Christmas Gift Subscriptions

Recently, I have had a few inquiries about the best way to handle Christmas gift subscriptions and I am now happy to report a new option in the SHOP. By purchasing through that option, you can delay the first shipment until January, when a new theme will be introduced. This is perfect for gift-giving and I will even mail you a card that is suitable for wrapping, that you can tuck under the tree for the recipient.. Don't forget that you can purchase an add-on pack of consumable materials if there is more than one child in the family that wants to join in the fun.

While a subscription is a great gift for kids, please don't forget adults that might enjoy one as well. As a grandmother, I have nearly every "thing" I need, and am finding myself yearning for gifts that keep on giving or have an experience attached to them. Grandparents, aunts and uncles who no longer have a house filled with toys and craft supplies will be thrilled to get a box in the mail that contains everything they need to have wonderful experiences with a special child. And they don't even have to go to the store!

Welcome!

Welcome to Dot-to-Dot. I'm so excited that you are here. I would like to begin by telling you a little bit about myself and why I started this blog. 

My name is Linda and ever since I was a little girl, I've loved children. I loved taking care of my dolls, babysitting and I always dreamed of being a mommy and a teacher when I grew up. I was very fortunate that both of my dreams came true. I have two wonderful daughters, who are now grown and have families of their own, and I enjoyed 30+ years of teaching before retiring recently.

Since retiring from the classroom, I have been exploring into some of the dreams I've had reserved for these years. I've been cooking more, exercising more, been learning and practicing watercolor painting and photography, taken a few trips (not having to wait until summer vacation), embarked on a year-long quilting journey, increased my volunteer service at our local food pantry and I spend as much time as possible with my young grandchildren. I am now acutely aware of how fast time passes and how very precious each moment is and want to fill them with the things that are the most important to me. Which leads me to this blog and  my newest project: Dot To Dot Connections.

During my teaching career, my primary focus was young children and much of it was spent working with at-risk students or students who had disabilities of one sort or another. I love children's literature and bringing those books to life through conversation and fun activities.

As a teacher and a mother myself, the decline in personal interactions between children and their caregivers troubles me. I know that this disconnect not because parents don't care, but rather that they often feel too OVERWHELMED, feeling like they can't find the TIME to engage in meaningful ways. And, sometimes they think that they don't even know HOW to interact with their children.  Hoping to teach them faster, adults are quick to buy the newest hot items for the children in their lives, yet what children crave the most are connections with the adults in their lives. 

These days, parents, grandparents and other caregivers are busier than ever and sites such Pinterest and Facebook are filled with images of picture-perfect activities with supply lists that are a mile long. Let's face it, some days it is hard to even get dinner on the table, much less gather supplies and create a magical moment with our kids. 

That's where I want to step in and help. I am launching a new business that will not only help you connect with a child in your life, but will also help needy or at-risk families do the same. I have curated boxes of materials that you can use to connect with your child through ordinary play. Each box will contain step-by-step directions to guide you through the activities, as well as a coordinating book. There will also be journal pages for you and your child to complete, sparking new conversations and encouraging connection. And that's not all! Each purchase that you make will provide the exact same box for a family in need, along with training in how to use the materials effectively! 

I am so excited about the possibilities and can't wait for you to try it out! My main website will be up and running soon, so be sure to sign up for email updates. In the meantime, you can find me here and on Instagram as @dottodotconnections.