Monday, March 26, 2012

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{FREE} Easter Egg Hunt Game





I am so excited for Easter!  It's one of my favorite times of year!  And today, I'm so excited to share this fun game with you!!  It's based on the idea of an Easter Egg Hunt: players travel around the board and collect (or lose!) eggs.  When you fill your basket, you win!  You can, of course, keep playing until everyone wins.  While you play, you practice counting, colors, matching, and other preschool/kindergarten skills.  I'm also playing a variation with my daughter where I write the letters of some of her sight words on the eggs and spell the words on eggs in her basket.  She wins when she makes the words in her basket with the eggs she collects.  There are many ways to vary this to focus on what you are working on...and, of course, it's a fun, free Easter Egg Hunt game!  You can download it free here--detailed instructions are included in the PDF.

I'd love to know how you use it!  Happy Monday!!



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Friday, March 23, 2012

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Break Open Real Geodes Kit Giveaway Winner

This is a huge "Thank you!!" to everyone who entered the Break Open Real Geodes Kit Giveaway!  I wish I could send each of you a Geode Kit, but Rafflecopter has chosen!  Congratulations to Amy Q. (Entry #82)!!  She has confirmed her win and will be receiving her kit very soon.

A big thank you to Discover With Dr. Cool for providing the Geode Kits for the review and giveaway.  Dr. Cool's kits are amazing, and I highly recommend them!  You can learn more about them and even order at Discover With Dr. Cool's Website or on Amazon.   


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Thursday, March 22, 2012

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10 Little Eggs (Easter/Spring Preschool Song)


Well, friends, I have another preschool song for you!  This one ties in numbers, counting, and colors with a springy, Easter-y theme!  I'll admit that posting songs (not just lyrics) is a little out of my comfort zone, but my kids have enjoyed this one so much that I decided to just get over it!

This is particularly fun if you make 10 egg puppets for your child--one for each finger--and let them act out the song while you sing it.  You can use cloth or paper to make egg-shaped finger puppets.

The lyrics are below the video.  If it won't go full screen for you, click here to watch it on YouTube.



10 Little Eggs (to the tune of 10 Little Indians)

1 little, 2 little, 3 little eggs,
4 little, 5 little, 6 little eggs,
7 little, 8 little, 9 little eggs,
10 little eggs are hiding!

10 little, 9 little, 8 little eggs,
7 little, 6 little, 5 little eggs,
4 little, 3 little, 2 little eggs,
1 little egg is hiding!

Find them all, find them all, find all the eggs!

Find them all, find them all, find all the eggs!

Find them all, find them all, find all the eggs!
Find every little egg!

Hide them all, hide them all, hide all the eggs!
Hide them all, hide them all, hide all the eggs!
Hide them all, hide them all, hide all the eggs!
Hide them all again!

1 little, 2 little, 3 little eggs,
4 little, 5 little, 6 little eggs,
7 little, 8 little, 9 little eggs,
10 little eggs are hiding!

10 little, 9 little, 8 little eggs,
7 little, 6 little, 5 little eggs,
4 little, 3 little, 2 little eggs,
1 little egg is hiding!




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Monday, March 19, 2012

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Rockets for Preschoolers!

These rockets for preschoolers are fun, easy, and perfect for space and solar system themes...they're also loads of fun to use as "fireworks" during the New Year and the 4th of July! It's also loads of fun for a summer camp or "boredom buster"! And if you have older kids, building the launcher is a wonderful STEM challenge or STEM activity!




Okay, I'll confess:  it isn't just for preschoolers...I've made these stomp rockets with kids from 1-17 years old, and they all love them!  You learn about different things with each age group, but every child I've known loves to shoot them into "space!"  Preschoolers especially love watching their little stomp send their rocket flying higher than a 2-story home!  The set-up takes a little time, but the excitement is so worth it!  When you're done, you can store the launcher in your garage and pull it out any time!

First, let's make the launcher.  


Supplies for your Stomp Rocket Launcher:


  • 1/2-inch PVC Pipe.  You need six pieces.  The measurements aren't critical, but I had 5 pieces about 2 feet long and 1 piece about 5 feet long.  My hardware store cut them for me when I bought them.
  • 1/2-inch PVC Pipe Joiners.  You need the following 4 pieces:  
  •     * 4-way joiner
  •     * (2) 45 degree elbows
  •     * 90 degree elbow
  • duct tape
  • 2-liter bottle (empty)

How to Make a Stomp Rocket Launcher:


This is simple...I promise!

Here's the completed launcher with parts labeled, for any of you visual people.  After the picture are instructions.


The launcher is made in two parts:  1-the actual launcher and 2-the supports.

1-To first make the launcher, twist the 2-liter bottle onto the 5-foot long PVC pipe.  Duct tape it on to make sure no air can escape this joint.



2- Twist the 90 degree elbow onto the other end of the 5-foot long PVC pipe.

