Felt Ice Cream Cone Counting {Mini Tutorial}

This is a busy bag set AND a homeschooling counting manipulative.  Although my youngest doesn't exactly use it the way I want her to use it yet, she does love to match up the patterns.  So I guess it has many uses?

You could really make this out of paper to, but I used felt.  My sweet cousin bought my kindergartner a felt board for Christmas, so we are putting it to good use.

I picked up some light brown and "sprinkle" felt from Hobby Lobby and added with what I had in my stash. I used a light brown for the cones and Neapolitan colors for the ice cream.  I needed more ice cream colors, so added white and am now looking for "chocolate chip mint."  It took 8 sheets ($2.00 if I had to buy them full price.)  

I used these Accucut dies that I had in my supply 

I ended up using the pennant shape for the cone bases because the actual cone has the looped edges and I wanted them flat.  I just cut off the tabs.  I die cut 11 cone bottoms.  I thought about double layering them and stitching on the waffle cone pattern, but then I came to my senses and realized these were for a 3 year old.

The numbers were cut from black scrap felt with a wafer number die that I borrowed from a friend.  I glued them on with Aileen's fabric glue.  (I tried a few different kinds of glue, and this worked the best.)  There is no bleeding through of the glue, but I was careful about how much I used.  She's had the set for a couple of weeks and the numbers are still on....we will see how long it takes before she starts "picking" at them. :)

She can count her numbers already, but we are working on visual recognition and then putting them in order.  I also count together with her as she adds the scoops.

I need to cut more scoops as I didn't intend for her to do them all at the same time. I'm glad that this set has many uses and will be used for awhile.  

At this point she has more fun matching up the scoop colors than counting them, but that's fine with me!

Oh and she does pretend to eat them, too.

My next project....cupcake alphabet matching!

{Toddler} Busy Bag Exchange II

Here we go again!  I'm glad this was such a hit, let's have another go at it! ;)

This is a post for my local friends who are joining in the TODDLER busy bag exchange (the PreK one is in another post) OR for those of you who want idea on how to host your own.  Or just ideas for how to keep your toddler busy. :)

Guidelines for the exchange

1. I sent out an email for each of you to sign up.

2.  Select your bag of choice by emailing me.  I will update the blog when bags are taken.

3. Signups are open until 2/17.  After it closes, I will email with how many bags we each will be making.  You will then have 2 weeks to make your bags and we will meet up (date and place to be decided) to exchange.

4.  You will make X number of identical bags (such as: 10 button snake bags), 1 for every participant.  

5. The bags should cost between $1-2 per bag.  Please price out your ideas and shop with coupons if needed. 

6. Please put together a quality bag; the kind you would like to receive in return.  Remember, these have to hold up to toddler use! ;)

7. Put each of your finished activities into a gallon size bag (if possible).

8. Include anything we might need to complete the activity including instructions and game options.

9. There is no need to laminate anything (unless you really want to do it.)  We each have the option of laminating the activities we need for our own use. 

Here is a link to my pinterest toddler busy bag board.  You can see pictures of all the bag ideas.  They link you directly to the site with information on putting them together.  You are also welcome to contact me and I'm happy to help give you ideas of how to put them together or where to get the supplies. (I will try to get links added to the list below...)

I've tried to include a large variety.  If there is an idea you'd like to try instead, holler at me and I will get it listed.   

Here is a list.  If there is a name behind the game, its already been taken.

{Local Exchange in Closed}

Biggie Beads in a Bottle {Angela}

Buttoning Activity {Michal}

Color Matching Clips

Color Sorting Circles {Angela}
Egg Carton Matching

Magnetic Pom Poms {Andrea}

Foam Bead Sorting Tray

Foam Bead Lacing

Foam Shape Puzzles {Nancy}

Pipe Cleaner Matching Sorter 

Play Doh Mats

Pom Pom Sorting with Tongs {Kelly}
Pool Noodle Stringing

Race Car Shapes

Shades of Color

Shape Matching {Angela}

Toilet Paper Roll Sorting

Velcro Matching Rods

{PreK} Busy Bag Exchange II

The first Busy Bag exchange was such a hit, we're going for round 2!

This is a post for my local friends who are joining in the PRE-K busy bag exchange (the Toddler one is in another post) OR for those of you who want idea on how to host your own.  Or just ideas for how to keep your PreKer busy. :)

Guidelines for the exchange

1. I sent out an email for each of you to sign up.

2.  Select your bag of choice by emailing me.  I will update the blog when bags are taken.

3. Signups are open until 4/9.  After it closes, I will email with how many bags we each will be making.  You will then have 2 weeks to make your bags and we will meet up (date and place to be decided) to exchange.

