Category: Children’s Activities

Did you know that over 10 million people in the country have taken dance classes or danced in a studio? It’s no secret that dance is good for not just physical health, but mental health too. It can improve flexibility and strength and is a powerful outlet for creativity, no matter what age you are. 

If you want to introduce your child to the benefits of dancing, it is important to do your research first before you enroll them in a program. Make sure you pick the dance style that suits them best. Luckily, you can learn how to do that here by checking out this handy guide.

Discover Dance Interests With Your Child

The first step on your dance journey is to sit down with your child and discover what their interest is in dance. Do they have dreams of a serious career in ballet, or hoofing it up as a tap dancer, or want to learn hip hop dancing for fun? Find the style of dance that resonates with them, and then go from there. 

Consider Group or Solo Lessons

Does your child learn better one-on-one, or in a group? While dance classes are a great way to meet new friends, some children may be shy and find a large class overwhelming. Find a program that is tailored to their needs. 

Look at Performance Options

Another point to consider is whether or not your child wants to perform, especially if they suffer from stage fright. Many dance classes have performances at the end of the term, while some are only recreational lessons. Have an honest talk with your little one first to see what they prefer first before signing up for a course. 

To Compete, or Not To Compete?

The next step is to find out whether your child wants to compete in dance competitions or to dance just for fun. There are many programs that encourage entering competitions and touring, so it’s key to understand what they’re comfortable with before investing the time and money necessary for these contests and tours. Sometimes this route can put extra pressure on the lessons, but other children can be motivated by it.

Pick a Dance Style 

There are many different types of dance classes for children, but all have the benefit of providing exercise and fun. From a simple movement class to jazz, there is a wide variety for young ones, so find out what appeals to them before making a decision. 

Ready To Get Your Child Dancing? 

Now that you’ve learned all about the different types of dance lessons out there, you can pick a dance style that is the best match for your child. Before committing to a class, have a talk with them to see whether they want to compete, perform, or dance for fun. Having clear expectations will help you find the best fit and ensure that it is a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone! 

Did you find this article helpful? Then check out the rest of this site to explore other useful topics! 

The child care market is larger than ever, with an estimated 3.9% growth expected in the coming years.

That’s great news for parents, as it means there are more options for child care! At the same time, more options can also make choosing child care more difficult.

How can you find great care for your little ones while accounting for the inevitable price increase? Keep reading as we break down the factors you’ll want to think about as you start researching facilities!

1. Reputation

Reading online reviews can be a great way to learn about the value and trustworthiness of a child care service.

Once you’ve found a few care centers that look worthwhile, do some research and see what parents think. Often, this is the next best thing to a personal recommendation.

You’ll also want to look into their licensing. Choosing a licensed child care facility gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your kids are in the care of trained professionals.

If you’re not sure where to start, Child Care Aware has a great list of resources for parents, including a directory.

2. Operating Hours

As recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes, in almost 60% of two-parent households, both parents work at least part-time.

This poses a difficult challenge, as you’ll have to find a facility that operates on your schedule.

Always double-check that the service you’re interested in can accommodate your work hours. While this might not be an issue if you’re working a 9-to-5, unique work hours are starting to become more commonplace.

3. Activities and Structure

A truly great child care service does so much more than simply look after little ones. Instead, they foster their sense of individuality and encourage growth through educational activities for kids.

Child care is a great way for your children to learn how to socialize with peers and get a head start on their academic future.

Make sure to look into a facility’s curriculum and attitude toward education so your child can learn to put their best foot forward.

4. Cost

Of course, all the above factors are predicated on being able to afford care in the first place. Unfortunately, this tends to be prohibitive to most parents, especially those who work paycheck-to-paycheck.

With that said, it never hurts to inquire about possible discounts or financial assistance.

Plenty of facilities will work with you to find a plan that fits your budget. Some care centers also operate on a sliding-scale system, which can be a saving grace for parents struggling to make ends meet.

In short, don’t be afraid to inquire about cost-saving measures. A lot of child care facility operators are parents themselves, so they’ll likely understand.

