tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46804709119089339932024-03-05T16:40:59.863-06:00Laura's Little Learning LabAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-26480849044360210202014-11-18T17:36:00.000-06:002014-11-18T17:36:01.793-06:00I'm on Twitter!!!I'm now on Twitter. If you'd like to follow me there, come on over!!! <br />
<br />
https://twitter.com/mslauralambertAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-58336619898669161392014-10-31T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-31T07:00:28.313-05:00Spider WebsThis was a little project that I made up in my head in which the end product turned out great, but the process was more difficult than anticipated.<br />
<br />
So........I'm always trying to think of projects for the littles to do that incorporate cutting skills. I had some black paper plates on hand and came up with the idea of having them snip the rim of the plate, then wind yarn across it to form a "web". I planned this project for a day that I had a sub, so I was not personally involved in doing the project with the littles. Mrs. DeNier and Miss Moritz informed me that they were quite surprised at how much difficulty the littles had in figuring out how to wrap the yarn. To structure it, we had cut a long piece of yarn and taped one end on the back. Apparently, even with a lot of prompting and guidance, this proved to be very difficult. However, it was reported that the littles were still happy and enjoyed doing the project. And since the webs look awesome in our hallway, I'm calling it a success!! They also loved picking out spider rings to hang on their webs. (Except for one little who supposedly screamed bloody murder when she saw the spider. There is no spider on her web for that very reason. ha!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CVNSoebcHRWzPqnfmol8N0EUU6K4gYajr5mWecpiICMJmaq4yn98n-rhaVRJoRsLFh0jeGfOYANmr3arWAWzQaiYRj5TKaJaZ8VJypUqR64S5r9ZfJPPP8WSmHqUQ4H71UfGsBCkd78/s1600/IMG_0918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CVNSoebcHRWzPqnfmol8N0EUU6K4gYajr5mWecpiICMJmaq4yn98n-rhaVRJoRsLFh0jeGfOYANmr3arWAWzQaiYRj5TKaJaZ8VJypUqR64S5r9ZfJPPP8WSmHqUQ4H71UfGsBCkd78/s1600/IMG_0918.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR50Qm1RUvAG1n2KEFrYqJ8m7fdBAUfk4HqOkPstaBRp9rsbFZar77ds8FMXrfTapauOel4vtzMgwB-AsElPcP-rBzf2qH3XoRnNpm3W0ZbfaCUEReh30_N99xJuA6umFPWWXws_fBN4E/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR50Qm1RUvAG1n2KEFrYqJ8m7fdBAUfk4HqOkPstaBRp9rsbFZar77ds8FMXrfTapauOel4vtzMgwB-AsElPcP-rBzf2qH3XoRnNpm3W0ZbfaCUEReh30_N99xJuA6umFPWWXws_fBN4E/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NfRfmL2MyR4r602fLEHswR_xKgllAT4gz1Z96ioGjeZPG6gAEG34rCSywt-SUERSWG1ICOR9fRetzJ0YQYtSlTmQudTudF8ey6ad559XUrUmpR_AyZP_h5fxf_t5efUtM1yIhWFKQ38/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NfRfmL2MyR4r602fLEHswR_xKgllAT4gz1Z96ioGjeZPG6gAEG34rCSywt-SUERSWG1ICOR9fRetzJ0YQYtSlTmQudTudF8ey6ad559XUrUmpR_AyZP_h5fxf_t5efUtM1yIhWFKQ38/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThelAPp4YRMjcEMl4qK_lOcm2zmFCGee1FqZ-Kd8Tl6yoekis4l6k0i9-CS-0XF39uFm231nHt7bbJiaR7vvq_TvwO4bwCrpHfq7WcvbPvbPvxFIi4cfQz4wRlHivPkoVD03IqBGfbp8/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThelAPp4YRMjcEMl4qK_lOcm2zmFCGee1FqZ-Kd8Tl6yoekis4l6k0i9-CS-0XF39uFm231nHt7bbJiaR7vvq_TvwO4bwCrpHfq7WcvbPvbPvxFIi4cfQz4wRlHivPkoVD03IqBGfbp8/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3_ubZywCtQH7so0rh7Mrd4mNcZFNvFS007UmC9Djd2PAvtOSV4TQwLJyzjeo1q1MxaiJztol57nR8sHKDjRgftvOyTBEHmFAcg-NmD2ZuvpNNPAm3OrJZkol9elzmBdKUd5r3bTK1Qk/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3_ubZywCtQH7so0rh7Mrd4mNcZFNvFS007UmC9Djd2PAvtOSV4TQwLJyzjeo1q1MxaiJztol57nR8sHKDjRgftvOyTBEHmFAcg-NmD2ZuvpNNPAm3OrJZkol9elzmBdKUd5r3bTK1Qk/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-12026268252214096392014-10-30T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-30T07:00:05.008-05:00Circle PaintingsTo add a little pizzazz to our hallway bulletin board and work on learning our shapes, we did some circle paintings last week. I meant to take a photo of how we set this project up at the art table, but forgot! It's super-easy though. We simply set out various colors of neon tempera paint with a toilet paper tube in each color. We then had the littles stamp circles using the colors of their choice onto half sheets of black construction paper. The end products turned out pretty awesome!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr9uiwDWv5JZ3XnwfhsST-RW_mE5bwIvU47BKIDFcObYWhwrYfZmgpmwrFt8AlO-27fn0ieI963kdXa2hvzza7iS3xS_Wo-B778hW3sOfGi2aD2KBSR_ZYyJBokbexcu2ZYtPqKEpE1s/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr9uiwDWv5JZ3XnwfhsST-RW_mE5bwIvU47BKIDFcObYWhwrYfZmgpmwrFt8AlO-27fn0ieI963kdXa2hvzza7iS3xS_Wo-B778hW3sOfGi2aD2KBSR_ZYyJBokbexcu2ZYtPqKEpE1s/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAOXq9x3rBnejcxrcL37eEpxX-Oc_Da19FoLNgvHAvgvQIBpNuMzlMLw4cUuq5JdaBSfpVpUb4zzI3H9hRyKkjLe2JWMgVzZVYihxmwEPn21mQssBkOcGnjMLS0-scuBi23KRi5qjCMk/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAOXq9x3rBnejcxrcL37eEpxX-Oc_Da19FoLNgvHAvgvQIBpNuMzlMLw4cUuq5JdaBSfpVpUb4zzI3H9hRyKkjLe2JWMgVzZVYihxmwEPn21mQssBkOcGnjMLS0-scuBi23KRi5qjCMk/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPVwHyN4YOcdt2ABo2qcUIrv1ZzS34qRIJuS7KVsARttiEHmF3Vz09nldMyGozY_WQ7gLcvTN636Sj7EP2CGgzwkwpT05Rs-u_A0sGbr52m6NiLZzfhs5sQvcAcnuQy9T7dyOEcPVMr0/s1600/IMG_0912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPVwHyN4YOcdt2ABo2qcUIrv1ZzS34qRIJuS7KVsARttiEHmF3Vz09nldMyGozY_WQ7gLcvTN636Sj7EP2CGgzwkwpT05Rs-u_A0sGbr52m6NiLZzfhs5sQvcAcnuQy9T7dyOEcPVMr0/s1600/IMG_0912.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxwe3EOli1xor3VlJYirsJK1xADnHmqHTGPOTOO96zvOWD3cMk6ruaFZS52r59fevS4XU7rurUvOd0xDA2Ry3uNp9Tbkp8SArZOhK1h2csknh9aK0rq_2x4MtxEZgBkVwCpg_VQgGipw/s1600/IMG_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxwe3EOli1xor3VlJYirsJK1xADnHmqHTGPOTOO96zvOWD3cMk6ruaFZS52r59fevS4XU7rurUvOd0xDA2Ry3uNp9Tbkp8SArZOhK1h2csknh9aK0rq_2x4MtxEZgBkVwCpg_VQgGipw/s1600/IMG_0913.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJajJuLPDhFIpTshxD0EAhH1BIgA4HMRd6ZN-GmN8zL6koyZj1PVvmHKHT3FecKqDRvODpBDfLbuA_EiMFv1saupgP5vnYegPT6R4lGdCa0ycZOSRcKbTrNKRn3cIYGwQDNSoTKxJa00/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJajJuLPDhFIpTshxD0EAhH1BIgA4HMRd6ZN-GmN8zL6koyZj1PVvmHKHT3FecKqDRvODpBDfLbuA_EiMFv1saupgP5vnYegPT6R4lGdCa0ycZOSRcKbTrNKRn3cIYGwQDNSoTKxJa00/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjre0zrYioo_zLSoRWXtPjkY9okp9tDwJR1m0H6LgyoSQHsGH4s-O0lSMdeDOQzeCni5pAAM2iVVMCYO3ciprEbWDDU48uP1iWYT7KZYqCes2oy15u1Asf9ll8u3nduz9rRn-8Nr6T7TWk/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjre0zrYioo_zLSoRWXtPjkY9okp9tDwJR1m0H6LgyoSQHsGH4s-O0lSMdeDOQzeCni5pAAM2iVVMCYO3ciprEbWDDU48uP1iWYT7KZYqCes2oy15u1Asf9ll8u3nduz9rRn-8Nr6T7TWk/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd-NGUSAp6pnK6lKH9A_ESWwBIefjMSSVsXf3uABLQXFJ2ygepEv_Ux1SnwRqBQXmd9FGqtqkp-PtfSrvh8ZAk9TUJNiHaXBtitX6lNvTEpatZnjtvXFvb5BsMOvewik4HS5Fok8joe4/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd-NGUSAp6pnK6lKH9A_ESWwBIefjMSSVsXf3uABLQXFJ2ygepEv_Ux1SnwRqBQXmd9FGqtqkp-PtfSrvh8ZAk9TUJNiHaXBtitX6lNvTEpatZnjtvXFvb5BsMOvewik4HS5Fok8joe4/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DqaRTrS3vj8cBT3FN6XWhRG38WuGQK560yf2uKg2mKfChvQOkN_5u3mua_brh66Ze0_ygpjIn6lggshFx-mFJEGne4NeyTgBJpW09wQOw4_tmxk5nIwow-vpCX3b-cUo4qTj-vEmr8M/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DqaRTrS3vj8cBT3FN6XWhRG38WuGQK560yf2uKg2mKfChvQOkN_5u3mua_brh66Ze0_ygpjIn6lggshFx-mFJEGne4NeyTgBJpW09wQOw4_tmxk5nIwow-vpCX3b-cUo4qTj-vEmr8M/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-22255222902260433202014-10-29T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-29T07:00:11.778-05:00Halloween Trail GameI just wanted to share one more game that is on our math shelf this month. This is the first trail game we've had out in the classroom. While it's a very simple game, it requires a much higher level of complexity than our grid games such as the <a href="http://lauraslittlelearninglab.blogspot.com/2014/09/apple-math-game.html">apple game.</a> <br />
<br />
To play, each child selects a game pawn and places it on the START circle. They take turns rolling the die (I made this using a foam cube and drawing dots with a Sharpie. It only has 1, 2, & 3 dots, each draw on two faces of the die.) and moving their pawn that many places. This is difficult for some because they tend to say "one" before they move, move too many places or skip several places. Even though we modeled playing this at circle time, I have tried to station an adult next to the children when they play for the first time so they can be supported as they learn how to move their marker. <br />
<br />
