Just One Mom Trying

Monday, September 19, 2011

Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett

For a family activity we headed to Barnes & Noble to go read some books. We LOVE books. As we were browsing around the children's section, I came across this darling book. It was actually a "laughter kit" which included the book and some monster mittens. The book is super cute and the mittens were so fun. Check it out next time you head to the bookstore or HERE on Amazon.com

Sorry the pic isn't so great. My main camera is an iPhone. I wish I had an awesome camera but I don't. :)

Thursday, September 15, 2011

I Spy Jar

Emily 9:18 AM 1 Comments

I was in charge of teaching the letter "b" this week in our rotating preschool. We first learned about what sound the letter "b" makes and had a sensory bucket filled with beans and a bunch of little things that started with "b." The kids took turns searching for things that started with "b" like a bow, bell, block, ball, button, bead and balloon. There were some things that didn't start with "b" like a marble, dice, paperclip, etc. The kids really liked putting their hands in the beans and digging around.

As a reinforcer at home, I made an "I Spy" jar with baby food jars (stage 3 size). The kids get to roll and shake the jar to find the things that start with "b." I didn't glue the lids shut but you could.

We had a blast today.

# games # preschool

Fingerprinting

Emily 8:59 AM 0 Comments

Three of my friends and I decided to do a rotating preschool for our kids. We live in the same apartment complex so it works really well. We just started this week and it was my turn to teach. Today we talked about how each of us is "unique" meaning there is only one. We talked about how each person is special and there is no one else like us. We then talked about fingerprints and how no two people have the same fingerprints.

We did the following activity:

In the "Ink Pad" box I had each child color in the box with a pencil. I traced their hands and then they rubbed their fingers over the "Ink Pad." I took a piece of scotch tape and lifted the prints off their fingers one by one and taped it onto their paper. We took magnifying glasses to see the different patterns of the prints. We compared each others' prints too. Surely enough, no one had the same fingerprints.

The kids loved getting their fingers all black in the pencil and then seeing their prints. (A baby wipe works well to clean off their fingers.)

I created a worksheet that you can print HERE if you are interested.

*I like the pencil and tape idea better than the ink pad or paint. I couldn't find a good ink pad that would show the prints well enough for little fingers and paint was tricky- can't be too thick or too thin and it's a mess.

# kid craft # preschool

Monday, September 12, 2011

Rocket Balloons

Emily 1:13 PM 0 Comments

Rocket Balloons are a great boredom buster. I have a stash of these in my rainy day (or "too cold to go outside") activity box.

I like these balloons for several reasons:

1. They are reusable (though I don't encourage sharing them. That's just gross.) Fill them up and let them go!

2. They fly high.

3. They make noise!

4. Kids love to chase them and try to catch them on their way down. I love to see the kids go wild for these.

5. Fun indoors and outdoors.

You can order them on Amazon.com or on the official Rocket Balloon website. I actually found them at a novelty candy store. Keep your eyes peeled! They cost about $5 for 30 balloons. I think it's a great deal for reusable balloons.

# family night # games

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Products I Love

Emily 5:24 AM 0 Comments

Here are 3 products that I love. I wish I had them. I've seen them and have interacted with them but do not own them...yet.

Let's start with the Green Marker. These are super cute grass blade sticky book marks. I want! These are popular in Japan and are difficult to obtain right now in the US. They would cost almost $100 just to get a few of these markers from Japan. I'm going to have to wait on these. BUT I JUST LOVE THEM!

Here's something I can afford- bubbles from Family Dollar! I think these were $2. It's not the actual bubbles themselves that I like, but the top! Check out the bubble top. It's a no-spill top, perfect for toddlers. I think all bubbles should come standard with this top. LOVE!

And then there's the gloves. These are absorbent dish drying gloves! One thing that I hate is opening up the dishwasher and the dishes are super hot and they're not even totally dry! Put these bad boys on, dry those dishes, and put them away at the same time. GENIUS! I don't know why I still don't own these but I should. You can find these at Bed Bath and Beyond for $4.99. That's a good deal!

# books # cleaning

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Family Dinners: Back to School

Emily 5:36 AM 0 Comments

DELIGHTFUL DINING: Show and Tell

Each member of the family packs an item in a backpack, or tote, or other "school" bag. Be prepared to share the history or a story about that item to the other family members at the table. It can be a picture, an heirloom, book, toy, etc. Take turns sharing.

TABLE TOPICS:

Do you know anyone who can speak a second language? If you could speak a second language (or a third), which language would you like to speak? Why?
What was your very favorite part of summer? What are you looking forward to when school starts?
What do you hope to learn this year in school?

FLAVORFUL FAVORITES: Easy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These are so delicious and perfect for busy weeknights. These won't disappoint. I love P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps but they're expensive and I rarely eat out. I love making my own version at home.

Ingredients:

1 can water chestnuts, diced

3 green onions, diced

1/2 pkg. fresh mushrooms, diced

1 chicken breast, cooked and diced

Trader Joe's Soyaki teriyaki sauce (add to liking)

1 head butter lettuce, washed

Directions:

In a skillet, combine water chestnuts, green onions, mushrooms, chicken and Soyaki. Cook until hot and mushrooms are cooked through.

Serve with washed butter lettuce leaves.

# delightful dining # family dinners

Monday, September 5, 2011

Easy Hand Sewing for Children

Emily 6:22 AM 2 Comments

Sewing is a skill. And, it's a great skill to have. However, it's just not as popular as it used to be. Here's an easy way to introduce your child to hand sewing. You don't need to be an expert to do this. If you are a teacher, you can do this in your classroom! It's that easy and the kids love it.

Materials: