Teach Often

Resurection Eggs

2011-04-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

Supplies: package of plastic eggs and clip art

Process: Keeping the true meaning of Easter can stay alive with reading the Bible along with your own Easter egg hunt at home or in the classroom. Print clip art on the computer of the Easter story. Fill each egg with the pictures and then hide them. Begin reading the Easter story and open each egg as a transition to the next part of the story. When you are finished, fill eggs with candy and goodies for a local egg hunt. Leave some eggs empty with sentence strips that say, "Jesus is alive!"

Teach Well: Find out if there is a local women's shelter in need of eggs for their own egg hunt. Donate your eggs to children in need.

Roll Out the Dough

2010-09-22T13:35:00.001-07:00

Supplies: Brown or tan towel and rolling pin

Process: Three year olds have a difficult time roll playing at times. Interacting with you during an activity like getting down and pretending that you are a rolling pin didn't go well at our house. So, out came the rolling pin and we pretended to roll out the towel to a baking poem instead.

September 2010
Originally uploaded by Teach Well Teach Often

Teach Well: Use real pastry and create something yummy to eat for snack while reciting a poem would work even better.

C is for Cookie Kitchen Band

2010-09-22T13:25:00.001-07:00

Supplies: pots, pans, drum sticks, song "C is for Cookie"

Process: Inspired by Mailbox Magazine, Kitchen Band, we set up the laptop with You Tube and played "C is for Cookie" while rockin' out in the kitchen.

September 2010
Originally uploaded by Teach Well Teach Often

Teach Well: Make sure you do not use plastic bowls. I was the one that broke a large plastic mixing bowl during this activity. ;)

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Puppet

2010-09-22T13:19:00.001-07:00

Supplies: 2 brown socks (one dark brown and the other light brown), black and pink felt or fabric, and washable fabric glue

Process: Pre-cut the shapes for the mouse's face and tail. Have the child use a Q-tip to dip into the fabric glue and put glue on the pieces. Then, have the child carefully place the pieces on the sock. Place the tail on the heal of the sock. Dry for several hours before handling.

September 2010
Originally uploaded by Teach Well Teach Often

Teach Well: Create the puppet after reading the book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Have the child use their mouse to act out the story and to share with.

Smiley Face Jar*

2010-09-18T21:02:00.001-07:00

Supplies: two containers (one red and one green), two 3x5 cards, crayons, and decorative rocks

Process: Draw a smiley face with a green crayon on one 3x5 card. Draw a sad face on the other 3x5 card. Place each card in the matching container (I used two small planting pots). Fill the red container 3/4 with decorative rocks. You can use any sortable material. I used bugs from the local dollar store.

During every activity, the child may earn a rock for the green jar. Green (the color for "go") represents making good choices and red (for "stop") for bad choices. Just like earning rocks for the green jar for making good choices the child can also have them removed and placed back in the red jar for making bad choices. For some children, filling the green jar may be easy. But, for others, each activity is an incentive to try their best.

When the child fills their green jar, they may earn their reward. You must decide what that reward may be.

Teach Well: For some children their reward may be small since they are able to fill their jar faster than others. For some it may take a week or more and their reward may be a trip somewhere or $5 to spend in the toy department.

*Idea was inspired and by Kati Padgett

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

2010-09-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

This month we are learning about sharing through the lesson of "Jesus Feeds Five Thousand." My first lesson with this story is always telling it in a "hands-on" way. Check out my post here on how I do it.

This Week's Lesson Plans

2010-09-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

I will try and post my lesson plans as I go, so if you would like to follow along with us this year, you can. You may print this out. Before you do make sure you check out my policies and copyright page. I have left some spaces in between to add your own notes. This way you can keep it in a three-ring binder and save it for next year. You can also find the week's lessons in the navigation bar underneath my blog's header. Feel free to email me or comment with any questions about a lesson.

Morning Preschool Schedule

8:30-8:45 Opening/Prayer/Songs

8:45-9:00 Calendar/Songs/Days of the Week/Weather

9:00-9:15 Pray/Bible/Verses
“Sharing” Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

9:15-9:45 Jamboree Time (Gross Motor Play)
· Aerobic Wednesdays

Wednesday:“Group Publishing: Inside Out & Into the Bible” on You Tube on the TV with Jumping on the trampoline

Thursday: Rhythm sticks/CD

Friday: Rollin’ In the Dough pg 43 Mailbox Magazine

9:45-9:55 Drinks/Bathroom Breaks

9:55-10:20 Activity Time
· Wednesday Literacy/ Writing Readiness “I can Draw”page page 9&14; Snip It: Rainbow
· Thursday Small Motor Skills/Computer: Snip It: Tree
· Friday Science/Literacy “Irreversible Change”(Sid the Science Kid PBSKIDS.ORG) use your science journals and create cookie dough. Ask, what will happen if we use heat with our dough. Answer with a drawing in the journals. While cooking the cookies, watch video on laptop.

10:20-10:45 Snack

10:45-11:00 Story Time “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”;

Thursday: Have him read to you the book and do make a video;

Friday: The Doorbell Rang (use a doorbell sound effect)

11:00-11:20 Craft

Wednesday: “Mouse Manners” pg 40 Mailbox Magazine make paper bag puppets (no paper bags, use brown sock, and cut pieces out of fabric.

Thursday: Cookie Kitchen Band singing “C is for cookie” from Sesame Street use the laptop and Youtube for the song

Friday: Make cookies (Share with friend)

11:20-11:30 Clean up/Song Time/Pray

A New School Year

2010-09-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I am looking forward to getting back into posting this school year's lessons. Thank you for the encouragement that you have given me to keep up this blog. God has truly blessed me with new lessons and I would love to share with you as I homeschool my son.

This summer, my husband and I were looking to place our son in a preschool to help his social development. I would have to admit that a once teacher now mom can be quite the critic. I realized that parents need to know what to ask when looking for a preschool for their child.

Here are some important things to be looking for...

1. What Bible curriculum do you use?

This is the most important question to ask a teacher. If the teacher wavers in their answer about God's Word it shows then what is most important to them in their classroom. Ask when they teach Bible. Is it first in the day or last? Why? If they don't have a curriculum ask them why? Ask to see the Bible they teach from. Is it a real Bible, children's, or just a devotional?

2. What preschool benchmarks are they teaching?

If the teacher doesn't know what you are talking about then that should be a sign that they are possibly just a daycare and not a preschool. Not all states have benchmarks for preschool but some do. There will be a time when, if your state doesn't already have benchmarks, your state will. You can find Washington State's benchmarks here. Ask to see a preschool progress report. If the preschool doesn't have one ask them why not? The answer, "They are just 4 year olds" isn't a good enough answer.

3. What are your discipline procedures?

Do the teachers send children to timeout, the corner, or do they even have a discipline procedure? Do they involve the parent in that procedure?

In our search we found a beautiful preschool program where they love the children and I agreed with most of their teaching styles. Not everyone is going to teach hands-on or the way I would. But, then, God didn't create every teacher the same. Everyone has their own gifts.

But, alas, make sure you ask the following question...

4. Does my child have to be 100% potty trained.

Most likely the answer is yes. For liability reasons your child needs to be able to help themselves in the bathroom. So, by the end of August, my little man still isn't potty trained and is going to be homeschooled again this year.

I am excited to share with you new activities with weekly themes this year instead of my usual monthly themes. Most themes will be written around literature since my three year old is obsessed with the written word.

Feel free to print off my schedule in the sidebar and follow along yourself. If you are homeschooling your child as well, the information above is quite helpful for you as well. Make sure you are asking yourself the same questions. Find out what is important to you and to your child. Make a list. Use that list to set goals for yourself and your child.

Stay tuned in for a supply list and new lessons to come!

Teach Well: Before starting the school year, make a list of the goals you would like to set for yourself and your child.

Guest Illustrator - Joel Stewart

2010-06-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

Last week we featured Michael Rosen for the book Red Ted and the Lost Things and this week we have the pleasure to introduce the illustrator, Joel Stewart. His illustrations are beautifully whimsical.

When did you begin drawing?

I drew from childhood, though in a calm sort of way. I didn't go in for dragons firing lasers and rockets etc, which I think a lot of little boys do. My father still has some insects and wildlife drawings that I'd copied when very little. The thing is, I didn't give up. I don't really remember drawing wildly much before I was ten or eleven, but a lot of people in my family drew, and my grandfather made a living from it all his life, so I never had the all too common idea that it was just a childish thing to do.

What inspires you everyday?

Wow, big question. I think, like everyone, some days nothing does! But in terms of drawing there's just something about the activity that expresses things, and allows me to look at things, in a way that makes me happy. But so many things are inspiring, from all kinds of art and music that I tend to live in a permanent state of distraction. In some ways the times when you aren't inspired, and just get on with finishing what you started when you were, are just as useful.

What gave you the idea for the artistic style for "Red Ted and the Lost Things"?

Mostly my own sketches and paintings. I'd found that this particular shade of indian red had the interesting effect of giving a kind of warm, slightly nostalgic feeling like sepia, but the nostalgia (and that isn't the right word) wasn't specific to a time period, so it could feel contemporary at the same time. Then I also realized that doing backgrounds in a muted range of colours like that allowed me to put in loads of detail, which you need in a lost property office, or to give the feel of a real city, but keep focus on the central characters, who are more richly coloured. In a way I wish I hadn't let the texture of the backgrounds get so rough, because I think it distracts a little, but otherwise I think those ideas came together quite well.

What was the last thing you lost?

Actually, it was my favourite pencil, which I bought in Florence. I managed to replace it with one the same, but then I decided that I ought not to have a favourite pencil anymore because it's too annoying when you lose it.

Have you found it?

Nope. I think it's buried somewhere in a very messy and dusty music recording studio in North London.

Did you have a favorite Teddy Bear as a child? Did it have a name?

