tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54300316848338972982024-02-07T11:11:38.856-06:00A Passion for PlayA place for parents and children of all abilities to come together in the joy of play and experience.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-18436372775108436902012-11-27T11:18:00.000-06:002012-11-27T11:18:00.761-06:00The blog has moved!It's been a looooong time since I blogged. Here's why...<br />
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My business really picked up which forced me to focus on some other things.<br />
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We moved to the suburbs in July - finally have a house and yard! Yippee!<br />
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I had a baby in March - that makes two boys!!<br />
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Now that things have settled down, I will be getting back to blogging.<br />
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But, I will no longer be posting on Blogger. You can check my blog posts out on my website:<br />
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www.larsonlearningandplay.com</div>
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Don't forget to subscribe to the blog, twitter feed and facebook site for Larson Learning and Play.<br />
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<br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-88239360561634649732011-03-31T11:47:00.000-05:002011-03-31T11:47:24.456-05:00World Autism Awareness DayThis Saturday, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. With 1 in 110 children being diagnosed with autism, it truly is an epidemic that needs special attention. I work with many children diagnosed with autism and have worked with many in the past that have outgrown their diagnosis thanks to early therapeutic intervention. I can't tell you the joy I feel when watching the smiles of a child and parent connecting for the first time playing peek-a-boo, seeing a child eager to engage with a sibling or hearing about a child making their first best friend. <br />
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Please take a moment to learn the <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/learnsigns.php">signs of autism</a>, so we can all better assist these children and make a difference in their lives and in the lives of their families. <br />
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One of my favorite organizations, the <a href="http://www.icdl.com/portal/">Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders</a> is honoring World Autism Awareness Day by making a number of lectures on autism by Dr. Stanley Greenspan available until 4/3/11. Topics include:<br />
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<ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li>Early signs of ASD </li>
<li>Older children and adults with ASD</li>
<li>Raising the ceiling</li>
<li>The CDC-ICDL report</li>
<li>The do's and don'ts of early intervention</li>
<li>Attention, OCD and anxiety in children with ASD</li>
<li>How infants and children learn, </li>
<li>The DIR/Floortime approach </li>
<li>Bioethical approach to aggression </li>
<li>What makes an intervention works and </li>
<li>Reforming education</li>
</ul><br />
Also, all ICDL publications will be discounted 10% for the month of April. Discount code is AA2011.<br />
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I urge you to take a peek.<br />
Thanks!Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-84943103787999001852011-03-17T11:02:00.001-05:002011-03-17T11:05:46.770-05:00Catch a leprechaun today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihePnNOT5LE67wQiP0rWLwmMlH74OdvbEL23RleG6KmPUI5dIED7v_DWE_2b9kkq4IhJJny9EhujVZ7iJKD8fnn-5FxwEfRvoNxtgDMnGt3VZhyaRNB22FrMnWaatMKLEOLjsEUHi6-wfi/s1600/leprecahn.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihePnNOT5LE67wQiP0rWLwmMlH74OdvbEL23RleG6KmPUI5dIED7v_DWE_2b9kkq4IhJJny9EhujVZ7iJKD8fnn-5FxwEfRvoNxtgDMnGt3VZhyaRNB22FrMnWaatMKLEOLjsEUHi6-wfi/s200/leprecahn.bmp" width="190" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Need some gold? Tired of looking at the end of every rainbow only to find yourself disappointed that those pesky leprechauns fooled you again?! Why not build a leprechaun trap? It's a great way to fuel your child's imagination, as well as their fine motor, visual spatial and symbolic play skills. </div><br />
I received some inspiration yesterday from one of my favorite <a href="http://www.firstchurchlf.org/preschool/index.html">preschools</a> that had their students come up with ideas from materials ready for recycling. Children chose from cardboard boxes, glass jars, shredded paper, wrapping paper scraps and strawberry containers. They were then told that leprechauns love shiny, sparkly things, so children eagerly decorated their traps with vigor.<br />
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Try to have your child visualize what a trap may look like. What will lure the leprechaun inside? Where will the leprechaun enter? How will it get trapped?<br />
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Here is a simple trap made from a plastic container with a lid and a paper towel tube. Nothing too fancy (it was done by a 3 year old). I guess leprechauns love potatoes, so one was put inside so the little bearded creature could smell it via the "tunnel". <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6GQGgTjq2QHGVUULyVCwoNyCiwwcoup6hxnTEnta4eyZCaydNZ-EBG8CYADP7BdS5-bB8pSNl_InDGHE2DjZx5artsLwc9JcXp1dJfCEWrdtdd8WaozoQyk5b7mIFDYfBJHw54QSscir/s1600/IMG_5701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6GQGgTjq2QHGVUULyVCwoNyCiwwcoup6hxnTEnta4eyZCaydNZ-EBG8CYADP7BdS5-bB8pSNl_InDGHE2DjZx5artsLwc9JcXp1dJfCEWrdtdd8WaozoQyk5b7mIFDYfBJHw54QSscir/s320/IMG_5701.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An abstract idea that can be carried out for a day or two is excellent to keep children connected to a single idea and to work on delayed gratification. Be sure to let your child know that leprechauns are very tricky and mischievous. I say something along the lines of, "I have tried for years to catch one, and I never have. We can try... but those leprechauns always find a way out."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure your child will come up with a ton of questions for you to creatively answer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The leprechauns in my house come at night when everyone is sleeping. They like to play with toys and then leave a mess to let you know how mischievous they can be. Leprechauns also leave behind gold glitter wherever they walk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Get as creative as you like... your kids will eat it up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a kid-friendly <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/to-catch-a-leprechaun-710897/">link</a> for more leprechaun trap ideas. I also like this link that provides ideas for <a href="http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2009/03/leprechaun-trap/">geeky traps</a>, if you really want to go all out. </div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-82685011799154846972011-02-19T16:53:00.000-06:002011-02-19T16:53:51.899-06:00Fun with foodKids aren't the best eaters, which I am sure is no surprise. Beyond bribing with treats, not much works to get little ones to eat the healthy stuff on their plate. Sometimes even bribes don't work!<br />
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If you're at a loss at mealtime or are just looking for ways to make meals more fun, try making some food art. Now, you don't need to be a food stylist to make this happen. I just go with smiley faces most of the time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN48odyoNw54QCGHRGsEmb3A5i_U_XVt6cUO_UUgNL27yiOw9s0UKx8WKkYpoYC7pjxEIq9EPvp33NcPFMCEI1eVM0dIM3G7GP5pwGQwyY5asTgvq_NgUBX4JtlO29nPmZ5lm2Og2QzTU/s1600/IMG_5229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN48odyoNw54QCGHRGsEmb3A5i_U_XVt6cUO_UUgNL27yiOw9s0UKx8WKkYpoYC7pjxEIq9EPvp33NcPFMCEI1eVM0dIM3G7GP5pwGQwyY5asTgvq_NgUBX4JtlO29nPmZ5lm2Og2QzTU/s320/IMG_5229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Your kids may also enjoy making their own creations. <br />
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This strategy is particularly helpful for children that are very picky eaters or have feeding challenges. I once sat in awe and watched a speech pathologist work on getting children to explore different food textures by putting marshmallow fluff on the end of a pretzel rod and asking kids to go "fishing" by putting the sticky pretzel on some goldfish crackers. Sounds disgusting, but those "picky" eaters ate up those fluff covered goldfish like it was manna from heaven.<br />
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Let your imaginations run wild! I'd love to see some pictures, if you get creative.<br />
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If you need some further inspiration, amazon.com has some good selections for "food art." Here is one:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/1616133643/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books" onclick="return amz_js_PopWin(this.href,'AmazonHelp','width=700,height=600,resizable=1,scrollbars=1,toolbar=0,status=1');" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Cool Fruit & Veggie Food Art: Easy Recipes That Make Food Fun to Eat! (Cool Food Art)" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" onmouseover="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61VSCz1S3NL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616133643?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1616133643">Cool Fruit & Veggie Food Art: Easy Recipes That Make Food Fun to Eat! (Cool Food Art)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1616133643" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-71997783515382983182011-02-11T21:32:00.000-06:002011-02-11T21:32:18.157-06:00You didn't know the Post Master General lives in your house?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, it's true!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It doesn't take much to make your little one a confident and competent Post Master General. This is a great activity around Valentine's Day because chances are that your child will be mailing and/or receiving some packages and letters this month.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I always like to link play to real life experiences. So, start with a trip to the post office. This is a great opportunity to pre-teach the post office concept before you play it. Before you go, help your child make some <a href="http://larsonlearningandplay.