2010/02/27
5 Simple Ways To Make The Easter Holiday More Delightful For Children And Adults
2009/09/12
Grandparents Day Directory: Grandparents Day Poems and More
Grandparents Day has been celebrated by grandparents and grandchildren together on the first Sunday after Labor Day in September since 1978. Are you looking for grandparent poems and fun things for grandparents and grandchildren to do on Grandparents Day? Do you need some last minute ideas for Grandparents Day such as handprint poems and handmade gifts? Since Grandparents Day is almost here, that doesn’t leave much time so I’ve searched through my website to put together a Grandparents Day Directory to help you find grandparent poems for grandma and granddad, grandparent and grandchildren activities whether near or far, and some easy homemade gift ideas for the grandkids to make. Happy Grandparents Day!
Quick and Easy Grandparents Day Gift from Grandchildren
Here is a quick and easy Grandparents Day gift for the grandparents:
- choose one of the grandparent poems with your child
- copy and paste into Word – change font, size, color as desired
- glue photos of the grandchildren around the poem
- place the poem page in an attractive frame
- gift wrap it in a bright and cheery gift bag with a homemade heart card (see below)
Grandparents never have enough photos of their grandchildren. This gift is something they can enjoy every day they aren’t visiting with their granchildren.
Suggest to the grandparents that they do the same so the grandchildren will feel connected to them, especially if they aren’t able to visit often.
Grandparent Poems for Grandparents Day
- A Poem for My Grandpa
- Grandfathers Are Fathers Who Are Grand
- What Makes a GrandDad Grand
- Grandmother Hugs and Grandmother Kisses
- Walk a Little Slower, Granddad
- Nana and Granddad Poem
- 3 Poems for Grandfathers
- A Grandfather Means
- What is a Granddad
- Grandfather, You Are Special To Me
- 7 Poems for Grandparents
- 8 Grandmother Poems
- Thank you, Grandpa
- My Grandmother and I
Grandparents Day Activities and Handmade Gifts (for any day)
- Grandparents Day Activities
- Grandchildren’s Handprint Poem Activities
- The Legacy Project: Grandparents Day Activity Kit
- Grandparents Day Keepsake Photo Book (get some ideas and create your own using a photo scrapbook)
- 4 Grandfather’s Handprint Gifts
- 10 Grandchildren Handprint Poems for Grandparents
- Grandchildren and Grandparents Together: Gifts to Make for Grandmother
- Grandparents and Grandchildren Together: Create Your Family Tree
- Gifts for Grandparents and Grandchildren: Photo Puzzle and Poem
- Grandparents and Grandchildren Together: Nana’s Carrot Cake Recipe
- Grandparents and Grandchildren Together: Handmade Gifts for Grandmother from Grandchildren
- Handmade Heart Cards
- Give the Gift of An Experience
Distance Grandparenting: Ways to Visit on Grandparents Day (or any day)
- Video Calls with Grandparents and Grandchildren
- New Fun, Interactive Website for Grandparents and Grandchildren Together
- Grandparents and Grandchildren Together: Get Closer with Eyejot!
- Digital Distance Grandparents: Just a Click Away
- Teddy Bear Day (activities to do together via video calls)
NYTimes Article (Grandma’s on the Computer Screen) on Distance Grandparenting with Video Calls (quotes Nana)
2009/08/11
15 Nursery Rhymes and Poems for Teddy Bear Day
Teddy Bear Day
Teddy Bear Day is one of the September Holidays celebrated by both the young and the old(er). So many of us have had a Teddy Bear as a close childhood friend and confidant. Perhaps, some of us still do?
As parents and grandparents, a Teddy Bear is often one of the first gifts we give to our newborns to offer comfort, to cuddle up to in that big spacious crib…or as a friend a gift of celebration to a child, grandchild or loved one for a special occasion…or again, comfort for those in need of cheering. I think Teddy Bears are adorable and irresistible.
