Remembering..

It is one of those moments that you will never forget.  I was teaching at the time and was preparing lessons before my students arrived.  I had the television on as I worked and couldn't understand what was happening as I looked at the screen.  It was 9/11/2001.  In confusion, I watched as an airplane crashed into the twin towers.  And then the horror continued as I learned of the crash at the Pentagon and then as a plane crashed down in Shanksville, Pa.

My heart aches each year on this day for those who lost their lives that day and for their families. I'll never forget that day and my hope is that the families continue to heal as each day goes by and that they know they are still thought of and loved from afar.

During that time, I was pregnant with my first child and I remember thinking- "Oh my goodness, what am I doing bringing a child into this world?" I was afraid for my unborn child.  Afraid of war, afraid of terrorism, afraid that she would someday learn first hand of the evil in this world.  Luckily, our guidance counselor at the school where I worked, met with us (the teachers) to help us cope with what was happening.  It was a scary and sad time for all of us- even those not directly affected by the tragedy. 

Even with all of the pain, it was inspiring to see our country come together during this time. Also, to see so many people turn to a higher power for guidance and strength.  Our country will never be the same, but we won't be afraid.  We continue to live and thrive and bring children into this world.  Children for which we hope and pray have a better future. 

Jen

Bendaroos Activities

Bendaroos... my girls have packs and packs of these.  Didn't realize that it would be one of little man's new creative toys.  He discovered that he can twist them and form them and then stick them on the chalk board. 

And if they start to fall off.. "Mommy, I need tape, pwease."  Such a calming activity for him and he will play with these Bendaroos for such a long period of time. 

Why Bendaroos for your toddler/preschooler?
 -sensory/fine motor play
 -teach colors
 -creative thinking
 -counting
 -to form letters or numbers

You also find more learning activities organized by age level on Bendaroos main site.

Do your children play/creative with Bendaroos?  If so, share ideas... please!!

Jen

Little Quack Counts and Activities

Little Quack is an adorable and curious little duckie!  In the book, Little Quack Counts by Lauren Thompson, Little Quack explores things in his world around him. He counts ladybugs, fish, dragonflies, and bees.  The book takes a fun twist when he counts the bees!  Perfect beginner book for babies and toddlers or those just learning to count.

Activities

Little Quack Craft: After drawing Little Quack on paper for the kids, I had markers and crayons available for them to color.  Paint would also be a good option.  I talked about how the duck is yellow with an orange beak.  Next, we pasted a feather on Little Quack.

Explore Feathers: After creating Little Quack, the kids (ages 13 months and 2.5 enjoyed exploring and playing with feathers).  Little man liked fitting as many feathers as he could into a small bottle.  Great sensory activity for little hands.

Color Fun:  We had a yellow day... being Little Quack is Yellow!  We talked about the different objects that were yellow.  Also, played with yellow pom poms- transfer activity.  And of course we had to play with yellow Play-doh! 

Fun day for the little ones with lots of beginning learning!

Jen

Baby Activities

Today I started taking care of a one year old, so I had fun thinking of different activities for her to do today.  Some of her favorite things to do were play peek-a-boo with colored scarves, make music with maracas, crinkle paper, and transfer pom poms (this activity needs to be supervised due to the size of the pom poms).  Another activity that she enjoyed was transferring large colored balls from a basket to the white container and then back again. (see below)

Do you have any fun baby ideas or posts?

I'd love to hear about your activities!

Jen

Pinterest Find: Fall Tree Paintings

Some may think it is a little early to be painting fall trees, but when I saw this art project on Pinterest, I just had to do it with my son and a couple of new friends.  It was a hit with all three of the kids who thought that it was pretty cool to paint with q-tips.  

La classe della maestra estre Valentina

The above pic is the pin that I used as a guide for this project.  Please be sure to visit the link above to view the process. 


Artwork by LM(2.5) and M(3)

I think we'll be painting with q-tips again... easy clean up for sure! Have you started any fall crafts with your kiddos?

Jen