Are you always looking for ways to reduce clutter in your house? I know I am.

Below are some clutter-free(or minimal-clutter) ideas I have for birthdays and Christmas, etc. You can give these as gifts yourself or ask for them if people want to know what you would like.

 

For kids:
Crafts
Paper pad
Ream of paper
Markers
Box of 64 or more crayons
Paints
Glue/Glitter glue
Tape
Play-doh
Books
Pop-up book
Flashlight
Bubbles
Balloon or water balloons
Clothes
DVD’s
Character toothbrush
Sporting equipment
Slippers
Beach towel
Hooded towel
Character pajamas
Wallet
Purse
Candy
Bubble bath
Alphabet stickers
Sled
Fun hat (Flipeez hat)
Mittens, scarf
Glow in the dark stars for their ceiling
Tokens for a local fun center
Gift card (paired with something small)

For adults:

Candy
Chocolate
Nuts
Olives
Hot chocolate
Wine, beer, or liquor
Olive oil
Local food items
Gourmet food items
Jam or jelly
Fruit
Tea
Coffee, K-cups, etc.
Beef or turkey jerky
Barbecue sauce
Socks
Razor set
Treats for their dog or cat
Pens
Pads of paper
Address labels
Garden gloves
Work gloves
Bar of fancy soap
Liquid hand soap
Essential oil (lavender, etc.)
Designer hair product
Popcorn
Movie tickets
Gift card (paired with a homemade ornament or craft)

 

Here’s a printable version of this list.

A combination of a few different items from the list would make a great gift basket.
What would you add to the list of clutter-free gifts?

~Carrie

 

 

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“If leaves were fish…”

If…By Sarah Perry is one of my favorite children’s books. Have you ever read it? It really sparks you to use your imagination as you can’t help but think of what different phrases would look like. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that it’s one of those books that can be read over and over and over.

My favorite page in the book is the “if music could be held…” page. Just an amazing image and concept.

 

A couple of the pages are a little crazy, like “if mice were hair”. I flip the page pretty fast after reading that one, LOL. The kids usually say “ewwww!”

Hopefully you get the chance to read this book at some point. It’s also a great level for 1st or 2nd graders to read independently. I’ve noticed some public libraries carry it and it can also be found on amazon. It’s also a great book for kids (or adults) to do a reading response in which they think of their own “if…” scenarios and illustrate one. I have an If…Reading Response resource available, in case you’re interested in checking it out. Happy reading!

~Carrie

 

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Today, I’m going to talk about a few ways to hopefully make homework time a fairly pleasurable experience in your house. This post is geared more toward elementary kiddos, as I have a Kindergartener and a 2nd grader myself (and I’m a former 2nd grade teacher).

Pencils and pencil sharpeners

Have pencils and pencil sharpeners readily available for kids to get themselves. I keep a cup with pencils on a shelf in each child’s room.

Be available, but not too available

Have your child work at the kitchen table while you’re cleaning up dinner dishes or doing something nearby. Or you can sit at the same table while you get some paperwork of your own done. It’s nice if you can be giving them support, but not standing over them. If you notice them struggling, see if you can wait a bit to help since many times they’ll figure it out on their own.

Depending on the homework assigned and the age of the child, more or less support may be needed. Kindergarteners may need a lot of support.

Spelling words

It’s fun to sometimes have different ways to practice spelling words. Here are a few ideas:

– writing the words with markers

– typing the words out on the computer (my kids enjoy this one a lot)

– giving your child a pretend test in which you say the words and they try to write them without looking

Reading

Many kids will have books to read that their teacher has sent home. It’s great for them to reread those books as many times as possible. Sometimes they can read them to you and sometimes on their own, especially as they get older. Reading the same text many times helps with fluency, especially if the child really enjoys the book.

I’d love to hear about what homework routines have worked for you, so please share! (=

~ Carrie

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I’m excited to be linking up with Deanna Jump’s Book Talk Tuesday.

I’m also linking up with Speech is Sweet for Wild About Books Wednesday and Book Talk Thursday with Lifelong Learning. Be sure to check out these link-ups if you enjoy reading blog posts about books.

 

Have you ever read any of the Look-Alikes or Look-Alikes Jr. books by Joan Steiner? These books are so cool and they’re great for both kids and adults. They remind me of I Spy books, but, instead, you’re looking for everyday objects. In the Look-Alikes Jr. books, there are more than 700 hidden everyday objects. In the non-Jr. versions, there are more than 1000 hidden everyday objects in the pictures.

 

Can you find the cinnamon sticks in the living room picture above? The answer is below. My kids have been engaged for long periods of time looking through these books. It’s fun to find everyday objects like coins, pretzels, crayons, leaves, candy pieces, puzzle pieces, etc. that all make up a scene.

One thing I especially enjoy is that there are objects that kids might not have seen before (like a roll of camera film). Some of these objects bring back memories for adults. For example, you might see a pin cushion just like your mom had (I did). These books are great for building and developing vocabulary, especially if you’re reading right alongside your child.

There are words on each page, like these from “Look-Alikes Jr.”:

“Here’s the bedroom and the bathroom as well. The sink in the bathroom looks like a SHELL.”

I’ve found these books available at my local library as well as on amazon. I hope you get a chance to look through one of these books at some point. As the tagline of the book reads, “the more you look, the more you see.”

~ Carrie

p.s. The cinnamon sticks are the logs in the fireplace.

Do you volunteer at a school? Here are a few tips to consider as you do this very important work. Volunteers are wonderful because they can do a variety of things to help kids improve. Many times teachers just don’t have enough time in the day, and having volunteers makes such a difference!

1. Entering the Room

Try to enter the room without being a distraction. As you know, kids can get off task quickly if something distracts them. Start doing your work or wait for the teacher to get a free moment to talk to you and explain what he or she needs.

2. Where to Work

If you’re working with students, sit in an area like a hallway, classroom, or other common area where you can be seen easily.

3. Cell Phone

Put your cell phone on vibrate, etc.

4. Confidentiality

Anything you find out about kids in the school shouldn’t be shared with anyone outside of the school building. Basically, keep things confidential that you may encounter. But if something is concerning, speak with a school contact like a teacher, principal, nurse, or guidance counselor.

5. Appreciated

Remember that you are appreciated, even if the teacher doesn’t have a chance to tell you. Every minute you spend helping teachers and kids is truly valuable. Thank you!

What tips would you add to the list? I feel fortunate to be volunteering at my kids’ school regularly this year, so I’d love to hear your tips!
~Carrie

 

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