What to Consider When Choosing Child Care

Choosing the right care program allows you to advance your career and earn a living while ensuring that your children are taken care of. Make sure to consider the above factors when choosing child care!

And if you’re interested in learning more about how you can balance work and family, make sure to check out the rest of our blog.

When it comes to learning a new language, persistence and constant practice are key.

But achieving those qualities is an entirely different story.

While it may be easy to prop your child into a classroom seat, it’s a lot more difficult to ensure that they’re learning at their best capacity.

That doesn’t mean that they’re misbehaving or a faulty learner. Most likely, their learning environment doesn’t accommodate their learning style.

However, it’s still possible to foster a learning environment that is compatible with them.

Keep reading to understand three common challenges kids face when learning a new language. That way, you’ll be prepared to set up their first lesson.

1. Lack of Confidence

Children generally don’t understand how to articulate their concerns like adults can. While they can be very honest communicators, it can be difficult for them to always voice their concerns.

One of these concerns may be a lack of confidence. They may be able to learn the technical aspects of language such as grammar and spelling. But they may also struggle to actually vocalize their skills through conversation because of a lack of confidence.

That’s why it’s important that they establish a comfortable relationship with their instructor — or at least a neutral one. That way, they will feel much less pressure to be perfect and be able to learn from their mistakes more readily.

2. Practice Time

Sure, it’s easy to apply concepts that you just learned. A beginning language learner might pass a review quiz with ease right after a lesson. But they probably won’t have a ton of time to practice outside of their lesson.

Setting aside time to practice isn’t enough for adequate practice. Your child might also need a partner that speaks the language to practice with. But unfortunately, achieving both can be difficult.

For this reason, online learning options are becoming more and more popular. In-person learning is still a fantastic option, but remote learning provides plenty of advantages, including language support outside of “lesson hours”.

If you’re interested in Spanish lessons, then learn about Spanish for kids through Kasa De Franko’s Spanish course! You’ll offer your child a very enriching classroom experience by signing.

3. Learning Pace

Some people have different learning strengths than others. That’s not to say that they won’t eventually grasp the language. But even then, not everyone will learn at the same pace at each other.

This tends to be a huge issue with most educational lessons, not just for kids learning a new language. Not everyone will finish learning conjugations at the same time, but the lesson might move on anyway. This also prevents children from seeking language support since they might feel timid about falling behind.

ESL learners have an even more difficult time. The more languages your child learns, the more confusing it is to switch between their arsenal of languages. On top of that, they may also face cultural differences that make it difficult for them to have the confidence to speak up in a classroom.

Starting Learning a New Language Today!

Learning a new language is difficult, but it’s a very rewarding journey. That’s why it’s important to understand what difficulties kids might face when learning a new language so that they can succeed.

This guide should have taught you about common difficulties your child will face while learning a language. If it did, then check out the rest of our blog! We’ve got plenty of other information to help your child’s education succeed.

Did you know that 7.3 million students received special education services in the 2019-2020 school year? 33% of these students struggled with specific learning disabilities. 

Does your child have special needs? You might be considering some special needs schools to make sure they’re getting the resources they need to succeed. 

This guide will discuss some things to consider before choosing a special needs school for your child. Keep reading to learn what they are. 

Does It Specialize in Your Child’s Disability?

What is SEN? This term stands for Special Education Needs. If you have children with special needs it’s important to find a school that specializes in their specific disability. 

This is something to consider before deciding on a school. If you like the staff at a school and the services they offer but their main focus is working with autistic children, your child with blindness might not find the resources they need to succeed at this school. 

Do You Prefer a Private or Public School?

Comparing school fees is another thing you need to do before making a final decision. If cost isn’t an issue you might want to choose a private special needs school. At these institutions, the educational programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs your child has.

There are also great public schools with staff and programs devised to help every child with a special need. If you have fewer financial means, you can still find a great school for your child to help them get every opportunity they need to excel academically. 

Consider Different Opinions

While the school choice you make for your child’s special needs is up to you and your family, you can consider other people’s advice first. There are many parent groups you can join with families facing similar struggles. 

