Super Simple Valentine’s Day Cards Any Kid Can Make

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Click here to read Super Simple Valentine’s Day Cards Any Kid Can Make on Hands On As We Grow

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This Valentine’s Day activity for kids from Hands On As We Grow contributor Rachel is so easy and fun, kids of any age can do it!

Even the youngest or least crafty kids will be smiling making these simple Valentine’s Day cards. They make sweet keepsakes for family and friends.

Making Valentine’s Day cards is also a great way to teach your kids about thoughtfulness.

What makes these cards unique – and so simple! – is that instead of making individual cards, they decorated full sheets of paper that I cut into cards.

My older two girls can get very hung up on making the perfect card, but this was so much easier!

This method of card-making is easily adaptable to any holiday or occasion.

My kids LOVE making cards. It makes them so happy to create something beautiful to share with the people they love.

Mama likes it because it saves a ton of money on greeting cards!

I love the flexibility of this activity. You can use practically any supplies you’ve got on hand, or grab one or two special items to pump up the love theme.

We made our simple Valentine’s Day cards with:

• red and pink construction paper
• markers
• colored pencils
• dot markers (affiliate link)
• stamp markers (affiliate link)
• Valentine’s stickers
• adhesive gems
• heart stamps (affiliate link)

They decorated their papers however they wanted. I did tell them not to write anything or draw pictures because I would be cutting the paper.

It was so interesting to see the different ways they approached these simple Valentine’s Day cards!

When they finished, I cut each paper into two or three pieces (if you have an older child, this is a great opportunity for cutting practice). Then it was time to sign their cards!

Izzie was excited to practice writing on her cards, then she helped her sister with spelling.

I traced my youngest’s hand on one side, then drew a heart and wrote her name on the other side.

I know some grandparents that are going to be very excited to get these cards in the mail!

Here are some other fun ways for little ones to learn their names!

Do your kids like to share their art with family too?

Super Simple Valentine’s Day Cards Any Kid Can Make

Hands On As We Grow http://ift.tt/2DQL6Vs

Click here to read Super Simple Valentine’s Day Cards Any Kid Can Make on Hands On As We Grow

---

This Valentine’s Day activity for kids from Hands On As We Grow contributor Rachel is so easy and fun, kids of any age can do it!

Even the youngest or least crafty kids will be smiling making these simple Valentine’s Day cards. They make sweet keepsakes for family and friends.

Making Valentine’s Day cards is also a great way to teach your kids about thoughtfulness.

What makes these cards unique – and so simple! – is that instead of making individual cards, they decorated full sheets of paper that I cut into cards.

My older two girls can get very hung up on making the perfect card, but this was so much easier!

This method of card-making is easily adaptable to any holiday or occasion.

My kids LOVE making cards. It makes them so happy to create something beautiful to share with the people they love.

Mama likes it because it saves a ton of money on greeting cards!

I love the flexibility of this activity. You can use practically any supplies you’ve got on hand, or grab one or two special items to pump up the love theme.

We made our simple Valentine’s Day cards with:

• red and pink construction paper
• markers
• colored pencils
• dot markers (affiliate link)
• stamp markers (affiliate link)
• Valentine’s stickers
• adhesive gems
• heart stamps (affiliate link)

They decorated their papers however they wanted. I did tell them not to write anything or draw pictures because I would be cutting the paper.

It was so interesting to see the different ways they approached these simple Valentine’s Day cards!

When they finished, I cut each paper into two or three pieces (if you have an older child, this is a great opportunity for cutting practice). Then it was time to sign their cards!

Izzie was excited to practice writing on her cards, then she helped her sister with spelling.

I traced my youngest’s hand on one side, then drew a heart and wrote her name on the other side.

I know some grandparents that are going to be very excited to get these cards in the mail!

Here are some other fun ways for little ones to learn their names!

Do your kids like to share their art with family too?

Black History Month

A to Z Kids Stuff-Educational ideas and activities for young children http://ift.tt/2Gz80mg

Ideas and printables for Black History Month.

Baby Gross Motor Play: Colorful Scarf Circle

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Click here to read Baby Gross Motor Play: Colorful Scarf Circle on Hands On As We Grow

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Change up your baby gross motor play with this colorful scarf circle from Julie.

Babies love exploring different colors and textures!

This no-prep colorful scarf circle will help your baby develop gross motor skills and stimulate her senses as well.