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-that-will-melt-your-crayon.html">valentines</a>, put them in envelopes to grandparents (g-parents love getting valentines, btw), address them and show your child how to affix a stamp. Kids really enjoy stuffing envelopes, licking them shut and sticking on stamps. Just be sure to explain that stamps are not stickers. (I've made this mistake only once!)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You may also want to work on prediction skills and ask your child, "What do you think we'll see at the post office?" Maybe even make a list and check off the items that you see once there. My little guy responded "lions, dragons and sculptures." He did get one checked off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eKEtAQ6_HUuCX7VElBBJ80ZGKoeeGFfuTx8UCl7CKFfacd18V0rrx5JWjjfuIGGNpBBXhi5Il8vgwlC6xyXuoHAAK61c1Ijax0XotWb6EMXvo4Me6qC_gWS-CSM_TExXxdiSGRJvIrSI/s1600/IMG_5511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eKEtAQ6_HUuCX7VElBBJ80ZGKoeeGFfuTx8UCl7CKFfacd18V0rrx5JWjjfuIGGNpBBXhi5Il8vgwlC6xyXuoHAAK61c1Ijax0XotWb6EMXvo4Me6qC_gWS-CSM_TExXxdiSGRJvIrSI/s400/IMG_5511.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once at the post office, take the time to look around and point important things out to your child like the scales to weigh the packages, the special forms, the postal workers, the items other patrons are mailing, etc. It's also important to note the sequence of action since this will take place in your play -"First, we get our package ready to mail - then we pay for our postage - then the postal worker puts it in a bin for the mail carrier - then it gets delivered."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1wfBbE2zW0SS0XBUtG_YV5pLa6GeIRKw5G2gssOoM80oxtHaMGq_BvYeCxOqGm2W3dhy2fb82rZqhFH8HtakjETLijo6WNFNtTWPlOW9oxus4hot3u8ZBqKjvhP9vim-gERSn4Gobe2R/s1600/IMG_5512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1wfBbE2zW0SS0XBUtG_YV5pLa6GeIRKw5G2gssOoM80oxtHaMGq_BvYeCxOqGm2W3dhy2fb82rZqhFH8HtakjETLijo6WNFNtTWPlOW9oxus4hot3u8ZBqKjvhP9vim-gERSn4Gobe2R/s400/IMG_5512.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not sure if I'm allowed to take photos inside a federal building, so don't tell on me. I'm also not sure if I'm allowed to take one of everything at their preparation desks for us to play with later, but I did anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At home, set up a few stations, if you have the room. A mail preparation area, a postal worker area complete with scale and cash register, a mail box with a slot (the slot makes all the difference for kids) and a delivery area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJqqpbCbyXRICUc96jctlYdISr7e4duTOQj06byeIQn4RguyB0-jqCI3RTa1xsSbo9wRaDWd5ApUtvcWwCmdNgmkqGEhoTVK6xdRKhPUdXleaqUxAtbXhKrSXp3d6tjR9Sdoon9Pw5F34/s1600/IMG_5529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJqqpbCbyXRICUc96jctlYdISr7e4duTOQj06byeIQn4RguyB0-jqCI3RTa1xsSbo9wRaDWd5ApUtvcWwCmdNgmkqGEhoTVK6xdRKhPUdXleaqUxAtbXhKrSXp3d6tjR9Sdoon9Pw5F34/s400/IMG_5529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a preparation area. Writing out the words that your child will use is a great early literacy tool. Even if your child can't write his/her letters, having a model is a great start to show letter formation and just the idea of word usage. I also like to use old stationary and envelopes to add to the mood, as well as stickers to use as stamps. A hole puncher is also a good additon since it works on building fine motor muscles and helps kids make holes (they love that).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGyaKD0Hml2jdIUFQacTSnf-vBjbnqQHEvNEaKI2kD2Txp9GYth8iRusBdlimkiCdIr7S3RIpsdoYhF7p13a-6VRLEmb5nKr-G70H1PmptGgCWrSNZrfhzgA3Ec5e7Dk-7pJCOmmAyycu/s1600/IMG_5532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGyaKD0Hml2jdIUFQacTSnf-vBjbnqQHEvNEaKI2kD2Txp9GYth8iRusBdlimkiCdIr7S3RIpsdoYhF7p13a-6VRLEmb5nKr-G70H1PmptGgCWrSNZrfhzgA3Ec5e7Dk-7pJCOmmAyycu/s400/IMG_5532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNPOsi2hW-Ure-AQ-Ww5h-P5KlSYHrsfZOobxb-dO8JulnV8rogRC_uyS7lMgdCHt0MhGHv3oHJLiugOHSJyQk8Z861Om0c0HdLvkL33LSZH1h21fL5eeizugyn36VnOE0bzpHlBexGaw/s1600/IMG_5533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNPOsi2hW-Ure-AQ-Ww5h-P5KlSYHrsfZOobxb-dO8JulnV8rogRC_uyS7lMgdCHt0MhGHv3oHJLiugOHSJyQk8Z861Om0c0HdLvkL33LSZH1h21fL5eeizugyn36VnOE0bzpHlBexGaw/s320/IMG_5533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B0kYIQNN00yJS4OAVnjW5sf0UGDSFJBT7C4Wv-mmpZpBH2v75fMlfVcxn5-kbRs6o50P1PgpXtDpeE89kvzZRN46BGElLpW1ig7xShDl8QiDgm19QUf3zaMJk9l8eiLP9LsntQe0hg6W/s320/IMG_5534.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Let your postal worker weigh the package and tell the customer charges. I also like to challenge the child to read the zip code off the package and type the same numbers into the cash register to work on number recognition. Then, let the postal worker place the package in a mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up. I like to use real messenger bags to increase the effect.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMwmlTxarq_TJ4EV4qPQoUq8C88XUKiFeIO_ki1u_z-CKusQZXBK4GAvjj4-mj6cfX6WHhugGDcNjJpxEqbu_oz6ymWabUSbnwOd1y1EKeJOmlM58Gq4pQCI9syW2QkpTxPOjrKct90nb/s1600/IMG_5535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMwmlTxarq_TJ4EV4qPQoUq8C88XUKiFeIO_ki1u_z-CKusQZXBK4GAvjj4-mj6cfX6WHhugGDcNjJpxEqbu_oz6ymWabUSbnwOd1y1EKeJOmlM58Gq4pQCI9syW2QkpTxPOjrKct90nb/s320/IMG_5535.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjDjd3dk1jL_DaPxAVZvJXXoMxQCHj8JVPv2wdYmfCQaBs0IL7BTN8z8dZfLdUG-6MURlpOg4g7omwiOEmbO_zt-k0nag5ACBJNqF4O9ZGOe17NQBVTEtMQzkNOBaZG6kEqhaFaon6GHb/s1600/IMG_5527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjDjd3dk1jL_DaPxAVZvJXXoMxQCHj8JVPv2wdYmfCQaBs0IL7BTN8z8dZfLdUG-6MURlpOg4g7omwiOEmbO_zt-k0nag5ACBJNqF4O9ZGOe17NQBVTEtMQzkNOBaZG6kEqhaFaon6GHb/s320/IMG_5527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, it's delivery time! </div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-775259206526272822011-02-11T16:16:00.000-06:002011-02-11T16:16:28.774-06:00My first blogging award... they give out awards???Yay for play! My first award for blogging, and I'm so pleasantly surprised!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadIRNrN_GQq1NiuVPvDLRaPOaI9rS-McWP2pPECwesq3Xy1C7aCE9wYgOv2Ax0MMzLZ2L50akxIU3R7Bq6DVO4bY-_r40SwFXRzowTXKbl3BB8nJ2HtkGdPwE1l8uewf5JXYdLykfu2RB/s1600/Stylish-Blogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadIRNrN_GQq1NiuVPvDLRaPOaI9rS-McWP2pPECwesq3Xy1C7aCE9wYgOv2Ax0MMzLZ2L50akxIU3R7Bq6DVO4bY-_r40SwFXRzowTXKbl3BB8nJ2HtkGdPwE1l8uewf5JXYdLykfu2RB/s1600/Stylish-Blogger.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I would like to thank <a href="http://bedtimemonsters.blogspot.com/">No Monsters in my Bed</a> for the award. This super spectacular blog written by the lovely Darcy continues to inspire me with more ideas for play, art, reading and adventure. If you live in the DC area, it's especially helpful providing lots of ideas to do in the nation's capital and surrounding areas.<br />
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To accept this award, I have to list 7 things about myself:<br />
1. I have learned how to tame my naturally curly hair over the years and have just started accepting that it's never going away.<br />
2. I can't stand bananas and haven't eaten one since I was old enough to object.<br />
3. I have an aversion to playing with play-doh and convince myself through self-talk that it's okay to touch on an almost daily basis.<br />
4. I love classical music.<br />
5. I sometimes do ballet while listening to classical music when no one is watching.<br />
6. I sing some mean karaoke.<br />
7. My family gave up watching television for 365 days. Day 365 is on March 4th.<br />
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I also have to award recently discovered bloggers. Here goes:<br />
<a href="http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/">Modern Parents Messy Kids</a><br />
<a href="http://rummage.typepad.com/">Rummage</a><br />
<a href="http://lets-explore.net/blog/">Let's Explore</a><br />
<a href="http://madebyjoel.blogspot.com/">Made by Joel</a><br />
<a href="http://minieco.co.uk/">Mini eco</a><br />
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Now, back to preparing for the next blog post!<br />
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Oh, and btw, I'm tweeting now! Follow me on twitter. My handle (impressed with the lingo?) is PassionforPlay.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-39561840924823604722011-02-10T14:07:00.001-06:002011-02-10T14:09:18.303-06:00Want your kid to have the most unique valentines?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zq2wCfNeikTfJmM7kbazHChGwl-PML6fRsKyHgM3NApnNsaPTm6SUHmLeaYJWR2GSPwK_juv6kRvR5_Q01kinPamHE5e0ZQgel6N3-ByN9P5YMxRIy3xZ4vRGk2CBJ4arqz2AYaLGb_V/s1600/IMG_5518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zq2wCfNeikTfJmM7kbazHChGwl-PML6fRsKyHgM3NApnNsaPTm6SUHmLeaYJWR2GSPwK_juv6kRvR5_Q01kinPamHE5e0ZQgel6N3-ByN9P5YMxRIy3xZ4vRGk2CBJ4arqz2AYaLGb_V/s640/IMG_5518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I've never been a fan of the boxed valentine with all the licensed characters. I know that little kids love them, but when giving a little piece of your heart I think that something handmade is way cooler than Optimus Prime or Dora on a perferated sheet of flimsy card stock.<br />
