Semi/exclusive (I only make 4 of each copy)
ONE LEFT FOR EACH STATE:
***CALIFORNIA, MARYLAND, HAWAII Educational packs for kids are also available. $25 for a 20-25 page pack.
I do NOT create special orders, but if you email me at readcountcraft.com@gmail.com, you can join my Facebook States Pre-Order group. (spots are limited )
Image via Unsplash
The Best Educational Video Games for Kids in Quarantine
Video games get a bad reputation. From violence to video game addiction, parents have good cause to be concerned about their kids’ gaming habits. But the truth is, video games aren’t all bad. There are tons of great games out there that aren’t just wholesome, but are actually educational for kids!
So how do you find (and safely use) the games you can actually feel good about your kids playing? Check out these tips, brought to you by ReadCountCraft.
Many games are hosted online these days, which means kids need to understand basic internet safety and how to be a good digital citizen. It also means parents need to equip family computers with antivirus software and parental controls to prevent kids from venturing places they shouldn’t.
Of course, you need the equipment, so if yours is outdated, lagging or you’re investing for the first time, do some research into what your kids will enjoy and won’t break the bank. The Chicago Tribune recommends reading through different reviews to determine what is best for your family, and if you want to talk to a human, you can even connect with Best Buy for a free consultation. And if you find exactly what you want from them, you can avoid overspending with a Best Buy coupon from savings sites like Rakuten.
Finally, as Today’s Parent points out, it’s still important to set limits, even for educational games. Keep gaming systems in common areas where you can monitor usage and use timers to indicate when screen time is up. As long as you have activities to distract from tech, you can transition away from games without a fight.
How much can video game ratings really tell you about its content? Video games are rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. ESRB ratings are:
Games rated E and E10 are generally safe, but take a closer look at games rated T and up. While some games rated T are fairly mild, others have content you’d rather avoid.
Parents should also watch for the phrase “Online interactions not rated by the ESRB.” This indicates a game that has chat functions where your child can hear unfiltered content from other players. The ESRB has resources to help parents restrict in-game communication.
6 Great Games for Kids
Now onto the good stuff! These are some of my favorite learning games for kids.
Preschoolers learn their ABCs with the help of cute animated monsters in this game available on PC, iOS, and Android. After graduating from Endless Alphabet, kids can move onto its follow-up, Endless Reader.
This imaginative game tests kids’ spelling skills as they solve puzzles and interact with a fantasy world. Originally designed for Nintendo DS, today Scribblenauts is available on nearly every platform.
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard of Minecraft. This PC, Playstation, and Xbox game isn’t just wildly popular, it’s also great for teaching mathematical principles.
A must-have for any NASA-obsessed kid, Kerbal Space Program lets players design their own space program, launching rockets and landing on far-away planets as they playfully explore physics concepts.
A puzzle platform designed for kids 7 and up, Little Big Planet tests problem-solving and spatial orientation skills in a rich story world. Kids can play Little Big Planet on Playstation and even create their own levels for friends to solve.
Teens will love Portal and Portal 2, a physics-based puzzle game available on PC, Xbox, and Playstation. In Portal, players place interconnected portals to solve puzzles and progress through the story.
So which games should parents avoid? Violent games are an obvious ‘no’ but also stay away from games that are purely educational too. If a game isn’t fun, engaging, and visually appealing, kids won’t stay interested long enough to learn anyway. The best educational games for kids are the ones that are so fun, they barely notice they’re learning!
ReadCountCraft knows that learning often comes in unconventional forms. Rather than feeling mom-guilt over how much time your kids spend on screens right now, find educational screen time that you can feel good about! Visit the site often for more fun and educational resources.
One of the most important things we can do as parents is to encourage our children to make healthy choices — both now and in the future. It’s a top priority that they develop good habits today so that they can grow up to be healthy adults tomorrow. Since children watch how their parents go about life, it’s up to us to be consistent role models because showing them is more powerful than telling them.