Badgie. He's a Badger Glove puppet, but I treated him like a Teddy Bear, and I still have him.

What advice do you have for parents who want to encourage drawing?

The most important thing probably is not to DIScourage it. Otherwise exposure is the best thing. Just to be around as many different kinds as possible, preferably without discrimination. I loved awful cartoons and comics as a child, as well as things that are still important to me now (including cartoons and comics of a slightly higher caliber), and they all fed my desire to continue. My parents were brilliant at not telling one thing was better than another. I imagine I might not be so good at being unbiased.

What can you tell children who have a passion for art?

That drawing (all sorts) is important. They'll already know it. But it can't harm to say it a few times

Teach Well: Do not discourage a child who has a desire or gift to draw. In fact, feed the desire to continue.

Guest Author - Michael Rosen

2010-06-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

This week's guest is Michael Rosen, author to Red Ted and the Lost Things. This story is about the journey home for two lost toys. I love that the dialogue between the toys are in a comic book style where you can only see their thoughts (since toys don't really talk out loud). It truly is creative and everyone young and old can relate to losing something special to them!

photo credit

When did you begin writing?

I liked writing when I was at school, but the first time I started writing poems and stories out of school was when I was about 15.

What inspires you everyday?

Hearing other people's poems and stories is a great stimulus. But I'm listening and thinking about things to write about all the time.

What gave you the idea for "Red Ted and the Lost Things"?

I think it was several different things. Lost property offices have always interested me. They seem to say so much about who we are. Then I thought about the way people get lost and how important it is for us to find a home for ourselves. I was also thinking about journeys and how you can never make a journey entirely on your own. You always need help, but the people who help will always have different reasons for travelling with you.

What was the last thing you lost?

My father's autobiography. I can't find the book he wrote.

Have you found it?

No

Did you have a favorite Teddy Bear as a child? Did it have a name?

I had a teddy but I think he was just Teddy.

What advice do you have for parents who want to encourage writing?

Just keep reading to your children, talking about stories, poems and films. Don't try to control what your children read or in the end it will put them off. Keep taking children to libraries and bookshops. Try to help your children's school keep up a good library, a good school bookshop. Take your children to see authors at book festivals and libraries.

What can you tell children who have a passion for writing?

Keep a notebook. In the notebook, write down your thoughts, phrases and sayings that you hear people say. Write down your favourite lines from poems and books. Collect words and thoughts. Keep reading. Never stop reading what other people write.

Teach Well: Try to help your children's school keep up a good library, a good school bookshop.

Guest Illustrator - Sarah McMenemy

2010-06-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

This week's guest is Sarah McMenemy, illustrator to The Busiest Street in Town. Sarah began drawing houses as a teenager around her community when the word spread about her talent! The Busiest Street in Town is a beautiful story of friends making a difference in their neighborhood.

I can remember drawing as a small child. My mother was very good at drawing and I used to try to copy her drawings and was usually quite frustrated with the results. But I kept going!

I find drawing very exciting, I am most often inspired by beautiful architecture, people's faces, or nature.

The illustrators from the Festival of Britain era were my early influences, Edward Ardizzone, John Minton, John Piper. I absorbed their wonderful line work through old children's books and looking at the dust covers of novels on visits to the library with my Grandmother. These days I still love work from that time but I admire the work of contemporary illustrators like Emma Chichester-Clark.

I work with mixed media, gouache paint, black ink and coloured paper collage on watercolour paper.

My favourite colours are prussian blue and venetian red.

The busiest street I've been on is Oxford Street in London.

If I could plant a garden in my neighbourhood it would have plenty of trees in it, silver birches, maples, oaks, robinias. It would also have a wide variety of flowers, it would look like a cottage garden and would be alive with bees, butterflies, birds and squirrels.

My favourite type of cookie is homemade shortbread. Rub 100g of butter into 175g of flour until it becomes breadcrumbs, then add 50g brown sugar. Press the dough into into an 18cm tin and bake in the oven for 45 minutes at 150c.

I have a best friend called Ella. We love to dance together. I dont think we've ever played Parcheesi, I'm afraid.

Teach Well: Check out the post about the author, here.

Summer Party Eye Candy

2010-06-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to get outside for those summer birthday parties? Here are some of my new favorites...

Country Living

Martha Stewart

Oprah.com

Guest Author - Leigh Hodgkinson

2010-06-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

This week's guest author is Leigh Hodgkinson, who is also an illustrator and animator. Boris and the Wrong Shadow, is about a cat named Boris who wakes up from his nap having Vernon's shadow! Boris finds out what it is like having a shadow of a small mouse instead of his own. Not only is the story delightful, humorous, but the illustrations ROCK! Here's what Leigh had to say...

When did you begin writing and drawing?

I have always drawn and made stuff… as long as I can remember. A drawing or a painting or a collage or whatever, was never just that, there would always be a story to go with it… even if it was only in my head!

Can you explain a little bit of the process it takes to create your images? (Do you tend to use mixed media most of the time? Why do you use the media that you do?)

I love using an assortment of bits and bobs…. Scanning in textures (from potatoes to sequins to a nice piece of lace), using photographs, doing nice scribbly drawings and using paint and glue. What ever I feel like at the time! Then I never get bored or precious about what I create and I think (hope!) this makes the artwork feel fresh and fun. Then, once I have everything in the computer I can play with colour, scale, composition, and smarten it all up untill I get the image exactly as I want it. This way of working gives me a freedom that perhaps “traditional” artwork wouldn’t give me. I always feel little scared of a very clean and white piece of paper… I feel like I might make a mistake and muck it up. So I always like to scibble or paint or stick something on it just so stop the paper being quite so new to stop me worrying, then I can get on and enjoy being creative!

When did you begin making your images into movies and can you briefly tell the process of creating them?

I first studied animation at art school. This is when I got a taste for the magic of making things move… it got me hooked! After that, I went on to study animation direction at film school before then going on to work in the animation industry.
I make my animation in much the same way as my artwork for books and animate them in a styalised cut-out way in the computer. (where all the elements on screen are cut up into pieces so have the potential to be animated) I like working in a kind of 2.5d way! The animation is flat (2d) yet placed in a 3d environment. This way I can play around with lights, shadows and camera moves to add atmosphere and drama.

Where did you come up with the idea of “Boris and the Wrong Shadow?”

I have always liked shadows, whenever I am on holiday I always take photos of peoples shadows. I like the shapes they make, how they stretch and squish around things. Also, in “Peter Pan” I loved the bit when Wendy sews Peters shadow back on him… that idea that a shadow was part of you, but could be something detachable I found really interesting.

For me, the story isn’t just about shadows, it is about feeling happy and confident and happy with who you are. Venon tries to be something he is not, and that never works out well in the end. So Boris teaches him that being a small mouse is actually fine. I used the shadows as a way of visually showing that idea.
I also wanted to do a story where a cat and a mouse were friends. Boris is such a happy-go-lucky kind of a cat that he doesn’t care if you are a mouse or an elephant. If you are nice and interesting and fun to be with… that is all that matters.

If you could trade shadows with anyone or anything, what would it be?

Probably a giraffe…. I love their necks and would be an amazing shadow to have! I am not sure a giraffe would be so impressed with my shadow though!
When I had long hair I used to like putting it up in little scrunched up bunches that always reminded me of the funny nodules giraffes have on their heads. When I wore my hair like this it always made me smile when I caught sight of my shadow.

Do you have any pets?

No I don’t…. but I do have a little baby which nearly the same!
I really wanted a cat, which is why I wrote the origional Boris story (Boris and the snoozebox) about a cat who didn’t have a home and was sent around the world in a parcel. I would love it if a cat who didn’t have a home came to stay with me.

When I was a child we had siamese cats… and for a while, stick insects and silk worms!

What are your hobbies? (Do you love a home makeover like Vernon?)

I like swimming, listening to old records in the shed, making new things out of old things, sitting in cafes with friends, having baths and sleeping!

What do you like to do with your friends? (Tea please?)

I love having tea parties and picnics. This gives me a perfect excuse to make cakes and biscuits. A few years ago I had a “Cake-off” cake baking competition. It was fun, but there were about 20 different ones to try- everyone ate too much cake and felt a little bit sick! My husbands lemon drizzle cake won the first prize (and he hasn’t stopped showing off since!)

What advice can you give to children who love to draw and create?

Just enjoy the process of drawing and being creative. Don’t worry about whether it will be any good, don’t worry that it has to be the best thing you have ever done. Even if you make a mistake or think it is rubbish, you will learn from it. Some of the best things I have made have come out of doing something I didn’t mean to do. For me, the experimenting and the playfulness of creativity is what I find most enjoyable. So the most important thing is to have fun with it!

Also, be confident in your own ideas and ways of being creative. There is no right or wrong. That is what is so exciting about art. There is no one else like you in the world, so your way of seeing things and drawing things is unique. It is good to be inspired by others, but try not to copy. Anyone can copy, but not anyone can do what you do.

What advice can you give teachers about going that extra step to create movies of their classroom’s illustrated work?

Keep it simple. Animation is very involved and time consuming… so quite a lot of patience is needed. Perhaps start off with good old fashioned techniques that show the potential of animation to get pupils inspired….. zoetropes, flip books, then perhaps some simple under the camera cutout characters. Digital technology is making it easier for people to make their own movies which is fantastic. But it is important to be realistic about what you can achieve in the time so that pupils don’t get dissappointed. After all, one second of animation is 24 frames… which is 24 different images!

You can check out Leigh's other books and some of her animated videos at her blog, Wonky Button.

Teach Well: Have your child choose different items around the house, scan them, and create illustrations with them.

Borders Summer Reading Double Dog Dare

2010-06-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

At Borders today, I noticed this great reason to start your summer reading program with your children today! You can pick up forms in the store or online. All you need to do is write down the titles of the ten books your child read and turn the form in to get your free book. Check out the list of the free books they are giving out!

