I remember the first time that we tried making a melted pony bead ornament. I was terrified to melt pony beads in the oven. After taking a plastics class in college (yes, this communication major passed the class -woot!), I was wondering: Would melting pony beads smell bad? (it DOES by the way. I'll tell you how to avoid at the bottom of this post) Would the beads actually melt and at continue reading...
Flashlight Alphabet Game for Kids: Can You Find the Letter?
I think this flashlight alphabet game is our family's favorite activity. While we've played a lot of after dark games, there's something about this game that has really stuck with my kids. Maybe it's because I finally let them have free range with a flashlight?? Regardless, your kids will be begging to play this game over and over, too. Don't say I didn't warn you... Amazon Links are provided continue reading...
Jingle Bell Painting
Have you heard of jingle bell painting? It's what we've named this fun process art activity that we do every winter. But, I have to admit that when I was in the classroom, I always dreaded pulling out the copious amounts of Jingle Bells that we had stashed in our winter box. There was something about seventeen children shaking bells and singing at the top of their lungs that started to continue reading...
Fine Motor Station on the Light Table: Skewers, Pony Beads, and Straws
Hi There! Lately, you might have noticed that we have had a few posts about light table activities. Experimenting with Ice and Pony Bead Puppets have been great activities with our "light table." It's in quotes because it's not really a table, it's more like a small, flimsy box that lights up! I made it from a cardboard box and an old picture frame. But, despite the size, my daughter is in continue reading...
Experimenting with Ice, Colored Water, and Salt on the Light Table
Hi Everyone! Welcome back to the light and reflections series :-) Today, we are focusing on using light and reflections to explore Math and Science concepts for kids. My daughter was completely in the driver's seat as we experimented with ice, salt, and colored water on the light table! I was surprised that it became an art show as the colored water dripped along the salt and ice. It was continue reading...
Painting with Mirrors: Explore, Create, Learn!
Hi Everyone! My husband was a little bit nervous about this one! I sent him a picture of our daughter painting on mirrors and his first reaction was: I hope the paint comes off! It's true, sometimes I look at activities and think, "Well, that must have been tough to clean up." But, I've made the decision that clean up doesn't matter to me (ok...I'm trying not to let it bother me) because continue reading...