I had a feeling that my little guy would put up a big fight not getting to pick out valentines with his favorite character ("Won't you be mine? Love, Iron Man." Now, that just doesn't sound right). So, I searched and searched for a project that is boy-friendly and also Valentine's Day appropriate. The <a href="http://artfulparent.typepad.com/artfulparent/2011/01/heart-rocks.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheArtfulParent+%28The+Artful+Parent%29">Artful Parent</a> helped me out once again. What little boy doesn't love the idea of giving rocks to his friends??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXV36h8UkHV9sYEUYxsQz0BY-vgyJXbopH9SUaguuq_gOo0HE0E5DBLPMgL1Ql9Sr7VTD1NYbBzc_c7IHzV2oPubToBOqLPQT7TwZxDrn-cM6mYZ1rDkwGORlw7Holk1JeEwsJfeJM4R_/s1600/IMG_5515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXV36h8UkHV9sYEUYxsQz0BY-vgyJXbopH9SUaguuq_gOo0HE0E5DBLPMgL1Ql9Sr7VTD1NYbBzc_c7IHzV2oPubToBOqLPQT7TwZxDrn-cM6mYZ1rDkwGORlw7Holk1JeEwsJfeJM4R_/s400/IMG_5515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This project really doesn't take much. I went to Hobby Lobby (cheapest craft store ever, btw. Too bad it's so far away from me) and took a gander at their fabrics. Now, I do not sew and have never really shopped for fabric. However, I quickly found some good Valentine's options and bought 1 foot of two patterns. </div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also bought a bag of river rocks here which are found in the silk flower section. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To start, cut out some appropriate sized hearts out of the fabric. If your child is old enough to use sharp scissors, by all means pass along the job to him/her! To affix the hearts to the rocks, paint some mod podge over the top and let dry. My little guy particularly like this part.</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We completed this project at my in-laws house which reminded me how lovely it is share these activities with family. When was the last time your child's grandma or grandpa sat down at the table to do an art activity? If you bring up the idea, I'm sure you will have some takers. We even had a little get together that night and my little man loved passing out his heart rocks.</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SGbwiYz7zXwn2eiALiAuqRXSaBRpQl07KhvminZWutPtZypmdst5nPUexq_ruVCTWL_PQEvEPZTqdKNEE-2QmPlTPLbrrlB8LTqoB0ZYmJyEyr1d4augcepL6iBw4v02axW4R-MvTR9f/s1600/IMG_5523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SGbwiYz7zXwn2eiALiAuqRXSaBRpQl07KhvminZWutPtZypmdst5nPUexq_ruVCTWL_PQEvEPZTqdKNEE-2QmPlTPLbrrlB8LTqoB0ZYmJyEyr1d4augcepL6iBw4v02axW4R-MvTR9f/s400/IMG_5523.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-35125810400117934232011-02-05T13:21:00.000-06:002011-02-05T13:21:47.706-06:00Get all goofy with Egg Carton Aliens<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLczlWkEd5lXGRnJWHFBWA700dA8GkmaZR_5QHlw4fl116PEUlHt4EmXps8h5OLoddR2Z1tYJeP33LVSoi_VCVcF-zrGbwwAbbRqbFp4-LBEiMbhWk6_4ssBHLm2YHqylmKiY4kitsRRat/s1600/IMG_5485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLczlWkEd5lXGRnJWHFBWA700dA8GkmaZR_5QHlw4fl116PEUlHt4EmXps8h5OLoddR2Z1tYJeP33LVSoi_VCVcF-zrGbwwAbbRqbFp4-LBEiMbhWk6_4ssBHLm2YHqylmKiY4kitsRRat/s640/IMG_5485.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I always love when I can combine an art activity and a play activity - or, in other words, make something to play with.<br />
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These Egg Carton Aliens are super easy and will allow your child to really use some creativity to make toys that they will, hopefully, play with for a while.<br />
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All you need is an egg carton (use some scissors to cut out the individual cups), tempera paint, and some alien creation goodies (googly eyes, fuzzy craft balls, etc.). <br />
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Start by letting your little one paint the egg carton cups.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQz4Y7Gjg58BMGay8ssrBB2BsnfVOZo8Hl6xWBxSrVQjAVaHO5X4G3xB3JfAc23j5iECF9YNQghgYB3Gcd1devMU_mqALFU4Uu7n-IMsa8YMBeveV5GaMjjhGE1ADzejJrGI0qQqtYduc/s1600/IMG_5433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQz4Y7Gjg58BMGay8ssrBB2BsnfVOZo8Hl6xWBxSrVQjAVaHO5X4G3xB3JfAc23j5iECF9YNQghgYB3Gcd1devMU_mqALFU4Uu7n-IMsa8YMBeveV5GaMjjhGE1ADzejJrGI0qQqtYduc/s400/IMG_5433.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once dry, you are ready to decorate. For kids that have some difficulty with the creative process (i.e. get frustrated when they have to come up with idea on their own), you may want to make a model for them first and then ask them to make the same alien as you. Or, you could try taking turns, "I put on an eye. You put on an eye." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQMTpkGfKe7L7_Jt__DX94Uwus35kIZkZssoqFRCW94pN3yLxVraRgP9XbpEac9hq5od6MqL_sEF8EIdN_V9WJj3kbaWeFbZbWUM6mA6b7KWGE5rkP46HnS4__NOD7ZcMr4mPyw4_FFnI/s1600/IMG_5436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQMTpkGfKe7L7_Jt__DX94Uwus35kIZkZssoqFRCW94pN3yLxVraRgP9XbpEac9hq5od6MqL_sEF8EIdN_V9WJj3kbaWeFbZbWUM6mA6b7KWGE5rkP46HnS4__NOD7ZcMr4mPyw4_FFnI/s400/IMG_5436.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And then, well, voila! You have some out of this world aliens. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAqBYgmQp8kq3aKJEf1jbq5lfK5igjC2BZ2fqGboaVQucfnBAKtAO0KwAG11jdArJDzcgkJK6tPNy1E652EY6O45GHCYr1pGW0RXHc15Sf_jlFPCJvLpermAinL6rQSCUEIBzqX7BumCf/s1600/IMG_5484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAqBYgmQp8kq3aKJEf1jbq5lfK5igjC2BZ2fqGboaVQucfnBAKtAO0KwAG11jdArJDzcgkJK6tPNy1E652EY6O45GHCYr1pGW0RXHc15Sf_jlFPCJvLpermAinL6rQSCUEIBzqX7BumCf/s400/IMG_5484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm sort of partial to these birds that were declared, "Alien pets." We made the wings with the scraps from our <a href="http://larsonlearningandplay.blogspot.com/2011/02/hang-up-some-love.html">Valentine Garland</a> activity.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kcgFkWXTRtvZkYiLQtX60AH_JLNx5mcixUUBStk3S8CPFI0sXBJzDkml_4P3n1Aze8pai4Nfy81rp8Cx7sTDsJroimaVa-oWWcrhk3bEuVUQF2Ee-1RrscPDcmbh_WiZwkFA9VDakf9U/s1600/IMG_5486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kcgFkWXTRtvZkYiLQtX60AH_JLNx5mcixUUBStk3S8CPFI0sXBJzDkml_4P3n1Aze8pai4Nfy81rp8Cx7sTDsJroimaVa-oWWcrhk3bEuVUQF2Ee-1RrscPDcmbh_WiZwkFA9VDakf9U/s400/IMG_5486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">A certain little guy I know worked on this alien for 25 minutes. Talk about alien intensity!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7pYipyMIoU5fHbJUXqoNMw69hjwr6Uwz1D949TiNhu73ZDjNK0ax3bjMe_ZMweJuUx2T3Kbt8ew-6zHbzG-PKm4PRTfBzCHn1Y2-9HB_Q9cnzR6NZjvpw_kKc2-mCD4geoZzojGLbVSH/s1600/IMG_5483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7pYipyMIoU5fHbJUXqoNMw69hjwr6Uwz1D949TiNhu73ZDjNK0ax3bjMe_ZMweJuUx2T3Kbt8ew-6zHbzG-PKm4PRTfBzCHn1Y2-9HB_Q9cnzR6NZjvpw_kKc2-mCD4geoZzojGLbVSH/s320/IMG_5483.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, your child will be chomping at the bit for these puppies - uh, aliens - to dry so that they can be played with. Now, all we need is ship. Shoe box anyone?</div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-73901132678694819562011-02-05T12:56:00.001-06:002011-02-05T13:23:29.671-06:00Hang up some loveMore coffee filter action! Your little one will adore decorating for Valentine's Day with this easy heart garland. This is also a nice way to include children of all ages and abilities in one art project. I find that when kids create together, they are even more proud of the finished product.<br />
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Start by getting some arty materials to decorate a coffee filter. Once again, I love these dot markers.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="prod_image_selector" id="prodImage" onclick="if(1 ){ async_openImmersiveView(event);} else {openImmersiveView(event);}" onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/419E4XFS7HL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004W3Y4?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004W3Y4">Do-A-Dot Rainbow Art Set (Set of 6)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004W3Y4" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But don't get shy to use glitter glue, markers, stamps, whatever tickles your fancy! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Once you have a good number of filters decorated, cut out some hearts. Just fold the filter into quarters and cut out the heart shape. Be sure to leave some of the fold intact. You will want to fold the heart over the string.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBAX9H7M5L8yvYoRNghCiaJ0LUpCQVUbWFtAEju_mIyRwta-Se2_kchsVzU_6nVkqZcal1Uixr1lvKlQE4TanPV5YqXycx_y1_MMtyUEvXvPko8RMHNbF8nueDJMBLmk5iOT8VFz_I9k5/s1600/IMG_5493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBAX9H7M5L8yvYoRNghCiaJ0LUpCQVUbWFtAEju_mIyRwta-Se2_kchsVzU_6nVkqZcal1Uixr1lvKlQE4TanPV5YqXycx_y1_MMtyUEvXvPko8RMHNbF8nueDJMBLmk5iOT8VFz_I9k5/s320/IMG_5493.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, lay out your string and hang your hearts. You can glue the inside of the hearts to the string or for the lazy in the room (me!) just use some scotch tape. I also dabbed a bit of glue stick on the inside so the back and front of the hearts stuck together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGRlU_g1vrXA0CnWX6Lkdd82L8fyLefzCR4qKP54tL2hpn8J-wN8Z4YHJRCBYgzr4kfD1Kz6u3ATb2U4GbjcnfxrENVIYwurUwDip_x8ZF7SwEG6wfn_KmDXOLgpD8p-MTZBSZY6WN1Mk/s1600/IMG_5453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGRlU_g1vrXA0CnWX6Lkdd82L8fyLefzCR4qKP54tL2hpn8J-wN8Z4YHJRCBYgzr4kfD1Kz6u3ATb2U4GbjcnfxrENVIYwurUwDip_x8ZF7SwEG6wfn_KmDXOLgpD8p-MTZBSZY6WN1Mk/s320/IMG_5453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And here's the finished product. Pretty darn cute, if you ask me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G2U8fx07UkWyrBRnAjTpa8avLD3x-xfZNlbyCNZcrZI_ZkAKHSZsLcfds8GB-1RhjI1VY90sad-ZG6NqyYImZDiYL-yDvsGFjf7_dFXBdJjcQeTx_PS4OcPoTysfLXJ2L4mconq0C-cg/s1600/IMG_5474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G2U8fx07UkWyrBRnAjTpa8avLD3x-xfZNlbyCNZcrZI_ZkAKHSZsLcfds8GB-1RhjI1VY90sad-ZG6NqyYImZDiYL-yDvsGFjf7_dFXBdJjcQeTx_PS4OcPoTysfLXJ2L4mconq0C-cg/s640/IMG_5474.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-61024813198402326132011-02-02T15:01:00.000-06:002011-02-02T15:01:45.044-06:00Valentines that will melt your.... crayon?I found this idea on the <a href="http://artfulparent.wordpress.com/">Artful Parent</a> blog - one of my faves. This is a totally simple craft that kids of all ages will love. <br />
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Start by letting your child choose 3 or 4 crayon colors. Grate them with a cheese grater and keep the colors separate. I used different graters to make the color shavings different sizes. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcAQQi1sx71smEsMBIfY7p3GV8YVk4g9D8VLawR566SXZnOCHVX3hsU3fslH2xJ8B11H2iWjZXVfZiACEylbrS5JI0iFjcozKzuOapkW1XWSsupYCwg7xK_zi4CljlNtfOipruBzuGJiD/s1600/IMG_5392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcAQQi1sx71smEsMBIfY7p3GV8YVk4g9D8VLawR566SXZnOCHVX3hsU3fslH2xJ8B11H2iWjZXVfZiACEylbrS5JI0iFjcozKzuOapkW1XWSsupYCwg7xK_zi4CljlNtfOipruBzuGJiD/s400/IMG_5392.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Using some durable paper (I used water color paper), let your child sprinkle the shavings onto the paper. This is a great time to help your child label the colors and discuss what colors are darker/lighter, what shavings are bigger/smaller, etc.<br />
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Once your little one is finished sprinkling, lay some wax paper on top. Using an iron on the lowest setting, lightly iron over the crayon shavings allowing them to melt. Your child will love watching this part!<br />