A special element of "fun" that I added is that when they land on a ghost sticker, they get to take a ghost eraser from the little tub and keep it until the end of the game. Of course this has resulted in children trying to "cheat" to land on the ghost, but it's still a fun element of surprise and keeps the game going. The "winner" is the one who lands on FINISH first on an exact roll of the die.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiHKLSHhO2b15do9LtcZ1Mp5Kq283atteoLxr5p4SI5KuuUVYmu_J1dmiiPOSxkVm4UvfbrPvfitO3y2I7HcojxOwusMIh-1bRdladJW86knA6VuZ2P_lC5sGkJb2hm5ntqi3wmCdZok/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiHKLSHhO2b15do9LtcZ1Mp5Kq283atteoLxr5p4SI5KuuUVYmu_J1dmiiPOSxkVm4UvfbrPvfitO3y2I7HcojxOwusMIh-1bRdladJW86knA6VuZ2P_lC5sGkJb2hm5ntqi3wmCdZok/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlMwXiYQvm62gPJhvFzUhrK-VP4Dpw0rQEGWv6pDW8PrGKmF9S_apN3lLayeWtBHoxxilaR7RDE_5at6ekbHq1PIb8hT12Mpjrgen-pCYpuf1ZNo04N_Bx7wY81voPkTngc3c5LJCK04/s1600/IMG_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlMwXiYQvm62gPJhvFzUhrK-VP4Dpw0rQEGWv6pDW8PrGKmF9S_apN3lLayeWtBHoxxilaR7RDE_5at6ekbHq1PIb8hT12Mpjrgen-pCYpuf1ZNo04N_Bx7wY81voPkTngc3c5LJCK04/s1600/IMG_0909.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-48098904963214609002014-10-28T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-28T07:00:01.421-05:00Pumpkin Graphing GameThis little game has been a HUGE hit in the classroom lately. I found the printables for this game at <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2011/10/pumpkin-preschool-pack-free-printables/">1+1+1=1</a>. They were part of a pumpkin printables pack which has lots of great materials. I believe the original idea for this material was to print off the graphing sheet and have the child roll the die and graph each roll using a crayon or marker. I decided to laminate a copy of the page and make it into a game for two children to play.<br />
<br />
To introduce this game to the children, Mrs. DeNier and I modeled playing an entire game at circle time. We took turns rolling the die, looking at the picture on top, finding the picture on the bottom of the graph, and placing a bat eraser in the correct box on the grid. We continued until one of the pictures "won" or got 5 bats. It was amazing how enthralled the littles were as we played this game. They could not WAIT to see which picture made it to the top first! <br />
<br />
They have had great fun playing this game many, many times. It has been interesting to see which children easily grasp the idea of graphing, knowing exactly where to place the eraser each time, and which children need more support to understand this concept. There are so many spatial concepts and numeracy skills at play in mastering this very simple game.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId4zVeIEbAY_VNQcgCoPoNXULGeMqAk4Xxf70b6f0Ng1sDe_cffClZmejPeepTbGG-r-TVuVg3p7s_S-o01wftOw6ejQAcgFHyyW2lNU9U0uEPOWHrEjydtUSndEu7zgVXkaoKtk23iM/s1600/IMG_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId4zVeIEbAY_VNQcgCoPoNXULGeMqAk4Xxf70b6f0Ng1sDe_cffClZmejPeepTbGG-r-TVuVg3p7s_S-o01wftOw6ejQAcgFHyyW2lNU9U0uEPOWHrEjydtUSndEu7zgVXkaoKtk23iM/s1600/IMG_0904.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB38gtoKa664zxlpEcoBE7F6tVT7FczpPHZpiBao-vykN4QUdMz4cRydhnMlJTx5ND_SLfp-SDoWKUlQ8As9qXHdnSOLhk3Yr2gZNRCEnEPpG4EUa69ISU5jdwJkJZreWRYYP_bIAybM/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB38gtoKa664zxlpEcoBE7F6tVT7FczpPHZpiBao-vykN4QUdMz4cRydhnMlJTx5ND_SLfp-SDoWKUlQ8As9qXHdnSOLhk3Yr2gZNRCEnEPpG4EUa69ISU5jdwJkJZreWRYYP_bIAybM/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-69736619675508932002014-10-27T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-27T07:00:10.155-05:00Halloween Math Game<br />
The littles have been having fun playing a little Halloween math game I created. It is just like our <a href="http://lauraslittlelearninglab.blogspot.com/2014/09/apple-math-game.html">apple game</a>, but with jack-o-lantern and candy corn stickers and erasers. The addition of two types of stickers and erasers adds another level of complexity to this simple game as they have to count AND match.<br />
<br />
To play, two children each get a gameboard. They take turns rolling the die. They choose the correct amount of erasers to match the number they rolled and then place these on the gameboard. The player who covers all their stickers first is the winner. This is an excellent way for them to practice turn-taking, one-to-one correspondence, and counting skills.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8QntizZIhMPt288tVhGxohW_eLQyzWdFm2MghpSYeLr5yTInaMHKl-czq8IDP5qb33MneyRp02vIpYaL9lvbt9ASF1CsbsWdGpvGTlFAbgrVFsVQSCofElPKDmydTSSYM9AjGuxsKoY/s1600/IMG_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8QntizZIhMPt288tVhGxohW_eLQyzWdFm2MghpSYeLr5yTInaMHKl-czq8IDP5qb33MneyRp02vIpYaL9lvbt9ASF1CsbsWdGpvGTlFAbgrVFsVQSCofElPKDmydTSSYM9AjGuxsKoY/s1600/IMG_0903.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi9-1ioSRrB-GSNHwIqOGnIUmqoErvVRIz4lOlBqdh3je2xJ89ImBoAyh7iqZl-OdP56NGSsyJq9rM6XGxHma9DvsYw5fkylux6B2M6co7tKUCUf3G5MaWLyG-LbX-djWy4rGF5sCz5o/s1600/IMG_0901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi9-1ioSRrB-GSNHwIqOGnIUmqoErvVRIz4lOlBqdh3je2xJ89ImBoAyh7iqZl-OdP56NGSsyJq9rM6XGxHma9DvsYw5fkylux6B2M6co7tKUCUf3G5MaWLyG-LbX-djWy4rGF5sCz5o/s1600/IMG_0901.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-88163267447030751562014-10-24T08:00:00.001-05:002014-10-25T22:29:37.838-05:00Jack-o-Lantern Cutting Practice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found some great <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/Pumpkin_Pack_Part_2.pdf">pumpkin printables at 1+1+1=1.</a> I put out some jack-o-lantern cutting practice pages on the art shelf. The littles have enjoyed cutting out their jack-o-lantern "puzzle" on the gray line and gluing it back together on a piece of construction paper. This is great scissors practice and also gives them a lot of practice using their school tools such as a glue stick.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuT2-NRG2kUqBydK4RSVBIPgdBcIBC0FiGCARmVjc8D0wBhyphenhyphenKwI6uqyRa2NpLy31bQ04fkganF80RYu_Bsqx9w02bZFKOnH4fKzvuqevWwGRxPgbMo2sUkBXQa7XCTjMJswT4IP0WYXI/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuT2-NRG2kUqBydK4RSVBIPgdBcIBC0FiGCARmVjc8D0wBhyphenhyphenKwI6uqyRa2NpLy31bQ04fkganF80RYu_Bsqx9w02bZFKOnH4fKzvuqevWwGRxPgbMo2sUkBXQa7XCTjMJswT4IP0WYXI/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCd7ML85qTWpbI1k-08Jo92mgz0zXgfJw0kQ04zpqdvzyFl0MAgy5kBOB8OH_PTfsq1FQhZRF2uuZPZ2C8qvCiBrGgD0jQM33KrIFl9xWeGkX7B8xjDbK3CjbUPwuEDPblD3fxA4Z7mw/s1600/IMG_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCd7ML85qTWpbI1k-08Jo92mgz0zXgfJw0kQ04zpqdvzyFl0MAgy5kBOB8OH_PTfsq1FQhZRF2uuZPZ2C8qvCiBrGgD0jQM33KrIFl9xWeGkX7B8xjDbK3CjbUPwuEDPblD3fxA4Z7mw/s1600/IMG_0886.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-16161154176244656902014-10-23T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-23T07:00:00.385-05:00Pumpkin Patch Art ProjectI came up with this project to allow my littles to work on their scissors skills. That is something that many of them need to work on. They are more motivated to do this when there is a project involved. So, I cut strips of green construction paper and had them snip into one long side to make grass. Next, they used corks dipped into orange paint to make their pumpkins. We let these dry overnight. The next day, they used paintbrushes and green paint to add vines and stems to their pumpkins. I was thrilled that so many of them wanted to try this project. It's fun to see the individual variations of a "canned" art project. So many skills can be incorporated into art! I love it!! Enjoy our gallery of pumpkin patches. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh428w6G6Dv7raDjTUfACNQB74tq7EOPcS94Q8ngFH73b47H-WRN1el76ZUY_OKkF2jo-3OqNAQQMQp9GdgyPayG9TzFUzASR9X03LHTa8hYyMgsMKWkiL-OiwQvy-Zce16orI6eKjb6Do/s1600/IMG_0889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh428w6G6Dv7raDjTUfACNQB74tq7EOPcS94Q8ngFH73b47H-WRN1el76ZUY_OKkF2jo-3OqNAQQMQp9GdgyPayG9TzFUzASR9X03LHTa8hYyMgsMKWkiL-OiwQvy-Zce16orI6eKjb6Do/s1600/IMG_0889.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iZT8Kz1krIqLZn5spKqriRrGhGb1OVG4U0O2BhyCt3fxLN2a99BeHTIJgLlY3EzRYHmatJex5riH7OZ1vM708T5nUE9DaDtx7NxFRCTCkiKIL02ugnFF8MTl_wEKJ3fGLIcXZ9aSENI/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iZT8Kz1krIqLZn5spKqriRrGhGb1OVG4U0O2BhyCt3fxLN2a99BeHTIJgLlY3EzRYHmatJex5riH7OZ1vM708T5nUE9DaDtx7NxFRCTCkiKIL02ugnFF8MTl_wEKJ3fGLIcXZ9aSENI/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpOJY_Eb9BIYS9eWmI3vfbtmgXBk7NAA6AFTzQOiw82_gPlNgnxpJq2dm2cAsFW7DM0YiSl0oFxSU-kp_uRMJdpiW27v_ADzjrYIwRMe2mVlVCdMK1LNzwCFsUDOU5N7AAp5RgJGRlZ4/s1600/IMG_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpOJY_Eb9BIYS9eWmI3vfbtmgXBk7NAA6AFTzQOiw82_gPlNgnxpJq2dm2cAsFW7DM0YiSl0oFxSU-kp_uRMJdpiW27v_ADzjrYIwRMe2mVlVCdMK1LNzwCFsUDOU5N7AAp5RgJGRlZ4/s1600/IMG_0891.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsjYLunVoIkXuzh3QmlBmgasj9GW3pn1qwpL3hxPDCDnVjgijhaenjBPD-sYa-Kqfhe3G8OIbsl85N7CGo_Ohapgbv3vlVoa_-Was_giu5NksYWEUpS1iusBmMpRySm5sZu1YZoDaOCo/s1600/IMG_0892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsjYLunVoIkXuzh3QmlBmgasj9GW3pn1qwpL3hxPDCDnVjgijhaenjBPD-sYa-Kqfhe3G8OIbsl85N7CGo_Ohapgbv3vlVoa_-Was_giu5NksYWEUpS1iusBmMpRySm5sZu1YZoDaOCo/s1600/IMG_0892.