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Thursday, September 19, 2013

Talk Like a Pirate!

September 19, 2013 0 Comments

I always enjoy celebrating this fun day!  Today, we celebrated with the stories How I became a Pirate by David Shannon and Pirate Pete's Talk Like a Pirate by Kim Kennedy.    Both books were really cute and both the boys enjoyed them. 

We learned some fun pirate lingo.

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh! - sound of unhappiness
Ahoy, Matey! -  Hello, my friend!
Ahoy, me Hearties! - Hello, my friends!
Blimey! - exhortation of surprise
Blow me down! - expression of shock
Booty - treasure
Heave Ho - use some muscle & push it
Lad, lass or lassie - a younger person
Me - my
Savvy - do you understand/agree?
Ye - you

We made pirate hats, eye patches, spy glasses, and captain hook hand pieces out of construction paper, plastic cups, towel rolls, and aluminum foil.



Talk like a Pirate, Fun Days, Making Homeschool Fun, #Homeschool
Then, we made pirate boats with a free printable from Crayola out of card stock.

Talk like a Pirate, Fun Days, Making Homeschool Fun, #Homeschool


The boys created their own treasure maps from paper bags.  This is a great way to practice directions, such as right, left, north, south, east, and west.  We like to remember it as, never eat soggy waffles.   A few years ago we learned this fun saying and have never forgotten it. It works!

We used a free printable pirate board game from ESL Games Plus to practice our math facts.  Poppy cat practiced counting by counting steps while walking the plank.  I used masking tape on the floor as the plank.

I created a sensory bin for Poppy Cat with rice dyed black, coins, beads, and some rocks.  He had a great time playing and by the time he was through he looked like a true pirate.  If you have made the colored rice before, you will find that your hands get powdery from the rice.  Since our rice was dyed black he got powdery black hands and face.  Adorable!



Poppy Cat completed several worksheets, puzzles, and clothes pin math activities using the pirate printables over at 2 Teaching Mommies.  Check them out, they are awesome printables and free!

Finally, we made paper swords out of newspaper.  Check out Alpha Mom for these instructions.  This one is super fun and a great way to make something out of nothing.  I love it!



I look forward to celebrating this day again next year.  It was so much fun and a great way to learn.

Enjoy!

Bridget








Saturday, July 13, 2013

DIY Crayon Organization

July 13, 2013 112 Comments
DIY Crayon Organizer

A little organization goes a long way.  Little Poppy Cat is always looking for a green crayon, his favorite color.  I found a fun solution browsing Pinterest, so I gave it a try.  The results were awesome.  Poppy Cat could not wait to organize all the crayons into the spots.  I labeled them with my P-touch label machine.  He doesn't read yet.  I hope it will motivate him to learn the color names while he sorts his crayons.

The original idea came from Aunt Peaches, be sure to check out her original post.  I modified the idea a little.  Here is what I did.  I used the box that trash bags come in along with the toilet paper rolls.  First I covered my box with card stock and added a printed a paper label from my computer.  Then I glued the bottoms of the toilet paper rolls to keep them stationary, since I have a little one.  Finally, I added labels with the name of each color with my P-touch label maker. 

It was a simple, fun project and it makes my day a little easier.

Enjoy!
Bridget


Thursday, May 30, 2013

A Sweet Way to Say Thank You

May 30, 2013 0 Comments
As our children grow there are people that touch their lives in lots of ways.  I have always felt strongly about making sure that my children show their gratitude to those that help them.  It doesn't have to be an expensive gift, sometimes a genuine thank you is enough.   I love to have my kids make cards.  I have found that the recipients love to receive them too. 




Today, I am sharing a idea I found on Pinterest.  The idea originated from The Happy Scraps.  I have added my little touches to make it my own expression.  It's a sweet little way to say thank you.

Here is what I used:

Small clay pot
Yellow paper shred
#2 pencils
Card Stock
Foam brick
Two sided foam tape
Pretty ribbon
Glue dots
Green craft stick
Flower template from Best Paper Flowers
Thank you tag from Dimple Prints
Single hole punch

I used double side tape to attach the foam block to the inside of my pot.  Filled it with yellow paper shred.   Then used the template from Best Paper Flowers and cut them out of different colors of card stock.  After I cut them out, I used the hole punch to put a hole in the center of the flower.  I twisted the pencil back in forth until it went through the hole.  Then inserted them into the foam in the clay pot.  I printed off my thank you card from Dimple Prints.  Then attached it with a glue dot to a green craft stick and inserted it into the foam.  For a extra touch I attached a ribbon around the rim with glue dots.  It was a simple project and a great way to teach my kids to show gratitude.