These parents might have gone through a similar process finding the right special needs programs for their child. Asking for their advice on the best route to take is something you should think about doing. This can help you find the right school for your child faster. 

Visit the School to See If It Feels Right 

While the school you’re considering might look and sound great based on the information you’ve been able to find online, you should consider visiting the school before making a decision. 

A good education for children with special needs is vital to their development and success. You won’t know if a school is the right one if you haven’t seen how current students and teachers interact. You want to make sure the staff is trained to teach children with special needs. 

What You Should Consider When Looking for Special Needs Schools

If you’re looking into special needs schools for your child there are a few things to consider before deciding on a school. Make sure the school specializes in your child’s specific disability and think about whether you want a private or public program. 

Did you find this article helpful? Check out some of our other education-related blogs to learn more. 

If you’re one of the many mamas working remotely, or from home right now, you’re not alone. You’re also not alone in trying to figure out how to keep your youngsters busy!

As a thrifty mom, looking for some easy craft projects to keep those little ones out of trouble, you’ve come to the right place! Great arts and crafts projects are easy to make when you’ve got plenty of plastic craft lace.

What’s plastic craft lace? How do you use it? We’ll fill you in on the top plastic lace projects.

You might feel surprised to find that you already have some, laying around the house!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get crafting with craft lace!

What Is Plastic Craft Lace?

Craft lace, or plastic craft lace, is like flat plastic yarn or string. It comes in spools of many different colors. You can use it for many arts and crafts projects.

Where Can I Buy Craft Lace?

You can get great deals on plastic craft lace online or at your local craft store. Be sure to watch out for deals in your local coupon circulator, or in your email inbox, so that you can get a good deal!

You’ll want to get a variety of colors as well, to make your projects stand out. ‘Fun packs,’ with multiple different colors are an economical and high-value place to start.

What Other Supplies Do I Need?

With just some plastic craft lace, you can get started right away! However, there are some other tools you might want to consider buying to help make your projects easier. These include:

• Scissors
• Clear-drying craft glue or a hot glue gun
• Beads (for finishing projects)
• Lanyard snaps or keychain rings (to secure the tops of the projects)
• Pliers (to help pull the stitches tight!)

Top 5 Projects With Plastic Craft Lace

Now that you know what plastic craft lace is and where to find it, let’s get started on some easy craft projects!

1. Keychains

Sometimes called ‘boondoggles,’ these cute, chunky keychains are a great way to make your keys stand out.

For This Project, You’ll Need:

• 2, 1-yard pieces of craft lace in different colors
• Key chain ring (optional)
• Scissors
• Bead for the end (optional)
• Craft glue

To Complete This Project:

1. Put your two pieces of lace together, and make an ‘X,’ with the strands meeting in the middle. If you want, you can use a keychain ring as the meeting point. It might be helpful to secure the ends with tape, until you get comfortable.

2. Keeping the laces parallel, take the lace on the bottom of the X, and loop the top lace down, and the bottom lace-up. This should make an ‘N,’ shape.

3. Take the second color lace, and weave it through the ‘N,’ formed by the first lace; over the top, and under the bottom.

4. Pull the 4 loose ends tight! You should have a neat, boxy pattern.

5. You can repeat this stitch, or get fancy, and add spirals and more laces to get a cool effect.

6. To finish, you can place a bead at the end, pulling all the strands through. Apply some glue and weave the ends of the laces through the bead.

7. Let dry and attach your keys! You’re ready to go!

2. Zipper Pulls

Don’t you hate it when a zipper breaks? You won’t anymore! With these super cute and functional zipper pulls, you’ll be able to repair your zip-ups in style!

For This Project, You’ll Need:

• 2, 1-yard pieces of plastic craft lace in different colors
• Lanyard Snap
• Scissors
• Bead for the end
• Craft glue (clear drying)

To Complete This Project:

1. Slide the two pieces of craft lace into the lanyard snap, until they meet at an ‘X,’ in the middle.

2. Keeping the laces parallel, take one of the laces and form an ‘N,’ shape. Each end should be bent across the center point.

3. Weave the second lace over and under the ‘N,’ created by your first lace. It should look like a messy, loose box pattern.