Read here for more simple baby activities to do this week.

Set Up the Scarf Circle

Short on time? You can prep for this baby play activity in less than two minutes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• a flat surface on the floor or your bed (Never leave your baby unsupervised on a bed or raised surface! Keep your eyes and hands ready in case she decides to roll.)
• a handful of colorful scarves, neckties, or other fabrics

Just arrange the scarves in a circle and you’re all set!

Baby Gross Motor Play

For this baby play activity, I started my daughter out on her back in the middle of the circle.

She’s rolling both directions now, so I like to give her every opportunity to practice those gross motor skills.

If you love this baby play idea, you’ll enjoy making this edible paint for babies!

As soon as the colorful scarves caught her eye, she flipped right over to her tummy!

She loved exploring the scarves with her fingers (and mouth, of course).

Try these 48 activities to explore sight, sound, taste, and smell.

I pointed out different colors and talked to my baby while she played.

As she explored, I encouraged her to turn from side to side to view each scarf in the circle. I pointed to every scarf and called her with my voice to show her where to look next.

This is a simple baby play idea you can easily set up over and over again.

You baby will love it every time!

To switch things up, you could even hide toys in the scarves for your baby to find. It’s a great way to teach object permanence!

So simple, but so much fun!

For more fun with your baby, try this quick make and play edible sensory rattle!

How do you encourage your baby’s gross motor development?

Baby Gross Motor Play: Colorful Scarf Circle

Hands On As We Grow http://ift.tt/2noalaN

Click here to read Baby Gross Motor Play: Colorful Scarf Circle on Hands On As We Grow

---

Change up your baby gross motor play with this colorful scarf circle from Julie.

Babies love exploring different colors and textures!

This no-prep colorful scarf circle will help your baby develop gross motor skills and stimulate her senses as well.

Read here for more simple baby activities to do this week.

Set Up the Scarf Circle

Short on time? You can prep for this baby play activity in less than two minutes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• a flat surface on the floor or your bed (Never leave your baby unsupervised on a bed or raised surface! Keep your eyes and hands ready in case she decides to roll.)
• a handful of colorful scarves, neckties, or other fabrics

Just arrange the scarves in a circle and you’re all set!

Baby Gross Motor Play

For this baby play activity, I started my daughter out on her back in the middle of the circle.

She’s rolling both directions now, so I like to give her every opportunity to practice those gross motor skills.

If you love this baby play idea, you’ll enjoy making this edible paint for babies!

As soon as the colorful scarves caught her eye, she flipped right over to her tummy!

She loved exploring the scarves with her fingers (and mouth, of course).

Try these 48 activities to explore sight, sound, taste, and smell.

I pointed out different colors and talked to my baby while she played.

As she explored, I encouraged her to turn from side to side to view each scarf in the circle. I pointed to every scarf and called her with my voice to show her where to look next.

This is a simple baby play idea you can easily set up over and over again.

You baby will love it every time!

To switch things up, you could even hide toys in the scarves for your baby to find. It’s a great way to teach object permanence!

So simple, but so much fun!

For more fun with your baby, try this quick make and play edible sensory rattle!

How do you encourage your baby’s gross motor development?

Dental Health

A to Z Kids Stuff-Educational ideas and activities for young children http://ift.tt/2DBcvdT

Dental Health week in February ideas and activities for young children to brush up on good oral health habits.

Easy Customizable Cotton Ball Craft

Hands On As We Grow http://ift.tt/2ndgwiD

Click here to read Easy Customizable Cotton Ball Craft on Hands On As We Grow

---

Make a simple and endlessly customizable cotton ball craft from Megan!

When you’re a single mom, or live most of your week as a ‘single mom’ with your husband traveling or deployed, or just away for the majority of the day, it can be very tiring and lonesome not having that adult connection.

Our member of the month in The Activity Room has a husband that travels most of the week and she’s home with her kids plus daycare kids she looks after.

By the end of the day, you’d just feel at your wit’s end.

The daily activities and bonus weeks for extra ideas are just perfect to get the stimulation in a positive way!

Megan joined a 7 Day Activity Challenge and knew by day three that the hands-on approach of our activities was exactly what she needed.

Megan found inspiration and support!

“The Activity Room has given me so much more than I imagined. I thought I would just scroll through on occasion to see some activities. However not the case. Not only does the layout help me get prepared weekly but also helps when I need something quick.

