In honor of school starting and our recent Bus Tours this summer we wanted to feature Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Has your child discovered the character Pigeon by Mo Willems yet?

This post contains affiliate links to Amazon Books.

We’re excited to welcome you to the Virtual Book Club for Kids featuring Mo Willems!

Each Virtual Book Club for Kids Co-Host will be sharing their own Mo Willems inspired post today!  That’s 16+ Activities to go with his books!

Water Color with Pigeon and the Bus

To start our Mo Willems fun we first drew the bus inspired by Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. Then we printed out coloring pages provided for free on the Mo’s website. Then it was time to paint!  

Using crayons or markers would work too but sometimes it’s that little extra element that makes a project seem special to a child. Once it was dry it make the perfect backdrop for our ABC Game!

Pigeon and Bus Activities inspired by Mo Willems: Letter Activity

Finding a match is a fun way to being to learn letters and letter sounds with a child. Use some images to discover which letter starts with that letter. We gather a few sets of letters as most usually have just one of each letters.

You could also very easily print out on paper or on your computer different types and colors of letters to add variety to the sorting game for kids.

Ask your child What Letter can get on this Bus?

Pigeon and Bus Activities inspired by Mo Willems: Create Your Own Name Bus 

We used some special letters to practice forming the letters in my daughter’s name, spouse, siblings. Another way we will use it soon it to from Word Families. Words that rhyme like -at -an -op -it will be a fun place to start to learn to read and rhyme. You could make word cards to for your child to copy onto the bus.

Ask your child What letters belong in your name?

Pigeon and Bus Activities inspired by Mo Willems: Create Your Own Family Bus

Who’s in your family? Create a special bus for Pigeon to drive with your family inside of it! My 3-year-old had fun using watercolors to paint our hand-drawn bus and including our family members inside too!

Pigeon and Bus Activities inspired by Mo Willems: Mo Willems Printables

We printed out a Pigeon from one of Mo Willem’s Websites Pigeon Presents! There are a bunch of resources on the Grown Up’s Section. While you’re there check out the Bus Facts Page. We hand-drew the bus to use for this project.

Here are a few more fun ways to learn to draw with Mo Willems.  

Here’s a quick video of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus”

Check out this Knuffle Bunny Costume Idea for Kids

Pigeon and Bus Activities inspired by Mo Willems: Printables, Activities and Crafts!

• Handprint Pigeon 
• Paint Chip School Bus 
• Pigeon on a Bus Snack
• Bus Craft 
• Letter B for Bus 
• Pigeon Activity Guide from Mo Willems 
• Pigeon Needs a Bath Activity Ideas and Video
• 50+ Mo Willems Activities  
• Check out Mo’s Interview on the Today Show  and why he feels our kids need to be doodling! 

How to Join the Virtual Book Club for Kids 

We’d love to see the Mo Willems inspired activities that you do with your child or class!   Come share your activity Idea and photos on our VBC Facebook Page or in the Comment Section.

Mo Willems Activities from the Virtual Book Club for Kids Co-Hosts

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Activities 

• Cardboard Box Bus Craft & Number Game for Kids by Toddler Approved
• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Activity by Coffee Cups and Crayons 
• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: Puppets, Crafts and Storytelling by Playing with Words 365
• Letter B is for Bus Craft by Royal Baloo
• Pigeon Rhyming Race Activity by Growing Book by Book 
• Pigeon Handprint by Mama Miss 

Knuffle Bunny Activities 

• Mo Willems Inspired DIY Bunny Costume Felt Headband by The Educators’ Spin On It 
• Knuffle Bunny Activity Mats by ready-set-read 

The Duckling Gets a Cookie Activities 

• Counting Chocolate Chips – Duckling Get a Cookie by 3 Dinosaurs
• Nut Free Alphabet Cookies by Rainy Day Mum
• Sticky Cookie Craft by The Pleasantest Thing
• The Duckling Gets a Cookie Math Games by Inspiration Laboratories
• The Ducking Gets a Cookie Printable Clothespin Activity by Lalymom 

September Featured Author: Mo Willems

• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
• Knuffle Bunny
• The Duckling Gets a Cookie

You’ll find even more ideas shared for Books and Activities by following along!

Leave a comment below for us if you’re joining the Virtual Book Club for Kids!

You may also enjoy these activities…

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ticonderoga. All opinions are 100% mine. Affiliate links included in this post.

Teaching young children to learn to write is one of my most favorite things to do. Giving a child the right writing tools to be successful is an important step. A large size round No. 2 pencil is easy for small hands to hold making them ideal for children in the early stages of their writing development.

Have you bought your Ticonderoga pencils yet for your beginner writer this school year?

Using a Beginner Pencil for Handwriting

In my Kindergarten classroom, I prefer to teach how to properly write using large diameter pencils. This back to school season we’re kicking off our writing with a very special pencil from Ticonderoga Pencils, just for beginning writers ages 7 or younger.

The larger pencil is so much easier for little hands to hold as they develop their fine motor skills and story writing skills. Plus it helps with learning to form the proper way to hold a pencil which can make a huge impact on handwriting in the future.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

With oversized beginner pencils the thicker core of graphite helps to prevent the frustrations from the graphite breaking, and they stay sharper longer as your child practices writing with a pencil. It gives them time to be creative and write down their thoughts.

If they make a mistake the erasers remove marks easily without smudging. You’d be amazed how distractive little tasks like erasing can be to beginning writers.

Handwriting Skills for Preschoolers and Kindergartners

Handwriting skills start off at an early age as fine motor skills that you learn through hands-on play. If you have a preschooler at home I’d recommend starting off this school year by heading to your favorite store for school supplies and look for the My First Ticonderoga Pencil. These larger pencils come pre-sharpened plus they come with a bonus sharpener too.

