Exploring Engineering with Ellie, Engineer!

I love the push for kids (especially girls), to get involved in STEM activities and careers. I remember taking part in a contest in elementary school where we were encouraged to create an invention that we thought could solve a problem in our lives. That competition stuck with me and encouraged me to believe that I could build things that make a difference. As I grew older, I unfortunately had a streak of less than stellar science classes, leading me to pull away from the STEM fields.

Curious Fun with Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32!

Kids love defying the rules. So a book that tells them not to do something is sure to be a hit! We had the opportunity to check out this fun new book from B.C.R. Fegan about a magical hotel with tons of rooms that you can look in….and just one that you can’t.

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received a copy of the book and compensation in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Teaching Kids to Read with ABCmouse!

I am always looking for different kinds of learning resources to use with my daughter. We read lots of books, take field trips, do crafts and activities, and also use technology to make learning fun. When I was in grad school, we did a lot of research on the benefits of using technology when teaching kids to read, and the topic has interested me ever since. I have previously talked about how allowing my daughter to have some screen time has actually helped her on her path to reading.  So I was thrilled when we were given the opportunity to check out ABCmouse, and see how this platform can make learning fun!

Making Friends with Piggy!

I was a shy kid growing up, so it was often hard for me to get up the nerve to make new friends. It’s so important to me that I teach my daughter to be kind to others and be friendly and outgoing. I was really glad to have the opportunity to share today’s book with her and talk about making friends.

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Benefits of Reading Interactive Books with Your Kids

Reading to kids who are full of energy can sometimes be frustrating. My 2 year old is constantly on the move. I’m always amazed and thrilled when she wants to just sit with me and read a book. But there are plenty of times when a traditional book just can’t hold her attention. Thankfully, there are plenty of interactive books available to keep your little ones interested in reading, and there are lots of educational benefits of reading interactive books with your kids!

Mud Puddle Fun!

Spring is just around the corner (finally!), and for us, that means the snow is melting and the mud puddles have returned! Like most kids, my daughter loves to splash around in all the puddles she can find, so I was excited to have the opportunity to check out this fun new picture book from Bloomsbury Children’s Books, and create some mud puddle learning games for us to play!

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

12+ Interactive Books to Entertain Young Readers

I love books that “break the fourth wall” and draw kids into the story by making them a part of it. Reading to very young children can sometimes be a difficult task. Books that speak directly to them and give them a chance to change the outcome of the story can draw even the most restless readers into some great reading time.

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post.

Ultimate Guide to Easter Egg Learning Activities!

Easter is just around the corner! With all of the brightly colored plastic Easter eggs around, I wanted to find some great activities to use them for learning opportunities. I decided to round up some of the best ideas from my fellow bloggers. These activities use plastic eggs for everything from reading to math to science to exercise.

Get kids excited for Easter with these printable Easter bookmarks, lunch box jokes, and more!Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post.

Take Your Learning to the Moon!

I am completely fascinated by all things related to space. I love reading about the space program and looking for constellations and planets in the night sky. My daughter also likes space and loves to point out the moon whenever she can. She talks to it sometimes and sings songs about the planets (Thank you Little Einsteins). Today’s book is a fun interactive board book from Smithsonian Kids and Cottage Door Press that introduces kids to the space program.

Teaching Simple Concepts with Educational Board Books

Reading to kids from the beginning of their lives is so important. From the very first day, they can benefit from curling up with a loved one and listening to a book. As they get a bit older, every time they read with someone, they are learning invaluable lessons and skills. For babies and toddlers, great board books can provide them with entertainment, while also teaching them a variety of subjects. Today I have the opportunity to be part of the blog tour for two new board books that will do just that!