Teach Well: Get your child signed up at your local library's summer reading program and use this free book as an intensive to begin reading!

Guest Author: Mara Rockliff

2010-06-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Teach Often's new series featuring author's and artists that inspire us and encourage our children to read! Today's guest author is Mara Rockliff of The Busiest Street in Town. This is a beautiful story of friends making a difference in their neighborhood.

When did you begin writing?

Hmm…well, the first time I remember writing a story, I was about seven or eight. The story was about a man who accidentally put pepper in his pipe and started sneezing. Unfortunately, I got my facts mixed up and made it salt instead of pepper, so no one understood why he was sneezing. I’ve been struggling with plot details ever since!

What authors inspire you?

I love Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. It’s about a little girl named Alice who plans to do three things: visit faraway places, return home to live beside the sea, and (as her grandfather, a painter, says she must) do something to make the world more beautiful. I can’t imagine anyone reading this book without feeling inspired.

What inspired you to write “The Busiest Street in Town”?

I got the idea for The Busiest Street in Town one day while pushing my daughter’s baby stroller down a busy street. (By the time the book came out, she had started first grade, which gives you an idea of the publishing timeline for picture books!) Anyway, this street was lined with charming little houses on both sides—but it was split by several lanes of honking, rumbling, exhaust-spewing traffic. It was as if a human neighborhood had been invaded by an army of machines. I wondered what would happen if the humans got together and decided to take it back!

What is the busiest street you have ever been on?

There was a street fair in my town a week or two ago and it was very busy! In fact, I bet more people walked down the street that day than usually drive by in their cars. And they were definitely having much more fun!

Do you have a best friend like Agatha does Eulalie? What do you like to do together?

I don’t have a lifelong friend like Agatha, because I haven’t always lived in the same place. Actually, I just moved to Pennsylvania this past summer! But I’ve been lucky enough to find lots of new friends who are just as cheerfully offbeat as Agatha and just as loyal and fun-loving as Eulalie.

What is your favorite board game? (Parcheesi, please?)

I am embarrassed to say that I haven’t played Parcheesi since I was a kid! I don’t even remember how to play. It’s just such a fun-sounding name. With picture books, I like to pick fun, colorful words that make kids smile. Like “poodle.” Doesn’t the word “poodle” just sound funny? Our puppy is a poodle/spaniel mix, and we call her a spoodle, which sounds even funnier.

What is your favorite cookie? (Recipe?)

I don’t know if I can pick a favorite! I love all kinds of cookies—baking, eating, sharing, and of course, exchanging recipes. Here’s an easy one that’s fun to make with kids after reading The Busiest Street in Town:

Agatha May Walker’s Sweet and Spicy Ginger Snaps

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon ginger ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
¼ cup molasses
1 egg

• Mix dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls, then combine.
• Refrigerate dough for a while so it’s not too sticky.
• Preheat oven to 350º F.
• Roll into balls, place on greased cookie sheet, and press down with fork dipped in sugar.
• Bake until they look done. (Or not so done, if you like chewy cookies.)

If you could have your own neighborhood block party, what would it be like?

We have lots of parties in our neighborhood, and they’re terrific! Fantastic food, people laughing, kids running around…the only thing that’s really missing is the mariachi band. :)

Teach Often: What can you do in your neighborhood to make a difference?

May Scope and Sequence

2010-05-12T22:02:00.001-07:00

May:

Theme - The Ocean
Literacy - Review A-Z
Math - Math Concepts; Review
Science - The Ocean; Observation; Cause/Effect
Physical Education - Large Motor Skills
Bible - Breakfast on the Shore
Verse Memorization

Spring Time Favorites

2010-04-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

For my spring Bible curriculum, I use this book by Mary Rice Hopkins. I love the catchy music and fun lessons. Plus, Mary has some great books to go along with some of the parables as well.

You can find the books here and here.

Happy singing!

Worm Painting

2010-04-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

This craft is loads of fun when pairing it with the study of worms or reading a worm book! Plus the look you get when the child touches it for the first time is priceless!

Supplies: brown paint, brown paper, and faux worms (found in worm bait) or rubber worms (found in party supply stores)

Process: Place the faux worm in the paint and let it wiggle around in the dirt (paint and paper).

Teach Well: Preschoolers need sensory experiences. Why not bring unique items into the classroom to help them explore? Those will be the ones they remember most!

Affordable Classroom Garden

2010-04-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

This project is quite affordable if you have a large classroom. This planting kit can be found at your local Target in the dollar section. The one photographed is of clover and if it is planted the first of March, you can have clover grown in time for Saint Patrick's Day.

Supplies: plant kit, a plastic spoon per child, a bowl per child, and water

Process: Plant your pot according to kit instructions

Teach Well: Giving your children a spoon and a bowl to plant their own pot gives them ownership over the plant. Make sure to water daily. The small pots dry out quickly and can not go a day without water.

Grow-a-Frog

2010-04-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

Supplies: a growing frog (can be found at local dollar markets or the dollar section at your local Target), a large bucket, water, measuring tape, pencil, and paper

Process: Measure your frog and mark it's length on your paper. You may want to use butcher paper or something larger than letter size. Place the frog in the bucket of water (or according to package instructions). Every day take the frog out and measure it again. In our case, the frog grew an inch every day. It stopped at 14 1/2 inches and started to peel. As it gets too large for its skin begin to let it dry out by removing it from the water. You can measure the shrinking process if you like or just enjoy observing it instead.

Teach Well: Take photos of the growing process. Use it on a bulletin board or science journal prompt.

Feathered Chick

2010-04-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Construction paper, yellow feathers, buttons, and glue

Process: Draw the chicken shape on to construction paper and cut out. Have the children use glue to attach all the pieces to their bird.

Teach Well: Make a master and copy your chicken to the paper using a copy machine. If your children are old enough, let them cut the chicken out themselves to develop their small motor skills.

Frog's Lunch

2010-03-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

This game is a lot of fun! When I find green party blowers I pick up quite a few to keep on hand for years to come.

Supplies: party blowers, plastic flies, and dice

Process: Lay out the flies on the floor in front of the children at circle time. Roll the dice. Have the children blow their green party blowers (frog tongue) on the flies. Whatever number was rolled pick up that many flies and have them put it at their spot.

Frog Painting

2010-03-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Toy frogs, green paint, and copy of frog clipart

Process: Find frog clipart and make a copy on construction paper. Use the frogs to paint onto the paper.

Teach Well: Can't find frog clipart? Check your computer for variety.

March & April's Scope And Sequence

2010-03-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

Although you can find my whole scope and sequence here I am adding quite a bit more in our day than I am use to. My son is going through my lesson plans faster than expected. This is good for several reasons. I am able to try new things that I haven't had time before to do. Also, it gives him the chance to do an activity that he liked earlier in the month again later. Look forward to lessons that will also be good for children in preschool through second grade!

I will be using both March and April's themes this month. Easter falls too early in April and so I am going to begin teaching Easter lessons during the third week in March.

March:

Theme - The Farm/Easter

Literacy - U, V, W, X
(My son is now learning to write these letters but can already read. So we will be adding to our literacy program by doing activities that promote reading and writing.)

Math - Recognize; 20-24; Math Concepts
(My son is now learning to write these numbers but can already read them. So we will be adding to our math program by doing activities that promote addition and subtraction.)

Science - Creation; Observation; Animals

Physical Education - Games; Aerobic Wednesdays

Bible - Jesus Teaches About the Lost Sheep

Verse - Luke 19:10

April:

Theme - Easter/Spring

Literacy - Y & Z

Math - Recognize; 25-26; Math Concepts

Science - Spring; Observation; Cause/Effect

Physical Education - Parachute; Aerobic Wednesdays

Bible - Jesus Is Alive

Verse - Matthew 28:6

Driving in the Snow Sensory

2010-01-09T22:37:00.000-08:00

This sensory is perfect for little boys! It keeps them busy for quite some time!

Supplies: white playdough and cars

Process: Use the white playdough as your "snow." Have the children drive along in the snow as they like!

Teach Well: White playdough maybe hard to make at home. During this time of year you may find white playdough in the seasonal department and during Valentines Day. I use inexpensive cars from the dollar store and keep them only for art projects. These are not save to play with since the wheels come off easy and are a choking hazard to young children. So, they are only used to paint with or in playdough.

Roll-a-Bowl

2010-01-09T22:26:00.000-08:00

A great game for those winter months inside!

Supplies: Plastic bowling pins and a large area to play in

Process: Have the child lay on the floor with their hands above their heads. Have them roll down toward the rolling pins. Try and have them knock the pins down only by staying down on the floor and rolling into them.

Teach Well: If the pins will not stay standing on your floor place on a flat surface like a box.

Feed the Penguin

2010-01-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

I am sure I got this game idea from Mailbox Magazine but love the new twist I added!

Supplies: Clip art of a penguin, tub or box, clipart of fish, and dice

Process: Cut your penguin out then slit a slot where his mouth is. Attach it to the front of a box or dish tub. Cut out fish clipart (I found mine on my computer). Lay the fish on the floor (your "ocean"). Roll the dice and count how many fish you can gather from the ocean to "feed the penguin."

Teach Well: Read Without You before playing this game.

January's Scope and Sequence

2010-01-09T22:08:00.001-08:00

January:

Theme - Winter

Literacy - M, N, O, P

Math - Recognize; 13-16; Review

Science - Ice; Observation; Cause/Effect; Artic Animals

Physical Education - Gymnastics; Aerobic Wednesdays

Spanish - Weather

Bible - Jesus Calms the Storm

Verse - Psalm 107:29

Sentence Builder

2010-01-09T22:06:00.000-08:00

I found this old game for 99 cents at Goodwill! I love you Goodwill!

Supplies: thrift store game, word strips, or printed out words from the computer

Process: Place a sentence on the table (or at circle time) and have the children read the sentence with you. Take turns finding a word from the pile you set aside to add to the blank in the sentence. Have them read it. Then read it together.