“Mostly for me as the mom I have gotten so much support and encouragement from the other moms/ caretakers! The mom support I have received is more than I could have asked for when joining a kids activity group!

“Jamie’s plans can be used for a 10-month-old all the way up to adults (yes, I enjoy them too!).”

Let’s Meet Megan

How many kids do you have and how old are they?

Girl almost 4, girl almost 3, boy 1 month

How long have you been in The Activity Room?

Few months and loving it more and more!

What is your favorite activity you’ve done in The Activity Room?

Anything to do with tape my girls love the possibilities are endless!

What’s your favorite thing to do with your kids when you get a few moments?

Color, we love to color on paper or coloring books!

What’s your best tip for doing activities with your kids?

Be prepared with your supplies, but also equally open-minded for them to change it their own way!

Share your favorite quote:

If it is meant to be, it’ll be.

Easy Cotton Ball Craft:

We made a ghost with cotton balls, but this would be super cute as any design. A tree, a heart, a ghost, a pumpkin, anything!

Select a colored piece of paper and cut the shape as big as you want. Next, the kids can glue cotton balls all over their whole shape.

Or not, if they prefer to leave some space. It’s totally up to them!

Then, pull out the paints and have them paint the cotton balls as well! An activity that kept going!

For a twist, you could even have the big kids draw and or cut the shape. You can keep the paint matching a theme- or not!

This easy cotton ball activity is totally customizable to your child’s interests, abilities, and attention span.

This is a craft for children of all ages. It’s easy to modify it for kids with different needs or abilities, too.

 

Easy Customizable Cotton Ball Craft

Hands On As We Grow http://ift.tt/2ndgwiD

Click here to read Easy Customizable Cotton Ball Craft on Hands On As We Grow

---

Make a simple and endlessly customizable cotton ball craft from Megan!

When you’re a single mom, or live most of your week as a ‘single mom’ with your husband traveling or deployed, or just away for the majority of the day, it can be very tiring and lonesome not having that adult connection.

Our member of the month in The Activity Room has a husband that travels most of the week and she’s home with her kids plus daycare kids she looks after.

By the end of the day, you’d just feel at your wit’s end.

The daily activities and bonus weeks for extra ideas are just perfect to get the stimulation in a positive way!

Megan joined a 7 Day Activity Challenge and knew by day three that the hands-on approach of our activities was exactly what she needed.

Megan found inspiration and support!

“The Activity Room has given me so much more than I imagined. I thought I would just scroll through on occasion to see some activities. However not the case. Not only does the layout help me get prepared weekly but also helps when I need something quick.

“Mostly for me as the mom I have gotten so much support and encouragement from the other moms/ caretakers! The mom support I have received is more than I could have asked for when joining a kids activity group!

“Jamie’s plans can be used for a 10-month-old all the way up to adults (yes, I enjoy them too!).”

Let’s Meet Megan

How many kids do you have and how old are they?

Girl almost 4, girl almost 3, boy 1 month

How long have you been in The Activity Room?

Few months and loving it more and more!

What is your favorite activity you’ve done in The Activity Room?

Anything to do with tape my girls love the possibilities are endless!

What’s your favorite thing to do with your kids when you get a few moments?

Color, we love to color on paper or coloring books!

What’s your best tip for doing activities with your kids?

Be prepared with your supplies, but also equally open-minded for them to change it their own way!

Share your favorite quote:

If it is meant to be, it’ll be.

Easy Cotton Ball Craft:

We made a ghost with cotton balls, but this would be super cute as any design. A tree, a heart, a ghost, a pumpkin, anything!

Select a colored piece of paper and cut the shape as big as you want. Next, the kids can glue cotton balls all over their whole shape.

Or not, if they prefer to leave some space. It’s totally up to them!

Then, pull out the paints and have them paint the cotton balls as well! An activity that kept going!

For a twist, you could even have the big kids draw and or cut the shape. You can keep the paint matching a theme- or not!

This easy cotton ball activity is totally customizable to your child’s interests, abilities, and attention span.

This is a craft for children of all ages. It’s easy to modify it for kids with different needs or abilities, too.

 

Valentine's Day.

A to Z Kids Stuff-Educational ideas and activities for young children http://ift.tt/2F8sO2s

Ideas for Valentine's Day.

Harriet Tubman

A to Z Kids Stuff-Educational ideas and activities for young children http://ift.tt/2DFnczE

Ideas to support your students study on Harriet Tubman.