ReadCountCraft knows being a “perfect parent” isn’t possible, but the journey also isn’t entirely intuitive. To help you along, here are some essential tips for parents who want to model good behavior and choices for their children.
Have Healthy Foods on Hand
Just like adults, kids will often eat what is tasty and convenient. That means that when you have healthy options in the home, they will be more likely to eat healthfully. Strategize your grocery list with your child in mind, and allow them to choose from a few different healthy meals and snacks. While the home is the first order of business, it’s also important to take this philosophy outside the home as well. For instance, instead of relying on drive-thru and gas station snacks, consider packing fruits, nuts, pretzels, and other nutritious foods for the times you’re on the go.
Exercise Together
Exercise is critical for people of all ages. If your child sees you exercising, they will be more likely to adopt that habit and carry it into their adult years. Along with setting an example with your own fitness routine, Parents suggests finding fun ways for the whole family to get in some physical activity together. It could be biking, swimming, hiking, or anything else that provides a good workout.
Don the Safety Gear
Children watch what their parents do, even when it comes to simple but significant things like safety precautions. If you go biking, for instance, be sure to wear a helmet. If you go out on a boat or jet ski, wear a life vest. Every time you drive somewhere, wear your seat belt. Do anything you can to model what it’s like to practice safety as a grown up.
Have Quality Conversations
Though leading by example is the most effective way to teach your child how to make healthy choices, it also helps to keep a steady flow of quality conversations going. LiveScience says to talk honestly about the awkward topics such as sex, drugs, and alcohol, and clarify your views and expectations on each matter. Also, talk with them regularly about friends, school, interests, and anything else that helps you to stay connected and strengthens your relationship.
Show Them How to Handle Stress
Last but not least: remember that your child is watching you when you are going through a hard time. How you deal with stress can profoundly affect how they deal with it when they are adults. If you turn to drugs or alcohol to alleviate your worries, your child is more likely to do the same some day. If you tend to lose your cool and lash out randomly, they will learn that as well. Instead, opt for healthier options like exercise, hobbies and/or deep breathing.
Ready to Get Back to It?
Parenting can be like coming up on a traffic jam — we hit the brakes on life! But some of the most powerful lessons our children learn will be from seeing our example. Every parent wants their kids to get off to a good start in life and that means giving them permission to pursue their dreams, but also pursuing our dreams ourselves.
Have a fitness goal? Want to eat healthier? Ready to finally get that business degree? Pick up a long neglected hobby. Let’s get back to it!
One of the most essential parts of being a parent is setting a good example for your child. Model good dieting and always keep healthy foods accessible, and show them how exercise can benefit their well-being. Wear safety gear whenever necessary, and keep an open line of communication going. Finally, lead them by demonstrating healthy ways to deal with stress.
ReadCountCraft is all about supporting families. For learning opportunities, ideas and inspirations that empower you and your kids towards a healthier and happier life, be sure to connect!
Photo Credit: Pexels
Easy and fun for kids, here’s a blow by blow using photos. NO prep other then laying out supplies and cutting a potato.
dip the half potato and stamp onto paper
Let dry as needed, the Qtip snow is next.
After snow, glue poms to hats. Draw carrot nose with paint stick and glue on eyes.
No Prep. Print out, students can cut out numbered squares.
Easy Number recognition. Make sure students say the numbers out loud as they are gluing onto truck.
Both colored and black and white versions in pack.
Traditionally made using traditional material from my area in SE Oregon. We are rural and traditional home to the Klamath/Modoc/Snake River tribe. I was taught how to make these by my Native friends. I’ve been making these for 10+ years, mainly as gifts. This year I had requests so I made a few extra.
Deer hide is softer then commercial leather. These shoes are so great for foot development because they form to the feet. They are also the best to learn and practice those walking steps because kids can feel the ground as if they are barefoot.
Moccasins are sewn with sinew, which is animal fat. It lasts much longer then cotton thread. So these shoes don’t wear out before they are outgrown and can be used by another child.
Not mad for getting wet. Shoes are not sprayed with anything and leather and rain don’t like each other. A little dampness won’t ruin them but getting WET will.
