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Mount Rainier National Park – Washington

You might recognize photos of Mount Rainier standing proud, crowned with glaciers and wildflowers, or the serene reflection lake in the foreground. This magnificent mountain is a treasure trove of nature and outdoor adventures waiting to be explored in Washington state.

KEY FEATURES & ATTRACTIONS

Glaciers: There are currently 28 named glaciers with numerous smaller unnamed snowfields at the top of the mountain. Simply amazing!

Active Volcano Mountain: The highest volcanic peak in the contiguous United States, offering breathtaking views.
Wonderland Trail: A 93-mile trail that circles the base and lower elevations of the mountain, perfect for adventurous hikers.
Wildflowers: Witness the superbloom from late-July to mid-August, a vibrant display of nature’s beauty.

Wildlife: So many animals to see! Our biggest surprise was finding frogs and tadpoles in a melted glacier on the Paradise Glacier Trail. Who’d have thought frogs lived this high up? The marmots were charming, especially those that liked to pose, and the pikas were simply adorable.

Waterfalls and Glacier Silt Rivers: While the fresh melt on the glaciers might be cold and clear, most of the glacial melt-off is filled with sediment, creating milky, brown rivers that grind and slide down the mountain. Check out these silty rivers and enjoy the park’s stunning waterfall features.

Reflection Lakes: Capture a mirrored photograph of the mountain reflected in this perfectly placed lake.
Museums: The Longmire Museum is the main museum in the park, featuring a historic transportation exhibit with a vintage gas station. The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center also doubles as a museum with fascinating exhibits.
Visitor Centers: The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center in the Paradise area is the biggest and most popular, serving as the hub for the Skyline Trail and several smaller trails. It has many exhibits, a gift shop, and a café, making it a great place to learn and explore. The Sunrise Visitor Center, accessible only in summer, offers the highest views reachable by vehicle. The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center provides a museum, small gift shop, and interpretive trail for those accessing the park from the southeast.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES

Hiking: With so many beautiful trails to choose from, we enjoyed the easy Trail of Shadows—a flat hike under a mile near the Longmire Museum—and the strenuous Skyline Trail, which is 5.5 miles with a 1,700 feet elevation gain. We also crossed the Nisqually River and did the Carter Falls Trail.

Visitor Center Exploration: Visit the Paradise area Henry M Jackson Visitor Center for an incredible view of the Nisqually Glacier, and enjoy even better views by climbing nearby trails. The Sunrise Visitor Center offers the highest views accessible by car during the summer.

Historical Insights: Time travel at the Longmire Museum as you learn about the area’s history—from native settlers to early explorers who studied, mapped, and photographed the mountain.

3D map in the Longmire Wilderness Information Center

Camping: Whether you set up camp for a night or a week in one of the campgrounds or opt for a more rugged approach in the backcountry sites along the Wonderland Trail, you’re sure to have a memorable experience and see some nature.
Backpacking: Permits are required for overnighting in the limited backcountry campsites, so plan in advance! There are approximately 20 designated overnight sites along the Wonderland Trail with very limited space, and overnighting is only allowed in these areas.
Glacier Hiking: Permits are required, and it’s best to be experienced or take a guide. Glacier hiking is a very technical activity and one we recommend doing at least once in a lifetime! Be sure to take a guide as there are many dangers. Mount Adams offers a more beginner-friendly glacier hike if you prefer a more amateur experience.
Fishing and Boating: Mowich Lake, on the northwest side and the largest in the park, is most popular for fishing and non-motorized boats. There are a few rivers for catching trout as well. Be sure to get a permit if you choose this activity.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

We recommend starting out at the Longmire area to get a feel for the beginnings and history of the area, as well as picking up maps for any trails you want to do. The Trail of Shadows is perfect for young families. Be sure to stop and take pictures of the mountain, as there are some great views from this little base trail.
Have your camera ready, as there’s quite a variety of animals that will get close up, especially on the higher altitude trails. On the lower or nearby trails, there are incredible treasures as well. On the Carter Falls Trail, I found over a dozen different species of fungi. Some you really have to look for, as they are very small or well hidden.

If you have a mix of younger and older children, the Skyline Trail would be really enjoyable for the adventurous half of the family, while the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center in the Paradise area can amuse and nourish the younger or less adventurous members. The trail takes about 4.5 hours. We did see some parents with child backpacks strapped to them, as well as a few robust younger children, so use your judgment and insight of your littles with this decision.
Look for interesting places to stay nearby, especially if you don’t like to camp. We stayed in a treehouse just outside the park, which is perfect for a couple but can also work for a very small family. There is also a Hobo Inn Caboose Lodging close by in Elbe, WA, which uses old train cars for the rooms. Now that is a memorable way to lodge that the kids will remember!

This is an experience the family will cherish!

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Sprouts, Eggs and Spring – Make a Bird Nest Salad

Spring symbolizes new life, and sprouts perfectly depict this renewal. Along with Easter eggs, this activity is a delightful way to celebrate the new life that spring greens bring while using your boiled eggs for a healthy meal. Kids love to work and play in the kitchen, and involving them in meal preparation can be a valuable learning experience. While it may take more time and patience from adults, the results are well worth it!

Incorporating a fun theme into cooking can encourage children to try new foods, and they are often more inclined to eat what they’ve helped create. Below is a salad made with fresh ingredients highlighting sprouts and a “nest” twist. We hope you and your child(ren) enjoy these salad inspirations and perhaps even try some new vegetables, vinegars, or seasonings.

Bird Nest Salad (Just like with any salad, you can modify the toppings to suit what you like or have available)

for the nest base: shape your sprouts into a “nest” and add other “nesting” materials

sprouts (alfalfa or broccoli work great!)
lettuce, shredded
carrots, shredded

additional nest fillers:

peas, fresh shelled
cucumber, chopped
radishes or jicama, chopped
zucchini, chopped
cheese
sunflower seeds

finish it off with some bird elements:

egg, boiled and halved or chopped
roasted chicken breast, shredded (optional)

Dressing: (try our vinaigrette below, or any dressing you like)

1-2 T red wine vinegar (depending on how vinegary you like your dressing)
3 T olive oil
sprinkle of sugar (or drop of honey)
salt and pepper to taste

Alternate Asian inspired version:

for the nest base: shape your sprouts into a “nest” and add other “nesting” materials:

sprouts (mung bean work great for an Asian flare!)
cabbage, shredded
carrots, shredded

additional nest fillers:

edamame (soy beans), shelled
bell pepper, chopped
cucumber, chopped
peanuts, coarsely chopped
sesame seeds

finish it off with some bird elements:

egg, boiled and halved or chopped
roasted chicken breast, shredded (optional)

Dressing: (try our vinaigrette below, or any dressing you like – a peanut dressing would also work great!)

1-2 T rice vinegar (depending on how vinegary you like your dressing)
3 T olive, sesame or peanut oil
pinch of fresh ginger, grated
sprinkle of sugar (or drop of honey)
soy sauce and pepper to taste

Directions: Arrange sprouts into a “nest” shape on a plate. Add other “nesting material” such as the cabbage. Fill in the nest with whatever vegetables, protein and seeds you like. If you want a more “bird nest feel” keep it simple with just the boiled egg and some “egg” shaped elements like edamame and peanuts. If you want a more filling salad include more of the vegetables and even some roasted chicken breast pieces. Mix the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and lightly drizzle a very small amount on each salad.

And here are some great nest books to keep this theme going in your family this week! Read about a mama bird building a nest and then make one of your own to enjoy!

Bird, Nests and Eggs

by Mel Boring; illustrated by Linda Garrow

(ages 3-8) In this Take-Along Guide, learn about the habits, nests, and eggs of a variety of birds through interesting facts and beautiful illustrations of each bird’s unique markings, nest style, and egg shape and color. This guide also includes instructions for “making a ‘blind’ for birdwatching”, shower bath, and a suet feeder as well as blank “scrapbook” pages in the back.

Learn More

And some of our favorite nest activities:

This post is part of our Eat the Rainbow series intended to inspire children and families to eat fruits and vegetables in all the colors of the rainbow in a variety of ways.

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Bird Nest Tweats

Our Bird Nest Tweats are a simple, sweet marshmallowy treat to make as a family while enjoying the spring season. They’re perfect to pair with a unit on birds, nests, or eggs. We also recommend enjoying this activity alongside one of our favorite nest-themed books, which we’ve listed below!

INGREDIENTS:

4 c. chow mein noodles (crispy no cook topping style)
1 stick (½ c.) butter
1 c. brown sugar
dash salt
2 c mini marshmallows
½ t vanilla
candy eggs (we like Cadbury milk chocolate mini eggs with crisp sugar shell)

Measure out chow mein noodles into a large bowl and set aside. In a medium saucepan, cook and stir butter, brown sugar and salt over medium heat. Once butter is melted, cook and gently stir for 3 minutes and add marshmallows. When marshmallows are mostly melted, off heat and gently stir in vanilla. Pour into the bowl with chow mein noodle mixture. Immediately portion out onto waxed paper. When still warm and just cool enough to handle, shape into little “nests” and allow to cool. You may add some Cadbury chocolate eggs, jelly beans or peanuts for “eggs” in the nests if desired. Enjoy!

For a more chocolatey or chunky nest option, try adding ½-1 c. chocolate chips and/or ½-1 c. peanuts, coarsely chopped to the chow mein noodles before adding the marshmallow mixture. You can also use jelly beans or peanuts for the eggs, if desired.

