I hope you are all enjoying your summer. It seems like we are balancing staying dry with staying cool. We don't seem to have too many of those just right days.
Below are some fun indoor and outdoor ideas:
Don't forget that you can get free museum passes from your local library. Most will not hold them, so be ready to run over if you call in a request. http://www.chipublib.org/ is the Chicago public Library site and you can see who has what along with phone numbers and addresses. We plan on hitting the Science and Industry soon. They have a great new weather exhibit. If you have never been to Peggy Notebart, I suggest that for an awesome experience in nature. They also have the giant butterfly garden where a variety of butterfly species live. It's really cool. The Morton Arboretum is tons of fun. The Children's Garden is a must especially when you get one of those just right days.
Here is a cute idea from another blogger that would go well with any of the above:
http://sunscholars.blogspot.com/2011/04/nature-scavenger-hunt.html
Finally, if you know anyone looking for a well established Christ centered school, send them by me! We are having a Preschool and Kindergarten Open House on July 21 6-7:30 pm. Lutheran Unity School West Campus 5650 N Canfield. Although just the 2 teachers will be present, the principal or board members present would be happy to show you around the rest of the 1-8th grade rooms as well as answer any of your questions. There is a lot to offer at this school, so do pass along the info.
I will post pics later this week of the room progress. I am getting very excited about this new adventure. The room along with keeping up with J and S is keeping us quite busy! Until next time... keep enjoying those kids!
Tanya
Monday, July 11, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
JOYFUL JUNE!!
Well, it is official. My new position for next year is at Lutheran Unity Schools West Campus. I will continue to teach my favorite people besides my own family, Prekindergarten! I am excited and blessed. I will post photos of the room as I get in and start to organize and set up. My program will run roughly the same as my previous school because I had such success with that. The children were engaged and constantly learning. Thanks for all your prayers.
Now what are you doing to keep cool and to keep your little one busy? Well, here are a few tips from myself and other super bloggers:
Salt Art...We all did it as a child. Here is the step by step process if you can't remember. This is great for block parties and even too hot or rainy days.
http://www.funnydayswithmommyandmaddie.com/2011/06/salt-art.html
Sidewalk paint: grind up sidewalk chalk and add just a bit of water to create a paint like texture. The kids can use regular brushes and paint all over the outside. It appears very vibrant and yet it washes off with rain or just the good old hose. This was a big hit with my daughter.
PROCESS vs. PRODUCT. I say this over and over all year. Please check out this cool blog about that along with a painting project for you and your child.
http://paintcutpaste.com/process-painting/
Going to the zoo, the park or on a family vacation? Bring a notebook, pencil and crayons. Have your child "journal" each night after they have their experience. You can dictate if they can't "write" yet. But please give them this opportunity. It is a wonderful keepsake and super cool show and tell item. They can even add the occassional photo. I LOVE THIS!
Ok, I hope that is enough to hold you over until after The 4th of July. Until then, stay cool, dry or warm, whatever the case may be. Hug your children and remember to offer them lots of engaging and rich learning EXPERIENCES, not just workbooks and flashcards.
Many blessings,
Tanya
Now what are you doing to keep cool and to keep your little one busy? Well, here are a few tips from myself and other super bloggers:
Salt Art...We all did it as a child. Here is the step by step process if you can't remember. This is great for block parties and even too hot or rainy days.
http://www.funnydayswithmommyandmaddie.com/2011/06/salt-art.html
Sidewalk paint: grind up sidewalk chalk and add just a bit of water to create a paint like texture. The kids can use regular brushes and paint all over the outside. It appears very vibrant and yet it washes off with rain or just the good old hose. This was a big hit with my daughter.
PROCESS vs. PRODUCT. I say this over and over all year. Please check out this cool blog about that along with a painting project for you and your child.
http://paintcutpaste.com/process-painting/
Going to the zoo, the park or on a family vacation? Bring a notebook, pencil and crayons. Have your child "journal" each night after they have their experience. You can dictate if they can't "write" yet. But please give them this opportunity. It is a wonderful keepsake and super cool show and tell item. They can even add the occassional photo. I LOVE THIS!
Ok, I hope that is enough to hold you over until after The 4th of July. Until then, stay cool, dry or warm, whatever the case may be. Hug your children and remember to offer them lots of engaging and rich learning EXPERIENCES, not just workbooks and flashcards.
Many blessings,
Tanya
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Moldy, Mushy May! What to do?? What to do???
This rain has been so depressing! I hope you and your child have been able to stay active some how. I am sorry I have been away from the blog for a couple of weeks, but I have been busy applying and interviewing for a new exciting position in the fall. This past week, I was offered a Prek position at a local private school 10 mins or so from home. I am very excited and thankful for this new beginning. I plan on continuing to educate more amazing little ones starting in August! I know my summer will be full of busy days as I prepare for the next journey God is sending me on.
With that being said... here are some cute ideas to keep you busy at home. Some of these are ideas I have seen or used in the past. They are really fun and resourceful.
Do you have a lot of colorings, paintings or other lovely pieces of art from your creative little one???
http://progressiveearlychildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2011/05/reuse-childrens-artwork-for-collage.html
Looking to make a keepsake for your child or their teacher? Check this out. It is a canvas where the adult writes the name of the school and the year. The kids all sign their own name. Then you can modge podge or schilack it.
