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While to most it looks like playing, a professional always tries to incorporate
learning and education while they are having fun. That's really the best way to
learn isn't it? Try some of these ideas and please send us your activities to have
them featured here. Mail your ideas to webmaster@nannyessentials.com.
The Bandana Skirt
This is a great activity for the Fourth of July. The child must be young or this project
won't work. Gather two different colored bandanas, a scissors, needle and thread,
some fabric glue, and an elastic cord (found at any craft store). My charges and I
used the classic blue and red bandanas. Take one bandana and fold the edge
over about 1/2 inch. Cut the elastic cord the length of the bandana and place it
inside the folded material. Use the fabric glue to secure the hem. Sew the two
corners together using your needle and thread. Leave the material so that there is
a triangle shape left open. You should then have the top of your skirt completed.
Turn the skirt inside out and cut the remaining bandana the size of your triangular
shape. Make sure to leave an extra one inch on both sides of the triangle. Then
use your fabric glue to attach the triangle shape to the opening in your skirt. This
gives the skirt the dual tone. Take the bottom 1/2 inch of the skirt and use the
fabric glue to create a smooth hem along the bottom. Turn the skirt the right side
out and you should have a beautiful creation made with pride by you and your
charges. and they don't even know they were improving their hand-eye
coordination and using fine motor skills. Optional...get creative with the skirt and
attach sequins, beads, and other fun materials to personalize it.
The Child's Garden
Children love to create something with their own two hands. Now that summer is
here, dig up a 4x4 plot and plant a vegetable garden. Your charges will love caring
for "their" garden and will take pride in harvesting the vegetables when they are
ready. What an educational and creative way to get them to eat their vegetables!
More to Come...visit us often...
By far our favorite book for educational, fun, age-appropriate activities is The
MotherLode, by Kas Winters. Kas was a vendor at the 2004 National
Association of Nannies annual conference and was spectacular! You can
purchase her book here as well as finding other valuable resources to us as
childcare providers.
