the floor is ...
12 Shape Books for Preschoolers That Are Simply Shape-tastic!
Shapes are a building block of elementary mathematics and picture books are a wonderful way to introduce this important concept. Check out these favorite books about shapes from Rosemary D’Urso, the Library Mom! Books are a great way to not only introduce shapes but also teach children that the world around them is made out of shapes. Children can start to see how shapes can be ...
12 Interactive Books for Kids to Dive Into & Read, Read, Read!
Interactive books are great for really getting the kids involved in what they're reading! Erica, from What Do We Do All Day? shares her best interactive books for kids! As a hands-on parent, my favorite kids' activity is reading! The best books are ones that inspire a child's imagination in innovative, surprising ways. Get our FREE Learn any Letter Week ...
3 Activities in One! Homemade Colored Rice
This homemade colored rice is a brilliant sensory activity to use over and over again! Reader Melissa shows how to make it and shares what she and her kids did for activities with it. How to Make Homemade Colored Rice I found one project to make a three part project. First I started with a 5 lb bag of plain white rice and a set of 3 primary food colors. Recipe for ...
Small World Forest Play for Toddlers & Preschoolers
This is such a fantastic way to explore with nature. But also to involve your child in a story that they can act out and re-tell in their own words. (I've mentioned in the past that this is a great activity for kids to learn how to read.) Kathleen of Word Boosting is sharing a simple small world of a forest. Enjoy! We love to combine sensory play with make believe, so some ...
10 Free Road Trip Printables for Long Car Rides
Keep those long road trips interesting and engaging with these printable activity pages. Your kids will be entertained and challenged while learning with fun free printables! Singalongs and mobile games are great ways to pass the time. Depending on the length of the drive, though, your kids will need some quiet concentration time. Critical thinking activities will help ...
How to DIY Kids Mud Kitchen in Just One Weekend
Learn how to build a DIY kids mud kitchen in just one weekend with an easy tutorial from guest writer, Bryn. Your toddlers and preschools will love making mud pies in their new play space! If you have a toddler or preschooler, you are probably familiar with the fact that they love to get dirty. My 2-year-old and 4-year-old are always asking to do projects that involved ...
DIY Magnet Activity Table for Valentine’s Day Learning
One fun hands on activity to learn in many ways! I love this magnet activity table! Welcome Dhiyana of Sparkling Buds! Hello, hands on: as we grow readers! I’m happy to guest post on one of my favorite blogs. Thanks Jamie for the opportunity! I have noticed all kids love to play with magnets. I feel that they are surprised to watch things snap together ...
Cute DIY Button Christmas Tree Ornament
This is an easy homemade ornament for Christmas shared by Kristina at Toddler Approved. The possibilities really are endless with this ornament! At our house, we get a small Christmas tree each year for the kids and decorate it entirely with homemade ornaments. Last year I had a newborn and this was a really special activity for my 3-yr-old son to work on with ...
8 Telling Time Activities To Help Kids Tell Time! TICK TOCK
Teach your kids about telling time with these super simple and fun activities that you can do at home. Telling time is a part of life. From school to work, telling time is essential to everyday life, no matter who you are. Therefore, it’s imperative for children how to tell time. Telling time does the following for kids: Help them establish routinesHelp them wind down ...
13 Alphabet Books to Read with Preschoolers & Toddlers
Settle in for a fun reading session with your preschooler or toddler! Check out these 13 amazing alphabet books hand-picked for us by Rosemary D'Urso, the Library Mom! Identifying letters and the sounds they make are among the first steps to learning how to read. One of the best ways to teach the alphabet to children is through books. The plethora of ABC books out there can ...
In Depth Examples of Adapting Activities for Your Child’s Skills & Interests
Ever wonder how to do a preschooler activity with your toddler? Chelsie is here to share her tips along with examples adapting any type of activity with your child. FREE Week of Activities to do with 2-5 year olds Hello everyone! My name is Chelsie from Skip Run Learn. I am the proud step-mother to an 8 year old girl and proud mother to a 15 month old girl. ...
No More Witching Hour! 10 Things to Do Between Dinner & Bedtime
Today, we're going to say "No" to the witching hour: the hour between dinner and bedtime when things sometimes just get out of hand... Amanda is sharing 10 things do during the witching hour to help make the most of the time with your kids. Hi! Thanks to Jamie for asking me to write a guest post. I’m Amanda and live in Adelaide, South Australia with my ...