How to Celebrate Teddy Bear Day
Teddy Bear Day is held on September 9 every year. Many pre-schools create thematic units around the special day. It’s a lot of fun and gets the kids excited about learning.
To celebrate Teddy Bear Day in school, children are asked to bring in their favorite Teddy Bears to spend the day with them in school. Reading, Math, Art, Music, and Circle Time activities are all planned around the Teddy Bears joining their friends in class.
You can celebrate Teddy Bear Day at home or at a distance with your child or grandchild, too. Here are some suggestions for activities:
At Home
- Teddy Bear Tea Party: Invite friends and their Teddy Bears by designing invitations, planning the menu, and preparing the refreshments together (cooking skills, following directions, creativity, organization and social skills)
- Teddy Bear Nursery Rhyme or Story: Create a nursery rhyme (a rhymed tale for children) or story using familiar objects and places (vocabulary, writing and reading skills, imagination)
- Read, sing, and act out Teddy Bear nursery rhymes and songs found below… (rhythm, reading, creativity, performing arts)
- Write a letter from your Teddy Bear to your child or grandchild’s Teddy Bear asking for a play date. Have the child write back with ideas on what to do on the play date…and your Teddy writes back…and it’s a date!
At a Distance using a WebCam
- Hold a Teddy Bear Tea Party for 4 or more – you and your Teddy and your grandchild(ren) and Teddy(s)
- Create a Teddy Bear story together – type it as you go, then email it to your grandchild(ren)
- Plan to read the same Teddy Bear book together or teach your grandchild the Teddy Bear nursery rhymes found below (email a copy first)
- If don’t have a WebCam on both computers, then send a letter from your Teddy Bear to your grandchild’s telling about his favorite things. Everyone loves receiving surprises in the mail! Be sure to have your Teddy Bear ask your grandchild’s Teddy Bear to write back.
Since most nursery rhymes have simple vocabulary and a catchy beat, children are easily drawn to listening to them. Because they are fun, children want to participate in reciting them, too. Once they learn the words to the nursery rhymes, let them follow the words with you. Do this with beginning story books, too. They will soon want learn to read.
Teddy Bear Nursery Rhymes and Poems
Hug a Bear
Do you have a moment please
To give this bear just one small squeeze?
Cuz teddy bears need hugs to live…
So don’t you have just one to give?
~ Author Unknown ~
Bear Hugs
If you like I can give you
A big bear hug.
It will make you feel snug
As a bug in a rug.
As soon as A bear hug
Comes your way,
Find yourself A good friend,
And give It Away!
~ Author Unknown ~
Five Little Bears
(Counting up)
One little bear
Wondering what to do
Along came another
Then there were two!
Two little bears
Climbing up a tree
Along came another
Then there were three!
Three little bears
Ate an apple core
Along came another
Then there were four!
Four little honey bears
Found honey in a hive
Along came another
Then there were five!
~ Author Unknown ~
Five Little Bears
(Counting down)
Five little bears
Heard a loud roar
One ran away
Then there were four!
Four little bears
Climbing up a tree
One slid down
Then there were three!
Three little bears
Deciding what to do
One fell asleep
Then there were two!
Two little bears
Having lots of fun
One went home
Then there was one!
One little bear
Feeling all alone
Ran to his mother
Then there were none!
~ Author Unknown ~
Round and Round the Garden
Round and round the garden, like a Teddy Bear.
(gently trace finger in a circle around child’s palm)
One step, two step
(walk your fingers up child’s arm)
Tickly you under there!
(tickle under chin, under arm or tummy)
~ Author Unknown ~
Bear Hunt
(children repeat each line)
REPEAT EACH PHRASE… slap thighs throughout.
