Thrifty Fun: Memory Match Game

This seems to be the Summer of the,"Upcycle". I love the idea of taking something you already have and making it new. Usually,I apply this idea to the house. What if we applied the idea to educational materials? We could save money and find new ways of engaging our students.

For example, check out this vintage match game I found.


We play games with rules all the time...but sometimes you have to change things up a bit. Instead of playing on the floor,I added these small magnets.They came on a roll.


I put them on the side of my desk.




However, you could even put them on a cookie sheet or the fridge.

By the way, match games help students develop math and science skills.Thrifty learning!



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Fun With Ice

I saw this done on Pinterest. I thought it was a great way to facilitate problem solving. I had a blast seeing my son do this. He even included me! #ShoutOutToCoOperation

What to do...

I took small toys and froze them in a plastic container. I added a little food coloring as well.




Next, I set out various tools. It was so funny to see his little face.He started trying to figure it out right away. I set out warm water,spoons,and toys from the woodworking area.


Look at my baby!








Eventually...I suggested that he use his safety glasses. #FlyingIce





Free at last!



-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

DIY Sand

This week we have been talking about the beach. I wanted to find some way to combine our discussion with Dramatic Play,Science Development and other domains. We usually buy the huge bags of sand.This year we did something different.We made our own sand. I found the recipe on Pinterest.

What you need :
A large bowl or container
8 cups of flour
1 cup of baby oil
Various materials for pouring ,mixing and exploration

This activity fosters so many areas of development...love it!

Sorting with Insects

C is for Caterpillar

Check out our caterpillar! This craft goes perfect with our "Bug/Insect" theme. Here is how we did it...
Materials:

Paper Towel Holder
Paint
Paintbrush

Glue Stick
Stapler
Craft Google Eyes
Scissors
(Optional:Black Construction Paper)

1.First,my son painted the paper towel holder.

(Watch him work!):)
2.When the holder dried,I cut it into sections.

3.Next, I stapled the sections together.

4. I added on eyes, with a glue stick.
I even glued on little antennas.(Optional)


Extra:
Pair this activity with literacy.Read Eric Carle's,"The Very Hungry Caterpillar"! :)

A is for Ant

Our caterpillar project went so well the other day, that we expanded on it. We made an ant to go with our caterpillar!Here is how we did it...
Supplies:


Paper Towel Holder
Black Construction Paper
Scissors
Wax Paper
Paint
Paint Brush
Paint Container
Stapler
1.Have the child paint the paper towel roll.We let ours dry on wax paper, so it would not stick.

2.After the paint dried, I cut the roll into sections.

3.Next,I stapled three of the sections together.

4.Then,I glued on the google eyes,six legs and "feelers".


My son loved it! He even used it during dramatic play!

S is for Sun

Yesterday, we made our own moon. It turned out great! Since we have been talking about the “Sky”, we might as well make our own Sun too!

Supply List:

Yellow Poster Board
Scissors
Tissue/Construction Paper
Glue/Glue Stick
Pencil/Sharpie

1. First, I drew a big circle on the poster board and cut it out.


2. Next, I cut up several sheets of tissue/construction paper and set out the glue.
3. I invited my son to glue the paper to our “Sun”.


4.When my son was done, I added some poster board scraps the back of his work.


Now we just have to find a good place to hang it! :)

N is for Nature

We have really been enjoying all the nice weather. It has set the stage for exploration outdoors. Plants are in bloom. Birds are chirping and the bees are buzzing. We wanted to see all of these interesting things, so we went on a nature walk. We collected leafs, flowers and other things that we found. When we returned home, we created a nature collage with all the things we found.We had a great time learning, and you will too.

Materials:

(Per Child)
A Small Plastic Bag
A Brown Paper Bag
Scissors
Glue and/or Glue Stick
Leafs,Twigs,Flowers
Q-Tips
Glue Container

1. First, give each child a small plastic bag. Tell them that you are going for a walk. Tell them to pick out nice things that they see.

You may need to model this. (Ex."Look at this leaf, I am going to put it in my bag".While you are on your walk, point out and name things.)
(Ex."This is a white and yellow flower".)

2.When you return from your walk, have the child share what he or she found.

3.Give each child a paper bag.(I cut and created wrinkles in our bag before.This creates a single textured sheet of paper).

4.Set out the glue/glue sticks have each child glue their findings to the paper.

5. Let the collage dry, and enjoy!


*While on you walk, look out for things like poison ivy.
Also,make sure that your flowers and other plants are "bug free".
(Before you bring them indoors).