Articles written by Erica Loop

Kids can create a festive Valentine's Day box for school or social holiday activities!

Jan 4, 2010 - Erica Loop

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a party, holiday crafts, fun foods, and much more!

Jan 1, 2010 - Erica Loop

Planning a Valentine's Day party for the daycare or preschool classroom can be simple! This article provides how-to ideas and steps for creating a great holiday for kids.

Dec 29, 2009 - Erica Loop

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a fun card making activity for kids. This article includes ideas and simple how-to steps.

Dec 28, 2009 - Erica Loop

Using art process activities in the preschool classroom is a great way to improve learning and development outcomes.

Dec 26, 2009 - Erica Loop

New Year's Eve activities for kids can be fun and educational. From arts and crafts to current events, family fun can be had for the young and old.

Dec 22, 2009 - Erica Loop

Visiting Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the winter can be an exciting and educational vacation. This article includes recreation ideas for families and children.

Dec 21, 2009 - Erica Loop

Show and shares or show and tells are a popular staple of the preschool classroom. Following the holidays, try a favorite toy themed show and share.

Dec 19, 2009 - Erica Loop

Looking for some fun indoor activities on a chilly winter day? This article provides suggestions for teachers of preschool aged children.

Dec 16, 2009 - Erica Loop

Using recycled items as art materials is a great way to teach children about environmental awareness. This creative activity for kids includes simple how-to steps.

Dec 15, 2009 - Erica Loop

Ring in the new year with a January themed preschool bulletin board! This article contains suggestions and ideas for creating a monthly classroom display.

Dec 12, 2009 - Erica Loop

Turn Christmas tree shopping into a fun and educational activity for kids. This article provides ideas for planning, shopping at farms or lots, and learning experiences.

Dec 11, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create colorful winter themed animal collages in the preschool classroom. This article includes simple how-to steps for early childhood educators.

Dec 11, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a fun butterfly themed art project that includes a basic math lesson for preschoolers.

Dec 10, 2009 - Erica Loop

Volunteering and contributing to charitable organizations is a great way for kids to give back. This article includes ideas and resources for volunteering as a family.

Dec 8, 2009 - Erica Loop

Kids can create crafty Christmas holidays ornaments with only a few basic art materials. Learn about the simple how-to steps.

Dec 6, 2009 - Erica Loop

Using state early learning standards for preschool classroom lesson planning is a great way to influence educational outcomes.

Dec 4, 2009 - Erica Loop

Try this fun and educational indoor art activity for kids and families. Design a home art gallery to display and view special creations.

Dec 2, 2009 - Erica Loop

Painting activities are a great way to engage the imagination of any preschooler. This article contains suggestions for holiday themed Christmas painting projects.

Nov 30, 2009 - Erica Loop

Explore architecture in the preschool classroom! This lesson plan for early childhood educators includes learning objectives, steps, and enrichment activities.

Nov 29, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create cute Santa Claus or Christmas elf hats in the preschool classroom. This lesson plan for early childhood educators contains simple how to steps.

Nov 28, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a family photo collage this holiday season! This craft project makes a great Christmas or Hanukkah gift.

Nov 26, 2009 - Erica Loop

Indoor activities for kids should be fun, interesting, and maybe even educational. This article presents suggestions for family games, crafts, and more.

Nov 25, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create alphabet art with young children. This lesson plan outlines the steps to make letter B themed bugs.

Nov 25, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a Christmas themed color collage in the preschool classroom. This article features simple how to steps for teachers.

Nov 24, 2009 - Erica Loop

Early math skills are important to the young learner. This article contains tips and activities to promote math learning with children.

Nov 23, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create an environmentally friendly art center in the preschool classroom. This article includes tips on designing a green craft area for young children.

Nov 23, 2009 - Erica Loop

There is no doubt that early math skills for preschoolers are important. Discover why math is essential for the young learner and how to develop these skills.

Nov 22, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a December bulletin board in the early childhood classroom using these simple suggestions. Include a winter theme or holidays as a central concept.

Nov 21, 2009 - Erica Loop

This early childhood art lesson plan features steps to create a transportation themed car collage with young children.

Nov 20, 2009 - Erica Loop

Preschoolers can work together to create a colorful Christmas Santa Claus mural. This lesson plan outlines the steps for an early childhood holiday themed art activity.

Nov 19, 2009 - Erica Loop

Recycle worn winter clothing items into art materials. This article outlines steps for creating a Thanksgiving turkey craft using last season's gloves.

Nov 18, 2009 - Erica Loop

Get creative and make Santa Claus Christmas hand puppets in the early childhood classroom. This is a great holiday activity for children in preschool or daycare.

Nov 17, 2009 - Erica Loop

Combine lessons on art and environmental awareness in this fun preschool puppet making activity!

Nov 16, 2009 - Erica Loop

A children's museum can be a wonderful place for a family to learn and have fun together. Often interactive in nature, these museums provide great activities for kids.

Nov 15, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create holiday themed art in the preschool or daycare classroom. This early childhood activity outlines steps to create Thanksgiving Pilgrim hats.

