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DIY Reindeer Food!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Dec 23, 2019 | Social-Emotional Learning
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Tagged with 'holidays'
SMART Toy Reviews by Real Moms!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Dec 19, 2019
In a rush to fulfill holiday wish lists for family and friends, it can be challenging to find just the right gift for everyone on your list. Especially when it comes to gifting for kids, it often feels like the stars must align to find a gift that the kid loves AND you feel good giving.
This holiday season, we asked moms what matters to them when it comes to gifting for their children – and here’s what we found out:
- 87% of moms think it’s important that the toys they buy have an educational component
- 70% of moms think it’s important that the toys they buy have STEM or science component
- Half of moms are committed to buying more toys with an educational component this holiday than in previous years.
Dr. Kim Van Dusen, LMFT, RPT – owner/Founder of The Parentologist w/ Dr. Kim says “Play has so many benefits like building imagination, increasing language, communication, and social skills, lessening anxiety and depression, and learning at a more advanced education level! Finding toys that can stimulate a child’s brain while also having fun needs to be intentional from the parent to the child…Toys have so many benefits, especially if you pick the right ones!”
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
Beverly Mitchell of Seventh Heaven fame gave herself this challenge… “Every year we try to find gifts that challenge their mind, they expand their knowledge. Toys that use to create, to learn, to engage. That is why I am such a big fan of Learning Resources, it is such a great website that has toys for every kind of kid, at every age. Whether your kids is a tinkerer, or a scientist, a baker, mathematician, or spelling champ, they have toys for your kid.
Coding Critters Rumble & Bumble
Yumology Science Sweets Kit
Engineering & Design Castle Set
Wreckergears
Alicia of @greeneclecticmama is a long-time fan of educational toys.“As an early childhood educator I know just how important play and STEM learning are for young kids. Learning through play can help children with problem solving, learning cause and effect, and building self-esteem. They learn how to compromise, share, and resolve conflict. Play is terrific for developing creativity, imagination, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills. These three awesome STEM toys from Learning Resources reinforce so many valuable skills. STEM learning can foster ingenuity and creativity, encourages experimentation, teamwork, adaptation, encourages knowledge application, and much more.”
Splashology!
MathLink Cubes
Beaker Creatures Alien Experiment Lab
Holly Bennett, better known as the creator of the @bennetttriplets, had this to say about gifting to multiples (and her guidance applies to any siblings!):
“The truth is that while my triplets have similarities, they are also very different. One of my sons is currently very scientific-minded. He was just toddling when he first fixated and really understood how magnets work. My daughter has always been into helping me in the kitchen, never missing a chance to bake up something delicious. My other son has such diverse interests, but he is currently fixated on his school work and is constantly building and constructing things, so I see the little engineer in him coming out.”
Bennetttriplets' Instagram
“Have you ever heard of STEM toys? I hadn't until recently! STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and although they look just as fun as regular toys, they’re actually tools that help kids develop their abilities while they have fun and learn.”
SMART Toy Reviews by Real Moms!
READ MORE
In a rush to fulfill holiday wish lists for family and friends, it can be challenging to find just the right gift for everyone on your list. Especially when it comes to gifting for kids, it often feels like the stars must align to find a gift that the kid loves AND you feel good giving.
This holiday season, we asked moms what matters to them when it comes to gifting for their children – and here’s what we found out:
- 87% of moms think it’s important that the toys they buy have an educational component
- 70% of moms think it’s important that the toys they buy have STEM or science component
- Half of moms are committed to buying more toys with an educational component this holiday than in previous years.
Dr. Kim Van Dusen, LMFT, RPT – owner/Founder of The Parentologist w/ Dr. Kim says “Play has so many benefits like building imagination, increasing language, communication, and social skills, lessening anxiety and depression, and learning at a more advanced education level! Finding toys that can stimulate a child’s brain while also having fun needs to be intentional from the parent to the child…Toys have so many benefits, especially if you pick the right ones!”
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
Beverly Mitchell of Seventh Heaven fame gave herself this challenge… “Every year we try to find gifts that challenge their mind, they expand their knowledge. Toys that use to create, to learn, to engage. That is why I am such a big fan of Learning Resources, it is such a great website that has toys for every kind of kid, at every age. Whether your kids is a tinkerer, or a scientist, a baker, mathematician, or spelling champ, they have toys for your kid.
Coding Critters Rumble & Bumble
Yumology Science Sweets Kit
Engineering & Design Castle Set
Wreckergears
Alicia of @greeneclecticmama is a long-time fan of educational toys.“As an early childhood educator I know just how important play and STEM learning are for young kids. Learning through play can help children with problem solving, learning cause and effect, and building self-esteem. They learn how to compromise, share, and resolve conflict. Play is terrific for developing creativity, imagination, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills. These three awesome STEM toys from Learning Resources reinforce so many valuable skills. STEM learning can foster ingenuity and creativity, encourages experimentation, teamwork, adaptation, encourages knowledge application, and much more.”
