I Spy

My little man has found his new school groove and has taken off with the skills presented. He was recently assessed to get an idea of what he knows and is able to choose from several learning trays everyday based on his interest and skill. He is currently working on beginning sounds so we’ve been doing some play based phonics activities at home as well. I’m surprised at how quickly he picks up things and elated that he’s really excited about learning letter sounds, he now asks or tells me the beginning sound/letter for EVERYTHING he sees while I’m driving.  Sean’s version of I Spy!

Last week I pulled out his foam bath letters and gathered some of his play food from his shopping cart for a little messy I spy fun. I didn’t want to overwhelm him so I stuck with 9 letters. We have done this several times now and I used 9 different letters each time.



I placed the letters in a large plastic bowl and layered shaving cream on top of  groups of 3.

I gave Sean the bowl of letters and cream, the tray of food items, and a large bowl of water to rinse the letters.

 

Sean dove right in searching for letters, rinsing them off, and matching the letter to the correct food item based on the beginning sound.



 

Of course Liv woke up from her nap half way through the game so I put an old sheet down with a plate of shaving cream and a paint brush. Nothing like a little impromptu sensory play! Turns out she is quite the budding artist!!!

 

This can be adapted in so many ways; hunt for colors, numbers, letters to form simple words, animals...it's endless. You can also use beans, pasta, or rice to hide your objects if you're not a fan of the possibility of a huge mess.

Happy spying!



Using some "Common" Sense

Now that Sean is in school 3 mornings a week I am able to spend some time with Miss Liv with my undivided attention. She started taking her own Gymboree classes 2 mornings a week, which she loves. I absolutely love Gymboree! I am not getting any perks for praise, but if you have little children from birth to age 4 and a few extra bucks in your pocket I would highly recommend the play & learn and art classes. Sean started doing the play & learn classes at 1 and a half and is now doing weekly art classes so we have been Gymboree fans for a while. Its a great way to get your kids moving in a structured but fun environment, you get great ideas for play, make some new friends, and they throw a mean birthday party! Aside from her classes we have been doing a lot of play together and taking walks now that the weather is warming up. I’m discovering her likes and dislikes and enjoying watching her excitement of trying new things.

By now you know I am a HUGE sensory fanatic and play based learning advocate so I’ve been creating new sensory experiences for Miss Liv. Sensory play can be very calming (which is why we love water play), increases motor skill, and builds language as you play with your child. As of now she loves any kind of water play so I will simply through a bowl of water with spoons and scoops on the kitchen floor over a towel and let her have at it, or let her explore in the water table out back. She also loves destroying blocks and grooving to some kid tunes, so I whipped up a few sensory items for her to play with last week with blocks and music in mind.





Bubbly Water Table Play



Simple Water Play

 

The first are super easy, cheap, and are all over blogs, pinterest, and often done in most day cares…Sensory Bottles. Sensory bottles can be as simple or extravagant as you like. I gathered up a few bottles from our recycling bin. For small hands I would use the tiny water or juice bottles and for older kids regular water bottles would be fine. Next, gather up some fillers from around the house. I wanted to appeal to more than 1 sense (sound and sight) so I filled 1 bottle with some dry beans and pom poms(sound), 1 with dry pasta(sound), one with soaked water beads and food coloring (sound/sight), 1 with oil and colored water (sight), and 1 with colored water and glitter(sight). I filled the bottles about 2/3 full and tightly closed the bottles. I also secured them with a line of hot glue around the rim to deter Sean from opening them but you could also tape the cap on as well. I placed them in a basket and let her play. She loved rolling them on the table and jamming to some music with the noise shakers. Easy, cheap, fun!

 

 

 

 

 

For the sensory blocks I purchased 2 wood blocks from the craft the store for a dollar and some sheets of textured paper (shag, animal print, leather, felt, tissue paper). All you do is lay the block on the textured paper and use a pen to trace the square, cut out the square, and adhere with Modge Podge craft glue. These are her favorite; she plays with them alone and with some of her other wood blocks.

Babies use their senses to navigate all of the new stimuli they are bombarded with in those early months of life so providing a variety of sensory experiences really helps them to understand how the world works. For me it’s like watching little scientists make observations and discoveries.

 

 

 

What ways do you help your child explore their senses?

You Got the WRITE Stuff!