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Finally, encourage your child to use a heart stencil to make valentines.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxCeOREZvo4431tGZZh9tQ8LPOEhS0J-Mjm-3yl2KzVxgbX1yS_xg5HPmSIjL0oJuR-VJVXIC0l3GAFuP51nHmVYIqYfJDTVzDg929OGBceEFvheFxkTsarAMdepTQQ-Pv5tLnR_w0edW/s1600/IMG_5425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxCeOREZvo4431tGZZh9tQ8LPOEhS0J-Mjm-3yl2KzVxgbX1yS_xg5HPmSIjL0oJuR-VJVXIC0l3GAFuP51nHmVYIqYfJDTVzDg929OGBceEFvheFxkTsarAMdepTQQ-Pv5tLnR_w0edW/s320/IMG_5425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Cut out and pass out to friends and family. Xoxo...Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-78356741526270756992011-02-02T14:47:00.000-06:002011-02-02T14:47:01.399-06:00Inexpensive craft kits are a no-brainer...literally!I love craft kits for days when I 'm not feeling especially creative. They are also great for when your little one wants to be crafty, but the idea of set-up and clean-up is just a bit too much that day. The Alex brand has some really lovely options that your kids will eat up. <br />
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Big time cute factor.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="prod_image_selector" id="prodImage" onclick="if(1 ){ async_openImmersiveView(event);} else {openImmersiveView(event);}" onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61M7He3uXoL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UH50MU?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001UH50MU">Alex Toys Paper Plate Bugs, Alex Little Hands Art Series</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001UH50MU" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I like this one because there is no glue needed. Just peel off one section at a time to reveal a sticky surface, crumple the tissue and stick!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img class="prod_image_selector" id="prodImage" onclick="if(1 ){ async_openImmersiveView(event);} else {openImmersiveView(event);}" onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WhaUPDMsL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HV2TY2?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000HV2TY2">Alex My Tissue Art</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000HV2TY2" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This mosaic set is incredibly easy for preschool age children and up. Just peel the shapes and stick them on!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img class="prod_image_selector" id="prodImage" onclick="if(1 ){ async_openImmersiveView(event);} else {openImmersiveView(event);}" onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61vXBjINaXL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UHEKH6?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001UHEKH6">Alex Toys My First Mosaic, Alex Little Hands Art Series</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001UHEKH6" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a little guy I know making a T-Rex mosaic from this set.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNLa1rGjUJWgyyYvb7n1uaKLM8ymjHhC1yiy6IVPHiMRCrBTZ437kuUvOMJNeg3XfKeV7FpAz-5SEA-GcXAoOk3S_cGIOo6LMdZ5VwGJ4DpoW06VtpGwV-al6KrkByaoyQzw9EYTvd6fU/s1600/IMG_5290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNLa1rGjUJWgyyYvb7n1uaKLM8ymjHhC1yiy6IVPHiMRCrBTZ437kuUvOMJNeg3XfKeV7FpAz-5SEA-GcXAoOk3S_cGIOo6LMdZ5VwGJ4DpoW06VtpGwV-al6KrkByaoyQzw9EYTvd6fU/s320/IMG_5290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Any other craft kits out there you'd like to share?</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-55566470593733467782011-02-02T14:14:00.001-06:002011-02-05T13:23:54.845-06:00SNOW DAY!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpqRKTAAFXCYOV-CxxHSiGJdgxcVzhgRqJmWKzA2BBGC3YmPDXQQKS-0KZN2HhTKRO_OEG6RFl7dY4QxmCAwigvIdRGb79gio1cWlRb32oaI92nm298b67FRNWD3olJK-LwwIOrYSU3aG/s1600/IMG_5421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpqRKTAAFXCYOV-CxxHSiGJdgxcVzhgRqJmWKzA2BBGC3YmPDXQQKS-0KZN2HhTKRO_OEG6RFl7dY4QxmCAwigvIdRGb79gio1cWlRb32oaI92nm298b67FRNWD3olJK-LwwIOrYSU3aG/s640/IMG_5421.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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We are officially snowed in here in Chicago with over 18" of snow. Living in the city means that our streets won't get plowed for a few days and once you dig out your parking space, you don't want to leave for fear that you will lose it. <br />
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So... we're here. Inside. For at least a day. Or two. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAhVX8YA2t1gd8v4DnhhAclezVYnNdBWVnhgUlNO2QdGCH_IS3VmU2F8mGSoLSukoFrOjA61XmDBk1cvDGMz8Ppp0YCyONOTTln2qu0l1pJUhc4tXjWcLAzV4L-oaVdFAdfN4B-aTsO2a/s1600/IMG_5398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAhVX8YA2t1gd8v4DnhhAclezVYnNdBWVnhgUlNO2QdGCH_IS3VmU2F8mGSoLSukoFrOjA61XmDBk1cvDGMz8Ppp0YCyONOTTln2qu0l1pJUhc4tXjWcLAzV4L-oaVdFAdfN4B-aTsO2a/s320/IMG_5398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Which is great news for you (and me, too, I guess) because I can get caught up on the all the blog posts that have been marinating in my head waiting to get out to the blogosphere. <br />
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On a snowy day, I can't think of a better activity than making coffee filter snowflakes. You really don't need much: Coffee filters, markers, water colors, safety scissors and whatever other decorating materials you can conjur up. Personally, I love using dot markers for this activity. They are fantastic tools for children of all fine motor abilities. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="prod_image_selector" id="prodImage" onclick="if(1 ){ async_openImmersiveView(event);} else {openImmersiveView(event);}" onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/419E4XFS7HL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004W3Y4?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004W3Y4">Do-A-Dot Rainbow Art Set (Set of 6)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004W3Y4" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ-bTyRYFixOrF0bcpUzo39GnPdzDR6NRTSNNbykHa97fHbhbf9dNnDH1u_wONKS9mtvOstcS8d23FXVDfkFEtFaS9kVqpdWoq1nGKKkiJ57OEpfL4_jhKgkD13sDcM6I20jDw1hWRJ9P/s1600/IMG_5314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ-bTyRYFixOrF0bcpUzo39GnPdzDR6NRTSNNbykHa97fHbhbf9dNnDH1u_wONKS9mtvOstcS8d23FXVDfkFEtFaS9kVqpdWoq1nGKKkiJ57OEpfL4_jhKgkD13sDcM6I20jDw1hWRJ9P/s320/IMG_5314.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Watercolors are great, too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl83J1B8-0tponYkf8TX0P3t4UY_pch8PRr7z8b_82_CCEYpBsY39i54suxeZSG5xcRZv1VaYeRAVbambrpIggB2uEJrL0vzfL2oLkQt3MUO97XQM2Ouh19kliDxWcGg1PfiK6jEOYii0/s1600/IMG_5299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAl83J1B8-0tponYkf8TX0P3t4UY_pch8PRr7z8b_82_CCEYpBsY39i54suxeZSG5xcRZv1VaYeRAVbambrpIggB2uEJrL0vzfL2oLkQt3MUO97XQM2Ouh19kliDxWcGg1PfiK6jEOYii0/s320/IMG_5299.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">When it's time to cut shapes into the filter, just fold into quarters and cut cutting. Younger artists may need you to draw shapes onto the filter to help them know where to cut.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXCTZ0RuyUonkFXP87ZDkOwGHrNcsw8oLjIdehB_qujPBF1zSP0f708JdbeJNFkHfsGld5bSrNWl4q_UJ98xsdbAAyj3oLkf-kcCoDGNAyptzXGXUFRgmwUrC6q2pwso-1m2n5mnjHIrq/s1600/IMG_5308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXCTZ0RuyUonkFXP87ZDkOwGHrNcsw8oLjIdehB_qujPBF1zSP0f708JdbeJNFkHfsGld5bSrNWl4q_UJ98xsdbAAyj3oLkf-kcCoDGNAyptzXGXUFRgmwUrC6q2pwso-1m2n5mnjHIrq/s320/IMG_5308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1BghPwUqvvGJucb7K2tlOS9VlR5mV889AB66oUydnECduRmsqHVR5lcZ5NK48nfzwRU3_eR6FwxU7miwvZuYxE70SorZlOH5nunwSpGKib12sk5owIB0BbLwDnLw2zXlXO92XgZm4WD0/s1600/IMG_5315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1BghPwUqvvGJucb7K2tlOS9VlR5mV889AB66oUydnECduRmsqHVR5lcZ5NK48nfzwRU3_eR6FwxU7miwvZuYxE70SorZlOH5nunwSpGKib12sk5owIB0BbLwDnLw2zXlXO92XgZm4WD0/s320/IMG_5315.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Your child will love opening up his/her snowflake to see the design.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63wS4u4Bt6tprtzWhwn10-NEC8IQF5d1WrSGUItqMrRl9GkEf8Gyve8nwvShyINlgHGIl1VB1Ea1OYg6wnEu5VrhLSdPvjClbBUrj1GAvBWcQ7vfhpus_GnfjH2l7JPFGgQ19mh_gzPTy/s1600/IMG_5432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63wS4u4Bt6tprtzWhwn10-NEC8IQF5d1WrSGUItqMrRl9GkEf8Gyve8nwvShyINlgHGIl1VB1Ea1OYg6wnEu5VrhLSdPvjClbBUrj1GAvBWcQ7vfhpus_GnfjH2l7JPFGgQ19mh_gzPTy/s320/IMG_5432.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Be sure to hang them on a window for the full effect!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-39644255594405805812011-01-25T11:36:00.000-06:002011-01-25T11:36:32.785-06:00The Magic of Masking TapeIf you've ever seen me play, you know that at some point or another I will bring out masking tape. When I travel to clients' homes, I often have masking tape with me - ready to help save the day. <br />
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What, you may ask, am I doing with all this masking tape? <br />
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Well, I'm using it to make roads on the ground. This creates a wonderful visual for children to help them motor plan and sequence their ideas from one place to another.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeCtFUPa9xNr8A6_CypCJyic2unG0FubhjNxo-5ASoJf4GGlAxjOiwDWcG8JrZXP0SvTPz0NyarY-O5Rme9O27B0pgv7v2TIHbOJQJK8G7tPc6e1J1UEk-5pmPBQeKIGIsYxx8QhvsP3g/s1600/IMG_5380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeCtFUPa9xNr8A6_CypCJyic2unG0FubhjNxo-5ASoJf4GGlAxjOiwDWcG8JrZXP0SvTPz0NyarY-O5Rme9O27B0pgv7v2TIHbOJQJK8G7tPc6e1J1UEk-5pmPBQeKIGIsYxx8QhvsP3g/s400/IMG_5380.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm using it as a web to hold Spiderman from a skyscraper.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG1JckqD433CNbW9J03q0Ww4H0-yUR8Nqx_ODPCe0vyKgXM2ydmdTqm6ZjkbzYktk_quZeNbAz0dl-OvSVCVOyGtQeHEuYZZCFRZtxJvyzxiir4R8-6wWbUiKhitLiMQ1RzKaWurCIIJN/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG1JckqD433CNbW9J03q0Ww4H0-yUR8Nqx_ODPCe0vyKgXM2ydmdTqm6ZjkbzYktk_quZeNbAz0dl-OvSVCVOyGtQeHEuYZZCFRZtxJvyzxiir4R8-6wWbUiKhitLiMQ1RzKaWurCIIJN/s400/IMG_5388.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I'm using it to make casts on broken appendages.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuXFJa3reBaRA1SHxMnLkoxr_tZWfhi-8RHzCORo7W0eoUOnMJo0EWcGrkGGs1woY-EHUpj4UmxNciHuYCZWhqTmU8K18sl1jD__slvt_1GVhFlvB-L7xneA7OoFlnkXpqOD9U-m7llAd/s1600/IMG_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuXFJa3reBaRA1SHxMnLkoxr_tZWfhi-8RHzCORo7W0eoUOnMJo0EWcGrkGGs1woY-EHUpj4UmxNciHuYCZWhqTmU8K18sl1jD__slvt_1GVhFlvB-L7xneA7OoFlnkXpqOD9U-m7llAd/s400/IMG_5258.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I'm using it to tie closed the mouth of a ferocious beast and tie down the baddest of the bad guys.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYxtrozU0NeBFLFYOxxcG_LIFrD1Tg698mAKjcYsWSaMEBzavZ-14WU4FMQPtNsvjNq1bAMOhCXNA8PCvScUT9UmzN72VX-0j4Vg1p9X4juhqzrQ5gUBGg6SnnmpcsCvv-mh-5w0qaNkx/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYxtrozU0NeBFLFYOxxcG_LIFrD1Tg698mAKjcYsWSaMEBzavZ-14WU4FMQPtNsvjNq1bAMOhCXNA8PCvScUT9UmzN72VX-0j4Vg1p9X4juhqzrQ5gUBGg6SnnmpcsCvv-mh-5w0qaNkx/s400/IMG_5255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Another great game is to wrap it around a child's feet with the sticky side out. Then let them walk around with "sticky feet." It's also fun to put some confetti on the ground and challenge your kids to pick it all up with their "sticky feet." <br />
