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).

Citrus Prints

Don't you just love Summer? That is when fruit is the best.We have been buying lots of it.It has been great because our son has been trying so many new things...he is so picky.Today we tried oranges again,and then we did print making with them.

Supply List:

Bowls
Oranges
Paint
Knife
Paint
Construction Paper
Craft Sticks (Optional)

1. Let the child touch the orange,talk about the color...size.How does it feel?
2.Cut the orange in half.What is inside?How does it smell?How does it taste?
3.After the child is done eating,grab another orange and cut it in half.Put the oranges in paint.If you want,add craft sticks so that they are easier to grip.
3.Have the children use the oranges to make prints on the paper.


4.Let the prints dry and enjoy. :)

The Snow Shop

As my toddler grows,so will his play. He has taken great interest in dramatic play,as of late. The most noticeable changes have been with the complexity and duration of his play.

Last night, all he wanted to do was play restaurant.

During the day, I caught him taking something out of MY refrigerator to make room for HIS Pretend food…because it was Pretend hot.

This is his interest,I am going to use it for learning.

How can I expand this play?

Since we are snowed in, and he has a cough...might as well bring some snow in.



We can throw in his play dishes that he always uses...a shovel...and perhaps some dishes from the kitchen.



Instead of using play food...

We can serve up snow.


We will talk about how cold it is, so we might want to wear our mittens.


We may even bring a few friends along.


MMMMMmmmm...Best Snow Shop in Town. :)

Think Pink

I just found a cute alternative to using finger paint. It was SUPER EASY to make.

All you need is a few teaspoons of flour, food coloring, and water. Mix the ingredients until they have the consistency of a paste and that’s it!





Since my son is still warming up to the idea of “getting his hands dirty”, I began by using craft sticks.

He eventually stuck his finger in the paste, only after I did it, for the total “Sensory Experience”.

We even talked about the color, and texture of the paint.

*This art activity facilitates Fine Motor, Science/Sensory, and Language Development.

Dollar Store Science

I am sure that this won't be the last time that I mention my love for the Dollar Store...or the dollar bins at Target.
With that said, I want to share with you... my "latest" Dollar Store find.

It was a 3 pack set of magnifying glasses.
(FYI:the smallest things excite me.)

Only a dollar...but priceless when you think about the learning that can take place.

Take a closer look...

Yesterday,my son swore that there was a bug in the floor.

"Mommy,bub,bub?"

Me: No buddy,it is not a bug.

"Mommy,bub!"

Me: It does look like a bug..but it is coffee,remember we played with coffee and you made a mess?

"Mommy,bub..see."

Me: Here, I will show you. This is a magnifying glass it helps us see things that are small. Let us look again and see if that was a bug on the floor.





Almost...



There you go!

He used a Scientific Tool to discover the coffee grounds...and a spider web.(I dusted right after.) :)

We talked about big and small too.
All of this, from a dollar store find.

Extention: *Take the investigation outside!