"And when the sun dips out of sight

We'll cozy up together by the fireside"

It Snowed by Meaghan Smith

Hi Reader,

November is a unique month because there are a ton of days off school. Despite this, you'll still have to work many of those days (either at the office OR on a huge Thanksgiving meal).

But with the weather cooling off (who got snow last night?) and season of winter crafts beginning, you'll need to get creative to keep your kiddos occupied.

🎨Here's 3 teacher approved crafts your child (2nd grade and up) can do independently:

1. Thanksgiving Table Cards​
Add some charm to your holiday table! Kids can make decorative labels for dishes or place cards for guests using cardstock, markers, and a sprinkle of creativity. Encourage them to try fun fonts, tiny doodles, or festive borders.

2. Homemade Gift Tags​
Upcycle old holiday cards or scraps of cardstock into adorable gift tags! Kids can cut out shapes, decorate with stickers or washi tape, and punch a hole for ribbon. It’s quick, creative, and adds a personal touch to every present.

3. Kindness Countdown Chain​
Swap the usual candy calendar for a kindness countdown! Kids can write small acts of kindness (like “compliment someone” or “make a thank-you note”) on colorful paper strips, decorate them, and link them into a chain. They’ll tear off one link each day to countdown to Thanksgiving. Repeat again in December!

What's New?

👋 Come on out!: Debating between two schools? Come to the Kindergarten School Talk Workshop and I'll help you figure it out. Next one is this Wednesday 11/12 and a new date in Matthews Sunday 11/23

📺 On TV: Last week I appeared on QC Life, you can watch the segment here.

📖 Published!: My article in Charlotte Parent went live last week. Read it here​

Last week was crazy- a workshop, article published, appeared on the news, and story time. Every day had a new unique experience. After a hectic (but wonderful) week, it was the perfect time to get back to basics with a visit to my grandmother. I braved the airport (I got lucky and had a smooth flight both ways) and went to Indiana. We got surprise snow and enjoyed a cozy weekend watching the flurries.

Things I Love FUND

This week I'm focusing in on Fundraisers- want yours included? I'll be doing another round up at the end of the month. Respond to this

🍎 Spoil those teachers!: The teachers at Garringer High School work their butts off! The teachers at this high need school deserve a holiday gift. Buy a shirt or donate to give them a holiday party this year!

🌯 Feed America: No kids deserves to go hungry, but with SNAP benefits frozen, many families in America are worried about much more than Thanksgiving dinner. Consider a monthly donation to help this charity keep the meals coming all year long.

Got a fundraiser? Send it in!

See you at an upcoming workshop 🩷