View our current class schedule here: http://lonestarsigners.com/classes/
Welcome!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Monday, June 16, 2014
Celebrate!
Our family just returned from a fun-filled family vacation in northern Missouri, where we celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary, Addie's 6th birthday, Father's Day, and the Spurs' 5th NBA Championship! (Oh, and the Rachel and the TreeSchoolers Kickstarter campaign reached their goal while we were gone, too.)
We had a terrific time hanging out on a farm, visiting the zoo in Omaha, and taking a day trip to "see the sights" in my husband's hometown in rural Iowa.
We are thankful to be back home, and I'm excited to ease back into our daily routine.
(I didn't miss the heat, though--daily highs in the 70s our entire trip!)
What are YOU celebrating today?!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
BIG NEWS: Rachel Coleman LIVE concert in Austin, Texas!
My oldest daughter turns six next week, and her birthday always brings a little bit of mixed feelings for our family. Obviously, we are ALWAYS thrilled to celebrate our sweet girl (and eat CAKE!), but Adeline was born 14 weeks early and spent 135 days in the NICU. I know I'm not the only preemie mom that struggles a bit on the big day--our birth story is both traumatic and miraculous, and we didn't have the benefit of knowing that it was all going to be okay like we do today.
It was Addie's prematurity (or rather, her speech delay) that first introduced us to the super-fun American Sign Language DVDs, Signing Time! With the help of Rachel, Hopkins, Alex, and Leah, our Adeline learned to sign and then to speak--and the rest is history!
I joined up with the Signing Time Academy as a Baby Signing Time Instructor way back in March 2012, and in that time, I have watched our community grow to over 30 graduates and families. I truly believe that signing is beneficial for EVERYONE, and I love introducing Signing Time to new families week in and week out.
And today, I am SO excited to share BIG NEWS with all of you! Rachel Coleman, the host and co-creator of Signing Time, is coming to TEXAS for a live concert this summer!
It was Addie's prematurity (or rather, her speech delay) that first introduced us to the super-fun American Sign Language DVDs, Signing Time! With the help of Rachel, Hopkins, Alex, and Leah, our Adeline learned to sign and then to speak--and the rest is history!
I joined up with the Signing Time Academy as a Baby Signing Time Instructor way back in March 2012, and in that time, I have watched our community grow to over 30 graduates and families. I truly believe that signing is beneficial for EVERYONE, and I love introducing Signing Time to new families week in and week out.
And today, I am SO excited to share BIG NEWS with all of you! Rachel Coleman, the host and co-creator of Signing Time, is coming to TEXAS for a live concert this summer!
Tomorrow, Rachel Coleman and Signing Time will announce the concert, but we want YOU to have the first chance to grab tickets. We fully expect this concert to sell out quickly!
Buy TICKETS now!
Share your excitement with the hashtag #rcLIVEatx!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Family Hobbies: Barbershop!
When you hear the word BARBERSHOP, what do you think? Before I met my husband, I thought it was a place to get a haircut. :)
But no--there's more to it than that.
Barbershop is a style of a capella singing. And it's a HUGE subculture here in the United States--something I knew absolutely nothing about until I fell in love with a blonde-haired, blue-eyed baritone (now tenor) from the Midwest.
Adam has been singing in barbershop choruses and quartets since his college days, which means his relationship with The Barbershop Harmony Society will ALWAYS predate his relationship with me. A wise man once told me that "a happy wife equals a happy life" and I believe the same is true for our husbands. When my fella gets out to sing once (or twice) a week, he is much more relaxed and fun to be around. (And who doesn't want that?!)
I've found that I'm one of the few wives who doesn't sing also (yes--barbershop for women!), but I'm hopeful that our girls will grow up loving four-part harmony and will be confident enough to try it, too.
Four undeniable signs that we're a barbershop family:
* The girls are both excellent at matching pitch when Adam listens to quartet CDs in the car.
* Vacations are planned around barbershop conventions and competitions.
* I check pockets for pitch pipes before doing laundry. ;)
* Our daughter's name is Adeline. Seriously. (For you Star Wars fans, it's akin to naming your daughter Leia.)
Enjoy this beautiful rendition of "Daddy's Little Girl" (one of our favorites):
We're so excited that Adam has found a fantastic, family-centered chorus to sing with during this season of life--and we're hopeful that he'll finally get his award-winning quartet before too much longer. As the old song says, "It's great to be (married to a) barbershopper!"