Enjoy! Share one of these nest-themed books together while you enjoy your tweat.

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Jelly Bean Math and Science (STEM) Activities

Now that the egg hunt is over and you have oodles of jelly beans, what do you do with all those colorful candies? Whether you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to your math or science activities or simply love jelly beans, these activities are perfect for you. After all, who can resist a candy with a sugary shell and a squishy jelly center?

These activities are adaptable for any age. For younger kids, simplify by using a smaller variety of 5-7 flavors and a handful of beans. You can even remove the black and white ones and stick with the rainbow colors. For a real challenge, dive into the big Jelly Belly 4-pound, 49-flavor mix!

How many math or science activities can you think of with jelly beans?

Estimating: Guess the total number in a jar or which color is most common. Make your predictions—any guesses on which color or flavor will dominate?

Sorting Colors: Organize the beans by color.

Counting: Practice basic math skills.
Adding & Subtracting: Use jelly beans for simple equations.

Patterning: Create color patterns like ABAB, ABBABB, or ABCABC. Can someone else repeat your pattern?
Art: Get creative with design patterns. Start with geometric shapes, then try making a flower, a chick, or anything else your imagination conjures.
Graphing & Statistics: Organize your data to visualize results. Did anything surprise you?

Probability: What’s the chance of picking a specific color or flavor? Rate scenarios as impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain. Start simple and gradually increase complexity.
Taste Testing: Conduct a blind taste test (Jelly Belly beans work best for this) to see how well your taste buds can distinguish between flavors like juicy pear vs pineapple. For a real challenge can you identify sour cherry vs very cherry just by taste?
Color Experimentation: Dissolve different colors next to each other and observe how they blend.
Baking: Incorporate jelly beans into treats like rice crispy nests with jelly bean eggs or as cupcake toppers. What other delicious creations can you invent?

With the extensive Jelly Belly brand flavor and color range, there’s even more to explore:

Sorting & Categorizing: Some flavors look similar. Can you distinguish between tangerine and cantaloupe? I always disliked getting a cantaloupe by mistake! What about very cherry, red apple, and cinnamon? We found them hard to tell apart based on color, so they ended up grouped together.
Taste Survey: Our family’s most and least loved flavor is buttered popcorn. Half of us love it, while the other half can’t stand it. We are a house divided when it comes to the buttered popcorn flavor! Here are just a few of our family participant preferences:

Wondering: What’s the difference between berry blue and blueberry? Or sizzling cinnamon and regular cinnamon? Taste and evaluate . . .

Have a jelly good time as a family with unlimited serious and silly ideas to make the most of your jelly beans while they are plentiful! We’d love to hear what clever or goofy ideas you come up with using jelly beans to learn and play together as a family. Drop us a comment.

And if you want some easy ready-for-you printables, we are here to help! Check these out:

Jelly Bean Themed STEM Activity Pages

Jelly Bean Themed STEM Activity Pages – Sweeten your child’s learning experience with these fun STEM activities! Perfect for indoor days, after an Easter egg hunt, or when focusing on the letter J. These pages offer activities for basic math concepts, including addition, subtraction, and comparisons like greater than, less than, and equal to. They also include science activities for data gathering and graphing.

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Backyard Bird Sensory Bin

Explore a variety of sensory experiences with a “Backyard Bird” Sensory Bin. Feel the rough texture of the nest, the smoothness of the eggs, the softness of the feathers, and the squishiness of the worms.

Sensory play is all the buzz today! But what are the benefits of sensory stimulation?

Therapeutic: Promotes relaxation and aids in trauma recovery.
Stimulating: Encourages cognitive development and critical thinking.
Fine Motor Skills: Enhances skills like scooping, sorting, and pinching.
Tangible Context: Provides a hands-on way to understand simple and abstract concepts.

Incorporating themes into sensory play increases interest and provides ample practice for concepts that might otherwise seem dull, like counting or following directions. You can easily create your own at home, and one of our favorite aspects of our bird sensory bin is that when you’re done, you can use the bird seed to feed your neighborhood birds. How cool is that?

Assembly

Start with a foundation. We recommend a shallow plastic bin for this project. It’s easy to reach into, doesn’t require much filler, and stores easily. When you’re ready to put it away, just snap on the lid and shelf it. If your child is especially active with sensory materials, consider using a deeper bin, playing outside, or using a dry kiddie pool or plastic mat to contain any overspill.

For the filler, we chose bird seed because it perfectly fits the theme and has lots of interesting pieces. If you want to use all the “recipe” cards we’ve created, make sure to find a bird seed mix that includes sunflower seeds.

Now for the themed elements! There are so many fun options to consider, and we found most of ours at the local craft store, allowing for a tactile, shopping sensory experience.

Nests: Options include small rattan, felt, or plastic nests. You can also craft your own from coconut fibers or other nesting materials. Go on a nature walk to gather dried grasses and add string and cotton for a custom nest. Alternatively, use paper or cardboard to create 2D or 3D nests.
Birds: Our favorite birds are the felt finger puppets we made. They’re adorable and versatile, perfect for use with nursery rhymes like “Two Little Blackbirds.” We also found 2D felt and foam birds at the craft store, and some adorable 3D round felt birds online.

Feathers: We liked natural-looking feathers, but colorful ones are great too.

Eggs: There are many options! We love the speckled plastic eggs from the craft store and the colored wood and felt ones online. Marble eggs are cold and heavy, foam ones are light and fragile, and fake pigeon eggs are intriguing. You can also use musical shaker eggs, leftover plastic Easter eggs, 2D paper or felt, or even 3D printed eggs. What other types of eggs can you think of?

Worms: We found sticky, slimy, wiggly worms that add a perfect contrast to the other textures. These stick to the birdseed and feathers, so if this bothers you, you can use red or brown yarn cut into “worms” instead.

Clean Up

Remove all the themed elements and place the birdseed in a feeder in your yard. Rinse out the bin for use with a different themed sensory bin or for storage. Save any reusable themed elements for future play, crafts, or activities on eggs, birds, etc. Recycle anything you don’t want to keep for later use.

You can get the sensory bin instructions and pattern for our Two Little Blackbirds here:

And you may also enjoy some of our bird 3-part cards! We love them!

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park – North Carolina and Tennessee

Did you know the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the MOST VISITED national park in the United States?!? Whether you’re a nature lover or a hiking enthusiast, you can easily spend a week exploring this incredible park. If you’re short on time, a day or two will still allow you to experience a lot of what the park has to offer.

KEY FEATURES & ATTRACTIONS

Newfound Gap: Stand atop the mountain at the state line and gaze at Tennessee on one side and North Carolina on the other.
Appalachian Trail: Discover the world’s longest hiking-only footpath, stretching 2,190 miles from Maine to Georgia.
Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome): Hike the highest peak in the park via a steep, paved half-mile trail to the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views.
Mountain Farm Museum: Located at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the NC side, this museum offers a glimpse into the past with an entire homestead including living quarters, stables, food storage structures, and more.
Cherokee History: Just outside the park, learn about the area’s rich history at the indoor Museum of the Cherokee and/or outdoor living history at Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee. (entrance fees apply)
Sugarlands Visitor Center: Discover museum exhibits and taxidermy on the TN side.
Cades Cove: Enjoy a loop drive with stunning mountain views on the TN side.
Synchronous Fireflies: Witness this natural wonder in May and June.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES

Waterfalls: Numerous trails feature stunning waterfalls. If you’re a fan, plan your route to include these natural spectacles.
Day Hikes: Immerse yourself in the calming sounds and scents of nature. Spring and summer bring beautiful blossoms, while fall paints the hills in vibrant oranges, yellows, and browns.
Hike and/or Backpack the Appalachian Trail: Experience the world’s longest hiking-only footpath. Even a short section offers amazing beauty. For more adventure, consider a backpacking trip.
Horseback Riding: rentals are available in the park near the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg, Cades Cove Visitor Center in Tennessee and Smokemont area in North Carolina.
Explore History: From Cherokee tribes to early European settlers, visit the Museum of the Cherokee People, Mountain Farm Museum, and historical structures like mills, churches, cemeteries and log cabins. The Mingus Mill is a gristmill still in the location it was built in 1886 – just half mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Wildlife Discovery: Known as the “Salamander Capital of the World”, the park is home to over 30 species, including the endemic Jordan’s red-cheeked salamander. The area is rich with birds and other wildlife. To see a concentrated array of the plants and animals that live here, check out the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Bring your camera and/or nature journal to capture your favorites.

TIPS

If you love rhododendron blooms in the day and fireflies at night, the best time to visit is early June where you’ll get the best show of both. Fall offers beautiful autumn foliage and cooler temperatures.

Our recommended itinerary: (or do in reverse order if starting out on the Tennessee side)

NORTH CAROLINA SIDE: Spend 2-3 days in Cherokee, NC or nearby town to explore the NC side of the park and part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, if that’s on your list. Choose a trail with or without a waterfall. Visit the indoor and/or outdoor museums of the Cherokee people to learn about the long history of this area and the native people including their customs and culture. Get your national parks passport book stamped at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and tour the outdoor Mountain Farm Museum. Walk the 3 mile round trip Oconaluftee River Trail.

This trip we did the Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls loop since we had a small grandson with us.

