Post-It Notes - Why I Love them

This is a fun and easy game to prepare.  Your child will love playing!  Number Search:
Step 1.  Using adding machine paper roll, write the numbers 1 through 12 on it and tape it to the wall.  Step 2. Write the numbers 1 through 12 on individual post-it notes and hide them around the house. Step 3.  Have your child search and match the numbers found and put them on the number line.
We played the Number Search a few times.  The last time, my son hid the numbers and I had to find them.  Be sure to ask your child questions about the numbers along the way, "What number did your find?"  or "What numbers are left for you to find?"  The number line is now hanging in his room.  He can go and move the numbers around on his own.
Depending on the level of your child, you can draw dots on the post-it notes representing numbers through 12 and your child will have to count the dots and then match the number on the number line.
This also works for practicing letters, upper and lower case, shapes, sight words or whatever skill you want your child to review.

3M Post-It notes are my favorite because they stick even after pulling them off and on paper/walls numerous times.  They also come in a variety of fun shapes and colors.  I've used cheap brands and their "stick" does not last.

Organizing Your Child's Masterpieces!

I am looking forward to “oohing” and “ahhing” over the masterpieces my son will be creating in preschool this year.  Yes, this is my first born heading off to school and I am beginning to worry about what to do with all the art he will be bringing home.  This is a serious problem, but with some thought, I have created a plan so I am feeling a little less anxious about the wealth of work that will be coming home.

First things first, we can not keep it all so here are some ideas:

1.  take a digital photo, especially of large pieces or 3-D projects.   There are so many ways to reuse their art using companies like Shutterfly.  At the end of the year you can create an online art portfolio book, make greeting cards or mugs to give as gifts, or make “thank-you” notes.  I’ve also see having their art printed on a canvas or postage stamp.
2.  display the art in your child’s room, playroom, or garage.  Be sure to “rotate” the art per season/month and take a photo of the mural before taking it down.  Use painters tape so that it won’t damage the art or your walls or use cute ribbon and clothes pins to hang the art
3.  give, give, give.  Your children can use their art to give as cards, gifts, and wrapping paper to relatives, neighbors, babysitters, etc.
3. file the “keepers”.  These are the ones that touch your heart,  show their developmental stage, or are extra special to your child.   Use sticker address labels to place on the back of these treasures and write their name (especially if you have more that one child), date, and note any special memory or information your child wants to share.  Keep them in a legal size file folder and place in a plastic bin.  Keep one folder per school year.  If the folder gets too big, it is time to sort through it again!  At the beginning of each year have your child paint their handprints on the outside of the folder, write their name and school year
4.  frame one OR two pieces from the year
5.  toss it (descretely)  I’ve been told, this gets easier, especially when our kids get older they can help in the decision making.
    I hope this gives you some ideas or gets you thinking about what system will work for you and your family.  This is just the beginning of out little one’s school career, which means there will be hundred’s, if not thousands of items that will be coming home from school in the next 14 years.  Enjoy their creativity and happy organizing!

Father's Day Craft Ideas

These projects were done throughout the week.  Remember, have fun and it is the thought that counts.  Dad will treasure whatever their child gives them on their special day!

This year I thought I'd let my son be creative and have some fun, so we started with finger painting.  He enjoyed the process and mess, but not "gift" quality.  So we tried something else.   Hand prints and foot prints are always a hit so we went to the kitchen to make some dough together.  In a bowl mix 1 cups flour, 1 cups salt, 1/2 cup water, 1 T cooking oil.  Add more flour until it isn't sticky.  We added green food coloring, (daddy's favorite color) and mixed until blended.  We went outside and my son kneaded the dough.  After playing with the dough for awhile, I helped him pat out the dough on parchment paper.  We tried a few variations until we settled on a hand print.  I cut around it in the shape of a "D".  "D" is for Daddy.   Pole a whole at the top with a straw.  We left it in the sun to dry.  He will paint it when it is completely dry.  I will add a ribbon in the hole with this poem attached:  
D is for Daddy
I give my hand
to you this day!
Remember me now,
as I grow and play!
June 2011
My son drew a picture of his daddy.  And finally I ordered a card from Shutterfly. www.shutterfly.com  A special thank you to Shelbi for capturing this shot of my son.  http://www.shelbilynna.com/  You are an amazing photographer!
It will be a Father's Day to remember.