Have fun making this one!  Thank you to The Happy Scraps, Dimple Prints, and Best Paper Flowers for sharing your talents with others.

Blessings,
Bridget

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

DIY Multiplication Cubes: A Fun Way to Practice Math

May 28, 2013 1 Comments
DIY Multiplication Cubes - Making Learning Fun

I am always looking for a fun way to practice math.  There are days that I feel like Legoman cannot sit through another round of multiplication flashcards.  I came up with this idea to practice his multiplication tables.  Legoman loves throwing around the large dice and at times forgets he his really practicing his multiplication facts.

Here is what you will need. 

Two empty cube tissue boxes
Wrapping paper or any paper of your choice
Printed numbers
Clear shelf paper (available at the Dollar Tree)
Tape
Glue stick
Scissors

Here is how you assemble.

Wrap the box in wrapping paper and secure with tape.  Use your glue stick to attach numbers to the sides of cubes.  Wrap the boxes with the shelving paper.  The shelving paper helps keep the boxes nice as they can easily get torn from rolling them.

Let your child roll them.  Have them multiply the two numbers rolled.  This can also be used to practice addition or subtraction.  I use the same dice for Poppy Cat to practice number recognition.

Have fun, learning should be fun!

Blessings,
Bridget


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Milk Top Ladybug Counters

May 23, 2013 0 Comments
Ladybug DIY Math Counters
Ladybug Counters
One of my favorite things to do is, to make things from recycled materials.  Over the past couple of weeks, we have been studying bugs.  I decided to make use of some milk tops to make these cute ladybug counters.  They are super easy and a cute way to practice counting.

Here is what I did.  I used 10 red milk tops, glued eyes on top, and used a black paint pen (a sharpie works well too) to make the face and dots.  I made my ladybugs with one to ten dots on them.

I then made a page with numbers from one to ten for the ladybugs counters to be matched up with. I could not resist making a container to hold my counters in.  I love those parmesan cheese containers!  They make great recyclable games and storage.  I did the same thing to the top of my cheese container to make it look like a ladybug.  I covered the sides with green cardstock to make it look like grass. 

Poppy Cat enjoyed counting the dots on the ladybugs and matching them up with the right number.

Happy homeschooling!

Bridget

Ladybug Math Counters
Ladybug Math Counters


Friday, May 3, 2013

"What is Cooking?" Dinner Organization

May 03, 2013 0 Comments
What's Cookin Menu Wipe Board

What's Cookin' Menu Planner

In an effort to be more organized, I came up with this handy wipe off menu plan. 

Each week, I write what I plan to cook by the appropriate day and make a note to myself where to find the recipe.

Here is how you make this handy menu planner.

Supplies:
Dollar Store clear magnetic frame 4x6
Scrapbook Paper
My What's Cookin' print out
Dry Erase Marker

Instructions:
Cut the scrapbook paper to the size of your frame.  Then print out the What's Cookin' printout (this should be cut a little smaller than the scrapbook paper).  Glue this to the scrapbook paper and insert in the frame.  Hang on the refrigerator and your on your way to a more organized week.

Be Blessed!
Bridget


Thursday, May 2, 2013

National Day of Prayer

May 02, 2013 0 Comments

Today as I celebrate the National Day of Prayer, I am reminded that when I pray things happen.  I love the song "When I Call on Jesus" by Nicole C. Mullen.  This is my song of strength.  When I hear it I am reminded of so many hard times that the words of this song pulled me through. 

As I bow my head in prayer today, I know that when I call on him all things are possible and will work out according to his purpose. 

Many Blessings!
Bridget


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Take Me Out to the Ball Game Sensory Fun

May 01, 2013 2 Comments
Take Me Out to the Ball Game Sensory Fun for Preschool, Mama Says Dance in the Rain
Take Me Out to the Ball Game Sensory Fun
This Poppy Cat's first year playing T-ball.  I found it only fitting to do a baseball theme.  I was delighted when I found a free baseball theme pack over at 3 Dinosaurs.  This pack was lots of fun!  Poppy Cat enjoyed labeling the baseball field and lacing the ball and glove the most. 