ON THE BORDER AT THE TOP: Depart in the morning to make the approximately 29 mile, one hour drive along the beautiful and windy mountain highway 441 to the TN side of the park. Stop about halfway and spend a few minutes, hours or the day at the top in Newfound Gap. Consider the 8 mile roundtrip out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion lookout. Drive 16 miles southwest to walk about .5 mile up Kuwohi Trail (formerly Clingmans Dome) to the observation deck for 360 degree views at the highest peak in the park. There is also a 3.6 mile roundtrip hike to Andrews Bald here. Return to Newfound Gap to continue on to Sugarlands Visitor Center, TN, and explore the many displays of wildlife and history, or save this center for the following day.

TENNESSEE SIDE: Spend 2-3 days in Gatlinburg, TN or nearby town to experience the TN side of the park. You can spend time in the towns of Gatlinburg and/or Pigeon Forge as they have some good restaurants as well as attractions if you want a little city life. Stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center, if you haven’t already. Take the 1 mile trail to Cataract Falls. Consider another scenic drive for approximately 25 miles and one hour to Cades Cove. This area is known for having an abundance of wildlife with bears, coyotes, turkey and deer to name a few. You can enjoy a more intimate experience with nature, by riding horses here near the Cades Cove Visitor Center (horse rentals are available here as well as near Sugarlands Visitor Center).

If you’ve been to the Great Smoky Mountains, what did you enjoy most, and what would you recommend?

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Denali National Park – Alaska

Denali National Park is the third largest national park in the United States, covering over 4.7 million acres. It is home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), and a wild expanse of beauty and wonder.

KEY FEATURES & ATTRACTIONS

Mount Denali/McKinley: This majestic mountain is the tallest in the world when measured from base to summit, rather than elevation from sea level. Its massive size creates its own weather patterns. Only about 30% of park visitors get a clear view of the mountain, and a mere 5% see it completely cloud-free.
Sled Dogs: Denali is the only national park with working sled dogs and kennels.
Wildlife & Wilderness: Experience the open wilderness and diverse wildlife that call Denali home. This park is considered primarily trail free, so explore and keep track of where you are. Can you spot a grizzly bear, Dall sheep, caribou, moose, wolf or red fox?
Museum: Discover the wonders of this breathtaking region at the indoor exhibit space within the visitor center.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES

Wildlife Photography: Capture the unique wildlife in their natural habitat. They are sometimes elusive to see and even harder to capture in a photo – but so worth it.
Immerse in Nature: Enjoy the fresh air and expansive wilderness. Take a moment to sit, soak it all in, or explore on foot. Don’t miss the chance to feel the spongy tundra underfoot.

Sled Dog Demonstration: Don’t miss this captivating demonstration, a highlight of your visit. Be sure to check the schedule and register at the visitor center, as spots are limited. You can easily reach the demonstration area by bus or enjoy a scenic 1.5-2 mile walk. In addition to the live demonstration, explore the small museum on-site. Plan to spend about an hour and a half for the full experience. The visitor center museum also offers an insightful video showcasing these remarkable animal athletes and their incredible teamwork.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Purchase tickets at the bus depot for a tour of the park. Buses travel about 30 minutes apart, so you can get off whenever and wherever you want, and walk on your own as much as you wish, catching another bus back to the visitor center. This is a great way to see lots of wildlife and scenery.
Ranger-Led Hikes: These can last all day, so get your tickets at least one day in advance. Let the experts that know the park show you around.
Biking: Explore the park by bike on the park road and limited bike trails.
Camping: For a truly outdoors experience, spend the night or a week or more camping. Permits are required so inquire at the park for details.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

Plan for a relaxing atmosphere and soak in the calm expansive nature and fresh air.
The sled dog demonstration is a must-see experience, so get to the park early and sign up. Your kids will LOVE you!
If you want to do a ranger lead park hike, register at least a day in advance.
Learn proper safety protocols for wildlife. Never feed the bears or other animals, and always maintain a safe distance.
Take the train into the park for an added experience and relaxing way to see more of the beautiful and expansive Alaska wilderness.
The town outside the park has places to eat and shops to explore as well as a commerce center to assist with excursions with jeeps or ATVs, bike rentals, ziplining, additional dog sledding experiences and more.

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Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon – California

At least once in your lifetime, make sure to visit the ancient, majestic trees in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Sequoia National Park! This park seamlessly blends into Kings Canyon National Park, offering a two-for-one experience. Even if you only have a day, you can still appreciate these magnificent trees. For those who are passionate about nature, history enthusiasts, or outdoor adventurers, you could easily spend a week or more exploring. Camping and overnight backpacking are available for dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, while lodging options in the park or nearby provide comfort for those who prefer not to pack in and pack out gear. Alternatively, you could strike a happy medium by renting or bringing your SUV.

KEY FEATURES & ATTRACTIONS

Sequoia Trees: These are what we come for – to witness the incredible living giants that are over 2,000 years old! They’ve been around since the time of Jesus. How amazing is that? If only they could tell their stories. Some greats among the living include:
- General Sherman: The world’s largest tree, located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia NP.
- General Grant: The world’s second-largest tree, found in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon NP.
- The President, Lincoln, Senate, and House tree groups: Located on the Congress Trail in the Giant Forest of Sequoia NP.

Fallen Trees:
- Tunnel Log: Drive through this fallen tree on Crescent Meadow Road near the Giant Forest Museum.
- Fallen Monarch: Located on the General Grant Tree Trail in Kings Canyon NP, with fascinating history as a shelter for people and horses.
- Mark Twain Stump: Found in a forest area of Kings Canyon where trees were cut down. It’s a poignant reminder of the great trees lost. Obtain a specific map at the visitor center to locate this stump as the trail is not well marked.
- Tharps Log: A home built in a hollowed fallen tree from the 1800s in Crescent Meadow.

Geological Features:
- Moro Rock: A prominent geological feature, offering a trail with over 350 steps and incredible views.
- Hanging Rock: includes a view of Moro Rock and only a couple miles away provides a great prelude before you tackle Moro Rock.
- Boyden Caverns: Explore this cave in Kings Canyon for an additional cost.

Giant Forest Museum
Panoramic Views & Waterfalls

The most striking attraction in Sequoia NP is the sequoia trees, with General Sherman as the main star. Pictures really do not do justice to the immense size of these impressive specimens. Even when a person is present in a photo for context, you can’t truly appreciate them until you see them for yourself. Did you know giant sequoia trees are related to the coastal redwoods? Coastal redwoods are the tallest trees in the world and giant sequoias are the biggest by volume. Giant sequoias only grow in this specific region of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range between 5,000-7,500 feet elevation. Higher than this is too cold for them and lower is too dry. Come and learn for yourself what makes these trees worthy of a study!

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES

Trails and trees: This is what we come for! Explore numerous trails and immerse yourself in nature. Most of the trails are very family-friendly and offer educational signs along the way. Visit the Big Trees Trail (right by the museum, flat and just over a mile loop), Sherman Tree Trail (more steep with a 200 foot decent from the trail head – and what goes down must climb up. There is also an option before the parking lot, to access the iconic General Sherman tree, without doing the trail for those with mobility issues), and Congress Trail (joins with the Sherman Trail for an additional three mile loop) for iconic tree views and to see the famous world record holding giants. The General Grant Trail in Kings Canyon has the world’s second largest tree and the impressive Fallen Monarch. If you’ve already done these trails, try a road less traveled with some of the many other trail offerings in the park.

General Grant Trail in Grant Grove – Kings Canyon

Visitor Centers: Start at the Foothills Visitor Center for maps and updates and to get your national park passport book stamped! Or the Grant Grove Village Visitor Center if you’re coming in from the north can also help you out.
The Giant Forest Museum: Learn all about these amazing giants through displays that offer insights into the sequoia lifecycle. Discover the probability of a sequoia seed maturing and learn about the conditions necessary for these trees to thrive. Did you know fire is an important element in the survival of these forests?

Everything in nature called destruction must be creation – a change from beauty to beauty.
John Muir 1869

Hiking: If you want a little more challenge hike up Moro Rock. It’s an excellent extra-miniature alternative to Yosemite’s Half Dome hike as it only takes 20-30 minutes to climb up and still provides a sense of accomplishment and amazing panoramic views.
Horseback Riding: Available in the Grant Grove and Cedar Grove areas of Kings Canyon.
Camping: Both parks offer options with various facilities to make your outdoor stay as civilized as possible.

TIPS

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Plan your visit to fit in your top priorities. If General Sherman is on your list, it can be seen in a couple of hours. The Giant Forest Museum and Big Trees Trail are in close proximity and perfect for families. For older families (teens and adults), Moro Rock offers a more challenging experience. Bring food, and store it in bear-proof containers provided in parking areas.

Our recommended itinerary for a first visit to Sequoia NP: (This can be done in a day with an active family of teens and up. For younger families, omit Moro Rock and possibly do Tunnel Log to Hanging Rock as a second day adventure).

Foothills Visitor Center
Giant Forest Museum
Big Trees Trail (flat 1.2 mile loop)
General Sherman Tree (steep 1.2 mile)
Congress Trail (flat 2.9 mile loop)
Tunnel Log
Tharps Log Trail (flat approx 2 mile loop – not as well marked)
Hanging Rock (steep .2 mile)
Moro Rock (very steep .5 mile)

Our recommended itinerary for a first visit to Kings Canyon NP: (This can be done in a day with a fit and mature age group. For younger families, break it up. There is a scenic drive with lots of sharp turns and steep vista views between Grant Grove Village and the Roaring River Falls. Some parts of this area close for fall and winter, so be sure to check for latest info)

Grant Grove Village Visitor Center
General Grant Tree Trail (flat .5 mile loop)
Big Stump Loop (mostly flat 1.5 mile loop)
Boyden Caverns (steep short hike up and about an hour tour)
Grizzly River Falls (road-side waterfall and picnic area)
Roaring River Falls (just off the highway, less than .5 mile loop)

As of 2024, avoid bringing an electric car due to limited charging options. What are your favorite trails in these parks? Have you tried any lesser-known paths? What adventures have you had in these parks?