If you’ve never seen them before, you need to know that they are much thicker than regular pencils which helps with easily being able to grip. The pencil’s graphite is big enough to withstand even the hardest writers for smooth writing. These pencils are great for beginning writers who would like a substantial size that is easier to hold on to as they work on proper pencil grip.

How to Develop Proper Pencil Grip

You might be wondering how do I teach my child how to hold a pencil?

You start by developing the skills that are required, which requires a lot of hands on play and exploration. Playground time can make a huge impact in your child’s handwriting as they grow up, so go PLAY! Below I’ve listed some of the things your child will develop for their handwriting skills and proper pencil grip.

• Very young children even start by tummy time to build their postural strength through so they can sit up at a desk eventually.
• Develop shoulder and upper arm strength and stability so they can hold their arm steady whilst they write by playing push and pull games and hanging from the monkey bars.
• When writing you’ll need to stabilize their wrists so activities like painting on an easel or using a rolling pin. Even holding onto swings is important in developing these skills.
• One key element to proper pencil grip is the arch of the palm. Invite your child to play with the trigger of spray bottles, tongs, or hole punches to develop hand grip strength.
• To help develop a child’s pincer grip you can encourage them by threading small beads, using pegs, or pinching playdough.

Continue doing these activities while your child is developing their proper pencil grip.

To set your child up for success it’s important to remember that very young children will not be strong enough to hold small pencils. They are working on the ability to control and stabilize their shoulders/wrists. Because of this kids tend to use chunkier writing tools, like My First Ticonderoga Pencils, and write using whole arm movements. As their strength and control develops, the movement of writing will move from the whole arm, to the wrist, and finally to the fingertips.

The goal is around ages 4-6 years old your child will develop a static tripod grip on their pencil.

This is the ideal grip to help move the pencil efficiently, accurately, and at a good speed. Once your child masters these skills they are ready to start practicing and perfecting their letter formations!

Here are some additional tips to improve handwriting for your child.

Pencil Themed Handwriting Activity for Kids

For a playful idea for a handwriting activity you can create fun letter cards together that are inspired by pencils. The pencil clothespins help to develop hand drip strength and focus on letter recognition too. We used some chubby clothespins from a local craft store and some leftover paint to create these pencil clothespins.

Grab some paper and your beginner pencil for writing fun with your child. Or you can use these pencil themed clips to display your child’s handwriting work for the school year!

Head to the store this back to school season and look for the Ticonderoga large diameter pencils (also called primary or beginner size pencils) for young children (7 and under), or differently-abled individuals and start working on your writing skills.

They’ve spent 100 years of helping families tell their story. Ticonderoga focuses on being #1 in quality just for you!

Looking for more ideas for handwriting and fine motor skills with kids? Try these…

As we head back-to-school this year, the topic of how to make friends once again becomes the focus of our character development conversations around the dinner table. Friends are an important part of our lives. They bring value to our lives in numerous ways.

As my children get prepared to start a new academic school year, we focus on remembering how to make new friends.

How to Make Friends

Although my children are extraverts, they have struggled at different times throughout their early childhood years with making and keeping friends (hey, I’m an adult and I am still practicing this skill of making new friends) 

These are our tried and true methods for making friends:

Tips for teaching kids on how to make friends.

1. Smile

Yes, this sounds so very simple, but our number one tip for making new friends is to “look friendly” to others – one way to do this is to smile. If you are in a classroom with 20 new children, a smile can be a ray of sunshine in your day.  If you are a little nervous about making new friends, a smile may give you a boost of confidence as it is a reminder that you are a kind and happy person that others want to spend time with.

2. Listen to what the other person has to say.  

This is a big deal in our house. We find that the kids are so excited to talk that they forget to listen.  We are practicing being a good listener:

• maintaining eye contact
• repeating back what we hear
• not interrupting
• asking questions about what the other person has to say

3. Be Yourself.  

My kids are funny, quirky and creative.  It is my hope that they find friends who value who they are on the inside.  It is important when making friends to be yourself. Not every child will connect with each other in the same way.  If you don’t like horses and someone asks if you do, do not pretend to like them. Be honest.  Your friendships will have a stronger beginning. *I find that the kids start to notice this more around 2nd grade, but some do earlier.

4. Ask others to play with you. 

My daughter had a really hard time making friends last year.  It was a new school and friendships had already formed.  She really felt sad about not having anyone to play with on the playground.  We practiced inviting each other to come play with us and she eventually starting asking children to come play with her on the parallel bar.

5. Say Hello and Good Morning.  

These words are simple and a great way to start connecting with others. Practice saying them at home prior to school. Make it part of your daily routine and soon your child will be saying them too. 

ACTIVITY: Write about Making Friends

Kids as young as toddlers can help write and draw about making friends. In fact, this activity is one of my favorite first week of school activities to do with kids from preschool to first grade.  You could illustrate several pages each day and combine them together at the end of the week for a delightful home-made book that children can re-read with family members.

CLICK HERE FOR ECE PRINTABLES including the Friends Can booklet

For younger children: limit the pages to 4.  Encourage them to trace 2 circles on each page to represent the friends.

For older children: allow them to complete the book independently.  Encourage them to write and label their drawings.

Learning Objective: Create a DIY book to represent being a good friend with drawings and words.

Focus Skills

• fine motor
• creativity
• writing
• early literacy
• book making

Materials Needed

• Scissors
• Stapler
• Crayons
• Copy of the Friends Can book. This activity is a printable available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Directions to make the DIY Friends Can Book.

1. Print a set of Friends can booklet.
2. Stack the booklet in the order you want the pages to appear.
3. Staple the left side.
4.  Read the pages with your child. Let the child illustrate each page.

After I print the Friendship books out, I set them out in the writing center for the children to work on in small groups. Here is what our center looked like:

Each child completed their own friendship book.

