Monday, August 11, 2025

Back to School in Homeschooling with The Kissing Hand

Back-to-School Homeschooling with The Kissing Hand

The first days of a new homeschool year are full of excitement and a little nervousness—for both parents and children. When my kids feel uncertain or shy about starting fresh, I turn to a special story that always brings comfort and warmth: The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.

This gentle book tells the story of Chester Raccoon, who worries about going to school until his mother shares a secret—the “kissing hand” that will remind him of her love all day long. It’s a perfect way to talk about feelings, courage, and reassurance at the start of any school year.

To make the story even more meaningful, I created a Kissing Hand printable pack designed for early elementary children. It includes:

  • Word Search — fun practice with important vocabulary from the story

  • Character Analysis — encouraging kids to think about how Chester feels and why

  • Tracing Pages — handwriting practice that connects to the book’s theme

  • Matching Game — a playful way to boost memory and story comprehension

These activities are simple to prepare and use, making them ideal for busy homeschool mornings or quiet afternoons. You can find the full pack here:
👉 The Kissing Hand Pack – Word Search, Character Analysis, Tracing, and Matching


Creating a Gentle Morning Routine

Starting the day with a calm, predictable routine helps children feel safe and ready to learn. Here’s a gentle morning routine I use alongside The Kissing Hand activities:

Morning Routine Chart

Start Your Homeschool Day with Calm & Connection


1. Storytime Connection

Read The Kissing Hand or another favorite book together.


2. Focused Activity

Pick one page from the Kissing Hand printable pack:

  • Word Search

  • Character Analysis

  • Tracing

  • Matching


3. Gentle Transition

Use a calming signal to move on:

  • Ring a bell or chime

  • Play soft music

  • Dim the lights or light a candle


4. Encouragement Moment

Share a kind phrase, like:

  • “You are loved and ready to learn.”

  • “We’re going to have a wonderful day.”

  • “I’m proud of you.”


How to Use:

  • Use a clothespin or dry-erase marker to check off steps.

  • Keep the pace relaxed—this routine is about connection, not rushing.


This approach helps my children settle their worries, build literacy skills, and feel connected before starting the day’s learning. I hope it brings as much comfort and joy to your homeschool mornings as it does to ours!

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Confidence with Phonics Practice

Helping Kids Build Confidence with Phonics Practice


One of the biggest challenges I’ve seen when teaching reading is helping kids build confidence while tackling tricky phonics patterns. It’s so important for them to practice sounds like blends, digraphs, and vowel teams, but it can quickly become frustrating if the activities feel boring or overwhelming.


That’s why I created the Sound Star Challenge, a simple but engaging game designed to make phonics practice something kids actually want to do. The game breaks down different sound patterns into manageable columns of words — like “ch,” “th,” “igh,” “magic e,” and more — so kids can focus on one sound at a time. Each column has about 10 words, and the goal is to read as many as possible correctly to earn a star. Once they earn five stars, they get to celebrate by choosing a book to read that uses many of the same sounds. It’s a fun way to motivate steady progress.


What I really love about this game is the flexibility. The words can be read right from the page or cut apart and arranged on a table or floor, making the practice more hands-on. You can mix and match the columns, too, so you can adjust the challenge to fit your child’s current needs. Whether you’re homeschooling, tutoring, or just looking for a fresh way to help your child practice reading, this game is easy to set up and really effective.


If you’re interested, the Sound Star Challenge is available on Teachers Pay Teachers. It includes everything you need—a cover page, clear instructions, 25 columns of words covering essential phonics patterns, and a star tracker to celebrate progress.


I’ve seen how consistent practice with activities like this builds not just skill but also confidence. And confidence is half the battle when it comes to reading. If you want to check it out, here’s the link:

[https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Challenge-Blends-Digraphs-Silent-E-Vowel-Teams-Reading-14151542](https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phonics-Word-Work-Challenge-Blends-Digraphs-Silent-E-Vowel-Teams-Reading-14151542)


Reading should feel rewarding, and this game is one small way to help that happen. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it works for your family or students!

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Simple Joys and Big Wins: Teaching at Home with Creativity and Connection

I don’t know about you, but some days I look around at the paper scraps on the floor, the stack of library books that somehow keep multiplying, and the never-ending snack requests—and I wonder if anything I planned today actually stuck.