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Leafy Greens Galore – Elevate Your Salad Game

Some view salads as mere side dishes, while others relish them as the main attraction. This month, for our featured veggies, we invite you to reconsider leafy greens, especially as salads, and explore new ways to enjoy them together as a family.

A DIY assembly bar can turn any meal into an enjoyable experience. Not only do you get to actively participate in crafting your dish, but you also have the freedom to include only the ingredients you love. Kids, in particular, often enjoy their meals more when they’ve had a hand in making them. Here are some of our favorite salad bar offerings. What would you add?

With a plethora of leafy green vegetable options, choosing a salad base can be overwhelming. Here are some common varieties to consider: leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, spring mix, spinach, arugula, kale, or even sprouts…

Add to your base with any of the following suggestions:

proteins: boiled eggs, bacon, grilled chicken, ham, smoked salmon, chickpeas, kidney beans
cheeses: cottage cheese, parmesan, Swiss, goat cheese or feta crumbles, bleu cheese crumbles
veggies: cucumber (fresh or pickled), tomato, corn, beets, radishes, peppers, carrots, olives, onions (red or green)
fruits: pineapple, pear, apples, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, raisins, dried cherries, dried cranberries
dressings: ranch, vinaigrette, bleu cheese, Thousand Island, poppy seed
nuts: pecans (candied or regular), almonds (whole, herb-infused, toasted, or plain sliced), pine nuts, walnuts
toppings: croutons, bacon bits, sunflower seeds

Or, create a themed salad bar, such as a taco salad bar, with lots of romaine lettuce, seasoned ground beef or pork, tortillas, beans, rice, salsa, avocados, onion, guacamole, tortilla strips, cotija cheese, and limes. Make it extra special by serving it in a taco shell bowl.

Or, go for a Mediterranean vibe with just a little greens for a base and lots of chopped veggies of cucumber, tomato, green bell peppers, red onion, plus some kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chickpeas and vinaigrette dressing seasoned with za’atar spice mix.

arugula, pear, almonds, and feta with a vinaigrette dressing

Some of our favorite side salad combos in the more “fancy” yet simple category, that you can make with just five ingredients or less, include:

arugula with pear, almonds, goat cheese, and vinaigrette (we do a simple vinaigrette with equal parts red wine or apple cider vinegar and olive oil with salt and pepper to taste)
spinach with strawberries, dried cranberries, candied pecans, Swiss cheese, and poppy seed or honey mustard dressing (add mushrooms and/or red onion for extra flavor)
iceberg or romaine lettuce with bacon, tomato, and bleu cheese dressing for a “wedge” salad (add onions and/or extra bleu cheese crumbles if desired)
kale with bacon, chopped walnuts or pine nuts, and Greek yogurt dressing

Or to go with the Mediterranean theme above, try a new green as the base, such as parsley, in tabbouleh. If you’re accustomed to using parsley merely as a seasoning or garnish, this salad might surprise you with its robust flavor.

parsley with finely chopped tomatoes, green onions, and mint with a lemon and bulgur wheat dressing (⅓ c olive oil, 3 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice, ¼ c fine bulgur wheat and salt and pepper to taste. Let sit 20 minutes for bulgur wheat to absorb the liquids.)

Be sure to check out one of our favorite picture books that include leafy greens. Whether you’re seeking encouragement to help your little ones try new foods, a touching story of culture, or just a spirited chant or insight into the classification of plant foods, this collection is certain to deliver! Let us know in the comments if you’ve read a picture book featuring leafy greens that you think we should add.

Watercress

by Andrea Wang; pictures by Jason Chin

(ages 4-9) Food has the power to connect us with memories, family stories, and the traditions that shape who we are. When a young girl feels embarrassed by her family’s tradition of gathering watercress from the roadside, she begins a journey toward appreciating the love, resilience, and heritage she once resented. We especially love Watercress because it reminds us that ordinary moments—like preparing dinner or gathering food together—can become some of our family’s most meaningful experiences. This beautiful story naturally sparks conversations about gratitude, family traditions, cultural heritage, and the joy of trying new foods together.

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Eating the Alphabet – Fruits and Vegetables from A to Z

by Lois Ehlert

(ages 2-9) Can you think of fruits or vegetables with names that start with every letter of the alphabet? This delightful book is perfect for preschoolers learning their ABCs, from apple to zucchini, and for readers of all ages eager to expand their knowledge with fascinating facts found at the back of the book. It includes a handy glossary filled with intriguing (and sometimes mythical) tidbits, origins, and histories for each featured food. After spending time with this treasure trove of beautiful watercolor creations, you’ll be inspired to enjoy more fresh fruits and vegetables!

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This post is part of our Eat the Rainbow series intended to inspire children and families to eat fruits and vegetables in all the colors of the rainbow in a variety of ways.

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Lucky Mint Chocolate Cookies

(or Green and Gold Leprechaun Cookies for St Patrick’s Day!)

Sweeten your day with our Irish inspired Lucky Mint Chocolate Cookies recipe! If you love gooey fudgy cookies and a chocolate mint combo – these are the bomb. They’re finished off with a semi-sweet chocolate ganache for a top-notch sweet snacking experience. Perfect for a St Patrick’s day treat or leprechaun lure or any time of the year you’re craving mint chocolate.

We’ll start by gathering our ingredients for the fudgy cookie base. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1 c granulated sugar
½ c butter
1 egg
¼ c sour cream
1 ½ t vanilla extract
1 ½ c all purpose flour
2 T cornstarch
½ c unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ t baking powder
¼ t baking soda
¼ t salt

First, mix the sugar and butter, and beat well. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, scraping down the sides as needed. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on the lowest setting to prevent a powdery mess in your kitchen. You’ll love the chocolaty aroma as the cocoa is mixed in. Scrape down the sides as needed and mix well.

Form the dough into walnut-sized balls or use a cookie scoop, placing them approximately 1-2 inches apart on a stoneware or other baking sheet. Press the tops of the cookies down with the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly; otherwise, you’ll end up with more mounded cookies. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 6-8 minutes or until done. With dark chocolate cookies, it’s trickier to tell when they are done as you can’t rely on a golden color. Instead, watch for the cookies to lose most of their sheen on top, which is a good indicator that they are baked enough.

Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Now for the Luck’o the Irish (Minty) Buttercream Frosting.

¾ stick (6 T) butter, slightly softened (between fridge cold and room temperature)
1 ½ c. powdered/confectioners sugar
¼ – ½ t. Peppermint extract (depending on how “minty” you prefer)
1-3 t. Milk for smoothness
Drop of green food coloring, if desired

Whip butter and sugar in an electric mixer. Scrape down sides and bottom of mixing bowl as needed to fully incorporate. Add peppermint extract and food coloring, if desired. Gradually add milk, if needed, to desired smoothness.

Frost cooled cookies with “Luck’o the Irish (Minty) Buttercream Frosting.” Put frosted cookies in the freezer for about 10 min or let frosting set before adding ganache.

For the chocolate ganache, you’ll need:

6 oz (1/2 a regular bag) semi-Sweet chocolate chips or baking chocolate bar, broken (can substitute milk chocolate, if desired)
2 T butter

Put chocolate pieces and butter in microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 50% for 30 seconds, stir. Be sure to not overheat as the chocolate can get dry and clumpy – it may not look melted, but as you stir it will melt and smooth out. If needed, repeat in 10-second interval once or twice more and stir. If the ganache is not smooth enough, you can add a little more melted butter and stir until smooth and spreadable.

Gently top with ganache and gold-wrapped chocolate coin or Irish flag toothpick, if desired. Allow ganache to set and enjoy! Tell your kids how lucky they are to have such a cool parent like you!

We think cookies are best shared with a story, so here are some of our favorites for St Patrick’s Day:

Patrick – Patron Saint of Ireland

by Tomie de Paola

(ages 5-8) A perfect and easy-to-read telling of the patron saint so beloved in Ireland and throughout Europe and the USA. Learn about the life and inspiration that took him from his family to becoming a slave, his escape and later return to his land of capture to convert and serve the people of Ireland. Includes some legends and a personal note in the back as well. Enjoy and include in your March 17th festivities and studies or while learning about saints, Ireland or just for fun!

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St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning

by Eve Bunting; illustrated by Jan Brett

(ages 4-9) When a young boy is told he’s too young to march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, he sets out on a parade of his own. He collects some things along the way but mostly relishes in the satisfaction of having walked the parade by himself. Nostalgic illustrations with an Irish country setting in black and white with greens and yellows. A perfect book to read on the morning of any St. Patrick’s Day or any day.

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St Patrick of Ireland: A Biography

by Philip Freeman

(ages 14+) While there are very little records of St Patrick and his life, author Philip Freeman does commendable work in researching all that is available including an in-depth study of the history of St Patrick’s time and the locations of his life. He really brings the time period and character of this admirable saint to life. Includes Confessions of St Patrick in the back as well! A must read for anyone interested in history and the real reason St Patrick is fondly remembered and celebrated.