Nov 14, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create colorful autumn themed collages in the preschool classroom! This nature based fall art project is sure to bring out each child's creativity.

Nov 13, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a winter themed holiday art project based on a book by the beloved children's author Eric Carle. This preschool lesson plan has ties to literacy, math, and nature.

Nov 12, 2009 - Erica Loop

Christmas movies are a great way to help celebrate the holidays. This article contains a list of favorite family films.

Nov 11, 2009 - Erica Loop

This early childhood lesson plan contains steps to create a multimedia letter M art project. Use this preschool activity with an alphabet or outdoors unit.

Nov 10, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a finger paint print Santa in the preschool classroom. This early childhood lesson plan outlines a Christmas themed holiday activity.

Nov 9, 2009 - Erica Loop

Art lessons in the preschool classroom are a fun way to introduce new concepts. This article outlines a self-portrait themed activity for young children.

Nov 8, 2009 - Erica Loop

Plan a fun and entertaining holiday party in the preschool classroom. Create a memorable Christmas or Hanukkah celebration for children with these simple suggestions.

Nov 7, 2009 - Erica Loop

Reading Christmas themed books together as a family can become a great holiday tradition. This article includes suggestions for reading books to young children.

Nov 6, 2009 - Erica Loop

Indoor activities do not have to be boring. Activities such as museum visits, performing arts productions, sports, crafts and more can be fun for kids of all ages.

Nov 5, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create colorful Thanksgiving turkey hand print paintings in the preschool classroom! This lesson plan encourages the young child to explore the artistic process.

Nov 4, 2009 - Erica Loop

Plan a Thanksgiving party in the preschool classroom for a very special holiday! Start with a special child made invitation, and plan fun activities and a healthy menu.

Nov 3, 2009 - Erica Loop

This holiday craft activity for families and kids is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Design artistic turkey place setting cards for the entire family.

Nov 2, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a holiday themed craft in the early childhood classroom this fall. This article provides steps to create a Thanksgiving turkey art project with preschoolers.

Nov 1, 2009 - Erica Loop

Turn a fun family project into a useful tool to organize after school activities, appointments, parties and more! This article explains how to create a family calendar.

Nov 1, 2009 - Erica Loop

Parent-child programs and classes are not only for families with toddlers or preschoolers. Elementary school aged children can also benefit from these activities.

Oct 25, 2009 - Erica Loop

Falling leaves are a sure sign of autumn. This preschool activity introduces young children to art through a colorful fall theme.

Oct 23, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a fun family art center at home. Choose a room and fill child sized shelves with creative art materials to explore.

Oct 22, 2009 - Erica Loop

Free information on parenting and child development is easy to find. This article offers suggestions on where to find educational materials on children and families.

Oct 16, 2009 - Erica Loop

Early literacy skills are crucial to the preschool aged child. This winter, try reading a snow themed book in the early childhood classroom.

Oct 16, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a cool paper tent that is perfect for a pre-camping family activity. This art project will introduce young children to basic art and outdoors concepts.

Oct 14, 2009 - Erica Loop

Introduce a young child to the world of camping by reading an outdoors themed book. This article suggests children's camping books for young readers.

Oct 13, 2009 - Erica Loop

Preshool teachers can create a season or holiday themed November bulletin board in the early childhood classroom. Use simple craft materials or child made artwork.

Oct 11, 2009 - Erica Loop

Halloween is a great time to try a new craft in the early childhood classroom. This lesson plan details how to make a Halloween ghost puppet with preschoolers.

Oct 10, 2009 - Erica Loop

Early childhood educators can help preschool aged children to create this fun, fall themed art project. The autumn leaf puppet is a great way to inspire dramatic play.

Oct 8, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create cool pumpkin paintings as a family for a special Halloween activity. This art project is a great way to include young children in the fun!

Oct 7, 2009 - Erica Loop

Art museum family visits are a fun indoor kids activity. Elementary school aged children can learn and be inspired by the works of art viewed.

Oct 3, 2009 - Erica Loop

Make a fun autumn themed craft as a family. The fall leaf wreath activity is a great seasonal project that children and parents can enjoy.

Oct 1, 2009 - Erica Loop

Enjoy the beauty of nature during this fall season through a fun family game! The fall leaf shape sorting activity will entertain and educate children of all ages.

Oct 1, 2009 - Erica Loop

Finger painting in the toddler classroom is a fun learning activity! This lesson plan for young children lists ideas for creating colorful, textured works of art.

Sep 28, 2009 - Erica Loop

This preschool art lesson will introduce the young child to Vincent Van Gogh's painting The Starry Night through art viewing and a water chalk drawing of the night sky.

Sep 25, 2009 - Erica Loop

A family trip to the museum or a fun arts and crafts activity can be enhanced by reading an art themed book first. Learn about artists, museums, art process and more!

Sep 22, 2009 - Erica Loop

Reading books with young children is key to developing early literacy skills. Greet fall with a selection of autumn and Halloween themed children's books.