But no--there's more to it than that.
Barbershop is a style of a capella singing. And it's a HUGE subculture here in the United States--something I knew absolutely nothing about until I fell in love with a blonde-haired, blue-eyed baritone (now tenor) from the Midwest.
Adam has been singing in barbershop choruses and quartets since his college days, which means his relationship with The Barbershop Harmony Society will ALWAYS predate his relationship with me. A wise man once told me that "a happy wife equals a happy life" and I believe the same is true for our husbands. When my fella gets out to sing once (or twice) a week, he is much more relaxed and fun to be around. (And who doesn't want that?!)I've found that I'm one of the few wives who doesn't sing also (yes--barbershop for women!), but I'm hopeful that our girls will grow up loving four-part harmony and will be confident enough to try it, too.
Four undeniable signs that we're a barbershop family:
* The girls are both excellent at matching pitch when Adam listens to quartet CDs in the car.
* Vacations are planned around barbershop conventions and competitions.
* I check pockets for pitch pipes before doing laundry. ;)
* Our daughter's name is Adeline. Seriously. (For you Star Wars fans, it's akin to naming your daughter Leia.)
Enjoy this beautiful rendition of "Daddy's Little Girl" (one of our favorites):
We're so excited that Adam has found a fantastic, family-centered chorus to sing with during this season of life--and we're hopeful that he'll finally get his award-winning quartet before too much longer. As the old song says, "It's great to be (married to a) barbershopper!"
What are your family's hobbies?
Friday, May 30, 2014
Who wants an iPad mini?! (Of course you do!) | Rachel & the TreeSchoolers Giveaway
I have written all about our love for Two Little Hands and their amazing programs: Baby Signing Time, Signing Time, Potty Time, and Rachel & the TreeSchoolers! I was a loyal and happy customer for years before I became an instructor with the Signing Time Academy--and we still love every product that comes our way. (Read my review of Rachel and the TreeSchoolers right here!)
We are excited to be Kickstarter backers for the next three episodes (7-9) of TreeSchoolers! We LOVE the first three episodes, and we are EAGERLY anticipating the release of episodes 4, 5, and 6.
And today, I am THRILLED to share an awesome giveaway from Two Little Hands! Your family could win an iPad mini (!!!) and a year's subscription to the entire Two Little Hands digital library.
(Disclosure: As an instructor with the Signing Time Academy, I am not eligible to enter the giveaway. Links to the giveaway are affiliate links, which means if you purchase anything from SigningTime.com while you're there, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Oh, and THIS is happening in August! My girls can't wait to meet Rachel Coleman and see her in person. Write in your calendar now--hope to see you in Austin! (It's going to be AMAZING!)
We are excited to be Kickstarter backers for the next three episodes (7-9) of TreeSchoolers! We LOVE the first three episodes, and we are EAGERLY anticipating the release of episodes 4, 5, and 6.
And today, I am THRILLED to share an awesome giveaway from Two Little Hands! Your family could win an iPad mini (!!!) and a year's subscription to the entire Two Little Hands digital library.
 |
| Win an iPad Mini! Watch full episodes of Rachel & the TreeSchoolers (free on YouTube) and share your feedback. Daily entries for sharing links. Enter now! |
It's a fun giveaway, and I hope you enter! I'd love for one of Y'ALL to be the big winner.
(Disclosure: As an instructor with the Signing Time Academy, I am not eligible to enter the giveaway. Links to the giveaway are affiliate links, which means if you purchase anything from SigningTime.com while you're there, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Oh, and THIS is happening in August! My girls can't wait to meet Rachel Coleman and see her in person. Write in your calendar now--hope to see you in Austin! (It's going to be AMAZING!)
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Summer Learning Plans: June
It's hard to believe that summer is ALMOST here!
Addie had her Kindergarten graduation day last week and most of our weekly activities have wrapped up for the year, so we are having a "take it easy" week. We will likely be starting 1st grade OFFICIALLY sometime toward the end of June, after our family vacation.
During the summer, I'd like to set monthly goals to keep us on track as we prepare to go back to our Classical Conversations community in the fall! I think Addie has a real chance at Memory Master this year, and I want to be sure she's prepared if she decides to go that route.
June Goals:
* LOTS of open-ended play!
Kate is getting big enough to make-believe with Addie, and I want to be intentional about giving them blocks of time to use their imagination together.