4.  You will make X number of identical bag (such as 10 spinny spellers), 1 for each participant. 

5. The bags should cost between $1-2 per bag.  Please price out your ideas and shop with coupons if needed. 

6. Please put together a quality bag; the kind you would like to receive in return.  Remember, these have to hold up to kiddos! :)

7. Put each of your finished activities into a gallon size bag (if possible).

8. Include anything we might need to complete the activity including instructions and game options.

9. There is no need to laminate anything (unless you really want to do it.)  We each have the option of laminating the activities we need for our own use. 

Here is a link to my pinterest PreK busy bag board.  You can see pictures of all the bag ideas.  They link you directly to the site with information on putting them together.  You are also welcome to contact me and I'm happy to help give you ideas of how to put them together or where to get the supplies. (I will try to get links added to the list below...)

I've tried to include a large variety.  If there is an idea you'd like to try instead, holler at me and I will get it listed.  

Here is a list.  If there is a name behind the game, its already been taken.


{Local Exchange is Closed}

A-Z Clothespin Wheels
Alphabet Match Up {Deborah}

Bean Bag Stop Light Toss

Counting Cards

Counting Mats

Felt Fishing Game

Felt Snowflake Patterns {Melissa}

Golf Tees and Marbles

I Spy Bottles {Michal}
Letters/Color Matching {Lanae}

Numbers Flip Book

Pattern Grids 

Pom Pom Numbers {Kelsey}

Pool Noodle Lacing
 Rubbing Plates {Kelly}

Salt Box Writing Skills {Nancy}

Silly Faces

Word Families {Angela}

Write and Wipe {Angela}

{PreK} Busy Bag Exchange

This is a post for my local friends who are joining in the PRE-K busy bag exchange (the Toddler one is in another post) OR for those of you who want idea on how to host your own.  Or just ideas for how to keep your PreKer busy. :)

I spent the better part of Sunday afternoon scouring the internet and pinterest gathering idea for our kiddos.

Guidelines for the exchange

1. I sent out an email for each of you to sign up.

2.  Select your bag of choice by emailing me.  I will update the blog when bags are taken.

3. Signups are open until 2/17.  After it closes, I will email with how many bags we each will be making.  You will then have 2 weeks to make your bags and we will meet up (date and place to be decided) to exchange.

4.  You will make X number of identical bag (such as 10 spinny spellers), 1 for each participant. 

5. The bags should cost between $1-2 per bag.  Please price out your ideas and shop with coupons if needed. 

6. Please put together a quality bag; the kind you would like to receive in return.  Remember, these have to hold up to kiddos! :)

7. Put each of your finished activities into a gallon size bag (if possible).

8. Include anything we might need to complete the activity including instructions and game options.

9. There is no need to laminate anything (unless you really want to do it.)  We each have the option of laminating the activities we need for our own use. 

Here is a link to my pinterest PreK busy bag board.  You can see pictures of all the bag ideas.  They link you directly to the site with information on putting them together.  You are also welcome to contact me and I'm happy to help give you ideas of how to put them together or where to get the supplies. (I will try to get links added to the list below...)

I've tried to include a large variety.  If there is an idea you'd like to try instead, holler at me and I will get it listed.  

Here is a list.  If there is a name behind the game, its already been taken.

{LOCAL EXCHANGE IS CLOSED}

A-Z Clothespin Wheels

Clothesline {MICHAL}

Counting Cards

Counting Mats

Felt Cupcakes {CLAIR}

Felt Fishing Game

Felt Snowflake Patterns

Foam Shape Matching

Golf Tees and Marbles

Hot Glue Rubbing Plates

I Spy Bottles

Numbers Flip Book

Numbers Wheel {KELLY}

Pattern Grids 

Pom Pom Numbers

Pom Pom Pattern Sort {BROOKE}

Popsicle Color Match {JAMIE}

Q-tip Counting Tray {KATIE}

Silly Faces

Spinny Speller {MELANIE}

Write and Wipe {MELISSA}

{Toddler} Busy Bag Exchange

This is a post for my local friends who are joining in the TODDLER busy bag exchange (the PreK one is in another post) OR for those of you who want idea on how to host your own.  Or just ideas for how to keep your toddler busy. :)

I spent the better part of Sunday afternoon scouring the internet and pinterest gathering idea for our kiddos.

Guidelines for the exchange

1. I sent out an email for each of you to sign up.

2.  Select your bag of choice by emailing me.  I will update the blog when bags are taken.

3. Signups are open until 2/17.  After it closes, I will email with how many bags we each will be making.  You will then have 2 weeks to make your bags and we will meet up (date and place to be decided) to exchange.

