Growing Luffa Sponges with Kids

Growing a garden with kids is super rewarding. I love seeing them get excited about finding a new tomato that's ripe or eating strawberries or peas fresh off the plant. They learn so much from gardening as well as get nourishment from it. It's amazing to watch kids try new things they would never try before.

I love growing unusual things with my kids because it's interesting, I learn a ton, and it's conversation inspiring as they teach other people what they have learned about growing things.

Did you know that luffas actually grow on a vine? They are a gourd. Yes, those sponges that you buy in spa packages actually can be grown in your back yard if you have plenty of hot days in the summer where you live.

You can grow luffas with your daycare kids and have a super fun learning experience for yourself and the families you serve. All you need is a tiny seed.

Click here to see more about how to grow luffa with kids in your children's garden.

Just a quick thought...

Many of you have decided to reopen your daycare at the start of this month. Many of you have never closed, and a big handful of you are just getting started. No matter your position, I bet you are feeling a bit nervous for many reasons and rightfully so. Upon arrival, you are taking the temperature of the children each day, making sure they are practicing social distancing while at care, washing their hands frequently, being creative as you teach, cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing 10 times more than normal, on top of all of the normal chaos that you deal with on a day to day basis when it comes to having childcare. The best advice we can give you during this time is to BREATHE. Go ahead and do it. No matter where you are, stop, close your eyes and take in a DEEP breath and then release. Felt good, didn't it?! One day at a time is all you can do during this time. Here is an exercise I want you to try: I want you to visualize just one day in your program. I mean really sit there and picture how you want it to go from the time parents drop kids off until the time parents pick their kids up. Journal what you visualize and in doing so you will begin to SEE what you need to implement to make your day go by smoother. This type of visualization may seem a bit much, but I believe it will do wonders for you and help you to get organized during these crazy times. If you decide to try, let me know how it goes for you!

Planning Daycare Activities

Another great blog from Christina Kamp for those that are looking to tips on saving time planning daycare activities.

​Check it out!