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Fostering Independence and Empowering Our Children (A compilation)
We have written several posts about ways to instill capability in our children. When we provide an environment where they can succeed independently, we send so many wonderful underlying messages to...
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GIVEAWAY: Morning or Evening Rhythm Chart
The winner of the rhythm chart giveaway is Lori Hodgins Brazell. Lori, please contact us via email: playathomemom3@gmail.com! Last August we had our first giveaway with Traci McGrath at A Kids Day: A...
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Invitation in Green
This summer we struggled to maintain enjoyed the benefits of a bountiful garden. We had more summer squash than we knew what to do with, so we gave a lot away and made a lot of squash muffins (think...
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A Year of YES!!
Probably the most controversial element on Play at Home Mom is our YES ALBUM. We try to inspire parents to connect with their children through play, but we also try to inspire parents to let go a...
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Using Visuals to Empower Our Children (free printable included)
Visual aids often rank high as a tool for productivity in children (and adults). Visuals offer clear and concise directions for success. They can allow for increased independence, which in turn can...
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Valentine’s Day
For as long as I can remember, I have never been a fan of Valentine’s Day. I always thought it was just – “meh”. I never really cared about chocolates and flowers – blah blah blah. Yes, I’m weird....
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Typewriter Games
It started with the word FART. Oh my! FART! One of those “potty words”. Well, if it’s the beginning of my son’s journey into reading, then so be it. (If I’m being honest, I’m perfectly okay with...
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Exploring Money Concepts
If it hasn’t been in the hand…and the body…it can’t be in the brain. ~ Bev Bos We like to engage and challenge our children and their learning by recreating real-life situations in our imaginary...
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YES
Yes, you may. Children don’t get better at coping with hearing the word “no” because we deliberately impose a “firm no” sometimes. What best prepares children to deal with the “real world”, rules,...
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Using Play to Empower
When we change the way we view behavior, we change our relationship with our children. If we can start to see sibling squabbles, cleaning up, and other behaviors during play as an opportunity, we can...
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Easter Treats – Age 6
I saw this really great post over on THE PIONEER WOMAN. I showed it to my 6 year old son and he immediately wanted to make them. Ours are not as pretty, but they are 100% child made, and as you know...
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Writing Center
My oldest has always enjoyed writing/drawing. An art space was one of the first things to go into our playroom… To see an inside view of this click on the link below....
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Droids (Embracing the Love of All Things Star Wars)
The chatter in my classroom last month revolved around Star Wars. From Legos to blocks to snack time, everything was all Star Wars….all the time. In true child-led fashion, I embraced this interest....
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A-frame Climber
“Taking risk develops the frontal lobe of the brain. That’s the same area needed for executive functions, including concentration, memory, flexibility, and problem solving.” ~ Heather Shumaker (“It’s...
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RIGAMAJIG – Review and Giveaway
Rigamajig was developed in 2011 by Cas Holman for Friends of the High Line in collaboration with early learning educators, woodworkers, and children. It was launched in New York City’s High Line Park...
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Face Painting
YES, YOU MAY RUN ERRANDS WITH ME HAVING A “BEARD LIKE DADDY” Children have a blast painting or drawing on themselves. They are masters of the moment and love the way it feels to smear paint or marker...
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For the Dumpers
How do you have everything out and in glass containers without things getting broken or destroyed? We know that seeing some of our “Environment” pictures can be overwhelming and seem completely...
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Teacher Confession: I Was Wrong
“Children don’t just need to be loved; they need to know that nothing they do will change the fact that they’re loved.” ― Alfie Kohn, The Myth of the Spoiled Child I’ll never forget those days...
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PAHM 66 Day Habit Challenge
Starting the new year, like many others, I wanted to set some goals for myself. It is always nice to have a fresh start. Some of these goals consisted of: No soda Drink more water. Get into the gym at...
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