Since my big boy is currently interested in letters (identifying-he points them out everywhere, sounding out-he’s working on beginning sounds at school) and loves drawing I figure it is time to introduce WRITING letters, shapes, and numbers. I always attempt to capitalize on those windows of peak interests of certain skills and topics instead of trying to force him to learn what he could care less about…he is only 3 after all!  We have started the way most of us learned to write: scribbling>drawing circles> drawing lines> and tracing. Though he loves to “write” I am not a fan of tons of worksheets for little people and meaningless repetitive tasks, such as tracing over the same letter a million times in a workbook; however, different strokes for different folks. The teacher in me recognizes that my child is a kinesthetic learner so I try to tailor activities around motion and sensory.

There are 3 basic learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Knowing how your child learns best is instrumental in their academic success.  As per an article on www.schoolfamily.com

• Auditory learners prefer listening to explanations over reading them and may like to study by reciting information aloud. This type of learner may want to have background music while studying, or they may be distracted by noises and need a quiet space to study.

• Kinesthetic learners learn by doing and touching. They may have trouble sitting still while studying, and they are better able to understand information by writing it down or doing hands-on activities.

• Visual learners process new information by reading, looking at graphics, or watching a demonstration. Children with this learning style can grasp information presented in a chart or graph, but they may grow impatient listening to an explanation.

Most people use a combination of styles but have a clear preference for one. The following activities are great for kinesthetic learners and children who love exploring a variety of mediums.

Here are our five favorite fun ways we’ve been learning and practicing handwriting skills…

#1 Shaving Cream-

I used to do this all the time when I was teaching 1^st – 3^rd grade as a way to practice spelling words.

Simply spray some shaving cream over a large surface, spread it out with your hands, and then use your finger to write! Easy and Fun alternative to paper and pencil. When your finished just smear with your hand and do it again.

*If you aren't a fan of the mess you can fill a gallon size zip lock back with colored hair gel or shaving cream mixed with a little food coloring, seal tightly, and then use your finger to trace over the bag. Same concept...less mess!

#2 Salt Tray-

Same premise as the shaving cream except you fill a shallow tray with a layer of salt and use your finger to write. This feels great as a sensory activity and Sean loves it. Just gently shake the tray to clear out your markings.

#3 Tracing Apps on a tablet

There are tons of free and cheap apps geared towards tracing shapes, numbers, and letters.

 

#4 Water Painting

 

Great way to utilize your easel or chalkboard, simply write using chalk and have your child use a wet paintbrush or wet Q-tip to paint over (tracing) and erase what was written in chalk. Guide them verbally while they work in which direction to go. It leaves a water stain behind that you can then have your child use chalk to trace over again.

 

#5 Dot to Dot

I used a marker to place dots on a sheet of paper on the easel and guided Sean as he painted to connect the dots to form shapes and letters. This one is good for those who love art! This can be adapted for older children by drawing dots and numbering them for a quick homemade connect the dots to form shapes and letters with straight lines.

 

*If your kids like manipulating things you can always practice forming letters, shapes, and numbers out of play dough or pipe cleaners as well!

All of these can be adapted for kids of all ages and abilities as a twist on practicing spelling words, learning cursive, or just as another outlet for creative fun!

What are some ways you and your littles use to practice writing?

 

Rocking Away the New School Blues

 

We have finally recovered from the sniffles that ran rampant through our house the past two weeks…BUT everyone is back on their feet and we have been busy learning through play! Besides fighting off germs our family experienced a series of BIG changes this month, dear hubby started a new position at work and my little big boy started SCHOOL!!! I am still recovering from the shock myself, though we have survived 2 weeks.

I have been a huge fan of Montessori schools since my intro to education courses in undergrad. I love that children are encouraged to learn through open ended activities, they work at their own pace, the teacher’s role is less obtrusive as the child is an active participant in learning, and that the environment uses natural elements. These are ways in which he is accustomed to learning at home so I imagined that he would have a somewhat easy transition to school. He has never been in a classroom setting before outside of children’s church and his classes at Gymboree and he has only been kept by family members so I anticipated the first day to be rough. Luckily he is only part-time so we only had 4 hours to endure!