I’m not going to be making more of these, the deer hide is very hard to get locally now. I don’t like buying my hide online bc I like to feel it and examine it. I am moving from hand crafting items, moving towards teaching how to make them.
If interested in these or seeing a few other pairs I have made, hit the email link at the top of this page or comment below. I will list on Etsy, you can purchase through there. Can’t offer free shipping but they fit in a 10$ USPS box, I don’t know how much international is.
What’s hard about teaching crafts virtually? Supplies.
I don’t know what supplies the students have at home. The other thing is, the videos are accessible to both Elementary and Jr. High students. The age range of skill level is 9 yo – 14 yo.
Versatility. The crafted object has to have a range of creative applications.
Hence, the String and Paper 3d Ornament. Ta Da!
Note: Any kind of string can be used, just make sure if its thin like embroidery thread, at least 2 identical strands are used together. LID Size needs to be a medium sized lid, otherwise the Ornament template will be too small with no room for holes without ripping.
Punch holes about an inch apart with your pencil, all the way around both circles. Keep circles together.
Identify what will be the top hole of your ornament. Cut about 4″ piece of doubled over string. Push through the SMOOTH side of the top hole. Make a loop and knot on the end of the loop. You should have a way for your ornament to hang now.
Cut a 2″ piece of string, and string through the next hole. Gently Knot at the edge of the Circles. Make sure the knot isn’t too tight, if it is it will bend the circle in.
Continue to string through holes and tie knots. until you have one hole remaining.
Crumple up the extra paper that was left from cutting out the circles. Tear into biggish pieces, and crumple pieces into balls. Stuff each ball gently into the Circles. Use the pencil to help rearrange the paper balls where you want them.
The Circles should now be a little puffy, and finish by putting the string through the last hole and knotting at the top.
No Prep: Print out both pages, cut numbers. Kids cut and glue.
I made this for toddlers, to help with numeral recognition and counting practice. Also builds Common Core pre skills, GROUPS OF 5.
The 27 month old and I did this together, this activity also helps with following directions and specific steps for critical thinking/method. Rub stick glue on #1, place and say #1 onto spot. Rub stick glue on #2, place and say 2, and so forth. Count all five at the end.
Child can color truck before gluing or after gluing.
This pack also has 5 snowmen in a truck.
I created this for a 2 year old little girl who loves unicorns! Secretly, okay NOT-so-secret, I love unicorns and I had to make something with these christmas unicorns. Christmas-corns?
The download at the end of the post has the 3 different designs. These will appeal to children from 2yo to 7 yo.
I suggest handing out the supplies, even for students who are old enough to make this without help. Otherwise students may cut the ribbon too short or 2 feet long etc.
This Unicorn Ornament Craft builds fine motor skills and even older kids still need practice with fine motor skills for printing/cutting and just hand coordination development in general.
The Ornament craft also helps with methodology, sequencing, because of the step by step directions. Mentally organizing/critical thinking skills, real life application skills.
Print the ornaments- Use *1* page for 3 students, or *1* page for 1 student making all three.
Cut the Ornaments out for kids who are too young to use scissors
Cut ribbon pieces, I cut about a foot because it’s better for tying, and the extra can be cut off.
If you are short on ribbon, just loop a rubber band through the top.
I created these preschool Math Pages for a 2yr old that I’m working with one on one. We are practicing numbers, counting, subitizing. Unofficially though, this looks so dang cute on a fridge, ha ha!
Cut and Paste Leaves onto a truck for counting practice and number recognition. Children can color the Truck photo and leaves, or use the colored leaves.
5 Leaves in a Truck Practice Pages Skill Building Areas:
5 Leaves in a Truck Preschool Practice Pages in Color and Black and White
This was a grand time in my preschool class for making original halloween art, the preschoolers from age 2 1/2 to 6 years old enjoyed it. It took 2 sessions because the paint had to dry, perfect activity times with a break in between.