Teach Often: For a little fun, throw words in the pile that might not work with the sentence.

Decorate a Snowman

2010-01-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

Find items around the house to help you play this fun and decorative game!

Supplies: craft foam snowmen, buttons, ribbon, pom poms, and dice

Process: Roll the dice and count the number you land on. Add that many pieces to your snowman and decorate him as you wish! Let your friend have a turn. When your snowman is filled clean him off and play again!

Teach Well: Snowmen are alway on clearence this time of year at your local craft store. No craft foam? Use clipart from your computer to make your "game board." Use this game with your favorite snowman book!

My Christmas List

2009-11-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

I always try and give parents a sort of wish list for their child. You know, those games, toys, and movies that would help their development. Here's this year's.

1. Super Why ABC Letter Game

2. Super Why movies (which you can also find on Itunes)

3. Lucky Ducks

4. Leap Frog Letter Factory Board Game and movies

5. Textures and Colors Matching game

6. Candy Land game

Picture Book Sequence Cards

2009-11-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Ever have those favorite books fall apart? Keep the pages for storytelling sequence cards. I love this book about pumpkins. I had the growth of a pumpkin lined up and then had a few pages missing from the line up. Have the children place the missing pages in the place where they belong.

Teach Well: Find ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle old books!

Easy Christmas Cards

2009-11-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas cards can be easy for children if you prepare the project to only a few simple steps! To get some ideas, go to card sites like this one or this one. I learned this design from Jeanean at Craft Warehouse. She does a card make and take every Sunday afternoon. It is a great way to learn how to do the project before you do it with your kids!

Teach Well: Try scrapbooking paper instead of construction paper for your Christmas crafts. It is acid free and will last longer for the parent who saves their child's art.

Pumpkin Pie Playdough

2009-11-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

Supplies: pumpkin colored playdough, recycled pie tins, rolling pin

Process: Have the children make pumpkin pies with their dough. If you have a play kitchen have the children put their pies in the "oven".

Teach Well: If you have any pumpkin cookie cutters place them on the table for even more make believe!

Eat Chicken Thanksgiving Tees

2009-11-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

These t-shirts make great shirts for a Thanksgiving program or party.

Supplies: White t-shirt, cardboard, and fabric paint

Process: Have the children bring the shirts in a few days earlier than the project. Place a piece of cardboard inside the t-shirt. Write the words "eat chicken" on the back of the shirt. Dry for at least 24 hours. On the day of the project, paint the child's hand quickly with a thick layer of paint (brown for the body and colors for the feathers). I let the children pick what colors they would like for the feathers. Press the hand flat on the tee. Add eye, beak, and waddle. Later add the words to the front of the tee. Let dry.

Teach Well: Do you have any wooden puzzles that need throwing away? Keep the wood board they sit in. They make great boards for the inside of the t-shirts. Reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Turkey Hats

2009-11-24T10:49:00.000-08:00

Supplies: construction paper, black pen, stapler, and glue

Process: Cut out the shapes ahead of time. Make a headband by connecting two brown pieces of paper (about one or two inches wide). Have the children glue on the face pieces and staple the face to the front of the headband. Make the legs by folding the paper accordion style. Staple them to the headband. Staple the feathers to the back of the headband. This headband makes a great headpiece for a Thanksgiving program!

Teach Well: A great tip I learned was making sure the smooth side of the staple is on the inside of the headband so that it doesn't irritate the children.

Sequencing Cards

2009-11-24T10:42:00.000-08:00

Keep your eyes out when you are shopping Goodwill or thrift stores. This game was a great find several years ago.

Teach Well: If you can't find premade sequence cards make your own.

Pumpkin Pies

2009-11-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

Supplies: orange, brown, and white paper, pumpkin spice, glue, tape, and a shallow container

Process: Cut out pie and whipcream shape from paper. Create a crust from brown paper and tape to the back of the pie. In a container have the child squeeze glue on the paper. Shake pumpkin spice on the pie. Glue the whipcream cutout on top.

Teach Well: If the child is having a hard time shaking enough spice on the paper, pour some into the bucket and shake the bucket around to cover the glue.

God Provides in the Wilderness

2009-11-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

Supplies: cd player, sound effects cd (with walking on gravel), sheet, pre-popped popcorn or marshmallows and small cups

Process: Begin the story of Moses in the wilderness walking with the Israelites. Talk about how they lived and why they were there. God was taking them to a very special new home. Put the cd on repeat and begin walking around the room. Tell them that they even had to sleep in the wilderness. Pause the cd and pretend you are sleeping on the floor. Push play on the cd and begin walking again (do this two more times). Explain that they didn't have anymore food and they started to get hungry. Rub your tummies. Then they started to complain. Start complaining about being hungry. Then, God did something amazing! Pause the cd and have them sleep again (tell them no peeking!). Quickly lay out the sheet and sprinkle popcorn on the sheet. Have them wake up and see what God gave the Israelites! Give everyone a small cup and remind them to only pick up what can fill their cups. God provides for our needs!

Teach Well: If you have an assistant, have them turn the lights on and off for your "day" and "night" time. Remind them that the lights will go off before you do it so that young ones won't get scared.

Writing Readiness

2009-11-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

White boards can be good change from worksheets. I like to keep a variety of writing activities in class to keep the children from getting bored of the same thing. White boards seem to give a child a feeling of independence.

Supplies: a small dual white board per person and dry erase pens

Process: Pre draw a circle on one side of the white board. Add several of the same letter that you are working on. Then put other letters around them. Have the child find and circle the letter you are working on (in this case letter Hh) When they are done have them flip the board and practice writing.

Teach Well: Take photos of your children writing. It helps you evaluate them later. Are they holding their pencil correctly? This way, at the end of the day, you can see where each child is while keeping the photo in the child's log.

Same Sound Stuffing

2009-11-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Mailbox Magazine October/November 2009 page 55

Process: Make copy of cooked turkey from Mailbox Magazine and game cards. Lay cards face down on the table and take turns flipping two cards at a time. If the card has the same beginning sound place on the cooked turkey. If not, flip the cards over and it's your friend's turn.

Teach Well: If you are playing this game as a class enlarge the cooked turkey copy.

Children's Post: How to Cook a Turkey

2009-11-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

one turkey shrimp
salsa
soy sauce

(Terron odd and Ethan even)

1. Get a turkey at the grocery store.

2. Then you want the turkey.

3. Then you push the oven right here.

4. The oven gets hot.

5. You put salsa on the turkey.

6. Then you put soy sauce on the turkey.

7. Put some shrimp on it.

8. Put the turkey in a pan and cook it.

9. Put in for four minutes.

10. You get it out of the oven.

11. Eat it!

Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

2009-11-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

It was so wet that the kids were dripping when they were done. But did it matter? Nope. They played hard and had a great time!

What Bread is Missing?

2009-10-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

We are doing the story of Jesus Feeds Five Thousand. This game is a lot of fun and can be created quickly!

Supplies: 5 copies or clipart of bread (I found mine on my Microsoft program) and a marker

Process: Cut the bread out. Add numbers 1-5 on the each piece of paper. Then after review the story during Bible Time, play the game. Line the bread in order and count together. Have the children close their eyes and you take a number away. Open eyes and let the children raise their hand if they know which number is missing. As they get the hang of it, take two or three numbers away.

Teach Well: If your children are older have numbers that could add up to five. Use one of the pieces of bread as an addition sign. You could still have the children close their eyes and you could place the probelm in front of them. When they open their eyes, have them try and figure out the problem.

Masked Raccoons

2009-10-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

I have been doing this craft for eight years. The idea was originally in Mailbox Magazine and I was glad to see this month's magazine have an updated version of this. Although, I stuck with my original design this year, I added the painted corn to the raccoon's hands. If you are doing a bulletin board, these little guys look so cute in a 3-D corn field. I will have to dig in my photos and see if I can find copies of the bulletin boards to share.

Supplies: glue, Q-tips, brown lunch sack, black marker, a white crayon for each child, and black paper

Process: Pre-cut the small pieces before craft time. On a different day, trace the children's hands onto black paper. Cut them out and have them ready to go on the day of the project. Read the story Raccoons and Ripe Corn. Then, remind them that raccoons have hands, eyes, ears, and a nose just like us. Together have the children find the mask shape and use a white crayon to draw the eyes. Remind them that they can draw a circle to make an eye. Put glue on the back and place on bag. Then have them find the oval nose to glue on next. Then remind them that the ears go on top of the raccoons head and to glue the triangle ears on. Then have them draw a mouth with a black marker. Also have them draw lines on the body. Glue the hands next.

Teach Well: It might be tempting to help the children glue since this is still close to the beginning of the school year. Children are still developing their small motor skills and may have a difficult time with this project. Go slow. Allow enough time to do this project with your class. Do it as a group so that children will see how others are successful and that they can be too! But, keep your hands to yourself! Let the child learn and be free to create as they wish! What you will get are not cookie cutter raccoons but a collection of creative critters to display!

Dancing Leaves

2009-10-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

Supplies: three silk leaves, one string tied into a loop, hot glue, and streamers

Process: Have the children hold thier items while you hot glue the pieces together. I have used a stapler for this project, but trust me, you will want hot glue instead. Pieces stay together and everyone is happy. ;) Glue silk flowers layered on top of each other like a fan. Cut red, orange, or yellow streamers at about 12 inches long. (You don't want them too long because then the children start stepping on them as they dance). Glue three pieces on the back of the silk leaves. Then tuck the string in between and glue in place. When everyone is ready sing this song:

Leaves are Falling (sing to the tune of London Bridges)

Leaves are falling all around
All around
All around
Leaves are falling all around
It is autumn! (fall down on the ground as you sing this last line)

Red leaves are falling all around
All around
All around
Red leaves are falling all around
It is autumn!