* Messy time!
I need to be better about getting out the playdough, paints, etc. and letting the girls create. I want to really be present with them during these blocks of time.
* Read-aloud time!
We've made it through our first chapter book as a family, and I have a few more ready to go. I'd love to make it part of our daily routine to read a chapter together.
* Timeline song!
Classical Conversations has created a timeline with 161 historical events. Addie has most of it memorized, but I'd like to work on clarity of speech and focus on learning all of the ASL/motions that go along with the song. (It's nice that the motions our community uses were created by another Signing Time Academy Instructor--I love that we can tuck a little bit of extra information into the song!)
* Geography: States & Capitals!
Cycle 3 covers US geography, so I'd like to use the month of June to start learning states & capitals. We have a US map puzzle, and I've also made a matching game using leftover plastic Easter eggs. I picked up a couple of states books from the Target Dollar Spot that we can take along with us on our trip, also.
* Math and Reading!
I purchased an awesome packet from Teachers Pay Teachers that will make sure we've hit all major math & literacy goals for Kindergarten--I plan on doing two pages with Addie each day. (We'll also be joining a few summer reading programs! Addie LOVES to read, so she doesn't really need incentives to keep at it--but free books are always a good thing.)
* Swimming!
The water in the pool isn't quite warm enough for my taste yet, but hopefully soon! I'd love for Addie swim independently this year (no floaties), so we'll start working on basic skills in the evening when Adam is home from work.
Addie had her Kindergarten graduation day last week and most of our weekly activities have wrapped up for the year, so we are having a "take it easy" week. We will likely be starting 1st grade OFFICIALLY sometime toward the end of June, after our family vacation.
During the summer, I'd like to set monthly goals to keep us on track as we prepare to go back to our Classical Conversations community in the fall! I think Addie has a real chance at Memory Master this year, and I want to be sure she's prepared if she decides to go that route.
June Goals:
* LOTS of open-ended play!
Kate is getting big enough to make-believe with Addie, and I want to be intentional about giving them blocks of time to use their imagination together.
* Messy time!
I need to be better about getting out the playdough, paints, etc. and letting the girls create. I want to really be present with them during these blocks of time.
* Read-aloud time!
We've made it through our first chapter book as a family, and I have a few more ready to go. I'd love to make it part of our daily routine to read a chapter together.
* Timeline song!
Classical Conversations has created a timeline with 161 historical events. Addie has most of it memorized, but I'd like to work on clarity of speech and focus on learning all of the ASL/motions that go along with the song. (It's nice that the motions our community uses were created by another Signing Time Academy Instructor--I love that we can tuck a little bit of extra information into the song!)
* Geography: States & Capitals!
Cycle 3 covers US geography, so I'd like to use the month of June to start learning states & capitals. We have a US map puzzle, and I've also made a matching game using leftover plastic Easter eggs. I picked up a couple of states books from the Target Dollar Spot that we can take along with us on our trip, also.
* Math and Reading!
I purchased an awesome packet from Teachers Pay Teachers that will make sure we've hit all major math & literacy goals for Kindergarten--I plan on doing two pages with Addie each day. (We'll also be joining a few summer reading programs! Addie LOVES to read, so she doesn't really need incentives to keep at it--but free books are always a good thing.)
* Swimming!
The water in the pool isn't quite warm enough for my taste yet, but hopefully soon! I'd love for Addie swim independently this year (no floaties), so we'll start working on basic skills in the evening when Adam is home from work.
Do you have plans for summer learning?
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Tot Tray Wednesday #7 | Pets
Hooray for another great signing class! I'm really enjoying creating more extension activities this time around--it's not what we accomplish during our one hour of class together, but what you, the parent, are inspired to do the other 98 hours of awake time!
Week 7
Signing class theme: Pets
Signing Time video: Baby Signing Time, Volume 1
Main book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear
(affiliate links used for your convenience)
Toys with unlimited access:
* Green bristle blocks
* Color tub: GREEN (several fun "open-ended" toys in here!)
* Mirror blocks (Sparkbox)--after being away in storage for two weeks, these are VERY popular!
* Pet-themed books, family books and nursery rhymes
* Lacing buttons (GREEN) and shoelace
* Ice cream set from IKEA and pom poms
* Magnetic characters from the book and oil pan
* Dog and cat animal counters + muffin tin and tongs
Kindergarten activities:
Our older daughter wrapped up her Kindergarten year on Friday, but we're still keeping up with the learning during the summer! I thought it would be fun to show you some of the activities I've come up with for her to work on this week.