Everyone had been pumping him up about his first day as it approached and he understood he’d be there without us, but of course that morning he cried…big crocodile tears! As a mommy that tore me up inside but I held it together and called to check on him an hour later, he had calmed down and was having a good day. When I picked him up he told me about his day and said it was good but as we prepared for the next school day at night he said he wasn’t going to school. Epic Fail! So what does a crafty momma do? She whips out a current favorite story character…PETE the CAT! We are apparently late comers of the Pete frenzy but was introduced to the Cool Cat in the story Pete the Cat and his 4 Groovy Buttons, by Eric Litwin, from a Christmas gift. Sean is hooked, IF you haven’t read any of his books, RUN don’t walk to your nearest library or bookstore! I had recently checked out a few Pete books during our latest library run and happened to have Pete the Cat Rocking in my School Shoes. Pete the Cat books are set to a cool tune and end with a lesson/moral that is relatable to children. In this particular story Pete is off on his first day of school discovering all the cool places at school while rocking in his red shoes! He is confident, cool, and collected! Sean happens to have his own pair of cool red shoes which he decided he would wear for the next 3 days of school and it was ALL GOOD! They were like a security blanket on his feet and each morning we retold the story aloud as we drove to school and he confidently walked into school like a big boy to take on the day. I am so proud of him.

This is a fantastic book if you have a little one heading to school for the first time or even if they are a seasoned vet at school but are transitioning to a new level it is a must read!

Check out the publisher’s website for the best video clips!

Seuss-tastic!

 

Every year on March 2 (this year the 3^rd) schools across America celebrate the famed Dr. Seuss by reading his stories, dressing up as favorite characters, and doing activities galore to celebrate his birthday. When I was teaching, especially 1^st grade, I spent the entire week exposing my students to his wonderful works while crafting, playing, and learning along the way. I’m super excited to continue the tradition at home this year with Sean and Olivia! We will share a story a day, or more, with a few activities to extend the fun. Grab yourself a few Seuss classics and join in on the fun.

A few Facts about the Author:

·         His full name is Theodor Seuss Geisel.

·         He took on the pseudonym “Seuss” after being kicked off his college’s magazine for drinking.

·         His first children’s book And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, was rejected 27 times before it was finally published in 1937.

·         “The Cat in the Hat, published in 1957, was written by Seuss in response to a 1954 LIFE magazine article that criticized children's reading levels, Houghton Mifflin and Random House asked him to write a children's primer using 220 vocabulary words.”

·         Before his death in 1991 Dr. Seuss published 60 children’s books.

A few activities we will be doing this week in honor of Dr. Seuss…(Click red links to be directed to activities throughout!)

The Cat in the Hat…the book that sparked the craze!

Sean is working on beginning sounds so he will complete a matching activity sheet created on a word document with a simple table. He will look at the –at word picture and find/match the correct beginning sound.

Hat pattern activity- Use various strips of colored paper to make patterns on the Cat’s Hat.

Thing 1 & 2 Handprint art with Sean and Olivia

 

And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry St… Perfect since that street is in our neighborhood!

Sean will make and decorate toilet paper roll binoculars and take a walk on Mulberry Street in our neighborhood noting things he sees and practice using descriptive language!

 

Mcelligot’s Pool

Sean and Olivia will make water color paintings of a pool and make fish collages to add to the pool.  For the water color paintings, tape a large sheet of white paper to an easel or wall and dilute some blue tempera paint with water. Provide large brushes to coat the paper. Then provide several fish shaped templates and a ton of random art scraps (construction paper, foil, material, buttons, string, etc.) and collage away!

Sean will play a magnetic fishing game where he will fish for paper fish with paper clips attached, practicing his colors, shapes, and numbers. To make the fishing pole simply attach a magnet to the end of a pencil or stick.

 

Green Eggs and Ham… One of my favorites!

We will of course have a good ol' fashion green eggs (spinach scramble) and ham (bacon) breakfast.

Both kiddos will explore in a Green Eggs and Ham themed bath.

Sean will play a matching game (upper and lower case letter) and a counting game. For the letter match I folded a paper into 8 rectangles and free handed 8 egg shapes then made 8 small green circles. I wrote uppercase letters on the paper and lower case letters on the circles. On the back I repeated the same 8 egg shapes and covered it with contact paper. He will place 8 dollops of green play dough as the yolk and stick a dry spaghetti stick in the center. He will place a magnetic number on each egg and count out and place the correct number of buttons on the spaghetti. This is great practice for counting and fine motor skills.

If I Ran the Zoo

Of course a zoo outing is in order to end the week!

Sean will also play an online animal mix up game!

I’m beyond excited for this week’s Seuss-tastic activities! I hope you grab a few of your favorites and join in on the fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS!!!!!