But then, I catch a glimpse of something that reminds me it’s all worth it. Maybe it’s the way my little ones proudly point out a letter on a sign at the store, or the way my early reader slowly sounds out a word she's seen a hundred times but finally recognizes with confidence. That’s the moment. That’s the little win that means everything.


Homeschooling at this stage isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection—building trust, creating memories, and using creativity to spark curiosity. That’s why I’ve stopped worrying about having the “right” curriculum or a picture-perfect schedule. We learn best when we’re engaged, laughing, and exploring the world together. And sometimes that means baking muffins while talking about measuring cups, or coloring while we talk about a mini history subject 


I’ve found that the best days often come from following their interests. If they’re into animals, we read animal books, act out animal sounds, and draw animal habitats. If the excitement is all about space, construction trucks, or bugs, we run with it! It doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be intentional.


Here are a few things I’ve been doing lately that have worked well in our homeschool:


Morning rhythm over a strict schedule. We keep a gentle routine with time for scripture, songs, and calendar work—plus room to follow the fun.

Creative play tied to what we’re learning. Cardboard castles, puppet shows, painting with veggies—we do it all, and I promise, you don’t have to be a Pinterest pro to make it happen.

Books everywhere. I keep seasonal books and read-alouds within arm’s reach. We have at least one bookshelf, big or small in every room of the house. Even if our day gets wild, storytime grounds us.

Hands-on over worksheet-heavy. I sneak in skills with games, puzzles, and crafts. It doesn’t have to look academic to be academic.

Grace. Always grace. For me, for them, for the messy moments and the missed lessons.


If you’re in a season of doubt or just plain exhaustion, I hope this reminds you that what you’re doing matters. You’re laying a foundation not just of reading or math, but of love, security, and confidence. That’s something no workbook can match.


So light a candle, press play on your favorite teaching playlist, and take a deep breath. You’re doing better than you think—and your kids are so lucky to have you!


We’ve got this—one messy, creative, love-filled day at a time.


– Janille

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Butter, Bread & Handcarts: Simple & Fun Ways to Celebrate Pioneer Day

Butter, Bread & Handcarts: Simple & Fun Ways to Celebrate Pioneer Day

Pioneer Day is coming, and it’s one of my favorite times to slow down and remember the faith, grit, and creativity of those who crossed the plains long before us. And no, we’re not heading out with a wagon or making anyone walk 15 miles — but we can have some fun learning and living like pioneers in our own kitchen and backyard.

If you’re looking for low-prep, fun, meaningful ways to help your kids learn about pioneer life, here are some ideas we’ve loved (or are planning to try this year!).


Make Homemade Bread & Butter

There’s something about making your own food from scratch that really connects you to the past.


Easy Pioneer Butter

All you need is a jar or little plastic cups with lids and some heavy whipping cream.
Pour the cream in, seal it tight, and shake, shake, shake.
After a few minutes of shaking, you’ll feel the butter start to form. Pour off the liquid (that’s buttermilk!), and spread your butter on warm bread. Add a pinch of salt if you like.

Let the kids time themselves and take turns shaking—they’ll love it.


Simple Pioneer Bread

You don’t need anything fancy—a basic no-knead bread or bread machine recipe works great. Or try a super simple pioneer biscuit recipe:

* 2 cups flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¾ cup milk
* ¼ cup butter

Mix, roll, cut, bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes.

---

Make Pioneer Soap (The Easy, Kid-Safe Way)

Okay, no lye or campfire here—just a fun, safe way to feel like a pioneer:

* Buy a glycerin melt-and-pour soap base (found at craft stores or online)
* Let kids melt cubes in the microwave with your help
* Pour into molds (silicone muffin molds or even cookie cutters work)
* Add dried lavender, oats, or essential oils if you want to get fancy

It’s simple, quick, and they’ll love using something they made themselves.


What Was Life Like for Pioneer Kids?

Talk with your kids about what it was really like to travel in a handcart or wagon.

* Most families walked hundreds of miles
* Kids often carried water, gathered firewood, or helped push carts
* There were no grocery stores, no electricity, and very few toys
* Nights were spent camping—in the heat, rain, or snow

You can even have your kids pack a “mini pioneer handcart” using a laundry basket. Give them 5 minutes to gather what they’d bring if they had to walk across the country. It’s a fun discussion starter!