If you are short on time, you could have each child work on one page, then assemble it to make a class friendship book as well.

I like that this activity allows for children to participate even though they are on different academic levels.

Toddlers are learning the vocabulary of friendship and how to use a variety of writing utensils. Their pictures may be mostly scribbles with some lines and circles forming.

Preschooler – Kindergarteners are forming bodies and faces. They are able to grasp more abstract concepts of friendship.  I would encourage children of this age to use a minimum of one color per age. If you are 4 years old, then 4 colors should be used. (this paper is still a work in progress). If they have forgotten important details of people, hand them a mirror and encourage them to double-check their illustrations of body parts!

Here’s an example of what Kindergarten writing looks like.

Grade Schoolers – are really past this book, but my oldest wanted to participate too. I never turn away a kid who wants to draw, write and read. These activities allow children to express their creativity.  For struggling readers, making a book for a younger child is a great way to provide opportunities for them to interact with text at their level without being “too young.” When having older children write alongside younger children, it also provides a model for them as well. Extend their learning by having them write a story in paragraph form about how to make and keep friends.

Picture Books about Friendship for Preschoolers

Reading books about friendship with your child is a great way to start a discussion on how the characters in the story made new friends. Ask questions during the story such as: What do you think ___ will do? How would you handle the situation?

Affiliate links included to books:

A Dance of Friendship (Angelina Ballerina) I love Angelina in that she is always such a kind mouseling. This book introduces how to deal with friendship and feelings of jealousy. Read more here

Franklin’s New FriendWhen the moose family moves in, Franklin is initially a bit afraid of moose because of his size.  When the two get to know each other, they realize that despite their differences, they become new friends.  Read more here

Learning to Be a Good Friend: A Guidebook for Kids (Elf-Help Books for Kids)This book is part of a series of stories designed to help children navigate through life situations.  A good springboard for parent / child discussions.  Read more here

Friends: Making Them & Keeping Them (American Girl) Geared for girls 7+, this book covers friendship issues common to grade school girls. Read more here

How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? This story is a perfect introduction to SHOWING young kids how to play with dinosaurs, I mean friends. Geared for children ages 3-5, but would be enjoyed by older and younger children as well. Read more here

Llama Llama Time to Share This book is set in the cute rhythmic pattern of all llama llama books. It is set in a home environment, making it perfect for young children in a homeschooling setting. Read more here

How to Make Friends from the Teach ECE Education Blogger Team:

We are teachers, moms, and homeschoolers of young children sharing FREE resources to parents, teachers, and educators every Wednesday. Stop by any of our blogs for new lesson plans each week.

Here is our Preschool Schedule:

Find on social media using the hashtag #TeachECE

Role Playing How to Be a Good Friend by Mom Inspired Life
Songs About Friendship for Kinder and Pre-K by Capri +3
Teaching Kids About Friendship and Being a Good Friend by Raising Lifelong Learners
Making Friends: Teaching Kids to Learn and Respect Different Names by Munchkins and Moms
How to Play with Friends a Preschoolers Visual Guide and Game by Powerful Mothering
Helping Your Homeschooler Socialize by Still Playing School
Making Friends Even When You Are Homeschooled by Learning 2 Walk
Book Friends by Growing Book by Book
Tips for Helping Preschoolers BE a Good Friend! #TeachECE by The Preschool Toolbox BlogFree Friends Play Dough Printable by Life Over C’s
Working Together to Create a Classroom Community by Fun-A-Day!
Teaching Kids How to Make Friends by The Educators’ Spin On It

You may also find these guides helpful for Back to School…

It’s a fun way to get them involved in making a keepsake for the first day of school.  

Here’s how to make… 

DIY First Day of School Sign

Create a number sign that represents the grade that they are entering using your child’s creativity.  Plus helps them to prepare for the new school year as you share and talk about it with your child.  

Materials for First Day of School Sign:

• Recycled Cereal Box
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Washi Tape or Duck Tape
• Wooden dowel or kabob stick
• (Paint optional)

Directions for First Day of School Sign:

1. Find a recycled cereal box to use to create the number. 
2. Have your child or you draw the number on the cardboard of the grade they are entering. 
3. Cut out the number using scissors. 
4. Then take washi tape and have your child cover the number with their own design!

5. Optional: For Pre-K lettering we used a kabob stick with the sharp end removed to attach all the letters together. 
6. Use for your First Day of School Photos
7. Hang up on the refrigerator or in your child’s room to celebrate the beginning of the school year. 

The First Day of School is the classic picture that we’ve all grown up with and are enjoying new ways to take them with our children today.  This First Day of School Number idea is a fun and easy way to prepare your child for starting school. 

Here are a few book suggestions for the First Day of School to help you prepare your child. 

One important thing is to know what the standards are for the school year that your child is entering and discuss it with your child. 

Here’s a link to the Department of Education where you can find all sorts of resources about Education. Wishing you the best as you begin the school year!

We’d love for you to follow all year long too at our Playful Preschool and After School resources.

For more First Day of School ideas for Back to School we invite you to visit

• First Day of School Interview
• First Day of School Books
• The Night Before School Poem and Book Ideas
• Lunch Box Ideas for Back to School
• Back to School Resources
• First Day of School Magnet Idea

PRINT HERE for First Day of School Coloring Sheet

First Day of School Ideas for Kids

Simple Gift Idea for Teachers for Back to School

Recently as you know I’ve been featuring ideas using colorful permanent markers, thanks to our friends at Infinity Markers, no this isn’t a sponsored post I just have been really inspired.  

I guess if you leave a new box of markers in my house apparently I can get a little creative!  

This project we created for my daughter’s First Day of School gift to her teacher but it would work anytime as a special little “I think you’re special gift.”

