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! :)

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.

3.Invite children to explore.



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. :)

Star Spangled Prints

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:


Paper
Paint
Star Cookie Cutters
Glitter
Plates/Bowls

1. Pour paint in the containers, put the cookie cutters inside.
Set out the paper.

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".

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!

4th of July Sponge Roller Painting

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:

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.

2.Set out paint in front of the paper.

3.Invite children to explore materials.

4.Praise children for a job well done. :)

Extra:
Have children use a water tub to clean sponges.
(You end up with purple water-which is pretty neat!)

Red,White and Blue Necklaces

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

Materials:

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.

2.Next,we painted the sections. Some were painted red,some white and some blue.We let the sections dry on wax paper.

3.Once the sections were dry,we strung them with thread and tied a knot at the end.

Mama's Work

Toddler's Work


Enjoy! :)

B is for Bug

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)
Plastic Container with Dirt/Soil


Tools for Pouring and Scooping



1. Add the pouring tools and plastic bugs to the container.

2.Encourage the children to hide the bugs and find them again.

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

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

Supplies:

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

1. Lay out materials.

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!


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! :)





Extra:
Make a "Ladybug Necklace" instead, using red and black paint.