Goin on a bear hunt (repeat)
I’m not afraid (repeat)
Got a real good friend (children hug each other during this part…repeat)
By my side (repeat)
Oh, Oh (repeat)
What do I see? (repeat)
Oh look! It’s some tall grass! (repeat)
Can’t go over it (repeat)
Can’t go under it (repeat)
Can’t go around it (repeat)
Got to go through it (repeat… make motions with arms like you are clearing a way thru grass)
Goin on a bear hunt (repeat)
I’m not afraid ( repeat)
Got a real good friend (repeat with hugs)
By my side. (repeat)
Oh, Oh! (repeat)
What do I see? (repeat)
Oh look! It’s a tall tree. (repeat)
Can’t go over it (repeat)
Can’t go under it (repeat)
Can’t go through it (repeat)
Got to climb up it (repeat and pretend to climb up the tree)
Goin on a bear hunt (repeat)
I’m not afraid (repeat)
Got a real good friend (repeat with hugs)
By my side. (repeat)
Oh, Oh! (repeat)
What do I see? (repeat)
Oh look! It’s a wide river. (repeat)
Can’t go over it (repeat)
Can’t go under it (repeat)
Can’t go through it (repeat)
Got to swim across it. (Repeat and pretend to swim.)
Goin on a bear hunt (repeat)
I’m not afraid (repeat)
Got a real good friend (repeat with hugs)
By my side. (repeat)
Oh, Oh! (repeat)
What do I see? (repeat)
Oh look! A deep, dark cave. (repeat)
Can’t go over it (repeat)
Can’t go under it (repeat)
Can’t go through it (repeat)
Got to go in it. (repeat, close eyes as you pretend to enter the cave)
Oh,oh! It’s dark in here (repeat)
I feel something (repeat)
It has lots of hair! (repeat)
It has sharp teeth! (repeat)
It’s a bear!! (children love to scream this part)
(At this point, increase the speed of your thigh slapping and
- swim back through the river
- back up and down the tree
- back through the tall grass
- till you get safely home and lock the door.
I’m not afraid! (Repeat)
~ Author Unknown ~
Grin and Bear It
(for two year old)
When I was just a wee little bear,
My owner dragged me everywhere,
Filled me up with cold mud pie,
Bit my nose and lost my tie,
Left me outside in the rain,
Spilled her juice and left this stain.
But I didn’t whine or scold,
Cuz she was only two years old!
And what’s a faithful bear to do
When his little girl is only two?
~ Author Unknown ~
A Bear in Tennis Shoes
The first two lines of each verse, half the group sings, and half the group repeats — the second two lines of each verese, both groups sing together.
The other day (group repeats), I met a bear (group repeats),
With tennis shoes (group repeats), a dandy pair(group repeats).
The other day, I met a bear,
With tennis shoes, a dandy pair.
He looked at me (group repeats), I looked at him (group repeats),
He sized me up (group repeats), I sized up him (group repeats).
He looked at me, I looked at him,
He sized me up, I sized up him.
He said to me (group repeats), “Why don’t you run? (group repeats),
I see you don’t (group repeats), have any gun (group repeats).”
He said to me, “Why don’t you run?,
I see you don’t, have any gun.”
So I did run (group repeats), away from there (group repeats),
and right behind (group repeats), me came that bear (group repeats).
So I did run, away from there,
and right behind, me came that bear.
Ahead of me (group repeats), I saw a tree (group repeats),
A great big tree (group repeats), oh golly-gee (group repeats).
Ahead of me, I saw a tree,
A great big tree, oh golly-gee.
The only branch (group repeats), was 10 feet up (group repeats),
I’d have to jump (group repeats), and trust my luck (group repeats).
The only branch, was 10 feet up,
I’d have to jump, and trust my luck.
And so I jumped (group repeats), into the air (group repeats),
But I missed that branch (group repeats), away up there (group repeats).
And so I jumped, into the air,
But I missed that branch, away up there.
Now don’t you fret (group repeats), now don’t you frown (group repeats),
‘Cause I caught that branch (group repeats), On the way back down (group repeats).
Now don’t you fret, now don’t you frown,
‘Cause I caught that branch, On the way back down.
