tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69828094947768392922024-03-13T02:10:05.650-05:00Little Fun; Little Learningfocusing on fun activities and educational ideas for the "littles" (children ages 0-5)Revkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00315491884653605786noreply@blogger.comBlogger370125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-91093221722144340922014-03-01T18:53:00.002-05:002014-03-01T19:41:04.282-05:00Literacy Station: Theme PoemsEveryone has early finishers in their classroom. One of the stations I have available for early finishers is for the students to copy and illustrate a poem on story paper. Each month I have at least one poem to go along with the season or theme. Here are two examples. <br />
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I write the poems on easel chart paper and embellish them with die cuts or illustrations. Sometimes I also back the poems with bulletin board paper before laminating them. Last year was my first year back in first grade so I had to make a lot of new things, which was extremely time consuming. It's nice this year just to pull out my seasonal things and have them ready to go. <br />
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What are some of your favorite literacy stations?<br />
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<br />ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-45497914273297520662013-09-29T17:19:00.000-05:002013-09-29T17:19:19.406-05:00Beginning of School Bulletin Board IdeasUsually at the beginning of the school year each teacher has a bulletin board that welcomes this year's students. Many times it has some sort of catchy saying and includes the students' names. The kids get excited to find their name on the bulletin board.
Here are a few bulletin boards that I found in my school. I wish I would have taken more pictures, but now you know how the beginning of school can be. ;)
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<strong>Look Who's Popping Into First Grade -</strong> Last year was my first year using this board. I used bulletin board paper for the popcorn tub and simply painted white stripes on it. I printed my name and attached it to the middle. A teacher friend of mine drew three different popcorn shapes for me and I made enough for each student's name. This year I was back in first grade again (and not so overwhelmed) so I laminated the popcorn and wrote the students' names on them with a dry erase marker so that I can reuse them. Now each year will be even easier. :) My hubby likes to put this bulletin board up for me. He puts tissue paper behind the popcorn tub to make it have a 3D appearance. <br />
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<strong>We are O-FISH-ally in Third Grade! -</strong> Of course you can use any grade level for these bulletin boards. I love how colorful this board is. I wish you could see the details on these handmade fish. The fish bubbles have students' names on them.<br />
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"WHALE"come to Mrs. Gray's Class - Of course, this one could say a particular grade level or teacher's name. This teacher used two different colors of blue paper and cut a wave-like pattern. The little whales have students' names.<br />
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Do you have any back to school bulletin boards to share? Leave a comment below.ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-76676213771200213002013-09-07T10:26:00.001-05:002013-09-07T10:30:09.458-05:00Word Wall MakeoverLast year was my first year back into first grade. There was a lot to do in a short amount of time. Not only did I have to set up a new classroom but I had to declutter and clean from previous teachers that were in the classroom. There was a whole lot of "What is this?!". <br />
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Thankfully one of my teaching friends helped me put up my bulletin boards. One of them we just put fabric and border on for open house and beginning of school until I could decide how I wanted the Word Wall to look. I knew I wanted it to be frogs. My room seemed to have a lot of green, blue, and frogs so I decided on blue and green. <br />
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I picked a pretty aqua blue color and couldn't find frogs anywhere. I looked at a local teacher store, Michaels (they sometimes have beginning of the year teacher stuff), Walmart, Staples, and the Dollar Tree. No frogs. Finally I decided I would trace some die cut frogs I had from a previous school. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it would do for now.<br />
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Here is the before picture. I like the blue and I like the frogs but I didn't like the two together. I think the blue is too dark with the frogs.<br />
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This year I kept looking at the Word Wall bulletin board and trying to decide what to do. Once the words are on the wall, the blue and green don't bother me as much. I almost decided to live with it. And then a parent brought me some things from the teacher store and in the bag were three rolls of border. I spotted some green border with colorful dots. <br />
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My hubby came to help me with the bulletin board and I asked his opinion. After much thought, discussion, and walking around the school for ideas, we decided on an orange background. We put up the orange bulletin board paper and it looked horrible! You could see through it! All of my other boards have fabric on them, so the paper looked even worse. We decided to make a trip to Walmart.<br />
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Walmart had some orange fabric but it was $5-6 per yard. Eeek! We looked at the sheets and found a flat twin sheet for only $4. Woohoo!<br />
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I told hubby that I wanted some wiggle eyes on the frogs. They needed a little something to make them look happier. I had ordered a frog notepad in hopes of using some cutesy frogs but they were too big. We just added wiggle eyes to the frogs I already had and I think they are cute. <br />
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Here is the after shot. Hubby decided to add larger wiggle eyes to the vowels to make them stand out. I think they are funny. I like the large eyes better. Maybe all of the frogs will have large eyes soon. I'm still trying to decide if I will add mouths to the frogs. What do you think?ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-64815925883063861572013-09-07T09:01:00.000-05:002013-09-07T10:30:29.576-05:00Where I Have Been?After a few years staying at home with my children and then teaching pre-k again, last year I went back to first grade. It had been 10 years since I had taught first grade. With Common Core, a new grade level, no teacher assistant, and many other family factors, life was crazy.
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I posted more details at my other blog. If you'd like to read it, <a href="http://www.thethriftymommy.com/2013/06/25/an-update-where-have-i-been/">click here</a>.