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Masking tape is also fantastic for utilitarian purposes in play - to help doors on cars that won't close, to hang up the written rules of a game or to tape on a name tag to help a child remember the role that they are playing.<br />
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Masking tape is just plain old awesome. Your kids will come up with even more ideas, I'm sure!Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-2116348905851629312011-01-05T09:59:00.001-06:002011-01-25T11:43:25.328-06:00Please take the time to read this articleI have very strong opinions on the importance of play, if you haven't figured that out already. This <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662826/frog-design-the-future-of-play?partner=homepage_newsletter"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">article</span></a> was found by a fellow blogger and friend, and it is just a gem.<br />
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It discusses how children today are "game players" rather than "game designers." They can play with what is given to them, but struggle with creating something novel, thinking "outside the box" and making something out of nothing. You can't blame this struggle on them. After all, you have to search high and low to find toys that don't move on their own or have buttons that make them have sounds. My favorite example of this is the dinosaur that walks and roars on his own. What fun is playing with a dinosaur when you can't crash it into things and invent the cacophonous sounds yourself?? I think back to when my son wanted the Little Einsteins rocket for his figures. I even had it in the cart when I thought, "If he wants a rocket, he should make one. I made quite a few tissue box vehicles in my day. He can do it, too." But, it's so hard, as parents, to not give into the call of consumerism and bright, blinking, loud manufactured toys that tell us how smart they will make our children. <br />
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The article also touches on the importance of child-led unstructured play which is the cornerstone of the therapy I practice called DIR/Floortime. Children need to lead the play and structure it for themselves to truly explore and learn from their environment. They need play partners that say, "Yes!" not "Let's try it this way" or "Rabbits can't fly."<br />
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Perhaps my favorite section of the article is when the author discusses the heavy focus in schools on behavior and classroom management. She says,<br />
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"...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">I fully appreciate the fine balance between learning and discipline that is required in any classroom. Yet I grow concerned when the daily folder my child brings home focuses on rewarding the following behaviors: walk quietly, keep hands to self, raise hand before speaking, and sit still in chair. Instead, I’d like to see a second folder promoting things like: had an original idea, created a new game on the playground, made up a story, solved a problem for a friend, or invented something uncommon from a common object."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"></span>Alas, more reasons why I have chosen to work privately instead of in a classroom.<br />
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So, please take the time to read this <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662826/frog-design-the-future-of-play?partner=homepage_newsletter"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">article</span></a> and pass it along to your friends, family and your child's teachers and therapists. It's a good one. (Warning though... she does knock moon sand which I totally love. It's okay, though. Moon sand is great for indoor play in the winter or on rainy days. You and I know that the sand box is always best when weather permits. ;) ) <br />
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Here's the link:Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-39111620206602030432011-01-04T16:32:00.002-06:002011-01-25T11:38:07.047-06:00Nothing cleans like shaving creamI worked at an occupational therapy clinic for years and learned quite a few things about the many uses of shaving cream. Sounds crazy, I know, but those OTs really love their shaving cream! And they should because it can be quite entertaining when used in play. Kids love to feel it squish in their fingers and can't resist smothering toys to only reveal them again with a squirt of water.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH2r8jfaUn6ZZYNjFfzSE62IAD7MPFah4JSkH1TQyRj0B6mbJgHSdzdEFb_8e2q8k7sQQm6PeZrqKUSqp1QA8XY8pzwnbLj004E0XGgYaDYi9HeGSkiZD5A92-ceV3hpTOi3CIAEQibs7/s1600/IMG_5366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH2r8jfaUn6ZZYNjFfzSE62IAD7MPFah4JSkH1TQyRj0B6mbJgHSdzdEFb_8e2q8k7sQQm6PeZrqKUSqp1QA8XY8pzwnbLj004E0XGgYaDYi9HeGSkiZD5A92-ceV3hpTOi3CIAEQibs7/s640/IMG_5366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A shaving cream snow storm is a good idea, so is a shaving cream car wash which I show here. Don't feel like you can only use it in the bathtub, having some towels and a tray make shaving cream play possible just about anywhere that is cleanable. <br />
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Start by gathering your materials:<br />
<ul><li>Shaving cream - a half-way full to a full can is best to avoid messy, watery mishaps. I also buy the sensitive skin brand since it can be irritating to little fingers.</li>
<li>A squirt bottle - adjust the spray so that it is a wide spray versus a direct one. A direct, hard spray could kick-up shaving cream into eyes. </li>
<li>Brushes - Paint brushes are great, but I love these brushes from Alex. They look a lot like the brushes at the actual car wash.</li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HTU5msy_gb8oA62H_IKIeBtkjFr-LWuSTgRkVhu4T9z6kdXip8WopH6tOirPm5sNqPwX6UWze3VlmMWkMlPBo56VwnE-_WafaHHSqdeZXtO7VW5NlkV0KcvUw4Y18vxVzJZeXzc1rMqz/s1600/funky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HTU5msy_gb8oA62H_IKIeBtkjFr-LWuSTgRkVhu4T9z6kdXip8WopH6tOirPm5sNqPwX6UWze3VlmMWkMlPBo56VwnE-_WafaHHSqdeZXtO7VW5NlkV0KcvUw4Y18vxVzJZeXzc1rMqz/s1600/funky.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NJH6HI?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000NJH6HI">Alex Toys Little Hands, 3 Funky Brushes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000NJH6HI" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><br />
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<ul><li>Towels - for obvious reasons</li>
<li>A tray - allows you to play at the kitchen table or on the floor.</li>
<li>Toys - the sky is the limit. Cars, animals, superheroes - ask your child to find toys who would like to be washed. This is a good time to discuss the properties of materials - what can be washed, what can't and why.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">As you can see from this child's selection, Buzz Lightyear, a baby and a dinosaur joined a tractor and a bulldozer in the fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulhXCURfW2cGywD4GszGVpH-wZImbImxg5GIiolNSFtuWe1O4iSpp9FAhkE8Zjsvt6X3Z7yJFMGunLWH4gASgcsYmqNy70oZEHkbfJdETD_MaIEKIssNuCVCIk-wDZZ7J1BYnHgINqgsD/s1600/IMG_5354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulhXCURfW2cGywD4GszGVpH-wZImbImxg5GIiolNSFtuWe1O4iSpp9FAhkE8Zjsvt6X3Z7yJFMGunLWH4gASgcsYmqNy70oZEHkbfJdETD_MaIEKIssNuCVCIk-wDZZ7J1BYnHgINqgsD/s320/IMG_5354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Some tips for play:<br />
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This play scenario is excellent to work on your child's sequencing skills. Talk about what happens first, second and last at the car wash. Ask your child how you will get the toys wet, soapy, dry, etc.<br />
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Let your child do the squirting. The squirt bottle is fantastic for strengthening your child's hand muscles that are necessary for fine motor control.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4eZQ-jpLZr0hiXTsXRu56j0NEGQL2SBdno6mG5MZzENHYTzHtEJyJS2QskI8GtEKjCLyN2_VZBj7dXx0HsIv16vvijnoTuo4_Yus8fOMt7ohTjgx-8LSL86_n9hpsHAV_u_WN9Kk1ifY/s1600/IMG_5363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4eZQ-jpLZr0hiXTsXRu56j0NEGQL2SBdno6mG5MZzENHYTzHtEJyJS2QskI8GtEKjCLyN2_VZBj7dXx0HsIv16vvijnoTuo4_Yus8fOMt7ohTjgx-8LSL86_n9hpsHAV_u_WN9Kk1ifY/s320/IMG_5363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Try and make the play as symbolic as possible. Have your child put the toys in line waiting their turn to get washed. Encourage your child to talk to the toys and tell them what is happening. He may even want to collect money from the drivers. This is a great time to introduce some vocabulary like "wet" "dry" "spray" "squirt" "soapy" "dirty" "clean" "steering wheel" "driver's seat" "tires" "hood" "trunk."<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Toys waiting in line...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgHYNTCfpW65Y0_X_tmr-BIr343CXWm0_r2hcZEo1dAd_mMXEH3sAYQYyWwYU9Y64dAlhFlJUQEw8hiD0cXLZbUuAgI82H7dL2Th6hBaqQDcUnpPRuP9Lq9KIUPKYaOl0NBVKlx9KxT0H/s1600/IMG_5360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgHYNTCfpW65Y0_X_tmr-BIr343CXWm0_r2hcZEo1dAd_mMXEH3sAYQYyWwYU9Y64dAlhFlJUQEw8hiD0cXLZbUuAgI82H7dL2Th6hBaqQDcUnpPRuP9Lq9KIUPKYaOl0NBVKlx9KxT0H/s320/IMG_5360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You may want to take on roles so that your child has to wait his turn and watch you or a sibling do a job. If one job is coveted (I guarantee it will be the person in charge of the shaving cream), help your child take turns.<br />