Continue with the colors that the children call out that might be on the leaves in their hand.

Teach Well: Use classical music to dance with their leaves. Is the music fast? Or slow? Dance to the way the music plays.

October Songs

2009-10-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Mary Rice Hopkins' In My Garden

Along with these favorites...

The Farming Song

I’m digging (chh chhh)

Digging (chh chhh)

Digging on the farm (x2)

I’m digging like a pro

And I wanted you to know,

I’m digging (chh chh)

Digging (chh chhh)

Digging on the farm

I’m planting (plop!)

Planting (plop!)

Planting on the farm (x2)

I’m planting like a pro

And I wanted you to know

I’m planting (plop!)

Planting (plop!)

Planting on the farm.

I’m watering (splash!)

Watering (splash!)

Watering on the farm (2x)

I’m watering like a pro

And I wanted you to know

I’m watering (splash!)

Watering (splash!)

Watering on the farm

I’m picking (boink!)

Picking (boink!)

Picking on the farm (x2)

I’m picking like a pro

And I wanted you to know

I’m picking (boink!)

Picking (boink!)

Picking on the farm.

I’m eating (yum yum)

Eating (yum yum)

Eating on the farm (x2)

I’m eating like a pro

And I wanted you to know

I’m eating (yum yum)

Eating (yum yum)

So God helps me

GROW!

The Word of God

The Word of God’s like

Itty-bitty seeds

Scattered all around (x2)

Some in the road

Some in the weeds

Everywhere you’ve got itty-bitty seeds

The Word of God’s like

Itty-Bitty seeds

Scattered all around

It's Computer Time!

2009-10-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

I love to get different programs from the library to use on our Friday computer lessons. Not only does it keep things interesting around here but there is more of a variety of learning games to choose from. Since I live out of town, I can order a program from a city library and have it sent to my small local library down the street. So easy it's almost like Netflix but free! :)

Teach Well: Teaching computer skills at a young age doesn't just encourage learning technology but also helps develop small motor skills in preparation for writing with a pencil.

Ice Cream Cone Game

2009-10-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

October we work on ball skills including kicking and balance. This game is great for both! I learned this game while watching infant soccer practice with a friend one year. I thought it was a great idea!

Supplies: a ball and a cone

Process: Create a starting and finish point. Have the children balance their ball on the bottom of the cone. Walk from the starting line to the finish line. If the drop the ball just have them pick it up and continue. Remind them to keep their hands off the ball!

Teach Well: Keep games for young children without loosers. We are always winners in Miss Jen's class!

School Photos

2009-10-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

If you are homeschooling, school photos are still a possibility. If you don't feel comfortable taking the photos, hire a photographer to come in your home and capture some moments. I love the fact that our school photos aren't with a cheesy backdrop. Plus, we have the advantage to take several photos until we get the perfect one.

Teach Well: If your child does go to school, don't feel obligated to purchase the school package. Go ahead and grab the camera and take some yourself!

(You can see more photos here)

Children's Post: Autumn Leaves

2009-10-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Fall leaves are these colors... yellow and red.

When it gets cold outside... "the leaves fall down and then they turn to colors." - Terron

If you were a leaf on a tree and it was autumn, what would you do? "Fall down!" - Ethan

"Fall down and I would hop around when I'm a little leaf. I could hop around like this. I would talk and I would hop to my home. Then, I would go skateboarding with my mom!" - Terron

Leaf Prints

2009-10-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Leaves (real or silk), paint, and black paper

Process: Place paint on a plate. Have the children place the leaf face down into the paint. Push down slightly. Pick up and place onto paper. Push down lightly to "stamp" the paper. Dry. Hang in your classroom!

Teach Well: If you have a diecut machine you can place a sponge into the machine. I loved creating leaf sponges to use instead for this craft. It is easier for the children to hold and place on the paper. Thin styrofoam works well too.

Fall Collage

2009-10-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

I am always trying to reduce waste in the classroom. I feel guilty throwing a small scrap of paper away! Why waste when children can create beautiful collages using scraps around the classroom?

Supplies: scraps of fall colored paper, fall stickers, confetti, yarn, silk leaves, magazine cutouts of farms or fall colors, diecuts, paper, and glue.

Process: Place items at your art center. Let your children create how they wish! I love using black paper for them to glue onto. It makes the colors stand out and it displays well.

Teach Well: Have glue bottles out until they master squeezing the glue out. Then move to small containers of glue with q-tips. It will help develop their small motor skills and save glue.

Using Technology in the Classroom

2009-10-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

How as teachers and parents can we use technology to teach our children? I want to use technology as a tool to help teach in unique and fun ways! My husband has an Apple Ipod Touch. For those who are familiar with this device know that there are thousands of applications that can be downloaded and some are free.

Today we used the Ipod to begin our writing-readiness training. We found an ABC Tracing game for preschoolers in which you can use your finger to trace along the letters while also hearing the phonic sound for that letter.

Teach Well: Use technology to introduce new things in new ways!

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

2009-10-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

I love teaching the Bible in ways where children experience the lesson. This month we will be learning about sharing in the story Jesus Feeds Five Thousand. Today was our first lesson where I act out the story as I tell it with my basket of loaves and two fish.

Supplies: bag of rolls, basket, 3 dish towels, and cutout of two fish (I found clipart with my Microsoft program)

Process: Before the lesson starts line a dish towel at the bottom of the basket. Place several rolls on top of the dish towel. Place another dish towel on top of the rolls. Then, place five rolls and the fish cut outs in the basket. Put another towel over it all to keep it fresh until the lesson. As you tell the story, make sure you show the children the five rolls and fish. Count them out loud. When you get to the part of Jesus passing out the food, begin to pass out the rolls from the bottom layer of your basket. If you have a large class tear the rolls in half or thirds. At the end, you should still have some left on top to show the children that there were leftovers! While the children eat, talk about how the little boy shared his lunch... how can we share with our friends?

Teach Well: Remember to look for allergies when using food in your lessons. If a child doesn't want to take a piece of bread just have them say, "No thank you" and move on. Some preschoolers are unsure when you begin a story with food. As they see the other children enjoying it, they may want to try it after all. So remember to ask them again at the end of the lesson to see if the child changes their mind.

The Squirrel Game

2009-10-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

I love to shop thrift stores. When I go I am always keeping my eye out for vintage educational games. I found this game at Goodwill that I bring out only for this season. Can you believe it? It is so darling with the little pinecones on the board. The children love it!

When looking for games I usually know that there might be pieces missing. This game had a few pinecones and the dice missing but that didn't keep me from bringing this treasure home. I always buy larger dice to use for my preschoolers and keep a box at home to use as needed.

Teach Well: Shop thrift stores for unique board games that can go with your theme! As you start to collect them and bring them out on special occasions the children will sense how special they really are!

Pumpkin Patch Game

2009-10-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

I found these great "pumpkins" and mice at the local dollar store years ago. Make sure to look in other departments in stores for things you can use in the classroom. Who would have thought that the health and beauty section would have the best pumpkins for this game?

Supplies: Pumpkins (of your choice - you could use plastic if you like), basket, plastic mice, and dice.

Process: Have a basket filled with the pumpkins and bury the mice underneath. Have the children roll the dice and count the number out loud. Have them put their hand in the basket and pull out that many mice. When all the mice are out of the patch have the children start again!

Teach Well: Use large dice so that the children can count the dots easily.

Leafy Shape Sensory

2009-10-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

I love filling our sensory table up with different items every month; none in which are rice! This month we use silk leaves from the local dollar store; they come in a large package of loose ones. I think it cost me $6 to fill the table. I got the magnetic wands at my local teacher supply store. The shapes magnets I got at a garage sale, but you can use letters, animals, or round ball magnets (also found out a teacher supply store).

Supplies: Sensory table, magnets, magnetic wands, and silk leaves.

Process: Fill your sensory table with the silk leaves and bury the magnets under them. Have the children use magnet wands to find a shape under the leaves. When they find one, have them say what shape they found!

Teach Well: Use this opportunity to introduce magnets and how they work in science. Keep other magnetic centers out for creative exploration!

October is in Full Swing!

2009-10-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

I love October! It is one of my favorite themes. Our schedule includes:

Theme - Harvest

Literacy - C, D, E, F; Writing Readiness
Math - Shapes
Science - Harvest; Observation; Cause/Effect
Physical Education - Ball Skills Coordination; Aerobic Wednesdays
Spanish - Colors
Bible - Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
Verse - Ephesians 4:28

Teach Well: Let the season inspire you!

Crayon Cakes

2009-10-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

This isn't an original idea. I got this reciepe from a friend who got it from a friend; you know the drill. But, it is so brilliant I wanted to share! I love using crayon cakes for rubbings and for other small motor skill activities. For the season, I create cakes only with red, orange, green, yellow, and brown. You will see how we use these later in the month.

Supplies: old crayons, muffin tins or metal candy molds (if you use plastic as in the photo reduce cooking time), and a crock pot

Process: Soak the crayons for about five to ten minutes until the wrappers get loose. Have the children help you tear the paper off. Break the crayons into small pieces and fill the molds until they are heaping.

Place the top of the candy mold on top and snap closed. If you need to add more crayons open and do so now and make sure the mold is filled.

Place your molds into the crock pot and place on high for an hour and a half. Let cool and pop crayons out.

Teach Well: Let your children be involved in the process of creating items to use for another project. It gives them ownership for the items in the classroom.

Science Journals

2009-09-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

Before our first science experiment, I have the children decorate the front of their science journals. We will be using these to record our observations during science time.

Supplies: Composition book, hot glue gun, paper glue, buttons, ribbons, markers, paper, and any other recycled materials

Process: Have the children pick out their paper and guide them to tear it down so that it will fit the cover of the composition book. Let the children glue it to the front cover. Glue another piece of paper to the top of that. Have the children place the items they want onto the cover of the book. Take the hot glue gun to the book and hot glue it into place. Using hot glue will make sure that the items won't fall off later.