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I hope you'll see more of me this year and maybe the blog will get the make over it desperately needs. :)ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-33248058400593411772012-03-17T16:15:00.007-05:002012-03-17T16:48:49.824-05:00St. Patrick's Day ActivitiesYes, it has been nearly a year since I have posted. I'm sorry about that. Life has been incredibly busy. At the end of last year, I was one of the many teachers laid off from my county. I spent a good part of my summer looking for a job and my husband and I were praying about if/where we should locate. We ended up selling our house and relocating near my hometown so that we could be closer to my parents. Now I'm teaching full-time again and I'm also taking some college courses so that I can add on to my teaching certificate. I'm desperately longing for some lazy summer days!<br /><br />I hope you enjoy these St. Patrick's Day crafts!<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><strong>1. Green Collage</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG54YFlBk-zonA5BVt4WkBPE64koOcphQ_5KADmzfomRgRw1hSL_A7xf7WmJ2aw9fbd2Ak6dxuQs6Kk_oKeOQhhc82AOyQFBKSadp3CwnFnpnhAmfJZ0EpCm74r0V8_yzeVQ7Ux4iKjQQ/s1600/DSC00631.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720981006252494658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG54YFlBk-zonA5BVt4WkBPE64koOcphQ_5KADmzfomRgRw1hSL_A7xf7WmJ2aw9fbd2Ak6dxuQs6Kk_oKeOQhhc82AOyQFBKSadp3CwnFnpnhAmfJZ0EpCm74r0V8_yzeVQ7Ux4iKjQQ/s400/DSC00631.JPG" /></a><br /><br />These green collages are a simple activity to do and each one is unique. I simply looked through our craft supply cabinets and pulled out a bunch of different green items. We used green pom poms, foam stickers, sticks, sequins, tissue paper, feathers, etc and glued them onto a green shamrock.<br /><br /><strong>2. Gadget painting</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH-N28l3oAv0cmtb74cnXR9vFJ6yFFz_UTZDf6KxsjaPxEAwq2XiQ38OJbZT97fwzE8Nm_Upc4B06yqP-mJoEC_WDiDfmUD858Pt-XEgNpBL-PKVMPUIR3kTjJ0Gk1v6ikzeYvta0T9E/s1600/DSC00639.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720979219324882546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH-N28l3oAv0cmtb74cnXR9vFJ6yFFz_UTZDf6KxsjaPxEAwq2XiQ38OJbZT97fwzE8Nm_Upc4B06yqP-mJoEC_WDiDfmUD858Pt-XEgNpBL-PKVMPUIR3kTjJ0Gk1v6ikzeYvta0T9E/s400/DSC00639.JPG" /></a><div><br />I have mentioned these gadget/cookie cutter paintings before. They are cute, easy, and each one looks different. The kids enjoy the gadget painting. In January we made one with snowmen, in February we made one with hearts, and as you see here we did shamrocks in March. In April we will probably paint with baby chicks, eggs, and bunnies. </div><br /><br /><strong>3. Shamrock necklace</strong><br /><br /><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/197032552417429686/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://media-cdn2.pinterest.com/upload/158329743119351324_IIjc6sVn_c.jpg" width="190" height="253" /></a></div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; float: left;"><p style="color: rgb(118, 131, 139); font-size: 10px;">Source: <a style="color: rgb(118, 131, 139); font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Lucky-Charm-Necklace.html">busybeekidscrafts.com</a> via <a style="color: rgb(118, 131, 139); font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://pinterest.com/thethriftymommy/" target="_blank">Karen</a> on <a style="color: rgb(118, 131, 139); text-decoration: underline;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />We were going to make these shamrock necklaces, but somehow time got away from us. I'll save this idea for next year.<br /><br /><strong>4. Tissue Paper Shamrocks</strong><br /><br />We made the <a href="http://littlefunlittlelearning.blogspot.com/2011/03/tissue-paper-shamrocks.html">tissue paper shamrocks</a> last year. It is similar to the green collage.<br /><br /><strong>What kinds of St. Patrick's Day activities have you tried?</strong>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-37062414736064381692011-04-27T12:39:00.004-05:002011-04-27T12:47:30.106-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Our Classroom Butterflies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dJzzAudEHh3arOnYmfqobLwQQi8MpqFh1N9D2E1iLKJEpUtRZO9M8VD1Vjxx-DBcldLECJ1Y3p8hMpkJR4GAPa-ssmItFUHi3o82H0zKptQiIWgIO1iht0uO6nX7cw91-wYX_zMxOl4/s1600/butterflies+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dJzzAudEHh3arOnYmfqobLwQQi8MpqFh1N9D2E1iLKJEpUtRZO9M8VD1Vjxx-DBcldLECJ1Y3p8hMpkJR4GAPa-ssmItFUHi3o82H0zKptQiIWgIO1iht0uO6nX7cw91-wYX_zMxOl4/s400/butterflies+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600320510264749666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCC7u6PIGfjZXOFwjrZ9hmWSmSsDabIsBUwVTYYP2Q9JBo9tYnaoCNQ4cmEnXui3jI8xr7dPYqf_5_PC6ES8nBTqvv5PoikjjrrM1gzRAYV2JpTrhzqGiLGE6csXwaqnQR3ST_3u0y7Q/s1600/butterflies+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCC7u6PIGfjZXOFwjrZ9hmWSmSsDabIsBUwVTYYP2Q9JBo9tYnaoCNQ4cmEnXui3jI8xr7dPYqf_5_PC6ES8nBTqvv5PoikjjrrM1gzRAYV2JpTrhzqGiLGE6csXwaqnQR3ST_3u0y7Q/s400/butterflies+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600320316980558738" /></a><br /><br />My computer is being repaired so these pictures are from my phone. I hope to post more pictures soon.ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-67471838638843469582011-04-18T19:20:00.003-05:002011-04-18T20:16:31.031-05:00Simple Spring Flowers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjaN9lH6anBAidIqGQhpEcRjcaed6-xaCHWMdyFECus6wcpUp3HwEnwpFQBK8UStyQzkw2BAPZle5ynsHLxHmqzXI7Z4vWJgDE8zndzPJvYs9a6Vx9nhB_Ybbr-bzIz6l7YPl-4agPy4/s1600/flowers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjaN9lH6anBAidIqGQhpEcRjcaed6-xaCHWMdyFECus6wcpUp3HwEnwpFQBK8UStyQzkw2BAPZle5ynsHLxHmqzXI7Z4vWJgDE8zndzPJvYs9a6Vx9nhB_Ybbr-bzIz6l7YPl-4agPy4/s400/flowers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597092655047250834" /></a>I was looking for something easy and springy to put on our classroom bulletin board. These flowers were easy and each one is unique.<div><br /></div><div>To make the flowers I had each child paint a piece of white construction paper. They were able to choose which color they wanted. After the paint was dry I took a light colored marker and drew a flower design on the back of the paper to use as my template and then I cut out the flower. We put glue in the center of the flowers and the children were able to choose what they wanted for the inside. You can see the choices which included various colors of glitter, colored sand, sequins, and pom poms. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cute, simple, and easy. Enjoy!</div>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-62813576319194582552011-03-20T15:39:00.003-05:002011-03-20T15:47:43.840-05:00Organizing Manipulative BinsEvery now and then there are projects that you want to get done in your classroom but you know how time consuming they will be. What a great feeling it is do get those projects off your list and see some of your work being used.<br /><br />Last week I decided to conquer another project - labeling all of our manipulative bins. It wasn't too difficult and I'm pleased with the results. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCigvyeSJwvD6Y7dto7VVtWGRw4d-aeipmn8Q9CQZg6O4JOMQNKF0R6heEN92pOuU_H4BhQ-HkqHj1jvL23WB_kyGfI1U9_hE7mp5aZCKMfF8zPpuKC0g1qljpT94wA03SIr3Gqw3mg2o/s1600/102_0780.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCigvyeSJwvD6Y7dto7VVtWGRw4d-aeipmn8Q9CQZg6O4JOMQNKF0R6heEN92pOuU_H4BhQ-HkqHj1jvL23WB_kyGfI1U9_hE7mp5aZCKMfF8zPpuKC0g1qljpT94wA03SIr3Gqw3mg2o/s400/102_0780.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586265349504202546" /></a><br /><br />Each day as I would pick up bits and pieces of toys I would get irritated searching for the correct bin. If this irritated me, I can only imagine how the kids felt.<br /><br />For this organization project I simply took each bin one at a time and took a picture of the content inside the bin. For most of them I was able to put a few pieces on the table and take a picture. For smaller items (such as the bears) I left them inside the container when taking the picture. I printed the pictures on the color printer at work, cut them out, laminated them, and taped the pictures onto the bins. Like I said, it wasn't anything difficult, it was just time consuming.