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For children who are hesitant with messy play introduce the shaving cream slowly. Put a little dab on a brush or on the tray and encourage your child to just use the brush to apply it. If your child is really sensitive, latex gloves can be used to cover their hands. Once your child begins to acclimate, put a tiny bit of cream on their finger before encouraging them to dive in. The best thing to help tactilely sensitive children feel comfortable is to model it for them. A mom or dad who is hesitant to get messy will most likely have a child that is the same. So, dive on in! It's just shaving cream - easy, easy clean-up!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIODI-JuScBUucQMLHj_yMFYWBAEAwj0nAI-jjs-qZ8fWwVT9gArjw9B13OGgvbR2y5Lm0zqb7-Upx81Hjr79TRJiOaKXBcd-S_CsbRvv9ASiSZ9rGtUgcq8zWyOSB__ycQvcN5FlOUx_/s1600/IMG_5359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIODI-JuScBUucQMLHj_yMFYWBAEAwj0nAI-jjs-qZ8fWwVT9gArjw9B13OGgvbR2y5Lm0zqb7-Upx81Hjr79TRJiOaKXBcd-S_CsbRvv9ASiSZ9rGtUgcq8zWyOSB__ycQvcN5FlOUx_/s320/IMG_5359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Finally, you may want to take a trip to the real car wash before or after this play. It will make the experience of playing car wash together much more meaningful for both of you! </div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-20842257393509450732011-01-01T22:44:00.001-06:002011-01-25T11:38:45.683-06:00New Year means new stuff2011 is finally here. I'm a glass half full kinda gal, so I see a new year as something that is ripe with possibilities. I hope in the coming 12 months to be able to share more ideas to inspire parents to take the time to play every day.<br />
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But, before we can play... we have to organize.<br />
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As soon as the holidays end - I literally mean as soon as the last present is opened - I begin stressing about where to put the newly obtained items. Do I get rid of some old toys? Do I shift things around? Don't we already have a toy like that?<br />
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I urge all parents out there to really ponder your playroom situation and make some changes before you bring the new toys in. Your children will love you for it! An organized space leads to organized ideas. Organized ideas generate play that is easy to expand upon and garners further creativity. It's a win-win for children and parents alike! Here are some suggestions that will get you started:<br />
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<strong>1. Clutter free is the way to be</strong> - Children play best in spaces that are well organized. Before you even think of how to organize the items, go through and donate or store anything that your child has not played with in the last year. And, I mean <em>really </em>played with. Once or twice for a total of 5 minutes, doesn't count.<br />
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<strong>2. Start a rotation</strong> - There's no need to display every toy you own in one space. This isn't your grandmother's china. As many new items as you are contributing, take the same amount out of the playroom. This doesn't mean that your child won't ever play with these items again. Rotate them back in when your child begins to tire of the new toys. When toys are out of rotation, put them in a place that your child can get to them if they desire. For example, you may want to rotate toys out of the playroom and onto your child's closet shelf.<br />
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<strong>3. Out of sight - out of mind</strong> - I can pretty much guarantee that the toys you take out of the play space will be forgotten very quickly. Children tend to gravitate toward things that are in their line of vision. Ever notice how your child plays mostly with the toys that are out of the toy chest? Take this into consideration when you are organizing. Piling a ton of toys in a basket or a toy chest doesn't assist your child when they are making decisions for their play. Even if they come up with an idea of something to play with, chances are that if it's difficult to locate, they won't look for it for long. They may also get frustrated. Keep your child's favorite toys accessible and visible.<br />
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<strong>4. Donate duplicates</strong> - Just because someone gave your son a garbage truck does not mean that he needs that he needs a fleet. Donate the old or regift the new. <br />
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<strong>5. Organize according to theme</strong> - I love storage boxes. I also love classification. Use clear boxes to group toys together by theme. This makes play so much easier for your children. Not only do they have everything they need to play at their fingertips, but it also helps children who may have difficulty coming up with ideas to start or expand their play. Play may also last longer when all the components are there and a child doesn't have to search high and low for a necessary piece. Some themes that I enjoy are: Zoo animals, Farm animals, Police station, Fire station, Play food, Superheroes, Pirates, Barbies, Doctor, Dinosaurs, Trains, Cars, Construction vehicles... the list could go on and on.<br />
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<strong>6. Clear a space</strong> - Always be sure to have a space delineated for play. Whether it's a rug, a mat, or some open floor, keep the space clean and empty. Encourage your child to bring their chosen toys to the open area to play. If the play extends beyond that area, that's fine! It's just that children may have an easier time getting started if they begin in a space where their toys aren't competing for room.<br />
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I hope these tips get your playroom organized so play can be even more fulfilling in 2011!Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-53020378584294419472010-12-18T12:47:00.001-06:002011-01-25T11:39:36.435-06:00Help your child get in the spirit of giving with salt dough ornamentsAsking your children to make something special for loved ones on the holidays is something I consider necessary. With so many gifts coming their way, it's always nice for them to reciprocate. Plus, I think little ones get a big kick out of the "ooo-ing" and "ahh-ing" that inevitably comes tumbling out of the mouths of relatives. <br />
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These salt dough ornaments are something that your child will love to make and to give. The dough is also great for just using like play-doh, too, if you aren't in the mood to go all the way with this activity. This recipe comes from <a href="http://www.paintcutpaste.com/">PaintCutPaste</a>, one of my favorite go-to blogs for crafty ideas.<br />
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<div align="center">Salt Dough</div><div align="center">4 cups flout</div><div align="center">1 cup iodized salt</div><div align="center">1.75 cups warm water</div><div align="center">Mix and knead for 10 minutes</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWqQKzOUwK-GpzFu57TvCdaOZewCtHAEItiO7NaBXuLda9q8q-s2r0NXRXaS2m2K7eCHO6eblruTTYFVtapAhR_6FTj2pjiX7b2k5ucr4ap8mraTHmold0BnHu_gm1xorENA9KDjnf0GO/s1600/IMG_5221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWqQKzOUwK-GpzFu57TvCdaOZewCtHAEItiO7NaBXuLda9q8q-s2r0NXRXaS2m2K7eCHO6eblruTTYFVtapAhR_6FTj2pjiX7b2k5ucr4ap8mraTHmold0BnHu_gm1xorENA9KDjnf0GO/s320/IMG_5221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Roll out your dough on a floured surface. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Noy7jdO7jUGHwsToZvRGiZvPDW6ZxK3sz52IfHFrJwN-Nikj2e1xChQChBrAeu3AVCBppZVIPGFHABKsOfEEV1SpkR66650rHFy4maPGnZUoyfM4Lqtql4k-njwM4IEXjqxFyNoB06j/s1600/IMG_5224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45Noy7jdO7jUGHwsToZvRGiZvPDW6ZxK3sz52IfHFrJwN-Nikj2e1xChQChBrAeu3AVCBppZVIPGFHABKsOfEEV1SpkR66650rHFy4maPGnZUoyfM4Lqtql4k-njwM4IEXjqxFyNoB06j/s320/IMG_5224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Use cookie cutters to make shapes.</div><div align="center">Use a straw to poke holes for your string.</div><div align="center">Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhNJ2aoBPPH6rhcs3wyZfIPZLoQxvMBocf33-z3h-3lrhCttQMXth7a1rQBNnNlMXiTcOVQTDP9vM0PR2oeEYY6CNZlGih1pxz1nXG-zJ25Q0c6ex-0O-L-vfRibWQ5GsEYYaovTQskwa/s1600/IMG_5227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhNJ2aoBPPH6rhcs3wyZfIPZLoQxvMBocf33-z3h-3lrhCttQMXth7a1rQBNnNlMXiTcOVQTDP9vM0PR2oeEYY6CNZlGih1pxz1nXG-zJ25Q0c6ex-0O-L-vfRibWQ5GsEYYaovTQskwa/s320/IMG_5227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let them cool on a wire rack for 12-24 hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When ready, use a water-based paint like tempera or acrylic to decorate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like to use glitter and stickers to make them look even fancier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JZ-eqPhyZzvmPWrGE07rVAq_kqFTpx23yExXwNasdVou2eyM2wEilibSf9MwFoEGGDiUKnwS75CmhjQRjyhEP2cvnonZVxffRrdboiMt_uLPBJwe_80Ue6SrukZ-dvvttNpBQJ4cj9dz/s1600/IMG_5241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JZ-eqPhyZzvmPWrGE07rVAq_kqFTpx23yExXwNasdVou2eyM2wEilibSf9MwFoEGGDiUKnwS75CmhjQRjyhEP2cvnonZVxffRrdboiMt_uLPBJwe_80Ue6SrukZ-dvvttNpBQJ4cj9dz/s320/IMG_5241.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">There is just something so special about a child's artistic touch, isn't there? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhhokx_mvqhYPSF3AEJG9vi0-vR61VscONlE5QTd_SsCVbBObwREctkWDjGRDPRz78DDcVdXOSBljgvTCqlYu1nwmvsydx7ahfDcF2_WD0YE4LvsCvvhrvc9FU_ZJI6w3ys0d6O82G01J/s1600/IMG_5247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhhokx_mvqhYPSF3AEJG9vi0-vR61VscONlE5QTd_SsCVbBObwREctkWDjGRDPRz78DDcVdXOSBljgvTCqlYu1nwmvsydx7ahfDcF2_WD0YE4LvsCvvhrvc9FU_ZJI6w3ys0d6O82G01J/s320/IMG_5247.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-19687567112942929142010-12-14T16:09:00.001-06:002011-01-25T11:40:22.538-06:00Sand from the moon puts me over the moonI have a love/hate relationship with Moon Sand. For those of you who haven't encountered this strange substance, it feels like sand with some properties of play-doh. Unlike the real deal, you can mold Moon Sand without adding water. Although it doesn't quite hold a sturdy shape (it is sand, after all), little ones love to roll it into balls, cut out shapes and use their imagination to make all sorts of creations. It also doesn't dry out which gives it a one-up over play-doh in my book.<br />
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It is for all the above reasons that I love Moon Sand. I do find myself cursing Moon Sand once play is over. Bringing sand into your home leads to a mess - on the table, on the floor, in my child's case - in the hair, down the shirt... you get the picture. But, I have to remind my anal-retentive tendencies that this is "messy" play. It's okay to get the house messy and the child messy. It's easy enough to clean-up and the fun your child will have makes it all worth it. (Remind yourself of this when you find sand in your child's eyebrows.)<br />
