tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69250972479982196912024-03-13T07:03:15.531-05:00ExplorationsExploring the world with my girls.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-82149990051065464852009-12-12T22:00:00.000-06:002009-12-12T22:00:30.191-06:00Tot School: Week of December 7<a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" /></a><br />Lauren is 38 months. Illness interrupted our tot school routine but we were able to get a few things done.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPNnRXQ8I/AAAAAAAABDs/ftH9SAvkaxA/s1600-h/IMG_1915.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413343478653862850" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPNnRXQ8I/AAAAAAAABDs/ftH9SAvkaxA/s400/IMG_1915.JPG" /></a> I want to include more literacy activities in our tot school so this week I suggested that Lauren and I draw a picture and write a story. Lauren didn't want to draw but she was very excited to write her own story. As you can see in the picture she drew squiggly lines across her paper. I was happy to see that she wrote from left to right, top to bottom.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPpeNcpMI/AAAAAAAABEE/ujGoFqpNZPk/s1600-h/IMG_1917.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413343957257856194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPpeNcpMI/AAAAAAAABEE/ujGoFqpNZPk/s400/IMG_1917.JPG" /></a> Lauren then read her story to me. I regret that I did not write down what she said!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPNA1VuII/AAAAAAAABDk/8vcz1Y8-bvg/s1600-h/IMG_1898.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413343468335773826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPNA1VuII/AAAAAAAABDk/8vcz1Y8-bvg/s400/IMG_1898.JPG" /></a> Lauren wrote letters in colored salt.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPMb9IfXI/AAAAAAAABDU/9CxrFbIMV3Q/s1600-h/IMG_1899.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413343458436349298" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPMb9IfXI/AAAAAAAABDU/9CxrFbIMV3Q/s400/IMG_1899.JPG" /></a> We worked on the alphabet puzzle.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPL4DkW4I/AAAAAAAABDM/H-fL0rbmwiM/s1600-h/IMG_1900.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413343448799665026" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPL4DkW4I/AAAAAAAABDM/H-fL0rbmwiM/s400/IMG_1900.JPG" /></a> Lauren loves to sort by color so she decided the sort the letters.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPM3nivRI/AAAAAAAABDc/wRgMRKloRm0/s1600-h/IMG_1913.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413343465861987602" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPM3nivRI/AAAAAAAABDc/wRgMRKloRm0/s400/IMG_1913.JPG" /></a> After reading <em>Clifford's First Christmas</em> we played <a href="http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/PetCliffordsFirstChristmas.htm">this activity from Making Learning Fun</a>. We took turns hiding Clifford under a stocking. This activity provided a fun way to practice reading family members' names.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAQmgZlqVI/AAAAAAAABEM/zLzwVBrz53E/s1600-h/IMG_1901.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413345005817669970" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAQmgZlqVI/AAAAAAAABEM/zLzwVBrz53E/s400/IMG_1901.JPG" /></a> Lauren got lots of counting practice. Here she is creating counting cards. I gave her an index card, told her a number, and she placed the correct number of dots on the card.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPo6lgpxI/AAAAAAAABD8/w4lXEsigfjA/s1600-h/IMG_1904.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413343947695105810" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SyAPo6lgpxI/AAAAAAAABD8/w4lXEsigfjA/s400/IMG_1904.JPG" /></a> She then used the counting cards with our Christmas tree counting activity.<br /><br /><div><br />For more Tot School fun visit <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a>.</li> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-34049874818619221072009-12-09T12:10:00.000-06:002009-12-09T12:21:01.188-06:00Decorate a Tree Activity<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw1_5G6uoI/AAAAAAAABCE/ooY7McPb2AQ/s1600-h/IMG_1877.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412260223970359938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw1_5G6uoI/AAAAAAAABCE/ooY7McPb2AQ/s400/IMG_1877.JPG" /></a> The girls love this simple Christmas activity. The reindeer basket holds a variety of small ornaments. The girls enjoy decorating the tiny tree over and over again. Thanks to <a href="http://ittybittylove.blogspot.com/2008/12/busy-hands.html">Itty Bitty Love</a> for the great idea!<br /><br /><div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-62581436923463216112009-12-07T12:00:00.000-06:002009-12-07T12:00:03.240-06:00Christmas Track GameWho will reach the Christmas tree first? Roll the die, read the cards, and see!<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw8VkBCIMI/AAAAAAAABCk/c_L9mekXUUY/s1600-h/IMG_1882.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412267193335423170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw8VkBCIMI/AAAAAAAABCk/c_L9mekXUUY/s400/IMG_1882.JPG" /></a>To make this track game I used a red file folder, white square stickers, and Christmas stickers. I placed the white stickers in a track leading to the Christmas tree sticker. I placed stocking stickers on several of the white squares. To play you will need markers (we used Christmas Little People figures) and a bag of either letter or word cards. When I played this with three year old Lauren I used letter cards. For five year old Julia I will use sight word cards.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw_Sbfr21I/AAAAAAAABC0/V84mI0J7RSI/s1600-h/IMG_1895.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412270438043343698" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw_Sbfr21I/AAAAAAAABC0/V84mI0J7RSI/s400/IMG_1895.JPG" /></a> The directions are placed at the top, left corner of the game board. The players roll a die and move the correct number of spaces. If the player lands on a space with a sticker then she must read a card from the bag.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw_SH-STpI/AAAAAAAABCs/gM7ZhO1JIus/s1600-h/IMG_1896.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412270432802983570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw_SH-STpI/AAAAAAAABCs/gM7ZhO1JIus/s400/IMG_1896.JPG" /></a> Two of the spaces are labeled "Poinsettia Patch". a player who lands here must read three cards.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw8VZjYIlI/AAAAAAAABCc/GcPcZm3RmEE/s1600-h/IMG_1885.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412267190526681682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw8VZjYIlI/AAAAAAAABCc/GcPcZm3RmEE/s400/IMG_1885.JPG" /></a> Play continues until everyone reaches the Christmas tree. We like to have the Little People sing a Christmas song around the tree but I guess that is optional! </p>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-65941418698396865532009-12-06T15:45:00.000-06:002009-12-06T17:51:13.915-06:00Activity Advent Calendar<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw4TZkSybI/AAAAAAAABCU/DkYynskcYQ8/s1600-h/IMG_1878.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412262758124276146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw4TZkSybI/AAAAAAAABCU/DkYynskcYQ8/s400/IMG_1878.JPG" /></a> It seems every blogger has shared her activity advent calendar this past week. I am enjoying the great variety of calendars and thought I would share mine. I made calendar last year after I saw it on <a href="http://mymontessorijourney.typepad.com/my_montessori_journey/2008/11/stocking-advent-activity-calendar.html">My Montessori Journey</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw4SxP1TwI/AAAAAAAABCM/Tc4Aq7pAQ54/s1600-h/IMG_1880.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412262747301039874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sxw4SxP1TwI/AAAAAAAABCM/Tc4Aq7pAQ54/s400/IMG_1880.JPG" /></a> Twenty four little stocking hang from red ric-rac strung across our bookshelves in the playroom. The stockings are numbered and inside each stocking is a card detailing the Christmas activity that we will do that day. Simple, fun!<br /><br /><div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-3535666950170104512009-12-05T06:00:00.004-06:002009-12-05T06:00:04.280-06:00Tot School: Week of November 30<a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" /></a><br />Lauren is 38 months old. Lauren worked on the following skills this week:<br /><br /><ul><li>recognizing letters</li><li>functions of print: following a recipe</li><li>fine motor control: manipulating playdough and buttons, using tongs</li><li>ordering objects by size</li><li>recognizing shapes</li><li>sorting objects by color and size</li><li>extending and creating patterns</li><li>counting up to six objects</li></ul><p>Here are a few of her activities this week: </p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxiBknt-fyI/AAAAAAAABA8/R_WXFS5pXYw/s1600-h/IMG_1855.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411217418422746914" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxiBknt-fyI/AAAAAAAABA8/R_WXFS5pXYw/s400/IMG_1855.JPG" /></a> Lauren helped me make green playdough.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxiBkL14SII/AAAAAAAABA0/IixEnVuVOV0/s1600-h/IMG_1856.