Splashology!
MathLink Cubes
Beaker Creatures Alien Experiment Lab
Holly Bennett, better known as the creator of the @bennetttriplets, had this to say about gifting to multiples (and her guidance applies to any siblings!):
“The truth is that while my triplets have similarities, they are also very different. One of my sons is currently very scientific-minded. He was just toddling when he first fixated and really understood how magnets work. My daughter has always been into helping me in the kitchen, never missing a chance to bake up something delicious. My other son has such diverse interests, but he is currently fixated on his school work and is constantly building and constructing things, so I see the little engineer in him coming out.”
Bennetttriplets' Instagram“Have you ever heard of STEM toys? I hadn't until recently! STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and although they look just as fun as regular toys, they’re actually tools that help kids develop their abilities while they have fun and learn.”
Holiday Sensory Baggies!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Dec 16, 2019 | STEM
10 STEM-sational Gift Ideas!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Dec 9, 2019 | Science
5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Oktoberfest for Kids
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On Jul 22, 2019
DIY Super Safe Fireworks!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Jun 26, 2019 | STEM
Fourth of July Activities!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On May 22, 2019 | Social-Emotional Learning
Every year, Americans observe the Fourth of July, a holiday celebrating our country's independence. While the Fourth may look a bit different this year due to social distancing, there are still plenty of ways to have fun right at home.This year, make the most of your Fourth of July celebration and show a little patriotism, too, with our favorite traditional American games, like:
-
Bobbing for Apples
This classic cool-down game is perfect for a hot, almost-summer celebration. Simply fill an oversized bowl or cooler with water, float some smallish-sized apples, and set the timer to see who can grab the most apples, using only their teeth, in 60 seconds.
2.Potato Sack Races
Since not many of us are buying our potatoes by the sack, you may want to opt for old pillow cases here. Designate a starting line and a finish line, line up your racers, and have each person step both feet into a pillowcase. The first racer to hop their way to the finish line wins.
3.Three-Legged Race
Turn the traditional Potato Sack Race into a team sport by assigning one pillow case to every two people. Players stand together, then step the leg closest to their partner into the case, holding the edge with their inside hands. Ready, set, run, with three legs instead of two!
4.Baseball Game
What’s more American than baseball? An impromptu baseball game adds a bit of patriotic pep to any summer party. Bring a tee for the kids and batter up!
5.Red, White, and Blue Tag
Divide your guests into three teams and tuck a 6”red, white, or blue streamer into the waist of their shorts. Call “ready, set, go” and all players race to collect one streamer of each color first!
6.Spoon Race
It takes a steady hand to win this old favorite! Break into teams, with half of each team’s players on either end of a start and finish line. Hand the first players at the starting line a hard boiled egg, balanced on a spoon. Blow the whistle and they’re off, racing toward the next player on their team at the finish line and passing the egg without dropping it, until the first team crosses the finish line, egg on spoon.
7.Beanbag Toss
Even if you don’t have your own corn hole game you can easily create a fun beanbag toss using bowls and buckets. Set them up at varying distances and take turns seeing who can get one beanbag in each target.
8.Limbo
Although limbo originated in Trinidad, Americans have embraced this back-breaking, body-bending move as our own. Designate two “holders”, line your guests up, then grab your broom and turn on the tunes, taking turns passing under the limbo stick, bellybutton first. Fall down and you’re out; lower the stick each time the whole line has made a pass until only one player is standing.
9.Neck to Neck
Really get to know your guests, up close and personal, with this touchy-feely game of pass the balloon. Gather your guests in a circle, then tuck a balloon under your chin. Turn to your neighbor and pass the balloon to their chin,without any hands. Continue until the balloon comes full circle.
10.Tug of War
Go mano a mano with your friends and family in a good old-fashioned game of tug of war! Grab a rope (knots are cheating!), divide into teams, set a center point, and... PULL! Tug back and forth until one team brings the other down, literally.
Happy Fourth of July!
Fourth of July Activities!
READ MORE
Every year, Americans observe the Fourth of July, a holiday celebrating our country's independence. While the Fourth may look a bit different this year due to social distancing, there are still plenty of ways to have fun right at home.This year, make the most of your Fourth of July celebration and show a little patriotism, too, with our favorite traditional American games, like:
-
Bobbing for Apples
This classic cool-down game is perfect for a hot, almost-summer celebration. Simply fill an oversized bowl or cooler with water, float some smallish-sized apples, and set the timer to see who can grab the most apples, using only their teeth, in 60 seconds.
