Fine Motor Activities for Kids
An OT told me this one: use small writing utensils such as golf pencils and broken crayons. This helps prevent children from grabbing the utensil with a fist and encourages the correct pencil grasp.
Placing letters on a letter board. I discovered this one by accident, but I love how it keeps my 4-year-old sitting quietly for long stretches of time while he tries to get the plastic letters to stay in my felt letter board.
Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids (That Work for Us)
Picking weeds outside, watering flowers/plants/herbs and raking leaves is a chore that my kids find fun. (Added bonus if you buy their own gloves/watering can).
Lots of yard work options for chores! Older kids can mow the lawn, and all ages can help with sweeping, pulling weeds and other gardening tasks.
Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle pees from its mouth.
Most caterpillars have 12 eyes (6 on each side of their tiny head).
Exciting First Day of School Traditions
My husband and I will usually take the day off work (when we can) so we can be there for drop off and pick up on the first day, which makes it feel extra special for all of us.
First day of school photos on our front steps, and couple more in front of the school too.
What are your favorite inspirational quotes for kids?
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~Maya Angelou
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. ~Wayne Gretzky
What are some fun animal facts?
A mantis shrimp can throw a punch with the same acceleration of a .22 caliber bullet.
Axolotls are an incredible species of salamander that can regrow their limbs, spines, even their hearts and other organs!
What helps the school year go more smoothly?
The kids are responsible for getting their backpacks ready before going to bed, and making sure they have all their homework, books, permission slips, etc in there, and that it is zipped up and ready to just grab and go in the morning. We sometimes need to remind them to do this, but as it becomes part of the nighttime routine it gets easier and easier!
My boys pick out their clothes the night before, and always check what the weather will be like to plan for it, as well as if they have gym or not. It makes getting dressed in the morning much easier!