* Brown Bear animal counting game with unifix cubes (FREE on Teachers Pay Teachers)
* Handwriting pages and ASL color words
Other awesome Brown Bear printables: Literacy Unit from Jackie Higgins ($)
Tot Trays:
1. Heart-counting with Brown Bear picture cards (available in a HUGE packet on Teachers Pay Teachers)
2. Pets "Place & Trace" puzzle--we'll use to stamp playdough and make patterns
3. Heads & tails puzzles (found here on 1plus1plus1equals1.com)
4. Brown Bear velcro matching book
Main book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear
(affiliate links used for your convenience)
Toys with unlimited access:
* Green bristle blocks
* Color tub: GREEN (several fun "open-ended" toys in here!)
* Mirror blocks (Sparkbox)--after being away in storage for two weeks, these are VERY popular!
* Pet-themed books, family books and nursery rhymes
* Lacing buttons (GREEN) and shoelace
* Ice cream set from IKEA and pom poms
* Magnetic characters from the book and oil pan
* Dog and cat animal counters + muffin tin and tongs
Our older daughter wrapped up her Kindergarten year on Friday, but we're still keeping up with the learning during the summer! I thought it would be fun to show you some of the activities I've come up with for her to work on this week.
* Brown Bear animal counting game with unifix cubes (FREE on Teachers Pay Teachers)
* Handwriting pages and ASL color words
Other awesome Brown Bear printables: Literacy Unit from Jackie Higgins ($)
Tot Trays:
1. Heart-counting with Brown Bear picture cards (available in a HUGE packet on Teachers Pay Teachers)
2. Pets "Place & Trace" puzzle--we'll use to stamp playdough and make patterns
3. Heads & tails puzzles (found here on 1plus1plus1equals1.com)
4. Brown Bear velcro matching book
What are your kiddos playing with?
Related:
Monday, May 26, 2014
Barefoot Books: A Perfect Fit!
I met our amazing Barefoot Books Ambassador (and local blogger) Veronica about a year ago--we had an instant connection over our love for awesome children's books and our experiences with homeschooling young children.
And over the past year, our family has added to our Barefoot Book collection slowly but surely!
Addie, our five-year-old, loves the book & singalong CD combos: We All Go Traveling By and Driving My Tractor are two of our favorites! Kate, our toddler, really enjoys all of the books featuring Cleo the spunky orange cat.
Every book we've seen has vibrant illustrations, luscious vocabulary, and a high-quality feel for a VERY affordable price. The board books are sturdy for little hands and filled with lots of conversation starters. I use several of the titles in my weekly Play & Sign classes and recommend them to everyone I meet!
I'm excited to be hosting an online book party tonight at 8:00 p.m. and we'd love to have you join us!
And over the past year, our family has added to our Barefoot Book collection slowly but surely!
Addie, our five-year-old, loves the book & singalong CD combos: We All Go Traveling By and Driving My Tractor are two of our favorites! Kate, our toddler, really enjoys all of the books featuring Cleo the spunky orange cat.
Every book we've seen has vibrant illustrations, luscious vocabulary, and a high-quality feel for a VERY affordable price. The board books are sturdy for little hands and filled with lots of conversation starters. I use several of the titles in my weekly Play & Sign classes and recommend them to everyone I meet!
I'm excited to be hosting an online book party tonight at 8:00 p.m. and we'd love to have you join us!
Which Barefoot Book is YOUR favorite?
Disclaimer: All books shown in the picture above were either purchased by us and relatives or "earned" through a previous home party. We own several more books that are not pictured. This blog post is unsponsored and all glowing opinions are my own. :)
Monday, May 19, 2014
Recap: Introduction to Tot School Workshop
Over the next few months, I really want to focus on equipping other parents to be their child’s best teacher. There will be more live workshops, pre-planned digital activity packs for busy parents, and hopefully even an e-course for those of you not in San Antonio!
We will also be starting a local Tot School Moms group for the sharing of ideas, encouragement, and possibly even educational toys. (“You’re doing an OCEAN theme, and I have a fish puzzle we’re not using this week.”) It will be a lot more fun if we’re doing this together!