Make a Yarn Doll

One of the simplest pioneer toys was a yarn doll—no sewing required!

All you need is yarn and scissors. Wrap yarn around a book about 30 times, slide it off, tie off the head, and snip to make arms and legs. There are tons of tutorials online if you want a step-by-step, but honestly, they don’t have to be perfect—the charm is in the simplicity!


Play Old-Fashioned Games & Read Pioneer Stories

Introduce your kids to the Oregon Trail computer game—a classic that’s still a great way to understand pioneer challenges and choices. If you don’t have a computer game handy, plenty of books about pioneer life and the Oregon Trail bring those adventures to life in stories.

For some quiet time, try a fun Pioneer Day word search to build vocabulary and get kids thinking about pioneer life:

Pioneer Day Printable Word Search:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pioneer-Day-Printable-Word-Search-For-Fun-July-Holidays-11843394


Eat What They Ate

Try making a simple pioneer meal together. Here are a few authentic (or inspired) ideas:

* Johnnycakes (cornmeal pancakes)
* Baked beans and cornbread
* Dried fruit and jerky
* Simple soups with potatoes, carrots, and onion
* Homemade root beer (Okay, root beer and ice cream may not have been something pioneers actually drank and ate a lot, but it sure is fun to make a homemade treat!)


Easy Ice Cream in a Bag (A Sweet Pioneer-Style Treat!)

If you want a fun, hands-on sweet treat that kids can make themselves, try this classic:

You’ll need:

* 1 cup half-and-half or milk
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* Ice
* 1/3 cup salt (rock salt or kosher salt works best)
* 1 quart-size ziplock bag
* 1 gallon-size ziplock bag

Instructions:

1. In the quart bag, combine milk, sugar, and vanilla. Seal tightly.
2. Fill the gallon bag halfway with ice and salt.
3. Place the quart bag inside the gallon bag and seal the gallon bag tightly.
4. Shake the bags for about 5–10 minutes (wear gloves or wrap the bag in a towel because it gets very cold!).
5. When the mixture thickens into ice cream, carefully remove the quart bag, wipe off salt water, and enjoy!


Why It Matters

Celebrating Pioneer Day isn’t just about remembering the past—it’s about honoring faith, family, work, creativity, and courage. Let your kids feel those values in the things they create, the stories they hear, and the memories you make together.

Even if you only manage one simple project, it’ll mean something. And it might just stick longer than a worksheet ever could.

Cough Drops and Chapter Books: How We Keep Going

 I'm Back... finally! (And Here’s What We Do When I’m Too Sick or Tired to “Do School”)

I know it’s been *months* since I’ve posted. I’m so sorry for the silence! Life hit us hard this season — we’ve had one sickness after another rolling through our house like a parade of germs. Just when one person started feeling better, someone else went down.  Then we had so many places to go and things to do, then right back to sickness all over!  And let’s be honest, when Mom’s sick or completely drained… everything slows down.

So today I wanted to share something that’s been on my heart — how we’ve still managed to keep learning going at home during those days (or weeks!) when I just couldn’t manage a full lesson, printables, or anything that looked like our usual routine.

Because learning doesn’t have to stop just because you’re on the couch, in bed --- or even in the van!

Here are some of our go-to simple, fun, and creative learning ideas for those “Mom is sick/tired/overwhelmed” kind of days:


Audiobooks and Story Time TV

If I can push a button, we’re doing school. Audiobooks are a lifesaver. I queue up favorites like Magic Tree House, Winnie-the-Pooh, or Little House on the Prairie. For the older ones, Harry Potternor.Fablehaven, and we snuggle under blankets while they listen. Sometimes I even just play old episodes of Reading Rainbow or Storybots — and you better believe that counts as learning.


Books, Books, and More Books

Reading is always a win — especially when I'm low on energy. I encourage the kids to get creative with how and where they read. They’ve built forts and turned them into cozy reading caves. They’ve read under tables, in closets, and behind couches. I don’t care where they’re reading — I just love that they are. When I can’t do much, I pile a bunch of books in the living room and say, “Pick some and read however you want.”


Tell Me What You See

If I’m horizontal on the couch and can’t even talk much, I open up a famous painting, photo from nature, or even a picture book page and say, “Tell me what you see.” It’s amazing how much language, storytelling, and observation skills come from something that simple.