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411217410939701378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxiBkL14SII/AAAAAAAABA0/IixEnVuVOV0/s400/IMG_1856.JPG" /></a> She used cookie cutters to make playdough trees and then decorated them with buttons.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxiBjqj1vSI/AAAAAAAABAs/TYzg9WgFv4M/s1600-h/IMG_1848.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411217402005667106" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxiBjqj1vSI/AAAAAAAABAs/TYzg9WgFv4M/s400/IMG_1848.JPG" /></a> She matched shapes on this wreath from First School.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxiBjQ7czPI/AAAAAAAABAk/bEOt4zJC_4U/s1600-h/IMG_1847.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411217395125374194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxiBjQ7czPI/AAAAAAAABAk/bEOt4zJC_4U/s400/IMG_1847.JPG" /></a> Lauren used tongs to sort pom poms. The pom poms can be sorted by color or size.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxiBjJ0EM_I/AAAAAAAABAc/4ZWupbcTs68/s1600-h/IMG_1846.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411217393215353842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxiBjJ0EM_I/AAAAAAAABAc/4ZWupbcTs68/s400/IMG_1846.JPG" /></a>She ordered felt Christmas trees by size.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmFXHPcMXI/AAAAAAAABBk/nmJWPcygY3w/s1600-h/IMG_1869.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411503059389657458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmFXHPcMXI/AAAAAAAABBk/nmJWPcygY3w/s400/IMG_1869.JPG" /></a> Lauren sorted small present ornaments by color.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmFWrZl-kI/AAAAAAAABBc/ytLYllZ5cbI/s1600-h/IMG_1867.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411503051916048962" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmFWrZl-kI/AAAAAAAABBc/ytLYllZ5cbI/s400/IMG_1867.JPG" /></a> I created a pattern with the presents and Lauren extended the pattern.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmFWKhZlKI/AAAAAAAABBU/s_zNh20dNoA/s1600-h/IMG_1868.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411503043090420898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmFWKhZlKI/AAAAAAAABBU/s_zNh20dNoA/s400/IMG_1868.JPG" /></a> Then Lauren surprised me by creating her own pattern with three colors!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmFVttfLeI/AAAAAAAABBM/5nZkr9tAOPY/s1600-h/IMG_1863.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411503035356491234" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmFVttfLeI/AAAAAAAABBM/5nZkr9tAOPY/s400/IMG_1863.JPG" /></a> We played our <a href="http://explorations-in-learning.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-tree-grid-game.html">Christmas tree grid game</a>.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmFVKhYjII/AAAAAAAABBE/FnbzuJY5yWA/s1600-h/IMG_1859.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411503025910484098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmFVKhYjII/AAAAAAAABBE/FnbzuJY5yWA/s400/IMG_1859.JPG" /></a> Lauren has been enjoying typing on the computer. I select a large font, Lauren chooses the font color, and then she types letters. </div><div><br /></div><div>For more Totschool fun visit <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a>.</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-83965300542780580612009-12-04T16:17:00.005-06:002009-12-04T16:43:42.323-06:00Christmas Tree Grid GameLittle present ornaments make fun counters for our Christmas Tree Grid Game.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmLhLv6QmI/AAAAAAAABBs/c_jeA5gUhpo/s1600-h/IMG_1874.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411509829468045922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SxmLhLv6QmI/AAAAAAAABBs/c_jeA5gUhpo/s400/IMG_1874.JPG" /></a>To play this game the child rolls a die and sets out the correct number of presents on the Christmas trees. Play continues until the grid is full.<br /><br /><br />Grid games are great for developing left to right movement, one to one correspondence, counting sets of objects, and creating <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">equivalent</span> sets of objects. <a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/165665058/4aa2088b/Christmas_Tree_Grid.html">Download this grid game here</a>.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-10056599477468911632009-11-23T14:29:00.002-06:002009-11-23T14:34:38.264-06:00Taking a BreakThings are a bit busy around here right now so I've had to examine my priorities and practice the art of leaving nonessential things undone. Although this blog is fun, it is nonessential so I am not going to post for the next week or two. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope to have some Christmas posts soon.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-16694819816763653052009-11-13T21:23:00.008-06:002009-11-13T22:19:41.445-06:00Tot School: Week of November 11<p><a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p>Lauren is 37 months old. Her objectives this week were:</p><ul><li>fine motor control: crumpling paper, gluing, using tweezers, pouring</li><li>observing seasonal changes</li><li>sorting pictures by season</li><li>identifying pictures as the same or different</li><li>putting together puzzles</li></ul><p>Here are some of the things she did this week:<br /></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4jcwj4OiI/AAAAAAAAA-8/c4E_daru49E/s1600-h/IMG_1805.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403795579869870626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4jcwj4OiI/AAAAAAAAA-8/c4E_daru49E/s400/IMG_1805.JPG" /></a> We read <em>Corn: On and Off the Cob</em> by Alan Fowler. I provided Lauren with an ear of Indian corn, a magnifying glass, tweezers, and a cup. Lauren could examine the corn with the magnifying glass or use the tweezers to pluck kernels. Kernel plucking was very challenging for Lauren but her five year old sister <em>loved</em> this tray. After a few rows of kernels were removed the plucking was much easier.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4nmbU4oLI/AAAAAAAAA_8/GvWzEdJuYP0/s1600-h/IMG_1817.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403800144015040690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4nmbU4oLI/AAAAAAAAA_8/GvWzEdJuYP0/s400/IMG_1817.JPG" /></a> Last week Lauren cut strips of fall colored paper for one of her tot trays. This week she glued the clippings onto this Indian corn craft. I got this idea from <a href="http://mymontessorijourney.typepad.com/my_montessori_journey/2008/11/indian-corn-art.html">My Montessori Journey</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4jdRLhx1I/AAAAAAAAA_E/wjH6BU-GU40/s1600-h/IMG_1808.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403795588626106194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4jdRLhx1I/AAAAAAAAA_E/wjH6BU-GU40/s400/IMG_1808.JPG" /></a> Popcorn kernels were an interesting material for dry pouring. They made a very pleasing sound as they poured and it was easy for Lauren to pick up any kernels that did not pour into the cup. That cute little glass pitcher was $1 at the thrift store!<br /><br /><p></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4o9Hl_tFI/AAAAAAAABAU/8jRkACPDM-M/s1600-h/IMG_1814.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403801633366717522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4o9Hl_tFI/AAAAAAAABAU/8jRkACPDM-M/s400/IMG_1814.JPG" /></a> We revisited our neighbors' fruitless pear tree to see how it has changed since September.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4nmPmUl6I/AAAAAAAAA_0/xEsUCM60iGU/s1600-h/IMG_1816.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403800140866951074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4nmPmUl6I/AAAAAAAAA_0/xEsUCM60iGU/s400/IMG_1816.JPG" /></a> Lauren then created a project to represent the pear tree in the fall. She crumpled red and green tissue paper squares and glued them to a construction paper tree.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4nm8Gsz1I/AAAAAAAABAI/hh8J9yE_gAU/s1600-h/IMG_1822.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403800152813915986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4nm8Gsz1I/AAAAAAAABAI/hh8J9yE_gAU/s400/IMG_1822.JPG" /></a> The front of a greeting card made an inexpensive seasonal puzzle.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4nlzwUVPI/AAAAAAAAA_s/86xgCo0JYmo/s1600-h/IMG_1813.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403800133392684274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4nlzwUVPI/AAAAAAAAA_s/86xgCo0JYmo/s400/IMG_1813.JPG" /></a> Lauren sorted <a href="http://www.montessoriforeveryone.com/assets/PDF/Seasons_and_Clothing_Matching.pdf">pictures of summer and fall clothes</a>. This is a free download from <a href="http://www.montessoriforeveryone.com/Free-Downloads_ep_35-1.html">Montessori for Everyone.<br /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4jeHR0QkI/AAAAAAAAA_c/Xto24ut7EJs/s1600-h/IMG_1811.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403795603147997762" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4jeHR0QkI/AAAAAAAAA_c/Xto24ut7EJs/s400/IMG_1811.JPG" /></a>I read the simple, non-fiction book, <em>Scarecrows</em>, by Lola M. Schaefer and then we did a few scarecrow activities. In this activity Lauren chose a scarecrow picture and then used the parts to recreate the scarecrow. I downloaded this from <a href="http://www.kidssoup.com/">Kidssoup</a>.<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4jd4IFuBI/AAAAAAAAA_U/CId83k3xvms/s1600-h/IMG_1810.