Free Printable Easter Egg Patterns, Psanky Stencils for Easter Baskets

Looking for creative Easter egg coloring ideas? One style defines the art: Ukrainian psanky eggs. Many Eastern European countries have egg decorating traditions. These ancient crafts create mosaic patterns in classic designs. If you'd like to try your hand at making psanky eggs for Easter, here are free online patterns, printables and designs. I've included printable traditional easter egg stencils, too. Why not make psanky eggs with kids or senior citizens?Free Printable Easter Egg Patterns, Psanky Stencils

Cheap, Homemade Donations for Lent, Easter

Don't let the title of this post throw you. I don't mean that the donation suggestions are cheap as in "tacky." These donations are inexpensive (which makes them ideal for families and those on a tight income). I developed these ideas when I homeschooled our four kids. As a Catholic homeschool family our education focused around the liturgical year. Holy Week is the pinnacle of the church year. We practiced acts of fasting and almsgiving, in solidarity with our Lord and in preparation for our Easter celebration.

Over our homeschool career, we explored many avenues of sacrifice and service. One activity that was very meaningful to us was really quite simple, but relevant. We are fortunate to live near several mission sites which provide immediate care and help to those in need. Our church also has a twin parish in Haiti. Many Staples outlets gather school supplies. I tweaked donation requests from these venues into an annual almsgiving activity. I think these activities would qualify for Jewish families as tithe and Muslim families as zakat offerings, too. Here's how it worked. Lent Almsgiving Activities

Best Kids' Toys and for 2012 Christmas Presents

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is buying gifts for kids. I love choosing toys, but I'm very picky. I demand that toy gifts I buy have some intrinsic educational value. And there are a lot of junk toys on the market. How do you wade through the chaff to find the best gifts for kids? Here's a guide from a 25-year veteran teacher and 24-year mom of four.  read more

Cheap, parent-friendly kids' birthday party tips

As a mom to four kids, ages 24 to 14, I've planned a plethora of kids' parties. I'm also a teacher and I've hosted numerous classroom events. There are some misconceptions among parents, about what kids do and don't want for parties (and gifts). Bottom line is, they're not selfish and hard to please, IF, they aren't taught to be. Planning parties, I've had some great successes and colossal fails. From those experiences, I've compiled a list of tips for parents on planning kids' parties. Being a frugalista, these hints focus on cheap, homemade party ideas. My kids' friends still remember my parties as being tons of fun (it's my secret that most only cost me about $10 to put on!) Cheap, parent-friendly kids' birthday party tips

At-home preschool dramatic play learning center

 As a special needs and former Montessori teacher, my classrooms have always been organized on the learning center principle. Learning centers are rotational play areas were children perform tasks related to specific content areas: math, reading, science, art, practical life, dramatic play. When I had children, I imported the learning center philosophy into my home. The play room was set up like a modified preschool classroom. Got toddler or preschool age kids? I highly recommend setting up learning centers. If you're homeschooling, learning centers are a must. Here's how this Montessori mom designed an at-home dramatic play area. Easy at-home ideas, plus shopping tips for your budding thespian's play area. Montessori mom: At-home preschool dramatic play learning center 

Health Experts Warn Parents to Skip Cellphone Apps, Games for Kids

Popular items for the holiday shopping season are cellphone games and applications for children. Education and health experts say parents should skip all apps. Developmentally, they say, kids need unstructured, creative play, not games like those played on a tiny, digital screen. Here are facts about kids and cellphone apps. read more

Best Holiday and Christmas Gifts for Dancers

Do you have a dancer in your family? Whether your dancer does ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, square-dance, polka or street dance, there are some gifts he or she will really appreciate. Read on

Free Printable Hanukkah Crafts, Greeting Cards and Decorations

Free Printable Hanukkah Crafts Hanukkah, Chanukah, the 'festival of light' is celebrated on the 25th of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. On the western calendar Hanukkah falls near Christmas. Here are free printable Hanukkah crafts: dreidel, gelt, menorah, treats, decorations. Read More

Creative Party Favors and Party Invitaiton Ideas

Unique Creative Party Invitation Ideas Planning an event, party, get-together, shower, reunion or open house? Who wants to settle for sending out boring old invitations when you could use a really creative unique way to announce the party? Here are alternative party invitation ideas. Read More

Free Printable Disney Toy Story 3 Coloring Pages and Crafts

Free Printable Disney Pixar 'Toy Story 3' Coloring Pages, Crafts, Toys and Activities Raise your hand if you can't wait until June 18, 2010. Why? Because that's when Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3 hits the big screen, in 3D. Can't afford to give much this Christmas? Maybe you have a child on you list that would love some free printable Toy Story coloring pages? Print off images and design a nice cover with recycled materials. A quarter box of crayons (bought at back-to-school sales) and you've got a a gift cheap!Visit my linked blog Free Coloring Pages 4U (linked in the side bar) for gobs of other printables! Read More