Road Trips with Toddlers: 6 Must-Have Survival Tips
Summer is often a time for family road trips for vacations, or longer day trips. And keeping toddlers occupied can sometimes be a hassle when you're in the front seat of the car (or driving) and the kids are in the back. It's tempting to turn on the DVD player and rest peacefully for the entire trip, but that's the equivalent to plopping them on the couch for the day. ...
Mailbox Pretend Play as This Reader’s Go-To Activity
A couple of weeks ago, I sent out an email to newsletter readers that asked them if they'd like to share an activity they've done with their kids as a guest post. This is the email I received back from Ashley. This activity is her go-to activity whenever she needs to get something done. Let me start by saying I love your blog, all your ideas, and your beautiful family. You have ...
3 Real Money Activities for Learning
A couple of weeks ago, I sent out an email to newsletter readers that asked them if they’d like to share an activity they’ve done with their kids as a guest post. These are three money activities from Summer. These are three ways that she had her two kids (of different ages) learning with money. Are you looking for an activity to do with kids at different ages and skill ...
Quick & Simple DIY Light Table for All-Ages Learning Fun
Make your own DIY light table, with tons of ways to play, from the Screen-Free Mom! There is something about Christmas lights that just makes kids happy. If only they could play with them without the danger of eating them or breaking them! Here’s a solution: Create a DIY light table and let them explore the lights and do a little learning while they are at it. Super ...
Easy Fall Button Tree Quiet Bin for PreK Kids
Snag a little autumn-themed quiet time with a fall button tree quiet bin for preschoolers from Sarah at How Wee Learn! Quiet time. Two of the most beautiful words to a Mama's ear. Important for a Mama, yes (yes!), but equally important to a little one. Quiet time is actually incredibly important for children. It gives them time to process their day, learn independence, ...
Race Car Activity to Knock-Down the Sight Words
This knock-down race car activity shared by Emma of P is for Preschooler can be used for learning many different concepts, including sight words, numbers, letters and so much more! Adapt it for your child! I'm convinced that my 6 year old daughter Kay could learn anything if we bring out cars and trucks to do it with. So, as she needs to learn sight words for school, one of ...
Toddler Learning Words? 6 Ways to Expand Your Toddler’s Vocabulary
Learning new words for toddlers and building their vocabulary when they're learning to say new words is all about exposure and fun. Try these easy toddler play activities to increase their vocabulary! I find that I always worry about my child's ability to talk in the early years, and then all of a sudden, it explodes. Lindsey, of Kiddo Korner, is sharing 6 ways to help ...
Beach Ball and Summer Dinnerware Crafts Easy for Kids to Make
I've got 3 sizzlin' hot beach crafts for kids to make as their very own dinnerware set to share with you! Including a super cute beach ball paper plate craft. These would be a perfect addition to our 30 classic (and easy) summer crafts for kids! Thanks to Amanda of Easy Crafts for Kids for creating and sharing these! Summer is upon us and what better way to ...
5 Ways to Make Chores Kid-Friendly Fun
Sick of nagging your kids to do their chores? Try these 5 easy life hacks from Bianca at Well Worth Living! If your laundry pile is reaching new heights and dusting is a distant memory, it may be time to gather the troops and enlist a few extra helping hands. Why not employ your energetic offspring? Yes, I sense your hesitation, it’s sometimes easier just to do it yourself, ...
Fun Activities to Keep Kids Entertained on Road Trips
Headed out on a long trip with your family? Check out these fun ways to keep your kids entertained on road trips from Harper at Ms. Harper Reid. Those of us who were born before smartphones will have fond memories of hours spent holed up in the car with only “I Spy” at our disposal. If you want to be a little better equipped for your own family’s road trip, though, then we have ...
Simple and Fun Kindergarten Learning Activities
Make learning sight words or beginning math skills easier with these fun ideas from Hands On As We Grow reader, Michelle. These simple and fun kindergarten learning activities are perfect for at-home practice! My daughter's kindergarten homework includes sight words and addition and subtraction flashcards. The teacher encouraged us to find creative ways to work with the ...
How to Calm Toddler Jealousy When Your Baby Arrives
If you've ever wondered how to split your attention between a toddler and newborn, guest author Krystal Rogers-Nelson has a few ideas to keep that special connection with your oldest child. When I had my son, it was pure bliss—I was able to give all of my attention to only him. We spent our days playing baby games together, singing songs, and reading books. You know, all the ...