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403795599080667154" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4jd4IFuBI/AAAAAAAAA_U/CId83k3xvms/s400/IMG_1810.JPG" /></a> Here is another fun activity that I printed from Kidssoup. Lauren needed to pay close attention to detail to find the matching scarecrows.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4nltiEERI/AAAAAAAAA_k/npTf1e5hhrk/s1600-h/IMG_1812.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403800131722285330" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4nltiEERI/AAAAAAAAA_k/npTf1e5hhrk/s400/IMG_1812.JPG" /></a> This is another Kidssoup download. She matched to leaf to the leaf's shape.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4jdqGYI_I/AAAAAAAAA_M/ueeUtQhYlcU/s1600-h/IMG_1809.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403795595315389426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sv4jdqGYI_I/AAAAAAAAA_M/ueeUtQhYlcU/s400/IMG_1809.JPG" /></a>She used our turkey stamp with the playdough.<br /><br />For more Tot School fun visit <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a>.</li></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-65768003354035625272009-11-07T08:00:00.000-06:002009-11-07T08:00:00.913-06:00Tot School: Week of November 2<p><a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I was thrilled to see that the leaves had finally started changing colors around here. Yippee, we can finally do some fall themed activities! But then the weather turned quite warm, with high temperature reaching into the 80s. Somehow talking about cool fall weather just didn't make sense. So, I set aside most of what I had planned and we spent a lot of time playing outside and even snuck in an awesome trip to the zoo. Even so, Lauren enjoyed her tot trays and a few mommy directed activities.</p><br /><p>Her objectives this week were: </p><ul><li>Fine motor control: using tongs, squeezing a sponge, cutting, pin pushing, stamping, manipulating playdough</li><li>Counting up to six objects</li></li><li>Sorting objects and pictures by color and shape</li><li>Identifying opposites </li><li>Identifying letters</li><li>Examining leaves and acorns</li></ul><p>Here's a peek at her week:<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Tot Trays</strong><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvSmuJw0X7I/AAAAAAAAA-0/1li3fD-DvhM/s1600-h/IMG_1804.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401125164948938674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvSmuJw0X7I/AAAAAAAAA-0/1li3fD-DvhM/s400/IMG_1804.JPG" border="0" /></a> Transferring acorns with tongs,<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvSmtTqpTVI/AAAAAAAAA-k/dQzQi7TERqk/s1600-h/IMG_1789.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401125150427532626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvSmtTqpTVI/AAAAAAAAA-k/dQzQi7TERqk/s400/IMG_1789.JPG" border="0" /></a> transferring water with a sponge (this was a huge hit),<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvSmsC7bxUI/AAAAAAAAA-U/Bm885DurmcA/s1600-h/IMG_1786.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401125128754677058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvSmsC7bxUI/AAAAAAAAA-U/Bm885DurmcA/s400/IMG_1786.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren picked up a rock on one of our walks so I set up a rock cleaning tot tray.<br /></p><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCUkTyKa4I/AAAAAAAAA9A/PJZgnBK6aVc/s1600-h/IMG_1769.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399979304724097922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCUkTyKa4I/AAAAAAAAA9A/PJZgnBK6aVc/s400/IMG_1769.JPG" border="0" /></a> cutting strips of fall colored construction paper,<br /></p><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCUkPylEaI/AAAAAAAAA84/fpNwg6KNVQ4/s1600-h/IMG_1768.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399979303652102562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCUkPylEaI/AAAAAAAAA84/fpNwg6KNVQ4/s400/IMG_1768.JPG" border="0" /></a> stamping letters into orange playdough,<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCUj5s8D8I/AAAAAAAAA8w/4icZPkupzNs/s1600-h/IMG_1766.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399979297722863554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCUj5s8D8I/AAAAAAAAA8w/4icZPkupzNs/s400/IMG_1766.JPG" border="0" /></a>pin pushing an outline of a leaf (This is another great activity from <a href="http://mymontessorijourney.typepad.com/my_montessori_journey/">My Montessori Journey</a>. Unfortunately Lauren didn't enjoy it very much.),<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCUjoDWBEI/AAAAAAAAA8o/cyfr-_flKBw/s1600-h/IMG_1761.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399979292985001026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCUjoDWBEI/AAAAAAAAA8o/cyfr-_flKBw/s400/IMG_1761.JPG" border="0" /></a> examining leaves and acorns with a magnifying glass,<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCVmvJvTWI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/3lErstmKL2A/s1600-h/IMG_1771.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399980445942107490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCVmvJvTWI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/3lErstmKL2A/s400/IMG_1771.JPG" border="0" /></a>sorting buttons,<br /><br /><p></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCVmRhGGgI/AAAAAAAAA9I/8dJftGg_lHU/s1600-h/IMG_1770.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399980437987006978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCVmRhGGgI/AAAAAAAAA9I/8dJftGg_lHU/s400/IMG_1770.JPG" border="0" /></a>and sorting pictures by shape.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Mommy Directed Activities</strong><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCUjUfReSI/AAAAAAAAA8g/44UpKJTJMI8/s1600-h/IMG_1754.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399979287733434658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCUjUfReSI/AAAAAAAAA8g/44UpKJTJMI8/s400/IMG_1754.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren had a great time collecting acorns.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvSmtoY6XhI/AAAAAAAAA-s/0CQlAKUdUiQ/s1600-h/IMG_1801.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401125155990298130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvSmtoY6XhI/AAAAAAAAA-s/0CQlAKUdUiQ/s400/IMG_1801.JPG" border="0" /></a>We played our squirrel grid game (<a href="http://explorations-in-learning.blogspot.com/2009/11/squirrel-grid-game.html">click here </a>to read about this and download the materials)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCVnJJGHnI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/txhuHHluOD0/s1600-h/IMG_1775.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399980452918730354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCVnJJGHnI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/txhuHHluOD0/s400/IMG_1775.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren had fun with <a href="http://explorations-in-learning.blogspot.com/2009/11/m-fun.html">M&M math</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCVnEkxFmI/AAAAAAAAA9g/GC0vrLbeEbc/s1600-h/IMG_1776.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399980451692615266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCVnEkxFmI/AAAAAAAAA9g/GC0vrLbeEbc/s400/IMG_1776.JPG" border="0" /></a> We read Tana Hoban's <em>Exactly the Opposite </em>and then matched opposite pictures.<br /><br /><br /><br />For more Tot School fun visit <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a>.</li> </div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-56287085095220372092009-11-05T12:03:00.000-06:002009-11-05T14:02:14.678-06:00Squirrel Grid Game**I have fixed the link to the squirrel grid. My apologies for the error.**<br /><br />Lauren enjoyed feeding the squirrels as we played our newest grid game. For this game I made acorn counting cards and a grid of twenty squirrels. Real acorns made fun counters but feel free to use any small counters that you have available.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/146508567/7f88c601/squirrel_grid_game.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400345467964660930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvHhl0JsnMI/AAAAAAAAA-M/657LuD4PYlA/s400/IMG_1801.JPG" border="0" /> Download the squirrel grid </a><br /><a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/146508575/889d966c/acron_counting_cards_1-6.html">Download the acorn counting cards</a><br /><br />To learn more about grid games check out <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%3ELauren%20enjoyed%20feeding%20the%20squirrels%20as%20we%20played%20our%20newest%20grid%20game.%3C/div%3E">my explanation of grid games </a>and <a href="http://teachmama.blogspot.com/2009/04/counting-bunnies.html">Teach Mama's additional insights</a>. </p>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-4437093407367332552009-11-03T14:24:00.002-06:002009-11-03T14:34:23.157-06:00M&M FunWhat do you do with that bag of M&Ms left over from Halloween?<br /><br /><p></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCR5Fvo9cI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/SHq7Ax8dXfI/s1600-h/IMG_1772.