We added to the fun with this baseball theme sensory bin.  I dyed rice orange and green for the field.  Then I cut out the bases, home plate, and the pitcher mound out of white foam.  White pom poms, white LEGO buttons, and a rubber baseball were added for balls.  Legoman loaned some of his LEGO minifigures along with a telescope bat for some fun.  Poppy Cat really enjoyed this theme. Although our sensory bin no longer looks like a baseball field, he had a great time playing and that's just part of the fun.

Have a blessed day!
Bridget





Friday, April 19, 2013

Letter Fun: D is for Doctor

April 19, 2013 0 Comments
Poppy Cat has been busy learning his letter sounds.  We are using a free homeschool site called Easy Peasy.  This site is a wonderful free resource and Poppy Cat enjoys it so much.  He is doing wonderfully on his letter sounds.  Easy Peasy makes the letter sounds fun!

A few days ago we studied the letter "D".  The craft to go along with it was just so cute I just had to share.  Here is Poppy Cat's doctor bag.




What sites are you using for your preschooler?  I welcome your comments!

Have a blessed day!
Bridget


Sunday, April 14, 2013

Connecting with Your Kids Through Movie Night

April 14, 2013 0 Comments

Connecting with your kids through movie night.  I never thought my kids would be so excited over something so simple
Several months back,  I introduced my kids to Movie Night on Saturdays.  It was nothing fancy, just sitting with them with the lights dimmed like a movie theater, eating popcorn, and watching a DVD together.  My kids loved it!  I was surprised that they were so excited about it and enjoyed it so much.  I realized that my kids just enjoyed having a special time set aside just for them with no errands, cell phones, computers, or interruptions.

Connecting with your kids through movie night.  I never thought my kids would be so excited over something so simple
Our Popcorn Machine
Our neighbors surprised us with a special old fashioned popcorn maker.  When I look at it, I am reminded how much my kids enjoy time.  You don't have to have a fancy popcorn machine or a collection of the latest DVD's, microwave popcorn and library rentals work just fine.  Kids just want to feel loved and important.  Try out movie night with your kids, you maybe surprised too!

Many Blessings,
Bridget 




Monday, April 8, 2013

Frog Theme Sensory Bin

April 08, 2013 0 Comments

This week Poppy Cat will be studying about Frogs.  Today, I am sharing my Frog Theme Sensory Bin.  I dyed my rice blue and green.  The lily pads were cut from craft foam. Then I added a few rocks, lots of plastic frogs, and a toilet paper tube covered in brown paper decorated to look like a log.  Sensory bins are a great way to allow little ones to explore independently while you work with a older child.

I am using a free, printable, preschool package from Our Little Monkeys called Frogs In The Pond.  It is a really cute printable and has lots of fun games for your preschooler.

Enjoy!  I'll be hopping along now.
Bridget


Monday, April 1, 2013

Product Review: No Tangle Styler Brush

April 01, 2013 0 Comments


I brought this brush last week at my hair salon.  This brush is awesome.  It combs out your wet hair without even feeling like you are brushing your hair.  My hair is long and tangles easily so, I don't look forward to brushing it out after washing it.  I have to say since my new discovery, I love brushing out my wet hair. 

My kids love it.  They don't complain when I brush their hair anymore.  Since I brought home my new brush, Poppy Cat is brushing his own hair.  This is just another dancing in the rain moment.  I love it!

You can find the No Tangle Styler Brush here.  This is my personal opinion.  I have not been compensate for my opinion.

Blessings,
Bridget



Thursday, March 28, 2013

He Died for You & Me

March 28, 2013 1 Comments

Easter is on it's way!  I love celebrating Easter.  The colors are so bright and beautiful.  There is new life all around us in spring.  My favorite part about Easter is that, Jesus died for you and me.  About a year ago, I found a wonderful pin on Pinterest for Easter.   As soon as Easter was on its way, I could not resist getting started on this beautiful arrangement.

Here are my creations!
Easter, Plant Arrangment

Easter, Plant Arrangment

Easter, Plant Arrangment

I created three arrangements.  One to keep and two to give away to my mom and mother in law.  It was a really easy project and I found most of my stuff at the Dollar Tree.  Here is what I found:  3 clear liners, bag of dirt, three baskets, bag of rocks, and 3 small clay pots.   If you are counting that's $7.00 plus tax.  I did have to buy grass seed, that was around $4.00.  The sticks were from my crape myrtle tree.  I had some left over cord from beading and used my glue gun to secure the cord to the sticks.  I did splurge for the word rocks from Joann Etc. What a great price for such a cute idea. 

