November 20, 2009

Holiday Book Preview

The holidays are coming and I thought I'd share some great books for "older" kids. I have older in quotations because I mean the 5-7 year old crowd, ones that still believe in all the magic but are old enough to learn some of the deeper meanings. These three books are all great to learn more about each of these holiday traditions.

November 19, 2009

Shape Make and Hide

In our focus on shapes this week I wanted to do an active game that got my son up and moving. Young children learn in all different ways and exposing them to various experiences will only encourage more learning!

1. Gather your materials, all you need are some pipe cleaners!

November 18, 2009

Thanksgiving Craft Links!

Thanksgiving is almost here and these are some of the craft ideas I wish I had thought of, well one I did but the others had me saying " Why didn't I think of that?" you'll love them!

I love this Pet Rock Turkey from Let's Explore!

This pilgrim paper bag puppet from Ziggity Zoom is so cute!

November 17, 2009

Stick Shapes !

I could not believe how big a hit this amazingly simple activity was with my son. He's been mixing up rectangles and squares so I have been focusing on shapes a lot.

1. Gather your materials. You will need popsicle sticks, construction paper, and a marker.

November 16, 2009

Shape Art


Crafts are fun but letting your child loose with nothing but some shapes and a glue stick is a great way to teach shapes and have a great open ended art activity.

1. Gather your materials. You will need some scrap construction paper , one piece of black construction paper , scissors and glue.

November 13, 2009

Hot At Our House

We have a large library of children's books, and we have on average 50 books signed out of the library at any given time. So my son has ample books to choose from. Yet, as any parent can attest, toddlers and preschoolers play favorites. We read throughout the day but at nap time and bedtime favorites are clearly defined. Here are the favorites at our house right now.

November 11, 2009

Gourd Painted Leaf

The fall is a fun time to be outside with your children , they can pick up leaves, see the colors changing and run around so everyone sleeps better at night! This craft is fun and easy to do with things that we all associate with the fall, gourds and changing of the leaves.

1. Gather your materials. You will need some red, yellow and green paint, a cereal box ( any box will do), some light colored construction paper, scissors, and 1 or 2 gourds.

November 10, 2009

Family Fun Links

Making something for your whole family, with your whole family is an experience no one big or little will forget. So today I searched the blogosphere for some fantastic family projects!

This make your own foosball from Filth Wizardry had my jaw on the floor, seriously how cool is that? And yes the kids helped!

November 9, 2009

Tissue Paper Indian Corn

Thanksgiving is coming up fast and so often gets overshadowed by Halloween and Christmas. I love Thanksgiving because my son was born just as most of you were finishing up your pumpkin pie in 2006. So I love to make Thanksgiving crafts .

1. Gather your materials. You will need a piece of brown construction paper, some yellow, orange and red tissue paper, a marker, scissors and glue.

November 6, 2009

Multicultural Books

My Granny Went To Market by Stella Blackstone is an amazing book. It's a counting book, a trip around the world and a view into different cultures as well. Granny buys a magic carpet and goes from place to place, buying souvenirs that number from 1-10. The text isn't lengthy and the illustrations are bright and busy that even really young toddlers will love it.