June 2011

Playful Picks (June 27, 2011)

Quote of the Week I have decided to be happy, because it is good for my health. {Voltaire} Fun Activities & Projects Make a Magic Paintbrush :: The Adventures of Captain Crafty The Library: Montessori-Style Baskets :: The Sleepy Time Gal Play Date Preparation :: Childhood 101 Comic Strips :: Paint Cut Paste Power Drill [...]

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Toy Story Party Invitations

A certain little girl in our house is one month away from her 7th birthday. She has been dreaming of and planning for a Toy Story Party since her last birthday – she has no trouble making decisions and sticking to them! For her party invitations, we decided to make a scene with her toys [...]

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Welcoming Summer

Happy First Day of Summer! We’re doing a few simple activities this week to celebrate the Summer Solstice. The girls made neat mixed media sunshines yesterday – gluing, painting, salt-sprinkling, and cutting fun! Here’s a look at the process: Make a mixed media sunshine: Glue assorted items to a chipboard or cardboard circle (something sturdy!) [...]

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Fun Ways to Eat Toast

Toast seems to be the breakfast of choice for the girls lately – usually with cinnamon sugar or strawberry jam. I’ve been looking for some ways to jazz-up our toast breakfast and thought I’d share my finds with you. Enjoy! Waffle Iron French Toast :: Cooking with my Kid Rainbow Stuffed French Toast :: i [...]

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Tool Sort

One of the (many) science topics we explored during our homeschool year was simple machines. Delaney is especially interested in machines, tools, and inventions, so this was right up her alley. We did a tool sort activity that the girls really loved, so I thought maybe your kiddos would enjoy it, too! First, hunt around [...]

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Playful Picks (June 13, 2011)

Quote of the Week Remember this, that very little is needed to make a happy life. {Aurelius} Fun Activities & Projects Getting Little Bodies Moving When It’s Too Cold (or Hot) Outdoors :: Childhood 101 Father’s Day Tradition – Papa Pizzas! :: Happy Home Fairy Birthday Counting Cards :: Chez Beeper Bebe Sticky Stacky Sandwich [...]

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Summer List 2011

We’ve been adding to our annual summer to-do list the past few days. Do you and your kids do something like this? Many of the things on our list appear every year – swimming, backyard camp-outs, going to the fair. I love that the girls remember these traditions as summer approaches each year – sweet [...]

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Getting Started With Chapter Books

Are you and your preschooler ready to add some chapter books to your read-aloud time? My girls were around four-years-old when they started to show some interest in listening to chapter books. For chapter book newbies, I recommend books with short chapters, illustrations, and simple storylines. You’ll know you’ve found a good one when your [...]

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Playful Picks (June 6, 2011)

I’m having a great time over at Pinterest – do you pin? Basically, you can create virtual pinboards filled with anything that inspires you. I have a board for summer craft ideas for the girls, ideas for Delaney’s upcoming Toy Story birthday party, kid-friendly recipes and more. It’s so much fun! Let me know if [...]

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Ways to Play in June

Happy first day of June! We are ready for summer days – eating breakfast outside, ice cold lemonade, and backyard campouts. How are your summer plans shaping up? It’s time for another monthly play idea sheet. I hope this gives you and your kids some ideas for the warm (or rainy) summer afternoons. My idea [...]

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