Valentine Art for Toddlers: Scratch, Roll, Resist

Hands On As We Grow http://ift.tt/2E46E1Q

Click here to read Valentine Art for Toddlers: Scratch, Roll, Resist on Hands On As We Grow

---

This Valentine art for toddlers includes three methods of painting! Pick one, or do all three with your toddler!

Since George keeps wanting to paint hearts, I’ve been trying to come up with different ways to make some Valentine art for toddlers that’s not the same ol’ finger painting over and over again.

I think I’ve been doing good so far. Most have been classic ways to paint, such as the sponge and cookie cutter heart paintings.

Even though they’re classic, this was our first time painting that way. I’m so excited to have found new art projects that a toddler can do and they still look awesome in the end.

And here’s yet another heart art project for toddlers. (Yes, George is asking to paint hearts still!)

This one is a combination of a few art projects that toddlers can do.

1. Tape resist art: Its been on my mind since I collected a few ideas…
2. Roller painting: We’ve done this before, but in a baggy. This time the mess came out.
3. Comb painting: I just saw an awesome art project by Learn with Play at Home so I thought we’d give this a whirl too.

First, I taped a heart out onto a piece of paper. George wanted to get in on the taping too, so he put tape dots around the heart.

With a wooden dowel (a rolling pin would work well too!), George rolled paint over the paper.

He’s definitely seen this motion done several times at the bakery. He knew just how to roll!

And then with a comb, we scratched over the paint to make marks and lines, giving it texture and some character.

There’s absolutely no right or wrong way to do any of these techniques. All that’s important is to cover the paper with paint, any way you can!

Think about it, what other objects do you have in your cupboard that you could drag through the paint?

Toddlers love to use an object that they know is supposed to be used for something else.

He loved using the comb. Something that’s supposed to be run through their hair, and I’m letting him put it in paint? He thinks he’s getting away with something and loves doing it!

This is a fun way for toddlers to explore different mediums, plus there’s pretty artwork that comes from it to hang up for Valentine’s Day! (You could also make cards, too!)

And with the tape off, the texture shows so nicely!

There’s lots of Valentine Art for toddlers found in my Valentine’s For Kids collaborative Pinterest board!

Valentine Art for Toddlers: Scratch, Roll, Resist

Hands On As We Grow http://ift.tt/2E46E1Q

Click here to read Valentine Art for Toddlers: Scratch, Roll, Resist on Hands On As We Grow

---

This Valentine art for toddlers includes three methods of painting! Pick one, or do all three with your toddler!

Since George keeps wanting to paint hearts, I’ve been trying to come up with different ways to make some Valentine art for toddlers that’s not the same ol’ finger painting over and over again.

I think I’ve been doing good so far. Most have been classic ways to paint, such as the sponge and cookie cutter heart paintings.

Even though they’re classic, this was our first time painting that way. I’m so excited to have found new art projects that a toddler can do and they still look awesome in the end.

And here’s yet another heart art project for toddlers. (Yes, George is asking to paint hearts still!)

This one is a combination of a few art projects that toddlers can do.

1. Tape resist art: Its been on my mind since I collected a few ideas…
2. Roller painting: We’ve done this before, but in a baggy. This time the mess came out.
3. Comb painting: I just saw an awesome art project by Learn with Play at Home so I thought we’d give this a whirl too.

First, I taped a heart out onto a piece of paper. George wanted to get in on the taping too, so he put tape dots around the heart.

With a wooden dowel (a rolling pin would work well too!), George rolled paint over the paper.

He’s definitely seen this motion done several times at the bakery. He knew just how to roll!

And then with a comb, we scratched over the paint to make marks and lines, giving it texture and some character.

There’s absolutely no right or wrong way to do any of these techniques. All that’s important is to cover the paper with paint, any way you can!

Think about it, what other objects do you have in your cupboard that you could drag through the paint?

Toddlers love to use an object that they know is supposed to be used for something else.

He loved using the comb. Something that’s supposed to be run through their hair, and I’m letting him put it in paint? He thinks he’s getting away with something and loves doing it!

This is a fun way for toddlers to explore different mediums, plus there’s pretty artwork that comes from it to hang up for Valentine’s Day! (You could also make cards, too!)

And with the tape off, the texture shows so nicely!

There’s lots of Valentine Art for toddlers found in my Valentine’s For Kids collaborative Pinterest board!