<br /><br />I'm sooooo glad it's done. :D<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXNaGXwPw67ApK1wDK7qWp1Gix1gbZDLePOY7e1o6qBeZB_IPkRXBz6eEUt1WjWytogeUyxCr-KolTv6G_ud0JrQ_TFBC8D18mbx6DMeoKrfS6LeZA1XzKJgMb9d_YaYs2_21gIyo9pE/s1600/102_0779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXNaGXwPw67ApK1wDK7qWp1Gix1gbZDLePOY7e1o6qBeZB_IPkRXBz6eEUt1WjWytogeUyxCr-KolTv6G_ud0JrQ_TFBC8D18mbx6DMeoKrfS6LeZA1XzKJgMb9d_YaYs2_21gIyo9pE/s400/102_0779.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586266350698401170" /></a><br /><br />What kind of classroom organization projects have you conquered?ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-10533365242624852862011-03-20T15:12:00.005-05:002011-03-20T15:22:14.509-05:00Lion Paper Craft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg7iwt2oyLkexcbq4a9sdBV0qVIarztS65oLcfVuPUu_X_uCDYhPOI6DOO8Vt-yDh2BXu8SMkn65_Y1S6oqd1hEYZHphmNU4NdKIPO53Px510s1Glt2cwMxDDlLlVNnWafoYz8VQPHz8/s1600/102_0788.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586258088262227442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg7iwt2oyLkexcbq4a9sdBV0qVIarztS65oLcfVuPUu_X_uCDYhPOI6DOO8Vt-yDh2BXu8SMkn65_Y1S6oqd1hEYZHphmNU4NdKIPO53Px510s1Glt2cwMxDDlLlVNnWafoYz8VQPHz8/s400/102_0788.JPG" /></a><br /><div>My son brought home this lion from school and so I thought I'd share it with you. Everything is made from paper. The mane of the lion is made from paper chains. <br /><br />You might also like this <a href="http://littlefunlittlelearning.blogspot.com/2008/02/lion-and-lamb-craft.html">Lion and Lamb Handprint Craft</a>.</div>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-42854109262868935562011-03-16T15:00:00.009-05:002012-03-17T16:47:55.431-05:00Tissue Paper Shamrocks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFxR_U0BDtIKAk2BnTXhH3L3gmp3f3_H5XDQ2OirDKPefumLiZQub8gtmdySE2rCl9COtwwtrv6v6zOQRbVUp80M1sHWX5KAH29whgJISS3uCxsQTd5cT6pmxTyrlyCaNJatyoaTKXFI/s1600/102_0782.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584815068368571394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFxR_U0BDtIKAk2BnTXhH3L3gmp3f3_H5XDQ2OirDKPefumLiZQub8gtmdySE2rCl9COtwwtrv6v6zOQRbVUp80M1sHWX5KAH29whgJISS3uCxsQTd5cT6pmxTyrlyCaNJatyoaTKXFI/s400/102_0782.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Since I teach special needs preschool I am always on the look out for easy craft ideas that all of the children can do and that will help them improve their motor skills. Since St. Patrick's Day is this week we made these <strong>tissue paper shamrocks</strong>. They were so simple to do and the kids seemed to enjoy it. These shamrocks were still a little wet when I took the picture, but you can imagine how the finished product looks.<br /><br /><strong>To make the shamrocks:</strong> I did a google search for a shamrock template and used it to cut out shamrocks from green paper. Then I let the kids paint the glue onto the paper. Painting the glue works much better than squeezing it on. It allows for better control and avoids a big glob on the paper. Then the children put little green squares of tissue paper onto the paper.</div><br /><div>Simple and easy. :)</div>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-80066554219290882742011-03-15T20:42:00.012-05:002011-03-16T18:04:29.129-05:00Tie Dye Butterflies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHM3eP7-c-CiP712aTBWZaYkj6XhRlEL3OUPouMssYa-C9c81Y_CJTbz4qm5huB-gSsBw0Kf6RmUXFjPw9YrcsslbACSD6MaPBvPW4q4U_c-LQEOq2MIzyujojSwVYw2EgNycl3aNhGs/s1600/102_0783.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584817310148139090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHM3eP7-c-CiP712aTBWZaYkj6XhRlEL3OUPouMssYa-C9c81Y_CJTbz4qm5huB-gSsBw0Kf6RmUXFjPw9YrcsslbACSD6MaPBvPW4q4U_c-LQEOq2MIzyujojSwVYw2EgNycl3aNhGs/s400/102_0783.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I was wanting some spring decorations that we could make for our classroom. I don't remember where I saw this idea (it must have been 10 years ago) but these are really cute and simple to make.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584489983339871794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL0IdHhT5xOVHqNWpno-gWgDb2Tj7NunsVLyrf-elkt_ZQ9lTYpHHB0nPHubmDy_dQSzoIadun9-EL05-MwkdG46I2Vk19CgX9F5Wi4MklQjx1cpPeUxpiYSrFtBU9nZFWRCaIlsAx0U/s400/102_0728.JPG" /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFqybdqh0YlDCXjxXwnkIYFK8Vfl9xd-ldRK5aeANVIfRR3xQM5WaJ1A6LjACu1cwP1lF2cfYqee-_ebHRxqBRQB_6dQaQgnibo9QJVA9D15b4VhDb1w_NVpz9KrmddyBcHdqrxn9fl4/s1600/102_0729.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584500211147484738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFqybdqh0YlDCXjxXwnkIYFK8Vfl9xd-ldRK5aeANVIfRR3xQM5WaJ1A6LjACu1cwP1lF2cfYqee-_ebHRxqBRQB_6dQaQgnibo9QJVA9D15b4VhDb1w_NVpz9KrmddyBcHdqrxn9fl4/s400/102_0729.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZNv_d7_r-lKgwhBHplb0zLLV7-1dKT0lRo00iW4ObyUhYeqYQLEe45eWhJhgx9QoZMglvOER8DpasGtzMtUUfUJ4bomk7dHTEb4EATmlyxLI_iEjQRQOpEReMwzMVL6JVN3-nMj2fEA/s1600/102_0730.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584495205893077906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZNv_d7_r-lKgwhBHplb0zLLV7-1dKT0lRo00iW4ObyUhYeqYQLEe45eWhJhgx9QoZMglvOER8DpasGtzMtUUfUJ4bomk7dHTEb4EATmlyxLI_iEjQRQOpEReMwzMVL6JVN3-nMj2fEA/s400/102_0730.JPG" /></a> For our tie dye butterflies we used bingo daubers, markers, coffee filters, and pipe cleaners (chenille stems).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iJRvgmpLit8NPEjVwyF4iq-218yBfFJqWPFQaK4HCUJQHNDEGVkGhU5rJDZ23H-AoUaUWgVMtEbzGFurE75z0LVM5UJuwSA2BR2zspEbMVQoFnebj_YXMkR6dgFNX4o8rBtZ6paPS98/s1600/102_0731.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584496511857600034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iJRvgmpLit8NPEjVwyF4iq-218yBfFJqWPFQaK4HCUJQHNDEGVkGhU5rJDZ23H-AoUaUWgVMtEbzGFurE75z0LVM5UJuwSA2BR2zspEbMVQoFnebj_YXMkR6dgFNX4o8rBtZ6paPS98/s400/102_0731.JPG" /></a><br />Before you begin, be sure to write the child's name on the coffee filter. I chose to write their name in very small print on the outer edge of the butterfly.</div></div><br /><div></div><div>To make the butterflies you don't have to use bingo daubers but our kids really like them so we put the daubers to use. We used the markers and daubers to color the coffee filters. Next, we just sprayed about 3 squirts of water onto the coffee filter and moved the filter around a little so that the water would make the colors run. If a child didn't color their filter very much then I scrunched it up to help the color spread.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODyAPNYe4hhbNWbMPzPM_VCUMDsMnMQ76sfJOjhnYrGOPlB-VtMfvTkhZgf02s2132cm25tpPycZfI3Y6v9K5sUK3yVWwFcndc1_KN_iNvBMkrdp5wj5VT6aDqILG9OshwbQvD-421nw/s1600/102_0732.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584497258651404098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODyAPNYe4hhbNWbMPzPM_VCUMDsMnMQ76sfJOjhnYrGOPlB-VtMfvTkhZgf02s2132cm25tpPycZfI3Y6v9K5sUK3yVWwFcndc1_KN_iNvBMkrdp5wj5VT6aDqILG9OshwbQvD-421nw/s400/102_0732.JPG" /></a><br />We laid the coffee filters out to dry. We used recycled copy paper and newspaper on the tables during the coloring and drying process and it was very helpful.<br /><br />Next, I used a pipe cleaner to make a body for the butterfly. I gathered up the coffee filter and wrapped the pipe cleaner around the middle a few times and then twisted it to make a body and antennae. It took a little practice to figure out how I wanted to wrap it, but I think it turned out well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mmnHkLauKpc9DTlAKx-AYRyjbfHdBdbbNlvkaOk4_AJI3zMh5IP_V8SX5h8GZvCFPOdPEuoPIuj8kbCViC4p58iJncb1CEimo32EN-epKQiDuuYLqvtwZ1qhbpOsFYJzylHJSvBjQ1w/s1600/102_0733.