Teach Well: Try not to move the items to where you may want to put them. Remember to let the child express themselves how they wish in art.

Good Night Gorilla!

2009-09-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Read Good Night Gorilla, watch Scholastic's video, and go on your own walk through the zoo!

Supplies: Stuffed animals that you may find at the zoo, clipart keys, a 3x5 index card for each animal, & markers

Process: Use clipart of a key and make several and cut them out. Color each index a different color. Color a 3x5 index card to match each colored key. Then place your stuffed animals around the room an index card at its side. Hand out enough keys to the children so that everyone has an even amount. Take a walk around the room and together find an animal to let out of "its cage." Match the key with the colored index card and have the child with that colored key "unlock" the animal. Let the child carry the stuffed animal around as you go walking through the "zoo."

Teach Well: Keep the animals and keys out at center time. You will be surprised how the children act out the story. Add blankets and pillows to the center so they can pretend to be the zoo keeper and zoo keeper's wife.

Creation Inspiration

2009-09-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

When choosing Bible curriculum, I have my favorite company that I love to use. Group Publishing is hands-on, out of the box, fun, experiencal, and I have taught Sunday School with it for four years. But, I had never used it at home because it didn't seem very economical to purchase curriculum for home use. But, I couldn't find anything that could compare and stumbled onto Group's digital downloads.

I needed enough activities for several weeks on Creation. Group's Hands-On Bible curriculum is doing Creation for their fall quarter. So I purchased the first three weeks and had enough at-home activities to teach for a month!

Teach Well: Using digital downloads is a great idea for any teacher wanting some inspiration and out-of-the-box ideas to make your Bible time unique.

Learning Spanish: Colors

2009-09-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

I think it is important for my son to learn another language. I didn't learn a second language until high school. It wasn't easy for me either. I think if I was introduced to the language early I could of caught on faster. In the school that I taught at, there was a Spanish teacher that would come into our class and teach. I am beginning to teach my son the same lessons that she taught.

I thought I would share with you some sites that I found helpful and fun to teach colors in Spanish. Using technology is great for teaching a foriegn language. I am learning right along with my son since I have only graduated Preschool Spanish. ;)

Here is a great game to help with learning the names of the colors. Here is a video to help too.

Welcome to School Winners!

2009-09-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

Winners for our giveaways were randomly picked and are listed below!

Westwillow Designs Alphabet poster goes to -

Nick and Jessica Gray said...

What a great idea hanging this in a room. By looking at this everyday, Korissa can see the ABC"S daily and eventually pick it up. Gonna have to make one of those! Awesome Idea thanks!

Goodnight Gorilla wooden set from Mama Kopp Shop goes to -

The Ericksons said...

These wooden characters are so cute. Plus, love Good Night Gorilla!

A felt set or fingerplay glove from StressLESS Teaching Resources goes to -

Jennifer said...

Felt boards are so much fun. We have one, and don't use it enough.

If you won, email me with your name, what item you won, and mailing address to davenjen@wbcable.net. Thank you again to our sponsors!

StressLESS Teaching Resources Giveaway!

2009-09-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

If you are returning for our week long celebration welcome back! If this is your first time check out this post, and this one for another chance to win!

Today's giveaway comes from StressLESS Teaching Resources, a great Etsy store for teachers! I love this felt board set that goes with the book Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell. We are going to be reading this book this month. I love how interactive the book can be in a classroom setting. How much more interactive will it be with this felt board set?!

Give each child in the class a character (if your class is larger read the story again) and when you get to their animal have them come up and place it on the felt board. Leave this set out after reading the story so that the children can do the story again during center time. Make sure to keep the book at the center so that the children can read it to themselves or a friend.

A little about Tanya and her Etsy store: My name is Tanya Winters and I am an Early Childhood Educator in Maryland. I hold a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I am a trained Reading Recovery Teacher and I have taught grades kindergarten and first. Moreover, I have functioned as a reading specialist--training teachers and instructing elementary aged students. I have also worked with students with special needs and have assisted in developing Individualized Educational Plans (IEP's). Currently, I am homeschooling my 3 children, Autumn(5), Caleb(3) and Aaron(1). In addition, I am newly an adjunct professor of early childhood education at a community college in my area. That's right, you've guessed it...I LOVE EDUCATION!!

In developing my teaching resources, I draw on the 18 years of experience that I have educating children. I utilize my skills as a highly qualified teacher to develop educational tools that are developmentally appropriate and excellently constructed. It is my goal that a mom experience NO STRESS while using my educational resources to homeschool her little ones.

To win a felt piece or fingerplay glove from StressLESS Teaching Resources leave a comment in this post. All the comments for each post will close September 15th, at midnight Pacific Standard Time.

Teach Well: Keep the book at the center so that the children can read it to themselves or a friend.

Good Night Gorilla!

2009-09-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another day of giveaways! This month we will be reading Good Night Gorilla and doing a fun "walk through the zoo" activity to go right along with it. Wouldn't it be great to have this wooden set, from Mama Kopp Shop, to use in the classroom or at home when you walk through the zoo?

Comment on this post to try and win this beautiful wooden set! Comments close on September 15th, at midnight Pacific Standard Time.

Lorilee Kopp, the owner of Mama Kopp Shop, is a mother who stays home with her kids to ensure they have a unique educational experience. She says, "This is the love of my life, being home with my children. Next is my love to create. I love being part of heirloom toy making. I am very proud to be part of it and so proud to make things for families all over the world. I strive to tempt imagination in children as well as adults. It is important to me that each piece be made as perfect as can be. I use quality, natural materials. And hold close to my wooden art waldorf traditions. And if I can sneak in a little educational element I will." Visit her blog, Live n' Learn for those "live creatively and homeschool."

Teach Well: Tempt imagination in children.

Welcome In the School Year Celebration!

2009-09-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

Today begins the week long celebration leading up to Teach Often's Beginning of the School Year Kick-Off! Join me all week for ideas for the month of September, great teaching product, and prizes. Who doesn't like prizes? ;) You have a chance to comment on each post for each prized listed. All the comments for each post will close September 15th, at midnight Pacific Standard Time.

Next week opens the door to new ideas and possibilities in the classroom. There will be great ideas to bookmark or write directly into your lesson plans for the next day! Aren't you excited? I know I am!

I teach thematically, and September's theme is The Zoo. We learn about our Zoo Phonics friends, letter recognition, colors, school safety, and learn how to use our classroom.

A modern way to displaying the alphabet is by using one of these posters, from Westwillow Designs, in your classroom or at home.

Sonya, once a teacher herself is now teaching her two children at home as a stay-at-home-mom. She designs beautiful pieces of art as her creative outlet. You can find more of her designs at her Etsy shop, Westwillow Designs.

You can add this poster to your classroom or child's decor by leaving a comment in this thread.

Curriculum and State Standard Questions

2009-08-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

Whether or not you decide to order a preschool curriculum through companies like Zoo Phonics or Abeka. You first need to know what your preschool state requirements are. Some states, such as Oregon, doesn't have state standards for preschool, although it is possible that might change soon, states like Washington do. To find your state go here.

There is a list for Early Education Foundations, from three to five year olds, for the state of Oregon that can be found here. This is what I go by, which is similar to my report card. When you find your state's benchmarks you can go ahead and order your curriculum. (This is of course if you are teaching your child from home although some Early Educators have to create their own curriculum.)

I wanted to share with you my favorite can not live without teaching matrials. I love our local teaching store to find some of these items.

1. Mailbox Magazine is filled with fun hands-on activities to go with most of my themes. I love their fun ideas. Plus, they never grow old. I have even found some at garage sales that I have picked up and they are just as awesome as the new ones.

2. Zoo Phonics is an amazing product! Even if you can't afford the set (cause I know I can't) ;) look on Ebay or Craigslist for those that are selling theirs. You can also start off with the video and a set of flash cards to begin your collection. Let me just say that I have seen three year olds reading because of this program. It is a guarenteed to work product!

3. Find a book that can help your child with their writing skills, like this one. Try and get one that you can make copies of. This way if you have any other children in the home you can re-use it year after year.

4. If you didn't want to follow my Bible teaching plan but wouldn't mind a great Bible curruiculum, start easy with Mary Rice Hopkins' product. I have used all of her curruiculum to go with her music and it is great!

5. For gross motor development I can't live without my Aerobic CDs. Such as this one, this one, and this one.

I will share more of my favorites as we go along but these are my must-haves before the school year starts.

Teach Well: Be prepared with your teaching supplies and books before school begins. This way you can look it all over before the first day!

Schedules and Creative Spaces

2009-08-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

The best way to begin preparing yourself for teaching next year is with your schedule. When are you going to be teaching? Is it in the morning or does your child do better in the afternoon?

Then, decide what you are going to be teaching. My scope and sequence helps break down what I teach, when I teach it.

To give you an example, I copied my own schedule below:

Morning Preschool Schedule

8:30-8:45 Opening/Free Center Time

8:45-8:50 Clean Up

8:50-8:55 Pledge of Allegiance

8:55-9:15 Circle Time/Calendar
· Wednesday Discussion
· Thursday Math Concepts
· Friday Science Enrichment

9:15-9:30 Bible/Verses

9:30-9:50 Jamboree Time (Gross Motor Play)
· Aerobic Wednesdays

9:50-10:00 Drinks/Bathroom Breaks

10:00-10:20 Activity Time
· Wednesday Letter Readiness/Zoo Phonics
· Thursday Spanish
· Friday Computer

10:20-10:45 Snack

10:45-11:00 Story Time

11:00-11:20 Craft

11:20-11:30 Clean up/Song Time/Pray/Line up/Dismissal

The next step to preparing for the school year is by making creative spaces for learning. Whether you are going to be teaching from home or in the classroom, creative spaces help children experience learning in a unique way. To see a great example of that take a visit to Megan Powers' classroom, Scholastic's 2009-2010 Kindergarten Teacher Advisor.

