Bubble Wrap for Snow

Since Lil B was learning about snow and polar bears at school we did a snow painting at home.  We recycled bubble wrap and wrapped it over the end of a toilet paper roll.  I used a rubber band to secure the bubble wrap.  Lil B’ had fun stamping away and creating his very own snowflakes! We used white washable paint on a blue piece of construction paper. I pointed out how each snowflake is unique so it was okay that every stamp turned out differently.

Looking to add a little color to your January decorations?   Add watercolor to a coffee filter and once it is dried, follow oureasy steps to create a snowflake.

Use up your leftover red Christmas tissue paper with this quick and easy Valentine decoration!

Is laminating to expensive?  Do you have old DVD cases sitting around gathering dust?
Here is a great alternative to laminating flash cards. Print off your cards and slide them under the clear plastic sleeve of the DVD case. Draw right on top with a dry erase marker. To erase you can use just about anything, we found a foam brush worked well (it also was sitting right next to us).  Practice shapes, letters, and numbers over and over again for zero dollars!

Flashcards featured in the photos are from http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/my-printables

As, Lil B and I were playing our new number game I was trying to think of a more creative title. However, nothing really came to me so please comment with any better name suggestions!  My husband said the “dice game” but I don’t think that is the best name for a toddler counting game (even though we use a dice).  🙂

“The Number Game “
Supplies Needed:
1 dice  (I had already on hand a nice big foam one from the Dollar Store)
6 pieces of paper
marker
bean bag

How to Play:  Write one large number on each sheet of paper (1-6). I did this before I introduced to Lil B  to the game but older preschoolers may be able to draw and decorate each number as an activity before the game.  Okay, back to the game- Lay the 6 sheets of paper on the floor. Roll the dice, count the dots and throw the beanbag on the corresponding numbered sheet of paper.  So, your young one is counting the dots on the dice, recognizing the number on the paper and throwing the beanbag on that number. I do recommend showing how to do it with an underhand throw! Lil B (3 1/2 yrs)  really enjoyed this game. Extension for older children: Introduce two dice and they have to add or subtract the two numbers, will need more paper for this one.

Create an extra special thank you with a handmade touch. Fold a piece of paper in half and then in half again to create a greeting card size (we used regular white 8.5 x 11 printing paper). Using a “B” stamp and his finger and an ink pad (dollar store), Lil B decorated the front of the cards to create a special design. I let him have free reign and let him do what he wanted as this was his card to give. It was an easy way to get him involved in creating the thank you notes.