These nine Christian children’s books are some of our favorites, the ones we keep returning. We love them not just because they are well written or beautifully illustrated, but because they have helped us love God more deeply together. My hope is that as you read them with your family, they will help do the same for you.

Whether you’re looking to replace your worksheets, create a calm routine to your morning, or get your students more fine motor work practice, this is a great place to start. Once you set it up, it runs itself. This small shift can make a BIG difference for you and your students.

Most often when parents think of teaching their child to write they search for letter worksheets and have their child practice tracing their name. Writing letters and names may seem like a great place to start—but you’re missing a few key steps.

Whether it’s following directions, completing a puzzle or game, or learning to write, kids need stamina to stick with a task—especially when it get’s hard. Writing is a laborious task. It takes focused attention and physical strength to color a picture, trace a shape, or write a letter…Writing requires stamina and stamina needs built up over time.

Following directions is a crucial skill, for life and the good of the family. Children need to be able to follow directions for growing independence, helping out around the house, getting out the door, and for learning to write their letters.

Our world can be extraordinarily loud. If we are not careful, our kids will grow accustomed to the pull of distraction and disengagement, especially in a world filled with noise, stimulation, and screens. It’s no wonder that so many kids are struggling with focus and attention. Though it can seem like some kids are just “naturally” more focused and others are destined to race from one thing to another, the truth is focus is a skill which can grow and strengthen when properly nurtured.

When in doubt, go out! Outdoor exploration is a great way to get young children moving and exploring. The great outdoors has the power to change your mood, slow your pace, and deepen your breath—drawing your attention back to the present. With a few simple tools and the space to freely explore, outside play is a great rhythm to add to your day.

Young kids need time to explore the world with their whole body. Sensory play is a meaningful opportunity to help toddlers and young children build focus and fine motor skills while they dig, splash, or scoop. With a few simple tools and designated space, you can help your child learn through exploration.

Most of what prepares a child to write doesn’t look like writing at all. These small, play-filled moments–incorporated into your every day rhythms–are skill building spaces. Don’t feel pressured to start worksheets or “school lessons.” These simple tools and activities are meeting your child where they are and are helping them build the necessary skills for later academic success.

Tummy time may seem simple and at times tedious, but it is a powerful opportunity to help your baby grow. With intentional time and space on their stomach, a few minutes throughout the day, your baby will gain body awareness, motor control, and confidence.

Just a little before your child turns 6 months, they begin to sit up, giving your child a whole new perspective on life. Before sitting, everything was viewed from the floor, now everything looks new and exciting. Sitting play helps your child continue to build strength, coordination, and cultivate curiosity. With a little support and some simple tools, this new stage becomes a new part of your daily rhythm.

Were you told not to play with your food as a kid? Though it may be a helpful rule for toddlers, babies need to “play” with their food. Eating play is a great way for babies to explore new foods and strengthen their fine motor skills. With a few simple tools and your presence guidance, eating play can become a new part of your daily rhythm.

Toddlers are naturally curious as they explore the world around them. Puzzles and problem-solving toys (preferably without screens or batteries) are the perfect toys to help them slow down for more than a second, and engage in critical thinking while using small, focused movements.