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7JYn33ObPP0FzCWPYlssBPYKnSm_nDfbgc6nrdXdbEOmqkGaXEt206QED1_sKAKUc_iHpCqzwLBxfjGtfgMpngERx77giVi8a0hLuGQUcbMmqsqEtp6IrziB6R4l3tQt1RtaDu_0j8g/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7JYn33ObPP0FzCWPYlssBPYKnSm_nDfbgc6nrdXdbEOmqkGaXEt206QED1_sKAKUc_iHpCqzwLBxfjGtfgMpngERx77giVi8a0hLuGQUcbMmqsqEtp6IrziB6R4l3tQt1RtaDu_0j8g/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRq6nHeToD6wGV0-Ad66fpDH7R35mBQ0FFCZeI3fEHlKR3gmbRgIvLFusYYJja4PbgERWJ-aT6Y-zdqz0IUdGBhZb9lloHpeFtRNUMBCZjKy5F4P5Rx8dxFLwXhS5p2uSDHg2PDo1xQU4/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRq6nHeToD6wGV0-Ad66fpDH7R35mBQ0FFCZeI3fEHlKR3gmbRgIvLFusYYJja4PbgERWJ-aT6Y-zdqz0IUdGBhZb9lloHpeFtRNUMBCZjKy5F4P5Rx8dxFLwXhS5p2uSDHg2PDo1xQU4/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUlFVe77U54xOpJVqB9gkCFy5EBnCs2ZSTv4uxAZLf29edcJqGp0-UMSBbmx49d1SGOYWzaXwb7IKVmda840m5qKn5KJsC40PVADlo6LRhlYuOv-QzvOl7j90ITDeADhsSVRbEd3NAdA/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUlFVe77U54xOpJVqB9gkCFy5EBnCs2ZSTv4uxAZLf29edcJqGp0-UMSBbmx49d1SGOYWzaXwb7IKVmda840m5qKn5KJsC40PVADlo6LRhlYuOv-QzvOl7j90ITDeADhsSVRbEd3NAdA/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nAlU98-QmqYI2Paf1nmMIQ0SNh-tEZsyFRm3aV_11jE8QkVDHsZEczWrVIAhpmLbfkAWgYBJtCQNsV7Wdzu1LGK4lTRj_n_jrCJZgnbIDCPNQFrF35smg6ZuNsJv2IzEzbsxikiThx0/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nAlU98-QmqYI2Paf1nmMIQ0SNh-tEZsyFRm3aV_11jE8QkVDHsZEczWrVIAhpmLbfkAWgYBJtCQNsV7Wdzu1LGK4lTRj_n_jrCJZgnbIDCPNQFrF35smg6ZuNsJv2IzEzbsxikiThx0/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2re7WUXpCP7XGTvzQj_dqELy_XVJQI3alElicghlMukxb1Qa87_5It4i1GhLH6jbSHh75dA5jVzT3p6kcAkeNAHDrr6FETmdzzbJQSau95UOadpF-H43O7CDJPakmwdv0CfL9Xrfi8c/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2re7WUXpCP7XGTvzQj_dqELy_XVJQI3alElicghlMukxb1Qa87_5It4i1GhLH6jbSHh75dA5jVzT3p6kcAkeNAHDrr6FETmdzzbJQSau95UOadpF-H43O7CDJPakmwdv0CfL9Xrfi8c/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-76530132640264430832014-10-22T20:27:00.001-05:002014-10-22T20:27:07.149-05:00Treasures in the Sand TableThe littles have been enjoying several "treasures" in the sand table recently. First off, we added some pinecones that we found several weeks ago on a nature walk. Then, I added some colored plastic leaves and apples that I bought at Michael's craft store. They are small and easily buried. They LOVE to hide these and dig them up again. Finally, this week I added some mini-pumpkins and gourds. Pretty much total awesome-sauce to the littles! They are playing at the sand table like CRAZY every day!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjrYCiTjUWv3aiQhUO_7cThiltVbvTWtgBMbqgbgpnmC4usMniV2gGIesl-v_n8ZorIYOOEDacDLJOUm2O9iVgDk-waMPuO8jYprvvl5UzuJXrgW8KI4hyphenhyphenSSMewu3r1am9sVacPk_uyM/s1600/IMG_0791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjrYCiTjUWv3aiQhUO_7cThiltVbvTWtgBMbqgbgpnmC4usMniV2gGIesl-v_n8ZorIYOOEDacDLJOUm2O9iVgDk-waMPuO8jYprvvl5UzuJXrgW8KI4hyphenhyphenSSMewu3r1am9sVacPk_uyM/s1600/IMG_0791.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe6FNSYv8FlyHv5Ngj8SPe6-qUawJMKdw4UYb8mzEbty7EUKPWo3gbmwwbIeK7fkilur9OPmdalkpllgwli82_HQPgLFMb8zB1Hy3LJH1nbHelUQofwc4oG-Zfg0FGzd94IpqO1nL1Yg/s1600/IMG_0888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTe6FNSYv8FlyHv5Ngj8SPe6-qUawJMKdw4UYb8mzEbty7EUKPWo3gbmwwbIeK7fkilur9OPmdalkpllgwli82_HQPgLFMb8zB1Hy3LJH1nbHelUQofwc4oG-Zfg0FGzd94IpqO1nL1Yg/s1600/IMG_0888.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-13603546391246733152014-10-17T17:47:00.003-05:002014-10-17T17:47:55.665-05:00Little Snail Craft ProjectOn Thursday we made these adorable little snail crafts. These were inspired by a couple of pins that I found on Pinterest, but when I tried to link to them I just got a photo not a blog post. I did tweak the original ideas a bit to combine a few that I liked and also to work with the materials I had on hand. For the bodies, we used little wood pieces that I THINK came from some canvases I bought a long time ago for an art project at home. Anyway, they seemed about the right size. We also used pipe cleaners, pony beads and googly eyes. You can see our materials below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSojJDWA_dZlLy0ITD8tvritPbCTbP9VpMzHAAWn4oe3Z6ZDvOBndosUEwtEHndYDYlut55uVLsrAvx16SFSqZhtOoVQsim8y6l_N53fSqhwzdgW8Har9FGO_rWQ8MwkiYcmwPtS68H9Q/s1600/IMG_0808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSojJDWA_dZlLy0ITD8tvritPbCTbP9VpMzHAAWn4oe3Z6ZDvOBndosUEwtEHndYDYlut55uVLsrAvx16SFSqZhtOoVQsim8y6l_N53fSqhwzdgW8Har9FGO_rWQ8MwkiYcmwPtS68H9Q/s1600/IMG_0808.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
First, the littles chose a wooden piece and colored it with a marker. Then they took a pipe cleaner that had been cut in half and threaded pony beads onto it. Using their hands together to do this required great concentration on the part of the littles. Threading and bead-stringing is a fantastic way to improve fine motor skills. <br />
<br />
The pipe cleaner was then twisted into a snail shell shape. The shell and eye stalks had to be attached using hot glue which, of course, was done by an adult. Small pieces of pipe cleaner were used as eye stalks and a googly eye was attached to the end of them. Uber-cute!! We are super crazy about snails!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoAJPddjeqKeLvHdkCjE_GUtKfs6C_JmVwFWKcM3SHUoEKQWSRUeDYaqbU3YyXWrBCdV1tU8nSm2mgG-9f1fXPhUYxRAieLnuFhrXmD_enddPsakn3TQ04c1PqXkqH-x8Q0Wqrc3GXp0/s1600/IMG_0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoAJPddjeqKeLvHdkCjE_GUtKfs6C_JmVwFWKcM3SHUoEKQWSRUeDYaqbU3YyXWrBCdV1tU8nSm2mgG-9f1fXPhUYxRAieLnuFhrXmD_enddPsakn3TQ04c1PqXkqH-x8Q0Wqrc3GXp0/s1600/IMG_0820.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHfjQ59Bz3BP9lKn_cLfP50Ay7CXxSMHaqk8_S9q9_ZSrxfM29kF5dPqtI3Wc_9bFoocCW58usdUivmRF50Tk6ekFSKvzZPSj1LZQOHNvx0qBMNu6n3jKIRtmmAQw078WPD9oXuG3_24/s1600/IMG_0821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHfjQ59Bz3BP9lKn_cLfP50Ay7CXxSMHaqk8_S9q9_ZSrxfM29kF5dPqtI3Wc_9bFoocCW58usdUivmRF50Tk6ekFSKvzZPSj1LZQOHNvx0qBMNu6n3jKIRtmmAQw078WPD9oXuG3_24/s1600/IMG_0821.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyOwRj37QYXoXu1_wKMou5XlqJaRbDLmSbqsFhjnuP5WT74mvGcjeFKn46Uhmilaqi4hTewWX_Talj0NvA2tRPgfqwwEIzXCim3mRcv47CSDErS4fv17LDkrm3lGGFVWRLKYZCbGdVnU/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyOwRj37QYXoXu1_wKMou5XlqJaRbDLmSbqsFhjnuP5WT74mvGcjeFKn46Uhmilaqi4hTewWX_Talj0NvA2tRPgfqwwEIzXCim3mRcv47CSDErS4fv17LDkrm3lGGFVWRLKYZCbGdVnU/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx11YLGdcVC-vKQAvQIrADYNf_faJhT9WPKkNkMv5ryksJSnPRzBT0GnWW94YdbnKg7BNCmeG3M54qGomWPGV0BC-m9VFtzV1RxlbKCT2B-SsAkk5lPImUZKpMkHK26JeKGlxhLFfQOfM/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx11YLGdcVC-vKQAvQIrADYNf_faJhT9WPKkNkMv5ryksJSnPRzBT0GnWW94YdbnKg7BNCmeG3M54qGomWPGV0BC-m9VFtzV1RxlbKCT2B-SsAkk5lPImUZKpMkHK26JeKGlxhLFfQOfM/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEKvWsQWaNbbsp740VJ1EtIETFkb81NwS8GfPpCKM9KmXSWCtAhXtY8t8jBcqzViUcWyBsN7katT4Kru3fl7PxMkZdO4nmzlg3osOWtnpefadAFmrHPtk8DRprWv8hUSyPGNtr3cSkiA/s1600/IMG_0814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEKvWsQWaNbbsp740VJ1EtIETFkb81NwS8GfPpCKM9KmXSWCtAhXtY8t8jBcqzViUcWyBsN7katT4Kru3fl7PxMkZdO4nmzlg3osOWtnpefadAFmrHPtk8DRprWv8hUSyPGNtr3cSkiA/s1600/IMG_0814.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKN_1JsSXSCwPOMQxCHVX9Q9YTdkNDASNk3iXt8yLg9wO-QD5ZS8j0C6X4Uc2bW0yjT7lXeYc3CdwGbPyxpLRSGOHGVLYe8fMmxWPdmnoZTmAL1LqKC21OKsoWENxt0u1gBqEAe5T9Hg/s1600/IMG_0804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKN_1JsSXSCwPOMQxCHVX9Q9YTdkNDASNk3iXt8yLg9wO-QD5ZS8j0C6X4Uc2bW0yjT7lXeYc3CdwGbPyxpLRSGOHGVLYe8fMmxWPdmnoZTmAL1LqKC21OKsoWENxt0u1gBqEAe5T9Hg/s1600/IMG_0804.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-28360067145454954212014-10-13T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-17T17:31:04.930-05:00Handprint Apple TreesWe made handprint apple trees during our week of talking about food that comes from trees. We had wondered if any of the littles would be really opposed to having their hands painted, but only one did not want to do this project. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">We painted their hands with green tempera paint and used 3-4 handprints for the "crown" of the tree. Then we let them each paint a trunk with brown tempera paint. After these dried overnight, we used corks and red tempera paint to add apples to the trees. These turned out really cute!! </span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcw8kKOMct5A0zNQXW-ddTaXQXL61Q1HjihnA2yzI-nvcTNuffxdclBgfRVU8WGuZppYBvdakFxlz-T-M-xal49BGFoAChtxSzSi43-Xkf06976fTbGeUC0uww3IESE_JGIEhZSFWmBHE/s1600/IMG_0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcw8kKOMct5A0zNQXW-ddTaXQXL61Q1HjihnA2yzI-nvcTNuffxdclBgfRVU8WGuZppYBvdakFxlz-T-M-xal49BGFoAChtxSzSi43-Xkf06976fTbGeUC0uww3IESE_JGIEhZSFWmBHE/s1600/IMG_0716.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRd87XGt8kL4Q6EHyyZNJmSubflT7jlZaXlXtzCUPb53ZpJId3LLDRoI2MGa_gd-u24hscLJpC-QTCPdn-4wnXMIm3RPS8h3g7xZrCeJ6Fimd5zSCTurs7jahi_Hf-fapbANP6RgCztk/s1600/IMG_0718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRd87XGt8kL4Q6EHyyZNJmSubflT7jlZaXlXtzCUPb53ZpJId3LLDRoI2MGa_gd-u24hscLJpC-QTCPdn-4wnXMIm3RPS8h3g7xZrCeJ6Fimd5zSCTurs7jahi_Hf-fapbANP6RgCztk/s1600/IMG_0718.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgR_2u8kJ7fdAWP4EnXPIUlbtoFjdU8FX3Z7sA1_zk5B0N5fKiX5-IzND0YWlOPuPmCAb3eTos1wsB_7Sk_dMn1M8JOhvY8q6e5f7fKZ37vTE7Kn-_QmL_rVjty-cuH5eRIKyTng14irM/s1600/IMG_0736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgR_2u8kJ7fdAWP4EnXPIUlbtoFjdU8FX3Z7sA1_zk5B0N5fKiX5-IzND0YWlOPuPmCAb3eTos1wsB_7Sk_dMn1M8JOhvY8q6e5f7fKZ37vTE7Kn-_QmL_rVjty-cuH5eRIKyTng14irM/s1600/IMG_0736.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdf1NAYyctSVAubjVvpJf5meNyTiRPwW276tzctpC342o2xIQ51iiMTEoc9j3LKQSpJTKOY8PPUrggOsUb5ILwd1XckNe1QS62uwRxMg8BSFlTXzcTHaDWbcM2v4HtYNbF9Lt5n9Mvj8/s1600/IMG_0741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdf1NAYyctSVAubjVvpJf5meNyTiRPwW276tzctpC342o2xIQ51iiMTEoc9j3LKQSpJTKOY8PPUrggOsUb5ILwd1XckNe1QS62uwRxMg8BSFlTXzcTHaDWbcM2v4HtYNbF9Lt5n9Mvj8/s1600/IMG_0741.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT6qoZHUy9DQHWUjnvPpb0Mj2_4ciUhZyDYHi9GyIeQFFG8KqDZrhjxxdE_g7H4S3TnZ5uan2QeTb4oLaTfq0hofQi1pH8R_6ueBCFwIdO8oTJ-BNSzS4OhZoedHWubbBlAg0Y8ZmeF0/s1600/IMG_0742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT6qoZHUy9DQHWUjnvPpb0Mj2_4ciUhZyDYHi9GyIeQFFG8KqDZrhjxxdE_g7H4S3TnZ5uan2QeTb4oLaTfq0hofQi1pH8R_6ueBCFwIdO8oTJ-BNSzS4OhZoedHWubbBlAg0Y8ZmeF0/s1600/IMG_0742.