4.  You will make X number of identical bags (such as: 10 button snake bags), 1 for every participant.  

5. The bags should cost between $1-2 per bag.  Please price out your ideas and shop with coupons if needed. 

6. Please put together a quality bag; the kind you would like to receive in return.  Remember, these have to hold up to toddler use! ;)

7. Put each of your finished activities into a gallon size bag (if possible).

8. Include anything we might need to complete the activity including instructions and game options.

9. There is no need to laminate anything (unless you really want to do it.)  We each have the option of laminating the activities we need for our own use. 

Here is a link to my pinterest toddler busy bag board.  You can see pictures of all the bag ideas.  They link you directly to the site with information on putting them together.  You are also welcome to contact me and I'm happy to help give you ideas of how to put them together or where to get the supplies. (I will try to get links added to the list below...)

I've tried to include a large variety.  If there is an idea you'd like to try instead, holler at me and I will get it listed.   

Here is a list.  If there is a name behind the game, its already been taken.

{LOCAL EXCHANGE IS CLOSED}

Animal Matching {MELANIE}
Biggie Bead and Boards {DEBORAH)
Button Matching {MEGAN}
Button Snake {LIZ}
Clothespin Matching {KELLY}
Color Matching Clips

Color Matching Wheel {MELISSA S.}

Colored Pasta Sort {CLAIR}
Magnetic Pom Poms
Foam Bead Sorting Tray
Foam Shape Puzzles
Pipe Cleaner Matching Sorter

Play Doh Mats
Pom Pom Stuff It {STEPHANIE}

Pool Noodle Stringing

Race Car Shapes
Shades of Color
Sorting Bag
Velcro Matching Rods

Velcro Shape Sticks {BROOKE}

Some Homeschooling Books and Reading Eggs

I brought up that whole "we are homeschooling now" thing and I haven't said boo since.  Well, its going GREAT!!!!  I really wish I had started with #2 in kindergarten instead of pulling her out halfway through 1st grade.  #3 is staying in his 2-day-a-week preschool through the end of the year, but then he's coming home too. 

Last summer we did an Alphabet Summer and after reading a bit about the Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading, I bought it for #2 and #3 and we dabbled in the book.  At the time I had no idea that the author was one of the writers that was going to help shape my homeschool curriculum through The Well-Trained Mind.  (I'm still finding what type of homeschooler I fall under, but at this point am more in the Classical/Traditional than Unit/Unschooling.)  

One of my friends introduced me to Reading Eggs a few weeks ago and we signed up.  This site is great!  Its a wonderful supplement for teaching reading through games.   She calls it "crack for kids."  (Please don't call DHS because I used "crack" and "kids" in the same sentence.)  Its true though.  My kids fight over whose turn it is.  I finally have had to set timers.  I put a "Reading Eggs" card in the girls workboxes almost every day.  They are 8 1/2 and almost 7, and are already reading, but in addition the the teaching reading, there is reading comprehension and spelling.  

Go check it out here.  You get a free 2 week trial.  Here's the best part though....the same friend send this link to a forum that has promo codes for up to 4 years.  FOUR YEARS FREE!!!! {***Edited: most of the codes have expired already.}  It might sound silly, but I just signed the baby up with an account.  She turns 2 next week, but heck....by the time I start working on letters with her we will still have plenty of time left. :)

This is a service for which I would gladly pay.  (I think its $75 a year, but you can also find it as low as $15 through homeschooling coops.)  I am also practical, so why pay for something when you can (legally) get it for free!?!?

The boy (4 1/2) is loving this.  Over the past few weeks have been going through OPG and Reading Eggs and he's already reading BOB Books.  Its amazing to see and hear this!!!

If you have younger ones or some that need a little extra help, check it out!!!

Making up stories

Kids always love to hear their parents tell them stories.  Why not get them involved.  Start with "Once upon a time...." then take turns adding a word or a phrase.  (It helps to keep everyone on track by deciding the theme of the story first! :)

Saving a picture

My dear son is in *love* with Thomas the Train.  (What little boy isn't, right???)

Well, he got this...

...with one of his early Birthday gifts (thanks, cuz!!!)

He's been carrying it around the house "reading" it again and again and again.  Hmm...much like I do the Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs catalogs.  Its starting to look a little battle weary and since I see how much he adores it, I thought I'd preserve it a little.

Out comes my handy, dandy laminator.

See, I'm a sucker for a sale.  And when this baby went on sale on Amazon for $15 (normally $80), I bought it.  Actually, I bought two...then resold one on Amazon for $30.  (Hey, a girls gotta cover her crafting costs, right???)