The moral is (group repeats), no shocking news (group repeats),
Don’t talk to bears (group repeats), in tennis shoes (group repeats).
The moral is, no shocking news,
Don’t talk to bears, in tennis shoes.
That’s all there is (group repeats), there is no more (group repeats),
Unless I meet (group repeats), that bear once more (group repeats).
That’s all there is, there is no more,
Unless I meet, that bear once more.
The end, The end (group repeats), The end, The end (group repeats),
The end, The end (group repeats), The end, The end echo).
The end, The end, The end, The end,
The end, The end, The end, The end.
~ Author Unknown ~
Teddy Bear
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, reach up high
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, wink one eye,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, slap your knees,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, sit down please.
~ Author Unknown ~
Bears, Bears, Bears
Bear, bear, bear, bear
How many kinds of bears are there?
Polar bear and grizzly bear,
Big brown bear with lots of hair!
Spectacled bear, black bear, too,
Sloth bear, sun bear, quite a few!
Bear, bear, bear, bear,
So many bears to compare.
~ Author Unknown ~
Bears Are In
Bears are IN!
Bears are IN!
Bears are OUT!
Grab a bear and give a shout!
Give me a B.
Give me an E.
Give me an A.
Give me an R.
Give me an S.
What have you got?
BEARS!!!
~ Author Unknown ~
The Bear
Here is a cave, (make a fist)
Inside is a bear. (put a thumb inside fist)
Now he comes out
To get some fresh air. (pop out thumb)
He stays out all summer
In sunshine and heat.
He hunts in the forest
For berries to eat. (move thumb in circle)
When snow starts to fall,
He hurries inside
His warm little cave,
And there he will hide. (put thumb back inside fist)
Snow covers the cave
Like a fluffy white rug.
Inside the bear sleeps
All cozy and snug. (cover fist with other hand)
~ Author Unknown ~
Egbert and Me
At night when I lie fast asleep
My teddy, Egbert, wakes,
And sits upon my counterpane
Until the morning breaks:
He likes to see I get my rest,
For everybody’s sakes,
So if the pirates smash the door
To steal away my toys
He fights them off with dirk and sword
But very little noise.
And if the one-eyed bogey-man
Comes breaking down the wall
He scares him off by looking fierce
But makes no sound at all.
And if the wailing ghost flies down
The chimney like a bird
He blows him back with mighty breaths
That simply can’t be heard.
When, after slumbering peacefully,
I open up my eyes,
I see the sun come shining in
And find to my surprise
That Egbert’s lost another ear
Upon some enterprise.
But when I ask him what he’s done
He just looks smug and wise….
~ Author Unknown ~
Lullaby
Go to sleep, my Teddy Bear,
Close your little button eyes,
And let me smooth your hair.
It feels so soft and silky that,
I’d love to cuddle down by you,
So,
Go to sleep, my darling Teddy Bear.
~ Author Unknown ~
One for Old(er) Teddy Bear Friends
Teddy Bear Paws
I placed my memories in teddy bear’s paws,
My fondest dreams, my wishes and all,
I’ll never let go of those tender years,
And you, my friend, through giggles and tears.
I recall the gaze of your black button eyes,
Your comforting look and knowing surprise.
My deepest secrets, I shared with you,
Old bear, my friend, you’ve always been true.
You hold the magic of those wonderful years,
You soothe my heart; you calm my fears.
My childhood stories upon your ears,
You listened with love, forever dear.
I placed my cares into your paws,
With frogs and toads with warts and all.
Old bear, you’ve been my steadfast friend,
from my very first step to each day’s end.
Through ups and downs throughout my life,
You’ve been my pillow; my moonlit night,
The bear who knows just where I’ve been,
Who stood by me through thick and thin.
Whenever I see your adorable face,
I’m back in my childhood, the state of grace,
Recalling the times when life was a game,
When days were sunny; when it never rained.
