Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Patriotic Bubbles

The other day, we used star shaped cookie cutters to paint with. I washed them off, and then we blew bubbles with them! How neat! :)
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Supplies:
Shallow Tub,Pan or Container
Dish Liquid
Cookie Cutters
Water

1.Mix dish liquid and water in the container.
2.Add the cookie cutters.
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3.Invite children to explore.
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Extra:
We ended up needing a tub of water for my son to wash his hands in.He did not like how the dish liquid felt. :)

Monday, June 28, 2010

Star Spangled Prints

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Check out this Fourth of July craft! We used star shaped cookie cutters for print making.This activity reinforces the concept of shapes, and helps with hand-eye coordination.
Supplies:
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Paper
Paint
Star Cookie Cutters
Glitter
Plates/Bowls

1. Pour paint in the containers, put the cookie cutters inside.
Set out the paper.
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2.Invite the children to create.The cookie cutters should be dipped in the paint and then transferred to the paper.This will create a "star print".
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3.If you want, you can allow the children to put glitter on the stars. Dump excess into the trash can.I love using glitter, it makes the paint dry quicker!
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Thursday, June 24, 2010

4th of July Sponge Roller Painting

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It is always neat to see a child discover and use new materials. I have had these sponge rollers for a while,but had not used them until today.Once my son got the hang of them, he was very engaged.That is just what I like to see!He painted with red and blue paint, in honor of The Fourth of July.

Materials:
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Butcher Block Paper
Tape
Red/Blue Paint
Bowls/Plates
Scissors
Sponge Rollers (Dollar Store,Craft Store,Teacher Store)


1.Tape butcher block paper to a fence, wall, or table.
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2.Set out paint in front of the paper.
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3.Invite children to explore materials.
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4.Praise children for a job well done. :)
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Extra:
Have children use a water tub to clean sponges.
(You end up with purple water-which is pretty neat!)
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Red,White and Blue Necklaces

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We just made some awesome necklaces,in honor of the Fourth of July. Scroll down and see how we did it!

Materials:
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Yarn or Thread
Paper Towel Roll
Scissors
Red,White and Blue Paint
Wax Paper
Paint Brushes
Paint Cups

1.First,I cut the paper towel roller into sections.
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2.Next,we painted the sections. Some were painted red,some white and some blue.We let the sections dry on wax paper.
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3.Once the sections were dry,we strung them with thread and tied a knot at the end.

Mama's Work
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Toddler's Work
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Enjoy! :)

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

B is for Bug

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We have been spending a lot more time outside. My son has been finding and talking about bugs. Today, I put together a "bug themed" sensory table.The table will facilitate sensory development and hand-eye coordination.
Materials:
Plastic Bugs (Wal-Mart/Dollar Store)Photobucket
Plastic Container with Dirt/Soil
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Tools for Pouring and Scooping
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1. Add the pouring tools and plastic bugs to the container.
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2.Encourage the children to hide the bugs and find them again.
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3.Talk about the names of the bugs, describe them.
4.Discuss how the soil/dirt feels and looks.

Extention:
You could sing songs about bugs, like the "Itsy,Bitsy Spider.
Read books (try Eric Carle) or picture books about bugs.
Search for bugs outside.

*When playing in dirt and soil be aware of critters that can be harmful to children.

Let's Make a Bumblebee Necklace

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Since we have been talking about bugs,we made a Bumblebee Necklace. This activity facilitates fine motor development.Let's get started!

Supplies:
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Paint Containers
Yellow and Black Paint
Wax Paper
Paintbrushes or Q~Tips
String or Yarn
Scissors
Rigatoni


1. Lay out materials.
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2.Encourage the children to paint some of the noodles black and some of them yellow.Talk about the colors.Bees are the same colors!
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3.Once the noodles are dry, it is time to string them. My son is not quite ready for lacing,so I helped him. If children are old enough for lacing, encourage them to do so. It will be great pattern practice too, as they alternate the colors.

Check out our work! :)
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Extra:
Make a "Ladybug Necklace" instead, using red and black paint.