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399976363197789634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCR5Fvo9cI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/SHq7Ax8dXfI/s400/IMG_1772.JPG" /></a> Sort them,<br /></p><a href="http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/pdf.htm?m&mschart.pdf"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399976359392206466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCR43kUXoI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/bPPg2BqY1fk/s400/IMG_1773.JPG" /> graph </a>them,<br /><br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCR4hbRzmI/AAAAAAAAA8I/Gpmisp-re6o/s1600-h/IMG_1774.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399976353448709730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SvCR4hbRzmI/AAAAAAAAA8I/Gpmisp-re6o/s400/IMG_1774.JPG" /></a> and play <a href="http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/FallmmFallingLeafGame.htm">this great game</a> from <a href="http://www.makinglearningfun.com/index.html">Making Learning Fun</a>.</div><div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-52384405585951111022009-10-31T12:25:00.000-05:002009-10-31T14:24:10.857-05:00Tot School: Week of October 26<p><a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Lauren is 36 weeks old. Her objectives for this week were:<br /><br /><li>fine motor control: squeezing an eyedropper, using playdough, stringing beads, lacing, spooning, painting</li><li>gross motor control: balancing while walking on a line, throwing a bean bag</li><li>recognizing and identifying letters (A,C,L,O,P)</li><li>counting up to six objects </li><li>identifying shapes</li><li>matching identical pictures</li><li>creative expression: painting, sculpting playdough</li><li>reciting songs and poems</li><br /><ul></ul><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Tot Trays<br /></strong></span>For Tot Trays this week I followed <a href="http://monkeyinaroundtimestwo.blogspot.com/2009/10/school-week-in-review.html">Karen at Monkeyin' Around's</a> idea and set the activities at each of the chairs of our kitchen table. Lauren moved around the table doing the activities that she wanted to do. This worked out really well! One day my older daughter, Julia, joined us for Tot Trays so you will see a few pictures of her.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuntC9oWkvI/AAAAAAAAA7I/isiyK9_JPsY/s1600-h/IMG_1736.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398106263539585778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuntC9oWkvI/AAAAAAAAA7I/isiyK9_JPsY/s400/IMG_1736.JPG" border="0" /></a> Painting with fall colors was a fun activity. An ice cube tray makes a nice paint tray. When Tot School was over I covered the tray with foil and put it away until the next day.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sus_sKDAiXI/AAAAAAAAA8A/rOT1MLx6TUE/s1600-h/IMG_1717.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398478606177438066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sus_sKDAiXI/AAAAAAAAA8A/rOT1MLx6TUE/s400/IMG_1717.JPG" border="0" /></a> Orange playdough with rolling pins and pumpkin cookie cutters are always a hit.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuntCkhEW-I/AAAAAAAAA7A/ROWp-ZKZ8fM/s1600-h/IMG_1735.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398106256798145506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuntCkhEW-I/AAAAAAAAA7A/ROWp-ZKZ8fM/s400/IMG_1735.JPG" border="0" /></a> I bought this puzzle at Target's dollar spot. She loved this tray and chose it everyday.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuntCQL-SZI/AAAAAAAAA64/mB2blJwNzX4/s1600-h/IMG_1733.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398106251340958098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuntCQL-SZI/AAAAAAAAA64/mB2blJwNzX4/s400/IMG_1733.JPG" border="0" /></a> Stamping pumpkins with orange ink was only slightly interesting to Lauren. Later in the week I put the stamp on the playdough tray and Lauren made impressions in the playdough.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuntB69PSQI/AAAAAAAAA6w/OgoRT8qF1VQ/s1600-h/IMG_1730.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398106245642012930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuntB69PSQI/AAAAAAAAA6w/OgoRT8qF1VQ/s400/IMG_1730.JPG" border="0" /></a>For this activity she used a spoon to transfer orange and green pom poms into a pumpkin ice tray.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunpLWORYOI/AAAAAAAAA6o/GEF50ruP-oE/s1600-h/IMG_1720.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398102009533522146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunpLWORYOI/AAAAAAAAA6o/GEF50ruP-oE/s400/IMG_1720.JPG" border="0" /></a> The idea behind this tray is to push the chenille sticks through the holes in the salt shaker and then put the beads on the chenille sticks. I got this idea from <a href="http://mymontessorijourney.typepad.com/my_montessori_journey/">My Montessori Journey</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunpLDCYLXI/AAAAAAAAA6g/G_hOV1zvU34/s1600-h/IMG_1725.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398102004383362418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunpLDCYLXI/AAAAAAAAA6g/G_hOV1zvU34/s400/IMG_1725.JPG" border="0" /></a> Julia enjoyed pushing the sticks through the holes but did not want to add the beads.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunpKzZsonI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/qJtdtYWJD3E/s1600-h/IMG_1738.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398102000186204786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunpKzZsonI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/qJtdtYWJD3E/s400/IMG_1738.JPG" border="0" /></a>On the other hand, Lauren loved stringing the beads onto the sticks but did not want to push the sticks into the shaker. Either way, each girl enjoyed this tray and had some practice using that all important pincer grasp.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunpKK5G9mI/AAAAAAAAA6I/P-Yty32S1DU/s1600-h/IMG_1723.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398101989312099938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunpKK5G9mI/AAAAAAAAA6I/P-Yty32S1DU/s400/IMG_1723.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was a fun activity. Lauren chose a small pumpkin card and then used the magnetic facial features to recreate the pumpkin. I downloaded this from <a href="http://www.kidssoup.com/">kidssoup.com</a>. Kidssoup is a subscription site that I have used frequently this past year.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunpKdbMNcI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/LEX-cXQoNhU/s1600-h/IMG_1718.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398101994286888386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunpKdbMNcI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/LEX-cXQoNhU/s400/IMG_1718.JPG" border="0" /></a> For this tray Lauren paired the matching pumpkins. Later in the week I added three more pumpkins so she could match six. The pumpkins are very similar so she needed to look closely to make sure they matched. This was another Kidssoup download.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Mommy Directed Activities</span></strong><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunurqmfsqI/AAAAAAAAA7w/E-weLE9dYf8/s1600-h/IMG_1732.JPG"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sunurj8TpaI/AAAAAAAAA7o/Eu6v18jqkyw/s1600-h/IMG_1744.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398108060530222498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sunurj8TpaI/AAAAAAAAA7o/Eu6v18jqkyw/s400/IMG_1744.JPG" border="0" /></a> She really enjoyed playing Latches and Letters. <a href="http://explorations-in-learning.blogspot.com/2009/10/latches-and-letters.html">Here is a post</a> that explains what we did.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunuraKxTiI/AAAAAAAAA7g/nJdzax25uUE/s1600-h/IMG_1740.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398108057906531874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunuraKxTiI/AAAAAAAAA7g/nJdzax25uUE/s400/IMG_1740.JPG" border="0" /></a> We sang this rebus shape song to the tune of Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. I printed this chart from the Mailbox Magazine online companion a couple of years ago when I subscribed to the magazine.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunurDXMM_I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/RajVczEp2ww/s1600-h/IMG_1739.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398108051784610802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunurDXMM_I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/RajVczEp2ww/s400/IMG_1739.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren practiced counting to six during this activity. She rolled the die, counted the dots, and then placed the correct number of little gourds on the mat.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuntDcCwP_I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/ScCSEqc0isI/s1600-h/IMG_1745.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398106271703384050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuntDcCwP_I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/ScCSEqc0isI/s400/IMG_1745.JPG" border="0" /></a> She laced a paper pumpkin. She has lots of experience with lacing cards but usually she laces haphazardly. This was the first time I showed her how to lace around the card.</div><br /><br /><p>For more Tot School fun visit <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a>.</li></p></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-31634632687389255482009-10-29T13:22:00.005-05:002009-10-29T13:57:01.658-05:00Latches and Letters<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sund6DyOr3I/AAAAAAAAA54/gok-o93tAa4/s1600-h/IMG_1741.