Naturally Educational » Interpersonal
Simple Calaveras Masks for Dia de los Muertos
After Halloween, our friends from Latin America celebrate Día de los Muertos. The holiday has its roots in an idea similar to the Celtic Samhain and the Christian All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. In contrast with our modern Halloween, however, Día de los Muertos is more of a celebration of departed loved ones, rather than a fright fest. In Mexico, the celebration is marked with alters containing marigolds and calaveras (skulls, particularly the popular … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Interpersonal
Delicious Democracy
How do you communicate the basis of democracy to the under 5 crowd? With ice cream, of course! I checked in with my daughter to see if she knows who is president (she does) and how he got to be president (she did not). I explained that people vote for the president. We skipped over the whole “electoral college” thing but I’ll explain later how you could make that a part of this activity for older kids. Then, … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Ages, Fall, Featured, History and Culture, Interpersonal, Smart Summer Challenge
Mapping a Nature Hike #SmartSummer
Knowledge is supposed to enrich our lives, not just reside in dusty books (or hypnotic bits and bytes). So, we took our map skills on the road and used them to explore a “new to us” nature trail. Check out this map! Ain’t she a beaut? Most of the trail maps we encounter are faded, sad affairs. Not this one. This one has a lovely compass rose for finding directions, words for … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Ages, Bodily-kinesthetic, Ecology, Featured, Geography, Interpersonal, Logical-Mathematical, Mathematics, Smart Summer Challenge, Visual-Spacial
Happy Father’s Day
We made these fun Father’s Day photo cards with the kids spelling out “Daddy” and “Papa”. We got the idea from the very awesome Amy of Crunchy Domestic Goddess! The kids even learn how to spell “Daddy” and “Papa”! And if you make this card every year, it will be a fun way to see the children growing and developing. For more great Father’s Day DIY gift ideas from bloggers, including a few you could whip up … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, History and Culture, Interpersonal, Spring, Summer
Our Valentines – Photo Lollipop Cards
We went back and forth a lot–there were so many cute ideas for Valentines my daughter could give to her classmates. I knew that my schedule was packed and I needed to keep it simple. We finally decided on making photo cards with organic lollipops that I think gave us a lot of impact for the short amount of time it takes to make them. My daughter was also able to practice writing the names of … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), All Ages, Featured, Interpersonal, Winter
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for Young Children
I don’t shy away from discussing controversial issues, even with very young children. I do, however, worry about intruding on their open minds with our adult hang-ups. My children do not need to be told that someone should be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. To them, in their innocence, skin color is no more of a defining characteristic than height, eye color, hair color, or even … Read entire article »
Filed under: 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergartners), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Interpersonal
Holiday Volunteering with Young Children
We try to do several volunteer service activities throughout the year. Volunteering was a big part of my life before children. Because my young children are usually with me, I’ve had to change things up a little bit. Feeding People Who Are Homeless In November, we joined Volunteer 4 Long Island in preparing meals for people who are homeless and under-housed. The adults prepare the food and distribute it at spots throughout the area … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Interpersonal, Volunteering
9 Expert Tips for Teaching Children about Giving and Volunteering
As we approach the Holiday Season in the United States, we give thanks for all of our blessings. My thoughts also turn to those who do not have as much as we do–both in the way of material goods but also in terms of opportunity, companionship, and hope. As parents, we have the important job of teaching children the importance of caring for their fellow human beings–and that even the smallest person can make a big … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Ages, Featured, Interpersonal, Volunteering
Holiday Crafts and Gifts
November and December have been very busy months here but, before it is too late, I wanted to share some holiday crafts and homemade gift links with you. Each year, we craft homemade gifts. Last year my daughter made glass paint-swirl ornaments. This year, we plan to paint mugs for the family. Here on Naturally Educational, I have directions for an Apple Pomander–perfect for potpourri baskets or hanging around the house during the holidays. Veronique at Little Elephants, one of my favorite craft bloggers, has a huge round-up of Christmas Crafts, including recipes, gifts, and decorations. We’re planning on trying the snow globes this year! No Time for Flash Cards has categories for both Christmas and Hanukah. Michelle at Scribbit has Gift Crafts Children Can Make as will as another post on Homemade Gifts. Homemade … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Ages, Interpersonal
Theater Games for Young Children
Kinesthetic learners will jump right in when given the opportunity to play theater games designed for young children. Even the simplest theater games for kids can build a child’s confidence and skills. Theater activities utilize two of children’s biggest assets, imagination and energy, to build on their ability to focus, creatively problem solve, and cooperate. Before today, I had worked with teenagers and children as young as eight, but since I have a 3 year-old, I decided … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Ages, Bodily-kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Musical, Performing Arts and Theater
Connect and Discuss
About the Author
Candace Lindemann is a published children’s writer and educational consultant. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Working with school districts around the country and some of the most well-known companies in the education industry, Candace creates custom strategies, textbooks, and lesson plans. Her articles have appeared in print and online.
While Candace’s degrees prepared her for a career in education, she’s found that the best preparation for parenting is on the job training.
Contact Candace via e-mail, read her full biography, or connect with her using the social media icons below.
Awards and Features
As Seen In…
Find Me Writing At…
Take the Smart Summer Challenge!