Now, I’ve grown up in stature and size,
With life quite serious, Im supposed to be wise,
I’ll leave my cares by the door-outside,
And look for the bear with arms opened wide.
A teddy bear holds a young child’s smiles,
And dreams of queens and far away miles,
Of tea cups and parties out on the lawn,
And Golden Books treasured when summers were long,
And I, I shall be forever young……..
~ Author Unknown ~
2009/07/30
Nana's Corner Has a New Look!
As you can see, Nana’s Corner has a new look that reflects the feeling I want my visitors to feel – a warm, friendly welcoming one. I hope that describes your first impression of the new NanasCorner.com.
To have a new website design has been a wish of mine for sometime now. My son, who designed my first website (which I loved also) surprised me this week with my new and improved site design. I don’t know where he found the time with work, a new bride, and a wonderful honeymoon – but I’m glad he did!
Nana’s Corner has continued to steadily grow since my first post was published in November of 2007…and with that, so has the number of visitors to whom I thank tremendously. It is a great feeling to know my hobby has become something that is enjoyed by so many.
So, please stay and visit awhile here in Nana’s Corner of the world. Let me know what activities, poems, and experiences you enjoy with your grandchildren…how do you stay connected? I enjoy hearing from my visitors…please let me know you visited today.
Keep in touch,
Nana
2009/03/23
Children's Gardening Poem with Children's Gardening Tips Directory
If you are looking for an ongoing activity to do with grandchildren, why not plan a kid friendly garden! Spring is here so that means it’s time to save empty yogurt containers for reuse to plant seeds, visit a garden center to choose kid friendly seeds to plant, and prepare an organic garden bed in hope that we won’t be surprised again with snowflakes from above.
Poppy and I will soon be planning a healthy organic garden with our granddaughters to give them a special project to be involved in as the birth of their new brother approaches. They’ll plant and nurture their garden, watching it grow as they learn to help nurture their baby brother, watching him grow, too.
My Spring Garden
Here is my little garden,
Some seeds I’m going to sow.
Here is my rake to rake the ground,
Here is my handy hoe.
Here is the big, round yellow sun;
The sun warms everything.
Here are the rain clouds in the sky;
The birds will start to sing.
Little plants will wake up soon,
And lift their sleepy heads;
Little plants will grow and grow
In their little, warm earth beds.
~ Author Unknown ~
Kaitlin is in second grade and very interested in science. Before we begin their children’s garden, we will do some researching on the Children’s Gardening Tips websites listed below and visit the library for kids’ gardening books to help us learn what to plant and how to be environmentally friendly gardeners.
If you are distance grandparents, you can plan your gardens together, discussing what to plant, how to plant it, and share pictures you take as your garden grows. Surprise your grandchild by sending packets of seeds, and if you can – add children’s gardening tools, gloves, and a gardening tips written on your grandchild’s reading level. On the children’s gardening sites below, you’ll find additional tips and ideas for kids’ gardens.
Children’s Gardening Tips Directory:
- Tips for You and Your Child to Enjoy Gardening (About.com)
- Tips for Gardening with Kids (TAMU.edu)
- Gardening for Kids
- Family Gardening Tips (Family Education)
- Gardening with Children
- Gardening with Kids (Home and Family Network)
- Kidsgardening.org
- Good Gardening Books for Kids (HGTV)
- Gardening with Children Tips (HGTV)
- Children’s Gardening
- Bringing the Joy of the Garden to Children (PBS)
- Kinder Garden (tamu.edu)
- Websites on Children’s Gardening for Students and Teachers (cjims.org)
- Gardening Healthy and Safety Tips (CDC.gov)
- High Park Children’s Garden (PBS)
- Gardening with Children (Earth Easy)
- Gardening with Kids (Teacher Vision)
- Cook Kids Grow (New Zealand)
- The Bulb Project
- Keep Kids Healthy
- The Great Plant Escape (Illinois.edu)
Happy gardening with your grandchidren!