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584499249118542738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mmnHkLauKpc9DTlAKx-AYRyjbfHdBdbbNlvkaOk4_AJI3zMh5IP_V8SX5h8GZvCFPOdPEuoPIuj8kbCViC4p58iJncb1CEimo32EN-epKQiDuuYLqvtwZ1qhbpOsFYJzylHJSvBjQ1w/s400/102_0733.JPG" /></a><br />These butterflies are a colorful addition to our classroom. :) </div></div>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-75647930569254352302011-02-18T23:30:00.008-05:002011-02-19T00:05:37.252-05:00How to Dye Pasta for Crafts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jeQU4_0OTuyvZ6_asLnyE8WOfOFZL0dKqyfJ3kLeaER_DoOEaeccH8n0CLYqpjNBa6hEcxynIT-jgmtwjC06XW5BYzarO_Zi7WShqqEceBapx7M7bYgoRAKaZo-v3cLBcCu2heYM2cE/s1600/102_0675.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575255342827281234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jeQU4_0OTuyvZ6_asLnyE8WOfOFZL0dKqyfJ3kLeaER_DoOEaeccH8n0CLYqpjNBa6hEcxynIT-jgmtwjC06XW5BYzarO_Zi7WShqqEceBapx7M7bYgoRAKaZo-v3cLBcCu2heYM2cE/s400/102_0675.JPG" /></a>It is <a href="http://www.thethriftymommy.com/2011/02/17/super-double-coupons-at-harris-teeter-2/">super double coupon week at Harris Teeter</a> and I managed to snag some pasta for only 30 cents a box! Since we don't eat much pasta in our home I decided to purchase some for the classroom.<br /><br /><br />Dying pasta is super easy, economical, and has many uses in arts and crafts projects. In our classroom we plan to make necklaces, bracelets, and collages. Stringing the pasta will provide an opportunity to improve fine motor skills. In addition to these ideas we can also use it for counting and making patterns.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuX8IdC5rNW0SfbCQiW5BAkZLKEd8i92hWfJLpGwRx1-R5EHuV5qAmIXHkwwnUBw5k-oF3OMkuHKt-Tu4rfOmUuKWrOVTJAH6rf8JNtS2Ci1AKwjm3McmGv6pbe2clHxtFI_HOtXRznI/s1600/102_0676.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575255509807561426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuX8IdC5rNW0SfbCQiW5BAkZLKEd8i92hWfJLpGwRx1-R5EHuV5qAmIXHkwwnUBw5k-oF3OMkuHKt-Tu4rfOmUuKWrOVTJAH6rf8JNtS2Ci1AKwjm3McmGv6pbe2clHxtFI_HOtXRznI/s400/102_0676.JPG" /></a> As you can see, the pasta turned out bright and colorful. The colors remind me of fresh fruits and vegetables.<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br /><ul><li>pasta</li><li>large ziploc bag (I used gallon size)</li><li>food coloring</li><li>vinegar or alcohol</li><li>wax paper</li></ul><p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p><ol><li>Add a few cups of pasta to your ziploc bag. </li><li>Next, add about 10-12 drops of food coloring and about 1 tbsp of vinegar. (You can use alcohol but I prefer to use vinegar so that it's safe for the preschoolers that decide to put it in their mouth.) </li><li>Close the ziploc and stir up the pasta to mix around the food coloring. You can let the noodles sit in the food coloring for a little while if you'd like a deeper color. (I didn't let mine sit and I am pleased with the color.) </li><li>Dump out your noodles onto wax paper and allow to dry. You can let it dry on newspaper but I used wax paper so that I don't have to worry about the wet noodles drying to the paper. </li><li>Let the noodles dry overnight. I made our pasta on Friday so that it would have plenty of time to dry over the weekend.</li></ol><p>Money saving idea: To cut down on the number of baggies I used, I planned an order for dying my pasta so that I could reuse the bags. For example, I dyed yellow pasta and then used the bag to dye orange pasta. I knew that the orange would involve using the yellow and another color. </p><p></p>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-47687926953910089572011-02-13T22:37:00.001-05:002011-02-12T22:53:22.527-05:00Construction Theme: The Three Little PigsOne of our recent themes was <strong>construction</strong>. We used <strong><em>The Three Little Pigs</em></strong> as our main book for the week. Here are a few activities to go with the theme.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPhKlWLevPzvrR10dIlDqT8Jg5-jD_kScChqlK2HcPSRo6xTdOLn41U3FwofHwIa9cj3tsnhNne0EbaS575RkLLG1CwLJT5lOQXpGbenmUErAzjQZVK1p4CYuENHU5BCCiNkd9ME_aJI/s1600/102_0631.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571530582540026802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPhKlWLevPzvrR10dIlDqT8Jg5-jD_kScChqlK2HcPSRo6xTdOLn41U3FwofHwIa9cj3tsnhNne0EbaS575RkLLG1CwLJT5lOQXpGbenmUErAzjQZVK1p4CYuENHU5BCCiNkd9ME_aJI/s400/102_0631.JPG" /></a> There are so many different versions of this story that I actually had a difficult time finding the original story. You could share the different versions with your class. Depending on their age and abilities, you could compare the differences.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYa6E5jN7D_kccYXSrLteeOoc5gpIsiAT7U17WlZsCDwqL0znI5PR2dRtwVTuvX2fImO9-lOALTNjg4mo33gGcpyRHBj1EyS8tlfAjbF6G50T2W01ocZrfkDf8c_Z_hZ5mWd-wOrDHH68/s1600/102_0654.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573004583295824898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYa6E5jN7D_kccYXSrLteeOoc5gpIsiAT7U17WlZsCDwqL0znI5PR2dRtwVTuvX2fImO9-lOALTNjg4mo33gGcpyRHBj1EyS8tlfAjbF6G50T2W01ocZrfkDf8c_Z_hZ5mWd-wOrDHH68/s400/102_0654.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLXbOp_1JpBWy9maAh0DuAa2rtLnPXF6s_AYcPbxBw65FSIfk660bM7vFUcte3AqA9OuwS50WzcFP15h6408EUyueieAde37ASqEHuSebefSciovAlkBC4fi_r2dAIgm6yohHKWvJl4g/s1600/102_0652.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573004914879932162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLXbOp_1JpBWy9maAh0DuAa2rtLnPXF6s_AYcPbxBw65FSIfk660bM7vFUcte3AqA9OuwS50WzcFP15h6408EUyueieAde37ASqEHuSebefSciovAlkBC4fi_r2dAIgm6yohHKWvJl4g/s400/102_0652.JPG" /></a><br />We also read <em>Our Tree House</em>. This book talks about building a tree house and it shows the people working and building so we were able to point out the different tools and the purpose of the tools.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEvz6Swm3yR4L2asIZRsxCpJTAN57p0V7BHVkyKqDTBlIZPAlBclcnuh1TbkMesKBbpuMbBXt8_yJahNQz-h6aOzr56CxYmEgA3t-1QfHMo36KnjU26PSj8lMcelKzCn6rmLi3sA5t3E/s1600/102_0628.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571530099680707218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEvz6Swm3yR4L2asIZRsxCpJTAN57p0V7BHVkyKqDTBlIZPAlBclcnuh1TbkMesKBbpuMbBXt8_yJahNQz-h6aOzr56CxYmEgA3t-1QfHMo36KnjU26PSj8lMcelKzCn6rmLi3sA5t3E/s400/102_0628.JPG" /></a> For our craft we made pigs. We used three circles for the body, head, and snout.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY1NXtsUboR-Zj3zz5BdKw3f7h6srzY-R37su33xaXeniYW_Ir9zX6M3uXv5g7zACN_CqJPKY16bds1jaOcnqSdWrqmJTYGkNUtEFDENx5uZEG4qao2x7DpB3zuAW2VElVHdWxa_EkK8/s1600/102_0629.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571529603028458738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY1NXtsUboR-Zj3zz5BdKw3f7h6srzY-R37su33xaXeniYW_Ir9zX6M3uXv5g7zACN_CqJPKY16bds1jaOcnqSdWrqmJTYGkNUtEFDENx5uZEG4qao2x7DpB3zuAW2VElVHdWxa_EkK8/s400/102_0629.JPG" /></a> We have a blocks center in our classroom. We recently added some of the sturdy cardboard brick blocks to our collection.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-rq6cWtVkJOeZ41D1_G2gnIDBbyCQYfZdQuR05w538j0FVVekfeLqTXDSwX8oczGzt9uJF61gw0u-Or_ARESA4VzHSuIB-vdvOt8SW6bz_mdNQo-BSAhTHQMBkKgwjSNoI47hwjAthM/s1600/102_0630.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571529266858060834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-rq6cWtVkJOeZ41D1_G2gnIDBbyCQYfZdQuR05w538j0FVVekfeLqTXDSwX8oczGzt9uJF61gw0u-Or_ARESA4VzHSuIB-vdvOt8SW6bz_mdNQo-BSAhTHQMBkKgwjSNoI47hwjAthM/s400/102_0630.JPG" /></a> My son had some toy tools at home so I borrowed them to take to school. They were a hit and they preschoolers have really enjoyed playing with the tools.