3- Twist one of the 2-foot long pieces into the 90 degree elbow.  Duct tape this joint to make sure no air can escape.  Your launcher is done!  Yay!  But it tips over.  So, let's make the supports:




 4- To make the supports, drop the 4-way joiner onto the launcher.  You now have 2 openings on the 4-way joiner exposed.  Twist 2-foot long PVC pieces into those openings.  Duct tape them on so they don't fall off, but do not duct tape the 4-way joiner onto the actual launcher.  You want this removable so it stores easily.

5- Twist a 45 degree elbow onto the ends of the 2-foot long pieces.

6- Twist the last 2-foot long pieces into the 45 degree elbow.

Ta da!!  All done!

Now you can invite the kids to join you in making rockets!



Supplies for Rockets:

  • computer paper
  • masking tape
  • crayons or other decorative supplies

DIY Rockets:


1. Decorate a paper!

2. Wrapt the paper around the PVC pipe and tape it closed. Be careful to make it tight enough that it will catch the air, but loose enough that it will move on and off the pipe.



3. Tape the rocket closed. Tape over one end of the rocket several times so no air escapes the top.



To Launch a Rocket:

1. Place the rocket on the top of the launcher.

2. Stomp down on the 2-liter bottle, right on top of the duct tape!

3. Watch your rocket soar!!

4. If the bottle doesn't re-inflate by itself, you can blow up the bottle again by blowing through the top of the launcher. You can also easily clean this off with baby wipes.  ;)



Note:  If you want a launcher that doesn't need blowing up, you can attach a bicycle pump, air storage tube, and a valve instead of the 2-liter bottle.  But I think that's unnecessary. 

Here's a video of the launching happening:




Happy Educating, Carla









I may share at any of these parties!



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Friday, March 16, 2012

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Teddy Tunnel: Strengthening Coordination with Paper Towel Tubes

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I'd love to write a book with a million different ways to use paper towel tubes--these things are wonderful! 

The Teddy Tunnel takes absolutely no preparation (because you never throw your paper towel tubes away, right!) and is a huge hit with preschoolers and toddlers.  It is an activity your child can do completely independently while you finish getting lunch ready or put away a few dishes.

To play, hand your child a paper towel tube and a pile of Teddy Grahams.  If you don't eat the little bear-shaped crackers, this activity works with almost any small food you have around!  Don't worry--she'll know what to do!  My kids sometimes have so much fun sliding the bears down the tunnel that they need reminding to eat them!

Even my youngest toddlers love this game, though I usually cut the tube in thirds for them.

While your kiddos are playing with their teddy tunnel, they're strengthening their eye-hand coordination, improving balance skills, and exercising those fine hand and finger muscles.  They're also learning about cause and effect, and predicting and seeing results!  Whew!  All from just a little Teddy Tunnel! 




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Thursday, March 15, 2012

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5 Fabulous, Free Websites for Preschoolers

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These websites have it all: computer games, phonics, shapes, sorting, colors, problem-solving, math, science, and much, much more!  They are fun, educational tools for your preschooler.  While there are many, many other preschool websites out there, your child can learn to navigate these five pretty easily.  At the same time, he is learning basic computer skills too!  But does he think he's learning shapes and colors?  No!  He thinks he's helping Curious George or repairing trains!  Wonderful!


I am not getting paid or compensated in any way to recommend them to you.  They are simply websites my daughter enjoys and learns from.


5 Fabulous, Free Websites for Preschoolers:



You don't need to log on, sign up, or spend any money.  Just enjoy them!

Remember that computer time is just a small part of your child's day, and you should always supervise and limit the time your child spends in front of any screen--computer, TV, etc.

Do you have any websites your preschooler likes to use?  I'd love to know what they are! 




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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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{FREE} Rainbow Breakfast Printable

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I know you probably have your St. Patrick's Day activities all planned, but this fun rainbow game can be used any time of the year.  In fact, rainbows are very popular here year-round!  So, whether you want something to keep those little fingers busy while you fix dinner, or another St. Patrick's Day activity, I thought you'd enjoy this {FREE} printable!

You can give it to your child with a bowl of colored cereal and she will know just what to do with it!  Or, you could turn it into a game by drawing colored cards (like Uno cards) and "playing" a piece of cereal that matches the card.  You can count the pieces.  You can tie it into a rainbow unit and use it as a follow-up activity after you make your own rainbows and learn about colors.  My daughter actually chose to put the colors in order because she has a rainbow color song that she loves.  (Did I mention rainbows are popular here?)

You can download it for free here!  Enjoy!!




I may share at any of these parties!




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Monday, March 12, 2012

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Sharing Saturday: St. Patrick's Day for Preschoolers!

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I know, I know...it isn't really Saturday!  But, I've been collecting these fun St. Patrick's Day ideas and didn't have time to share them on Saturday...so, I'm sharing them today!  I hope you love them!  If you were featured, feel free to grab the button in the right sidebar!

Preschool Powol Packets
<div align="center"><a href="http://PreschoolPowolPackets.blogspot.com" title="Preschool Powol Packets" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j368/cmg38/SharingSaturdaybutton.jpg" alt="Preschool Powol Packets" style="border:none;" /></a></div>


Toddler Approved has instructions for this awesome spy-like Treasure Hunt!  Check it out here!