Below is a video of her classroom. Check out her spaces!

If you teach from home you can easily create these learning spaces. Later in the school year, I will show you some of mine to get you even more inspired! Make sure to visit Megan's blog through out the year to get even more ideas!

Teach Well: Create creative spaces in your home or classroom. Don't worry... it's ok to be inspired by another teacher like Megan!

What to Look Forward to this School Year

2009-08-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

As the summer comes to an end and the beginning of the school year gets closer, parents and teachers alike anticipate the first day of school. I get excited about pulling the September's boxes that have been stored away for a year; decorating our creative spaces; collecting items needed for our crafts; and the best part - new school supplies!

These last few weeks of August, I will be sharing with you what you will have to look forward to at Teach Well, Teach Often. This site has been created for inspiring teachers and parents alike. For those parents that are homeschooling their preschooler, these next few weeks will help you prepare for the months ahead.

I teach thematically. You can take a closer look at one of my themes here. To look at the entire school year's themes and activities, click here for my scope and sequence.

I am looking forward to the fun we will have with our children this school year! Keep checking back this week and next to help you prepare for the year and for some great give aways to add to your classroom at school or at home!

DIY Puppet Stage

2009-08-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's time to get your classrooms or creative spaces ready for the school year to begin. Why not add your own puppet stage in your dramatic play area? My friend, Rebekah, over at Yeebird posted this great idea from Country Living Magazine. Hop on over to get the instructions. It would look great in your dramatic play area along with these puppet holders.

Teach Well: You don't have to buy new fabric if you have some at home! Make a patchwork stage or paint onto muslin for a one-of-a kind look!

Flubber Fun

2009-07-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

I love unique sensory experiences! Small hands need to explore and keep busy. This recipe is not for shaping but for exploratory purposes only. Our local dollar store and Target carry this flubber pictured below but you can make your own easily at home.

Supplies: 2 cups white glue, 1 1/2 cup warm water, food coloring or non-toxic liquid watercolor; 4 tsp. Borax, and 1 1/3 cups warm water

Process: Mix glue, 1 1/2 c. warm water, and food coloring together. Mix Borax and 1 1/3 c. warm water together. Add Borax mixture to the glue mixture and stir with your hands as quickly as possible to get the borax solution and the glue solution to bind. (Use latex gloves to protect your hands from the liquid watercolor). Mix until all the water has been Incorporated into the mixture.

Some things to remember when using Flubber. Flubber does not come out of carpeting if dry. It will stick to clothing and hair, but can be soaked to remove.

Teach Well: Use flubber in a sensory table. With older children use straws to blow bubbles in the flubber. Use scissors to practice cutting skills over a tray.

Gone Fishin'

2009-06-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Die Cut Fish & Sticky Hands

Process: Place fish in the middle of the table or circle. Give each child a sticky hand. Have them use their sticky hand and swing it toward the fish. When it lands have them reel in the fish by pulling the sticky hand back toward them. Have them count how many they caught.

Teach Well: Let each child keep their sticky hand. Use a Ziploc to store them and place in their backpacks. Use this idea when teaching about Miracle of the Fishes during Bible Time. It's a great hands-on approach for this story.

School's Out

2009-06-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

Woohoo, school's out! When you think of your summers as a child what do you think of? One summer, while I was growing up, my mother started us all on a reading program. She rewarded us for every book we read. I would have to admit that I did not enjoy reading until then. It was because of my mother's reading program that I love books today.

Check out this article from Scholastic on how to encourage your reluctant reader. "So how do we parents turn our children from novice or even struggling readers into kids (and later, adults) who will consistently turn to reading as a source of pleasure? There are several rules of thumb that the experts agree are building blocks to raising enthusiastic readers." To read the rules click here.

Whether you begin your own reading program at home, like my mother, or join a local one instead, you are helping win your child to reading. Don't know where to start? Try Scholastic's Summer Reading Challenge. When your child has checked the list off have them collect their reward!

Teach Well: Building a reader today grows a reader for a lifetime.

Kid-Proof Cameras

2009-05-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

Oh, my dearie! You have to check out this video from Apartment Therapy on the new Stylus Tough camera from Olympus. From the perspective of a photographer's wife, I couldn't stop laughing and I know you won't either.

Map Mud

2009-05-26T20:52:00.001-07:00

Even though the school year might be coming to an end, learning never does. My curruculum ends at the month of May but I use the summer for a great time of sensory, fun, and games. The weather makes it easy to do those messy projects outside. When we did this sensory today, we used a plastic outdoor table and washed the table off with the hose when we were done. Run out of ideas to keep the kids busy? Stay close to this blog this summer and be inspired to teach your kids while having a great time doing it!

Supplies: 3 parts flour, 3 parts salt, 2 parts water, and food coloring if desired

Process: Mix salt and flour in a bowl. Add enough water to make a paste that is thick like frosting. Add food coloring or wait and paint when dry.

This recipe comes from Magic Mixtures Recipes for Fun and Learning by Heidi Stalder, Lane Community College

Teach Well: Some ways to use Map Mud - Spread the mixture on heavy cardboard, a sheet of plastic board, or wood. Shape to land features such as hills, lakes, and valleys. Use it as a sensory mixture and have children spread it like fingerpaint on a hard or washable surface. Use it to build dioramas.

Mary Rice Hopkins & Puppets with a Heart

2009-05-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

Those that knew me in the classroom knew that Mary Rice Hopkins' music played most of the time. Whether class was in session or not! I can always find a song from her collection to play in any theme or Bible story that I might be telling. (Make sure to check out Mary's free scope and sequence for each album here.) I also went to several ACSI conferences where Mary was there doing worship and teaching classes. I can not tell you how much I learned from her as a teacher, mom, and Christian! I also remember seeing Darcy with her Puppets with a Heart there as well, and since have been inspired to create my own Bible application lessons with my own puppets.

Since then, Mary and Darcy have teamed up. I feel blessed to have known how God has used them in their ministries before and now seeing His hand in using them together now! I am happy to hear that her new DVD, Mary Rice Hopkins & Puppets with a Heart has the Dove Foundation Seal of Approval! You need to take a look at this DVD! There are life lessons in this video that has always been a part of Darcy's ministry and now Mary has put music to to it. This music will plant those important seeds in your child's heart that will never leave.

To add to my excitement is that TBN is now showing Puppets with a Heart twice a week! Click here for the program schedule. On their website you can meet the characters and view a clip. Check it out!

Teach Well: "Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me." Psalm 25:4-5a

Be Inspired Thursdays - Organization

2009-05-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

Check out these two great ideas from Apartment Therapy! One is how to keep chores in the household fun and different every time. The other is how to organize all that school work and art that is collected.

Teach Well: Use this idea in the classroom with classroom duties. Write classroom duties on the craft sticks and add a few "freebies" for fun.

Rainbow Fish

2009-05-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Clip art of fish, glue, and foil

Process: Pre-cut the foil into small round pieces. Do the dramatic play of Breakfast on the Shore and when the children are done "cooking" their fish have them take their fish to the table. Give the child glue and have them place the glue on their fish. Then have them add the foil scales to the fish. Dry.
Teach Well: Hang these fish on a bulletin board that reads, "I will make you fishers of men..." Add a net to "catch" some of the fish. You can also do this project after reading the book Rainbow Fish.

Breakfast on the Shore

2009-05-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

I love this new electric campfire from Group! I just wish they had it eight years ago so that I didn't have to use tissue paper!

Supplies: Bible, electric campfire, wood, ferns, sticks, clip art of fish, and two fishing nets

Process: Set up your shore with the electric faux campfire. Add a few logs and ferns to make it look like a real campfire. Pre-cut your fish and put it in one fish net. During Bible Story time have the children listen to you tell the story of Breakfast on the Shore. Then act out the story by pretending to be on the boat with the fish net. Have a child pretend to be Jesus on the shore. Have the child call out to put the net on the other side of the boat. Have the another net behind you filled with fish. Pull it out and see all the fish that was caught! Give every child a fish and have them tape it to their stick. Have the children "cook" their fish over the fire.

Teach Well: Have a sound effects CD of waves going in the background for an even more dramatic effect.

Mailbox Magazine

2009-05-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

Mailbox Magazine now has Preschool and Kindergarten magazines of their own. They use to be combined. This means more activities in each issue!

Fish Art

2009-05-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

Punches can be great for small motor skill development. The punches below were purchased at a local dollar store. They stick at times and are quite hard for preschoolers. When looking for yours make sure they are good quality and from a craft store if you are going to be using them with younger hands.

Supplies: punches, construction paper, and glue

Process: Have all your supplies out on the table. Have the children punch paper with fish and ocean animal punches. Have them use glue to decorate their paper.

Teach Well: Children don't learn without experimenting themselves. Let the child do the glue application. Have toddlers learn to squeeze the glue from the bottle. When that skill is developed have glue in a small container and give them a Q-tip to apply glue.

Letter Jello

2009-05-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Jello and alphabet cookie cutters

Process: Make Jello according to box directions. When it is time for the activity, remove from the refrigerator and run the bottom of the pan under warm water. Give the children letter cookie cutters that you are working on. (For example, if you are just working on phonic sounds from A-F then use those shapes for this activity. We were reviewing "am" words. So we had letters that would spell out words with A and M.) Have the children place the letters in the Jello and pull it out. Place on wax paper or paper plates to spell out their words. Then eat!

Teach Well: Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty! You'll be surprised that those lessons will be remembered most...

Be Inspired Thursday

2009-05-07T20:31:00.001-07:00

How can you encourage your child's vocabulary and help hungry children at the same time? Check out Free Rice.