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQnUq1jFLKlTEYGqAeNSmAbOd5zEXy13p74lrGETB7CueHNHpRViaB5GdjtiCyvK18_UpU-zDqFKHgyUJ42K5TYTnZzoVg0KxLh24E_GjSdIM_AIdzV7ei0XFkCQ0HqDkcjJ4_TFOSO0/s1600/102_0646.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571528981310546402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQnUq1jFLKlTEYGqAeNSmAbOd5zEXy13p74lrGETB7CueHNHpRViaB5GdjtiCyvK18_UpU-zDqFKHgyUJ42K5TYTnZzoVg0KxLh24E_GjSdIM_AIdzV7ei0XFkCQ0HqDkcjJ4_TFOSO0/s400/102_0646.JPG" /></a> We are fortunate to have a nice manipulative center in our classroom which has many wooden puzzles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVDMU3GKvyetkJ5dtzz7FQctvwUiNY4RWeUhVtkfCmmree9WY3u3690NrmvhA5T_tIyMzIomMptDvTG_Z-jIYIa__TtYRVMR8485R2yVqt27f8VqmIAyNWuBV4NgX_NOoBgPFJtnQV70/s1600/102_0649.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573005721334082962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVDMU3GKvyetkJ5dtzz7FQctvwUiNY4RWeUhVtkfCmmree9WY3u3690NrmvhA5T_tIyMzIomMptDvTG_Z-jIYIa__TtYRVMR8485R2yVqt27f8VqmIAyNWuBV4NgX_NOoBgPFJtnQV70/s400/102_0649.JPG" /></a><br />I added some of these pig coloring pages in our art center that week as an optional activity. The kids could color and trace the word "pig". Other sources for printables: <a href="http://www.first-school.ws/theme/animals/cp_farm/cp_pig.htm">First School</a>, <a href="http://www.coloring.ws/pigs.htm">Coloring.ws</a>, <a href="http://www.coloring-pages-kids.com/coloring-pages/animal-coloring-pages/farm-animals-coloring-pages/pigs-coloring-pages-gallery.php">Coloring Pages for Kids</a>.<br /><br />Other things we did during the week:<br />Read Humpty Dumpty<br />Sang the Humpty Dumpty song</li><br />Watched The Three Little Pigs from the Discovery Education website<br />We made <a href="http://www.educationalinsights.com/text/EI/downloads/guides/1011%20Three%20Little%20Pigs-G.pdf">The Three Little Pigs stick puppets</a>. We used our puppets to retell the story.<br /><br />Other activities to try:<br />Blow paint with a straw.<br /><a href="http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/mpig.html">Pig craft</a> (from paper towel roll)</p>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-73161413832741948752011-02-11T19:39:00.003-05:002011-02-11T19:46:15.251-05:00Snowman Photo Keepsake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGvjRUqtjxTceCWQ7ojOsdhBuLfIR2vBEnd0VEcUpzrIS461_MKK-OiqQ23n7l7JjJR-XwzI-iKCP1qQrLkz2jsyvdVEqniWTKUSL7TyTAoyUvCLIAuH7dC8niGVZWTASFGaOo2UYmEU/s1600/102_0658.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572596449014862370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGvjRUqtjxTceCWQ7ojOsdhBuLfIR2vBEnd0VEcUpzrIS461_MKK-OiqQ23n7l7JjJR-XwzI-iKCP1qQrLkz2jsyvdVEqniWTKUSL7TyTAoyUvCLIAuH7dC8niGVZWTASFGaOo2UYmEU/s400/102_0658.JPG" /></a><br /><div>This snowman doesn't need much explanation. It is simply a snowman that kids can help cut and assemble. Then the teacher can add a photo of the child for the snowman's face.</div><div> </div><div>Be sure to check out the other <a href="http://littlefunlittlelearning.blogspot.com/2011/01/snowman-arts-crafts-ideas.html">snowman ideas</a>.</div>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-86482193227745083832011-02-08T22:10:00.002-05:002011-02-08T22:14:02.520-05:00Heart People Craft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqtxbl2mxvEN8n9ZCIRFIcn7ICKbkacrdayfUADQ6j3ceGf8Jyq-ibCXCm5WB5K2sBfnZi7kPkz0i3Ez-yfmGGuO4flyp2A20rgukKdXKYqBWSzL9X8Mx3xCEvcE1IlwPBIDBgS5j-w8/s1600/102_0647.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571522060767411794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqtxbl2mxvEN8n9ZCIRFIcn7ICKbkacrdayfUADQ6j3ceGf8Jyq-ibCXCm5WB5K2sBfnZi7kPkz0i3Ez-yfmGGuO4flyp2A20rgukKdXKYqBWSzL9X8Mx3xCEvcE1IlwPBIDBgS5j-w8/s400/102_0647.JPG" /></a> This week we're making heart people for our Valentine craft. We're also decorating our bulletin board with these cuties. The idea is very simple and I have seen it around for a while now so I am not sure where it originated.<br /><br />As you can see, the body of the person is a large heart and the feet and hands are smaller hearts. We use strips of paper for the legs and arms. We folded them to give a crinkled effect. You could wiggle eyes or buttons for the eyes or you could hand draw them. We let the kids draw the mouth.<br /><br />This is definitely an cute, easy, and inexpensive idea.ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-23146088485073462562011-01-30T22:42:00.009-05:002011-02-11T19:47:09.195-05:00Snowman Arts & Crafts IdeasJanuary is almost over but it's not too late to make a snowman. These are just a few ideas I rounded up for you all. Enjoy! :)<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvvSU7S4uV4tMB-NwgX97YhDQagjezzxELHp2k1IkQF46CHK1fDV6fZO6j33k3zmIz5qbHLGfv1huKdUHAX3RhxpLvx-aH51rtFEsmg3uluGcEYsRV6kqUruJw3bQM1HD14pALOF-xg8/s1600/snowman+snowglobe.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568195328563111618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvvSU7S4uV4tMB-NwgX97YhDQagjezzxELHp2k1IkQF46CHK1fDV6fZO6j33k3zmIz5qbHLGfv1huKdUHAX3RhxpLvx-aH51rtFEsmg3uluGcEYsRV6kqUruJw3bQM1HD14pALOF-xg8/s400/snowman+snowglobe.jpg" /></a><strong>Snowman Globe -</strong> This was made by a another pre-k class at the school where I work. As you can see, the globe is a blue painted paper plate and the globe stand is half of a brown painted plate.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJSZb9dOrafh0Y_IZuXI1cCptC9y0klGkwA2xz-ixmcpfNjFygAM_W_IKzugk3kV5qIwCc6SOAP7EdNLjItkf6ioDxJfnEvmHiSYZfN5n5-4ZzoVuIJJ9xL8U4IaCB2phAt50uk3rnEI/s1600/102_0626.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568193700088264626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJSZb9dOrafh0Y_IZuXI1cCptC9y0klGkwA2xz-ixmcpfNjFygAM_W_IKzugk3kV5qIwCc6SOAP7EdNLjItkf6ioDxJfnEvmHiSYZfN5n5-4ZzoVuIJJ9xL8U4IaCB2phAt50uk3rnEI/s400/102_0626.JPG" /></a><strong>Blistery Snowman Picture -</strong> We made these in our classroom. We invited the students to use their fingers or paint brushes to make snow. After the snow was dry we added circles for the snowman body, dry black beans for the buttons, and some twigs for the arms.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nIc-tib9IabhmjTKWyv6XGddin4GkzklZ4I__27M8yjgLQjnSbPNf1wbVbKn9YWRVGN6ae4UxOn0r4AvfuiBfGJriBlZDPnEg4ttPOttS6FUmACjGfAVk8n8tRc7I7cNm82CLi8e5nM/s1600/102_0636.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568191606349479650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nIc-tib9IabhmjTKWyv6XGddin4GkzklZ4I__27M8yjgLQjnSbPNf1wbVbKn9YWRVGN6ae4UxOn0r4AvfuiBfGJriBlZDPnEg4ttPOttS6FUmACjGfAVk8n8tRc7I7cNm82CLi8e5nM/s400/102_0636.JPG" /></a> <strong>Snowman Window Scene -</strong> This was made by my son who is in kindergarten. They used crayons on black construction paper to draw a scene and then they added some brown strips on top of the picture to look like the scene was being viewed through a window.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNywcloxHGMcldtbXksHUDl7Qr6x8cM22mx_h9Q5m_ZuODAPbEzC358j53kLHIT6LLq8nhLb48tg0MNFezSMGcOSaZur0ngZhHm58swylCPYQZIZxXOyN2eA5FYkLg4_XWkN4Zk2oodE/s1600/102_0572.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568190800826330130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNywcloxHGMcldtbXksHUDl7Qr6x8cM22mx_h9Q5m_ZuODAPbEzC358j53kLHIT6LLq8nhLb48tg0MNFezSMGcOSaZur0ngZhHm58swylCPYQZIZxXOyN2eA5FYkLg4_XWkN4Zk2oodE/s400/102_0572.JPG" /></a><strong> Winter Wonderland Snowmen -</strong> These were made by providing students with sequins, feathers, buttons, and other various craft supplies.