The Leak-Proof Bag Experiment You Need to Try
The leak-proof bag experiment is a fun science experiment in which your kids get to poke pencils right through a plastic baggy filled with water. Amazingly, the water doesn't come pouring out! This is a quick and easy experiment to set up too. Grab a sealable bag, any size will work. We used a quart sized baggy. Fill it up with water and close up tightly. Then stick sharpened ...
How to Make a Sticker Puzzle for your Sticker Fan (2 ways!)
I love when a Hands On As We Grow reader shares an activity! This sticker puzzle is a smart fine motor activity tested and shared by Brittney P. I am constantly on the lookout for new items to up-cycle. My son loves stickers, and I’ve sometimes wondered what I could do with the sticky outline on a sticker page. You know… the part that's left after you take the stickers off? I came ...
How to Address Grief With Your Little One
So your family or your child has lost someone (or something) important and suddenly, the subject of death is on the table. Maybe you are navigating your kiddo’s first experience with grief and loss. This is tough stuff! Luckily, I am here for you. Below you will find a list of psychologist (that’s me) approved picture books that are excellent primers to death, grief, and dealing ...
Hands On Books: For Every Age and Stage
How many times have you tried to sit down and read books with your little one, only to find they don't have the patience to sit in your lap to read the book? These are books that get your kids involved, literally hands on, while you're reading. Megan of Chickadee Lit has amazing taste for books, and even gives us different kinds of books (and her favorite suggestions) for ...
Pick a Photo Project to Do with Your Kids
Scrapbooking is not my thing. Filing papers is not my thing. And printing out hard copies of photos... is not my thing. I am trying super hard to create photo books of the boys each year, but I am years behind. Thankfully, Beryl has a fantastic FREE photo printing challenge starting in a few days (and I'm an affiliate of, all links below are affiliate links) that will help make this ...
Hanging Instruments to Crash, Rattle & Bang!
Making music is a wonderful sensory experience for toddlers and babies. Set up this musical wall shared by Helen of Wimbledon Baby Massage, or string it along a line in your house and bang away! Be graceful of the noise, its very much a trial to see what happens when 'this pot' gets hit. Crash! Like most young children, my two absolutely love banging the tops of pots and pans with ...
Measuring Activity: How Far Does it Roll & Slide?
You know I love tape. This roll and slide measuring game shared by Leslie is perfect for preschoolers! Toddlers will enjoy playing along, too. It was 110 degrees out last weekend - definitely not a time to play outside. I could tell that my 2 and 4 year old were getting a little restless being cooped up in the house again. Their energy level (and volume) was rising fast. My eyes ...
3 Photo Activities For Kids Who Love Taking Pictures
My kids love to grab my camera and snap photos. And I often get lots (100s) of random shots of the same thing. But every once in awhile, I find an amazing photo that my child snapped. It's so fun to see how your child sees things through the camera! Beryl Young is an amazing Momtographer and she teachers moms and their kids how to love photos (and life!). She's even written a book ...
Salt Color Soak Sensory Activity for Hurt Little Fingers
As I'm sharing this, George's middle fingernail is black. I wonder if I had known this strategy when he smashed his finger, if it would have alleviated the pain and color of his finger. Reader Krystina has found a way for little kids, and even toddlers, to want to sit and soak their finger. A while back, my son smashed his finger pretty badly. His finger was swollen and the nail ...
How to Build a Fun Cardboard Box Fort
We always hear that a box is not just a box. Or that all your child needs is the box the toys came in, not the toys. It is so true. It is ridiculous the amount of fun you can have with just a box (we go dumpster diving). Chelsey is a reader of Hands On As We Grow and shared with me this incredible cardboard box fort that she made. I think its absolutely amazing and asked her to ...
Printable Lunch Box Notes for Beginning Readers
If you're looking for a sweet way to get your child interested in reading, these adorable lunch box notes for beginning readers are shared by Carolyn of The Pleasantest Thing. Lunchbox notes are a sweet way to give your kids a little mid-day boost. It's a long day for them at school, and getting the notes gives them a little Mommy-magic. I like to print out lunchbox notes -- ...
Make a Homemade Bubble Solution to Explore Bubbles
This homemade bubble solution is amazing and simple! Beth R. Davis, the author of Hands-On Science & Math, is sharing how to make your own bubbles as well as a simple activity to do that will have your kids learning all kinds of math and science! Stay tuned - I'm partnering with Beth and her publisher, Gryphon House, and will have a giveaway of her book tomorrow! Summer ...
