Author: Addie

5 COZY FALL MEALS (QUICK & EASY!)

If you need some meal inspiration this fall that check the boxes for being quick, easy and yummy, you’ve come to the right place. As a busy mom of 4 I wanted to share 5 cozy fall meals that are quick and easy, that everyone (including my picky kiddos) enjoy.

  1. Instapot Chicken & Rice Soup
  2. Instapot Mississippi Pot Roast
  3. Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Roasted Vegetables
  4. Tortellini with a Fall Salad (SOOO good)
  5. Beef Stroganoff over Rice

To see these recipes in the making, you can watch this video.

Instapot Chicken & Rice Soup

Dice vegetables below and saute in butter in instapot

  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 1 onion

Add in the below ingredients to the instapot veggies

  • 3 cans chicken breast
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup rice medely (white, brown, wild) – can just use one if it’s all you have on hand
  • salt, pepper, thyme to taste + a bay leaf

Then pressure cook for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, make a roux (2Tbsp butter & 2Tbsp flour) in a skillet on the stove that you will mix in with the soup when it is done cooking in the instapot.

Instapot Mississippi Pot Roast

I used this recipe, and just adjusted to instapot by cooking 20min per pound of meat, and adding in a cup of beef broth.

Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Roasted Vegetables

  • 2 lbs of chicken thighs – marinated in salt, pepper, garlic powder, honey & mustard (just eyeball it!)
  • 2 onions – chopped
  • 1lb brussels sprouts – marinated in oil, salt & pepper
  • 1 butternut squash – halved and brushed with oil, salt & pepper (cook this face down on the baking sheet)

Place ingredients on sheet pan and bake for ~40 mins at 400 degrees. After done, drizzle balsamic glaze on the brussels sprouts and serve.

Tortellini with a Fall Salad

The tortellini is easy. Just follow the directions on the package, mine was boil for 7 mins. Then I just added a red sauce.

For the salad, you’re going to make the dressing in a jar and shake to mix. Then pour 3/4 the dressing over the kale and massage it in. After that, add all of the other salad ingredients. If eating right away (or within the hour) add the rest of the dressing and toss the salad to combine. If eating later, hold off adding the rest of the ingredients and tossing the salad until ready to serve.

Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3T apple cider vinegar
  • 1T dijon
  • 1 minced clove garlic
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper

Salad:

  • 10 c (about 1 big bunch/ 2 small bunches) chopped kale
  • 1 1/2 lb roasted sweet potato or butternut squash
  • 1 diced apple
  • 1/2 cup roasted pecans
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (you could also use pomegranate!)
  • 1/2 cup (2oz) feta cheese (goat also works really well)

Beef Stroganoff over Rice

I use this recipe and serve it over rice instead of with noodles. You could do noodles or potatoes though if you wish!

That’s it for today, I hope you enjoy these recipes this fall (or winter)! Let me know what you think.

70+ Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Christmas in 2024

If you have found yourself wanting to steer away from toys this year then you have come to the right place! I love gifts that fall into the category of consumable, wearable, experience etc… because they will actually get used and will not just get forgotten about or thrown in a bin (or on the floor).

Now, I do think that there are some toys that are DEFINITELY worth while. So check out my other gift guides if you’re looking for something on the more traditional toy route. There I have tried and true items that have lasted and been hits with all 3 (going on 4) of my kids.

My Non-Toy Christmas Gift Ideas 2024

To start my list I’ll mention the things that I can’t really link to – the things like:

  • memberships (think the zoo, museum, aquarium, play place nearby)
  • activities/classes (music, soccer, gymnastics etc…),
  • a simple gift card to somewhere they love (like the ice cream parlor)

You could also go the route of clothing – a new dress, sweater, pair of pants, belt, robe, slippers etc…
If you choose the pajama route, I suggest Little Sleepies. They are our absolute favorite pajamas! Treat yourself to some too while you’re at it – I apologize in advance for any obsessions that come about from this post.

