Summer Reading!

To keep track of all of our forms, I taped them to the outsides and insides of a file folder. 



Just a reminder to check your local library, new and used bookstores, grocery stores and Pottery Barn Kids for Summer Reading Programs.  Your child is typically rewarded with a free book.  I have very fond childhood memories of Summer Reading Programs! 

I hope to post what we've been doing this week and our summer plan soon.  It's a long one...

Go Fish

S has finally fallen in love with games and I love to play them with  him.  "Go Fish" is a favorite.  We have this version and I like it because it reinforces upper and lower case match-ups for him and it also teaches the names of baby animals, but it got me thinking that there's nothing special about this deck that makes it "Go Fish".  You could also use any deck of flashcards that has pairs in it (colors, shapes, letters, numbers, etc.) or you could buy two of the same deck of flashcards to create an educational "Go Fish" game.  Dollar Tree usually has a selection of simple flashcards. 

I Spy Something Red

A great way to take advantage of free photo book deals is to make personalized books for your children. I have made an ABC book and Feelings book in the past and S loves both. They will also remain keepsakes in our house. So when I saw this idea, I knew I wanted to make them into a photo book. We have only completed red so far, but plan to do a new color every few days.

I was going to get all the pictures taken so that we were ready when a free photo book deal came around, but then while couponing at Target yesterday, I was given two different free photo book codes from Shutterfly (one with my free 20 print order and the other with my store receipt). I guess we better hurry.

Alphabet Boxes

Our current ongoing project is finding items to fill our new alphabet boxes.  I used plastic babyfood containers with alphabet stickers on the lid.  We are keeping an eye out around the house, in stores, and in nature for tiny objects that begin with that letter.  S loves opening, closing and resorting these little treasure boxes. 

Thanks, I Can Teach My Child!

Our New Church "Busy Bag"

I know some readers may disagree with children working on activities during church services, but in our family S is allowed to work on quiet religious activities (though that doesn't always keep him quiet).  Here's our new church bag...

Decorated canvas bag with Crayola Fabric Markers (I bought ours at Hobby Lobby for $5.)  I LOVE that S is now drawing our family!  Daddy is holding a heart :)

Lacing cards made from craft foam and shoelaces (Noah's Ark and a cross)

Simple puzzle printed on cardstock and cut (or you could use religious greeting cards)

Coloring books, a small children's bible, religious stickers (Dollar Tree and Christian bookstores) 

I plan to swap some things out and add some vinyl cling, felt, or magnetic biblical scenes...can't decide. 

Activity Sheets with Emergent Writers

I do not rely on activity books to teach S, nor do I give him many, but for me they still serve a supplemental purpose because S enjoys them.  Here are two ways a toddler/young preschooler can still answer "worksheet" questions:

1.  Use dot markers for selecting choices.  It's hard to see in the pic, but S used an orange dot marker to choose the matching pictures instead of circling the answer (this was completed when he was about 24 months, but he started using dot markers around 18 months).



2.  Write answers on small sticky notes and let your toddler or preschooler match the sticky note with the correct answer on the page.  This is a favorite of S's because he loves stickers.  You can also cut large sticky notes to make small ones or cut up white mailing labels to make your own "stickers". 

Our New Hallway Library

Made from Ikea Ribba Ledges.