Coming up next: another Introduction to Tot School Workshop! (end of May)
In June, we’ll have a follow-up workshop on Age-Appropriate Learning. Young children are often on a continuum with a wide range of “normal,” so we’ll talk about discovering learning styles, assessing milestones, and setting short-term & long-term educational goals.
Contact me if you’re interested in joining us! We'd love to have you!
Friday, May 16, 2014
Signing Time Sale & Kickstarter Campaign!
The awesome Signing Time bundle SALE ends at 10:00 p.m. tonight (Central)!
Signing Time Volumes 1-3 (3 DVDs + CD) on sale for $34.99!
Signing Time Volumes 4-6 (3 DVDs + CD) on sale for $34.99!
Signing Time Volumes 7-9 (3 DVDs + CD) on sale for $34.99!
Signing Time Volumes 10-13 (4 DVDs + CD) on sale for $59.99!
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Tot Tray Wednesday #5 | Eat & Drink
We had a great round of signing classes this week, and I'm excited to have a new theme of activities for my own girls!
Week 5
(affiliate links used for your convenience)
Toys with unlimited access:
* Orange & red Duplos, tiger, zookeeper, car
* Color tub: ORANGE (tons of fun "open-ended" toys in here!)
* Color stacker (Sparkbox)--my girls STILL love this!
* Color-themed books, food books and nursery rhymes
* Foam number puzzles (similar)
* Magnetic letters and oil pan
* Pop beads (or as Kate calls them, "My caterpillar!")
Tot Trays:
1. Food-shape puzzles: I pulled out the puzzles featuring our food words (cracker, egg, peas, cheese, banana)
2. Melissa & Doug nuts and bolts: food board & caterpillar board
3. Lacing buttons with shoelace & stacking cups (for sorting)
4. Three-part number puzzles (1-10)
I think we'll also set up a pretend grocery store on Friday or Monday with our play food, shopping cart, cash register, and play money.
Signing class theme: Eat & Drink
Main book: Mouse Mess
(affiliate links used for your convenience)
Toys with unlimited access:
* Orange & red Duplos, tiger, zookeeper, car
* Color tub: ORANGE (tons of fun "open-ended" toys in here!)
* Color stacker (Sparkbox)--my girls STILL love this!
* Color-themed books, food books and nursery rhymes
* Foam number puzzles (similar)
* Magnetic letters and oil pan
* Pop beads (or as Kate calls them, "My caterpillar!")
Tot Trays:
1. Food-shape puzzles: I pulled out the puzzles featuring our food words (cracker, egg, peas, cheese, banana)
2. Melissa & Doug nuts and bolts: food board & caterpillar board
3. Lacing buttons with shoelace & stacking cups (for sorting)
4. Three-part number puzzles (1-10)
I think we'll also set up a pretend grocery store on Friday or Monday with our play food, shopping cart, cash register, and play money.
What are your kiddos playing with?
Related:
Monday, May 12, 2014
Homeschooling: Our Favorite Math Toys
We were so excited to have an early morning delivery from Amazon today! I ordered something for Addie's birthday and added in a few school supplies off my wish list to get free shipping.
The girls were SO excited when I opened up the lacing buttons--they both got to work stringing necklaces, and I know we'll get lots of use out of them in the years to come.
Here are some of our other favorite math toys! (Affiliate links used for your convenience. All of these items have been purchased by us--not a sponsored post!)
Measure Up Stacking Cups (Discovery Toys)
We've had these since Addie was an infant, and we have gotten SO much use out of them! Besides stacking and nesting, you can also use them for stamping play-doh (each cup has an animal on the bottom), and the cups are mathematically correct (so if you put beans in the 2 cup and 3 cup, then pour them into the five cup, it will be exact). We love them!
(Kate already figured out that she can sort the lacing buttons into the stacking cups!)
Unifix Cubes
These are perfect for counting, making patterns, and strengthening fine motor skills! We bought the pack of 100 last summer, but I wish we had more. :)
Pattern Blocks
Our girls use these nearly everyday. The set came with wooden pattern boards, but they also like to "freestyle" and create their own designs. The best part is that (most) sets are interchangeable, so you can find lots of additional patterns online!
The girls were SO excited when I opened up the lacing buttons--they both got to work stringing necklaces, and I know we'll get lots of use out of them in the years to come.
Here are some of our other favorite math toys! (Affiliate links used for your convenience. All of these items have been purchased by us--not a sponsored post!)