On their website they explain their goal: "FreeRice is a non-profit website run by the United Nations World Food Program. Our partner is the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. FreeRice has two goals: Provide education to everyone for free. Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free. This is made possible by the generosity of the sponsors who advertise on this site. Whether you are CEO of a large corporation or a street child in a poor country, improving your education can improve your life. It is a great investment in yourself.
Perhaps even greater is the investment your donated rice makes in hungry human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide."

Do you have Internet in your classroom? Use this site as a computer center or during free time. It is a great way to teach children that they can help other children with what they learn in school!

Paper Plate Fish

2009-05-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

Supplies: white paper plate, stapler, watercolors, paint brush, and water cup

Process: Cut a triangle (or have your child do it) and staple it to the end of the plate as the fish's tail. Have your child paint the fish with watercolors. Dry.

Teach Well: If you have a supply of colored plates on hand, flip the plate over as we did. Paint on the back of it instead. Have paper on hand for those children that love to paint. When their project is painted ask if they would like a clean piece of paper. This keeps the fish from getting muddy.

Gone Fishin'

2009-05-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

Wading Pools are one of my favorite items in the classroom during the month of May. There are so many uses for them, including this game. I found these plastic fish with a magnetic fishing pole at the local dollar store a few years ago.

Supplies: Plastic fish, Sharpie pen, magnetic fishing pole, and wadding pool.

Process: Before your game write letters on the fish with a Sharpie pen. Put the fish in the pool and have the children take turns fishing out a letter. Remind the children to only use the fishing pole to collect the fish. This is great for hand/eye coordination and small motor skills. The children might have a difficult time but encourage them to "walk" the line to the fish.

Teach Well: No pool? Use a large piece of blue butcher paper for your water. No fish? Use clip art with paper clips on them. No fishing pole? Use a dowel or stick tied with yarn and attach a magnet.

Items I Can't Live Without!

2009-05-04T00:09:00.001-07:00

Here is my list of things I can not live without for the month of May. To look again at the scope and sequence for May's theme go here.

1. Fish squirters like the ones here.

2. Goggles, sailor hats, and sun glasses for dramatic play.

3. This pool from here. The bigger the better! I use this for indoor play and Bible lessons. Stay tuned in this month to see the fun!

4. Plastic boats

5. Plastic eye droppers

6. PVC pieces

7. Ocean Sounds CD

8. Magnetic fishing poles

9. Ocean themed books

10. Shells, sand, shovels, and scoops

This month you will see how I use these items in unique and fun ways!

Teach Well: Shop early for summer items. Items go fast, so if you see something you like grab it!May is the perfect time to collect your Ocean Themed treasures!

Inspiration Thursdays

2009-04-29T23:19:00.001-07:00

Teacher's Appreciation is coming up next week! Have you thought of your child's teacher yet? If you homeschool don't forget those Sunday School, piano, or karate teachers. Here is a great idea from this great blog.

Teach Well: Handmade gifts are from the heart. Find scraps of paper and have your child create their own art to go inside the recycled container.

The Beat Goes On...

2009-04-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

"One of the best and most effective tools to promote this early mathematical thinking is through the use of music and musical activities in the classroom."

Read on to find out ways to explore music and the fundamentals of mathematics...

Resurrection Egg Hunt

2009-04-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

All month we have been studying about Jesus' Resurrection during our Bible Time. I have been using this video as a teaching tool. It goes with Family Life's Resurrection Eggs and book. I show the video and then give each child a basket to go on our own egg hunt. These eggs are filled with items to help teach the Easter story.

Supplies: plastic eggs, clip art of items, or Resurrection eggs, Easter basket, Easter grass

Process: Before your lesson hide the eggs indoors. If you are doing this with your class, make sure you have enough for each child to find one. After collecting your eggs sit together and read the story. As you read have the children open the eggs that match thought the book. After the story collect the eggs. Then have the children actually make their own set of Resurrection Eggs to take home. Have the children cut out the clip art and place it in the correct color egg. Let the children put their eggs in their baskets and take home to tell their families about the true meaning of Easter!

Teach Well: Have your children go outside to collect their own rock for their pink egg for an even more of an experience. To find more information about each egg go here.

Be Inspired Thursday: Room Tour

2009-04-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Take a look at magazines, catalogues, or online to create creative spaces for your classroom or at home. Think outside the box and try and find things around your home to use to make your child's space unique!

Who says your classroom has to be white? OK, maybe your school has limitations about painting your classroom. If not, try an eco-friendly product that is safe for children and the environment. This room is painted with Yolo Colorhouse paint.

The rug, white table, and lighting fixture is from Ikea and the table top manipulative toy was found at a garage sale.

Our little child's chair would make any reading center special in a classroom. Ours was found at a garage sale and then we bought a slipcover from Target to cover it. The curtains were handed down from my sister. To make the art, I purchased Ikea's bedding set and used their wood canvas to create pieces that would match the light fixture.

I had the bookcases already and just added baskets to fit. I change out these baskets every other week to go with the theme that I am teaching about. I also add manipulatives and other favorites to encourage play. I used this same system in my classroom. In the classroom, the children knew not to get into the baskets unless I put them out as a center. It makes the classroom look organic, clean, and creative! The puppet holders are wine rack holders from Ikea.

In the classroom, this system worked well in my art area. I kept paint locked up, but left items that we might use for the theme that month (such as feathers, silk palm branches, worm bait, plastic frogs, etc.)

This book holder is actually a holder for pot lids from Ikea. We had originally bought it for our pots and pans and they didn't fit in our cupboards. But for $2.99 you can't beat this great book rack!

I also found this child size coat rack at a garage sale. After a lovely coat of paint, we added our dramatic play items. I also change the items I hang here with our theme.

I also keep a radio at child height to encourage my child to learn to play his music when he wants to. In the classroom, have a listening center for children to listen to stories on CD or tape. This is a great center for those children that need alone time.

Cross Fingerpainting

2009-04-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Encourage and develop small motor skills by having your child paint with their pointer finger only. When painting try and be eco-friendly by reusing plastic container lids that usually can not be recycled. It takes a bit more clean up to rinse and dry these off, but think of how much a classroom or school could keep from wasting daily by doing so!

Supplies: pink and magenta paint, dish soap, white crayon, and black construction paper

Process: Squeeze a little bit of both colors onto your paint palette. Add a bit of soap for easy clean up. Give each child a piece of black paper. Encourage the child to use one finger to create crosses on their paper. Use the white crayon to write their name on the paper.

Teach Well: Have extra paper on hand for those children that learn kinetically. These children will want to continue painting, put their hands into the pallet, and paint over their original art. This is how they learn and explore! If you want to keep their art, have scrap paper on hand to give them to continue their sensory experience. Hang the crosses on a bulletin board with an Easter verse as the title.

Book Review: Together We're Better

2009-04-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

I was so glad when I went to Creation Station online and saw that they are selling this book by Bev Bos. This is on my Resources I-Can't-Live-Without List.

This book is filled with Eco-friendly creative ways to bring coactive learning into the classroom. One of my favorite chapter is how to make wall and plexi-glass easels. I love the hands-on activities and easy to read directions that fill this book cover to cover! Although this book was published nineteen years ago, it reminds us that our classrooms and playgrounds are meant to be fun, creative, and active!

Creation Inspiration

2009-04-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

I can't help but love this special cup of cocoa found at Apartment Therapy! What a great and unique treat for your classroom's Easter party! Click at the link above to find out all the details!

Egg Soccer

2009-04-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

Supplies: plastic egg and four cones

Process: Set up your field in a gym, large room, or hallway. Use the cones to create goals on either side of your field. Make sure there is enough room to run around. Have the children stand on one end of the field. Give each child a plastic egg and have them kick it to the goal. When they reach the other side, have them stop until everyone has kicked their egg to the goal. Remind them that they must use their feet only and have them kick their egg again to the other side of the field.

Teach Well: I love to use the plastic eggs that come in play food sets for this game. You can use plastic Easter eggs if you use clear packing tape to seal them closed. This game can easily be adjusted for older children by having multiple smaller fields and sharing eggs like a real soccer game. If you are playing this game with preschoolers, do develop their gross motor, social, and emotional skills leave it uncompetitive.

Classroom Creation Inspiration

2009-04-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

Check out this idea at Apartment Therapy! This white board tree could make for a beautiful addition to your classroom or at home!

Tulip Fun

2009-04-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

Create these cute tulips from scraps of construction paper. Use a glue gun to attach the paper to the craft stick for easy and fast preparation.

Supplies: play dough, paper, craft sticks, glue gun, and a marker

Process: Pre-cut the flowers and use your marker to write letters on the flowers. Glue the flowers to the craft sticks. Set your brown play dough (as your dirt) on the table. Have the children create words that you have been working on in class.

Teach Well: Leave this out as a center and have the children work in pairs. I have seen this done with floral foam (at your local craft store in the floral department) but it can be quite messy. The floral foam can be placed in pots and the children can make their own word bouquet. The floral foam ends up being more of a sensory than literary experience.

Letter Play

2009-04-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

Take a break from the usual spelling or reading lesson! Get out the play dough and have your lesson become kinetic!

Supplies: playdough, letter cookie cutters

Process: Pre-make your playdough. You can find this reciepe at my previous post here. You can work together and create words with a few cookie cutters set out. When you are finished, have the children create their own words with all the letters.

Teach Well: Keep a look out for cookie cutters at garage sales and Goodwill! Put a few letters out as a center. Try and keep the letters out that you have been working on in class.

April Inspiration

2009-04-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, April is here and finally signs of spring are everywhere! In April, my theme is He's Alive! Here is my list of things I can't live without this month!

I couldn't help myself and had to include a rubber chicken in this month's lesson plans.

Plastic eggs

Cleaning sponges for creating handmade stamps

The Story of the Resurrection Eggs in Rhyme & Song

Resurrection Eggs

Jelly Beans

Jelly Bean Prayer

The Miracle Maker

9. The Bunny Hop

10. Everyone loves The Chicken Dance!