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Congaree National Park – South Carolina

Congaree National Park is home to an incredibly diverse array of plant and animal life. With thousands of species of insects, birds, and other animals, it serves as a sanctuary for a variety of swamp-dwelling creatures.

KEY FEATURES & ATTRACTIONS

The bald cypress trees, known for their distinctive “knees,” are among the most noticeable plants you’ll encounter here. Explore these fascinating organisms and their remarkable adaptations to thriving in a floodplain.

The self-guided boardwalk tour is suitable for nearly everyone, as long as it’s not underwater. This tour is about 2.5 miles long and follows a raised plank path through a section of the wilderness near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Be sure to pick up a guide pamphlet from the visitor center to follow approximately 20 numbered points along the path. Use these stops to discover interesting facts about the trees, plants, animals, flooding, and the intriguing history of this area. We hope you’ll be as impressed with the science, trivia and stories from the past as we were.

Cedar Creek runs through the park and offers opportunities for water activities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. When Cedar Creek and the Congaree River rise, flooding occurs in the park, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem and contributing to the adaptive characteristics of many species present.

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES

One of our favorite activities is canoeing or kayaking, and we can’t think of a better way to experience this incredible wet wilderness. Congaree National Park offers a fantastic opportunity for this adventure along Cedar Creek, which winds through the park. While the park doesn’t directly rent out canoes or kayaks, several nearby commercial agencies specialize in rentals or tours. You can either bring your own or rent from a place in Columbia, SC, and manage your own river tour, or hire a tour guide to lead you. Be sure to check the park’s “canoeing and kayaking” section for the most up-to-date information. Keep in mind that due to regular flooding, the landscape here is constantly changing, check the latest news before you embark on your adventure.

Hiking is the most popular activity here, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. The park doesn’t have much elevation change, so the trail difficulty is based on distance and possible obstacles like flooding, downed trees, and unclear trails that require wayfinding skills. Depending on your level of wilderness experience, you can bring a map & compass or stay on the boardwalk or shorter, well-marked trails.

Enjoy and learn about the many species of plants, insects and other animals that thrive in this environment. You can observe them outdoors on your own, at the visitor center, or through one of the park’s research projects. There are several adorable hands-on exhibits perfect for kids of all ages to explore and learn.

Fireflies are among our favorite insects to observe here. There’s a two-week window in mid-May to mid-June when the Photuris frontalis species are most active, displaying a rare, synchronized flashing. If you’re lucky enough to win out in the lottery, usually conducted in April, you may gain access during this limited time to witness this spectacle. Evenings are the best time to see fireflies, so if this is something on your bucket list, plan accordingly.

Mosquitos can be pesty here April through October, so if you want to avoid a “mosquito meter” range from severe to war zone quantities, visit in the fall or winter months. Flooding is most common in the summer, so some trails will be under water during the summer and beyond this season.

TIPS

If you’re planning to simply walk the boardwalk and take in the sights of the park, a day should suffice. However, if you wish to canoe or kayak along the river or explore more trails, we recommend allocating additional time for your visit. Since there aren’t many dining options nearby, it’s advisable to bring your own food if you plan to spend a day or more here. Be sure to check the official site for the latest updates on flooding and insect activity—and don’t miss the limited firefly show if it’s on your bucket list.

There are many wonderful books in the visitor center bookstore. We especially love the closeup firefly photographs in this treasure:

Feel free to leave a comment about something you love about this national park, an experience or book recommendation.

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Saguaro National Park – Arizona

Saguaro National Park should be on every bucket list! It’s home to the iconic saguaro cacti, found exclusively in the Sonoran Desert, which spans parts of southern Arizona, California, and northeastern Mexico. These majestic creations are truly a sight to behold and will leave a lasting impression, as you admire their stoic poses and learn more about them.

KEY FEATURES and ATTRACTIONS:

While the saguaro cacti are the obvious stars of this show, the park is a veritable pincushion paradise with many cactus species. Early spring is the best time to see them in bloom. The park is home to many unique critters as well. While most wildlife stays hidden, quiet and patient visitors can witness nature in motion.

Start your adventure at the Red Hills Visitor Center on the Saguaro West – Tucson Mountain District. Here you can pick up fold-out full-color maps and guides, including a brochure detailing hiking distances and elevations. There’s even a handout with tips on where to watch the sunset and capture the best photographs of the setting sun with the saguaro cacti in the forefront.

The visitor center offers interesting displays of many of the unique desert creatures like scorpions and tarantulas and fascinating information about the saguaro cacti including insights about their growth, cross-sections, uses and the animals that rely on them.

You’ll find all kinds of souvenirs from educational trinkets, about rocks, geodes, fossils, natural remedies of Native Americans to playful games and just-for-fun stuffed cactus toys. You can always go a more practical direction and get a t-shirt or other wearables – we loved the cactus socks! And of course our favorite souvenirs are the books! The bookstore is a treasure trove, perfect for finding a keepsake to remember and revisit.

Located just over two miles from this visitor center is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a mostly outdoor museum that is open year-round. It closes early in the hot summer months so start your day early if you dare to brave the heat and choose this time of year. This place also has a food court, so a great lunch stop if you didn’t pack a picnic. There are some small indoor sections, one of which I was surprised to see – aquariums. Come learn about the Colorado River Watershed and its connection to the Sonoran Desert too. This museum is also your best bet at seeing a javelina and giant desert lizards as well as all the other special critters the desert has to offer. One of our favorite exhibits is the hummingbird sanctuary. As you are still and quiet you’ll slowly notice more and more as they tend to blend into their surroundings.

Petroglyphs can be found on a couple of the short hikes close to the visitor center – Valley View Overlook Trail and our favorite on Signal Hill.

Capture breathtaking sunset photos with saguaro silhouettes. Plan your time carefully and watch the sunset schedule so you can be settled in your ideal spot to get a great view, awe-inspiring moments and photos. Desert Discovery Nature Trail, only about a mile west of the Red Hills Visitor Center is an easy access beginner sunset photo spot.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES:

Hikes for all ability and interest levels from super easy to more moderate are offered. While elevations aren’t extreme (only 1,000 feet elevation gains), the desert’s heat and wildlife require precautions. Carry plenty of water and appreciate the living things from a safe distance. We visited the west side of the park which boasts a denser saguaro forest – and let’s be honest, the saguaro are why we are here.

Nature enthusiasts can bring art mediums such as watercolors or colored pencils and sketch or watercolor paper. Carve out some quiet time and find a place to just sit and enjoy the peaceful wildlife. As you are still in this seemingly inhospitable environment – where it feels like everything wants to kill you from the scorching hot sun to the hydration sucking air to the prickliest surroundings and the poisonous critters – you’re sure to be in awe of the uniquely adapted life scurrying around. The survival instinct here is impressive! This quiet time can also provide an excellent opportunity for a picnic.

Petroglyphs provide a historical aspect to the park. We especially loved the hike to these and the view from the top is panoramic!

Don’t miss out on some unique snacks such as fresh prickly pear cactus and cactus candy, jams or jellies.

TIPS:

Late fall, winter and early spring are all the best times to visit, and summer months are a great time to go somewhere else! But if summer is your only option, plan for extra water and outdoor activities in the early morning and late evening. Spend the middle part of the day in an airconditioned space. With so much to explore, we recommend spending a minimum of two days in this national park. If you enjoy time on nature trails, sunset photography and want to include the nearby museum, three to four days is more ideal for a young family without feeling rushed. The short trails are all very interesting and manageable for little ones as long as you bring plenty of water – can’t overstress the importance of water in the desert.

Consider exploring trails outside the park. We enjoyed the Sweet Water Trail which you can access at the El Camino Del Cerro Trailhead.

As part of your trip to the park, we recommend getting a book about something unique to this park such as the saguaro cacti or desert biome or something that interests your child such as an animal or Native American culture. This way, they’ll have a head start and be excited to see some of the things they’ve already learned a little about. Don’t worry, there are soooo many cool books at the visitors center, you can let them choose another one perfect for the journey home!

Whether your interests lie in flora, fauna, geology or history there’s a book for you here! You can get books specific to bugs or birds or cacti and even desert holes and animal droppings. Or learn about Arizona history and other parts of this impressive state.

Here are some of our favorites specific to the saguaro cacti

And we can’t leave the other cactus out!

The desert biome is fascinating to learn about!

Desert animals are impressive . . . which is your favorite or one you want to know more about?

Soooo many bird books! Some specific to hummingbirds . . . if you love birds, you’ll love this selection.

And some Arizona state books. I didn’t truly fall in love with Arizona until I visited the saguaro cacti, but there really is a lot to love about this state.

And we’ll finish off with some clever remakes of popular stories with a Sonoran Desert spin:

For our Montessori or animal loving friends, be sure to check out our shop for Sonoran Desert animal 3-part cards:

Feel free to drop a comment of your favorite book relating to the saguaro or Sonoran Desert as well as any favorites you’ve experienced in or near this national park!

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What’s in a name?

Working with children, I’ve seen firsthand the joy they experience as they learn to recognize the letters of their name, progress to reading their full name in print, and finally master writing it. There’s so much to love about the process of preschoolers learning to write their names—with jumbled and backward letters, “E’s” with extra sticks, and a delightful mix of upper and lowercase letters going in all directions. It’s always a celebration when they can write their entire name independently. At this point, it’s important to provide them with plenty of paper and writing utensils, or they might end up carving their signature with a sharp object or using a permanent marker on your favorite furniture! We’ve had some of these exhibits around our home.