Life Skills Count

If I’ve got enough energy to stand at the stove, I’ll ask one of the kids to “be my helper.” Reading a recipe, measuring, stirring — all of that counts. If I’m not up to cooking, I let them do something small like sorting socks or matching lids to containers. Is it glamorous? Nope. Is it real life math and problem-solving? Yes.


Board Games & Building Stuff

Uno, Memory, Zingo, Super Why, or even a pile of magnetic tiles = instant learning. It builds focus, turn-taking, pattern recognition, and strategy. Best of all? The kids think it’s just fun. No lesson plan needed.


Yes, Screens Can Help (But They're Not the Whole Plan)

No, this doesn’t mean I park them in front of a screen all day and call it school. But yes — educational shows and even some games can help fill the gap when I can’t. I just try to be intentional. Wild Kratts, Octonauts, Numberblocks, Bluey, Super Why, Word World, and kid friendly baking shows still offer vocabulary, science, and problem-solving. A little screen time isn’t the enemy — especially when I’m running on empty.


Sticker Workbooks & Independent Drawings

If I can set them up at the table with a pencil or stickers and say, “Can you show me how to make a story with pictures?” — that buys me rest and gives them practice with creativity, focus, and storytelling.  Sometimes I have them draw me pictures of stories they read or the show they just watched. Zero prep. Zero expectations. Total win.


Teach Me Something

My kids love pretending they’re the teacher. I’ll say, “Can you teach me something you remember?” and suddenly I’m learning all about dinosaurs, letters, Mario Kart, or jellyfish. They feel important, and I get to listen and relax.


Car School Counts Too

Sometimes it’s not sickness that slows us down — it’s just real life. We’ve had weeks where it feels like we live in the van. Between appointments, sports, church, errands, and all the other places we have to be, it can feel like there’s no room for “real school.”

But here’s the thing — learning still fits, even on the go.

I keep a basket of books and brain-boosting games in the car. We’ve practiced skip counting at red lights, listened to scripture or chapter books on long drives, and turned grocery store runs into scavenger hunts for colors, prices, or categories.

Sometimes the best discussions happen in the car anyway — especially when everyone’s buckled in and can’t wander off.

So no, it doesn’t have to look like desks and notebooks to count. Drive time can be school time, too.


If you’re reading this in bed with tissues in hand, or feeling like you’ve failed at homeschooling this week because you’ve barely managed to feed everyone — you’re not alone. You’re doing more than you think. And learning is still happening, even on the hard days.


Letting go of the perfect plan isn’t giving up — it’s just adapting. And sometimes, survival mode school is exactly what’s needed.


Sending love and a reminder: rest is part of the rhythm. 

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Father's Day Fun

Father’s Day Fun: Easy Crafts, Creative Learning, and a Printable Pack!

Hi friends!
With Father’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to share some of my favorite simple (and meaningful) ways to celebrate dads—and sneak in some learning fun along the way. ❤️

In our home, we love turning holidays into opportunities for creativity, connection, and a little playful learning. Father’s Day is no exception! Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching in a classroom, or just looking for fun ways to celebrate, I’ve put together a Father’s Day printable pack that’s filled with hands-on activities for your kids.

You can grab it here:
👉 Father’s Day Printable Pack – Mad Lib, Fun Facts, Writing, Word Searches, Maze

Here’s what’s inside:

  • A silly Mad Lib for some giggles

  • Themed Word Searches

  • A page of Fun Facts about Father’s Day

  • Sentence tracing to practice writing

  • A fun maze to stretch those problem-solving muscles

Whether your kids are writing, reading, or just having fun—this pack adds a special touch to Father’s Day learning.


Craft Ideas Using What You Already Have at Home

You don’t need to run out and buy anything fancy to make something memorable! Here are some favorite crafts we’ve done for Father’s Day using materials we already had around the house:

1. “Dad Rocks” Paperweight
Take a walk and gather a few small stones. Once they’re washed and dry, let the kids paint them with patterns or tiny pictures. Hot glue them to a piece of cardboard or scrap wood and add the message: “Dad Rocks!”

2. Recycled Tie Cards
Cut a tie shape from a cereal box or cardboard. Kids can decorate it with markers, stickers, or glued-on macaroni. Add a little ribbon at the top for a wearable version, or use it as a foldable card!