Sep 21, 2009 - Erica Loop

This simple shape themed early childhood classroom lesson is a great way to integrate art into the curriculum. Try this activity with preschoolers or older toddlers.

Sep 21, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a lasting family memory by attending fun fall events. This article provides suggestions for activities such as fall festivals, foliage walks, and pumpkin picking.

Sep 20, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create family fun while making this unique craft keepsake box. This article outlines project steps for a very special children's activity.

Sep 20, 2009 - Erica Loop

Halloween parties are a great family activity! Invite grandparents, friends from school, or neighbors with child made invitations for a night of holiday themed fun.

Sep 19, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a special time together by participating in a parent-child class. This article provides ideas on different types of programs for moms, dads, and kids.

Sep 19, 2009 - Erica Loop

Learn about the season of fall and the artistic process of print making in this fun early childhood activity.

Sep 14, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a cat collage based on the Dr. Seuss book The Cat in the Hat. This early childhood art activity is sure to become a classroom favorite!

Sep 13, 2009 - Erica Loop

Introduce oil pastel art to the young child in the preschool classroom. Create process based art that ties into themes such as color recognition or famous artists.

Sep 12, 2009 - Erica Loop

Returning to work for a stay-at-home parent can be stressful. This article provides simple crafts and other ideas to help make the back to work transition easier.

Sep 7, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a great Halloween party by planning fun, educational activities. This article includes ideas for Halloween crafts, games, and more in the preschool classroom.

Sep 7, 2009 - Erica Loop

Plan for a spooky Halloween party in the preschool or daycare classroom. Teachers can learn how to create a fun filled holiday event for children and parents to enjoy.

Sep 6, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create a Halloween themed bulletin board in the preschool or day care classroom for the fall season. This article provides simple steps for making a pumpkin patch board.

Sep 5, 2009 - Erica Loop

Color recognition skills are important to build during the early childhood years. Creative color themed art projects are a great addition to a preschool lesson plan.

Sep 1, 2009 - Erica Loop

Effective early childhood lesson plans are key to any preschool or child care program. Teachers can use a variety of education resources to write classroom activities.

Aug 29, 2009 - Erica Loop

Dr. Seuss is one of the most beloved children's authors of all time. Celebrate the book Green Eggs and Ham with this fun preschool art project!

Aug 27, 2009 - Erica Loop

Early literacy skill development is key to the preschool classroom. This alphabet based art activity will help to build letter and sound recognition skills.

Aug 25, 2009 - Erica Loop

Early childhood art programs are a great way to introduce basic art making and viewing techniques to young children, but can be a challenge for the museum based educator.

Aug 23, 2009 - Erica Loop

Add an art activity to any fall or Halloween themed unit in the preschool classroom. This lesson plan details the steps used to create a pumpkin sculpture.

Aug 22, 2009 - Erica Loop

Use colorful sequins and glitter to turn plain cardboard boxes into treasured works of art. This lesson plan is perfect for a fun treasure hunt day.

Aug 20, 2009 - Erica Loop

A treasure hunt can be an exciting way to learn about any preschool classroom. Young children can learn about map reading in this very special activity.

Aug 20, 2009 - Erica Loop

Create an atmosphere of comfort and fun on the first day of preschool. This article provides examples of activities that can be used to help the transition.

Aug 19, 2009 - Erica Loop

Feelings and emotions are a constant in everyday life. Use this fun art making activity to build emotional recognition skills in the early childhood classroom.

Aug 17, 2009 - Erica Loop

The decision to stay at home with a baby or young child is difficult. This article provides some common sense guidelines for changing spending habits.

Aug 17, 2009 - Erica Loop

Preschoolers can print plentiful painted pumpkins this fall. Use this lesson plan on its own as a fun art activity, or combine it with a season themed unit.

Aug 17, 2009 - Erica Loop

This article provides basic ideas and steps for creating a fall bulletin board in the preschool classroom.

Aug 14, 2009 - Erica Loop

This article outlines a basic structure for creating an arts based lesson plan for early childhood educators.

Aug 2, 2009 - Erica Loop

The Time Machine lesson plan can be a fun treat for children from preschool through middle school. Try this plan with art, history, geography, or social studies units.

Jul 25, 2009 - Erica Loop

Communicating with parents is an important job for the early childhood educator. This article discusses multiple ways to build parental involvement through communication.

Jul 19, 2009 - Erica Loop

The back to school transition can be an exciting, yet sometimes difficult, time. Make it fun with a colorful, welcoming classroom bulletin board!

Jul 19, 2009 - Erica Loop

This article outlines how to have a preschool class help to create a summer themed bulletin board.

Jul 16, 2009 - Erica Loop

The preschool classroom is an excellent place to begin a life long love for books. This article focuses on how to connect reading with art making activities.

Jul 4, 2009 - Erica Loop

Prepare for July 4th with this fun preschool art activity. Get out the paints and let the children create their own imaginative art firework display!

Jun 27, 2009 - Erica Loop