<br /><br /><br /><div><strong>Other snowman ideas:</strong></div><div></div><div><a href="http://littlefunlittlelearning.blogspot.com/2010/12/snowman-votive-craft.html">Snowman Fingerprint Votive Craft</a> from the archives</div><div></div><a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/2010/12/we-made-marshmallow-snowmen-in-preschool/">Marshmallow Snowmen<br /></a><div><a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/2011/01/we-made-paper-plate-snowmen-globes-in-preschool/">Paper Plate Snowmen Globes</a> from Teach Preschool</div><div><a href="http://ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com/rice-krispie-treat-snowman/2011/01/19/">Rice Krispy Treat Snowman</a> from Edible Crafts</div><div><a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2010/02/build-your-own-snowman.html">Build Your Snowman</a> from No time for Flashcards</div><div><a href="http://craftsandartforchildren.blogspot.com/2011/01/create-snowman-craft-great-for-toddlers.html">Create-A-Snowman Craft</a> from Crafts-N-Things for Children</div></div></div>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-4982337343724876832011-01-25T21:46:00.007-05:002011-01-25T22:10:10.130-05:00Line Up By Colors with Floor CrayonsOne of the things were we struggling with in our classroom was lining up and staying in our own personal space. We haven't exactly mastered the concept yet, but these crayons sure are helping. ;)<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9o7UmbQZLh42dS5Lv1rHOdJin2Z-xbc2k-BmZkzXe9axlDQljo9UgrOnqZvHpxPB-10nutRBiSRqLg93SrCdPSwKCAz2OaiaFPEhD0msd8CeePoRkglV-hUfjGhBnbckvVBjTbC27nY/s1600/102_0632.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566321582421880674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9o7UmbQZLh42dS5Lv1rHOdJin2Z-xbc2k-BmZkzXe9axlDQljo9UgrOnqZvHpxPB-10nutRBiSRqLg93SrCdPSwKCAz2OaiaFPEhD0msd8CeePoRkglV-hUfjGhBnbckvVBjTbC27nY/s400/102_0632.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPcfQSxQmLyJXonzbSQFNhbrxHdT266n-8tAnan8bs1j2yTGP5cfkMWOGHoOyfXugrPGOF9RHsyd2eZaN03nDqQGY9P75M4mYd1aYonc-IqAOa5z4CfN0msamZ_gO_sqKLgdL73sgrw8/s1600/102_0633.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566321773558449570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPcfQSxQmLyJXonzbSQFNhbrxHdT266n-8tAnan8bs1j2yTGP5cfkMWOGHoOyfXugrPGOF9RHsyd2eZaN03nDqQGY9P75M4mYd1aYonc-IqAOa5z4CfN0msamZ_gO_sqKLgdL73sgrw8/s400/102_0633.JPG" /></a>I admit I can't take credit for this idea. I saw these recently at a school where I was observing and really liked the idea.</p><p>Our crayons are made from bulletin board paper. First, my assistant used a die cut machine to cut out all of the letters. This was her guide for how long the crayons needed to be. Then she hand drew a pattern which she used for all of the crayons. She glued on the letters and added a black stripe to make them look like crayons. We taped the crayons to the floor with masking tape and then added large pieces of clear contact paper over the top of them for durability. This also enables the floor to be swept and mopped.</p><p>The floor crayons have many purposes:</p><ul><li>As already mentioned, the crayons help to provide some structure. It gives a defining place and tells the student that this is where we should be.</li><li>Use the crayons as an every day way to teach the children their colors when lining up <em>(Sarah, line up on red. Ben, line up on orange.)</em></li><li>Use the crayons to provide spatial boundaries/personal space when lining up. <em>(Stay on your color.)</em></li><li>You could also use the crayons for a game. Our children enjoy jumping from color to color. You could use bean bags and play a toss game.</li></ul><p>What ideas do you have for the floor crayons?</p>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-87466723284342793762011-01-13T23:29:00.004-05:002011-01-13T23:43:13.010-05:00Song: Look Who Came to School Today<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxNYVEXAOFHQJrvi29OMUMssyPJQPaQ8A9tcmy2IcafKlX3ObZDGR9xGW5e6ps3KqsgUZ2ATATozUyYIzEVdj8XvjtxBkBfFeKsbOuZ5CtbHPzZk3BJ3R6fof5TyLn188_edmEZ7MmO0/s1600/look+who+came+song.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561895204672211090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxNYVEXAOFHQJrvi29OMUMssyPJQPaQ8A9tcmy2IcafKlX3ObZDGR9xGW5e6ps3KqsgUZ2ATATozUyYIzEVdj8XvjtxBkBfFeKsbOuZ5CtbHPzZk3BJ3R6fof5TyLn188_edmEZ7MmO0/s400/look+who+came+song.jpg" /></a><br />Here's a song we sing at school. I wrote it on sentence strips. Each child gets a turn. They come up and find their name and put it in the line. Then we sing the song to them. They can dance, jump, etc while we sing their name.<br /><br />This is a great song for name recognition. I chose pigs for the names because we are learning about <em>The Three Little Pigs</em>. It isn't necessary to choose a new die cut for each week; this is just something I did for now. You could change this according to season or you could use the same one for the entire year.<br /><br /><strong>Look Who Came to School Today</strong><br /><em>tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush</em><br /><br />Look who came to school today<br />School today, school today<br />Look who came to school today<br />___________ did!<br /><br />source unknownThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-72315806451259840532010-12-15T18:04:00.005-05:002011-02-11T19:47:46.649-05:00Snowman Votive Craft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_T9j_ek2JJnh0h5-Ii3awhLnFopqpYf8fpM-_i_GSHrEqZG9b0gR3fIDWWAD9eitzS1-yr6XwCsEpXHjgWSRiuP2yVNvyeuP8mZ4Fl7bNwf9zGup62p402XAJKxpP7Qm5xKgcisfPcd4/s1600/102_0390.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551049183810261666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_T9j_ek2JJnh0h5-Ii3awhLnFopqpYf8fpM-_i_GSHrEqZG9b0gR3fIDWWAD9eitzS1-yr6XwCsEpXHjgWSRiuP2yVNvyeuP8mZ4Fl7bNwf9zGup62p402XAJKxpP7Qm5xKgcisfPcd4/s400/102_0390.JPG" /></a><br /><p>Parents and grandparents always enjoy cute handmade gifts from children, especially when they're made from handprints or fingerprints.</p><p>This snowman is simply made from a child's finger. Paint white paint on their finger and press lightly onto the votive holder. After the paint dries you can add the arms, buttons, etc with a fine tip brush or permanent marker. You might even want to paint the child's name and date on the side or bottom.</p><p>Teacher tip: When making handprint gifts, be sure to have the child look away as you press their hand. When the child is looking, they tend to press their hands themselves or jerk away from you which leaves a blurry mess.</p><p>This idea is very similar to the <a href="http://littlefunlittlelearning.blogspot.com/2007/12/snowman-ornament.html">snowman ornament</a> that I shared with you a few years ago.</p><p>Do you have any kid-friendly handmade gift ideas to share?</p>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-6392312745747722582010-12-14T19:43:00.003-05:002010-12-14T20:02:48.863-05:00Easy Gingerbread Man Ornament<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDhkvUd4lIxH0TfjSFZOjr9Ib8jWqcbOzLcon8OXo5T5sdUCDlM327goZfcy_QNzkHk8tuMyuKbi6IPuoa0ahsMGcxmDCJfeM8jj2c-ocj-mgRtbNiof-c5iOOt6VU22drwG13PwKC3g/s1600/gingerbread+man.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550704027938989250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDhkvUd4lIxH0TfjSFZOjr9Ib8jWqcbOzLcon8OXo5T5sdUCDlM327goZfcy_QNzkHk8tuMyuKbi6IPuoa0ahsMGcxmDCJfeM8jj2c-ocj-mgRtbNiof-c5iOOt6VU22drwG13PwKC3g/s400/gingerbread+man.jpg" /></a>Kids really enjoy making ornaments at Christmas time. Here's another easy ornament to try. These gingerbread men cut outs are made from craft foam. They were purchased very inexpensively at the Dollar Tree. Of course, you could use a <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/printables/snowman-gingerbread-man-patterns-702975/">gingerbread pattern</a> to cut these out yourself.