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398089617898385266" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sund6DyOr3I/AAAAAAAAA54/gok-o93tAa4/s400/IMG_1741.JPG" /></a> In this activity Lauren was able to exercise her hand muscles, memory, and letter knowledge all at the same time. But don't tell her she was learning, she was sure it was just a lot of fun!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunkFyxmDdI/AAAAAAAAA6A/rbgb1ik2U_8/s1600-h/IMG_1747.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398096416560516562" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SunkFyxmDdI/AAAAAAAAA6A/rbgb1ik2U_8/s400/IMG_1747.JPG" /></a> To play this game we used our Melissa and Doug Latches Board, six sandpaper letters, and six small letter cards.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sund5XqukLI/AAAAAAAAA5o/KwWqA6tgepk/s1600-h/IMG_1743.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398089606055760050" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sund5XqukLI/AAAAAAAAA5o/KwWqA6tgepk/s400/IMG_1743.JPG" /></a> Lauren chose a small letter card, identified the letter, and hid it behind one of the doors. She continued until all of the letters were hid.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sund5KNcBXI/AAAAAAAAA5g/f1x3rcmprIQ/s1600-h/IMG_1744.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398089602443249010" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Sund5KNcBXI/AAAAAAAAA5g/f1x3rcmprIQ/s400/IMG_1744.JPG" /></a>Then I showed her a sandpaper letter and she traced the letter, identified the letter, and searched behind the doors until she found the letter. She continued until she found all of the letters. I knew this activity was a hit when she asked to play it again the next day!Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-83573417636829255082009-10-24T12:00:00.001-05:002009-10-24T12:00:01.390-05:00Tot School Week of October 19<p><a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I had more planned this week but illness in our family made this another light week for tot school. Lauren's learning objective this week were:<br /><li>Fine motor control: pouring, tracing with finger</li><li>Balancing while walking on a line </li><li>Throwing and catching a bean bag</li><li>Understand that print carries a message</li><li>Tracking print from right to left, top to bottom</li><li>Identifying letters</li><li>Ordering objects by size</li><br /><br />Here are a few pictures of this week's work:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJ2HvyalWI/AAAAAAAAA44/qNlG8Ap_uiY/s1600-h/IMG_1630.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396005179002361186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJ2HvyalWI/AAAAAAAAA44/qNlG8Ap_uiY/s400/IMG_1630.JPG" /></a> Lauren had fun painting pumpkins as part of our <a href="http://explorations-in-learning.blogspot.com/2009/10/start-its-pumpkin-time.html">stART project</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJpml3dGvI/AAAAAAAAA4g/9Cxa72M84gY/s1600-h/IMG_1704.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395991415263927026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJpml3dGvI/AAAAAAAAA4g/9Cxa72M84gY/s400/IMG_1704.JPG" /></a>Here she is pouring beans into a cup.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJpAd-TuUI/AAAAAAAAA3w/SJ3njIAt36Y/s1600-h/IMG_1706.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395990760310159682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJpAd-TuUI/AAAAAAAAA3w/SJ3njIAt36Y/s400/IMG_1706.JPG" /></a>Lauren ordered five lids from smallest to largest...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJpArag9KI/AAAAAAAAA34/OXCjWDCS0wk/s1600-h/IMG_1707.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395990763918128290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJpArag9KI/AAAAAAAAA34/OXCjWDCS0wk/s400/IMG_1707.JPG" /></a> and then stacked them.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJpALg49TI/AAAAAAAAA3o/LeGTDH7mZro/s1600-h/IMG_1708.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395990755354932530" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJpALg49TI/AAAAAAAAA3o/LeGTDH7mZro/s400/IMG_1708.JPG" /></a> She also ordered five pumpkin pictures from smallest to largest.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJo_w2zAnI/AAAAAAAAA3g/8cRP8ze6eMA/s1600-h/IMG_1694.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395990748199060082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJo_w2zAnI/AAAAAAAAA3g/8cRP8ze6eMA/s400/IMG_1694.JPG" /></a> She enjoyed walking along a six foot long piece of rope. This took a great deal of balance.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJo_avQq_I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/TcCTHiur-uQ/s1600-h/IMG_1695.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395990742261869554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJo_avQq_I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/TcCTHiur-uQ/s400/IMG_1695.JPG" /></a> It was even more challenging to walk the rope while holding an object. Lauren carried a bag and walked on the rope to me. Then she said, "Trick or treat" and I put a block in her bag. She liked doing this so much I thought she would never stop!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJplzjY57I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/wp2Mii2676c/s1600-h/IMG_1690.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395991401757992882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJplzjY57I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/wp2Mii2676c/s400/IMG_1690.JPG" /></a>Lauren tracked the print while we sang her Lauren Song.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJpmBF3lWI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/tkhJz69Spzs/s1600-h/IMG_1696.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395991405392270690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJpmBF3lWI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/tkhJz69Spzs/s400/IMG_1696.JPG" /></a> We also read our <a href="http://explorations-in-learning.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-pumpkins-poem-chart.html">Halloween Pumpkins poem</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJplTOSDGI/AAAAAAAAA4I/SWk2WleHSvE/s1600-h/IMG_1705.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395991393079528546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJplTOSDGI/AAAAAAAAA4I/SWk2WleHSvE/s400/IMG_1705.JPG" /></a> She had fun using her finger to write letters in colored salt.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJplA7jw5I/AAAAAAAAA4A/iYphZpxDwF4/s1600-h/IMG_1691.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395991388169159570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJplA7jw5I/AAAAAAAAA4A/iYphZpxDwF4/s400/IMG_1691.JPG" /></a> After Lauren traced each of the sandpaper letters I named a letter and she held it up.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJt6rd9KDI/AAAAAAAAA4w/opDboQ8Pxfk/s1600-h/IMG_1714.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395996158411483186" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJt6rd9KDI/AAAAAAAAA4w/opDboQ8Pxfk/s400/IMG_1714.JPG" /></a> When big sister Julia spent some time writing in her journal Lauren decided to join her.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJtRC_2CGI/AAAAAAAAA4o/YL2lMDdqGdE/s1600-h/IMG_1715.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395995443173132386" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJtRC_2CGI/AAAAAAAAA4o/YL2lMDdqGdE/s400/IMG_1715.JPG" /></a> So, here she is "writing" in her journal. She worked hard making several rows of small, pink circles. I love the look of concentration on her face.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJ2Hwg0x0I/AAAAAAAAA5A/U4cTlhIvqDA/s1600-h/IMG_1681.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396005179197015874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SuJ2Hwg0x0I/AAAAAAAAA5A/U4cTlhIvqDA/s400/IMG_1681.JPG" /></a> Lauren also enjoyed a scooter ride along a local nature trail.<br /><br /><br />For more Tot School fun visit <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a>.</li>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-6350667346723380092009-10-22T09:19:00.000-05:002009-10-22T11:19:36.205-05:00stART- It's Pumpkin TimeMichelle at A Mommy's Adventures has a great weekly feature called stART. She reads a book to her little girl and then they do an art project. I've enjoyed seeing the great projects that other bloggers have done with their kids so I thought I would join in this week.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3_Ob37G3I/AAAAAAAAA3M/xT59ZA6YIRY/s1600-h/IMG_1648.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394748552125291378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3_Ob37G3I/AAAAAAAAA3M/xT59ZA6YIRY/s400/IMG_1648.JPG" border="0" /></a>For our story we read <em>It's Pumpkin Time</em> by Zoe Hall and Shari Halpern. This simple story chronicles the growth of a pumpkin. The simple, bold illustrations inspired our project this week.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3_NsuTSDI/AAAAAAAAA3E/u1f0SQbcdmg/s1600-h/IMG_1643.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394748539468466226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3_NsuTSDI/AAAAAAAAA3E/u1f0SQbcdmg/s400/IMG_1643.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>We copied the style of the illustrator to make these pumpkin vine mobiles.