Replenishing your hair supplies and arts & crafts bin (think pom-poms, google eyes, markers etc…) is another great idea, and they make great stocking stuffers.

Now, on to specifics!!! (Some of these links are affiliate and I may make a small commission on your purchase at no charge to you. I very much appreciate your support!)

Mini Backpack

Kids looove to carry things around and pack their own pack with their special items. It can be great for travel too. These backpacks often serve as our kiddos carryon entertainment for plane rides or a toy bag that goes easily from the car to the hotel room on road-trips or a night out to dinner.

Kinetic Sand

Sand is one of my kids all time favorite sensory bin items. We have some of the sand sets too like this ice cream one that we keep separated with puzzle bags. You could also go for other sensory bin fillers like colored rice too.

Transferring Pitchers

These are really good for transferring practice, sensory bins, and pretend play.

Wobble Board

These are great to help kids with balance and core strength and encourage active play while improving coordination and gross motor skills. Plus it can be used in imaginative play for things like a troll bridge.

Digital Camera

Foster your child’s imagination with a digital camera designed just for them! They’ll capture the world from their unique perspective, enhancing creativity and storytelling skills. Best of all, they will stop wanting to take your phone! For younger kiddos, this camera might be a better option.

Walkie Talkies

Foster communication and imaginative play with these kid-friendly walkie talkies! They’ll encourage teamwork and exploration, making outdoor adventures even more exciting. My girls love to play hide and seek with them.

Homer Learning App

This is the one paid learning app I have gotten for my kiddos. This interactive platform engages kids through stories and activities, and I love that it can be used offline. When traveling, this is what we use instead of shows/movies for screen time.

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Mini Flashlight

Tell stories at night, play chase the light, use it on a camping trip or have it handy if a storm comes and the power goes out. This is not only great for imaginative play, but also for practical use.

Watering Can

A colorful watering can is perfect for nurturing plants, developing responsibility AND for just plain old fun sensory time. I prefer this one over plastic models, especially for kids.

Kitchen Helper Set

It’s never too early to let kids help in the kitchen, talk about life skills!! But to do so safely, you need to have the right tools. I like this set because it not only has the basic items that you need, but also some cute food picks that make lunch time more fun.

Spray Bottle & Squeegee

My kids love helping me clean around the house, especially when they get fun tools to use. Spray bottles actually really help with hand strength which is needed for writing, as well as coordination. Of course it’s fun for them too!

Utensils

Stainless silverware that actually fits kids hands to let them practice life skills like cutting food. This is a basic that is really nice to have on hand in the house.

YOTO Story Player

To be honest, we do not have this, but our neighbors do, and my kids talk about it all the time. I’ve done a lot of research on this and other players, and this is the one that I would choose. It’s screen free entertainment and helps with auditory skills, and imagination.

ZINGO!

This is one of my kids all time favorite games. It’s a mix between bingo and early literacy skills. It’s a fantastic game for family game nights, encouraging cooperation and excitement while learning together

Leap Frog Reading System

This turns reading into an interactive experience. It makes learning phonics and words entertaining, boosting confidence and literacy skills. I actually used this as a kid (it’s been around a long time), and I still remember loving using the stylus on the pages.

Bike/Scooter/Skateboard Ramp

Add some excitement into the typical ride! It enhances balance and agility, inspiring kids to push their limits while having a blast.

Guess Who

Talk about a classic game. This is perfect for helping kids with problem solving, direction following, critical thinking, deduction and social skills. It’s harder than it used to be too because the characters have been more diversified

Lava Lamp

These are mesmerizing, especially to kids, and add a cool factor to the bedroom. My kiddos think theirs is relaxing and love to turn the lights out to watch it for a bit.

How To Draw Book

Inspire creativity and self-expression with a how-to-draw book! Kids will develop fine motor skills while exploring their artistic talents and building confidence in their abilities. Mine started really liking these books around age 4.

Reading Light

Of course this is great for nighttime reading, fostering a love for books and creating a calming bedtime routine, but my kiddos love it just to play with too. This one is amber to block the blue light for an easier transition to sleeping too.