So, I ironed the paper with a pressing cloth to straighten it out a bit, cut it down a smidge, put it in a laminating sheet (which came with the laminator), and sent it through.

Voila!  A Thomas keepsake!

Thomas Picture + Laminating Machine = One Happy Boy

Homemade Bubble Solution

Do your kids go through bubbles like mine?  The little ones end up accidentally dropping the bottle and spilling.  The girls can each go through a bottle in one trip outside.  I just get lightheaded trying to blow them, so we bought a bubble machine that eats the solution or gets knocked over.

Here's a recipe to make your own!

4 C water

4 oz glycerin (1 container)

1C liquid dish detergent

Edible necklace

Grab some leftover yarn or string and dig into the partially eaten cheerios or fruit loops.  Give your kids a bowl and have them string the cereal onto the yarn for an edible necklace.  

Flashlight Safari aka Hide and Seek

A fun game to keep the kids busy so you get make dinner.  Or do some laundry.  Or (shhh) check your email.

Supplies:

Stuffed animals

Flashlights

How to:

Grab a dozen or so of your kids stuffed animals, dolls and toys.  (Make sure you know how many you have or you might not find them until the next time you move.)  Park the kids somewhere and hide the toys around the house.

Turn off the lights and close the blinds.

Give each child a flashlight and  let them go on a safari searching for the toys.

Depending on how many you hide, you just might get half and hour to catch up on some stuff!

Thankful Tree {tutorial}

This is our Thankful Tree.  Each leaf represents something we are thankful for.  We all take turns writing something down.  One leaf per day in November.  After we are done, I will scrapbook the project so we can look back each year and see what has stayed the same and what has changed.  

 I have wanted to do this project for awhile, but since we live in a new neighborhood there are no trees, so no branches.  Apparently it took me a couple of years before I realized I could cut branches from a friends tree.  What's that saying...can't see the forest through the trees?  Um, ya.  Take a step back and look at the bigger picture? :)  I need to do that more.  

Supplies:

Tree branches

Vase

Sand (or rocks or marbles)

String

Paper (in various fall colors)

Leaf punch

Hole punch

Scissors

Pen

How to:

I bought a leaf punch (um, 6 years ago) for another project (family tree) that I have yet to do.  I love having supplies on hand to quickly whip up a project and I already had most of these.

Go out in the yard (or a friends/neighbors....but ask first!) and cut some branches.

Put a floral frog/foam into the vase and cover with sand.  (Yes, I actually had to go buy some overpriced sand at Wal-Mart.)

Punch 30 leaves in various reds, oranges, and yellows.  Mine are patterned, textured and solids. Then punch a hole in the top to hang.

Cut 30 pieces of string to about 6".

Every day write down something you and your family are thankful for and tie it to the "tree." 

(Once I scrap the page, I'll take a picture and add to the post!)

Kids clean up game

I am always looking for creative ways to get my kiddos to help clean up the playroom.  They are much more willing to help if it seems a little fun, right?  So, make a game out of cleaning.  Get a set of big foam dice ($1 store).  Have them roll a die and pick up whatever number it lands on.  This is a two-fer.  They can practice counting AND pick up their toys.c

Fun Jar

My kids are always complaining that they are bored so I've put together a "fun jar" for them.  Together we sat down and wrote out some fun things to do on strips of paper.  Now, every time they complain, I have them pull an idea from the jar.  Bored no more!

Coloring the kids

One afternoon, I grabbed out my roll of contractors paper (from Lowes) and tore off a 4 foot section of it.  I had the kids clear off the playroom table and laid out the paper.  I traced the outline of one of the kids, gave them the bucket of crayons and had a good half hour of quiet to prepare dinner.

Pumpkin Cakes

Are these the cutest things or what? This looks like a fun after school project to do with the kids and something they can give to their teachers.

Fussy Monkey Business has a great tutorial.


(Post note: I finally made these.  Yes it's the 31st, but I did it.  I bought a mini bunt pan just for this!  They are sooo cute.  I'm giving them to my Steering Team (MOPS) and one to each of the kids teachers.  I wrapped them in pumpkin cello bags and had the kids make cards.  One piece of advice (might be a no-brainer to the bakers out there)...wait for them to completely cool before putting the chocolate bar in.  Even slightly warm the bar melts into the pumpkin. :)

Hand or Footprint Art

These would be so much fun to do with the kiddos.  In addition to art, its a keepsake of their hand and footprints.  

The Dollar Tree has these ugly canvas prints that are about 6"x6" and I bought some for another project (to  post soon).  I'm thinking I might go back and get more.  Either spray paint them or cover with fabric, then paint stamp the kids hands.  Hmm...I see a project for the weekend.