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Exploring Dinosaurs Through Books, Art, Stickers, & STEM Play
From bestselling author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky, Dinosaurs: Exploring Prehistoric Life and Geological Time is an incredible resource for young dinosaur lovers and curious learners alike. Beautifully illustrated and filled with fascinating facts, maps, infographics, and scientific discoveries, the book takes readers on a journey through more than 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history, from the earliest life forms to the age of dinosaurs and beyond. Through engaging vi
1 day ago2 min read


Invitation to Explore a Flowing River Habitat Through Play
After learning about rivers, river habitats, and the animals that call them home, the children were invited to create their own flowing river world filled with opportunities for imaginative play, engineering, storytelling, and sensory exploration. Using the beautifully designed Explore Nook™ Water Way & Mill Kit and Plastic Water Channeling Guttering from Discount School Supply, children worked together to design winding waterways, build bridges and pathways, and experiment w
2 days ago2 min read


The Quiet Ocean Small World Play
After reading The Quiet Ocean written by Charlotte Offsay and illustrated by Abi Cushman, we were inspired to explore the beauty, wonder, and interconnectedness of life beneath the sea. This playful and beautifully illustrated story begins with one tiny “pop” from a curious pufferfish that sets off a humorous chain reaction throughout the ocean. As the sea creatures experience an increasingly noisy and chaotic day, the story gently introduces themes of cause and effect, commu
4 days ago2 min read


Fizzing Discoveries: Exploring Chemistry Like Marie Curie
Marie Curie is best known for her groundbreaking research on radioactivity and for discovering the elements polonium and radium. A trailblazer in science, she became the first person ever to win two Nobel Prizes, one in Physics and one in Chemistry. Her curiosity, perseverance, and passion for discovery changed the world of science forever and continue to inspire generations of young learners today. After reading a story about her life and achievements, the children were invi
May 222 min read


STEM Invitation: Build the Beauty of Golestan Palace
Last week, I created a STEM invitation for my son’s school multicultural event. It became such a meaningful and engaging experience that we’ve continued exploring it at home. Watching children immerse themselves in the beauty, creativity, and architecture of Golestan Palace, while also sharing and celebrating a place special to our culture through hands-on play, made this invitation truly unforgettable. This STEM invitation invites children to design, build, and engineer th
May 202 min read


When You Find The Right Rock
When You Find the Right Rock by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by @felicita.sala, is a lyrical & heartfelt picture book that celebrates the quiet magic of nature & the special bond children can form with the world around them. Through gentle, poetic storytelling & richly expressive illustrations, the book explores how something as simple as a rock can become a source of comfort, wonder, imagination, & belonging. It encourages young readers to slow down, observe closely, & discover
May 182 min read


Invitation to Explore: How Light Makes a Rainbow
After reading Light Makes a Rainbow by Sharon Coan, we were inspired to look beyond the beauty of a rainbow and uncover the science behind it. This engaging read introduces children to concepts like light waves, energy, and prisms, showing that sunlight, though it appears white, is actually made up of many colors. When sunlight passes through tiny water droplets, it slows down and bends (refraction), spreads into different colors, reflects inside the droplet, and bends again
May 61 min read


For A Teacher Who Gives Wings
Had the honor of decorating my son’s 1st grade teacher’s door to kick off Teacher Appreciation Week ! During Back-to-School Night at the beginning of the year, I was completely in awe of her classroom library, it was truly one of the most magical spaces I’ve ever seen. Every detail felt intentional, inviting, & filled with a deep love for learning & reading. It instantly left an impression on me. From that moment, I knew I wanted to find a meaningful way to celebrate that mag
May 41 min read


Claude Monet STEM Invitation: Water Lilies & The Japanese Bridge
For this invitation, we explored the works of Claude Monet by reading The Magical Garden of Claude Monet and Meet Claude Monet. We also shared an image of his famous Japanese Water Lilies painting to spark curiosity and inspire the children’s building experience. Using STEM as our approach, we transformed the painting into a hands-on learning invitation by setting up our Discount School Supply Tuff Tray with black and white Cosy Direct Ones, Plastic Water Channeling Guttering
May 12 min read


40 & In Full Bloom
I had the absolute privilege of creating the invitations for my delicate flower bestie Justine’s milestone 40th birthday celebration. She had a vision of elegance, beauty, and blooms everywhere—and she brought it to life so effortlessly. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, making this celebration feel like stepping into a dreamy garden party. From beautiful florals by @bloomandboard_bydanielle to hands-on activities, every moment was designed to make guests feel part of th
Apr 291 min read