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Mancala

Work on strategy, counting and critical thinking with this game. This was one of my favorites as a kid, and I was excited to introduce it to my own kids. It is now a favorite of ours to pull out for rainy days and game nights.

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Tracing Pad

If you have an art lover, they will love this! Not only will they be able to trace and color whatever they want, but it will help them work on hand-eye coordination and creativity. Don’t forget to grab a pack of tracing paper to go with it!

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Bubble Machine

What kid doesn’t smile when the bubble machine comes out. This one is heavy duty and lasts. Of course we use ours outside in the summer, but it’s a special treat when I bring it out inside too during the winter!

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Comfy Chair

Create a cozy reading nook, relax, and create a comfortable, personal space. We pull ours out for movie nights, and my kiddos sit on the floor with theirs to play with their toys too.

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Leotard

My kids are SUPER into gymnastics, so I’m linking to a leotard, but this suggestion could be for an accessory of whatever sport that your kiddo is interested in. Sleeve holders, sweat bands, shin guards etc..

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Binoculars

While these are great in the summer for outdoor adventures, we like to use our binoculars in the winter to search for wildlife in the winter as well.

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Apron

Kids love to help in the kitchen, and it’s more fun when you can get dressed up! They can also use it just to play pretend or when doing painting if you don’t have a smock.

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Collapsible Buckets

Whether they’re collecting water, dirt, sand, twigs, figurines or snow, kids love buckets. I love these collapsible ones that are easy to store away when not in use..

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Stepping Stones

 We love to use our stepping stones for obstacle courses. They are great to help with balance and coordination and a fun way to change up indoor play in the winter.

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Hammock Pod

Create a cozy retreat for reading, napping or just hanging out. I think it’s so cute when my kiddos snuggle up in theirs. We hang it from a tree in the summer, and from a beam in the ceiling of our basement in the winter.

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Piggy Bank

…or I guess in this case an ATM! In all seriousness, every kid needs a place to put their money. We always had just traditional piggy banks until I got my daughter this for her 6th birthday. Now, all of my kiddos want one.

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Quality Shoes

The ones pictured here are the traditional Keens sandals which are some of my favorite most versatile kids shoes ever!! If you are looking for something more winter, you could try the sneaker version. Or for an alternative, I also really like Natives as well.

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Upgraded Markers

If you have a kiddo that loves to draw or color, consider upgrading to some ‘big kid’ markers. I like these dual tipped ones that come with a case. For something really fun, consider these color changing markers too!

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Hair Chalk

My girls looove this stuff, but let me tell you, it’s not just for girls, my nephews love to dye their hair with it too! The best part for me is that it washes right out.

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Thermos

We have his in about 4 different variations, it is awesome. So good for school lunches, bringing to winter lights or skiing, and just having on hand. I like this one because it is a great serving size for kids, they are able to open it by themselves, and it keeps things hot for a decent period.

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Sensory Bin Tools

If your little ones are in to sensory bins, consider investing in some quality bin tools that can help keep them playing for hours

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Bean Bags

We love using bean bags in our learning to help practice counting, colors and even letters. They’re also great for working on hand-eye coordination, balance, and of course the regular throwing at a target type games.

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Star Projector

Who doesn’t like looking at the night sky? With this, you can create a magical bedtime atmosphere to foster imagination.

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Poke A Dot Books

From about 8 months to 5 years, my kiddos have LOVED these books. We keep them out for more day time interaction and sensory play. They are great for fine motor play at the baby age.

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Incline Mat

We originally got this because I have a gymnast at home, but I can’t believe how much use my other kids have gotten out of this wedge. It’s great for playing and gross motor activities, but it’s also amazing to help babies with rolling practice, toddlers with summersaults, and as they grow even harder skills like back walkovers. It’s great to be able to pull out in the winter time when you get stir crazy in the house too.