Supplies Needed

• Permanent Markers
• Colorful Post It Notes
• Ribbon

Directions

Using the Permanent Markers write your desired message on the ribbon lightly, if you press too hard it will bleed.  Then tie the decorated ribbon onto the post it notes.  

You can attach a cute note too.

Our note says…

Take NOTE…

2nd Grade will be bright and colorful

with you as my teacher.

That’s it!  Trust me any teacher would love post it notes and a Permanent Marker!

If you’re giving this during Teacher Appreciation week you can edit the little note to say

Take NOTE…

2nd grade was bright and colorful with you as my teacher!

More Teacher Gift Ideas the Kids Can Make

Click here for more Teacher Gift Ideas

We all have feelings. Now’s the time to bring them out, talk about them, and address the excitement and fears (both yours and your children’s)

It doesn’t matter if your child will be preparing for School Brings Mixed Emotions for both Parents and Children

• starting preschool for the first time,
• is headed off to their first day of kindergarten,
• or will be starting their homeschool curriculum.

Preparing for school sets off a mixture of emotions for both parents and children. Know that your emotions during the preparation for back-to-school time may run on overdrive. Reach out to family members and friends to share your excitement and discuss any concerns you may have. You are not alone!

My friend said it best: “I am excited and sad at the same time”

The kids may be feeling some of the same emotions. Make time as you are preparing for school to address these feelings together.

Where we are this year:

This year, my almost 3 year old will be going to a traditional preschool classroom 2 mornings a week. I’ve never had any of my babies go to school this young, but we are butting heads big time and our family has decided 2 mornings a week with other kids may be just what he needs. The rest of the time he will be with me, doing “mommy school.”

My 5 year old will be attending kindergarten. He is thrilled to be going to school at the same place as his big sister. We keep reminding him that they will not see each other during the day. He says, “don’t worry, she will bring me to my classroom every morning.”  <tear>

My 9 year old will be entering 4th grade. Oh where did the time go. I’m already hearing the buzz about middle school. She’s a voracious reader with an advanced vocabulary and a thirst for knowledge.

I am not a homeschooler. We afterschool. Meaning, when my children come home from public school we play board games, do science experiments, go on educational field trips, sew, garden, read, write letters and do all the academic and life lessons we feel may not be covered to the full extent during the classic school day. 

For us, it’s the best of both worlds. We have friends who send their kids to public schools, private schools, homeschool, and even ones that unschool. No matter what school you have chosen, we hope you are finding it a good fit for your family.

Preparing for school can be exciting.

Yes, starting school is a new and exciting adventure for you and your child.  It’s O.K. to be giddy happy as you see what an amazing person your child is growing up to be and all the possibilities that the world holds for them. Preparing for school brings out new clothes, new backpacks, and new supplies. It’s an exciting new beginning for both you and your child.

We just got back from Target and my 5 year old picked out his own “big boy” backpack to use for the next few years. His little brother (2 1/2 latched on to a Paw Patrol backpack) He put it on and said it was his new back-pack for school.  My heart got so warm seeing them running through the isles all smiles for school and learning.

Share the excitement together.  Smile.  Talk about the new adventures your child will go on.

– I’m looking forward to helping you learn your letters this year.

 -This year will be a great opportunity to make some new friends.  Let’s make sure to plan some park playdates!

– You can draw a triangle, but I bet you will be able to draw even more shapes by the end of the year.

– My favorite class at school was math.  I can’t wait to see what your favorite subjects to learn will be.

Tips for children

• Ask your child what they are excited about.
• Let them select their own water bottle or backpack.
• Have them draw a picture of how they are feeling.
• Make up and sing a silly song:

Back to School Song

by Amanda Boyarshinov

To the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb

Fill your child’s name in for Sarah.

Change the backpack color if needed.

Switch the school supplies for additional verses.

Sarah had a blue backpack, blue backpack, blue backpack.
Sarah had a blue backpack she brought with her to school.
She filled it up with paper and pencils, paper and pencils, paper and pencils.
She filled it up with paper and pencils and took them all to school.

Really LISTEN to what they have to say.  Respond to their excitement. (Maybe even write it down, because that’s the stuff that you really want to remember when they are older, but may forget the exact way they said it. Here is the interview and writing prompts we use every year. )We also like to have a space to feature our children’s school work.  This display hangs up year round and helps us to keep the excitement going. Now would be a great time to set up this area with your child.

Preparing for school can be sad and nerve wracking.

For Parents:

I missed my child SO VERY MUCH the first day she went off to kindergarten. It was the first time we had been away from each other for more than 3 hours. She was the excited one, and I was the one missing her. She’s headed off to 4th grade and I STILL MISS her like crazy every day she is in school. Helicopter parent? Nope, I just love her from the tips of my fingers to the bottom of my toes and look foward to seeing her smiling face when she returns.

Now that my middle child is heading off to kindergarten, I’ve got the worries again.  Will he make friends. Will his teacher be kind and caring? Will she be patient and explain the same thing over and over until he gets it? Will he be happy?

It’s OK to be sad, nervous, and a little scared about what the future brings.

At one of the schools I taught at, the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) organized a Boo Hoo breakfast for all kindergarten parents the first day of school They knew that many would be missing their babies and be feeling a little sad. This breakfast provided opportunities for parents to connect with other families and led to longer friendships throughout the grade school years.

Even if your child’s school doesn’t organize a get together. Reach out to friends and schedule time to get together that first week of school and share your emotions.

Someways I almost worry myself to a stomach ache. Those are the days when I give my child a big hug and call my Mom or a Friend. I don’t tell my child that everything will be ok, because they are not always ok. I always reassure them that I am and will be there to help them navigate through life and that I trust they will make good decisions.

