10 Simple Summer Activities for Kids

While fancy trips and big outtings are an awesome summer vacation perk, you can also have a blast with these simple, free, any-time ideas.

Make a Suncatcher for Summer

Celebrate sunny days with this easy to make craft. This activity is great for kids ages six and up.

Family Summer Survival Guide

Activity ideas to help chase away the boredom this summer.

Why We Chose This Book: The Schmutzy Family

The Schmutzys live in the country, so from Sunday to Thursday the children’s creative play means mud pies in the kitchen and frogs in the sink. But as the week comes to a close, it’s a different story: on Friday the kids clean up the enormous mess and help Mama prepare for Shabbat, and on Saturday the squeaky clean family goes to shul (synagogue).

Thank You For Me Sing-Along!

"Thank You for Me" is written by musician Rick Recht, based on his hit song "Kobi's Lullaby." It is illustrated by author and artist Ann Koffsky.

7 Kid-Friendly Foods to Pack for Your Next Shabbat Picnic

When the weather warms up and the days are longer, it’s a perfect excuse for a picnic. On Friday nights, instead of staying in, venture outside with your family for a special Shabbat picnic.

Top Tips to Establish a Love of Reading with Your Child

In all my experience and research, one very powerful thing I read always sticks out in my mind. A study back in 2002 covering 31 countries concluded that 'Being more enthusiastic about reading and a frequent reader was more of an advantage, on its own, than having well-educated parents in good jobs.' Children from lower income families performed better in tests if they enjoyed reading than those from more affluent families.

8 Tips for Reading to Your Toddler

Parents play a hugely important role instilling in children a love of books. Most children do eventually learn to read, but not all children become ‘readers’. For preschool children the main focus should purely be about enjoyment and an opportunity to snuggle up together.

How To Help Your Kids Find Books They’ll Love

How can parents encourage children to read when there are so many other things kids enjoy doing, most of which involve a screen of some sort? I believe the key for any age is about finding the ‘right book’ and discovering the feeling of not being able to put a book down. They may then get into a whole series or genre – and the habit of reading becomes established.

Summer Poems - PJ Library Poetry Competition

This year’s summer writing competition celebrates poems. The theme – What does being Jewish mean to you? – gives plenty of scope for all sorts of ideas. Below are some tips from the competition judge you can share with your kids to help them decide on a style of poem and get started writing.