The grass grows really quick. I just sprayed mine with water whenever it looked dry a couple of times a day.

Have a great day!
Bridget



Sunday, March 24, 2013

Reuse Easter Eggs for Math

March 24, 2013 0 Comments
There are lots of uses for leftover plastic Easter Eggs.  I use them for math.  For Poppy Cat, I put numbers on one half with a paint pen, and then put the corresponding number of dots on the other end.  I let them dry and then break them in half.  He counts the dots and matches the numbers.  If you want to make it more challenging, make sure you use two different colors for top and bottom.  That way they are not just matching colors.  They have to actually count. 

Easter Egg Math, Uses for leftover Easter Eggs

Easter Egg Math, Uses for leftover Easter Eggs


For Legoman, I put multiplication problems on one side and the answers on the other side with a paint pen.  Let them dry and break them apart.  I usually use problems that need review.

Easter Egg Math, Uses for leftover Easter Eggs

Have fun with this inexpensive learning tool.

Blessings,

Bridget

 

Easter Sensory Fun

March 24, 2013 0 Comments
This week I created a Easter sensory box for Poppy Cat.  I used colored rice, pom poms for cotton tails, colorful buttons, and Easter eggs.  Poppy Cat loves sensory boxes.

Easter Sensory Box
Easter Sensory Box
The wonderful thing about sensory boxes is that you can add anything too them based on what you have on hand. 

To make the colored rice you will need Ziploc bags, rice, food coloring, and rubbing alcohol.  Add some rice to the Ziploc bag.  Then place around 7 drops of food coloring in the bag with the rice.  Finally, add about a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to the bag.  Seal the bag.  Shake until well combined and then pour onto a paper plate to dry.  That's it!  It is very simple and the little ones can help make the rice.

Have a great weekend!
Bridget


Friday, March 15, 2013

Computer Programming Science Fair Project

March 15, 2013 5 Comments
LEGOMAN loves video games, just like most kids. This year he decided to do his science fair project using a free downloadable software called Scratch.  Scratch is designed with kids in mind, to make computer programming easier. 

We got our idea from the Science Buddies website and dove into a bunch of tutorials to learn how to use Scratch. I am happy to report that LEGOMAN took home a first place trophy in his homeschool science fair.

Here is a photo of his science board.

Create a Video Game for Science Fair, Computer Programming with Scratch
Scratch Video Game Science Project

If you would like to download Scratch you will find it here.

Listed below are two of our favorite tutorials for Scratch.

http://scratched.media.mit.edu/resources/scratch-lessons-shall-we-learn-scratch-programming-tweens
http://learnscratch.org/video-courses/scratch-1

I hope your kids enjoy learning how to program their own video games.  Let me know how it works out for you.

Blessings!
Bridget


Thursday, March 14, 2013

Preschool Science Fair Project

March 14, 2013 0 Comments

Poppy Cat just competed in his first homeschool science fair. 

His project was mixing primary colors.  He experimented by finger painting, mixing water and food coloring, playing with model magic, and mixing paint.  This was Poppy Cat's first science fair.  He got 1st place.  He was delighted to take home a trophy.

Here is his Science Board and photos of his experiments.  For the Science Fair we squeezed finger paint into Ziploc bags and taped them shut for a fun visual.  I had to do the typing for the board but, I got Poppy Cat involved by having him color the title, his experiment guesses, results, and decorating his board with hand prints.  He had a great time and now he knows about mixing colors. 

Blessings!
Bridget

Preschool Science Fair, Mixing Primary Colors
Model Magic Mixing Experiment


Preschool Science Fair, Mixing Primary Colors
Water & Food Coloring Mixing Experiment


Preschool Science Fair, Mixing Primary Colors
Finger Paint Mixing Experiment


Preschool Science Fair, Mixing Primary Colors
Completed Science Board & Experiments

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Celebrating Dr. Seuss

March 02, 2013 0 Comments

Every year I look forward to celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday.  As a child Green Eggs and Ham was my favorite book.  I enjoy celebrating now, with my kids.  We always have green eggs and ham for breakfast and enjoy re-reading the same book I read as a child.   I was inspired by a few pins on Pinterest to make Thing One t-shirts this year.

Here are the pins that inspired me.



These are the photos of  the t-shirts that we made.



For more Dr. Seuss Ideas check out my Pinterest Board. Have a fun day!


Check out my Dr. Seuss Pinterest Board
Check out my Dr. Seuss Pinterest Board