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The Moon Sand people make a plethora of sets to choose from. They all come with a plastic sheet to make clean-up easier and, depending on the set, sometimes even an inflatable tray with raised sides to assist with the mess. The sets are nice because they lend to some symbolic play, but with a free form material like this your children will love letting their creativity show.<br />
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Here are some of my favorite sets:<br />
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For a budding Bob the Builder - <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Moon Sand Demolition Kit" border="0" class="prod_image_selector" height="300" id="prodImage" onclick="if( 1 ) { async_openImmersiveView(event);} else {openImmersiveView(event);}" onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519jQFobmtL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00351YU70?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00351YU70">Moon Sand Demolition Kit</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00351YU70" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For a future Julia Child - </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><img class="prod_image_selector" id="prodImage" onclick="if(1 ){ async_openImmersiveView(event);} else {openImmersiveView(event);}" onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61NBEn5ZYqL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="cursor: pointer;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AJEXJ2?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003AJEXJ2">Moon Sand Bake Shop Playset</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003AJEXJ2" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For the aspiring Lancelot or Guinevere -</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><img class="prod_image_selector" id="prodImage" onclick="if(1 ){ async_openImmersiveView(event);} else {openImmersiveView(event);}" onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CKteqJHdL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016A7O3E?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0016A7O3E">Moon Sand Treasure Kingdom</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0016A7O3E" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You can also just buy the Moon Sand and use your own sand toys that are taking a break in storage for the summer. </div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img class="prod_image_selector" id="prodImage" onclick="if(1 ){ async_openImmersiveView(event);} else {openImmersiveView(event);}" onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51nmkrk2znL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VAOI3Y?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlarsonlear-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000VAOI3Y">Moon Sand Party Pack - 6 Different Colors</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlarsonlear-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VAOI3Y" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a sand toy set that I had at home that makes ice cream cones. Your little ones will love bringing the beach indoors on a cold winter day!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvErCDgoE7-KI1kSuB8fFiUtdTFL_Y3pYCH8gDYAZw2X8f5_ObCeAKL6be7HPF_8m9Jdm2TM6HN348lLaDV5HEZS2CFp_rfxZ1m4Y2tnQ9HzJIVKEkYASiFuzrXo45e3Xf31PRMmu-NiSr/s1600/IMG_5209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvErCDgoE7-KI1kSuB8fFiUtdTFL_Y3pYCH8gDYAZw2X8f5_ObCeAKL6be7HPF_8m9Jdm2TM6HN348lLaDV5HEZS2CFp_rfxZ1m4Y2tnQ9HzJIVKEkYASiFuzrXo45e3Xf31PRMmu-NiSr/s320/IMG_5209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>I, of course, encourage you to get in on the fun and join your child in some messy play. I, frankly, find some catharsis in playing with sand.<br />
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If your child has any tactile defensiveness, this is a wonderful activity to help ease your child into a new tactile experience without the unpredictability of sand from the beach. There are no surprises with Moon Sand and what better way to support your child in, what is to them a scary tactile experience, by doing it with them? Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-71949610455810557362010-12-02T14:22:00.002-06:002011-01-25T11:43:43.256-06:002 serious links and 1 seriously fun blogSince starting this blog I have been forwarded a ton of articles and links which I completely appreciate and adore. Here are a few things that I received this week:<br />
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The first is an article on how MRIs are being used to diagnose children with autism. In working with many children with autism and their families over the years, I can definitely see the use of MRIs for early detection thus leading to earlier treatment and better outcomes. I know a number of families who did not receive treatment for their child for years because a pediatrician told them their child was just a bit delayed and it was nothing to worry about. However, I do worry about the effect of an autism diagnosis on a family when it leads to parents and caregivers lowering expectations for a child. This particularly concerns me because I see so many infants and toddlers with autistic-like symptoms who never need a true diagnosis beyond a developmental delay because, when given intense early intervention, they can completely reverse these symptoms and become typically functioning, bright and engaging children. The most important part of this early intervention is coaching parents on how to address and treat the individual needs of their children.<br />
Ah...I digress... Here's the article so you can form your own opinions:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40470527/ns/health-mental_health/">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40470527/ns/health-mental_health/</a></div><br />
The second link comes from a mom with a son that has severe food allergies. I've read a few articles on how children that have food allergies can be bullied in school because of it. This article just provides some research, but two things are really troubling to me - 1) Children are bullying by throwing the allergen or touching the child with it. Some kids even reported having their food contaminated. Many of these children could die from exposure. Super scary. 2) Teachers are doing the bullying. ?? Really??!! Come on.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206(10)00733-7/abstract">http://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206(10)00733-7/abstract</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The third link is to a blog that a good friend turned me on to. Meal times can be such a struggle. Here is one mom's way of combating it by serving lunch in muffin tins and making bento boxes for her kids. She goes a little overboard on the artistic end, but much of is easily reproduced in your kitchen and embraces the spirit of "play." The novelty of it may even get your child to eat some veggies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/">http://www.bentolunch.net/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bentolunch.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Bento Lunch" src="http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af226/bentolunch/bento-lunch.png" /></a></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-49725082698867204092010-11-30T15:50:00.001-06:002010-11-30T15:51:07.012-06:00Feel the quietI don't know about where you live, but here in Chicago it gets insanely dark insanely early once we are forced into submitting to the archaic daylight savings time. Right now at 3:25PM, cars are driving by with their headlights on. <br />
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At the end of the day, the dark tricks everyone into thinking they should be going to bed even though they aren't tired. This is especially tricky for the little ones in our lives. I know that I want my house to start winding down and getting a bit quieter once the sun goes down, but I have learned many times that an early bedtime can make for an extra early morning.<br />
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So, you may want to do an art activity, a puzzle, play camping or do some yoga with your kids. Here's an idea that I witnessed today at <a href="http://www.glencoejuniorkindergarten.org/">Glencoe Junior Kindergarten</a>. One of their amazing teachers had a small group of children laying on the rug in a darkened room. The teacher had a chime a whole lot like this one, but any instrument or item that makes a resonating tone will do.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002SW387U" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">She asked the children to close their eyes and "feel" the sound, then open their eyes when they sensed the sound went away and they "felt the quiet." She then asked the children to reflect on where they felt the sound in their bodies the most and also if they felt the sound of the chime or the "quiet" more in that body part. Children were also asked to instruct their peers to "feel" the sound in specific body parts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love this activity! It slows children down by asking them to concentrate on specific sounds and body parts while also promoting body awareness and the idea of tone in music. I loved hearing the children say they felt the sound in their hair or their fingernails and watching them quietly listening for the sound of silence.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Younger children may not be able to last for very long with this game, but you could always modify it to ask children to close their eyes, be quiet and label all the sounds they hear. You could even have a bag of "soundmakers" to ask them to try and decipher. </div><br />
Any more ideas for some "quiet" games?Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-4154292321866011142010-11-25T11:28:00.001-06:002011-01-25T11:41:51.144-06:00Say "thank you" with a mobile<a href="http://bedtimemonsters.blogspot.com/">No Monsters in My Bed</a> posted a list of her favorite mom/dad blogs today. I love checking out new blogs and came across a dad named Joel who has some amazing craft ideas to enjoy with your kids. <a href="http://madebyjoel.blogspot.com/">Made by Joel</a> highlights a Mobile of Thanks to help you and your children celebrate Thanksgiving today. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihG-0oNlStS784H_88RkXLX5zjqphc8gaEA1HWa69rAUacPB5lGWLRegYW8_L7iB5reVF7qyMjph6d_OHY8xrlCH2-aH24N8BgsiI7dfEs0ZAxv3twziFHDmSJJ9g2naOQJdHPQb9S2UZ/s1600/Made_by_Joel_Mobile_of_Thanks_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihG-0oNlStS784H_88RkXLX5zjqphc8gaEA1HWa69rAUacPB5lGWLRegYW8_L7iB5reVF7qyMjph6d_OHY8xrlCH2-aH24N8BgsiI7dfEs0ZAxv3twziFHDmSJJ9g2naOQJdHPQb9S2UZ/s320/Made_by_Joel_Mobile_of_Thanks_1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