Measure Up Stacking Cups (Discovery Toys)
We've had these since Addie was an infant, and we have gotten SO much use out of them! Besides stacking and nesting, you can also use them for stamping play-doh (each cup has an animal on the bottom), and the cups are mathematically correct (so if you put beans in the 2 cup and 3 cup, then pour them into the five cup, it will be exact). We love them!
(Kate already figured out that she can sort the lacing buttons into the stacking cups!)
Unifix Cubes
These are perfect for counting, making patterns, and strengthening fine motor skills! We bought the pack of 100 last summer, but I wish we had more. :)
Pattern Blocks
Our girls use these nearly everyday. The set came with wooden pattern boards, but they also like to "freestyle" and create their own designs. The best part is that (most) sets are interchangeable, so you can find lots of additional patterns online!
Can you think of any other "can't-miss" math toys?
Friday, May 9, 2014
ASL: A Nana's View | Lone Star Signers
With Mother's Day right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to interview MY mom and share her thoughts about ASL with all of you!
When our older daughter was born nearly six years ago (sniff!), Adam and I were both working full-time. Since Adeline was so premature, I needed to keep my job for the salary and awesome medical benefits--but with her health being so fragile, there was no way that we could put her in daycare. We were so fortunate to have the best care provider in the world for our precious miracle--her Nana!
At 18 months old (15 months adjusted), Addie started weekly speech therapy and began learning American Sign Language to communicate. Adam, my mom, and I all began to learn right along with her!
* When we first started signing with Addie, what are some things we did (or could have done) to make it easier for you to learn?
Even so, when Addie first signed 'cracker' to me, I knew it was a sign, but wasn't sure which one, so I had to call you at work to ask! I paid more attention to each of the signs after that, since Addie had an amazing memory and picked right up on what she was being taught!! (She was faster at it than I was!)
* What benefits have you seen with your granddaughters learning some ASL?
The benefits of signing are amazing! Both Addie & Kate were very excited to be signing and communicating with me! They smiled big as they signed and just knew they were telling me something very important! I still love to watch Katie sign to me, even though she is so verbal too! She does both and it is a joy to watch and share her excitement! She glows when she signs!!
* What would you tell a new mom (or grandma) about signing with their baby?
I would (and do) encourage any new Mom or new Grandma to learn ASL with their little ones! I love sharing the joys of watching these sweet little ones 'talk' to me in signs and how much they love sharing their knowledge! It truly is a second language and helps with so many other educational objectives, it seems. ASL has opened the doors in their minds to learn and grow amazingly!!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! We love you!! <3
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Tot Tray Wednesday #4 | Colors
Hurray for another Wednesday! I love having a routine in place that allows us to reset in the middle of the week--it helps us get refocused on our schoolwork, and the new toys spark creative play for everyone.
(affiliate links used for your convenience)
Toys with unlimited access:
* Trains (IKEA)
* Color stacker (Sparkbox)
* Color tub: RED (tons of fun "open-ended" toys in here!)
* Color-themed books (ours and from the library)
Tot Trays:
1. Rainbow straws (from the grocery store) cut into assorted lengths. Drop into empty cheese container or string on shoelace. (fine motor, color recognition, patterning)
2. Two-piece color puzzles (out of print)
3. Color sort with magnetic letterss--the chip & dip tray is from Dollar Tree (as are the little green boxes) and I have laminated color words attached to each section. I typically put out pom poms for this activity, but I needed an ABC tray. I love this idea even more! (Extension idea: for your older preschoolers/kinders, you can have them use the letters to spell out color words.)
This week is our our first Play & Sign class of the Summer Session, so I spent a little more time yesterday planning and getting organized. We have a great mix of graduates, returning students we haven't seen in a while, and new students! I'm really excited about some of the activities that Kate and Addie get to explore throughout the week.
Week 4
Signing class theme: Colors of the Rainbow
Main book: Dog's Colorful Day by Emma Dodd
(affiliate links used for your convenience)
Toys with unlimited access:
* Trains (IKEA)
* Color stacker (Sparkbox)
* Color tub: RED (tons of fun "open-ended" toys in here!)
* Color-themed books (ours and from the library)
Tot Trays:
1. Rainbow straws (from the grocery store) cut into assorted lengths. Drop into empty cheese container or string on shoelace. (fine motor, color recognition, patterning)
2. Two-piece color puzzles (out of print)
3. Color sort with magnetic letterss--the chip & dip tray is from Dollar Tree (as are the little green boxes) and I have laminated color words attached to each section. I typically put out pom poms for this activity, but I needed an ABC tray. I love this idea even more! (Extension idea: for your older preschoolers/kinders, you can have them use the letters to spell out color words.)
