I gave the kids a clipboard with pen attached by a small piece of yarn (this helps them to not lose the pens) and binoculars and asked them to draw what they saw outside. They had a blast and when they were done I asked them what they saw and we wrote down their answers. You can get clipboards at the dollar store. Mine are from www.lakeshorelearning.com (I received mine through a grant at my local resource and referral agency)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Flying Streamers
These are extremely easy to make. I used a hair band (bought at the dollar store in a pack of 6 or 8) and my flourescent flaggers tape (bought at Menards). All I did was tie the flaggers tape to the band and presto, I was done. Jeff Johnson had a different method for making these, so if you would like to read more about his method it can be found in his book Every Day Early Learning. You can find his book at www.explorationsearlylearning.com Once it is made the kids pinch the top of the band in one hand and the bottom of the band (where the flaggers tape is) with the other hand. Stretch it out and then let it go. It will go flying in the air. It takes some practice for the younger kids, but once they get the hang of it, you will see flying streamers everywhere.
Streamer Rings for Music Play
Fancy Fluttering Streamers
This was yet another awesome idea from Jeff Johnson. This idea was from his book Do-It-Yourself Early Learning. You can learn more about his books on www.explorationsearlylearning.com These are great to use during music time. I used a dowel rod, small screw eye and flourescent flagging tape. Jeff suggests using a number 3 ball bearing swivel with interlock snaps (found in the fishing tackle supplies - this allows it to rotate a little bit better). I screwed the small screw eye into the end of a 3/8 inch dowel rod and then tied the flagging tape into the hole of the screw eye (In Jeff's version you would put the interlock snap on the screw eye and tie the flagging tape to the interlock snap). I have done both ways and both ways work well.
Gift Card Book
"Counting Book"
Digital Book - "Our Feelings"
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Sensory Hands
Magnetic Sensory Bottles
Matching Game #3 Made for FREE
Matching Game #2 Made for FREE
Matching Game #1 Made for FREE
Monday, November 14, 2011
Cheap and Easy Bulletin Board Idea
For a cheap and easy bulletin board idea I started by purchasing white foam board at my local craft store (Michael's). I used small tack nails to secure them to my wall. I then covered the foam board with constuction paper with double sticky tape and finished the edges off with bulletin board edging (which can be purchased at a school supply store). I then purchased foam letters at the craft store (99 cents each) and titled it Sandy's Kids. I use this particular bulletin board to place pictures of the kids in my care. I used staples to secure the pictures and bulletin board edges. The staples worked great and are easy to remove so that I can add new pictures. I have 3 other bulletin boards in my daycare room that are used for art projects. The construction paper and edging can be changed easily for seasonal projects as well. These are much cheaper to make rather than purchasing the thick wooden/cork boards.Organization Tip #2
This next item was purchased at my local target store. It is a shoe storage shelf. I used the same neon index cards and taped them with packing tape on each shelf (this helps to keep the cards from geting torn and wet during wet weather). The shelf system has 15 openings and has plenty of extra space for my families shoes to be stored as well. When the kids walk in my program each morning, they know right where their shoes belong. Organization Tip #1
I found the wire shoe racks and totes at my local Walmart store. I labeled each tote with the names of the children in my program and this is where I store their extra clothes and other personal items. They are durable and stack together very well. I used neon index cards to write their names so they are easy to see and used packing tape to tape them on the totes. All totes are at the children's level so they can reach their items when needed. I have a few extra totes that are used for music cd's and other items.Welcome to my new blog
My goals for my blog page is to share ideas and activities that I use in my family child care program to help give other early childhood professionals inspirations.
I work hard to create a professional image for early childhood professionals and myself. Family child care providers are no longer just seen as babysitters.
I am a licensed family child care provider in the state of Illinois. I had my program accredited in 2005 and have recieved several Illinois credentials and certificates. I am an active member in 2 professional organizations and continue my education and training yearly to stay up-to-date on all the newest early childhood trends.
I teach my daycare children daily by involving dramatic play activities, math, science, reading, music, indoor and outdoor play, and lots of other fun activities.
I will post pictures of my ideas used for storing materials and room setup and how I make it work with my job and family.
I work hard to create a professional image for early childhood professionals and myself. Family child care providers are no longer just seen as babysitters.
I am a licensed family child care provider in the state of Illinois. I had my program accredited in 2005 and have recieved several Illinois credentials and certificates. I am an active member in 2 professional organizations and continue my education and training yearly to stay up-to-date on all the newest early childhood trends.
I teach my daycare children daily by involving dramatic play activities, math, science, reading, music, indoor and outdoor play, and lots of other fun activities.
I will post pictures of my ideas used for storing materials and room setup and how I make it work with my job and family.
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