How Can You Celebrate Your Family Names This Week?

Personal Research & Reflection:

Take some time to explore the meaning of your name and reflect on this gift. Consider words that describe you and evaluate how well you are living up to your name.

Make Name Art:

Write your name in block or bubble letters and decorate it. Create patterns or turn each letter into a character. Experiment with different colors, fonts, and styles.
Center your name on a piece of paper and surround it with drawings or a collage of things you like or are interested in.
For a fun project, write your name in glue and let it dry overnight. Then place a paper over the dried glue and rub with a crayon to reveal your name—it’s like magic, and children love it!

Write Name Poems:

Reflect on the meaning of your name and the words that describe you. Create a poem using your name and these words. Another fun idea is to write your name vertically and use each letter to start a word or phrase that describes or is meaningful to you.

Share Stories:

Consider what went into choosing your name and share the story of how you chose your child’s name. Was it a family name passed down through generations? Is there cultural, familial, religious, or historical significance? Do you know the story behind your own name’s selection? Understanding the roots and meanings of names can be a wonderful way to connect with your heritage.

Here are some inspiring name stories we’ve collected that highlight cultural elements worth appreciating. We hope everyone can celebrate and cherish the origins of their names as we share them.

This book illustrates the traditional rhyming chant that is perfect to play when learning or reinforcing names. Try playing the call-and-response game as a family.

These books all have children from a variety of cultures learning to accept and appreciate the names they’ve been given. From Korea, China and Japan to America, Canada and Peru you’re sure to learn something new about these cultures and connect with the characters and their stories.

The Name Jar

by Yangsook Choi

(ages 5-8) When Unhei moves to the USA from Korea, no one can pronounce her name, so she thinks she needs a new “American” name. As the class tries to help her pick a new name, she ends up keeping the name of her roots. Her grandmother also gives her a special Korean name stamp with her name written in Korean characters. A great story about getting to know others and learning about new cultures and welcoming others that are different.

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And some more playful stories about names with a delightful mouse, a sweet bird and a proud monster to enjoy together.

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Why Fairy and Folk Tales?

What defines a fairy tale? Must it include a fairy? How does it compare to folk tales, fables, legends, or nursery rhymes?

Folk tales are fictional stories handed down orally through generations and fairy tales, legends and fables are all subsets of these with minor variations.

Fairy tales are characterized by magical elements, royalty, heroes, and/or villains. They often begin with “Once upon a time…” and conclude with “happily ever after.” Renowned collections include those by the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault, and Hans Christian Andersen.

Legends are traditional narratives sometimes regarded as historical, though unverified, like the stories of Paul Bunyan or Robin Hood. These tales often feature heroes or villains based on real people whose abilities are exaggerated over time.

Fables are short stories intended to impart moral lessons, often featuring animals with human traits. Aesop’s fables are among the most famous.

Nursery rhymes are rhythmic poems or songs used for language development and entertainment, with Mother Goose being a notable source. Sometimes characters from nursery rhymes will be included in fairy tale spoofs.

The Value of Fairy Tales, Folk Tales and Nursery Rhymes

Fairy and folk tales have been integral to early literacy for centuries. Their straightforward format and repetitive style make them excellent tools for teaching storytelling elements like sequence and dialogue. They are easily retold, fostering cultural awareness. Many experts suggest that fairy tales can empower children to think critically and enhance emotional intelligence, especially when they engage with and explore the characters and narratives.

Nursery rhymes help build vocabulary and reading skills through sounds and rhythm. They can instill confidence as children learn to recite them.

Reflection and Engagement

Do you have a favorite fairy or folk tale? Which ones do you recall from your childhood, and which will you pass down? Are there any you’re less familiar with?

Experiencing Fairy and Folk Tales

There are numerous ways to experience fairy and folk tales:

Read a Book: Enjoy the classic tales together.
Storyboards: Use felt or cardstock to retell and animate the story.
Reader’s Theater: Create your own lines and have family members read different character parts.
Re-enactments: Act out the story, with roles for everyone and optional props or costumes.
Puppet Shows: Use stick puppets, or create your own with felt, socks, or paper bag versions.
Theatrical Performances: Attend a play or performance based on a fairy or folk tale.
Movies: Watch fairy tale films and discuss how they differ from the original tales.
Extension Activities: Engage in activities like making porridge after reading “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” visiting a pig farm after “Three Little Pigs,” or stacking blocks after “The Princess and the Pea.”
Illustrations: Draw your own pictures for the story.
Comic Strips: Create a parody of a fairy or folk tale scene.

Books are a wonderful way to share classic fairy and folk tales. While traditional versions are ideal for a first introduction, clever twists on these tales can offer fresh perspectives. Understanding the original stories enhances appreciation for parodies and equips children with important cultural references for social interactions.

Some versions may tell the story from the villain’s perspective or add humor. Others might retain the story’s framework but alter characters and settings, such as placing the three little pigs in outer space to face a big bad robot like in this Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot.

This one puts three people in place of the three bears and the people get visited by a bear . . . what could happen with this twist of Somebody and the Three Blairs?

So many talking points with this one . . . Where’s the Big Bad Wolf? It makes a great segue into watching out for wolves in sheep’s clothing . . . being aware of the bias of the person you’re getting information from as well as our own . . . what other talking points can you think of?

And another great one for all ages to open dialogue about getting both sides of the story in The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! or again, being aware of bias.

And for any curious detective . . . learning to dig deeper to get the full story . . . read What REALLY happened to Humpty? Now we recognize that Humpty Dumpty is a nursery rhyme and not a fairy tale, but this book is set in a land where Mother Goose and fairy tale characters share an existence. So you’ll see familiar faces of the Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks . . . and of course several nursery rhyme favorites. You can also use this one to differentiate between a nursery rhyme and a fairy tale.

What REALLY Happened to Humpty?

by Joe Dumpty as told to Jeanie Franz Ransom; illustrated by Stephen Axelsen

(ages 6-9) When Humpty’s younger brother, Joe Dumpty, believes Humpty didn’t fall . . . but was pushed, things get dicey in the land of Mother Goose and fairy tales. Detective Joe investigates and questions many familiar characters from many of our childhood favorites from the Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood to Old Mother Hubbard and even Chicken Little. Will Detective Joe get to the bottom of this case?

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And this one is imaginative . . . Jack and the Jelly Bean Stalk. What if instead of a bean stalk, Jack encounters a jelly bean stalk?!? This one has to be yummy!

What could be different about a story of a little red hen vs The Little Green Hen? Talk about the differences. What things were alike in the story of the original versus this creative simple change? Which one do you like better and why?

And if we give a slight cultural flare . . . La Princesa and the Pea and Three Little Javelinas add some second language to the story . . .

Or go all cultural and hear the version of Little Red Riding Hood from China in Lon Po Po.

In order to truly appreciate and understand these variations, be sure to share the originals with your little ones first, so they have a good frame of reference.

Compare retellings and illustrations – there are so many different interpretations to the SAME story! Here are just a few of one of our favorites The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson:

The Ugly Duckling

adapted and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

(ages 3-8) (Caldecott Honor Book) Gorgeous illustrations take the reader into the heart of the timeless story of the Ugly Duckling. Experience the rise and fall of a full spectrum of emotions and enjoy the scenes of nature as we follow along the ducklings’ life adventures of self discovery. While there are many versions of this story, this one is a perfect length for preschool and up. While it’s customary to put an appropriate age range for books, I think most adults can enjoy a picture book as much, sometimes more than the child they read them to. This book is a great conversation starter for the spectrum of emotions the experiences of life place in our path. It can also lend way to discussions of self discovery of our purpose or value as a unique individual. What makes YOU special or unique?

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Be sure to check out our story pieces and come back often to see what we’ve added!

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Love is spelled t-i-m-e

How will you spend time with your littles this month?

Regardless of how you spend time together this month, just giving attention to and asking questions to get to know your child and see their perspective is priceless. When genuine connections are made, they will feel the sincerity and love. Spend time doing something you know your child(ren) enjoy. Do they enjoy being outside? Go on a walk or to the park or play on the grass or in the snow, depending on where you live. Do they enjoy playing with toys? Maybe you could join them and help them create something?

One of the easiest ways to spend time together is with a book. Since February is all about LOVE, we have included some of our favorite books with a love or valentine theme for you to consider.

Sugar Cookies – Sweet Little Lessons on Love

by Amy Krouse Rosenthal; illustrated by Jane Dyer & Brooke Dyer

(ages 4-8) Amy has such a way with words and simplifies their meanings into relatable concepts using experiences with baking cookies. With her passion for cookies combined with her love for relationships of people and pets, she beautifully shares some sweet little lessons on love. Includes a recipe for some delicious sugar cookies that must be baked with your favorite little person. Practice the lessons of support, forgiveness, tenderness and adoration to help your family be sweeter and share more cookies.

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Since February is also National Chocolate Month, we’ve done a few posts with an emphasis on chocolate. Be sure to check them out and see if one of these chocolate activities interests you and your family as a way to share quality time.