Google eyes makes it purrffecct but if you are out of wiggle eyes substitute poms, rolled up masking tape pieces, beads, anything for a fun 3d halloween effect! There’s a download for directions at the end of the post.
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN POTATO STAMPS:
I own and use these 2 books with these activities. (no afflilation)
I checked out many 5 little pumpkins books and this is my favorite, the hard cover is actually soft with soft edges so it’s durable. It’s not board, its puffy board some type of plastic I think-VERY EASY TO CLEAN.
Pete the cat is my go-to, I’m still completing my Pete the Cat collection.
Print out and Cut pumpkin squares.
Hand out numbers 1-5 to students.
Paste squares on truck.
Black and White, Color sets to mix and match.
Print out pages, 1 per student or 1 per small group.
Students roll one die and color in matching section.
If one number is left, can allow extra rolls per turn per time constraints.
SSSH, inspired by these lawn deco I bought haha
I love the “twist of lime” as a fresh answer to all of the subdued home decor that is trending.
Our need for a big change in our house came along gradually, but this year we finally decided enough was enough with having a huge space that we weren’t really using ninety percent of the time. The space was our oldest daughter’s bedroom. She went to college at 18, and never lived at home since except on semester breaks and some summers. She’s now a PhD candidate. It’s still a big priority for us that she has her own space each time she comes home, but we also needed the space to be more usable at some point.
Add to that that our youngest daughter is in her first semester of college, studying from home (a hundred percent of the time now because of the pandemic), and occupying a small bedroom, and the time was right to give this space an overhall.
Don’t get me wrong, I love all those…
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This is an easy supplemental language activity that parents can teach at home to their child. It also can be used in a classroom, it’s versatile.
I know this because I had an 8 year old student- entering 3rd grade from Feb-October 2020. I made this as a learning supplement because even with some distance learning, he missed out on a lot of skill building.
Health workers have always worn masks, my husband wears a mask when he sprays pesticides, it’s common sense that a mask is going to stop your spit from flying everywhere and infecting those around you.
We follow our Tribe.
“However numerous experiments from social psychology also show that we can be blindly susceptible to the influence of others.”
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-09/uots-hah090920.php
The vital issue isn’t about the mask. The important issue is what drives pro/con mask choices. Understanding the psychological factors driving Trump and Biden’s choice, helps us to understand these men beyond the political arena. Understanding the drive behind their choices, equips us to choose wisely with our own.
So I hired the 3rd grader to mow my lawn for 20$. He asked my husband to stop at the convenience store on the way home, where he bought 17$ worth of candy! I did came up with this curriculum and I did the same with my kids, informally, back in the day. For this unit, I used an article on Forbes.com as a guideline, referenced in the printable pack. School teaches the identification and technicalities of money, it doesn’t teach the mechanics of using money as a tool.
There’s a vocabulary list to review with your student/kid, and here is a worksheet for her to practice.
Vocabulary: Why didn’t I include bank in the vocabulary words? Because the traditional brick and mortar bank that we know, is gradually going the way of the dinosaurs. The bank with the highest Savings account return, is CitiBank, an online only bank.
Next is a spending plan questionnaire, he can write his answers:
Then, there is a worksheet to print off and subtract each category, to use whenever she receives money, before spending.
You can set up a kid account at the bank like my friend does for the 8 yo, or you can use real money jars. Or if you don’t want to use that, I made these for use as virtual money jars. There’s a few versions of the money jar pages in the pack.
Direct Download at end of post.
I have lots of Roll and Color games, you can search for the other themes in the blog search bar.
I inherited this old wood 3 tier planter, and it took me 3 years to figure out what to do with it. I took some pieces off, and my original painting idea didn’t work.
If you decide to up-cycle an old wooden outdoor item:
-Don’t use any type of metal spray paint, if you want your object to look newer. If you want your object to look really really old and worn, then use the metal colors. My first try was VERY bad, it didn’t look metallic AT ALL.
-Use this, it goes on evenly and you don’t have to use primer first.
So I have this special “picture window” . It’s the one I look out of all the time, where my work station is, and the main table is. Okay, it’s the dining room but I use this spot for everything. Not only the outdoor focal point, but the indoor focal point when we walk into the house.