If your child is homeschooling, you may also have worries and fears too. Will my child miss out on school experiences? Will we find a group of families with similar views to share experiences with? How will I organize the year to cover everything we want to touch on? It may be harder to find time within the “school day” to find adult only time, but it’s important. Touch base with other homeschooling parents in these first few weeks of school.

For kids:

Grown-ups have sad feelings about back-to-school time, and so do kids.

They may worry about finding friends, new teachers, or even where to sit at lunch. Some of these worries are big worries and others are small. Make a point to really LISTEN to what they have to say. Respond to their fears or worries in a kid-appropriate way.

Tips for children heading off to school

• Do a routine walk-through the week before school starts.
• Pack a family picture in a backpack.
• Write a love note and put it in their lunch box. Even if they cannot read, they can see a heart or smiley face.
• Explain to them the new schedule, when and where they will be picked up.
• Show them the calendar and mark the day it is right now and when school starts.
• Give them a hug and tell them they can talk to you about anything.
• Read the Kissing Hand.

Preparing for School Activity

When I first started teaching kindergarten, we met with each kindergartner and their family prior to the first day of school. During that time, our team of teachers brought a little snack for the kids. It was a small bag with 26 teddy bear snacks 13 graham flavored and 13 chocolate bears.  We explained that the room was going to be filled with the same amount of children as there were bear snacks. With only one teacher, we talked about how to problem solve, get a teacher’s attention, and make friends.

You can do this activity with your child too.  Take any small snack that has 2 different flavors (Cheddar Bunnies have cheddar and pretzel) and count out the number of children that will be in your child’s class.  One color represents the boys and the other color represents the girls.  Thankfully, due to class size reductions, our early childhood classrooms are at 18! Although most classrooms are not an even 50:50 boy-girl mix, the little bunnies just help children get an idea of what to expect.

Once you have your small group of bears or bunny snacks:

• Count the snacks together.
• Explain that there will be the same about of children in the class as there are bunnies.
• Discuss how all the children (bunnies) would get from place to place. Line the snacks up in a single line. Yes it takes time!  It does in real life too!.
• Talk about how they might get the teachers attention if they needed help. (raising a hand is most commonly used)
• Pretend to have one bunny as another one if they wanted to play.

More Preparing For School Tips from the Early Childhood Education Team:

Back to School Tips for Parents PLUS Visual Morning Chart! by The Preschool Toolbox Blog

Starting Kindergarten-Books and Activities by Capri + 3

Make Back to School Books to Ease the Transition by Fun-A-Day

4 Back to School Tips: Preparing for School by Learning 2 Walk

Preparing for Preschool: Creative Center in a Box by Powerful Mothering

How to Plan for Preschool at Home by Mom Inspired Life

Supporting preschool learning at home by Rainy Day Mum

Setting Literacy Goals by Growing Book by Book

Preparing Busy Boxes for Preschoolers by Munchkins and Moms

Traditional Preschool or Homeschool Preschool or Both? by Still Playing School

Teaching Preschool at Home by Raising Lifelong Learner

Preparing for School Brings Mixed Emotions for both Parents and Children by The Educators’ Spin On It (HERE)

Prepare a Hands-On Preschool at Home by Life Over C’s

You may also find these back to school activities helpful…

Here are our top picks for August Themes and Activities for Kids…

You can use the table of content for easy reference to these fun summer activities for kids that we’ve divided into different August Themes for Kids.

August Activities for Kids

August can be such a fun time to do things with kids as you wrap up the last full month of summer, We’ve included several fun themes that just shout summer fun together with your child.

Here is your chance to be sure you’ve checked everything off your Summer Bucket List.

Want more summer themes? Try these July Activities for Kids!

Take a moment this August to truly celebrate summer and all the special things you get to do as a kid.

You can head outdoors to enjoy these summer ideas:

• Go on a nature hike
• Have a picnic in the park or at the beach.
• Visit a local zoo, aquarium, or museum.
• Go swimming, boating, or fishing.
• Have a barbecue or cookout.
• Play outdoor games, such as tag, hide-and-seek, or frisbee.
• Go camping or stargazing.

You can also just spend time indoors together when you:

• Make a homemade ice cream sundae bar.
• Have a movie marathon.
• Have a talent show or karaoke contest.
• Read a book together.
• Play board games or card games.
• Do arts and crafts projects.
• Have a dance party.

This month’s themes are End of Summer, Ice Cream, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, India, Outdoor Activities, First Day of School and more.

End of Summer Activities

Here are our favorite summer activities for kids, including a few keepsake ideas for their summer adventures.

• Summer Scrapbook Activity
• Ways to Remember Summer Vacation
• Ways to Make Summer Memories Together
• Summer Virtual Field Trips for Kids
• Summer Science Experiments
• Music Ideas for Summer Fun
• Top 10 Everyday Objects for Summer Learning
• Top 15 Summer Toys to Keep Kids Thinking
• Cook Around the World with Books

Ice Cream Activities

One of my favorite things to do during the end of summer is to make ice cream with the kids. Here are a few fun ice cream activities, books and recipes to explore together.

• Ice Cream Math Ideas
• Host an Ice Cream Playdate
• Virtual Ice Cream Field Trip
• Ice Cream Books for Kids
• Make Your Own Ice Cream

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Activities

One fun little theme is the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to explore with your child. It’s a fun way to practice their letters and even kick off a school year as you celebrate coconut trees and more. Be sure to learn the song too!

• Sidewalk Chalk Chicka Chicka Boom Boom ABC Game
• 35+ Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Activities
• Letter Stamping Craft for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
• Coconut Bread Recipe for Kids
• Coconut Raspberry Muffins

Explore India

One holiday that is celebrated in August is India’s Independence day. India was under British rule for about 200 years. India won it’s freedom on August 15, 1947. Here are a few ways to learn more about India and celebrate this special day with your child.