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3_NbXgVcI/AAAAAAAAA28/H9_KXdpuiJA/s1600-h/IMG_1627.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394748534809449922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3_NbXgVcI/AAAAAAAAA28/H9_KXdpuiJA/s400/IMG_1627.JPG" border="0" /></a> We began by tracing pumpkin shapes on white construction paper. We used the medium sized pumpkin from Preschool Express' <a href="http://www.preschoolexpress.com/pattern_station02/pumpkin_patterns.pdf">pumpkin patterns</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3_Mq6SxUI/AAAAAAAAA20/GyDKE8UfegQ/s1600-h/IMG_1630.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394748521802024258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3_Mq6SxUI/AAAAAAAAA20/GyDKE8UfegQ/s400/IMG_1630.JPG" border="0" /></a> The girls painted the pumpkins orange.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3-oUkBjtI/AAAAAAAAA2s/KF3huK2oOfg/s1600-h/IMG_1629.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394747897327750866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3-oUkBjtI/AAAAAAAAA2s/KF3huK2oOfg/s400/IMG_1629.JPG" border="0" /></a> Then they used a little red or yellow paint to add dimension to the pumpkins.</div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3-jSvcusI/AAAAAAAAA2k/EPb7RQIwTxM/s1600-h/IMG_1632.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394747810939452098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3-jSvcusI/AAAAAAAAA2k/EPb7RQIwTxM/s400/IMG_1632.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love the different colors of the pumpkins!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3-hNx-TdI/AAAAAAAAA2c/By51GyDKErw/s1600-h/IMG_1633.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394747775248125394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3-hNx-TdI/AAAAAAAAA2c/By51GyDKErw/s400/IMG_1633.JPG" border="0" /></a> To make the vine, the girls painted a paper plate green and then added a little yellow paint. They also cut out and painted leaves.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3-fP_9XHI/AAAAAAAAA2U/yaHvXJ4t1K0/s1600-h/IMG_1641.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394747741483916402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3-fP_9XHI/AAAAAAAAA2U/yaHvXJ4t1K0/s400/IMG_1641.JPG" border="0" /></a> We cut the plate into a spiral.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3-c6bgzCI/AAAAAAAAA2M/7ck-OuZX_Ms/s1600-h/IMG_1639.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394747701334166562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3-c6bgzCI/AAAAAAAAA2M/7ck-OuZX_Ms/s400/IMG_1639.JPG" border="0" /></a> We used curling ribbon to attach the pumpkins to the vine and hung them from the ceiling fan.<br /><br /></div><div>To see what others have done for stART visit <a href="http://amommysadventures.blogspot.com/">A Mommy's Adventures</a>. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-77204974171329425052009-10-21T12:28:00.002-05:002009-10-21T12:28:00.986-05:00Halloween Writing CenterWe have some fun new Halloween themed additions to our writing center.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St30vKPfwSI/AAAAAAAAA2E/jvEfWTWCoyI/s1600-h/IMG_1709.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394737019700101410" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St30vKPfwSI/AAAAAAAAA2E/jvEfWTWCoyI/s400/IMG_1709.JPG" /></a>The girls and I had fun making these glittery cards. We glued some white paper inside each card for the girls to write on.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St30W87j8tI/AAAAAAAAA18/rqGVyEkv4wE/s1600-h/IMG_1702.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394736603809968850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St30W87j8tI/AAAAAAAAA18/rqGVyEkv4wE/s400/IMG_1702.JPG" /></a>I used Microsoft clip art to make these. The girls can use them to make cards for their friends or they can write a short story inside. Download the cards <a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/142307099/6316e27a/halloween_cards.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St30WWxTfwI/AAAAAAAAA10/QlWvKDYKoM0/s1600-h/IMG_1700.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394736593566400258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St30WWxTfwI/AAAAAAAAA10/QlWvKDYKoM0/s400/IMG_1700.JPG" /></a> We have several sheets of Halloween words bound together in sheet protectors.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St30VsFNk6I/AAAAAAAAA1s/pkmZZZ-EruU/s1600-h/IMG_1697.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394736582107173794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St30VsFNk6I/AAAAAAAAA1s/pkmZZZ-EruU/s400/IMG_1697.JPG" /></a> Here is a sample of what is inside our Halloween words book. I purchased these words from <a href="http://www.kinderreaders.com/store.html#ww">kinderreaders.com.</a><br /><br /></div><div>The writing station also has our usual materials: journals, blank books, story paper, pads of paper, and various writing and drawing tools. The addition of a few new, interesting materials always renews the girls interest in using the writing station.</div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-22164248079137743852009-10-20T12:10:00.002-05:002009-10-20T12:28:16.060-05:00Halloween Pumpkins Poem Chart<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3vdMTyxBI/AAAAAAAAA1k/v1xe2p9re10/s1600-h/IMG_1696.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394731213459211282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/St3vdMTyxBI/AAAAAAAAA1k/v1xe2p9re10/s400/IMG_1696.JPG" /></a> The newest addition to our poem chart collection features simple text with strong picture/text match. The text is easy for my three year old to follow as she practices following text from left to right and top to bottom. This poem can also be used to emphasize descriptive words and opposites.<br /><br />Download a copy of this poem <a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/142219307/41c9474b/Halloween_Pumpkins.html">here</a>.<br /><div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-10941804889013584652009-10-17T13:02:00.000-05:002009-10-17T15:02:56.225-05:00Tot School: Week of October 12<a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I didn't have any written plans for tot school this week so we had to wing it. Here are some snapshots from Lauren's week:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm63bmcEGI/AAAAAAAAA1c/orfBOFD5mdY/s1600-h/IMG_1665.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393547490217431138" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm63bmcEGI/AAAAAAAAA1c/orfBOFD5mdY/s400/IMG_1665.JPG" /></a> sorting letters on the white board,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm63APsIkI/AAAAAAAAA1U/1V7654sfvn8/s1600-h/IMG_1661.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393547482874257986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm63APsIkI/AAAAAAAAA1U/1V7654sfvn8/s400/IMG_1661.JPG" /></a>making a caterpillar c,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm62mAta-I/AAAAAAAAA1M/sA-UmmqZDeI/s1600-h/IMG_1657.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393547475832105954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm62mAta-I/AAAAAAAAA1M/sA-UmmqZDeI/s400/IMG_1657.JPG" /></a> cutting paper strips on the lines,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm62BdC0kI/AAAAAAAAA1E/_vndtKY7REE/s1600-h/IMG_1671.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393547466018837058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm62BdC0kI/AAAAAAAAA1E/_vndtKY7REE/s400/IMG_1671.JPG" /></a> gluing the cut paper and glitter onto an apple shape,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm61veZyXI/AAAAAAAAA08/7pBPRAbigJc/s1600-h/IMG_1649.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393547461192698226" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm61veZyXI/AAAAAAAAA08/7pBPRAbigJc/s400/IMG_1649.JPG" /></a> using an eye dropper to transfer water,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm6b0PMKCI/AAAAAAAAA00/HOGd3S75ZKs/s1600-h/IMG_1659-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393547015794468898" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm6b0PMKCI/AAAAAAAAA00/HOGd3S75ZKs/s400/IMG_1659-1.JPG" /></a> playing in the pom pom tub with friends,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm6bU2aNwI/AAAAAAAAA0s/LyolVN6ooBU/s1600-h/IMG_1664.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393547007369033474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm6bU2aNwI/AAAAAAAAA0s/LyolVN6ooBU/s400/IMG_1664.JPG" /></a> trying to make play dough balls,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm6aw_EvKI/AAAAAAAAA0k/hqzCI0Vo-AI/s1600-h/IMG_1669.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393546997741698210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm6aw_EvKI/AAAAAAAAA0k/hqzCI0Vo-AI/s400/IMG_1669.JPG" /></a> scooping and pouring rainbow rice from the rice tub,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm6aeqrY4I/AAAAAAAAA0c/_CJ0k5VivVw/s1600-h/IMG_1666.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393546992824312706" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm6aeqrY4I/AAAAAAAAA0c/_CJ0k5VivVw/s400/IMG_1666.JPG" /></a> using a slotted spoon to scoop and shift magnetic letters from a bowl of rainbow rice,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm6aMgM3kI/AAAAAAAAA0U/fWy1ynfAv0Q/s1600-h/IMG_1672.