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1v96c7AGcwrlf6CMjjSi8Kt_osEfR4vLzDEJdYVO40hyPYRJHUqRF0hUzBuVvXlRa7LoJdQRH4XVbqOu7Zo6w7dRz35yCob3u6vHAaloI4V19xf5VffG9E_WaAFfq5koqkAdEmDstXN4/s1600/IMG_0743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1v96c7AGcwrlf6CMjjSi8Kt_osEfR4vLzDEJdYVO40hyPYRJHUqRF0hUzBuVvXlRa7LoJdQRH4XVbqOu7Zo6w7dRz35yCob3u6vHAaloI4V19xf5VffG9E_WaAFfq5koqkAdEmDstXN4/s1600/IMG_0743.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieulLRqSjjmadskdYJVUe_GKZ_Fp2JOD9XY4MNup-nf_gtFZwwph0oD4f4YgZaAtMZoGnSet7ZZm6bNi2CTBQWZueeb6EwEKdBmjJZ3tW3R7_nuKMUwKgCW0U-UsAS8zcRl9DUlgFrB80/s1600/IMG_0746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieulLRqSjjmadskdYJVUe_GKZ_Fp2JOD9XY4MNup-nf_gtFZwwph0oD4f4YgZaAtMZoGnSet7ZZm6bNi2CTBQWZueeb6EwEKdBmjJZ3tW3R7_nuKMUwKgCW0U-UsAS8zcRl9DUlgFrB80/s1600/IMG_0746.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKbwDwh7R8fdg4C1SJCtzFiHBEhrBE4cTYN3u_ocftXk5pkioYFKZjZHGTVOBAIsOxXJi3d8jIpC0hdRLgQ7KlQemUuJ9DtWRcv2I5cSb4e0DMY4GagOb9s0l2omRg72RVVUXhwXA1HY/s1600/IMG_0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKbwDwh7R8fdg4C1SJCtzFiHBEhrBE4cTYN3u_ocftXk5pkioYFKZjZHGTVOBAIsOxXJi3d8jIpC0hdRLgQ7KlQemUuJ9DtWRcv2I5cSb4e0DMY4GagOb9s0l2omRg72RVVUXhwXA1HY/s1600/IMG_0747.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-65148123264886042752014-10-10T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-10T07:00:17.409-05:00Leaf StringingToday's post is about a simple little fine motor activity that I put together for the littles to go with our tree unit. I have used this activity previously (a different one, but similar) in my Montessori classroom several years ago.<br />
<br />
To make this activity, you will need a package of silk leaves (these can be found almost anywhere this time of year, even the dollar store), a ribbon with buttons attached to each end, and a container for storing the materials. I found an adorable felt bucket with felt leaves on it at the Target Dollar Spot.<br />
<br />
Sewing a button on each end of the ribbon prevents the leaves from slipping off and also helps provide something more sturdy to poke the ribbon through. You will need to cut a small slit into each leaf. The second photo shows this.<br />
<br />
To do this activity, the littles simply string all the leaves on the ribbon. It is a great activity for using their fine motor skills such as pincer grasp and working with both hands together. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK3RLcoVJhRLjKrI-3vXVv-9dZDA9ZWoRtqzJqPcFZBiGoxDcGP3SjA_dFh51UQMpHERtSvlqCqWiLpd6JDqOhINZy_uRLE88zJ8hXv3LK4a-VfRNdTE7UAiQw8Muk5HuRjJM47r9ED8/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK3RLcoVJhRLjKrI-3vXVv-9dZDA9ZWoRtqzJqPcFZBiGoxDcGP3SjA_dFh51UQMpHERtSvlqCqWiLpd6JDqOhINZy_uRLE88zJ8hXv3LK4a-VfRNdTE7UAiQw8Muk5HuRjJM47r9ED8/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8OVqLvHdCHjOKoeVlWkAoYUIsZ7jbUKkEwqHV1fxQOHbAk17MCyJRTyFcTbUhURLYN8Cf1pVZ4RNqAT5uqQjfEf3ArLez20zH9Q77Y_jTwr_QFNQxOIhRDx_rXuu0JZRi-NkNCJQX-s/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8OVqLvHdCHjOKoeVlWkAoYUIsZ7jbUKkEwqHV1fxQOHbAk17MCyJRTyFcTbUhURLYN8Cf1pVZ4RNqAT5uqQjfEf3ArLez20zH9Q77Y_jTwr_QFNQxOIhRDx_rXuu0JZRi-NkNCJQX-s/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-63328089711877400232014-10-09T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-09T07:00:01.951-05:00More than just a boxSo, I have to confess something: I have a thing for cardboard boxes. I have my youngest son to thank for this little affinity. From a very young age, he has wanted to keep nearly every box that enters our home. He always has great plans for the boxes and uses his imagination and creativity to make wonderful projects with them. We have gone through many cardboard "treasures" over the years. For more amazing cardboard inspiration, be sure to check out <a href="http://cainesarcade.com/">Caine's Arcade</a>. I discovered this over the summer and it is worth seeing. Pretty amazing stuff.<br />
<br />
Given this cardboard passion of mine, it should come as no surprise that I happily acquired a large cardboard box from our school custodian last week. The conversation went something like this:<br />
<br />
Ken: (walking down the stairs as I was walking up) Do you want this box?<br />
Miss Moritz: (hearing Ken) No.<br />
Mrs. Lambert (that's me!): YES!!!!!! I totally want that box. Give it to me right now.<br />
Ken: What are you going to do with it?<br />
Me: I don't know yet. Something awesome.<br />
<br />
Since we have been studying trees, I immediately decided that we needed to make a tree-house/tree fort with the box. So, the next day I plopped that bad boy in the middle of our art table and let the littles go to town painting it with brown paint. It was interesting how my morning and afternoon class approached this task quite differently. My morning littles were excited about painting the box, but lost interest in it quickly. My afternoon littles, on the other hand, were quite determined to cover the remaining "tan" areas of the box with the brown paint and worked the entire centers time on painting it. I was happy to overhear one little say to another little, while painting, "We're having a great day, aren't we, Charlie?" This innocent little comment reminded me of how much we all (bigs and littles alike) love to be swept up in a project. It makes us feel important and vital. It fuels our energy and our souls.<br />
<br />
Miss Moritz (our resident artiste) generously decided to take the box home for the weekend after the littles painted the sides and top. She put the finishing touches on the box and turned it into an amazing playspace that I'm sure the littles will enjoy very much over the next couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PFUGBgzUw8RVzJ4bb_viN_6r0wLHwon0dh4EO92ZxBxusMQZ4WYrZ_FCefmg7j9-tJq_ShqiTPoy0xwBweDlnnCUSmdzouAvM122XL9CynqknZJDeIeS6j9gbGp1sYZStFn7JVvv3Do/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PFUGBgzUw8RVzJ4bb_viN_6r0wLHwon0dh4EO92ZxBxusMQZ4WYrZ_FCefmg7j9-tJq_ShqiTPoy0xwBweDlnnCUSmdzouAvM122XL9CynqknZJDeIeS6j9gbGp1sYZStFn7JVvv3Do/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, the next several photos illustrate the evolution of the box. The littles had fun slapping brown paint all over it. And the afternoon littles voted to determine what color the doors of the fort would be painted (purple!). I used a box cutter to cut a little flap into the side where they can peek out. This has upped the fun factor quite tremendously. This little fort has been rocking from all the play action it has had!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqHr5TgYjBY_-b24akBKHp6fuO2FUQptgW5zh0KwefAtGee9jZuQnQtlgdggYkv5s0QdzT7F255_3bXu_tMgUGNvna0JnH4h2YgrCUR73EBfb4QyhHzjLxcnXVYN3q4ujYEs1jPpPXNk/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqHr5TgYjBY_-b24akBKHp6fuO2FUQptgW5zh0KwefAtGee9jZuQnQtlgdggYkv5s0QdzT7F255_3bXu_tMgUGNvna0JnH4h2YgrCUR73EBfb4QyhHzjLxcnXVYN3q4ujYEs1jPpPXNk/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtMwN_KASgMBbyC0vtKVjnf77UCTEpD5xolCDahafD1vQiTe09GAdveRiY4XJSSzKJzgbWVquTvODdrM3Ul1S-DuU8KUvNL55wH9dvmkovNE5ZhSnw7Ajc3Uq2f3KoAMwJL4hBfaolzc/s1600/IMG_0646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtMwN_KASgMBbyC0vtKVjnf77UCTEpD5xolCDahafD1vQiTe09GAdveRiY4XJSSzKJzgbWVquTvODdrM3Ul1S-DuU8KUvNL55wH9dvmkovNE5ZhSnw7Ajc3Uq2f3KoAMwJL4hBfaolzc/s1600/IMG_0646.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GH8NAB1KEhleDp-v1u38h2HdGHrHK7JPpaPEZuTHdhy7aYp3Bx6aO4ulTPivowTL5_BsDrSewF3SDqqaSt_7b6rb3slf-6o70YDFR40-SrkwMwF0NvyI0tM55CEh8YO_6l-LlrwBZsc/s1600/IMG_0733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GH8NAB1KEhleDp-v1u38h2HdGHrHK7JPpaPEZuTHdhy7aYp3Bx6aO4ulTPivowTL5_BsDrSewF3SDqqaSt_7b6rb3slf-6o70YDFR40-SrkwMwF0NvyI0tM55CEh8YO_6l-LlrwBZsc/s1600/IMG_0733.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0uFM_7MUhvfi55s8Vs4Z_210vSam07X484taqe6A2EG91u6AuoQApTgRBSV2zOnxxAnTEH2vkuv4VRqHvx1BUxv02m8Raudyn-hvOtM0atNj67ISctMYCPbQiOkQeU3zU-mA1Jyqre0/s1600/IMG_0734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0uFM_7MUhvfi55s8Vs4Z_210vSam07X484taqe6A2EG91u6AuoQApTgRBSV2zOnxxAnTEH2vkuv4VRqHvx1BUxv02m8Raudyn-hvOtM0atNj67ISctMYCPbQiOkQeU3zU-mA1Jyqre0/s1600/IMG_0734.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2KHnNwdKmp_6i2rL6RHfnwZ97AJjWJes37KEMbSqV2EOVBAiCAJyOnkZ0kl_w5bUkj9en4Z6JKdn_erH8_587HuQA6KPniSEgT2sZ9UTGK3R4HPpCyn57BWJJZYgbJzqERKs6_Ir8H8/s1600/IMG_0735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2KHnNwdKmp_6i2rL6RHfnwZ97AJjWJes37KEMbSqV2EOVBAiCAJyOnkZ0kl_w5bUkj9en4Z6JKdn_erH8_587HuQA6KPniSEgT2sZ9UTGK3R4HPpCyn57BWJJZYgbJzqERKs6_Ir8H8/s1600/IMG_0735.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-89101077445649937402014-10-08T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-08T07:00:05.396-05:00Chicka Chicka Boom Boom TreeSo, I pinned a project on Pinterest that I've been wanting to make for a while, and I finally got it done! I cannot find a link to my inspiration for this project, and I forgot to take photos of the project in progress. However, it was SUPER easy. <br />
<br />
First, I had to acquire two metal coffee cans. This was actually more difficult than you might imagine. My husband drinks coffee, but his coffee comes in the plastic containers. I put out a post on my personal FB page and was able to get two cans from my friend, Tammie. THANKS, Tammie!!<br />
<br />