How about a clever idea for displaying your child's books? I know that I will be doing this in my new classroom. The books can clearly be see by their front cover. This is a great summer project.
With that being said... here are some cute ideas to keep you busy at home. Some of these are ideas I have seen or used in the past. They are really fun and resourceful.
Do you have a lot of colorings, paintings or other lovely pieces of art from your creative little one???
http://progressiveearlychildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/2011/05/reuse-childrens-artwork-for-collage.html
Looking to make a keepsake for your child or their teacher? Check this out. It is a canvas where the adult writes the name of the school and the year. The kids all sign their own name. Then you can modge podge or schilack it.
How about a clever idea for displaying your child's books? I know that I will be doing this in my new classroom. The books can clearly be see by their front cover. This is a great summer project.
How about a summer Fairy Garden...OUTSIDE???
Don't forget the library passes!! The new Dunning Branch is open and I am sure there are a variety available. Museums are an important extension of your child's education.
Until next time, stay busy and enjoy the sunshine. I will be back soon!
Tanya
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May is off to a dandy start.
Wow, finally 3 days of sunshine! I hope everyone in Chicago is feeling 100% better. However, it is SPRING... If you are suffering from allergies, I just read about a homeopathic immunology approach. Try eating a teaspoon of local grown honey. Bees obviously collect pollen which many people are allergic too. It inadvertently gets into the honey and thereby into your system. It works in a similar way to taking allergy shots. You are injesting vs injecting small bits of antigene into your system to build up a tolerance. Interesting huh? I have far too many allergies to soley rely on this one, but I am going to try it!
Mother's day is quickly approaching. Here is a cute idea to make with the kids for aunties, mommas and grandmas. (Thanks Kiboomu kids)
We think this Mother’s Day Tissue Paper Flower Garden is just perfect for young children. And, we have no doubt they will agree!
Craft supplies you will need:
Have the children tear of pieces of tissue paper and ball them up.
Then, have the children fluff up the tissue paper into a flower shape on the paper and glue them down.
After that, use glitter glue to add some sparkle to the flowers.
Lastly, have them draw and color stems, leaves and grass for their flowers.
And, voila, the children now have a Tissue Paper Flower Garden for mom!
Free fun things to do in Chicago now that it is fabulous... Take a nature walk and have them tell you about the Spring trees, flowers etc., go fly a kite in a forest preserve, take a walk around the lake and bring some crayons a paper so they can draw a picture to remember, check out your local library for museum passes to get free admission to one of our many museums, (the new Dunning should be open very soon) .
Until next time, keep smiling and playing with your kids! I know we are here at our house.
Tanya
Mother's day is quickly approaching. Here is a cute idea to make with the kids for aunties, mommas and grandmas. (Thanks Kiboomu kids)
We think this Mother’s Day Tissue Paper Flower Garden is just perfect for young children. And, we have no doubt they will agree!
Craft supplies you will need:
- Paper
- Crayons
- Tissue paper
- Glue
- Pipe cleaner
- Glitter glue
Have the children tear of pieces of tissue paper and ball them up.
Then, have the children fluff up the tissue paper into a flower shape on the paper and glue them down.
After that, use glitter glue to add some sparkle to the flowers.
Lastly, have them draw and color stems, leaves and grass for their flowers.
And, voila, the children now have a Tissue Paper Flower Garden for mom!
Free fun things to do in Chicago now that it is fabulous... Take a nature walk and have them tell you about the Spring trees, flowers etc., go fly a kite in a forest preserve, take a walk around the lake and bring some crayons a paper so they can draw a picture to remember, check out your local library for museum passes to get free admission to one of our many museums, (the new Dunning should be open very soon) .
Until next time, keep smiling and playing with your kids! I know we are here at our house.
Tanya
Thursday, April 14, 2011
It's been a busy month...
Have you been out enjoying the weather? I surely have! The kids have been running around and soaking up the sun. This is Chicago though, so you never know what tomorrow will bring.
This week was the Week of the Young Child. If your child is in school, I am sure you heard all about it. They probably did some engaging activities and read some "FUNTASTIC" stories. Make sure you do this at home too. Learning does not stop at school, especially for young children. They should be actively learning at home. You can do this easily by sorting cans, counting boxes, letting them "write" while you make your to do lists etc. Things that you might think of as silly, are actually great ways to keep a young child's mind moving.
I won't be writing until after Easter, so have a blessed holiday. Enjoy your family and celebrate your children. They are a gift from God.
Tanya
This week was the Week of the Young Child. If your child is in school, I am sure you heard all about it. They probably did some engaging activities and read some "FUNTASTIC" stories. Make sure you do this at home too. Learning does not stop at school, especially for young children. They should be actively learning at home. You can do this easily by sorting cans, counting boxes, letting them "write" while you make your to do lists etc. Things that you might think of as silly, are actually great ways to keep a young child's mind moving.
I won't be writing until after Easter, so have a blessed holiday. Enjoy your family and celebrate your children. They are a gift from God.
Tanya
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