Planting Seeds of Science: Gardening with Kids

"This roly poly is tiggling me."

Gardening provides magical opportunities for children to learn through hands-on science as they explore the outdoors and watch a seed grow into food. They can learn about the life cycles of seeds and critters, how to respect our environment, the seasons, weather and much more.

Reasons to Read Aloud & Personalized Book Giveaways!

I See Me Personalized Books

Children whose parents read aloud to them become better students. They are stronger readers, have a broader vocabulary, listen better, become better writers, have a better imagination, and have more confidence - all of which leads to a better performance in school. The priceless bonus is that they have bonded with their parents through a love of books.


I'm going to share a personal story with you. When my daughter was three, I was told she was mentally retarded and had autistic tendencies. I just couldn't believe that she wouldn't learn to read - coming from parents who had read thousands of books. I did not have a teaching certificate then - only a strong desire to help her in any way I could. We shared books together every night. I still cherish Big Bird Goes to the Park and taped it numerous times to hold it together because we read it so many times. We looked at ABC books and talked about the letters and made their sounds. We read books of all subjects: Silly books, rhyming books, science books for young children. And as an adult, she now reads at a 5th grade level - higher than many adults. How can this be?

Why Worms? Let Kids Play and Learn Outside

I’m so happy that Brody wants to help me plant a garden. But when he discovers a worm, he becomes completely sidetracked from planting seeds, wants to just play with the worm, and then wants to go fishing. Well, why not? Worms are fascinating critters. And there is a lot to be learned from playing outdoors and we could even have fish for dinner. So we grab the fishing gear and head for the lake.

Today, I'm guest posting at the amazing Growing a Jeweled Rose. If you haven't visited her blog, you are in for a treat - especially if your children like sensory and messy play - and what child doesn't? To read the rest of my worm post, please click here

Thank you so much for purchasing my books. It makes me very happy that people are reading books and that I may be helping someone. Currently no. 5 in PreK/K on Amazon Kindle: Kindergarten: Tattle-Tales, Tools, Tactics, Triumphs and Tasty Treats for Teachers and Parents and currently No. 2 in Motherhood in Print on Amazon: The Happy Mommy Handbook: The Ultimate How-to Guide on Keeping Your Toddlers and Preschoolers Busy, Out of Trouble and Motivated to Learn. Katie, my co-author from Mommy with Selective Memory, and I are always searching for answers. So if you have a question, please let us know.

What do your children find fascinating outdoors?

Gardening is for the Birds - and Us

I'm seeing a lot of pecks in my tomatoes but have been warned that once a guinea tastes a tomato  - you may not be eating any yourself. Since there is not a grasshopper in sight (also a favorite food of guineas) I'll let them have some and pick a few tomatoes while they are still a little green to take inside.

We are very happy to have squash, zucchini, okra and cucumbers grow in this hot dry Texas climate. We sprout most of our plants from seeds and sprouted beans indoors. If you really want a cheap source of nourishment and protein, consider sprouting beans. Just soak beans in water and rinse everyday for several days. Getting children to eat them may be a different story. Perhaps you can sneak a few in a salad or blend them in the food processor making a cool fruit or veggie drink.