We posted specifically about the Chocolate Museum in Brussels, Belgium with a tutorial for making amateur heart chocolates. https://experiencebee.com/chocolate-hearts-and-a-chocolate-story/

We also posted about chocolate covered strawberries because they are a signature treat this time of year with the sweet red heart-shaped berries and the decadent chocolate coating. https://experiencebee.com/chocolate-covered-strawberries/

And, we shared a post about fondue which includes dessert fondue of chocolate. What do you like to dip in chocolate fondue? https://experiencebee.com/family-fundo-fondue/

How about with some heart themed activities?

make heart shaped sugar cookies (a traditional favorite at our house)
make valentines – for grandparents, friends, neighbors, family
make heart arts or crafts (simply draw heart pictures and cut out hearts from folded paper)
make a list of things you love
recite a nursery rhyme . . . we recommend Queen of Hearts and follow up with some heart shaped tart treats of your own

Make a meal using red or heart-shaped components. Check out this post where we made a salad with heart-shaped radishes and cucumbers. https://experiencebee.com/radish-heart-salad-with-yogurt-dill-dressing/

How many red fruits and vegetables can you think of?

Some red fruits – cherries, strawberries and lychee – kinda look like a heart. Some other red sweets from nature: watermelon, apple, raspberries, pomegranate, blood oranges, red grapes . . .

How about vegetables? How many red vegetables do you know? radishes, red peppers, tomatoes, beets, red onion . . .

Did you know some red fruits and veggies actually promote better health? Lycopene, which is found in some red produce, helps improve heart health, while potassium in red potatoes and cherries helps manage blood pressure.

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Radish Heart Salad with Yogurt Dill Dressing

We were served a Gurkensalat at a German restaurant recently, which was delicious and the inspo for our featured veggie this month – radishes. Our “Eat the Rainbow” series promotes healthy fruit and vegetable choices in all the colors of the rainbow. We added some February valentine flare by using a heart-shaped vegetable cutter, and it was like a side of love at our home dinner this week. Including children in the preparation of food can help them try new foods as they tend to appreciate things more when they have a little work invested in the product. The heart-shaped veggie cut outs are a great way to help foster fine motor and spatial planning skills as well. You can use different shapes for other times of the year such as a flower cut out for spring or a star for the 4th of July.

Radish Heart Gurkensalat with Yogurt Dill Dressing

INGREDIENTS: You can adjust the quantity and ratio of the ingredients to suit your tastes. We’ve included our numbers for the batch pictured as a guide. If you like more or less dill, lemon juice or oil adjust accordingly.

1 cucumber
1 bunch radishes
⅓ cup Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or more, if desired)
1 tsp lemon juice
olive oil, drizzle
salt and pepper to taste
red onion finely chopped and/or some grape or cherry tomatoes (optional)

SUPPLIES:

knife (plus a child friendly one for cucumbers, if including young children)
heart-shaped vegetable cutter, smallest size available
food pushing tool for pushing out cut veggie shapes
salad bowl
small bowl for yogurt dressing
spoon

DIRECTIONS:
Vegetables: Cut cucumber and radishes into thin to medium thin slices. Children can use a child-friendly knife to cut the cucumber, if desired. Children will love to cut out the center of the vegetable slices with the heart-shaped vegetable cutter. You do not need to cut a heart shape in all the veggies, just enough to give it a little punch of love. Some of our radishes were too small for the heart shape, but the red rim on each slice still fit in perfectly with the heart theme.

Dressing: mix the Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice and oil in a small bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. Toss as much of the dressing with the vegetables as desired. We recommend a light coating.

Salad inspired by Gurkensalat from Gustavs

This recipe is part of our Eat the Rainbow series intended to inspire children and families to eat fruits and vegetables in all the colors of the rainbow in a variety of ways.

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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Chocolate-covered strawberries are the quintessential Valentine’s Day delight for everyone! They’re a special sweet treat to create with your kids, and they also serve as a romantic indulgence for adults. Enjoy them with minimal guilt, as they are primarily fruit, and revel in the health benefits of chocolate—especially the richer, darker varieties. It’s a delicious way to celebrate love during National Chocolate Month.

How exactly is chocolate healthy? According to the Chocolate Museum we visited in Brussels, Belgium this fall, here are some of the benefits:

teeth – rich in fluor, tannins and phosphates, which reduces tooth decay
lungs – reliefs cough
liver – rich in antioxidants which protect the liver
arteries – decreases the formation of blood clots in the arteries
brain – diminishes the risk of stroke, stimulates vigilance, slows down the signs of fatigue and works as an anti-depressant
heart – decreases risk of cardiac attack, ensures good blood circulation and keeps the heart in good condition
muscles – improves endurance and muscle contraction during exercise

Keep in mind chocolate comes from the cacao fruit – so it’s technically fruit. And it’s not surprising that it works as an anti-depressant, we’ve never had a chocolate that didn’t raise our serotonin levels a bit. When we add a bunch of refined sugar to it, it will decrease some of the health benefits and increase some negative effects, so stick with the darker varieties if you’re wanting to be health conscious.

Chocolate-covered strawberries are best eaten the day they are made, as the strawberries tend to get soggy over time. They will usually last a day or two in the fridge, so plan quantities accordingly. If you enjoy making them so much that you end up making more than your family can eat, we are certain your friends won’t mind if you share.

PLAN:

Decide what kind of chocolate you want for your strawberry confections. Do you want dark, semi-sweet, milk, and/or white chocolates? Do you want solid dips or chocolates with a contrasted drizzle – dip in white and drizzle with dark or dip in dark and drizzle with milk? What about some small sprinkles?

INGREDIENTS:

Get your ingredients! Now that you’ve decided what kinds of chocolate you want to use – dark, milk or white – it’s time for the fun part. Baking or melting chocolate bars work best, but chocolate chips can work too. A little coconut oil can come in handy should you get into a mess while melting or just to add some softness to the texture.

fresh red ripe strawberries
melting chocolate – wafers, bars or chips in dark, milk and/or white
coconut oil (optional)
sprinkles (optional) if you use these be sure to get a small design

SUPPLIES:

glass microwave safe bowl(s) (one for each type of melting chocolate) or double boiler
spoon
tray (for cooling chocolate-covered strawberries)
parchment or wax paper (for cooling chocolate-covered strawberries)
disposable piping bag or ziplock bag with small corner snipped (optional for decorative drizzle/piping if desired) – could also use a spoon or fork
scraper, spreader or dull butter knife (for putting chocolate into piping bags or molds)

PREPARE STRAWBERRY FRUIT:

Rinse strawberries in cool water and place on paper towel to dry. You’ll want to gently dab and rub the strawberries to ensure they are completely dry before dipping them in the chocolate as the chocolate will not stick to wet berries.

PREPARE FINISHING SURFACE:

Line a baking sheet with parchment (or wax) paper to place strawberries on when they have been dipped. You’ll want to have everything ready as once the chocolate is melted, you’ll want to work fast.

MELT CHOCOLATE:

Our two favorite ways to melt chocolate are in the microwave or in a double boiler on the stove top. The microwave works best if you are using a variety of chocolates as you can use small bowls for each chocolate, and it’s very quick and easy. Patience is one of the secrets to melting good chocolate confections. Most of us have experienced the dry chalky outcome of overheated chocolate. So watch closely, stir gently and always stop heat when you still have chunks of chocolate as these will melt as you stir with the liquid parts.

Microwave method:

Place chocolate pieces in a microwave safe glass bowl(s). Heat in 20-30 second intervals. Stir between each interval. When the chocolate gets to a point of mostly melted but still having chunks, stir to melt the remaining chocolate pieces. Above we show some of the stages of our semi-sweet chocolate melting. Stopping and stirring often will guarantee best results. We worked this full bar of semi-sweet chocolate for about two minutes total. We did not microwave between the last two stages – just stir until the remaining chunks melt.

Stove Top Double Boiler Method:

Place water in the bottom pan and heat to just below a boil. Pour in chocolate chips or break up chocolate bars, if necessary, and add to the second pan and place on top of hot water. Once the chocolate pieces in the pan have mostly (75-80%) melted off the heat and stir to fully incorporate and finish melting the solid pieces. Be careful to avoid getting water in the chocolate. You can add a small amount of coconut oil (solid) to help keep the chocolate smooth if needed.

DIP STRAWBERRIES:

We love to use our small glass bowls for microwaving and dipping. Their size is perfect for ensuring the melted chocolate isn’t too shallow, making the dipping process smooth and efficient. If you’re using a double boiler, you can pour the melted chocolate into a small bowl so the chocolate is deep enough to get a good dip that more fully coats the berries. Dip the berries by holding onto the green part and immersing the red part into the chocolate leaving some of the red at the top near the green. Scrape the bottom end against the side of the bowl as you transfer to the parchment paper to avoid getting too much of a chocolate puddle at the base of each berry. If you are adding drizzle, put some of the chocolate into the prepared piping or ziplock bag. Keep the piping bag slightly warm or use it quickly, so the chocolate doesn’t harden before you use it. Dip each berry one by one. Use the piping bag for drizzle or if using a spoon or fork, just dip utensil into the melted chocolate and quickly go back and forth above the dipped fruit to make “drizzle” effect. If you are adding sprinkles, you’ll want to do those after each dip so the sprinkles stick to warm soft chocolate as they won’t stick once it has cooled and hardened. Place each dipped berry on your lined baking sheet to allow it to cool.

For a more fancy decoration, you can also use your contrasting piping chocolate to make polka dots or decorate with hearts or a “tuxedo” look.

COOL and EAT! YUM!

Fresh chocolate-covered strawberries are a bit of heaven! This recipe is part of our Eat the Rainbow series intended to inspire children and families to eat fruits and vegetables in all the colors of the rainbow in a variety of ways.

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Chocolate Hearts and a Chocolate Story

February is National Chocolate Month and the perfect excuse to indulge in this fabulous sweet and learn cool things about chocolate too!

