Soapy Snowmen

We are going to be having some fun with snowmen in our classroom during the next few weeks.  We have some projects planned but you might want to try this one at home.  When I finally get my Christmas decorations put away, I put out my snowmen decor.  The two snowmen in the photo I made with my boys AGES ago and they are still in great condition.  I think they are super cute.

This is an idea from Family Fun magazine.  For the complete instructions
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/soapy-snowmen-665527/  Make sure you check out the comments.  Many crafters commented that the dough was really runny and needed more soap.  I honestly don't remember (I'm thinking it's been ten plus years since we made these).  We used a round toothpick that we painted orange for the nose.  The cloves make super eyes.  We used an old glove for the hat and cut one off the fingers.  I think it's a little nicer look than an egg carton. Our scarves are made out of material scraps. 

Since it is too cold to make snowmen outside, why not try to make some inside!  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

The Mitten

If your child has come home this week telling you they have crawled into a mitten at school, they are telling the truth.  Well,  sort of...winter is a great time to read Jan Brett's book-'The Mitten.'  It has been a fun time in our TTh class. Check out last year's blog entry for lots of information and a link to Jan Brett's website.  http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2010/01/mitten.html  You can act out the mitten story at home with your child.   Cover a table with a large blanket.  Not enough children to play? Have your child gather stuffed animals, dolls or other toys to play the animals.  Acting out the story is great for your child's imagination and retells the story again and again. 

Look at Frosty Go!

Preschoolers love snow!  I loved making snowmen with my boys when they were little.  Creating a 'Snowman Box' can help make your time in the snow more fun with your child.  I did this with my boys because it seemed like when it snowed we were constantly running in and out looking for eyes, nose, hats and scarves for our snowmen. Someone usually ended up frustrated, exhausted and near tears (oh, that may have been me!)

*Find a box or storage tub for your snowman supplies.

*Next time you are at a craft store or supercenter buy some fake carrots. If you are really feeling creative buy an assortment of fake fruits or vegetables.  Strawberry eyes, grapes for a mouth.  Open your imagination.

*Toss in mismatched gloves, hats and scarves that are not worn anymore.  Have an old tablecloth, blanket or sheet?  Tear or cut long wide strips for a scarf. 

*Before you take clothes to the thrift store, keep some shirts, sweaters, old shoes, neckties and jewelry (be on the look out for  Mardi Gras beads.  Big and colorful!  The perfect accessory for the put together snowgirl!)

*Put in some sticks for the arms.

*Store the box in a spot that is easy to grab when it snows!  Make sure everything is dry when you pack it away.

You and your child can really get creative with your snowman. I am sure you can come up with many things to put in your snowman box.  Look for things in the garage-sports equipments, backpacks to add to your snowman. It's a long winter here in central Illinois so make the most of it and have fun.

Want to do more?  Have your child dictate/write a story about their snowman.  Type up and add to their storybook.

Looking for more winter fun? You can also create an ice sculpture.  For more information http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2010/01/ice-ice-baby.html

Don't forget the hot chocolate when you are finished!

The Big Blubber Experiment

This week has flown by so quickly!  I cannot believe it is Friday.  Good times and much was learned in our MWF classes this week.  Our focus was polar animals. We read books and created a polar bear craft but the highlight was today's experiment.  We asked the question-how do polar animals keep warm?  The children learned the word 'blubber'.  Have your child tell you about how polar animals keep warm.  For a complete how to-  http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2010/01/polar-animals.html  The children also dictated what they learned about polar bears.  The story sheet will be in your child's backpack on Monday.  The word polar bear will be underlined and bold for easy reading by your child.  Have a great weekend and stay warm!

Penguins

This week our TTh class had fun learning about penguins.  Here are few of the concepts we learned-penguins are birds, they have feathers but don't fly, penguins lay eggs,penguins swim, they eat fish and penguins live at the South Pole.

Each child also created a penguin.  They did a really good job listening to teacher directions.  The penguin has many pieces and the children have to be really attentive to get it right. This craft is also an opportunity for us to discuss ovals.  For more information on why we do crafts click http://metamoracommunityprek.blogspot.com/2010/01/march-of-penguins.html

We sang 'I'm A Little Penguin'  
(tune-I'm A Little Teapot, of course)

I'm a little penguin black and white.
I swim all day and waddle all night.
I follow my friends wherever they go
Over the rocks and into the snow!

The children also dictated what they learned about penguins.  These dictation activities reinforce what the children learned.  The story will be sent home.  You can help your child by saving the stories.  Place them in a three ring binder to read again and again. 

A great start to the new year!

The Dinosaur Dig

Young children love dinosaurs. Our dramatic play center has a dinosaur dig.  The children love this center.  The photo shows the items we use to create a 'dig'.  When the children's imagination is added much happens in this center!  

We use old cell phones, cameras and a computer keyboard in most of our dramatic play.  There are also maps in this center (I cut them down so they are easier for the children to handle), binoculars, vests, hats and an old flashlight (no batteries). 

The dinosaur bones I bought at Halloween time.  We also include dinosaur books in the center.  We often have books in the dramatic play area that relate to the theme.  We don't worry about bent pages.  We want the children to incorporate the books into their play.

You can create a great dress up box at home, too. Having a dress up box stimulates your child's imagination, increases their vocabulary and are just plain  ol' fun!

Countdown to the New Year

If you are like me as soon as Christmas is wrapped up (pun intended), you start prepping for New Year's Eve.  When my boys were little, we  rang in the New Year with a special dinner, hats, horns, confetti and sometimes a balloon drop. 

You can also use bubble wrap to celebrate (sometimes we do this at school).  The large bubbles work the best.  It is fairly cheap.  I was just out shopping and saw large bubble wrap costs about six bucks at your local superstore for 15 feet of fun. Put on a the floor and have at it!

Have a safe and happy New Year!  We will see you soon!