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393546987948531266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Stm6aMgM3kI/AAAAAAAAA0U/fWy1ynfAv0Q/s400/IMG_1672.JPG" /></a> and making Mr. Potato Head's friends. </div><div><br /> </div><div></div><div>To see what others did for Tot School visit <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a>.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-65159894163982399512009-10-12T08:23:00.000-05:002009-10-12T10:24:29.753-05:00Bread Dough Creations<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Honey-Wheat-Sandwich-Rolls/Detail.aspx">Honey Wheat Rolls</a> are a favorite in our home. When I make these I use two bread machines to make a double batch and then freeze them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu-BZji1TI/AAAAAAAAA0E/ALL9bWoHN_Y/s1600-h/IMG_1608.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389610310328046898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu-BZji1TI/AAAAAAAAA0E/ALL9bWoHN_Y/s400/IMG_1608.JPG" border="0" /></a> The girls love to play with their own pieces of dough. They stretch, roll, and shape the dough over and over again. The elasticity of the dough makes it a very pleasing sculpting material.<br /><br /></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu-A4crBEI/AAAAAAAAAz8/lUR_SRKRL4U/s1600-h/IMG_1614.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389610301440853058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu-A4crBEI/AAAAAAAAAz8/lUR_SRKRL4U/s400/IMG_1614.JPG" border="0" /></a> When they are done playing, we bake their creations. Fun and delicious!<br /><br /><br /><div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-132886706850534892009-10-10T07:45:00.000-05:002009-10-10T09:47:28.433-05:00Tot School: Week of October 5<a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p316/carisahinson/Tot-School.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>Three year old Lauren had a fun week of playful learning. As she played she learned: </p><ul><li>counting up to six objects</li><li>left-to-right movement</li><li>identifying letters (L,O, and A)</li><li>small motor control</li></ul><p>Lauren kept busy:</p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/StCaH9GStBI/AAAAAAAAA0M/8OSSDO6Nw2c/s1600-h/IMG_1626.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390978215413199890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/StCaH9GStBI/AAAAAAAAA0M/8OSSDO6Nw2c/s400/IMG_1626.JPG" border="0" /></a> playing a <a href="http://teachmama.blogspot.com/2009/10/were-counting-hats-cats-and-pumpkins.html">pumpkin grid game </a>with her big sister (thanks Teach Mama),<br /><br /><br /></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu3P3T4MII/AAAAAAAAAzs/_6Hd2xs0Bo8/s1600-h/IMG_1616.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389602862252175490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu3P3T4MII/AAAAAAAAAzs/_6Hd2xs0Bo8/s400/IMG_1616.JPG" border="0" /></a> practicing counting with our <a href="http://explorations-in-learning.blogspot.com/2009/10/pumpkin-path-game.html">Pumpkin Game</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu3PTec6sI/AAAAAAAAAzk/LnYkPcayZT8/s1600-h/IMG_1595.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389602852632849090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu3PTec6sI/AAAAAAAAAzk/LnYkPcayZT8/s400/IMG_1595.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>tracing sandpaper letters,<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu25eDMb1I/AAAAAAAAAzc/4CfCeMvr0Eg/s1600-h/IMG_1597.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389602477514190674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu25eDMb1I/AAAAAAAAAzc/4CfCeMvr0Eg/s400/IMG_1597.JPG" border="0" /></a> playing with Fridge Phonics. </div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu2448FllI/AAAAAAAAAzU/wlxGLI8rB7M/s1600-h/IMG_1592.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389602467552269906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu2448FllI/AAAAAAAAAzU/wlxGLI8rB7M/s400/IMG_1592.JPG" border="0" /></a> spooning orange and green pom poms into a pumpkin ice cube tray,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu24mhXp-I/AAAAAAAAAzM/gL9s1W-4mJk/s1600-h/IMG_1591.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389602462608369634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu24mhXp-I/AAAAAAAAAzM/gL9s1W-4mJk/s400/IMG_1591.JPG" border="0" /></a> squeezing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">playdough</span> (I love that face!),<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu24Gf_52I/AAAAAAAAAzE/fBsUwATrI9E/s1600-h/IMG_1577.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389602454012684130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu24Gf_52I/AAAAAAAAAzE/fBsUwATrI9E/s400/IMG_1577.JPG" border="0" /></a> attempting to sweep beans into a 12 x 12 square. This was really hard so,<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu23wLdTNI/AAAAAAAAAy8/vovRlJvHTaQ/s1600-h/IMG_1582.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389602448020950226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu23wLdTNI/AAAAAAAAAy8/vovRlJvHTaQ/s400/IMG_1582.JPG" border="0" /></a>she used the hand broom instead. This was much easier! I need to set up more sweeping activities for her.<br /><br />For more Tot School fun visit <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a>.</div></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-40498098453070146282009-10-08T12:00:00.001-05:002009-10-08T12:00:01.598-05:00Pumpkin Path GameI have recently introduced three year old Lauren to simple path games. I keep the paths short (10-12 spaces) and straight to make it easy for her to follow. She plays these games with a homemade die with 1-3 dots. As she plays she is developing the concepts of left-to-right movement, one-to-one correspondence, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">equivalent</span> sets.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsuaPwSKoTI/AAAAAAAAAy0/im13A-idDZs/s1600-h/IMG_1617.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389570974528741682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsuaPwSKoTI/AAAAAAAAAy0/im13A-idDZs/s400/IMG_1617.JPG" border="0" /></a>The pumpkin path game is played with a game board, a die, and a small pumpkin decoration (I bought a bag of six at Hobby Lobby).<br /><br />To make the game board I taped together two 4 1/2 x 12 pieces of tan construction paper, glued a <a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/138334307/ac8a4904/scarecrow_follow_the_path.html">clip art scarecrow </a>to the right side of the construction paper, and used yellow sticky dots to create a path leading to the scarecrow.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsuaPuz0dCI/AAAAAAAAAys/KAUVMrOt4AY/s1600-h/IMG_1616.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389570974133023778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsuaPuz0dCI/AAAAAAAAAys/KAUVMrOt4AY/s400/IMG_1616.JPG" border="0" /></a> Each player needs a game board and a pumpkin. A player rolls the die, counts the dots, and moves the pumpkin the correct number of spaces. Play continues until the pumpkin reaches the scarecrow.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>For more information about path games check out Sally <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Moomaw</span> and Brenda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hieronums</span>' excellent resource, <em>More Than Counting</em>. </div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-81020066282668209612009-10-06T15:55:00.001-05:002009-10-06T17:28:31.313-05:00Halloween Countdown<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu7MrWnQ1I/AAAAAAAAAz0/Wwrt08aWdos/s1600-h/IMG_1619.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389607205549327186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssu7MrWnQ1I/AAAAAAAAAz0/Wwrt08aWdos/s400/IMG_1619.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>We've been counting the days until trick-or-treat with our <a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/137640745/ba26efed/Halloween_countdown.html">Halloween countdown</a>. Each day the girls color one pumpkin and count how many pumpkins are left. Julia writes the number on a small Post-It note and we read the sentence together. Countdowns provide a fun reason to practice left to right movement, counting, and writing numbers.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-9055923397365485802009-10-03T06:00:00.001-05:002009-10-03T06:00:01.157-05:00Tot School Week of September 28<a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssa543QkpSI/AAAAAAAAAyk/iiFGfCS9C-0/s1600-h/IMG_1551.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388198390752650530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/Ssa543QkpSI/AAAAAAAAAyk/iiFGfCS9C-0/s400/IMG_1551.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren turned three years old this week! Our tot school objectives for this week were:<br /><ul><li>Recite rhymes and songs</li><li>Small muscle control activities</li><li>Count up to six objects</li><li>Recognize letters</li><li>Extend simple patterns</li><li>Recognize shapes</li></ul><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUuOD7WRpI/AAAAAAAAAyc/KGiUOLIPZPI/s1600-h/IMG_1571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387763348325942930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUuOD7WRpI/AAAAAAAAAyc/KGiUOLIPZPI/s400/IMG_1571.JPG" border="0" /></a> In honor of Lauren's birthday I pulled out the birthday cake counting boards. Lauren placed three candles on each cake.