I removed the plastic lid from one can and placed the other can on top of it. Then I attached the cans together with a piece of duct tape. I had some wood-grain Contact paper on hand and used this to cover the two cans.<br />
<br />
For the top, I used a utility knife to cut two Xs in the plastic lid. I had purchased two stems of fake greenery from Dollar Tree. I just pushed the stems through the Xs and that has seemed to hold them in place so far.<br />
<br />
I had read the book <u>Chicka Chicka Boom Boom</u> to the littles previously so they were familiar with it. When I introduced the tree, I passed out a few lowercase magnetic letters to each child. As I read each page aloud, they came up and placed the corresponding letters on the tree trunk. From now on, the tree will be available (along with the book) for them to play with during centers time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfv7ktQO_jAcvhT4B6hF7RQRXmFraA_Ynz9H8IAV6ZXZuQoKODihnH4FcE2B3iDo_w-S3fAlwnkiGDsXuE4MGY9Rg7jP6AKHhNxL3nSe3OIvjdvjMaWlO8XmNOEm50t1DRjZCjiVXBeW0/s1600/IMG_0713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfv7ktQO_jAcvhT4B6hF7RQRXmFraA_Ynz9H8IAV6ZXZuQoKODihnH4FcE2B3iDo_w-S3fAlwnkiGDsXuE4MGY9Rg7jP6AKHhNxL3nSe3OIvjdvjMaWlO8XmNOEm50t1DRjZCjiVXBeW0/s1600/IMG_0713.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-40082992803031838782014-10-07T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-07T07:00:08.123-05:00Apple Scented PlaydoughI love to make homemade playdough for the littles and have my go-to recipe which is the cooked one with flour, salt, water, oil, and cream of tartar (plus add-ins like glitter, scents, food coloring). I came across a "tweak" to this recipe on Pinterest that I knew would be perfect for us this week since we are learning about what kinds of food comes from trees. The genius ingredient for making amazing apple-scented playdough is......... apple shampoo. Who knew??? <a href="http://www.kidspot.com.au/best-recipes/Play-dough+129/Apple-scented-play-dough-recipe+4872.htm">CLICK HERE</a> for the recipe. I was super happy with this playdough. It is very, very soft and smells AH-Mazing. The littles loved playing with it. <br />
<br />
We used our apple playdough on some apple tree playdough mats that I found <a href="http://www.123homeschool4me.com/2014/09/free-apple-playdough-mats.html">HERE</a> and printed and laminated.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmniH-eRJVyw9ZDcKPtK3cOq-Qxo9P9RgwuAG6ukIPcbfGk0WTtYM3DvwPeoJgqR7dhv3uASmnIdd6LeaftWNzLXu0TUpWT6fByePMt6MfG9mOBE3f_s6V_TwQCde9YXFfdi-M6bvpAw/s1600/IMG_0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmniH-eRJVyw9ZDcKPtK3cOq-Qxo9P9RgwuAG6ukIPcbfGk0WTtYM3DvwPeoJgqR7dhv3uASmnIdd6LeaftWNzLXu0TUpWT6fByePMt6MfG9mOBE3f_s6V_TwQCde9YXFfdi-M6bvpAw/s1600/IMG_0703.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMBDZW1sdY41Bu_sKtf0wJqcp_onVcmN6qltPYy3QQQLmIdulACU9o7cuBZFmSA7nhr_XHJeC2wCECnRWPw1K5kytfCbwCTC8wy7cXQeLLDjcoSbcKouE0UuIgRi17-WzxPqt_IJ4wI8/s1600/IMG_0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMBDZW1sdY41Bu_sKtf0wJqcp_onVcmN6qltPYy3QQQLmIdulACU9o7cuBZFmSA7nhr_XHJeC2wCECnRWPw1K5kytfCbwCTC8wy7cXQeLLDjcoSbcKouE0UuIgRi17-WzxPqt_IJ4wI8/s1600/IMG_0704.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAOsozPf4Bb9zlVENd-EJsqnvOruDXBokIGSVT_jqDNHji5eXoSIRNAv_TuVyAxvbFqdKXhoMQ5hbBa4PPJPiTR7e43CKhXKvPAJZXRbTSHJDr8GiNrRyd6YUNUBuCsRA09O0nl-qtV8/s1600/IMG_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAOsozPf4Bb9zlVENd-EJsqnvOruDXBokIGSVT_jqDNHji5eXoSIRNAv_TuVyAxvbFqdKXhoMQ5hbBa4PPJPiTR7e43CKhXKvPAJZXRbTSHJDr8GiNrRyd6YUNUBuCsRA09O0nl-qtV8/s1600/IMG_0705.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-31257067710679033212014-10-06T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-07T15:25:21.100-05:00Our Classroom TreeWe are still studying trees. I challenged Mrs. DeNier and Miss Moritz to create a 3D tree on our classroom wall. (Truth: I wanted the tree but didn't want to do it myself.) They did a FABULOUS job. Luckily we have die-cut machines in our school (spoiled!!), so we punched out a bunch of shapes from various colors of construction paper. Then, I put out plates with blobs of tempera paint in fall colors and let the littles go to town painting their fall leaves. We use vinyl floor tiles to contain our painting and playdough projects. This works really well!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP00sRcG0Prig-zuYiRhRz5AhrnKFDEcWb3eMIhQXXrOodsu14cT3N2lCmUgPIWFEFDeDq-q5rEiOeecpgBvy07majAXJeBjuOgjSsQ7tSesHGJmVzMCLg4KQ95w86w6uA1U7umi85u_U/s1600/IMG_0613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP00sRcG0Prig-zuYiRhRz5AhrnKFDEcWb3eMIhQXXrOodsu14cT3N2lCmUgPIWFEFDeDq-q5rEiOeecpgBvy07majAXJeBjuOgjSsQ7tSesHGJmVzMCLg4KQ95w86w6uA1U7umi85u_U/s1600/IMG_0613.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBq3HCpVjXcUHuBZKAQfADPEdm8R-VbosrzkLA7z7lr1hkWW6T7kV-pDMWgSWR2IifsniQoCs6_if9thtmNcEX8_VF6JVrECDkylIQEWAgmRRePIN738VIu3PrXZIvXBC6CGqBPxIb0rM/s1600/IMG_0618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBq3HCpVjXcUHuBZKAQfADPEdm8R-VbosrzkLA7z7lr1hkWW6T7kV-pDMWgSWR2IifsniQoCs6_if9thtmNcEX8_VF6JVrECDkylIQEWAgmRRePIN738VIu3PrXZIvXBC6CGqBPxIb0rM/s1600/IMG_0618.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is what our tree looked like with one lonely little leaf on it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSBZGx86ipRFvMkw34jFAvHYSA0ZOl3wmXQpXhWaAh5k4aoWP2ictsDnpdDkQjUqsejlRKznauvBT_jQFHPBoP_dJYZCwEYnKUFs2C0GwJ-7KS4XcgQ1Z3Ci8CMKfz1k12jeJpjFvDtM/s1600/IMG_0621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSBZGx86ipRFvMkw34jFAvHYSA0ZOl3wmXQpXhWaAh5k4aoWP2ictsDnpdDkQjUqsejlRKznauvBT_jQFHPBoP_dJYZCwEYnKUFs2C0GwJ-7KS4XcgQ1Z3Ci8CMKfz1k12jeJpjFvDtM/s1600/IMG_0621.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
After adding our painted leaves, the littles made ladybugs (one of the stories in our curriculum is <u>The Grouchy Ladybug</u> by Eric Carle) to live in our tree. They turned out so cute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2A9oZA-vOtA2QRt2m0a52s2tHSpZLvuB9UnlODA_DqAaEike0s0-0mibaT1bM-vtiOnm0yvguALvHFL181ifmQIX1hBPO8iUv45U8jFeZkok9ZdRkyzFo3H91vQIa8lbQOrjXQvqHyw/s1600/IMG_0642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2A9oZA-vOtA2QRt2m0a52s2tHSpZLvuB9UnlODA_DqAaEike0s0-0mibaT1bM-vtiOnm0yvguALvHFL181ifmQIX1hBPO8iUv45U8jFeZkok9ZdRkyzFo3H91vQIa8lbQOrjXQvqHyw/s1600/IMG_0642.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zFfeTYuatKruChFPa52Jsk-AXGRIDccOSUZtXdZOY3hSpc3K-YeI0XOC4F0eOSP49xB6Ff1lw8KIo2XGjfvdSNr2TEc1thGCrhNveljt8Fw0CHKz1FbT5YnC_J1VBUqNsSa57j-axT0/s1600/IMG_0643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zFfeTYuatKruChFPa52Jsk-AXGRIDccOSUZtXdZOY3hSpc3K-YeI0XOC4F0eOSP49xB6Ff1lw8KIo2XGjfvdSNr2TEc1thGCrhNveljt8Fw0CHKz1FbT5YnC_J1VBUqNsSa57j-axT0/s1600/IMG_0643.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is our tree with ladybugs and fall leaves. We will make some more leaves to add as well as some other creatures to live in the tree. We're thinking about leaving the tree up all year. After the leaves "fall", we can add snow to the branches for winter and maybe make some cardinals and chickadees to live in it. We'll see. Oh, the possibilities!!<br />
<br />
The next photo shows our class owl, Hooty, hanging out in the tree. I bought him at the Target Dollar Spot. We LOVE him so much. He is way cute, and really fun for the littles to push around in the shopping cart, 'cuz his legs stick out way long. :-) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gPeGJjTKY5qqIl7cMFN5uNqBt0b_9jA-BQU01qShELuiqiYe6X8Uw0MHstbsMTixEYbOKLO_xjhMCmUIQTh4BzIEureNi7NNNIhM28VcZc-4H-sIDPCdKekRWg4csHisPCU3UVYwGpA/s1600/IMG_0729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gPeGJjTKY5qqIl7cMFN5uNqBt0b_9jA-BQU01qShELuiqiYe6X8Uw0MHstbsMTixEYbOKLO_xjhMCmUIQTh4BzIEureNi7NNNIhM28VcZc-4H-sIDPCdKekRWg4csHisPCU3UVYwGpA/s1600/IMG_0729.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Can you spot Hooty in the tree?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVRpApuOtWpEAQQHsQD9LYc_Q9pO7HbVou913DuE6senKADi7Vb4on_5KRt-xyyD-FZvbE27TJdOfRdi868VB2-DcMLHpzbAfkPwkIKG9dhvg-t8gN2LE7jGv_rga6ijo87YqiifR-60/s1600/IMG_0732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVRpApuOtWpEAQQHsQD9LYc_Q9pO7HbVou913DuE6senKADi7Vb4on_5KRt-xyyD-FZvbE27TJdOfRdi868VB2-DcMLHpzbAfkPwkIKG9dhvg-t8gN2LE7jGv_rga6ijo87YqiifR-60/s1600/IMG_0732.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-67465931493049949992014-10-05T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-05T10:57:18.722-05:00Mucus TrailAs you know, we are enamored with snails. So enamored, in fact, that we are doing snail art projects now in honor of our <a href="http://lauraslittlelearninglab.blogspot.com/2014/09/speedy-jones-turbo-friends.html">class snails</a>. <br />
<br />
Credit for this project goes entirely to Mrs. DeNier. She has been wanting to do a project wherein the littles could create a mucus trail like our real snails make. She came up with the amazingly awesome idea to make a <a href="http://lauraslittlelearninglab.blogspot.com/2014/10/playdough-snails.html">playdough snail</a>, dip it in glue, and glide it across a piece of paper, leaving behind a "mucus" trail. The mucus trail is then sprinkled with glitter because, in fact, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snail_slime">real mucus trails</a> are a bit iridescent when they dry. Not kidding. <br />
<br />