3. Accordion Book of Dad Love
Fold a strip of paper like an accordion. On each fold, kids write or draw something they love about Dad—sometimes sweet, sometimes hilarious!


Simple Learning Games That Feel Like Play

These games are quick to set up and add just the right amount of learning into your week. Great for early reading and math:

1. “Dad’s Toolbox” Word Game
Cut out paper tool shapes and write simple words on them. Kids pick a tool to complete a sentence like:
“Dad can ___ the bike.” (fix, ride, paint)
It’s a fun way to work on sentence structure and word recognition.

2. Father’s Day Store (Early Math Practice)
Create a pretend store using the crafts your kids made or other small “gifts.” Price them with easy amounts (1 cent, 5 cents, etc.). Kids can use play money or paper coins to shop, count change, and do a little adding and subtracting.

3. Letter Hunt: Spell “Dad” or “Father”
Hide cut-out letters around the room. Once found, your kids can spell the words and match them to magnetic letters or write them out themselves. It’s a great way to reinforce letter sounds and spelling in a fun, active way.


Celebrating Through Learning and Love

Father’s Day is such a sweet chance to celebrate the men who help shape our kids’ lives. Whether you’re working through the printable pack, making homemade crafts, or playing a few silly learning games together—what really matters is that connection and joy.

I hope these activities bring some extra smiles to your Father’s Day celebrations. If you use any of these ideas, I’d love to see what you and your kids create—tag me or leave a comment and share the fun!

Wishing you a Father’s Day full of laughter, love, and plenty of hugs. 💙

—Janille
(from Printables by Janille)

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Mother's Day - Hearts Full, Hands Busy

💐 "Hearts Full, Hands Busy" — Meaningful and Fun Mother’s Day Learning at Home 💐

As a homeschooling mom, I’ve learned that the most beautiful learning doesn’t always come from textbooks. Sometimes it happens in the middle of a glue-stick mess, a giggle-filled Mad Lib, or a child-made card with lopsided hearts and a mile of tape.

Mother’s Day is one of those times where we can slow down and turn love into learning—without losing the joy. If you’re like me and want to mix meaning, fun, and real educational moments this week, I’ve got some simple but unique ideas to help you do just that.


🖐️ “A Hug in an Envelope” Card Craft

(Because we’ve all got enough heart cards in a box somewhere... let’s make something unforgettable!)

This is one of the sweetest things we’ve ever made—and so easy for children of all ages. It’s a card that stretches open to give Mom a “hug” with their traced hands.

How to Make It:

  1. Fold a piece of cardstock or paper in half to make the card base.

  2. Trace your child’s hands on another sheet, cut them out.

  3. Cut a strip of paper 1–2 inches wide, and accordion-fold it.

  4. Tape one hand to each end of the strip—it becomes the hugging arms.

  5. Glue the arms inside the card so when it opens, the hands stretch out.

  6. Write a message like “I Love You THIS Much!” and let them decorate away.

Built-in learning: fine motor skills (tracing, cutting), measurement (how long is their hug?), and early writing skills with their personal message.


🧠 Reading and Writing That’s Sweet, Not Stuffy

I always look for ways to sneak reading and writing into fun. Here’s how we’re doing that for Mother’s Day:

✏️ Mother’s Day Mad Lib

It’s part of the printable pack below, and I’m telling you—it had my kids cracking up. They got a grammar workout without even noticing. Fill in the blanks with verbs, adjectives, and nouns to make a hilarious Mother’s Day message. (And yes, someone always picks “toilet”...)

🔤 ABC’s of Mom

Each child picks a letter or two and writes something sweet about Mom that starts with that letter:

  • A is for Aprons (she wears one when she bakes!)

  • B is for Brave (because she kills spiders)

  • C is for Cookies and cuddles

They can turn it into a booklet, poster, or even a little alphabet garden with paper flowers.

📚 Mother’s Day Book Basket

Set out favorite picture books or early readers about moms, love, and family. Let kids “check them out” like a library and read aloud to each other (or to a teddy bear). My littles love doing voices!


➕ Math with Meaning

Math doesn’t have to stop for a holiday—it just needs to feel like play.

🍽️ The Mother’s Day Café

Let your kids plan and serve a simple breakfast or snack café-style. Ours LOVE doing this every year.