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUtt3bcfHI/AAAAAAAAAyM/_RHU3PnnkSQ/s1600-h/IMG_1573.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387762795215092850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUtt3bcfHI/AAAAAAAAAyM/_RHU3PnnkSQ/s400/IMG_1573.JPG" border="0" /></a>Later we played a birthday counting game. We set out several stuffed animals and placed a birthday cake counting board in front of each animal. We took turns choosing an animal to be the birthday friend. We rolled the die to see how old the animal is and then placed the correct number of candles on the animal's cake. Then we sang "Happy Birthday" to the animal. This was a fun, playful way to practice counting.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUr4GyHt-I/AAAAAAAAAx8/ijtYgNGi9ok/s1600-h/IMG_1567.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387760772112168930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUr4GyHt-I/AAAAAAAAAx8/ijtYgNGi9ok/s400/IMG_1567.JPG" border="0" /></a> We played a game with our unit blocks. Lauren and I each had a matching group of five blocks. One of us would make something with our blocks and the other would copy the creation.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUr3q8g9GI/AAAAAAAAAx0/JvfbvAIowa4/s1600-h/IMG_1562.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387760764639573090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUr3q8g9GI/AAAAAAAAAx0/JvfbvAIowa4/s400/IMG_1562.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren smashed bananas for banana bread. Thanks to <a href="http://amommysadventures.blogspot.com/2009/09/kids-in-kitchen-banana-bread.html">Michelle from A Mommy's Adventure </a>for this idea.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUr2-VDzRI/AAAAAAAAAxs/JF3PGFiYii8/s1600-h/IMG_1561.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387760752662924562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUr2-VDzRI/AAAAAAAAAxs/JF3PGFiYii8/s400/IMG_1561.JPG" border="0" /></a>Lauren enjoyed our <a href="http://explorations-in-learning.blogspot.com/2009/05/very-hungry-caterpillar-extension.html"><em>Very Hungry Caterpillar</em> lacing activity</a>.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUr4gp53SI/AAAAAAAAAyE/U9SX-Uzcl5M/s1600-h/IMG_1558.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387760779057028386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUr4gp53SI/AAAAAAAAAyE/U9SX-Uzcl5M/s400/IMG_1558.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren spent a lot of time exploring the unifix cubes this week.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUrMsH7m3I/AAAAAAAAAxc/-IWPsNx5fyY/s1600-h/IMG_1559.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387760026221517682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUrMsH7m3I/AAAAAAAAAxc/-IWPsNx5fyY/s400/IMG_1559.JPG" border="0" /></a> I showed her how to make patterns with the blocks. She repeated this activity several times.<br /></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUrMdgKegI/AAAAAAAAAxU/1zXxpOMnq-s/s1600-h/IMG_1549.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387760022296623618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUrMdgKegI/AAAAAAAAAxU/1zXxpOMnq-s/s400/IMG_1549.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren has been very interested in letters lately so I have started to do a little letter work with her. Here she is sorting Ls and Os.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUrL7lWOzI/AAAAAAAAAxM/wTypL8NRuso/s1600-h/IMG_1546.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387760013191559986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUrL7lWOzI/AAAAAAAAAxM/wTypL8NRuso/s400/IMG_1546.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren used tongs to transfer small apple ornaments from the tree to the basket.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUrLfKpVSI/AAAAAAAAAxE/orJg6UUXewk/s1600-h/IMG_1543.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387760005563372834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SsUrLfKpVSI/AAAAAAAAAxE/orJg6UUXewk/s400/IMG_1543.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren and big sister Julia enjoyed <a href="http://teachmama.blogspot.com/2009/09/super-sweet-shape-snack.html">Teach Mama's fabulous shape activity</a>.<br /><br /></div><div>Check out <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a> for more Tot School fun!<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-76430662783414271872009-09-12T06:00:00.001-05:002009-09-12T06:00:04.573-05:00Tot School: Week of September 7<a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lauren is 35 months old. We began our week with a fun family trip to the zoo. Our tot school objectives for this week were:<br /><ul><li>identify body parts: neck, chest, shoulders, waist, stomach, back</li><li>recognize written first name</li><li>balance a bean bag on various body parts</li><li>find an object that is being described</li><li>describe attributes of an object</li><li>small muscle control activities</li><li>sort objects</li><li>identify a pair of objects as the same or different</li><li>observe seasonal changes</li></ul><p>Here are a few pictures of Lauren's week:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrS8ty5_HI/AAAAAAAAAw8/SjDb-9HrrTw/s1600-h/IMG_1525.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380344645374573682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrS8ty5_HI/AAAAAAAAAw8/SjDb-9HrrTw/s400/IMG_1525.JPG" border="0" /></a> We sang "The Lauren Song" while tracking the print with a pencil.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrNMydLZZI/AAAAAAAAAw0/fljXbWQ8dxM/s1600-h/IMG_1527.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380338324433757586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrNMydLZZI/AAAAAAAAAw0/fljXbWQ8dxM/s400/IMG_1527.JPG" border="0" /></a> I named various body parts and Lauren tried to balance a bean bag on that part.</p><p><br /></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrNMpIHB5I/AAAAAAAAAws/uG0TnhacGRU/s1600-h/IMG_1529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380338321929471890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrNMpIHB5I/AAAAAAAAAws/uG0TnhacGRU/s400/IMG_1529.JPG" border="0" /></a> I set out four pictures at a time and described one of the girls. Lauren listened to the description and found the girl.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrMzoCeTrI/AAAAAAAAAwk/lkx8nph40rc/s1600-h/IMG_1530.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380337892140666546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrMzoCeTrI/AAAAAAAAAwk/lkx8nph40rc/s400/IMG_1530.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren and I looked at an elephant toy and described its attributes: gray skin, four legs, long trunk, short tail, etc.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrMzVj112I/AAAAAAAAAwc/b7IJcWHDSSc/s1600-h/IMG_1538.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380337887180347234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrMzVj112I/AAAAAAAAAwc/b7IJcWHDSSc/s400/IMG_1538.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lauren sorted lids by color. She first tried to sort by size but there are too many sizes for her to handle. I plan to set up a size sorting activity for her next week.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrMyy_OirI/AAAAAAAAAwU/mm4REBI_DZ0/s1600-h/IMG_1540.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380337877899971250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrMyy_OirI/AAAAAAAAAwU/mm4REBI_DZ0/s400/IMG_1540.JPG" border="0" /></a> I put pairs of lids into two bags. Lauren and I each reached into our bag and pulled out a lid. Lauren would identify if the lids were the same or different.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrMya5afPI/AAAAAAAAAwM/ViCn8yXZKPs/s1600-h/IMG_1533.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380337871433137394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrMya5afPI/AAAAAAAAAwM/ViCn8yXZKPs/s400/IMG_1533.JPG" border="0" /></a> We took a walk to look at our neighbor's pear tree. Lauren described what the tree looks like in summer. Then we came home and she crumpled pieces of green tissue and glued them to her tree trunk. This was a great fine motor activity and took an amazing amount of concentration to finish.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrMx-kMy0I/AAAAAAAAAwE/Dqz5EvgEWX8/s1600-h/IMG_1542.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380337863827966786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqrMx-kMy0I/AAAAAAAAAwE/Dqz5EvgEWX8/s400/IMG_1542.JPG" border="0" /></a> When Lauren was finished with her tree I recorded her observations. We will visit the tree again in the fall, winter, and spring.</div><div><br /></div><div>For more tot school fun visit <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6925097247998219691.post-42844818520681390362009-09-09T12:00:00.000-05:002009-09-09T12:00:00.938-05:00American Girl Collages<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqBu8kZ_acI/AAAAAAAAAvA/NQ1sYKC4a0E/s1600-h/IMG_1501.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377419941924268482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7BAdZVVh-KE/SqBu8kZ_acI/AAAAAAAAAvA/NQ1sYKC4a0E/s400/IMG_1501.JPG" border="0" /></a> The American Girl catalog provides fun cutting practice. The girls like to cut out their favorite dolls and glue them to a piece of paper.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16765716422962515766noreply@blogger.com2