Category: Blog
Welcome to the PenningHouse Blog
PenningHouse is your cozy corner of the internet—a place where creativity, education, and family life come together in meaningful, hands-on ways.
Here, you’ll find:
-
Creative Crafts for every age—from babies to tweens—designed to nurture developmental growth and joyful learning
-
Nutritious, Kid-Friendly Recipes that make mealtime easier, tastier, and a little more fun
-
Homeschool Curriculum Tips & Ideas that help you shape a learning rhythm that fits your family
-
Parenting Wisdom & Encouragement for the real-life, messy, magical moments of raising kids at home
-
Disability Resources offering support, strategies, and understanding for families with diverse learners
-
Homeschooling Know-How with practical guidance, seasonal planning, and reflections to keep your days grounded and inspired
-
Welcoming the New Year:
A Family‑Centered Approach to Goal Setting in Your Homeschool There’s something tender and hopeful about turning the page into a new year. In many homes, January feels like a soft reset. The pace shifts, the light changes, and families naturally begin reflecting on what’s working, what’s not, and what they want to grow into next. Read more
-
Cotton Ball Snowmen
Cotton ball snowmen are a cozy winter craft where your preschooler will glue fluffy cotton balls onto paper or cardboard to build a snowman. Afterwards, you can decorate it with simple materials like buttons, felt, or construction paper. The soft texture of cotton balls makes the snowman tactile and inviting, while the decorating stage sparks Read more
-
Christmas Tree Collage
The Christmas Tree Collage is a simple, hands-on holiday activity where toddlers decorate a paper tree shape using a variety of textured and colorful materials. It’s open-ended, meaning there’s no “right” way to do it. Kids can explore, experiment, and proudly display their unique creations. Why This Craft is Perfect for Toddlers Developmental Benefits Let’s Read more
-
Top Toys for Children with Disabilities
When you think about childhood, play is at the heart of it. It’s how kids learn, connect, and discover who they are. But for children with disabilities, play can sometimes feel out of reach, unless toys are designed with accessibility in mind. For those of you struggling to find the perfect gift, we’re going to Read more
-
Reindeer Graham Crackers
The holidays are a perfect time to switch up your snacks with a little magic and flair. Today, we’re going to keep things sweet and simple, using pantry staples for a fun and festive spin on a familiar favorite. Check out our reindeer graham cracker recipe below! Why Reindeer Graham Crackers are Great for Kids Read more
-
No-Sew Sock Snowman
The joys of an approaching winter bring new thrills and family traditions right to your doorstep. If you’re fortunate enough (for your kids’ sake) to live where it snows, you’ll see evidence of their imagination displayed right on the lawn. Unfortunately, that evidence will soon melt away, or worse, you may live in an area Read more
-
Salt-Dough Handprint Ornament
My favorite infant crafts offer engaging play for your little one, while also leaving you with a precious keepsake. This craft does just that. I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of store-bought kits for handprint ornaments, but today we’re going to make our own! All of the supplies are likely in your pantry and kitchen already, Read more
-
Homebody Holiday Lessons
Balancing Joy and Learning In my Homeschooling Through The Holidays post, I focused on incorporating homeschool lessons during holiday travel. But what about those who choose to stay close to home? We’re still faced with a whirlwind of activities, so how can we maintain balance and stay on task? Shopping, baking, decorating, family gatherings, and Read more
-
Caprese Sandwich Sliders
As your Thanksgiving celebration inches nearer, I wanted to give you a quick lunch option that will boost your energy levels, without compromising your kitchen space. Caprese Sandwich Sliders are a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic Italian caprese salad, but you guessed it…in sandwich form. These mini sandwiches layer juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and Read more
-
Thanksgiving Bracelets
Keeping your kids busy during the Thanksgiving holiday prep can be a challenge. To keep your distractions to a minimum, try out our Thanksgiving bracelet craft! They’re simple, colorful bead bracelets made with fall-themed colors (orange, yellow, red, brown). Each bead can represent something the child is thankful for, turning the bracelet into a wearable Read more
-
Chai-Spiced Smoothie
Are you looking for a quick and nutritious breakfast that will help you power through your holiday cooking? Look no further! This chai-spiced smoothie blends the warming flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves with creamy banana and protein-rich Greek yogurt. It’s naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and balanced with nut butter for Read more
-
Thanksgiving Paper Bag Puppets
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to blend creativity, storytelling, and fine motor practice into one joyful craft. Paper bag puppets are a preschool-friendly activity that transforms simple materials into expressive characters like turkeys, pilgrims, or even fall animals. Your preschooler will decorate the flap of the bag as the puppet’s face, and add feathers, hats, Read more