In addition to providing construction paper, playdough snail-making supplies, glue and glitter, we gave the littles the option of making a snail for their trail using circles we had punched from construction paper. They then used markers to add details such as eye stalks and feet (the squishy part of the bottom of the snail that glides along is its foot for those of you who are not up on snail anatomy). Some littles opted to add their playdough snails as part of their finished project, and this worked great too.<br />
<br />
The photos below show a mucus trail project in process as well as some finished artwork. The last photo shows that we hung our snail trail artwork on the wall above Speedy, Carlo and Ralph. We're nice that way. Sharing the snail love!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYJghG4FmlkxUCjYBcdq8XDRfyU4GHEuHqJbhJ1j_isSYrWD36f9K5cKJKCj_rzZL-sp5s1mGWuFd0UlDN8ZErYYTkRlLSjqI10cd-DXWRtzQwOoei1WQIrrnt_qIQ4ynWEWhrH_1_6M/s1600/IMG_0649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYJghG4FmlkxUCjYBcdq8XDRfyU4GHEuHqJbhJ1j_isSYrWD36f9K5cKJKCj_rzZL-sp5s1mGWuFd0UlDN8ZErYYTkRlLSjqI10cd-DXWRtzQwOoei1WQIrrnt_qIQ4ynWEWhrH_1_6M/s1600/IMG_0649.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLDC3mks-gbfAhJ6aofPjYO7RyeLHS1ZYpuCdmKO8N9N4A_VdspeK5p6Q4NOriioOz2AfIfWOwtEfk0ovlchZN8AbcDMJiirBLbfh78299Eu7qjno9pfRevCsa68SDRsPS_imkgg_yyE/s1600/IMG_0651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLDC3mks-gbfAhJ6aofPjYO7RyeLHS1ZYpuCdmKO8N9N4A_VdspeK5p6Q4NOriioOz2AfIfWOwtEfk0ovlchZN8AbcDMJiirBLbfh78299Eu7qjno9pfRevCsa68SDRsPS_imkgg_yyE/s1600/IMG_0651.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7PGZGJ7MM9HyczMbCpcDkezmQYM7PTiPfuYOk5kGVDisR0__dXgGqy5r8DCTt3rxH_hLIUNclSlv9tmMbFHUatm97QmrXLIGsK-x9H-h5vfvZ-m7DXo2N1dB1Sod4_om4c5oDRrhbk4/s1600/IMG_0652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7PGZGJ7MM9HyczMbCpcDkezmQYM7PTiPfuYOk5kGVDisR0__dXgGqy5r8DCTt3rxH_hLIUNclSlv9tmMbFHUatm97QmrXLIGsK-x9H-h5vfvZ-m7DXo2N1dB1Sod4_om4c5oDRrhbk4/s1600/IMG_0652.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSMAZRpV2a6_1shZ-Kf_JZakndRsiTIhyYdfo3YNTvRsGKH0JvXp73N8iGv2WNEONPLD0doOzuz5G3KVvCcwDzc-_rW3Yl2Z12fSxiVDjA_BjhK27HQlhzPsIgJn09evCc-M_njoDm4M/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSMAZRpV2a6_1shZ-Kf_JZakndRsiTIhyYdfo3YNTvRsGKH0JvXp73N8iGv2WNEONPLD0doOzuz5G3KVvCcwDzc-_rW3Yl2Z12fSxiVDjA_BjhK27HQlhzPsIgJn09evCc-M_njoDm4M/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6DnPfXzZgVagpui2rLCY0qsVyDnxQ6w9vvEyzmUJoJlkXSZ5SwqOjX4ILYoNaKPcBse6AuKWNvP1gPs8rSalVeXonKZcCTEdtSjxBIKMK7dYUvxl9x_FYSfAU410x7Nyvv_pZtvZIJU/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6DnPfXzZgVagpui2rLCY0qsVyDnxQ6w9vvEyzmUJoJlkXSZ5SwqOjX4ILYoNaKPcBse6AuKWNvP1gPs8rSalVeXonKZcCTEdtSjxBIKMK7dYUvxl9x_FYSfAU410x7Nyvv_pZtvZIJU/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHkfSbnsxjQkrIbuSVc3pW-d49SmhgWmXr32B_QY7LYBdeBFrR-A007aNfDhrbDVrvjmNzRbWsIMSwaj11GgIuSSh3HMd9YP5573aKtL96_p504P2CCKOHlqbV-wXQK4PXJNiSDwLjTA/s1600/IMG_0678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHkfSbnsxjQkrIbuSVc3pW-d49SmhgWmXr32B_QY7LYBdeBFrR-A007aNfDhrbDVrvjmNzRbWsIMSwaj11GgIuSSh3HMd9YP5573aKtL96_p504P2CCKOHlqbV-wXQK4PXJNiSDwLjTA/s1600/IMG_0678.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-38090711681133017952014-10-04T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-04T12:16:27.090-05:00Drawing Leaves on the TreeTo reinforce our learning about the parts of a tree (roots, trunk, crown), I drew a tree on our dry-erase board as the children watched. I talked out loud as I drew and mentioned that they could draw a tree themselves at the art tables during centers time. I started by drawing the "ground" line, then added the roots below. Then the trunk and then the branches. I allowed each child to come up one at a time and add leaves to the "crown" of the tree. Not only did this make the lesson more interactive, it gave them some important fine motor practice. For some of the littles, simply removing the lid of the dry erase marker and putting it back on when finished is a challenge. Finding a branch and drawing a leaf on it requires not only fine motor coordination, but also visual-motor processing. It was interesting to see how each child approached this task. Below you can see a photo of the tree after all the littles drew leaves on it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqm2Ojnsl7PYhZdlmE3dsU29KCwxsJWGV0NSJQo2yGtXn3CkXGu2g2Rlil7s0m51Q9XhEqxPvFIR1V5nUkyb7lPhOZuhrqEgqjmzMp-kNga2d6hqms-rfmwPEz3qy1z1_UaxcObtBSADY/s1600/IMG_0603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqm2Ojnsl7PYhZdlmE3dsU29KCwxsJWGV0NSJQo2yGtXn3CkXGu2g2Rlil7s0m51Q9XhEqxPvFIR1V5nUkyb7lPhOZuhrqEgqjmzMp-kNga2d6hqms-rfmwPEz3qy1z1_UaxcObtBSADY/s1600/IMG_0603.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-3919816194461462902014-10-03T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-03T07:00:03.533-05:00Painting with trees!!One of the suggested projects in the Creative Curriculum Trees unit is using tree parts as painting props. I found some sprigs of evergreen on a tree near our school and broke them off. To make them easier to manipulate for painting, I attached clothespins to the end of them for the children to hold onto. I also provided each child a paper plate with white tempera paint. They then used the evergreen sprigs as brushes to paint on colored construction paper. The end result was really pretty, and different for every child. As you can see in the photos below, we use vinyl floor tiles under our art projects. This serves to not only keep our tables clean, but also defines the "work space" for each child. I got my tiles by putting a request on Facebook for free tiles. This is a great way to get the things you need for your classroom. Social media has its benefits.<br />
<br />
In hindsight, the only thing I would do differently with this activity is tape the papers down on the tiles OR use smaller sprigs of evergreen. The huge sprigs I found were so big they kind of made the paper slide around when the kids tried to paint. It still worked okay, but would have been even better if the paper were stabilized.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5I1OKj01vWyyPFjprwvSf_y3G8IMfjD6fRRVTtWd6SuTJccrQcSMPiikmwfvEFIwOlxb8MHzW76jJI6cVwu2fxkRIHTm4dCQs8YrcuUOODRzqIX0K0XmE5CcCaTGOHjc487sRQ3bzpc/s1600/IMG_0463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5I1OKj01vWyyPFjprwvSf_y3G8IMfjD6fRRVTtWd6SuTJccrQcSMPiikmwfvEFIwOlxb8MHzW76jJI6cVwu2fxkRIHTm4dCQs8YrcuUOODRzqIX0K0XmE5CcCaTGOHjc487sRQ3bzpc/s1600/IMG_0463.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfluRnEIutCaCKubFOauFRBATFn5QjqAUjfTZsN_PmTEP8Wrxs4D_ZOVKE5lhfoUb27BNl6mNwCG_LWonlw5lE0siys_fifpa-tdN1SfTeYApwxNlCTInKR8KU46Wq0N4t70F3-ufzyU/s1600/IMG_0464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfluRnEIutCaCKubFOauFRBATFn5QjqAUjfTZsN_PmTEP8Wrxs4D_ZOVKE5lhfoUb27BNl6mNwCG_LWonlw5lE0siys_fifpa-tdN1SfTeYApwxNlCTInKR8KU46Wq0N4t70F3-ufzyU/s1600/IMG_0464.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVvpZxJ4pxx54e3Ra86dyUc40uDIMVZoVpfNsO7RmrGb7VK-1NIGn7MvDDt5mxzULn7-tVAAY32Hi9HXpuEK_WWGr4plvrl6uVrtKl0a98IGoYGxrXh3zjsuvzA1mKN_84RmPMk8Irv4/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVvpZxJ4pxx54e3Ra86dyUc40uDIMVZoVpfNsO7RmrGb7VK-1NIGn7MvDDt5mxzULn7-tVAAY32Hi9HXpuEK_WWGr4plvrl6uVrtKl0a98IGoYGxrXh3zjsuvzA1mKN_84RmPMk8Irv4/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-12664513391731431512014-10-02T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-02T07:00:03.573-05:00Playdough SnailsI realize that this is not the best photo in the world, but I wanted to share a super-cute project we did this past week since we are completely enamored with SNAILS. I found this idea <a href="http://oeil2cha.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/especes-rares.html">HERE</a>. Basically you roll out a log of playdough, stick a pasta shell on the back for the shell, and use cloves for the eye stalks. It could not be more simple. Or more cute. Seriously.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD8ZAEYpFmoBG_25pHkO2IDwsFWEJr3zQnPuUwfZC5cz9xQyrCL1GurPVdnZGhRhyV6jQa7oUexdnyw-aT46mShtOwZNNwyWvleK2N4wV8qLYR29h1jezanmhyr0VzuLarcxKJAPKcrY/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD8ZAEYpFmoBG_25pHkO2IDwsFWEJr3zQnPuUwfZC5cz9xQyrCL1GurPVdnZGhRhyV6jQa7oUexdnyw-aT46mShtOwZNNwyWvleK2N4wV8qLYR29h1jezanmhyr0VzuLarcxKJAPKcrY/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-13363234252792832692014-10-01T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-01T07:00:14.348-05:00Tree SculpturesAs part of our study of Trees with our Creative Curriculum, we made tree sculptures. This is a really simple art project. I'm pretty sure I saw it somewhere, probably Pinterest, but I don't have a link for you. And I did not take photos of the materials or how we structured this activity. Basically, you need toilet paper rolls for the trunks. You can have your students paint the trunks, but we chose to have them color with brown markers instead. We provided pre-cut "crowns" made out of white cardstock. They used dot markers to add "leaves" to the crowns. By cutting two adjacent slits in the top of the toilet paper roll, we were able to slide the "crowns" into the trunks and have an upright tree when finished. These turned out really cute. I clustered them on top of our sand table to take the photo below. We then used the photo as a backdrop for <a href="http://lauraslittlelearninglab.blogspot.com/2014/09/speedy-jones-turbo-friends.html">Speedy Jones Turbo (and friends)</a>. Currently, our little trees are on display in the hallway outside our classroom, right above our coathooks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESXhiuGEK23CFnwkwC55RMVeFakynhkzYhPEkXPU9QJJAlmBJqneNQzVx13I0pEN9tvedizkfKkMpMoxva_FBsW7Cf9XukwcUgGGdnJf0ypNYasmJmvYpaRkww61fB-Qtrznhxqql5F8/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESXhiuGEK23CFnwkwC55RMVeFakynhkzYhPEkXPU9QJJAlmBJqneNQzVx13I0pEN9tvedizkfKkMpMoxva_FBsW7Cf9XukwcUgGGdnJf0ypNYasmJmvYpaRkww61fB-Qtrznhxqql5F8/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-30313655869727289542014-09-30T07:00:00.000-05:002014-09-30T07:00:06.519-05:00Parts of a Tree Collage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our school district uses the Creative Curriculum for all our preschool classrooms. This is a new curriculum for me. I am finding that I like it, but it will probably take me all of this year to fully utilize all the resources and to get a handle on how to best implement it with my littles. One thing I do really like is that there are unit studies which span approximately six weeks. This allows you to really immerse in a topic and to explore many different aspects of the topic in depth. We are currently about two weeks into our study of trees. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During one of the "Investigations" of our unit, we introduce the children to the three main parts of a tree: roots, trunk and crown (which includes the branches, twigs and leaves). There are several projects suggested in the curriculum itself, but I came up with my own collage project to reinforce the concept of the parts of a tree. Using yarn for roots, real twigs for trunks, and crumpled tissue paper for the crown, my students made their own three-dimensional "trees". This project was a good way for me to assess their understanding of the vocabulary of this unit as I was able to point to the parts of their collage and ask them to name each part.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While the academic skills of naming the parts of a tree was a major focus of this art project, many other skills were practiced during this activity. For example, for the littles with fine motor issues, the process of squeezing glue to put onto the paper is a hand and finger-strengthening exercise. Additionally, carefully placing small pieces of yarn for the roots works on pincer grasp and using the finger muscles. Crumpling squares of tissue paper into balls also works on those skills. When you stop and think about it, it's kind of amazing all the various learning that takes place within a simple art project. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Please enjoy the photo gallery below. It is so fun and interesting to see the different variations of this project. I just love littles art projects!! SO MUCH!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tTrUpkqkBVQNf8NfowulQ-grQoVbnztXmjgytGAodMbIvJCz-9A4Ru1FkIu1L4Am3t-tPq9zWMKNMSiYhdj5WOSBJgWG0-MJxOW22xzAsF7Ye8EF1MshU14biBdWvWMdI7z2KBWd5ak/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tTrUpkqkBVQNf8NfowulQ-grQoVbnztXmjgytGAodMbIvJCz-9A4Ru1FkIu1L4Am3t-tPq9zWMKNMSiYhdj5WOSBJgWG0-MJxOW22xzAsF7Ye8EF1MshU14biBdWvWMdI7z2KBWd5ak/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqX49ls4M6wmQWfjhb3GAvxYFEDdlLI0nXCfaZKH0kyfjdXShq2jiTEFyXHZxe0Q18pVbGZoZGRAgBxD4sLGD8EhAOplxWUXC7LEuJQKMSR-tbOrd1BgbhOIqRf8khjN0380FYC7Jqfw/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqX49ls4M6wmQWfjhb3GAvxYFEDdlLI0nXCfaZKH0kyfjdXShq2jiTEFyXHZxe0Q18pVbGZoZGRAgBxD4sLGD8EhAOplxWUXC7LEuJQKMSR-tbOrd1BgbhOIqRf8khjN0380FYC7Jqfw/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0OyrHvo1A083iBzl2MTsQQAtlF3tRdWrLyL5cyS3Aiws5jgUUq1CkOOiYL600UnfxG9b8cX8UeWnIOrNps9TJP9E5TQSWnrq2eij_BptZmCi31fHDR9ryI0qywu1ihHgs9Ng-TMgyzw/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0OyrHvo1A083iBzl2MTsQQAtlF3tRdWrLyL5cyS3Aiws5jgUUq1CkOOiYL600UnfxG9b8cX8UeWnIOrNps9TJP9E5TQSWnrq2eij_BptZmCi31fHDR9ryI0qywu1ihHgs9Ng-TMgyzw/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB6YTHGtpqIfyFEYFCy8MP28MmjQRjBeO__N-mqJ2ISgb1h1OhBnAws-Pp96GFSdht_byQN0Zr0RFHlYGXZrlXGEz7PsZPGM6xvt0ZkDWEH4p2FFcTEXJTMF9dHcSaABJLV2yNy2Zccw/s1600/IMG_0567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB6YTHGtpqIfyFEYFCy8MP28MmjQRjBeO__N-mqJ2ISgb1h1OhBnAws-Pp96GFSdht_byQN0Zr0RFHlYGXZrlXGEz7PsZPGM6xvt0ZkDWEH4p2FFcTEXJTMF9dHcSaABJLV2yNy2Zccw/s1600/IMG_0567.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLjzKmmu3T_dEupZSSsuIa6Y-f4EWkyOFAnpVORARE5xtRQWvBRIdCsTircDi7Dzed6Oomqrd1hVOsmiXNplqTLOAVaKInLD4AjHgwCFSLE4-cPEoj0nP-HkOE0ehltjFP7bi32dwGJo/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLjzKmmu3T_dEupZSSsuIa6Y-f4EWkyOFAnpVORARE5xtRQWvBRIdCsTircDi7Dzed6Oomqrd1hVOsmiXNplqTLOAVaKInLD4AjHgwCFSLE4-cPEoj0nP-HkOE0ehltjFP7bi32dwGJo/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NkWNVPUNHjTN7k9v1s2DczjKV57i_3WO8naoIgCnyga2s18-A_y1GSU_5-ZDz3hyphenhyphenwa9IsO8Q9TuTu21m8gan2S1cZF77PVlYX0-6lYIIdxgD2sFFS9zgSHLi8TtBWpo6EicUGi_-XAc/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NkWNVPUNHjTN7k9v1s2DczjKV57i_3WO8naoIgCnyga2s18-A_y1GSU_5-ZDz3hyphenhyphenwa9IsO8Q9TuTu21m8gan2S1cZF77PVlYX0-6lYIIdxgD2sFFS9zgSHLi8TtBWpo6EicUGi_-XAc/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJxiVZ0GnMgHFtKi6bpoELRLhiP4Q2On6scANYthJOVilz_qaVmiJYY4D8ve_LySyWn-EvTieEBSBi3gqGIvgP09juqJfNfVdlBWSA71a4CoLSwcCo2EISGKeOA0m2bElLmpxbxyFq2A/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJxiVZ0GnMgHFtKi6bpoELRLhiP4Q2On6scANYthJOVilz_qaVmiJYY4D8ve_LySyWn-EvTieEBSBi3gqGIvgP09juqJfNfVdlBWSA71a4CoLSwcCo2EISGKeOA0m2bElLmpxbxyFq2A/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-84993662304486861322014-09-29T07:00:00.000-05:002014-09-29T07:00:11.775-05:00How Ralph Waldo Emerson (the snail) got his nameSo, in yesterday's post, I told all about how we came to have a snail as our classroom pet. Truly, snails are the perfect pet. They are small, easy to care for, not loud, not stinky, fascinating to watch......the list goes on and on. <br />
<br />
Anyway, as I indicated last time, Speedy Jones Turbo, our classroom snail has some FRIENDS!!! Yes, we now have 3 garden snails as pets in our classroom. Prior to the two new additions, we had discussed the necessity of acquiring another snail, perhaps as a "back-up" snail in case Speedy (ahem) didn't make it. The weekend after this discussion took place, Mrs. DeNier and one of the first grade teachers in my building, Mr. McKean, both scoured their yards for snails to bring to school, with no luck whatsoever. I, on the other hand, did not look for snails in my yard AT ALL (even though I live on almost 2 acres and have plenty of room to search). When I walked out to my garage that Monday morning to leave for work, I saw a snail on the outside of the garage, stuck to the wall. I went inside to get a Dixie cup to transport it to school. On my way inside, I saw ANOTHER snail on the sidewalk. This was quite remarkable since I have lived in my current home for 11 years and cannot recall EVER seeing snails just hanging around. <br />
<br />
So, I drove to work that day with two little Dixie cups full of snail in the cup-holders of my van. One of the snails crawled to the top of the cup during the drive and perched itself right on the rim of the cup, making me quite nervous about losing him in the van on the way to school. Luckily, I was able to nudge him gently back into the cup and transport him safely into the snail habitat in our classroom.<br />
<br />
Naturally, the littles were MAJORLY excited to come to school on Monday and find out that we had acquired two new snails. We did not hurry to name the new snails for some reason. However, we did find some snail coloring pages that I put out at the art center for coloring. One afternoon, Miss Moritz decided to sit with the littles and color her own snail. Being a precise and meticulous artist, she took her time and created a beautiful snail to hang on our small classroom refrigerator. She decided to name her snail, Ralph, which she wrote at the bottom of her paper. She then asked Mrs. DeNier what Ralph's middle name should be. Mrs. DeNier randomly suggested "Waldo", thinking of "Where's Waldo?". As they went to tape the snail picture on the refrigerator, they noticed that the brand name of the refrigerator (which was conveniently and serendipitously located to the RIGHT of the taped-up snail picture) was EMERSON. It quickly dawned on them that this was a SIGN that one of our newest snails should be named, Ralph Waldo Emerson. <br />
<br />