The kids have been busy playing all morning! I may open up the closet and pull out another activity, but I think this is a great start for the week.
What are your kiddos playing with?
Related:
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Book Update: May 2014
Whew! April was a MUCH better reading month for me. Sometimes it's SO freeing to say, "I'm not enjoying this, and I'm going to stop reading it now." I've had some terrific reads this month, and I'm really excited about the books in my pile for May.
Books I finished:
(P.S. I'm totally cheating and counting finished books up through yesterday.)
(Affiliate links used, which means if you purchase the book, I'll receive a small commission. Please view my disclosure policy for more information.)
1. The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle--three stars
2. Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein--three stars
3. Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan--four stars
Oh my, what a lovely book! I laughed and ugly-cried my way through it; I'm so thankful that Goodreads recommended this one to me!
4. B is for Betsy (read-aloud for Addie) by Carolyn Haywood--four stars
A delightful read about a 1st grade girl named Betsy. Her adventures are fun, with real emotion--lots of great conversation starters with this one!
5. Kayla Aimee's The Blog Book (e-book)
6. Restless: Because You Were Made for More by Jennie Allen--five stars
I adore Jennie--her writing style is almost as appealing as her speaking style, but not quite. :) A few of the stories in the book were ones I had heard/read before, but I SO admire Jennie's passion and vulnerability and will happily devour anything she shares with the world. I AM restless, and I'm not sure what the next few years hold for our family--this was a timely read for me!
7. Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith (e-book)--three stars
CURRENTLY FREE!
Books I'm still reading:
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
I LOVE Lauren Child's illustrations in this book, but let's be real--Pippi is a brat! I'm not sure Addie is old enough to realize when Pippi is exaggerating and when she's just being dangerous, so this will be read with caution! (And that makes me feel so old.)
Mind in the Making by Ellen Galinsky
I'm taking forever to make my way through this, but there are so many interesting tidbits!
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Books I returned without finishing:
Give Them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick
I want to like this book, but the writing style is just too difficult for me to get into. The concept is GREAT, and it's helped me think through my discipline style--so, there's that!
Here's what's cooking for May! I've started several of these, and I'm loving them all--Adam suggested I "un-plug" at 10:00 and read until I fall asleep, which has led to some excellent unwinding time each night! What are YOU reading this month?
Books I finished:
(P.S. I'm totally cheating and counting finished books up through yesterday.)
(Affiliate links used, which means if you purchase the book, I'll receive a small commission. Please view my disclosure policy for more information.)
1. The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle--three stars
2. Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein--three stars
3. Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan--four stars
Oh my, what a lovely book! I laughed and ugly-cried my way through it; I'm so thankful that Goodreads recommended this one to me!
4. B is for Betsy (read-aloud for Addie) by Carolyn Haywood--four stars
A delightful read about a 1st grade girl named Betsy. Her adventures are fun, with real emotion--lots of great conversation starters with this one!
5. Kayla Aimee's The Blog Book (e-book)
6. Restless: Because You Were Made for More by Jennie Allen--five stars
I adore Jennie--her writing style is almost as appealing as her speaking style, but not quite. :) A few of the stories in the book were ones I had heard/read before, but I SO admire Jennie's passion and vulnerability and will happily devour anything she shares with the world. I AM restless, and I'm not sure what the next few years hold for our family--this was a timely read for me!
7. Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith (e-book)--three stars
CURRENTLY FREE!
Books I'm still reading:
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
I LOVE Lauren Child's illustrations in this book, but let's be real--Pippi is a brat! I'm not sure Addie is old enough to realize when Pippi is exaggerating and when she's just being dangerous, so this will be read with caution! (And that makes me feel so old.)
Mind in the Making by Ellen Galinsky
I'm taking forever to make my way through this, but there are so many interesting tidbits!
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Books I returned without finishing:
Give Them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick
I want to like this book, but the writing style is just too difficult for me to get into. The concept is GREAT, and it's helped me think through my discipline style--so, there's that!
Here's what's cooking for May! I've started several of these, and I'm loving them all--Adam suggested I "un-plug" at 10:00 and read until I fall asleep, which has led to some excellent unwinding time each night! What are YOU reading this month?
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