Signing Savvy

Signing Savvy is an ASL Resource with a complete video sign dictionary. It also has great tips for teaching Baby's sign.

Check it out: http://www.signingsavvy.com/

Math Resource

My sister just informed me today of an awesome web-site to help kids with Math.

It's: http://www.mathfactcafe.com/

It's free and you can build your own math fact sheets, flash cards, and time & money! They also have some pre-made ones as well!

AWESOME!

Back With Some Fabulous Ideas!

It's been over a month since I last posted something, so I thought I better get back on the bandwagon!

I have several great web-sites that I will be posting within the next couple of weeks with fabulous pre-school resources you can do at home!

The first is, I think, one of my favorites! It's the "Amazing Incredible Handwriting Worksheet Maker!" You can make custom handwriting worksheets at the click of a button for FREE!

My son is getting ready for Kindergarten and we are working so hard on his name. This is a wonderful resource for him to learn how to write his name the correct way on the dotted lines! And, I'm sure it'll be great for you too!

Click on the link below . . .

Handwriting Worksheets

Fun Read for Girls

If you haven't heard of Fancy Nancy books, you've gotta check them out! My daughter loves them. They are so much fun. The author uses fancy description words that help widen your child's vocabulary. It's rather funny when your child starts using words like, "gorgeous," "dapper," and "zany" on a daily basis!

The author and illustrator are: Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.

There are several books out.

We have, Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words: From Accessories to Zany and Fancy Nancy and the Boy From Paris.

Finger Paint Recipes

EASY FINGER PAINT
You can finger paint anytime with this simple recipe.
Put 1 cup liquid laundry starch in a bowl.
Then mix in 3 tablespoons of tempera paint.
Variation: Instead of liquid starch use clear liquid detergent.

CORN SYRUP FINGER PAINT
This glossy finger paint is sure to become a favorite. You will need a heavy finger painting or freezer wrap paper for this activity.
Put a spoonful of corn syrup on each child’s paper.
Then squeeze one or two drops of food coloring onto the corn syrup.
Let your children use their fingers to mix the color into the corn syrup.
Then make designs all over their papers.

FLOUR FINGER PAINT
This finger paint has a wonderfully thick texture and makes great finger paintings.
Combine 2 cups flour and 4 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, or until thickened, making sure to stir the mixture every 30 seconds. (Or cook in a saucepan over low heat until thickened.)
Add a pinch of salt.
Mix in food coloring or tempera paint until finger paint is the desired color.
Cool and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

CORNSTARCH FINGER PAINT
This finger paint has a smooth, thick texture and dries to an opaque finish.
You will need:
3 tablespoons sugar
½ cup cornstarch
2 cups cold water
6 drops liquid dishwashing soap.
12 drops of food coloring
Mix sugar, cornstarch, and water together in a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in the microwave for about 3 minutes, or until thickened, making sure to stir the mixture every 30 seconds. (Or place ingredients in a saucepan to stir over low heat until thickened.)
Stir in liquid dishwashing soap and food coloring.
Cool and store in an airtight container.

PLAY DOUGH FINGER PAINT
Here is a way to turn old play dough into finger paint.
Put play dough in a bowl and add enough water to make it runny.
Place a glob of this mixture on each child’s finger painting paper.
Variation:
Drain water table.
Place play dough in the table.
Add some water and let your children mix it into a paint consistency.
Let children make designs in the paint.
Then using a piece of finger painting paper, have children make a print of their design by laying the paper on top of the design and pressing their hand across the back of the paper.

CHOCOLATE PUDDING FINGER PAINT
Mix instant chocolate pudding according to the directions.
Place a glob of pudding on a piece of white finger painting paper and let your child finger paint with the pudding.Variation: Cut your paper to fit inside a cookie sheet with sides, to contain the mess.


*Finger paint recipes found at Preschool Express.

Simplicity

I'm a gal who loves simplicity. I like to avoid huge messes when possible during an activity with my children. So, anything that can be incorporated into my daily routine, is the best for me. The big craft actvities take mucho planning (I'm not saying I don't do crafts because I do, but they are special days). On an average day, I like to do something simple.

So, for today, I have 2 activities. One for a Toddler and One for a Pre-schooler. I think both would be fun for either one though. So, you choose.

Toddler: Draw Shapes on a piece of paper and Cut out the shapes in different colors of Construction Paper. Have your child practice matching shapes.

Pre-School: Practice Counting. Count & Wiggle 5 fingers. You could count to five on both hands and even expand to the toes.

Color of the Month

GREEN