I made a type of blind hanging from an egg carton and butterfly cutouts. I cut up and painted the egg carton cups, then strung the butterfly cut outs and cups together. It was time consuming, but I considered it mindfulness. I don’t know why mainstream sources don’t think of repetitive craft activities as triggering mindfulness. It’s definitely a “zone”.
Honestly I always have had a cheerful whimsy style when decorating. It’s not even Boho, it’s all my own and I think would drive some folks crazy. But you know, these ideas will look lovely in subdued colors also.
We will continue the next step to “find her name”. In addition to this , I have started her practicing line drawing, and Letter A tracing. Another indicator that she is ready for Letter A tracing, is: 1) she holds a pencil correctly 2) she has good hand strength 3) she can open and close small containers easily.
So this week I am introducing her to tracing circles. She is not interested in manipulating objects at this point, she’s not interested as interested in crafts as she is scribbling, scribbling, scribbling. I need to lead her down the road to write her letters before she learns the wrong way.
with print awareness-
with letter awareness-
with name awareness-
with alphabet awareness-
with sight word awareness-
reader-
There are many cities who have rock hiding Facebook groups in the U. S. There is a group here, we put our painted rocks in random places for strangers to find.
I have been hiding rocks for kids, because we are still in Phase 2, and kids have been robbed of their childhood this summer. Especially heartbreaking because our winters are harsh and there is no rock hunting in winter.
These are for folks like me who don’t have a lot of patience, or use rocks as a “canvas” for fancy painting.
Ladybug Rock Supplies: Acrylic Paint, Small brushes, Spray Gloss or Mod Podge
or use acrylic paint pens.
My playful alphabet set where kids get to match the slice to the juice glass. They can even put the slice in the juice and pretend- slurp slurp slurp.
This practices my teaching method for alphabet letter recognition.
(PRIMARY Guideline: Focus on lowercase letters primarily using books and environmental print. We see lowercase letters more frequently then uppercase letters.)
Prep:
Instruction for teaching alphabet letters:
Beginner Skill Level:
Skill Level Name Match:
Name Skill Mastery:
Once child knows how to spell his name, and knows the name of the letters that comprise the name:
*do not worry about letter sounds during this activity*
NAME SKILL MASTERED :
Once child understands how to play the game because she’s played it several times, incorporate letter sounds. Say the sounds and the child can repeat after you, but don’t focus on the sounds if it detracts from the child learning what each letter looks like.
Two Downloads: Alphabet Juice Upper and Lower Case set, the 2nd download link is the above instructions as a printout.
I was a “better safe then sorry” mask-wearer, pre-mandate.
However, I’m still on the fence about mandated mask wearing.
Mixed Answers Highlight:
May Chu, a clinical professor in epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health on the Anschutz Medical Campus –
“The recommendations that everyone wear masks are because “any kind of impediment is better than nothing,” Chu said. But fabric masks are not expected to be as protective as surgical masks, she said. That’s why public health officials are warning people to remain at least 6 feet apart from one another, even if they are wearing masks.”
Use your critical thinking skills. Know why you are making your choice.
Feedback and comments always welcome for discussion.
Everyone is creative, each of us only needs to find the medium that we can express our creative language with.
I introduced ladybugs to the toddler by reading toddler ladybug books a week before we did this mural, and I showed her real photos of ladybugs a few times.
Sharing My Multicultural Book Boards. I have researched to ensure titles do not perpetuate stereotypes.
Click on IMAGE
to see books in each category {from Pinterest},
or LINK if noted.
Multicultural-Inclusion-Diversity Books:
Chinese New Year books: January
Native American Books :
African and Jewish Books:
LINK:
I have been working with the 20 month old to recognize bees, butterflies and ladybugs. For her, butterflies are the easiest to recognize. This bundle goes after the ladybug set, in sequence.
Once the child is familiar with both insects, interchange ladybug/butterfly, in the song.