News of Ralph and his name spread throughout the <strike>land</strike> school. (Okay, that is a bit of an exaggeration. I think just Mr. McKean was told of Ralph during his lunchroom duty.) Within the day, Mr. McKean came to me with a "Ralph Waldo Emerson" quote in honor of the newest snail. I promised to include this quote in my blog post. Fortunately, the quote is actually a perfect one to include in a post that relates to young children. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."</i></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Ralph Waldo Emerson</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This quote is ideal for young children because it truly reflects their complete and utter lack of pretense. They just are who they are. They make no effort to disguise their thoughts and feelings. For this reason, it is very refreshing to be around littles. They demonstrate the ability to be true to oneself on a daily basis. I love it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our other snail has been named Carlo Spiderman which is a combination of two names suggested by the littles. I guess his last name is Snail. We didn't get past Carlo Spiderman for some reason. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Below on the top left you can see the snail picture that was the inspiration for Ralph Waldo Emerson's name. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEhfaHYjL-f1J68RVXLEJT4FdABxIhq6RHSkL-E_mNolD-0Mxn6qk5lBCfq6KXsDDacLUY2cyyGiVAscNOMCvISkphshHqQwSeMAQdZuWOT4RluoE9Zs0nG-xAuXOKT9Ss07ecmj5AyA/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEhfaHYjL-f1J68RVXLEJT4FdABxIhq6RHSkL-E_mNolD-0Mxn6qk5lBCfq6KXsDDacLUY2cyyGiVAscNOMCvISkphshHqQwSeMAQdZuWOT4RluoE9Zs0nG-xAuXOKT9Ss07ecmj5AyA/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-54262712204839360532014-09-28T20:13:00.000-05:002014-09-28T20:13:17.600-05:00Speedy Jones Turbo (& Friends)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our school district has a "no fur or feathers" policy when it comes to classroom pets, or even visiting animals. While I understand the rationale behind this policy, it does limit the options we have for bringing live animals into the classroom. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently, our class took a field trip to a local forest. While on a nature walk, our guide noticed a leaf on the ground that had a shiny line across it. She stopped and pointed this out to the children, telling them that this meant a snail had left a trail on the leaf and that a snail must be nearby. She challenged them to look carefully for the snail near the trail. I admit, I was skeptical that we would find a snail. However, Mrs. DeNier, one of my assistants, found a snail!! The children were able to get a close look at the snail (although it was holed up in its shell the whole time). We decided to bring the snail back to school with us and make it our classroom pet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPIxDEUna_yXC98RPnhj7EcA_LT7ctUlt1ihyphenhyphenzSAfRXPmCUM5l5bm30bzgBwMVREgZTyUvPkqoQ042zW_q5mw5V5Y7hnrHWf5G1rc4_bs6tF1Wu1-PDdT8QBuVKO9sv0s_ZD2N-jkh9w/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPIxDEUna_yXC98RPnhj7EcA_LT7ctUlt1ihyphenhyphenzSAfRXPmCUM5l5bm30bzgBwMVREgZTyUvPkqoQ042zW_q5mw5V5Y7hnrHWf5G1rc4_bs6tF1Wu1-PDdT8QBuVKO9sv0s_ZD2N-jkh9w/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A funny side-story is that I held the snail in my hand all the way back to school on the bus. I have now earned the nickname "The Snail Whisperer" because the snail bravely came out of its shell in my hand and was absolutely fascinating to watch on the ride back to school. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once back at school, the snail was placed in a temporary home until more suitable housing could be found. Additionally, research was done as to how best to care for a snail pet. It turns out that a container with a bit of soil, a shallow dish of water, and some bark or pinecones for shelter is pretty much all that is needed. We also learned that garden snails can live 10 to 15 years in captivity. So, the joke now is that the snail will be with me for the next decade or so. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course a classroom pet needs a name. On the way back to school, our bus driver suggested "Speedy". Later, in a class discussion, the name "Turbo" was also suggested. So........we initially decided the snail would be called, "Speedy Joe Turbo". However, one of the littles kept saying, "Speedy JONES Turbo" which we liked better. So, Speedy Jones Turbo it is. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Below you can see the beautiful habitat we created for Speedy complete with a "foresty" backdrop (more about that in a future post) and a custom made name sign. In the photo the brown blog you can see on the cucumber slice is Speedy. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7sj2GDtpTRw6-5hDgwtGq_jlD88Fb7eaLeEkWMpcTLFSKF2mAZmeSSXpSvOm66gkZdO76WoO0chr7z0p21ani9kloxlctkS0rD825iXRNv9lHsNs27Y52UcEoxzt9Yv2akRbMGGSQBU/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7sj2GDtpTRw6-5hDgwtGq_jlD88Fb7eaLeEkWMpcTLFSKF2mAZmeSSXpSvOm66gkZdO76WoO0chr7z0p21ani9kloxlctkS0rD825iXRNv9lHsNs27Y52UcEoxzt9Yv2akRbMGGSQBU/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Miss Moritz, my other classroom assistant, has decided that I could moonlight as a snail photographer. Perhaps this is because I spent about 20 minutes (or more) on a recent Saturday trying to take an amazing photograph of Speedy. One of my best "shots" is shown below. I have gotten even better since that one was taken though. ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rG1VSUV6eAfdl6snrvsWF8qjTT7ONYCkYWfi3AHUtR4nosRqbkwtQMfU4CMKAXK2lxx7X4NmOCurLdf3FqfFVVJ6fPOA6wTRQv-z7bth9XXbIjy5XpBe5TLhzbb2gA1m7E-HWdCQORE/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rG1VSUV6eAfdl6snrvsWF8qjTT7ONYCkYWfi3AHUtR4nosRqbkwtQMfU4CMKAXK2lxx7X4NmOCurLdf3FqfFVVJ6fPOA6wTRQv-z7bth9XXbIjy5XpBe5TLhzbb2gA1m7E-HWdCQORE/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are paying close attention, you will notice that the title of this post indicates that Speedy has "friends". I have decided to make that the topic of a future post which will show up later this week. Suffice it to say that we are a bit snail-crazy around here. SNAILS ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4680470911908933993.post-10055980201378128602014-09-24T22:03:00.003-05:002014-09-25T22:04:47.486-05:00Lessons from the Littles: Let Your Brain Dance Today!!!I don't know about you, but it often seems to me that grown-ups have a lot to learn from children. Maybe it's just because I am blessed to be surrounded by littles every day. All I know is that when I slow down and see the world from their perspective, even if only for a few minutes, I come away with a renewed sense of wonder and awe.<br />
<br />
Case in point: My afternoon littles have recently requested that I play "dance" music for them at around the same time every afternoon. This occurs during our centers/free choice time. I have baskets of jingle bell sticks, rhythm sticks and scarves near our group area. They have free access to these during centers time. Sometimes the scarves are used in their creations, such as when they used them to decorate Mabel's duck pen (I will write a separate post about Mabel sometime soon). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMjMaPmBhSi5FopQScbi0Sb572epsPuJlBqMMsFacioSU2-1EF7QbknsHsKoChwZfh8GtVsJw4sG-mweOOG7pmHVqGPi6_Tn0jgER-E1VsF9fN7pSzr7vJHQc2SzGCyLoeBkJvHaH4W8/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMjMaPmBhSi5FopQScbi0Sb572epsPuJlBqMMsFacioSU2-1EF7QbknsHsKoChwZfh8GtVsJw4sG-mweOOG7pmHVqGPi6_Tn0jgER-E1VsF9fN7pSzr7vJHQc2SzGCyLoeBkJvHaH4W8/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
However, during "dance time", the scarves are waved with great abandon, jingle sticks are in full jingle mode and creative dance moves are bountiful. I find it completely impossible to not be 100% joyful when watching the littles dance. Their faces are wreathed in smiles. They giggle, sometimes uncontrollably. They move without the insecurity or self-consciousness of adults, listening to their inner dancers and spontaneously expressing their uniqueness. I absolutely love watching them. And, I admit, I equally love busting a move with them.<br />
<br />
One of my little friends has a particular knack for getting his groove on. He recently introduced the rest of us to a move that we now refer to as the "crab dance". I cannot recall ever laughing so hard as I did when he first demonstrated this feat of movement to the rest of us. It is now, by far, one of my favorite dance moves to do. ANYHOW...... the "crab dance" is a frequently requested song in my classroom these days. I wish I could show you a video of it in full swing. It is unforgettable.<br />
<br />
A few days after the premiere performance of the crab dance, I observed my little budding choreographer busting a move during centers time. However, there was NO MUSIC playing at the time. So, I asked him, "_____________, are you hearing music in your head right now?" He replied, "WHAT??????!!!!!!!!" I said, "Well, I saw you dancing a little bit there and wondered if you were hearing music, like, in your brain or something." At this point, my little friend pointed to his own head and said something I do not think I will ever forget. It is something stated simply, yet profoundly and in such a way that I felt I had to share it here. He said,<br />
<br />
"My brain. He dancing."<br />
<br />
I smiled at him. He smiled back at me. A big ear to ear grin on his face. And for just a moment, time stood still. I was struck by the realization that something very meaningful had just been communicated to me by an innocent four-year-old. I thought, almost immediately, how amazing it is to allow oneself to get caught up in the beautiful dance of life. To embrace each moment wholly and without reservation. To appreciate the beauty in the small stuff: a snail exploring a surface with his eye stalks; a grasshopper hanging upside-down under a slide; a tiny glittering jewel an expanse of a wood-chip covered playground.<br />
<br />
As adults we forget to notice the small stuff, to our great detriment. For if you spend much time around the littles, you will realize that it's all small stuff. And also big stuff. And it's important to listen to the music and let your brain dance. Every. Single. Day.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613078997839810912noreply@blogger.com0