  • Set a menu with prices (even if it’s toast: $2!)

  • Let them take orders and do simple addition

  • Have them measure ingredients or count place settings

You get a cute meal, and they get hands-on math. Plus, you might just get to drink hot chocolate.

📏 Measuring Hugs

After the card craft, use a ruler or tape measure to see how long their paper “hug” arms are. Guess first, then measure. Chart the whole family’s “hug spans” and compare. Great for estimation and early graphing!


🧩 Printable Mother’s Day Puzzle Pack

This is your lifesaver if you need a quiet, low-prep activity. I put this together with children in mind, but made sure it still felt fun—not busywork.

It includes:

  • A maze

  • Word searches

  • A Mother’s Day Mad Lib

  • Sentence tracing for writing practice

  • Fun facts about the history of Mother’s Day

Perfect for morning basket time, rest hour, or just something sweet to add to the day.

👉Mother's Day Printable Pack: Word Search, Maze, Fun Facts, Writing, Mad Lib

and here: Mother's Day Printable Puzzle Fun Pack with Word Searches and Answer Sheets, a Maze and Answer Sheet, a Fun Facts Page, a Sentence Tracing Page, and a Mad Lib with Drawing Space - Classful


🎶 Just for Fun: A Song for Mom

My kids love coming up with silly songs, so this week, we’re writing one for me (I pretend I’m surprised). Challenge your kids to write a short song using the letters M-O-M.

🎵
M is for the meals you make,
O is for your open arms,
M is for the million ways
You make us feel so warm.
🎵

Record it, sing it at breakfast, or send it to Grandma!


💛 From One Homeschool Mama to Another…

Whether your Mother’s Day is picture-perfect or filled with cereal crumbs and noise, I hope you feel proud of the work you’re doing. Teaching your children to love and learn at the same time is no small thing.

These little handmade cards, giggles over puzzles, and tiny songs—they mean more than we realize.

So here’s to us: the moms who do the reading lessons and the laundry, the crafts and the cuddles.  May you have the best Mother's day yet!

Happy Mother’s Day from our home to yours. 💐

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Cinco De Mayo Fun

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Children: Fun and Educational Activities for Elementary Homeschool

Cinco de Mayo is a colorful and exciting way to bring culture and hands-on learning into your homeschool day. Whether you're exploring Mexican traditions or simply adding some festive fun to your week, here are a few easy and meaningful activities your children will love.

🧩 1. Start with a Puzzle Break!

Kick things off with a fun challenge! This Cinco de Mayo Puzzle Pack includes four word searches (ranging from extra easy to hard) and a themed crossword puzzle. These printable activities are great for practicing vocabulary, spelling, and critical thinking—all while celebrating the holiday.

🛒 Get the printable here:
👉 Cinco de Mayo Puzzle Pack on Teachers Pay Teachers
👉 Cinco de Mayo Puzzle Pack on Classful

🎨 2. Make a Papel Picado Banner

Using tissue paper, scissors, and a hole punch, children can create traditional papel picado—beautiful paper flags often seen during Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Hang them across the room to brighten up your space and celebrate the occasion with handmade art.

📚 3. Read Together

Choose a Cinco de Mayo-themed children’s book such as Cinco de Mouse-O! by Judy Cox or Marco’s Cinco de Mayo by Lisa Bullard. These books help explain the history and meaning of the holiday in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

🥑 4. Try a Simple Snack Recipe

Let your children help make an easy Mexican dish, like guacamole or homemade tortilla chips. Cooking together gives them a chance to practice measuring, following directions, and trying new foods.

🎶 5. Add Music & Movement

Play traditional Mexican music and let your children create their own dances. You can even make DIY maracas using rice and small containers or plastic Easter eggs to shake along with the rhythm.

💡 Bonus Learning Tip:

Use the Cinco de Mayo Puzzle Pack after reading or as part of your themed lesson. It’s a great way to reinforce vocabulary like taco, Mexico, hat, sombrero, and fiesta in a way that feels like play—not work!


Cinco de Mayo is a fun opportunity to explore culture, food, music, and language with your children while building valuable skills in reading, problem-solving, and creativity. Whether you’re working with one child or a whole group, these activities are a simple way to bring the celebration into your home.

Let the learning (and fun) begin! 🌮🎉