4. Pull the four loose ends tight! You should have a neat box.

5. It’s the same idea going forward, but easier now! Repeat the weaving pattern until you’ve reached the length you want.

6. To finish, you can place a bead at the end of the zipper pull and attach with a little dot of craft glue. Weave the loose ends through the bead and tighten to secure.

7. Let dry and voila! Attach to broken zippers to give them new life!

3. Friendship Bracelets

Nothing makes you feel like a kid again like friendship bracelets. Make one to wear with your daughter to honor your special bond.

For This Project, You’ll Need:

• Plastic craft lace in different colors
• Beads, as many as you’d like to weave or braid in
• Scissors

To Complete This Project:

 1. You have a couple of options for this project. You can follow the instructions for a keychain or zipper pull, OR you can do a simple 3-strand braid.

2. For the 3-strand braid, start with a simple knot to keep the three pieces of craft lace secured. Try adding different color beads as you go; this adds texture to your friendship bracelet.

3. When you’ve reached the desired length, either tie off the bracelet (as above) or finish the braid with a simple knot and dot of glue.

4. Affix the loose ends at the bottom to the knot at the top. Add another dot of glue for extra security.

5. Slip on your wrist; beautiful!

4. String Art Paintings

If you’re not feeling up to a longer, more complicated project, this creative painting idea can be a great way to go. As long as you don’t mind getting a little messy!

For This Project, You’ll Need:

• Craft lace, multiple size pieces
• Canvas, any size
• Painter’s tape, to secure the strings
• Acrylic paint or spray paint
• Newspaper, for covering the workspace

To Complete This Project:

1. You need a sense of adventure for this project! Start by covering your workspace with old newspaper.

2. Make a geometric pattern or design on your canvas using the craft lace. You can wrap one strand around multiple times, or use several pieces for a different effect. Secure the lace on the back of the canvas with tape.

3. Paint over the lace using acrylic or spray paint. Let dry.

4. Carefully remove the tape and the lace from the canvas. The resulting pattern should be a beautiful design of white space and the paint colors you used. Discard the tape and painted-over lace.

5. Enjoy your homemade art!

5. Homemade Gift Tags

This is an easy way to get kids involved with holiday gifts: making homemade gift tags!

For This Project, You’ll Need:

• Cardstock or heavy paper
• Plastic craft lace, different colors
• Single hole punch
• Scissors
• Markers, stickers, other things to decorate!
• Craft glue (optional)

To Complete This Project:

1. For this project, have your young helper cut out pieces of cardstock or heavy paper. Mom can help with this part, or give them some scalloped safety scissors to make a cool border.

2. Decorate your tags; you can use markers, stickers, paint. The sky is the limit!

3. Punch a hole in the corner of your gift tag.

4. Secure the paper gift tag to the gift with plastic craft lace. You can use multiple strands for a colorful effect, or just one, whatever your preference.

5. To make ahead, tie the craft lace into loops around the paper gift tag, and secure with a dot of craft glue. These gift tags will be ready for the holiday season!

What To Do With Your Finished Projects

Now that you’ve mastered these projects with plastic lace, what to do with them? Read on for further inspiration!

Keepsakes

You’ll love looking back at these projects when your little ones are grown. You’ll love remembering these crafts you made together!

Sell on Craft Websites

Once you get really good at making plastic lace projects, you can sell them! This is a perfect solution for a busy mom looking to make an extra few dollars.

Gifts for Family

Whether it’s gift tags or zipper pulls, your family and friends will love to receive gifts made with craft lace. These colorful, fun gifts will brighten anyone’s day!

Endless Creativity, Endless Possibilities

Now that you’ve discovered, or rediscovered, plastic craft lace, it’s time to let your creativity shine! These children’s craft projects are perfect for rainy days, travel activities, and simple, thrifty fun. But their utility doesn’t end there!

You can have your kiddos help you with these projects all year long. Who knows? It may even turn into an extra source of income for you or a great gift for someone you love.

For more tips for working moms and work-from-home mamas, be sure to read our other DIY blogs. Follow us on social media, so you never miss a deal, a giveaway, or free samples.