If you don't have to host any guests today or are really ahead of schedule with your cooking, a mobile is a pretty simple thing to whip up. It would also look fab hanging about a Thanksgiving table. I even think the best part might just be the hunt for the stick, frankly. You don't have to get incredibly fancy - just use some construction paper, markers, glue sticks and even photos of people or things you are thankful for. Thread is great for hanging your creations. Your child may not be old enough to completely grasp the concept of being thankful, so just ask him to name his favorite things, people and his favorite things to do with Grandma, Grandpa, etc. Then, simply write those things out or draw pictures of them, punch a hole, tie some string and hung it from the branch.<br />
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I'd post a picture of mine, but hanging mobiles are tricky things to take good pictures of and, if you haven't noticed, photography lessons would be something I'd be really thankful for.<br />
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Enjoy your children and one another today. Get down on the floor and play today, too - it's one of the best ways to show your children how thankful you are for them.Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-33290144613059464702010-11-23T16:21:00.002-06:002011-01-25T11:42:24.646-06:00Petite Picassos, Mini Monets, Wee WarholsI don't know about you, but there is no way I can trust my three year old in an art museum. I can just picture the look on the gallery guard's face as my little one runs full force, palms out ready to touch a Seurat, Degas or O'Keefe.<br />
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But, I love art and am eager to introduce it to my son without the use of creepy Baby Einstein DVDs. So, I use my art coffee table books, scanner and a little patience to help him recreate the masterpieces of the great artists of our time.<br />
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Begin by letting your child pick out the painting they want to reproduce. You can flip through an art book or go on a website. Whatever the source, make sure you can print out the picture. My son chose "Charing Cross Bridge" by Andre Derain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKIRaFkb-mdLHcBc_pPpigvguPpFyFIKB6Z-x_o5XXVkZgMKPRMCaVI4Tz3UDg5z8mqKK5dg3cRFeTil9ZJDJ0STh95haAAXGFPGNsNekopQryf_7Xtf0NMTVh_K8YR4vMvIuZGHKHAO6/s1600/charing+cross+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKIRaFkb-mdLHcBc_pPpigvguPpFyFIKB6Z-x_o5XXVkZgMKPRMCaVI4Tz3UDg5z8mqKK5dg3cRFeTil9ZJDJ0STh95haAAXGFPGNsNekopQryf_7Xtf0NMTVh_K8YR4vMvIuZGHKHAO6/s320/charing+cross+bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I made a color copy, cut it out and taped it in the top corner of his easel. I then challenged him to paint the same picture. Your child may need some help of where to begin. Start with the most concrete item in the painting. For example, in the above painting, a good place to start would be with the bridge. Then, help your child identify what colors they need, where on the paper they go, what kind of brush stroke to use, etc.<br />
Some great vocabulary to use would be directional "top" "bottom" "edge" "corner" or descriptive "dark" "light" "soft" "mixed together". <br />
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Your child may need a lot of structure and help with this or very little. My guy needed a lot of assistance and patience from me. If copying a painting like this is too hard for your little one, have your child copy something that you have painted. You can even do it side by side. Mom draws a circle - Son draws a circle Mom makes a nose - Son makes a nose, etc.<br />
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Here is my son's finished Derain. I'm pretty sure that without the original beside it, no one could decipher that this is a picture of a bridge, but that's not the point is it? It's all about the process and our enjoyment together - not the product.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDhXJdKVNqMtWEW3qudpAPCsp57PdYoSDnN2sLwBTrzUhXnYrM0_4b2hkB1c2HY7RFCBe0yEEg_WMD013x3p_bQA1Cef2yxa9-zvK1MtReScrzvhH5dP2YU3ayGC0JmiBmWLDRIV62vYW/s1600/IMG_5201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDhXJdKVNqMtWEW3qudpAPCsp57PdYoSDnN2sLwBTrzUhXnYrM0_4b2hkB1c2HY7RFCBe0yEEg_WMD013x3p_bQA1Cef2yxa9-zvK1MtReScrzvhH5dP2YU3ayGC0JmiBmWLDRIV62vYW/s320/IMG_5201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-11445153338570722032010-11-23T13:15:00.001-06:002010-11-23T13:17:59.084-06:00Great seasonal toy findThere is something about advent calendars that still excites even grown-up me. The tiny doors with surprises inside combined with the delayed gratification are sure to delight your kids, too. I'm sure it will be the first thing on their mind every morning until Christmas.<br />
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If you celebrate Christmas, pick up an advent calendar before December 1st. You can find really cheap versions with chocolates inside or extravagant ones that become nativity scenes.<br />
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I just picked up Playmobil's version today. It makes a Santa and animal scene in the woods. It's really quite cute and gives your child a new, little item to play with each day while waiting for the big arrival of Santa on the 24th.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000NVI0BM" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I also found it cheaper at <a href="http://www.threewishestoys.com/">Three Wishes Toys 'n More</a> in Wilmette, IL for about $22. They also have an online store.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Playmobil also makes other versions of Advent calendars that have ponies, unicorns, dragons, and, get this, even a "Police Christmas." But, I think the Santa theme is a bit more apropos for the season, don't you?</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-53659220370574491272010-11-20T11:55:00.002-06:002010-11-20T18:32:06.978-06:00Toys for 3-24 month oldsI don't know about you, but finding good baby toys always seems to be a challenge for me. As many of you know, I can't stand toys with lights and music that don't offer baby anything more than a button to push. So, I have found a lovely collection of toys that will keep babies busy and playing. I do need to preface this list with the fact that spoons, cups, gladware containers and pans still rank first on my list as the best toys around for little ones.<br />
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The high school French student in me loves these little guys called Chan Pie Gnons, a play on the french word "champignon" for mushroom. These are fantastic teethers from the people who make Sophie the Giraffe. Since every baby has Sophie, be a non-conformist and get a Chan Pie Gnon.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B001T7PO0Y" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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</div>For shape sorting, check out this wooden house from Land of Nod. It's so much cooler than the classic plastic version.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=9961&f=7539">Kids Toys: Kids House Shapes Play Toy</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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I really love <a href="http://www.plantoys.com/">Plan Toys</a>. All of the toys are wooden and "green." Here are some must-buys.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000I8SMZE" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000RE6S1E" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000ULIYLQ" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000FZQL6W" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000RMPQKU" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>For a stuffed animal, this elephant is not only cute, but covered in silky tags. I've met so many babies who love to play with and rub their faces on these tags. I guess this company has too since they are called "Taggies."<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000H8ESQC" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>My love for Melissa and Doug even carries over into the baby sector. The picnic basket is all the more darling when you put faces on the food.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000NV9EFS" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Even though this is a toddler toy, I guarantee the child in your life will play with these instruments for much longer. This is a guaranteed baby pleaser. Plus, most toys from the Parents brand come with a free subscription to Parents magazine.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000H28FKS" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Here's another instrument that will stand the test of time. Anyone wanna polka?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=4555&f=7569">Toddler Musical Toys: Toddler Accordian Squeeze Box</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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For those that can sit up in the tub, this sensory toy is fantastic.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B001QCIG16" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>And finally, the coup de grace, keys and cups!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002L3T9YM" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwlarsonlear-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B001EAFDO8" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Any other suggestions?</div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5430031684833897298.post-57044651433768994962010-11-18T14:23:00.002-06:002011-01-25T11:44:05.753-06:00WHAT??!! The decline of picture books?Check out this New York Times article that was referred to in the <a href="http://www.cherrypreschool.org/">Cherry Preschool</a> newsletter this month. <br />
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It discusses how parents have decided to push their preschool and Kindergarten-age children into reading chapter books and e-books instead of sticking with the tried and true picture book. Come on, folks! Don't deny your children the pleasure of the art and language of a picture book. If your five year old can read chapter books, fantastic! But, picture books still have a place and are just plain part of being a kid.<br />
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Here's the link:<br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/us/08picture.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/us/08picture.html</a>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06101906221932474536noreply@blogger.com0