Construction Site: Firefight! Small World Play
Construction Site: Firefight! by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by A.G. Ford, brings a thrilling new adventure to the beloved Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series. In this 2026 release, familiar construction vehicles team up with a crew of brave firefighting trucks when powerful winds knock down electric lines and spark a dangerous blaze. As the night unfolds, Fire Engine, Foam Truck, Water Tender, and their heroic crew join forces with their construction site fr
Apr 242 min read


2 Ways to Paint on the 2-Way Easel
Easel painting offers children a unique, full-body creative experience that goes beyond traditional tabletop art. Standing at an easel encourages proper posture, engages core muscles, and allows for broader arm movements, which helps develop gross motor skills and coordination. The vertical surface also supports visual tracking and hand-eye coordination, making it easier for children to control brush strokes and explore different painting techniques with confidence. Beyond th
Apr 232 min read


Inviting to Create Poppies Inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe
Georgia O'Keeffe, a pioneering female artist known for her bold, close-up paintings of flowers. O’Keeffe often painted flowers on a much larger scale, encouraging viewers to slow down and truly observe the beauty and details found in nature. Her famous poppy paintings are a beautiful example of how she transformed a simple flower into a vibrant and immersive work of art. To inspire the children, we looked at images of her poppy paintings, poppy flowers in a vase, and discusse
Apr 161 min read


Mini Infinity Rooms Inspired by Yayoi Kusama
We stepped into a world where space stretches endlessly and reflections linger, unfolding into infinity. Inspired by the luminous work of Yayoi Kusama, the Infinity Mirror Rooms transcend traditional art experiences. First introduced in 1965, these immersive environments use mirrors, light, and repetition to dissolve boundaries, blurring the line between self and surroundings. Rooted in Kusama’s exploration of infinity, self-obliteration, and interconnectedness, the rooms inv
Apr 152 min read


Creating 3D Mushrooms Inspired by Yayoi Kusama
As part of exploring influential women in art, we introduced the children to Yayoi Kusama, a renowned artist known for her bold colors and signature polka dots. Yayoi Kusama’s artwork often features mushrooms, which she transforms into whimsical, dreamlike forms covered with her signature repeating dots and patterns. Inspired by nature, her mushroom paintings explore ideas of repetition and infinity, turning simple, familiar shapes into vibrant and playful works of art that i
Mar 241 min read


Inviting Children to Explore Yayoi Kusama’s Obliteration
As part of exploring influential women in art, we introduced the children to Yayoi Kusama, a groundbreaking artist known around the world for her bold use of color, repetition, and her iconic polka dots. Kusama has spent decades creating immersive installations, paintings, and sculptures that transform everyday spaces into vibrant works of art. Her work often explores the idea that small repeated elements like dots can grow and spread until they completely transform an object
Mar 232 min read


Invitation to Paint While Listening to The One & Only Googoosh
The picture book The One & Only Googoosh tells the inspiring story of Googoosh, one of Iran’s most beloved performers. She began singing at a very young age alongside her father and grew into a national superstar known for her voice, style, and influence. At the height of her fame, the Iranian Revolution of 1979 forced her into silence, preventing her from performing for over two decades. Despite this, her music continued to live on in the hearts of fans around the world,
Mar 181 min read


Chaharshanbe Soori: Lighting the Way to a Bright New Year!
Happy Chaharshanbe Soori! The Persian Festival of Fire marks the start of the Nowruz celebrations, bringing warmth, light, and a fresh start. On this special day, usually a Tuesday or Wednesday, you might see bonfires in public spaces, alleys, in front of homes, and sometimes parks. Jumping over the flames is a symbolic act: letting go of pain, worry, unhappiness, and sickness, while welcoming health, light, and joy. Children join in the celebration by singing traditional son
Mar 171 min read


Nowruz and the Goldfish: Celebrating New Life Through Play
Nowruz, meaning “New Day” in Persian culture, has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. Marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature, Nowruz promotes values of peace, solidarity across generations, family togetherness, reconciliation, and neighborliness. It’s a tradition that nurtures cultural diversity and friendship among communities. During Nowruz, families set a Haftsin table featuring seven symbolic items representing life, health, happiness, prosperity, j
Mar 161 min read


Invitation to Create Just Like Ruth Asawa
I n honor of Women’s History Month , we invited the children to create like artist Ruth Asawa , a Japanese American sculptor whose work celebrated curiosity, nature, and the joy of making things by hand. Asawa was known for her intricate sculptures made from galvanized wire, stone, and bronze. Her organic, nest-like forms were inspired by traditional Mexican basket-weaving techniques she observed during a trip to Mexico. Her work shows how simple materials can be transforme
Mar 132 min read
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