Brr..it’s cold outside. Time for some fun winter projects. Whether you live in snowy New York City or Sunny Southern California (well…rainy as of late!) you can partake in the following projects with your young ones.
Where to find free printables online
Hello everyone, and Happy School Year! Summertime has come and gone and the kids are back in school. I’m sure everyone is deep into their fall lesson planning! One of my favorite parts of my job is planning new and fun activities for the children in my program. In the past I used to devour my small supply of Resource Books just looking for some new, fresh content. I still use my trusty books but I also use the internet quite often. Today I wanted to share a few of my favorite sites for free printable activities, coloring pages, word searches, and puzzles that I have found over the years with all of you!
For Coloring Pages:
http://www.pudgybunny.com/color.html
~ Pudgy Bunny was the first Online Coloring Page Site I found many years ago! It is still my favorite go-to place to find coloring pages to this day. Maybe it is because it is called Pudgy-Bunny? I am a sucker for anything cute and bunny related!
For word searches and crossword puzzles:
http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/
~ Create your own personalized crossword puzzles and word searches!
For crafts and themed activity pages:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Home.html
Where is your favorite place to go online to find free printables?
How I came to Child Care
Hello everyone, Marie here!
Today’s post is going to be a bit unusual for me. Rather than sharing the latest news, clubs, or activities in Child Care I am going to share a bit of my story which eventually led me on my path to becoming an After School Child Care Director. As I am gearing up to enter the new school year I felt it appropriate to share and help encourage us all (myself included) to remember that what we do matters to the children we work with. Continue reading “How I came to Child Care”
Breathing new life into your After-School Program: Introducing an Idea-Sharing Forum
Each year as I am preparing for my return at the beginning of the school year I gear up for a great year. I think about all the new kids I am going to meet and what they are going to be like. Will there be more boys or girls? Will they like outside games or crafts more? What will their favorite books and hobbies be? Usually I am very well-prepared — I’ve laid out lesson plans and event ideas that are sure to keep everyone happy, safe and entertained. I have my magic sack of handy dandy, tried and true games and activity ideas that I just know the kids are going to love! Continue reading “Breathing new life into your After-School Program: Introducing an Idea-Sharing Forum”
Back to School: Icebreaker Games & Activities
It’s almost that time again ~ Back to School for the kids! This is an exciting time of year for everyone but it can also be kind of an awkward one at the Child Care Center. New kids to school may feel anxious or apprehensive – not knowing what to expect or how to act. Old friends may stick together with those they already know to make themselves comfortable. Meanwhile, Staff may be feeling a bit rusty after coming back to work from a few months off. This is the time when Icebreaker Games and Activities are at their most essential. They will help loosen everyone up a bit, make them smile, and help break out of their shells and get to know one another. Here a few ideas to help get things started: Continue reading “Back to School: Icebreaker Games & Activities”
Treasured Moment Tuesdays
Welcome to Treasured Moments Tuesdays!
This will be a monthly post here at After School Club Ideas. This is our Second month in the series. The goal is to have readers comment below and share the treasured moments that they have shared with children.
Thank you Denyse from Together we Save for being the first to participate!
Children are truly a gift. They can say the silliest things and make you laugh and they can awe you with their incredible thirst for knowledge. Sometimes there are even those moments when they make stop in your tracks and think, “Wow, I just learned something new from a 5 year old” or ” I needed reminding that life lesson I may have forgotten along the way.”
Have you ever had any of these treasured moments with the children in your life? As a parent, teacher or even a friend? Please leave your comments below or click the Save/Share button to share on Facebook or Twitter! I am anxious to hear from you! Continue reading “Treasured Moment Tuesdays”
Pond Life Club
Recommended Ages: 5-7
Do you remember spending time at the pond when you were young (or something that resembled a pond)? I can recall observing the tadpoles and getting bit by mosquitoes — yikes! But I always had a ball!
Here are several ideas for hosting a Pond Life Club with your kids!
Continue reading “Pond Life Club”