Savvy Shopping

Shopping with children is always an adventure as they never want to stay in the cart, they always want to help, and can’t help but ask for everything they see! YES… “So fun,” said NO mom ever!!! Being a stay at home mom, however, means that I have both children on our weekly grocery shopping trips. Here are my tips for sanity!

#1 Have snacks on hand!

I carry my own cutup fruit, nuts, granola bars, fruit snacks, and baby puffs which keeps them occupied and deters the nagging can I haves!

#2 Be prepared with a list that is ordered by aisle or department to help get you out of the store as quickly as possible. Organization is key!

#3 Unleash the beasts! Olivia just loves the ride but if she gets antsy I’m a baby wearing momma so I throw her in a sling. I send Sean on scavenger hunts for certain colored items, various shapes, specific fruits and veggies, wet/dry ingredients, healthy vs unhealthy foods, etc. You be creative and do what works for you. I practice math skills by having him weigh the produce and read me the number, he counts out the produce as we bag it, and compares items by size and weight.

#4 Reward a job well done.

When we go to the Farmer's Market I let Sean pick out something new we've never heard of or tried. This is a great way to add variety to otherwise predictable meals.

#5 Create! Upon returning home and unloading, let your wee ones be inspired by the "fruits" of their labor!

I’ve been working on not buying as much junk and shopping the perimeter for the past few years, but I have a major sweet tooth that has been passed down to Sean so as a treat when we get home we whip up either homemade frozen yogurt or yogurt pops. Sean is my little chef in training and loves helping me in the kitchen and we both get to satisfy our sweet teeth!

Our super easy yogurt pops!

Ingredients:

Yogurt of your choice (We use vanilla Greek yogurt)

Frozen or fresh fruit (We use frozen mango, blueberries, or strawberries and a banana)

Honey

Milk (We use almond mild)

 

Sean does majority of the work.

Process:

 

 

I used the Nutribullet but any good blender/processor will work. Throw in a handful or 2 of frozen fruit, a whole banana, couple dollops of yogurt, spoonful of honey, top off with milk. Blend and pour into Popsicle molds or ice cube trays. I purchased my molds at IKEA and one in the dollar section at Target during the spring/summer. Enjoy!

Tell me a Tale

I am a huge fan of fairytales, and the benefits they provide for young readers are fantastic. Though Sean is a bit young for the Brother Grimm tales LOL, I love that fairy tales have a moral and often teach children of tribulation and perseverance. Educationally speaking they are a perfect genre in terms of teaching story elements as they have well developed characters (protagonist and antagonist), magical settings, problems, and solutions. Fairytales are simple enough to remember and retell with fun props and have the cutest twisted rewrites (fractured tales) such as The Runaway Tortilla, The Rolling Rice Cake, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, and Goldilocks and Just 1 Bear. They are great examples for teaching fact from fiction and carry children off into imaginary wonders. They also serve as great ways to ease into discussions of various character traits.

I chose to introduce The 3 Little Pigs and Goldilocks and the 3 Bears since they both play off the 3s theme and he is newly 3!!!! He loved both stories as I expected so I created 2 simple activities to accompany them.

The 3 Little Pigs

Supplies:

Clear Contact Paper

3 triangles cut from colored paper

Container to collect items (sticks, straw, brick look alikes)

3 pig stickers or clipart

 

Process:

After reading the book, several times, take your child on a nature hunt for items to build the 3 little pigs’ homes. I let Sean brainstorm items and he found pine needles for straw, twigs for sticks, and mulch for bricks.

 

Tape a sheet of contact paper sticky side up on your surface. Retell the story together and build the houses as you go. Everything should stick to the contact paper. Place each little pig into their newly built home and have the big bad wolf blow the houses down. This was a fun retelling!

 

 

 

 

Goldilocks and the 3 Bears

I made a word document with clipart pictures and labels for the opposite pairs listed and clipart images of a bowl in several sizes. Sean and I have been working on opposites and this story is great for reviewing hot/cold, high/low, big/little, full/empty, awake/asleep and also ordering by size. I placed half of the opposite matches on contact paper (sticky side up) and had Sean find the matching opposite and place it next to it, you could also use the pieces for a matching game or have your little one practice gluing. For the bowls have your child order from biggest to smallest, smallest to biggest or sort small, medium, large.

 

I already have my eye on some fractured fairytales so stay tuned!