Showing posts with label leaves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leaves. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Whatever the Weather...

We recently revisited Seasons and Weather in our lessons and activities.  Check out some of our previous adventures here:

We did some of the same activities and added some new ones for good measure!
Last year's favorite was definitely rainbow rain, so we had to repeat that one for sure!

We made our own 'snow' using Insta-Snow Powder.  While it doesn't feel exactly like real snow, it's pretty close and certainly fun for Arizona kiddos, many of whom have never seen real snow.  As an added bonus, it's a science experiment!  Just look at that concentration trying to figure out how that itty bitty bit of powder is turning into snow!
When everyone was finished playing, I put all of the snow into our big sensory table for everyone to share!

This totally rad kid-made Sun Bread was our snack one day during weather week - so yummy!!!

Another activity we usually can't do in our area is leaf rubbing.  While there are some trees around with larger leaves, I don't personally have any nearby.  However, I do have an awesome preschool parent who was kind enough to bring me leaves when she went on vacation and I laminated them and have been using them for a couple of years now.  I was surprised to find they make absolutely perfect leaf rubbings despite being laminated!  My block crayons also make shading easy-peasy for even the youngest kiddos. :)

Whether the weather be fine,
Or whether the weather be not,
Whether the weather be cold,
Or whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not! 

- Anonymous

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Easy Autumn Suncatchers

I love making suncatchers.  I used to do it every month and vary the shape depending on the theme, season or holiday, however, my old suncatcher creation method was tedious to say the least and they slowly got pushed to the back burner.  Not only would I have to cut the contact paper, but I'd also have to cut a narrow border for each child.  If you are making a basic shape, circle, heart, even a star, no problem, right?  But how about a leaf?  No thanks.

I was determined to find a new method.  I apologize to any amazing bloggers out there who have already discovered the secret to lazy suncatcher-making.  It's new to me, so here it is for you.

Start by folding a sheet of 9x12 construction paper in half to more easily cut a symmetrical shape.  We did leaves, but it could be any shape you like.  If you are super-lazy like I am, you'll cut 3 or more pieces of paper at once.  Set the paper aside.

Next, cut squares of contact paper so the sticky part will completely overlap your shape cut-out, but is not larger than the 9x12 paper.

Tape the contact paper square -sticky side up- to the table to make it easier for the little ones to stick their tissue paper on top.  Bear was all ready to get started.


Remove the top sheet from your contact paper and then place your construction paper on top, creating a 'window' for the kiddos to decorate.

Start sticking!



Monkey preferred the 'press' method.
 

Bear was more into the 'rip and stick' method.
 


Once the artwork is complete, cover with another square of contact paper, which will again overlap the cut-out portion of the 9x12 sheet.

Voila!  You are done with no detailed cutting of less-than-user-friendly contact paper!

Display your little one's artwork on the window and enjoy!





Friday, November 1, 2013

What We're Up To in November

Here's a quick look at what we have on our shelves for November:

Our new selection of seasonal books

Acorns sent all the way from Pennsylvania to explore on a fun mirror tray

Autumn table scatter I found at the local dollar store for sorting, matching, counting and lots of other fun activities.

Real leaves laminated for light table exploration

Pine cones and fabric leaves as an addition to the block area

Autumn felt board pieces for stories and pretend play

Fine motor activity inspired by one of my favorite Montessori blogs, To the Lesson!  I modified it just a bit by sewing and stuffing a felt turkey rather than using foam or paper.

Gobble, Gobble!

We have plenty of wonderful projects and activities planned for this month and I look forward to sharing them with you!!


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