Don’t forget to show real photos of the insects. We have seen butterflies and one bee so far in real life on our walks. I still use real photos on my phone intermittently, especially for ladybugs and bees.
Fine Motor and Visual Discrimination.
Extend activity by counting butterflies found.
What do you need?
Printable-
Die-
Coloring tools-
and Preschoolers!
(free download at end of post)
This game is a no prep for teachers, parents, and distance learners.
This game practices critical thinking because children count, match, and identify.
This game is effective because it teaches 1:1 correspondence.
This game is fun because it’s interactive.
This game practices taking turns, counting, fine motor and color identification.
This game is versatile because mixed age groups and levels can play at the same time. Or as a single player game.
more free July 4th printables
I have been crazy for ladybugs this year!
Maybe because their population is declining and all those ladybugs I found as a kid will no longer be here?
Maybe because they help roses grow?
Maybe because they are modern art? I mean oval and circles and red and black and white? COOL.
That’s all the clever writing I have for today, folks!
IF YOU LIKE THIS PRINTABLE PLEASE : Subscribe or PIN or Comment as a thank you!
LADYBUG LOVE ALL AROUND!
I provided different sized bins and different blocks. He dumped both the blocks and bin from his first attempt.
Substitute what you have. Oatmeal or any kind of filler for the bin, even dirt dug up from outside! If the blocks are scarce and scattered, find some sticks or anything that can be used for building.
My mistake was allowing too much CHILD LED, in which he did the water himself so fast I did not even know what he was doing until he did it!
We will conduct another erosion experiment, with different sediment-perhaps sand or gravel rocks. I hope we will be able to understand erosion more fully by demonstrating it properly.
It’s no big deal. I have done the same experiment repeatedly because it is common that children are so interested in the EFFECT its hard to slow down and learn along the way.
This game is effective because it provides vocabulary and review.
This game is fun because it’s interactive.
This game practices using a process to find the answer.
This game is versatile because mixed age groups and levels can play together.
Independent play because children can match and count.
1:1 correspondence skills memorized through play.
Fun because it’s interactive.
Fine motor, color identification, counting practice and taking turns.
Versatility: mixed age groups and skill levels can play together.
Subscribe now to receive subscriber only free printables designed by me and tested by my students!
I have a very energetic student so he loved this game! Anything moving+learning= permanent skill. We played this during inclement weather which was a great help for getting our wiggles out!
Believe me if you play this way it’s SUPER fun, and for this 53 yo, the hardest one was trying to do the inch worm with, well-boobs.
Exploring emotions through color (same cards)
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/04/12/emotions-and-color-exploring-emotions-part-2/
Skittles Emoji
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/29/emotions-activities-for-kids-intro/
Alphabet Monster Emotions
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/04/03/emotions-activities-for-kids-part-1/
During the 1st week, we read books and discussed.
During the 2nd week, we read again and did the intro activity.
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/29/emotions-activities-for-kids-intro/
During the 3rd week, we read another book, and did Part 1.
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/04/03/emotions-activities-for-kids-part-1/
We played with this bin all of February, but it doesn’t need to line up with Valentine’s Day month. It is for play, when the child is ready to be introduced to shapes.
I began teaching Aspen as a nanny this past January when she was 16 months old. I have observed her respond and learn and look forward to her sensory bins. Her mom keeps them and uses them as well. Don’t underestimate the power of a sensory bin for learning and practical use as an easy activity to keep a toddler occupied for a few minutes.
https://www.joann.com/little-makers-easter-paper-roll-craft-kit-chick-bunny/17138488.html
WE love this book, its hysterical! Biology + the difficulty of waiting + humor = Bawesomeness! (butterfly + awesomeness)
This can activity is adaptable for any group size of kids, and unlimited ages, even a mix of ages.
Scavenger Hunt Sticky Collage Activity
Creating masterpieces
Finally, they decided to blend oil pastels on the back, which can be seen here.
The backs made the scavenged items easier to see. However the contact paper makes collection easy to hang up directly on windows, although make sure to tape the corners up.
