A Very Merry Tomie DePaola Christmas--Holiday Children's Literature Party Planner

Looking for ideas for an around the world Christmas party? How about multicultural Christmas lesson plans? Why not use this holiday planner from Tomie DePaola books. Tomie is one of the world's best loved artists and children's authors. Mr. DePaola admits that he loves Christmas and it shows in the holiday magic he imbues in his stories and art. We were fortunate to meet him in person. He's funny, warm and articulate. Here's Tomie DePaola's Christmas collection. I've included DePaola books on saints whose feast days fall in Advent and Christmas season. Read more

Best Book Gifts from Scholastic Top 100 Children's Literature Picks

Children's literature mogul Scholastic came out with a "bucket list" of must-read kids' books in its most recent issue of Parent & Child Magazine, says the Sun Times. Here's a look at the recommendations listed in their "100 Greatest Books for Kids."

* According to Scholastic Parent, they created the list to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the National Education Association's "Read Across America Day" on March 2. That day also commemorates the birthday of beloved children's author and illustrator Dr. Seuss (a.k.a. Theodore "Ted" Giesel). Read more

Best Black Friday Toy Picks from Parent Gurus

Written for Christmas, 2011, these were the top toy picks for last year. The good news is that for 2012, you'll be able to pick up good deals on these. Some are educational and some are just plain fun. With Black Friday this week, parenting gurus are exploring toys and creating shopping recommendations. It has asked kids to test and evaluate various toys. Parents look not just for low prices but also lots of educational bang for their toy-buying buck. Here are the top picks.

*My Keepon: A voice-activated, motion-sensitive interactive doll that looks like a baby chicken, it's also squishy-soft. This toy is popular with sixth graders of both genders. Read more

Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress-Induced Relationship Problems

Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress-Induced Relationship Problems It's one of life's enigmas; the winter holiday season, which is supposed to bring the greatest joy, sometimes causes more feelings of depression and anxiety. Relationships and marriages, says family therapist Rachel Sussman, often suffer holiday-related setbacks. Here's a look at holiday relationship issues, with some first-hand advice about ways to cope. This advice comes from 25 years of married life: our successes, our epic fails and lessons learned from them. Read on

Free Printable Winter Season Lessons, Activities

The winter season is a popular theme in preschool and early elementary. In science, the winter season makes an ideal focus for chemistry, physics, earth and life science topics. In social studies, students might explore winter-specific holidays and religious celebrations, like Yule, Saturnalia and the December solstice. Concepts are adaptable across different curricula: writing, math, reading, literature, art and crafts. Here are free printable winter season activities. Most are interactive, hands-on project-type activities. Perfect for many ages and grade levels. Great for special needs learners, too. Read more

Free Printable Folded Paper Christmas Ornaments and Decorations

Need some educational Christmas crafts? How about free printable cut-and-paste and folded-paper holiday decorations? Kids can practice math, measurement and fine motor skills while creating lovely, festive decor. These activities are perfect for elementary and middle school math classes, homeschool and winter vacation fun. With some assistance, these crafts will work with disabled students and preschoolers. Senior citizens will love them, too. Read more 

Cyber Monday: Make Online Shopping Work for You

Cyber Monday: the biggest online shopping event of the holiday season. After the post-Thanksgiving Black Friday shopping spree, we can enjoy the safer and more peaceful online shopping of Cyber Monday. But even online shopping can be challenging. Every store and merchandiser is vying for your shopping dollar. They ply you with coupons, free shipping and "great deals." How do you navigate the ocean of internet commerce? Here's your shopper's guide to Cyber Monday deals. Read more

Skips the Cellphone Apps, Games for Kids this Season

Popular items for the holiday shopping season are cellphone games and applications for children. Education and health experts say parents should skip all apps. Developmentally, they say, kids need unstructured, creative play, not games like those played on a tiny, digital screen. Here are facts about kids and cellphone apps. Cellphone apps are being used as the new "plug-in babysitter," too. All this digital interaction may hurting kids, not helping them. Read more

Free Barbie Doll and Tawny Horse Set with $15 Purchase

Check your local retail store toy department for "Free Barbie Doll & Tawny Horse" offer. So far, I've seen it at Meijer (in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois) and Big Lots. It may be at Walmart, Target, Costco and Toys R Us, too. Here's how to get it:

* Spend $15 on Barbie products (from the toy department only) and you'll get a coupon for a free doll and horse set ($19.99 value) like the one shown at the left. Products can be clearance and sale items.

* Mail: The original sales receipt (s) with products purchased between 10/1/11-12/31/11 (look for receipts on Barbie products you've already bought). Be sure to get a gift receipt.

* The coupon, available at purchase.

* The UPC codes on the product (if giving as a gift, just cut the code away from the package.)

* $3 check for S/H

Mail to the address on the coupon. Mine says Meijer Free Barbie Doll and Tawny Horse Promotion, P.O. Box 1229, Aurora N.Y. 14052. (Different stores may have different addresses). Must be postmarked by 1/15/12.

Free Printable Coloring Page Manger Scene Nativity Set

Are you looking for great Bible, religious and Christmas crafts for little ones? Here is a free printable nativity scene with cut and paste coloring pages to make a complete manger scene using paper towel tubes. Catholic Icing is a nifty mom-made website for young and old. Lacy designs some beautiful coloring pages for children. She's really outdone herself on this advent nativity scene craft. She created eight coloring pages that you can click and print directly from her blog. Each page features different characters from the nativity scene. Read more