• Children’s Books About India
• Indian Somasa Recipe for Kids
• India Flag Activity
• Rakhi Videos for Kids
• Create Your Own India Art Stamps
• Rangoli Art Designs for Kids
• Learn about New Delhi, India

Outdoor Summer Activities

August means it’s the perfect time to have some extra time to head outdoors with the kids and play. These outdoors games and nature focused activities can be so much fun to do with your child.

• 20+ Pool Noodle Activities
• Drip Drip Drop Water Game
• Water Table Ideas for Kids
• Sidewalk Chalk Activities for Outdoor Learning
• Screen Free Activities for Summer Fun
• Helpful Tips for Staying Active this Summer
• 10 Best Flowers to Grow with Kids
• Outdoor Activities for Kids
• Solar Science Activities
• 15 Fun Ways to Spend More Time Outside
• Ball Games for Kids

Back to School Activities

August means it’s time to start planning for back to school time. For many it may even be their first day of school. We have a collection of Back to School activities to help your child kick off their school year.

• First Day of School Books
• Beginning of Year Self Portrait
• Back to School STEM Activities
• Personalized Back to School Book (Printable)
• Back to School Reading Interview
• First Day of School Magic Dust Poem
• Make a First Day of School Sign

• Pencil Themed Kids Craft
• Pencil Sight Word Game
• Pencil STEM Activity
• Personalized First Day of School Book (Printable)
• Crayon Sensory Bottle Density Activity
• Crayon STEM Activity
• Crayon Graphing Activity

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

August Books for Kids

As you head into August, it’s a great time to make sure your child continues to read daily and get ready for school to begin. There are so many fun books to include this month to read and explore more.

These are part of our collection of the best summer books for kids!

And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner

I See Summer by Charles Ghigna

The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Cannonball: A Fun, Summertime Read About Believing In Yourself and Having Fun by Sacha Cotter

Summer Supper by Rubin Pfeffer

Splat the Cat: I Scream for Ice Cream by Rob Scotton

Curious About Ice Cream (Smithsonian) by Bonnie Bader

Ice Cream: The Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons

Curious George and the Ice Cream Surprise by H. A. Rey

The Little Ice Cream Truck by Margery Cuyler

Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sís

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

The Lady With The Alligator Purse by Nadine Bernard Westcott

Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree by Eileen Christelow

Firenze’s Light: A Firefly Book about Gratitude, Compassion and Self-Appreciation by Jessica Collaco

The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle

The Backyard Bug Book for Kids by Lauren Davidson

Over and Under the Rainforest by Kate Messner

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen

• Ice Cream Books for Kids
• First Day of School Books
• Children’s Books About India
• Ocean Books for Kids
• Counting Books
• Alphabet Books
• Shape Books
• STEM Books for Kids
• The Best Summer Books for Kids

August Activity Calendar

You can download and print our August Activity calendar for free!

This August I hope you get a chance to just relax and enjoy each other’s company!

Want more ideas for summer fun? Download our Ultimate Summer Activity Calendar Bundle!

The best sidewalk chalk activities are colorful, fun, and invite creative thinking. 

Grab a few pieces, put them in a plastic bag, and tuck them in your purse for fun on-the-go learning. Try one or all of these playful learning chalk activities for kids.

Disclosure: Affiliate links are used in this post.

The BEST Sidewalk Chalk Activities for Kids

Of course, there is no limitation to what you can do with sidewalk chalk (this is our favorite brand), but I hope these activities will inspire some new ways to play and learn outside this summer.

Click the highlighted words to be taken to step-by-step directions or more information on the products we use.

LITERACY Themed Sidewalk Chalk Activities for Kids

Draw a letter carrot and hop to find the matching letter in this super cute Sidewalk Chalk Bunny Alphabet Game.

Grab 5-10 sight words that you want to practice and try this Sidewalk Chalk Sight Word Game.

Make a batch of cookies, then head outside to learn your alphabet with this Sidewalk Chalk Alphabet  Cookie Themed Game

Learn and Zoom the ABC’s Outside.  Try this easy sidewalk chalk activity to practice the alphabet with kids.

You can even have fun with some of your favorite book characters like this Pete the Cat sidewalk chalk game.

Skip the pre-made worksheets. Make Letter Matching Roads in the middle of your driveway.  Great for learning the letters, fine motor, and hand-eye coordination.

More letter love! Who doesn’t love monsters? Make and stomp Chalk Monsters.

Math Themed Sidewalk Chalk Activities for Kids

When all the leaves come falling down, grab a bucketful and head to the driveway for this Chalk Numbers with Leaves Math Game for Kids.

Make the classic sidewalk chalk hop-scotch. Toss the rock, hop and count.

Draw a number line with the sidewalk chalk. Call out the number and let kids jump from 0 to that number.

Working on addition and subtraction? Try the number line again, this time read or show the math problem, let the child jump forward or backwards to solve.

Choo, choo! Draw and learn numbers with this fun Counting Chalk Trains  *This is a great game to use with a transportation learning theme.

Throw a few colored circles on your driveway and let your kiddos sort their cars with this car color sort math activity.

Make a giant sidewalk chalk clock. Use 2 toys or sticks as the clocks hands. Practice telling time!

You can explore more math ideas with these sidewalk chalk math games.

SCIENCE and GLOBAL LEARNING Sidewalk Chalk Activities for Kids

Get children excited about famous landmarks around the world with this Landmarks and Math Sidewalk Chalk activity for older kids.

Learn about the Earth with this sidewalk chalk activity for kids.

Who are the people in your neighborhood? Explore your community, then make a model of your town out of chalk.

Head into the changes of season with this colorful fall leaf sidewalk chalk game that even works on eye hand coordination.