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Zipline

I love getting big outdoor gifts for Christmas. My kids (and all of our neighbors and friends) love this thing. Anything that gets my kids wanting to go outside is a keeper in my book.

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Bentgo Box

I admit, getting a lunchbox for Christmas might not make a kid jump for joy, but it is practical and will be used often. I like these ones that have a built in chill pack.

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Telescope

If you are going to spend money on a telescope, make sure that it is a decent quality one that will allow you to actually see the things you are looking for in the sky. This will inspire a love for science, exploration and the sky

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Guitar & Lessons

A guitar is an exciting gift. Make sure you get one that will actually stay in tune that your child can learn on. I like this Fender. Make sure to get lessons too so that the guitar doesn’t just sit around!

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Cute Plate/Bowl Set

My kids love having their own plate/bowl that they can grab when home for lunch or dinner. They prefer a separated situation like these.

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Convertible Scooter

This is my favorite scooter from about 9 months until 5 years. It can be used as a push bike when younger, to a traditional cool light up scooter as they age. This is the only brand that I recommend, I don’t think the others are worth it. If it’s unavailable, just wait. For an older kiddo, you can’t go wrong with the traditional razor.

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Tablet

We don’t do too much tablet time, but I still think it’s worth having because they are so helpful when traveling and going on road trips. My kiddos like to color on theirs, and we have a few learning apps like Homer and Starfall

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Headphones

I like to get over the ear headphones for kids without any sort of bluetooth feature. These are great and fit with the tablet and into in-flight entertainment which are the 2 main things we would use headphones for.

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Water Bottle

This is my all-time favorite kids water bottle and the one all of my kids have in different patterns. It’s stainless steel, durable, and affordable. I love the nip spout, but I’d order some extra because kids can be gross. For an older kiddo, the smaller version of the Simple Modern Tumbler is a great option.

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Rollerblades

My roller blading days are such a fond memory. They’re so good for balance, coordination, and a great way to get some energy out and have some fun.

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Pull Wagon

Basically every preschooler should have this. It’s very durable and can be used inside and outside. Perfect for toting around stuffed animals, toys, twigs, or whatever else they may find.

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Bicycle

My roller blading days are such a fond memory. They’re so good for balance, coordination, and a great way to get some energy out and have some fun. Make sure to grab a helmet too!

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Spring/Summer Items

These types of things I would probably put more in an Easter basket since they are mostly used outside, but I’m adding these ideas here because I know that some people only do candy baskets instead of items.

Water Table

Picnic Table

Kids Umbrella

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Weekly Meal Plan

Here are the recipes for the meal plan that I shared in the YT video!

Sunday: Mississippi Pot Roast

Monday: Chicken Cordon Bleu

Tuesday: Sausage & Gnocchi Soup – from this cookbook – worth getting!

Wednesday: Taquitos w/ Rice & Beans

Thursday: *LEFTOVERS*

Saturday: Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin (w/ baked potatoes & a vegetable) – from this cookbook too.. lot’s of good recipes in it!

Friday: Quinoa ‘enchiladas’ w/ cornbread – see below – comes out more like a chili

Instructions: Add all ingredients below into a crockpot and cook on low for 3 hours. Then serve with avocado, lime, cilantro, tortilla chips, etc… Can also add shredded chicken if you wish.

1 3/4 cups chicken broth

1 cup uncooked quinoa

10 oz enchilada sauce

4.5 oz can chopped green chilis

14.5 oz can black beans

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 Tbsp fresh cilantro

Bears Preschool Theme

New this year I am adding a bear preschool theme, because it is something my daughter is really into right now. I’ve picked some of our favorite books (below) and we are ready to learn! This plan is for my 3 turning 4 year old who is working on mastering her letter sounds. I have also added some options for my 2 year old in case she joins us for learning instead of nap.