Criss-Cross Applesauce has this fun, free downloadable Lucky Dog game that reinforces number recognition and more!  Check it out here!

The Golden Gleam has this creative idea for toilet paper tube leprechauns and a leprechaun hunt!  Check it out here!



Will Cook For Smiles has instructions for these delicious shamrock cucumber tea sandwiches!  Check it out here!


To the Lesson! has this colorful beaded rainbow and other fun St. Patrick's ideas!  Check it out here!


Over The Big Moon has this fabulous St. Patrick's Day Pre-K Pack available for free!  Check it out here!


And, of course, I have this free download available for you too! Numbers, colors, matching, and more!  Check it out here!


Have fun...and congratulations to these very talented ladies and their kiddos!


 
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Friday, March 9, 2012

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Lucky Clover Bubble Painting (Preschool/Toddler St. Patrick's Day Craft!)

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This St. Patrick's Day Craft is one time your preschooler (and even toddler) can actually blow bubbles in their straw and not get in trouble!  You already have the supplies at home, and the result is wonderfully unique!

Preparation:
** Draw and cut a lucky clover out of white construction paper.   Use a green marker and make the clover out of four hearts.


Supplies:

** Lucky Clover (on construction paper) and extra construction paper (because your child will want to do a few more pages!)
** Small cup
** Straw
** Dish soap
** Green food coloring (or any other color!)
** Water
** Roll of paper towels...because clean-up is easy if you have a lot handy!


The Easy How-To:

Bubble painting is a blast!  Put a squirt of dish soap in your child's cup and fill it about 1/3 full of water.  Let your child squeeze in about 4 drops of food coloring and stir it with her spoon.  My princess insisted on painting her lucky clovers pink!  Then, let your child blow into the straw until bubbles flow over the top of the cup.  (Younger children may need to practice blowing on the straw before putting it in the cup...dish soap is not usually toxic, but it sure doesn't taste good!)  Press the clover against the bubbles!  Remove the paper and pop any bubbles that remain.  Repeat until your child is happy with the pattern on her clover!



Have fun, and Happy St. Patrick's Day!



I may share at any of these parties!
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Thursday, March 8, 2012

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Break Open Real Geodes Kit Review & GIVEAWAY



Image courtesy of Dr. Cool.

I am so excited to share an amazing product and giveaway with you today: Dr. Cool's Break Open Real Geodes Kit!

I received the Break Open Real Geodes (6 geode starter set) to review, and I was absolutely thrilled with what I saw.  The first thing I noticed was how big the geodes were!  The picture to the left shows my hand holding the biggest geode in our kit.  The others were very close to the same size--the kit describes the geodes as 1-1/2" - 2" in diameter.  Very cool!

The history and science is even more exciting!  The geodes are millions of years old and were formed when prehistoric volcanoes erupted.  The teacher in me loved being able to use their pictures to explain how geodes are formed and why they hide crystal treasures inside.  Breaking open real geodes is a classic science activity and fun for the entire family.  I hid the geodes in the dirt and let the kiddos (1-, 2-, 3-, and 4- years old) find them.  The treasure hunt was fun and breaking them open to find real crystals was fabulous.

The mother in me appreciated Dr. Cool's safety considerations: each kit comes with safety goggles and warns about small pieces that could be a choking hazard for children under three.

Aren't those crystals gorgeous?!!  My 4-year old scientist had a blast as she used Dr. Cool's full color information guide to identify her crystals: all of our geodes had beautiful quartz crystals inside.  Some even had little quartz scepters or spears! 

Dr. Cool offers two versions of the kit.  The Ultimate Geode Kit includes 15 geodes from 3 different mines so that your rockhound can explore a variety of crystal formations which could include quartz, fluorite, calcite, or even amethyst!  The Basic Geode Kit contains 6 geodes from one mine.  Both kits include the safety glasses and the full-color information guide. Geodes range in size from 1-1/2” – 2” in diameter.  Geodes are an amazing natural phenomenon and a thrill to crack open for children of all ages!  Ours have already become the prize of the rock collection! 
And the best part...you can have your own geode set too!!

These kits have won quite a few awards like Product of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine and 10 Best Education Products from Dr. Toy.  The reason is simple...they let your children do real science and learn with their hands.  Even older children (and, I'll admit...parents!) love them!  You know you want to try it out too; so,

You can buy the geodes from Dr. Cool's website or Amazon (click here for the Ultimate Kit or here for the Basic Kit).

Or, you can win your own Break Open Real Geodes Basic Kit (with 6 geodes in it) for free here!  Just use the easy Rafflecopter form below!  Please read the Terms and Conditions!  Good luck, friends!

Disclaimers:  I received a Basic Geode Kit to review; no other compensation was made.  All opinions are 100% mine.  I will only recommend products or host reviews for products that I believe in 100%!



a Rafflecopter giveaway






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