<br /><br /><div></div><div>Be sure to provide your little one with glue, glitter, buttons, sequins, etc to decorate their gingerbread person. Be sure to check out these other <a href="http://littlefunlittlelearning.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas">Christmas and ornament ideas</a>.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Have fun!</div>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-34589570981052125292010-12-12T17:22:00.002-05:002010-12-12T17:31:00.155-05:00Coming Soon: A New Name!Little Fun; Little Learning has been around for a few years. While it has been helpful in providing resources for parents and teachers, Revka and I feel that this site could be better with a more user-friendly set-up. LFLL was set up during our early blogging years and it is time for a makeover! I have purchased the new domain for the site. Hopefully after the first of the year, <a href="http://www.berriesandcreamblogdesign.com/affiliate/jrox.php?id=1034_1_bid_3">Revka</a> and I can brainstorm on a new design to unveil a more resourceful website. Stay tuned!ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-75340839287372288172010-11-30T23:32:00.000-05:002010-11-30T23:34:14.324-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Learning to Read<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9m6e5ELFiKt9GN9QiynY9ew92f7ZyZ5HmOh7asigYKcTd5VgrrCMyD4bakeLleUMenWALwXS9Dj9ynxuVKXfb8PFXH2a0elkuBHUuHZP4qmvLYW8MXzNQLwT_jpoyegXhtQ9bXfEpDE/s1600/102_0343.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545567339517639026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9m6e5ELFiKt9GN9QiynY9ew92f7ZyZ5HmOh7asigYKcTd5VgrrCMyD4bakeLleUMenWALwXS9Dj9ynxuVKXfb8PFXH2a0elkuBHUuHZP4qmvLYW8MXzNQLwT_jpoyegXhtQ9bXfEpDE/s400/102_0343.JPG" /></a>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-30806948359537711692010-11-23T16:57:00.008-05:002010-11-23T18:51:25.472-05:00Thanksgiving People CraftWhile walking down the halls at school I spotted these Thanksgiving people that the kindergarten children had made. Aren't they cute?<br /><br />The body of the people is a Zoopal plate. They painted the plates with skin and hair and attached an acorn for the nose. Next came the smiles, hats or head dressing, fingers, and wiggle eyes.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhng05BWCoEFla3oPgPnbD_RWZUhzcTSr6JHLGINJSdFLzzsAt1PAeoUHMZ5o90Zfsqv_1Uy8CY0hmLp0K_sAOR3PqYFu92ukHyuoXoar3rcYmiWHoe4jOgyVDdkdRYDPP0pBay3ndWvEo/s1600/thanksgiving+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542868198615300786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhng05BWCoEFla3oPgPnbD_RWZUhzcTSr6JHLGINJSdFLzzsAt1PAeoUHMZ5o90Zfsqv_1Uy8CY0hmLp0K_sAOR3PqYFu92ukHyuoXoar3rcYmiWHoe4jOgyVDdkdRYDPP0pBay3ndWvEo/s400/thanksgiving+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1ea_tcgGFrvA1obkOEkKwL7vsYJj-oB9QlKA-wAwsQ09EabEO-LwAjzrh4eitvvHrZ6_M9jBQ77FK9fxjc4ESqHJatFoMhPXVqnXquSaAqNQZSUPY31aSBhPN1kmB2z4H17bDb-j28Q/s1600/thanksgiving+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542868466918097170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1ea_tcgGFrvA1obkOEkKwL7vsYJj-oB9QlKA-wAwsQ09EabEO-LwAjzrh4eitvvHrZ6_M9jBQ77FK9fxjc4ESqHJatFoMhPXVqnXquSaAqNQZSUPY31aSBhPN1kmB2z4H17bDb-j28Q/s400/thanksgiving+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQeG15GNsep97EuM3hX8Rv5w6X5V_PaRYtZuOePwmDMqzM8wEYbG_J92XRZzhlaLqZ_nO-aF7kZlCJMmVl_H87lAC7oV2KXsAWsKy6TLFjj_OkpTcVON-SBRfY-yLyga_p8mxvc1R0qw/s1600/thanksgiving+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542868622620234786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQeG15GNsep97EuM3hX8Rv5w6X5V_PaRYtZuOePwmDMqzM8wEYbG_J92XRZzhlaLqZ_nO-aF7kZlCJMmVl_H87lAC7oV2KXsAWsKy6TLFjj_OkpTcVON-SBRfY-yLyga_p8mxvc1R0qw/s400/thanksgiving+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Other ideas you might like:<br /><a href="http://littlefunlittlelearning.blogspot.com/2007/11/thanksgiving-place-mat.html">Thanksgiving place mat</a><br /><a href="http://littlefunlittlelearning.blogspot.com/2007/11/thanksgiving-turkey-craft.html">Thanksgiving turkey craft</a><br /><a href="http://littlefunlittlelearning.blogspot.com/2007/11/fun-filled-friday-part-2-happy.html">Thankful tree</a><br /><br />Do you have any cute Thanksgiving crafts to share?ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-1035691081406661382010-11-12T14:02:00.020-05:002010-12-01T14:10:06.927-05:00Studying Word FamiliesLearning word families is a great way for kids to learn how to read. Each week at school, we study a new word family. Here are some of the activities we use to help learn the words.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541071578199695234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2efCnuWEcy6uhyphenhyphenKk4xpAfGjQ-vYHeP1DxGd_cnL_rtqvnTdxPXQmk_pXSOFKg9uWKSWdeiR4lo2rkRaZjuPBH-R6XL6Ijzq5yHSVzzxpJ_O4hV4tEeez8oEOo__lInyyFgWmr6wL38o/s400/word+family+1.jpg" /><br /><strong>1. Magnet Board -</strong> Each week we practice making words using the magnet board. First we put our current family ending at the top and then we put different consonants and consonant blends in front of the word family. Sometimes we make nonsense words too. As you can see, this week our word family is -it.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541072600360526882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5IGvDgRCIJvyWhyINuumm26277ubOgXA77wqdSU__Itimc1jzDI73KieJQRMBm-CGsP0hvuw3DNwpcsBqOK_UsHqGdANvalO8MEaNbnmYntrRjl0QX8lP2L8SYHNu9DaP5fiO84Yk90/s400/word+family+2.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2efCnuWEcy6uhyphenhyphenKk4xpAfGjQ-vYHeP1DxGd_cnL_rtqvnTdxPXQmk_pXSOFKg9uWKSWdeiR4lo2rkRaZjuPBH-R6XL6Ijzq5yHSVzzxpJ_O4hV4tEeez8oEOo__lInyyFgWmr6wL38o/s1600/word+family+1.jpg"></a><br /><br /><strong>2. Printable Booklets -</strong> <a href="http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/printable_booklets.html">Hubbards Cupboard</a> has free printable booklets that you can print out to read with each word family. This week we are reading <em>Fishing</em> because it focuses on the -it word family.<br /><br /><strong>3. Online Activities-</strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYwpec_lFEbuCueHQ-kZR96HaISQOCsBQP_1h5SunGKy81Gx90L23Q8FcEsEGrlu6ALWtYKqa_j2H2_5dICBKywuHXbABcAHxMWANFtOCDSpTrIV1n6JACWi6G8w-SnvyqJnIW5CD9E4/s1600/word+family+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541079190520003378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYwpec_lFEbuCueHQ-kZR96HaISQOCsBQP_1h5SunGKy81Gx90L23Q8FcEsEGrlu6ALWtYKqa_j2H2_5dICBKywuHXbABcAHxMWANFtOCDSpTrIV1n6JACWi6G8w-SnvyqJnIW5CD9E4/s400/word+family+3.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/wordfamily/">Word Family Games</a> allows you to click and drag the words to the correct word family. This activity is a bit more difficult than the other activities because the student is sorting word families into different categories. This game would work well for small group or whole class lessons. Small groups could sit around the computer and work together while taking turns. For large groups, you could post this on the Active Board. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2IaGaOR0AWDqkMzIYuE5H5gold7mlNYlAuySFrkrTDiiYH2xUphAEjUtHIeAuN2NdYC-DPnLRSOheupgEIIYxtPsseDV1yt39F_oGbafb3rL0et8_FpZ3gvz_LBiqLYeG733LrnjrFM/s1600/word+family+4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541082407336367938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2IaGaOR0AWDqkMzIYuE5H5gold7mlNYlAuySFrkrTDiiYH2xUphAEjUtHIeAuN2NdYC-DPnLRSOheupgEIIYxtPsseDV1yt39F_oGbafb3rL0et8_FpZ3gvz_LBiqLYeG733LrnjrFM/s400/word+family+4.