Books: Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear & Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See – Bill Martin Jr; Bear Says Thank You – Michael Dahl; Bear Snores On – Karma Wilson; Goldilocks and the Three Bears – Robert Southly; Teddy Bears Picnic – Jimmy Kennedy; Blueberries for Sal – Robert McCloskey; Where’s My Teddy? – Jez Alborough; We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Michael Rosen

Religion focus: Pick a saint to read about each day

2 Yr Options: sort counting bears by color

Language Color the B worksheet Introduce Q; sandpaper letter; Goldilocks questions* & Qu worksheet Introduce K; sandpaper letter; K is for Koala worksheet Where is the bear? * 
Math Place 10 counting bears on each B from above, then do patterning 10 number sense worksheet – match the counting bears to the picture Use 2 piles of counting bears to practice greater, less, more, fewer, and equal Brown bear number practice 
Art/Sensory Bear cookie cutters – use them with play-do or paint stamping Go on a picnic with 3 bears and teach your child how to set a table Put a counting bear on a spoon and balance it across the room pouring it into a cup – repeat Bear bounce* 
S/G/H Learn about the different types of bears and find the countries they come from on a map Label the parts of a bear and research what they like to eat Koalas aren’t bears, they’re marsupials. Learn about what makes them differentGummy bear science experiment 
2 Yr Ideas Sort counting bears by color 

Goldilocks questions – Use the story of Goldilocks to talk about different Q words. What questions were the bears asking? What was on the bears’ bed to keep them warm? Quilt. When Goldilocks fell asleep what sounds were in the house? It was quiet. How did Goldilocks leave the house? Quickly. 

Where is the bear? – Get 4 dixie cups and write a letter on each one. I will do B, Qu, K & one of my child’s weakest letters. Place a counting bear underneath one, and have your child say the letter sounds until they find the bear. Repeat as many times as you can before your child bores. 

Bear bounce – Place a small blanket on the floor with a teddy bear in the middle. With your child, grab a side of the blanket and toss it up in the air and catch it with the blanket. 

Forest Preschool Theme

We’re adding a forest theme this fall, because it is the perfect weather to get out on a hike in the forest and learn about nature and animals that are gearing up for the winter. This lesson plan was created for my newly turned 4 year old who is working on mastering all of her letter sounds.

Some books we love for the forest preschool theme are: The Busy Tree – Jennifer Word; Baby Animals in the Forest – Editors of Kingfisher; Little Owl’s Night – Divya Srinivasan; We Walk Through the Forest – Lisa Farland 

Religion focus: Learn the prayer before meals

2 Yr Old Options: Play with animal figurines, make animal tracks in play-do, collect nature items, match the forest animal, Owl color & size sort

Language Introduce D – sandpaper letter; color the letter & practice writing the letter on the back of the page (you can dot letters for them to trace too) Introduce O – sandpaper letter; O is for Owl & Owl Maze Introduce R – sandpaper letter; Do the racoon, rabbit letter craft Match animal figurines to the correct letter magnet or flashcard (I also have these). You can print cards if you prefer 
Math Forest animal 10 frame sheet – do numbers 1-9, use acorns or animal counters to fill in Roll & graph animals – first one to 9 is the winning animal Count the number of pieces, then build puzzles Dot rocks with Sharpie #’s 0-9. Have child count and put them in order 
Art/Sensory Fork painted hedgehog craft Newspaper owl craft Forest sensory bin – sand, pinecones, animal figures, rocks, acorns, stem of pine needles  Rock painting – you can paint into a forest animal if you want 
S/G/H Learn about the forest layers & talk about the animals that live there*  Types of trees in the forest  Learn about animal tracks & then match them Pinecone experiment 

Forest Layers – This link is to a rainforest, but the basics of the layers are the same. Ignore the animals listed. You can talk about squirrels, foxes, deer, racoons, rabbits, porcupines, owls, birds & bears.

Fall Preschool Theme

I love fall learning because there is a such a visual representation for the kids to see in what we are learning about. It’s a great time to get your kids outside and in nature. This lesson plan is for my just turned 4 year old, who is working on mastering her letter sounds. I also have a 2 year old, who USUALLY naps when we do our learning, but sometimes that is not the case, so I’ve added a couple of ideas of things to do with her as well in case she is learning with us.