We recently visited the Chocolate Story Museum in Brussels, Belgium and what a treat! There were displays full of the history of chocolate with stories from many countries – sharing the ingredients used to make the first chocolate drinks, how cacao beans were used as currency, planting and harvesting cacao pods and beans, tools and dishes used in making and serving chocolate beverages over the centuries and so much more.

The self-guided tour progressed to the more modern inventions and uses of chocolate as a confection sweet. Every room had interesting activities for the kids, and near the end a sampling room where you could try all the chocolate melts your tastebuds could handle was included. The tour ends with a live demonstration, that takes place at specific times throughout the day, of making chocolate pralines (chocolate shell with a soft filling). Since this quaint museum is in the heart of Belgium and nestled among many countries and languages, the demonstrator took a survey of the languages in the room to determine which ones he’d need to do the demonstration in. There were at least five different languages represented in the group we were among, with most speaking English and at least one other language. So in the end, the demonstration was given in English and Flemish/Dutch. And we all were granted a fresh-made chocolate praline following the presentation. Delicious! Belgians take their chocolatiering seriously and have really mastered the art to perfection.

In celebration of February, love, Valentines Day and chocolate, you can make a simplified chocolate confection of a molded chocolate heart or any other shape your heart desires. These are a fun and tasty activity for kids of all ages 2 to 99 to experience chocolate in an amateur enjoyable way.

CHOOSE your CHOCOLATE:

Do you want dark, milk, white or a variety? What is the difference between dark, milk and white chocolate?

According to our Chocolate Story sampling room museum tour in Brussels, Belgium, here is how the type of chocolate is determined:

Dark chocolate = 45% cocoa paste, 10% cocoa butter, 0% powdered milk, 45% sugar
Milk chocolate = 10% cocoa paste, 25% cocoa butter, 20% milk powder, 45% sugar
White chocolate = 0% cocoa paste, 30% cocoa butter, 25% powdered milk, 45% sugar

So in order to be considered “dark” chocolate it will have at least 45% cocoa paste, minimal cocoa butter and no milk. Milk chocolate will have more cocoa butter, milk and minimal cocoa paste while white chocolate will have the most cocoa butter and milk and no cocoa paste.

Do you want to work with wafers, bar(s) or chips? Keep in mind, your finished chocolates will only be as good as the chocolate you use to make them. We used Ghiradardelli white and semi-sweet baking chocolate bars and Guittard milk chocolate chips.

INGREDIENTS:

chocolate for melting (milk, dark, semi-sweet and/or white)
coconut oil (optional for smoothing out if chocolate gets too dry while melting)

EQUIPMENT:

glass microwave safe bowl(s) or double boiler (for melting chocolate)
chocolate mold – silicon works great and is easy to remove chocolates, but plastic is an option too
disposable piping bag or ziplock bag with small corner snipped (optional)
scraper, spreader or dull butter knife (for putting chocolate into piping bags or guiding chocolate into molds)
tray or plate (for finished chocolate hearts)
parchment or wax paper (optional – for lining tray with finished chocolate hearts)

PREPARE YOUR MOLDS:

Make sure molds are completely clean and dry before beginning. We’ve used silicone and Wilton plastic molds, and both work great.

MELT CHOCOLATE:

Microwave method:

Stove Top Double Boiler Method:

Place water in the bottom pan and heat to just below a boil. Break up chocolate bars, if necessary, and add the chocolate pieces to the second pan and place on top of hot water. Once the chocolate pieces in the pan have melted about 75-80% of the way, turn off heat and stir to melt the remaining chunks. Be careful to avoid getting water in the chocolate. You can add coconut oil (solid) in ½ to 1 tsp intervals to help keep the chocolate smooth, if needed.

POUR INTO MOLDS:

The easiest way to pour melted chocolate into small molds is using a piping bag. As you can see the molds we are using here are very small – about thumbnail size. Use the scraper/spreader tool to transfer the melted chocolate into the prepared piping bag. Squeeze melted chocolate into each mold filling level or near level to the top. Tap mold by lifting the mold and pounding onto the table top to remove air bubbles and fill chocolate in all the spaces of the mold.

When I made these as a child, I’d just melt chocolate and pour into the plastic molds by Wilton. They were always delicious, but didn’t always look the most pretty as we didn’t have the best technique (tapping after pouring matters!). We don’t go for perfection, but if you don’t want air bubbles in your finished confections, be sure to tap them out.

COOL:

Allow chocolate to cool completely before trying to remove from the molds. You can put the chocolate in the refrigerator or freezer, if desired. Keep in mind if the darker chocolates get too cold, they can develop a white finish. It will still be good, just not look as pretty.

ENJOY your chocolates. These are great paired with nuts or fruit.

INGREDIENTS and INSTRUCTIONS for alternate chocolate method:

cocoa powder
powdered sugar
coconut oil (solid, or liquid refined for no heat option)

Use equal parts cocoa powder, powdered sugar and coconut oil. Mix until smooth and pipe or pour into molds and freeze. If using a solid version of coconut oil, you may need to heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and then mix. This version is a dark chocolate and due to the coconut oil can soften more easily if not kept cool.

Keep learning and experimenting with chocolate. The cacao pod is possibly the most interesting fruit that transforms into some creative and tasty treasures.

Since the entire month of February is NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MONTH, here are some other ideas you can use to incorporate chocolate into educational experiences.

Locate on a map the top five countries that grow and harvest cacao beans: 34% Ivory Coast; 20% Ghana; 15% Indonesia; 7% Cameroon; 6% Nigeria and 18% other places
Dive deeper into learning even more about one of the countries from above
Take a field trip and tour a chocolate factory in your area
Learn more about fractions and proportions using the varieties of chocolate mentioned above (dark vs milk vs white) and using various levels of cocoa paste in dark chocolate determines the percentage of the other ingredients in the bar
Take a field trip to the grocery store and look at the options in the chocolate section. Read ingredient labels to determine quality of the chocolate. Pay attention to the various percentages for dark chocolate. The higher the percentage, the higher the ratio cocoa paste in the product.
Take a chocolatier class
Learn more about the country of Belgium where Jean Neuhaus is credited for inventing the chocolate praline in 1912 (There are a few states in the US with Neuhaus chocolate stores, and they even ship if you’re not lucky enough to be in one of the states with a store front)
Try some cacao nibs (roasted or raw fermented cacao beans) which are the purest form of chocolate available (nature’s chocolate chips)
Buy a cacao pod and experience the raw ingredient chocolate is made from – you can find a distributor online
Read a book about chocolate
Sample different kinds of filled chocolate confections and rate them – cherry cordials, caramels, chews, nuts, toffees, truffles, etc.
Sip hot cocoa and watch a chocolate documentary
Learn more about the production of chocolate. Did you know there are 27 steps to produce a chocolate praline from baby tree

GamBee

Alternate Asian inspired version:

Bird Builds a Nest

Mama Built a Little Nest

A Nest Full of Eggs

Bird, Nests and Eggs

A Nest is Noisy

I Spy – An Egg in a Nest

Nests and Birds 3-Part Cards – set of 12 birds with nests

Nest Types 3-Part Cards

A Nest is Noisy

Mama Built a Little Nest

A Nest Full of Eggs

Nest Types 3-Part Cards

Nests and Birds 3-Part Cards – set of 12 birds with nests

Jelly Bean Themed STEM Activity Pages

Backyard Bird Sensory Bin printables and instructions

Birds 3-Part Cards – preschool set (12 birds)

Birds 3-Part Cards – set 1 (16 birds)

Eggs and Birds 3-Part Cards – set of 16 birds with eggs

Nest Types 3-Part Cards

Watercress

Sylvia’s Spinach

The Ugly Vegetables

There’s No Such Thing as Vegetables

Rah, Rah, Radishes! A Vegetable Chant

Eating the Alphabet – Fruits and Vegetables from A to Z

The Vegetables We Eat

Patrick – Patron Saint of Ireland

St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning

St Patrick of Ireland: A Biography

Among a Thousand Fireflies

Saguaro’s Gifts

Cactus Hotel

The Giving Tree of the Desert – The tale of the saguaro cactus and its nurse tree

The Seed and the Giant Saguaro

Jump!

Deserts

Deep in the Desert

Desert Night Desert Day

Way Out in the Desert

Who-o-o’s Awake in the Desert?

The Book of Bees

Desert Night Shift – A Pack Rat Story

Don’t Call Me Pig! A Javelina Story

I Howl I Growl

Owling – Enter the World of the Mysterious Birds of the Night

Birding for Babies

Little Arizona

Welcome to Arizona

Three Little Javelinas

The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit

Animals Sonoran Desert 3-Part Cards – (29 desert animals)

How Can You Celebrate Your Family Names This Week?

Personal Research & Reflection:

Make Name Art:

Write Name Poems:

Share Stories:

Who Took the Cookies from the Cookie Jar?

Alma and How She Got Her Name

The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name

How Nivi Got Her Names

Millions of Maxes

My Name is a Story

The Name Jar

Yoko Writes Her Name

Thunder Boy Jr.

Tikki Tikki Tembo

Tomatoes in My Lunchbox

My Name is Truth – the Life of Sojourner Truth

Quit Calling Me a Monster

Chrysanthemum

Hello, My Name is Ruby

Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot

Somebody and the Three Blairs

Where’s the Big Bad Wolf?

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!

What REALLY Happened to Humpty?

Jack and the Jelly Bean Stalk