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.starfall.com/">Starfall</a> has making word activities. For example: The student is given a picture, such as a can, and he has to click and drag the beginning consonant "c" to the word family -an. After entering the Starfall website, click on <a href="http://www.starfall.com/n/level-a/learn-to-read/load.htm?f">Learn to Read</a>. Starfall also has lots of other reading activities.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa07hLK_aIKjxEA8oPf-cV6ugIb_po94dxzbIvy49bRyGWOCmLbbVGJgawZr0rnpBwLDFhAUMw09xNTvjIrlI_lkOHdVodr2BQaRxwiA3lBgrGvkP7QzTfzgwIbRPUWcMK5JbV2p5W_A/s1600/word+family+5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541084576279262978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDa07hLK_aIKjxEA8oPf-cV6ugIb_po94dxzbIvy49bRyGWOCmLbbVGJgawZr0rnpBwLDFhAUMw09xNTvjIrlI_lkOHdVodr2BQaRxwiA3lBgrGvkP7QzTfzgwIbRPUWcMK5JbV2p5W_A/s400/word+family+5.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" class="Apple-style-span">4. Word Wheels -</span> Scholastic has a book of printable word wheels. I copy and color them and then laminate them for durability. (Upon searching tonight, I found a <a href="http://printables.scholastic.com/printables/detail/?id=31900&No=0&N=370&Nty=0&_N=0">free printable</a> for a word wheel, but it appears that it is just a sample.)<br /><br />Free printable word wheels: <a href="http://www.wordway.us.com/SlideSET1.pdf">Wordway</a> also has many word wheels/strips but these do not have pictures with the words. There are over 100 pages so you will need to scroll through and print out only the ones you need. Other sources include <a href="http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/phonics-word-wheels.html">Super Teacher Worksheets</a> and <a href="http://www.enchantedlearning.com/rhymes/wordfamilies/">Enchanted Learning.<br /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8j_hpuBTd_H-9bVGBuibCphUDdov4tzfQG-cvMbGrs26ER_La4JW9FF_Ri51VA9_B_NNsQaIH72yMnoui5E6lCErUIXpFjE_Rf51VfSxp75lgRRDl84rMB1pHCn7ajUBT6lUgtOhXl2k/s1600/word+family+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541086196484598850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8j_hpuBTd_H-9bVGBuibCphUDdov4tzfQG-cvMbGrs26ER_La4JW9FF_Ri51VA9_B_NNsQaIH72yMnoui5E6lCErUIXpFjE_Rf51VfSxp75lgRRDl84rMB1pHCn7ajUBT6lUgtOhXl2k/s400/word+family+6.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>5. Other books -</strong> The top two books shown in the picture are part of a literacy kit that we have at the school, but there are other places to find books. The pink books shown in the picture came from a yard sale. I got a small stack of them for 25 cents. Check your local library or do some web surfing for books. You can also work with your child to make your own books. Start with a list of words from your word family to help you brainstorm. </p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMy7ik7dCCVs2Sylh6X02_79Hu4Au6LoR_GVplg5jRKUyqaaLZIZiYkzKPZ2BeeL8mRSt7avPasGTO7h0BXj66zrHPgu1t21hYC53aVizm_M9_VJx_U2bIt0tQF22GgIviGudfJfq3sw/s1600/word+family+7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541089321706566274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMy7ik7dCCVs2Sylh6X02_79Hu4Au6LoR_GVplg5jRKUyqaaLZIZiYkzKPZ2BeeL8mRSt7avPasGTO7h0BXj66zrHPgu1t21hYC53aVizm_M9_VJx_U2bIt0tQF22GgIviGudfJfq3sw/s400/word+family+7.jpg" /></a> <p><strong>6. Worksheets -</strong> Inbetween all of the other activities we reinforce the skills with these worksheets from <a href="http://www.wordway.us.com/">Wordway</a>. We do not do all of the worksheets on the website. I pick 4-5 of them for each week. Some of these include putting the correct word into the sentence, choosing the correct word for the picture, etc. </p><p>(I have found Wordway difficult to navigate so here is how I find the sheets: Go to the Wordway website, scroll past the other website links and offer to purchase, click on the letter for the word family you're looking for. For the word family -it, you would click on "I". Then scroll through the list of word families and click on the one you like.)</p><p><strong>7. Spelling words -</strong> Each week we have a list of spelling words to go along with our word family and there is homework to reinforce these words. Since our word family this week is -it some of our words are bit, fit, sit, mit, hit, kit, etc. In our spelling list, I also include two sight words that we are studying.</p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">8. File folder games -</span> Recently I was excited to find the website <a href="http://www.filefolderfun.com/">File Folder Fun</a>. On the website, there phonics word family games called <a href="http://filefolderfun.com/Pages/KindergartenPhonics/ShamrockPhonics.html">Shamrock Phonics</a> and <a href="http://filefolderfun.com/Pages/KindergartenPhonics/SpaceRhymes.html">Space Rhymes</a>. You can print the games in color or black and white. If you need different word families than the ones shown, you can simply white out the words and make your own. <br /><br /><strong>I know this is only a few of the ways to teach word families. What are some effective ways that you have found?</strong><br /><br />Other sources:<br /><a href="http://printables.scholastic.com/printables/detail/?id=24418">Scholastic rhyming words worksheet 1</a><br /><a href="http://printables.scholastic.com/printables/detail/?id=24419">Rhyming words sheet 2</a><br /><a href="http://printables.scholastic.com/printables/detail/?id=24420">Rhyming words sheet 3</a> </p>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6982809494776839292.post-29606588689224007202010-10-23T08:33:00.010-05:002010-10-23T10:56:11.765-05:00Apple ActivitiesI was doing some cleaning today and found these cute apple activities from kindergarten class. Enjoy!<br /><p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531234476286939266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17VrXSczb0RqwJ_E9rSfEEQPc5Wh1UA_2PZJgIR9t0ysC2K2ohx7Fn7j7-Q2rBIBFIm9s7xu2ZK04AXp0J1apIzPAhuAmTPJnY0hcoE8Q8A5sq4D7i_9esBwtKCF7WUaojCKIkdjeY-g/s400/102_0127.JPG" /> <p><br /><strong>Apple basket -</strong> This is a cute introduction to number sentences and color words. <p><br /><p><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531236134303131266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTfxKCdGjVNPrLyGrf1JFwbKz9iNHlkTkpPlzbO8ZwZpJcXS0L2RB0MsaCjfyL08DWrOWu10iNQB5Mk6_fNdJob_-qeFJE6yJK2xhZJ4PnQI-h3rzOUGBc2npNfUioWqpiQOzhDxIses/s400/apples+1.jpg" /><br /><p><br /><strong>Apple people -</strong> This is simply an apple with black crinkled arms and legs.<br /><p><br /><p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531236608636864258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QKyzzvhycHKooymW6UAsqdU5WfkF3nxmjtrUwo7toF5CV3e-cv3hBvWpcQ77qMDHP5bQlnwS2JH-BNyOlZLoIx3ttL2TKrCjEDrFRB0u_WIWOsSO5sHnzeGnBq2seVzGY2c6P1voKbE/s400/apple+tree.jpg" /><br /><p><br /><strong>Apple trees -</strong> Every kid loves to paint. :)<br /><p><br /><p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531248461997283010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWJdvjnOIPGU8rpBUllRkXEpZRecDtKukUhZg8rN5-4RSUKP0GkGn9GAuju1Y-fMCkPVgMZ2u1_CwHAyhFrWI10A4Qnm4JcrNMbiQZjW-nTuKzwQURjpNsCWXZJh45OLYbT4NtySa-Qk/s400/102_0131.JPG" /><br /><br /><strong>Torn Paper Apples -</strong> Tearing paper is good exercise for little fingers. Have students cover an apple you've drawn or copied. Encourage them to make a layered look.<br /><p><br /><br /><strong>What kinds of fall activities have you enjoyed?<br /></strong></p>ThriftyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08281570695682066243noreply@blogger.com2