Check out these 5 fall ideas too for some more fall fun that we have done.

Fall theme book ideas: The Mouse’s Apples – Frances Stickley; The Pumpkin Book – Gail Gibbons; There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves – Lucille Colandro; How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin – Margaret McNamara; Too Many Pumpkins – Linda White; Patty’s Pumpkin Patch – Teri Sloat 

Religion focus: Learn the Glory Be

2Yr Options: Fall Printables, fall color pom-pom color sorting (use tweezers for more of a challenge), visual discrimination, 

Language A is for Apple (Since this is a review letter, you can introduce the other A sound – A for acorn) Introduce F with sandpaper tracing; F is for fall Introduce P with sandpaper tracing P – Pumpkin & Follow P path to connect the pumpkin Introduce L with sandpaper tracing; L is for Leaves 
Math Reintroduce 8, then do Tree 10 Frame* (start with 8, then review other numbers) 1-10 fall puzzle Pumpkin seed counting* Find the number 8 
Art/Sensory Learn about different apple types; do a taste test Fall sensory bin – corn kernels, mini pumpkins, acorns, pinecones, leaves Play hide and seek with a small pumpkin Collect some leaves and do leaf crayon rubbings 
S/G/H Life cycle of apples & start the rotting apples experiment Do a fall themed sink or float experiment Life cycle of a pumpkin Watch the seasons video & go on a Fall scavenger hunt 

Tree 10 Frame – Laminate the printable, then use play-do to create apples or fall-colored leaves that you can add to the tree. Then give your child a number and have them write it to the right of the tree, above the 10-frame. You can make dotted lines for them to trace if they cannot write on their own yet. (Alternatively, you could have them pick the number out of a basket of number magnets or something). Then have them add the number of ‘apples’ or ‘leaves’ to the tree. Finally, use a fall counter, or more play-do to fill in the 10-frame. 

Pumpkin Seed Counting – Line a muffin tin with cupcake wrappers and write numbers 0-8 on them in random order (do 4x #8 since it is the focus number this week). Then give your child a bowl of pumpkin seeds and have them count the correct number of seeds into each spot. 

Birthday / Unicorn Preschool Theme

Birthday / Unicorn Preschool Theme

This year I wanted to do a special theme for my daughters birthday, and right now her favorite thing is unicorns (or wunicorns as she calls them)!! So we’re doing a birthday/unicorn theme this week! She is 3 turning 4, so this lesson plan is geared toward that age.

Some books that I rented from the library for this theme are: Rabbits Pajama Party – Stuart Murphy; Happy Birthday, Hamster – Cynthia Lord; Mr. Cookie Baker – Monica Wellington; The Secret Birthday Message – Eric Carle; The Night Before My Birthday – Natasha Wing; A Birthday for Frances – Russell Hoban

Our religion focus will be to start learning the Our Father, and in case my 2 yr old decides to join us for some learning, I have these activities set aside for her: 2-part cupcake puzzle, matching cards, 4-part puzzle,  

Language Review last name letters and trace in sprinkle tray Write last name on cardboard. Have child trace with glue and add glitter Write last name on board. Have child use pom poms to erase while saying letter sounds Case matching cards for first and last name 
Math Introduce #7 – sprinkle tray, math beads, Unifix Draw a cake base on paper and glue 7 strips of paper for candles. Write 7 in the top corner Cut out a balloon shape and tape a pipe cleaner string to it. Place 7 beads on the string Birthday counting #7 
Art/Sensory Color by number Play-do sensory – candles, cut up pipe cleaner sprinkles, cupcake liners Unicorn lacing cards Unicorn scissor practice & Rainbow scissor or tracing practice 
S/G/H Dancing Sprinkles Discuss how a birthday is every 365 days which is also how long Earth takes to orbit the sun Blow up a balloon using baking soda & vinegar over a bottle Learn about Scotland’s history with unicorns 

Hope you enjoy these learning activities!!