I recently shared some of my favorite toddler books and series. You can check that out here: Favorite Toddler Books. I thought I would continue sharing some of my favorite items for my son. Today I wanted to share some educational materials that we have loved and been using non stop. Stay tuned for other items!

What is your child loving right now? I would love to check it out!

Puzzles

We love puzzles and have a block of our day that is dedicated to puzzles and books. I like to have variety to continuously switch things up and make it fun. I have really enjoyed the Melissa and Doug brand. We use the ladybug letters and alphabet puzzle in our letter lessons, so we tend to do other puzzles during our “puzzle time” to have some variety. Here are are few of our favorites!

Ladybug Upper/Lower Case: Ladybug Letters

Alphabet: Upper & Lower Case

Who Am I: Who Am I?

Alphabet Materials

We have been doing alphabet lessons and using different materials throughout those. Here are some materials I like to use to reinforce letters (in addition to puzzles). You can also check out how I introduced the alphabet below!

Popsicle Letters: Upper & Lower Case

Bath Letters (uppercase): Bath Letters

Magnetic Letters (lowercase): Magnetic Letters

Sheet Protectors: Dry Erase Pocket Sleeve

Number/Counting Materials:

We have also been doing number lessons and using different materials to reinforce number identification and counting. Here are the materials I like to use for those lessons. You can also check out how I am teaching my son below!

Bath Numbers: Bath Numbers

Puzzle: Number Matching

Bears: Bear Manipulative

Letter/Sound Introduction Lessons:

Number/Counting Introduction Lessons:

 

Hope everyone is staying healthy and safe!

Blessings,

Jac

I don’t know about you, but I love having a sweet treat after dinner. I have always had a sweet tooth and have enjoyed finding ways to make things cleaner/healthier over the years. There are so many amazing recipes and options out there that make you feel satisfied while curbing your sweet tooth. Here are some of my favorite go tos!

What are you loving right now? I would love to try it!

1.PB Yogurt 

Vanilla Greek Yogurt, PB, Honey, Vanilla Extract, Dark Chocolate Chips, Sea Salt (measurements to your liking/taste)

 

2. Halo Ice Cream & Chocolate Chips

1/2 of ice cream sprinkled with chocolate chips (microwave 12 seconds to soften before scooping) 

 

3. Baked/Home Good

This depends what we make, but there are so many good recipes out there with cleaner ingredients!

PB Cookies: 1 egg, 1 cup PB, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/4 tsp salt, 3/4 cup sugar (350 degrees for 12-14 min)

PB Balls:  2 TBSP honey, 2/3 cup PB, 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/2 cup ground flax seed

 

Blessings,

Jac

If you know me personally, you know I write in a gratitude journal each morning. It is something I started last year that has been extremely beneficial for my mindset and perspective. I am able to immediately start my day in a positive head space focused on the good around me…even throughout a difficult season. It makes me feel grounded and helps me place my energy towards the things I am thankful for.

I wanted to share some of the things I am focusing on during this strange and anxious time in case it feels like there aren’t many things to be thankful for. I would love to know anything you are focusing on!

1. I am so grateful for my health. My body continues to provide for me and works easily and effortlessly on its own.
2. I am grateful for the health and safety of our loved ones and God’s protection over them during this time.
3. I am grateful for relationships and people.
4. I am grateful to wake up every day feeling good and the ability to put one foot in front of the other.
5. I am grateful to be able to move and strengthen this amazing vehicle I am given.
6. I am grateful to spend this time with my husband and son. What a gift it is to spend my days with people I love.
7. I am grateful for a beautiful home. I am blessed to be able to live here and stay safe while others are on the front lines.
8. I am grateful for ALL of my needs met each and every day. I am never without food, water, shelter.
9. I am grateful to be able to eat healthy food and drink clean water.
10. I am grateful for my groceries being delivered directly to my door and the ability to use technology for my benefit.
11. I am grateful for abundance in the day to day….from plumbing, electricity, air/heat, internet, cable, etc.
12. I am grateful for technology and being able to stay informed and connected to others.
13. I am grateful for my husbands job and continued income for our family.
14. I am grateful for financial security our family has been diligent in saving and creating.
15. I am grateful to continue working from home and connecting with others around the world.
16. I am grateful for all our leaders and front line workers who are working day in and day out.
17. I am grateful for all the entertainment at our fingertips….books, puzzles, toys, games, TV, etc.
18. I am grateful for nice weather and fresh air.
19. I am grateful for the reminder of what is important and what to focus on.
20. I am grateful that God is in control and has a bigger and better plan that is more than I could imagine.

 

Additional Wellness Posts: 5 Daily Healthy Habits, Wellness Habits 2019, How I Practice Gratitude, Getting Back Into A Wellness Routine

 

Blessings,

Jac