Junk Art Robot From the Making Box
Save your recycling for this one! Nicola from Multi Crafting Mummy is sharing a super cool Junk Art Robot that'll have you keeping it all! Thank you to Jamie for having us over to share our Junk Art Robot with you all. My name is Nicola and I’m mummy to Liam aged 7, Freddie aged 5 and Bella aged 2. We love tackling arts and crafts projects together, which can be challenging, but ...
How To Cook Dinner Without Your Kids Driving You Crazy
Four tips to get dinner on the table, without the craziness and no fights! Michelle, of Moms are Frugal, has four kids and manages it! Here's her tips. Making dinner can be a challenge for any mom, and for me it doesn't matter if I have four children or one. They all seem to demand my attention when I get dinner started. The other time is when I am on the phone, but that is a whole ...
The Secrets to Get Kids to Eat Healthy
We own and run a bakery and my kids are super picky. So, getting our kids to eat healthy foods is super tough. Luckily, Dr Orlean Kerek of Snotty Noses is sharing her secrets with me today! And you too! I’m Dr Orlena Kerek. I’m a paediatric doctor and mother of 4 children, aged 6, 4 and twins of 2. Our mealtimes are, how can I put this?… a bit noisy. The twins’ table manners are ...
Fun & Simple Cornhole Game for Kids to Make
This is a super simple way to make a Cornhole game for kids! Jessica of The Leadership Notebook will show you how to make your own! Need a great indoor-outdoor activity that bridges creativity with active play? I've got you covered! I'm a big fan of repurposing items. My son and I recently found a great way to reuse cardboard boxes; so great, in fact, I think other parents should ...
Days of Play with a City with Tape
As you may know, I'm a huge, huge fan of using painter's tape for activities. It opens up so many possibilities for movement indoors. One of my amazing newsletter subscribers, Flavia, recently sent me a photo of an activity she's done with her kids. Of course, using painter's tape. I asked her if she'd like to share her idea with my readers too. It's such a simple idea that ...
Even Young Kids Can Make a Super Connect the Dots
What a fun guest post I have to share with you today for kids to learn to make connect the dots on their own! Mihaela from Best Toys 4 Toddlers is here with a simple tracing tutorial! For a few days my daughter has been doing some coloring and activity sheets in one of her activity books and came up with a question: Mom, how do they make dot to dots? So I promised her to find ...
Super Simple Yarn Wrapped Hearts
I have a couple of yarn activities coming up for Valentine's Day! I'm so excited to share them with you! This first one is shared by Erin of Bambini Travels and is great for little hands! This is a simple Valentine ’s Day activity based on the book Extra Yarn (affiliate link) by Mac Barnett. After reading this delightful book several times we were itching ...
How to Make a Christmas Countdown Book Plus Activities Advent Calendar
I am incredibly, enthusiastically, over-the-top happy to introduce you to a in-real-life friend of mine today, Amanda, who is sharing a countdown to Christmas with books plus activities Advent calendar she is doing with her son (who's 2) this holiday season. You can start this now and do it for the days left until Christmas! (By the way, the books are linked with an affiliate ...
Halloween Dice Game Free Printable
Today's post is a dice game math activity for kids! Katie from Gift of Curiosity is sharing a free printable dice game for hands on : as we grow readers only! I'm Katie from Gift of Curiosity, and I’m so excited to be here at Hands on as we grow to share a fun Halloween Dice Game I created for my kids – and that you can download for free! My kids are very excited about the ...
What to do on Vacations with the Kids
Today's post as fun ideas of what to do on vacation with the kids shared by Katherine Link as sponsored content provided by Nationwide Insurance. Summer is a great time to plan a trip, regardless of what season you actually intend to travel. While the kids are on break, talk to them about where they’d like to vacation next, and ask friends and family for travel ideas, too. If you ...
Upcycled Oh-So-Pretty Christmas Tree Craft
We at Mommy Labs love hoarding junk and then upcycling them into something artful. From disposable glasses to dozens of cardboard boxes, from the tags on new dresses to fabric scraps - there're very few things that can find their way to trash under our scanner eyes! I'm beyond delighted to share my daughter - Pari's - handmade Christmas trees with all you wonderful readers of ...