Draw the planets in order.  Want a challenge? Figure out how to draw the planets distance between each other to scale. Glitter Chalk, like this one on Amazon, makes this whole project sparkle like the stars!

“Sidewalk chalk is great because we can make roads for our bikes in the driveway.” ~ Nicholas, 7 year old

Even more Chalk Games for Kids

Put a twist on the classic chalk activities, try  Sidewalk Painting with Siblings. This sidewalk chalk paint is a whole other level of fun!  

Try wet chalk drawings – dip the sidewalk chalk into a shallow dish with water and then draw.

Trace around the kids. Let them decorate their “chalk selves.”

And the best sidewalk chalk activity for kids of all times – just let them create!

What is your favorite way for kids playing with chalk?

You may also enjoy these activities…

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Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

One of my favorite alphabet books is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. The playful text and colorful illustrations introduce your child to the letters of the alphabet both upper case and lower case.

Here’s a collection of activities for hours of fun with the alphabet!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Activities

There are so many fun ideas to use this this story. In this article you will find some of my very favorite ways to have fun with this book. From alphabet crafts, coconut tree science to even some delicious snack ideas all inspired by the story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

First start by printing these Coconut Alphabet Letters to get your learning station set up for hours of fun.

Head outside for this adorable Sidewalk Chalk Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Alphabet Game!

Create an adorable sticky coconut tree for this book for allow your child to stick the letters all over the tree just like in the book. You can even use recycled play dough lids, like this alphabet tree, for a more colorful option.

Have some fun with math for your older kids with this multiplication coconut tree. For younger kids just change to number recognition or addition and subtraction.

This resources includes Chicka Chicka Boom Boom printable activities and centers to introduce or review basic concepts, alphabet and math skills in an early childhood classroom.

Chicka Chick Boom Boom Alphabet Sensory Bins

Play dough can be used to set up a sensory experience with just a few items like these featured with letter beads, felt leaves and a few pieces of wood.

We love how these wooden balls are use for setting up a Storytime playdough for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Take a peek at this playdough sensory play with buttons for the coconuts.

Take advantage of your magnetic letters by creating a can coconut tree, they your child can spend hours and hours attaching their letters Chick Chicka Boom Boom Magnetic Tree.

Use your magnetic door or side of the refrigerator for a larger than life Alphabet Coconut Tree.

Get the printable Coconut Tree with Letters or use this one.

Make this Sensory Activity with Kinetic Sand and this printable We recommend using these magnetic foam letters, plastic letters or wooden letter.

Make a interactive coconut tree with this glass gem coconuts.

Make very own Chicka Chicka Boom Boom DIY sensory bottle. This sensory bottle is super simple and so much fun to make. Perfect for your little Chicka Chicka Boom Boom fan!

Add a little water play to this story by creating an alphabet soup letter bin with your foam or magnetic letters and water.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Snack Ideas

Make this adorable fruit snack inspired by the story with apple palm frawn, banana stem and mandarin oranges for the sandy grown. Plus add the letter crafts to tie in the story.

You might even want to consider making coconut bread. Here’s the recipe.

Create a delicious snack with letters by baking alphabet cheese crackers or even alphabet graham crackers.

Love the letter cereals that are available. You can use them to make this Coconut Tree Snack with apples and a pretzel rod.

Look at how cute adding letters to any plate makes for the perfect snack, even at a playdate or birthday party.

Here’s an easy recipe to make with kids for Alphabet Cookies!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Craft Projects

Create this simple activity with alphabet stamps and by drawing a coconut tree or finding a printable one online. You can make it a matching game too with alphabet cards.

With foam letters stickers you can create so many fun projects for this book. One easy one is a Toilet Paper Role Coconut Tree.

Pull out the paint for a handprint Coconut Tree or a hand painted version. Then you can pull out your alphabet stamps to create your very own Painted Alphabet Tree.

With a few green muffin tin liners and foam letters you can create this adorable Letter Coconut Tree Craft.

Make your own name with this adorable Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Name Craft using foam letters. (I told you they can be used for so many things with this story.)

Grab your empty paper towel role and your leftover dot stickers for this alphabet coconut tree in spired by this story. Or you can grab some paint to create this colorful alphabet tree the foam bowl is a brilliant way to capture the letters.

Learn the letters of your name by making a coconut name recognition tree with clothespins.

A simple activities for even your toddlers is it invite them to this paint the alphabet matching game.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Science Activities

Take this story to a whole other level by exploring coconuts together. Head to the story and purchase a coconut. Make it a science discovery experience by pulling out your magnifying glass.

Explore coconuts with your 5 Senses using these ideas. You could even make your own coconut cloud dough to play with the dried shell.

Add a little more fun to your coconut science by building your very own Coconut Tree STEM Challenge with popsicle sticks and a paper tube.

Or add a little fun to building with block and try this Chicka Chicka Boom Boom STEM Activity.

Make your own Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Board Game a simple–kind of a mix between Candy Land & Trouble.

Get ready for some sensory fun by making your own Alphabet Slime and add a coconut tree confetti to go along with the story.

There are so many ways to create activities to go along with the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. I can’t wait to hear about which one you try first.

Many of the gorgeous photos featured in this post came from Little Miss Kaye, a member of our Virtual Book Club for kids. Thank you so much for allowing us to share on our site. Take a moment and go take a look at her gorgeous instagram account with inspiring ideas with her preschooler.

We invite you to share your Chicka Chicka Boom Boom photos in our Weekly Virtual Book Club for Kids Facebook group and join along each week with our themed activities and books. Join Here

Here are some additional activities your child may enjoy…

BIG NEWS! We’re celebrating our 14th birthday of The Educator’s Spin On It!

Hard to believe that it’s been fourteen years since we first started this website for parents. So many things have changed since then. Our kids have gotten older, that’s for sure and our experiences have grown as individuals and as a family.

Fun fact: My husband is now a little part of behind the scenes on our site as well as my kids.

There’s one thing that hasn’t changed and that’s my passion for creating for you fun ideas to do with your kids. Sharing ways to ensure you’re able to give them just what they need to grow and become smart, happy, and loved kids.

I was looking through our 1500+ kids activities on our site from over the years and found that there are some things our website’s visitors like you are often drawn towards. I thought it might be fun to do a top 10 activities for our 13th birthday.

We’d love to know which post is your favorite from the site, so please leave us a comment to let us know.

Top 10 Fun Activities for Kids

Top 10 Activities from The Educators’ Spin On It since July 12, 2011….

• Raising a Strong Willed Child
• How to Write a Placement Letter
• 30+ Virtual Field Trips for Kids
• Caterpillar to Butterfly Science Activity
• 6 Ball Games for Kids
• Spring STEM Activities
• 10 Things to Put in a Pinata
• 50+ STEM Activities
• 40 Easter Activities for Kids
• 40 Halloween Party Games for Kids

Go ahead and click on each of the highlight links to check out these fun kids activities or take a look below and click on the images for more info.

One thing I noticed as I looked through remembering all our ideas from over the years is that you are drawn to similar topics again and again.

• Parenting
• STEM Ideas for Kids
• Children’s Book Activities
• School Holiday Activity Ideas
• Easy Kids Crafts Ideas
• Games for Kids to Play
• Recipes for Kids to Make
• Virtual Field Trips for Kids

And a lovely surprise topic….Kindness Activities

I thought it might be fun to share with your our top kids activities for creative ideas to do with your child at home.

STEM Activities for Kids

50+ Stem Activities
STEM Books for Kids
Spring STEM Activities
Caterpillar to Butterfly Balloon

Books Activities for Kids

Eric Carle Activities
30+ Lorax Activities
Year Long Virtual Book Club for Kids

School Holidays Activities for Kids

40+ Easter Activities for Kids
Christmas Activities for School Ages
Easy Diwali Crafts for Kids

Easy Kids Craft Ideas

Drip Painting Rainbow Fun
Rangoli Craft Idea
Mother’s Day Paint Resist

Games for Kids to Play

Ball Games for Kids
Stacking Apples Game
100 Fun and Easy Learning Games

Recipes for Kids to Make

Teddy Bear Picnic Dessert
Football Shaped Party Appetizer
Edible Flag for 4th of July

Kindness Activities for Kids

Kindness Songs
30 Day Gratitude Challenge
Kindness Elves Printables for Busy Parents

Parenting

Raising a Strong Willed Child
How to Write a Placement Letter
Helping Kids Learn about Self Regulation

Virtual Field Trips for Kids

• Rainforest Virtual Field Trip for Kids
• Washington DC Virtual Field Trip
• Winter Virtual Field Trip

Our Top Activities for Kids since 2011

Here’s a fun little breakdown by year which kids activity was the most popular on The Educators’ Spin On It. Which one is your favorite? Leave a comment below!

2012 – Eric Carle Activities
2013 – 30+ Lorax Activities
2014 – Easy Mother’s Day Paint Resist Craft
2015 – 50+ STEM Activities
2016 – 6 Ball Games for Kids
2017 – Spring STEM Activities
2018 – Drip Rainbow Painting
2019 – 40 Easter Activities for Kids
2020 – Caterpillar to Butterfly Science Activity with Balloon
2021 – 30+ Virtual Field Trips for Kids
2022 – 100 Christmas Books Every Child Should Read Before Age 10
2023 – 10 Things To Put In A Children’s Piñata
2024 – Action Songs for Babies
2025 – Fingerprint Ornament Ideas for Kids

This post 30+ Virtual Field Trips for Kids took off in March of 2020 and has been a big hit with visitors ever since. Be sure to grab the printable Travel Log too for your child to track their virtual tours!

It’s now our MOST POPULAR POST on our site!!!

Top Sites for Parents for Kids Activities

I’d also like to give a big thanks to the following top websites that have sent us new visitors from their sites over the past fourteen years. I feel so lucky to call each of these site owners and bloggers my friends.

They share such creative ideas for parents and are amazingly talented individuals personally. I’ve been very lucky to have had the chance to meet each of them in person at conferences where I attended as a speaker to teach about Pinterest Marketing.

• Pre K Pages
• No Time for Flashcards
• B-Inspired Mama
• Fun-a-Day
• Toddler Approved
• Hands On As We Grow
• Rainy Day Mum
• Growing Book by Book
• Fantastic Fun and Learning
• Virtual Book Club for Kids

There are many other sites along with these top 9 listed on our list of Top Female Bloggers You Need to Know, be sure to check out the others too as you explore new activity ideas for your child.

One of the coolest things that happened from our website is that our publisher reached out to use to write a book called 100 Fun and Easy Learning Games for Kids.

Then we got invited to contribute to a 2nd book called The Big Book of Kids Activities.

Fun Activities for Kids Will Keep Them Entertained for Hours!!!

Stuck at home with the kids and have nothing to do? It’s easier than you think to grab a few supplies and let their creativity shine. These fun activities for kids are easy, DIY, and can mostly be done with everyday items that you have around the house.

We’ve got your recipe for happy kids. Best of all, none of our fun activities require an electronic device or an app, so you don’t have to worry about too much screen time.

For more ideas for at home please check out our website with over 1000 Kids Activities. You can explore them by topic or by age by using our menus.

Then grab a copy of our book 100 Fun and Easy Learning Games for Kids OR our The Big Book of Kids Activities on Amazon!

Thank you so much for helping us celebrate 14 years of kids’ activities at The Educators’ Spin On It!