2.Potato Sack Races
Since not many of us are buying our potatoes by the sack, you may want to opt for old pillow cases here. Designate a starting line and a finish line, line up your racers, and have each person step both feet into a pillowcase. The first racer to hop their way to the finish line wins.
3.Three-Legged Race
Turn the traditional Potato Sack Race into a team sport by assigning one pillow case to every two people. Players stand together, then step the leg closest to their partner into the case, holding the edge with their inside hands. Ready, set, run, with three legs instead of two!
4.Baseball Game
What’s more American than baseball? An impromptu baseball game adds a bit of patriotic pep to any summer party. Bring a tee for the kids and batter up!
5.Red, White, and Blue Tag
Divide your guests into three teams and tuck a 6”red, white, or blue streamer into the waist of their shorts. Call “ready, set, go” and all players race to collect one streamer of each color first!
6.Spoon Race
It takes a steady hand to win this old favorite! Break into teams, with half of each team’s players on either end of a start and finish line. Hand the first players at the starting line a hard boiled egg, balanced on a spoon. Blow the whistle and they’re off, racing toward the next player on their team at the finish line and passing the egg without dropping it, until the first team crosses the finish line, egg on spoon.
7.Beanbag Toss
Even if you don’t have your own corn hole game you can easily create a fun beanbag toss using bowls and buckets. Set them up at varying distances and take turns seeing who can get one beanbag in each target.
8.Limbo
Although limbo originated in Trinidad, Americans have embraced this back-breaking, body-bending move as our own. Designate two “holders”, line your guests up, then grab your broom and turn on the tunes, taking turns passing under the limbo stick, bellybutton first. Fall down and you’re out; lower the stick each time the whole line has made a pass until only one player is standing.
9.Neck to Neck
Really get to know your guests, up close and personal, with this touchy-feely game of pass the balloon. Gather your guests in a circle, then tuck a balloon under your chin. Turn to your neighbor and pass the balloon to their chin,without any hands. Continue until the balloon comes full circle.
10.Tug of War
Go mano a mano with your friends and family in a good old-fashioned game of tug of war! Grab a rope (knots are cheating!), divide into teams, set a center point, and... PULL! Tug back and forth until one team brings the other down, literally.
Happy Fourth of July!
Earth Day Printables Pack!
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Apr 15, 2019 | Printables
Color in the sheet and hang it up for decoration with this Earth Day Coloring Sheet!
Earth Day Printables Pack!
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Color in the sheet and hang it up for decoration with this Earth Day Coloring Sheet!
DIY Springtime Sensory Bin
- Patria Lincoln Posted On Mar 6, 2019 | Easter
Sensory bins are a simple, yet highly effective addition to any primary classroom! Students can explore, create, and learn while engaging in sensory play. This DIY spring themed sensory bin incorporates one of the most important math skills for your primary learners. Subitizing is the ability for students to recognize or identify a number or the number of objects in a set without counting. It is the springboard for building a strong number sense and it is the key to establishing mental math reflexes!
In order to get started dying the rice for your bin, you’ll need these materials:
-3 cups of rice
-3 tsp. vinegar
-Food coloring or gel (amount varies based on desired color)
-Gallon Zip
-lock bag
-Paper plate
Combine all ingredients in a gallon sized zip-lock bag, cover and shake well until rice is covered. Add green as needed. If you’re looking to make it more of a lime green, add some yellow food coloring. Leave on a paper plate to dry for an hour.
My favorite aspect of making a sensory bin is having the autonomy to create and utilize sensory objects that best fit the needs of my learners. In this case, incorporating fine motor skill practice was also a goal of mine. With this being said, I chose to add plastic Easter eggs and mini counting erasers to my bin. Students can gain extra fine motor practice by opening and closing the Easter eggs, as well as finding, picking up and counting out the spring themed erasers.
I’ll introduce the sensory bin as a “Spring Subitizing Egg Hunt” center and use it all month long in my math workshop rotations. Students will explore the sensory materials in the bin to find and sort the different representations of each number (1-10). The different representations include the number words, tens frames, dice, dominos, pictures and tally counts. You can find a sample of “Easter egg hunting” for the number “one” in the image above.
I plan to also use the same sensory bin materials, but incorporate other learning goals, such as addition/subtraction facts, sight words, etc. For example, the Easter eggs can hold different types of math facts. Students can then practice their fact fluency by sorting the facts by strategy. This practice supports their flexible thinking and enhances their number sense!
I hope this post has inspired you to create a spring sensory bin for your classroom and ignited you to modify it to fit the needs of your learners.
If you’re interested in using the subitizing sorting cards, be sure to download them here!
Save it for later!
DIY Springtime Sensory Bin
READ MORE
Sensory bins are a simple, yet highly effective addition to any primary classroom! Students can explore, create, and learn while engaging in sensory play. This DIY spring themed sensory bin incorporates one of the most important math skills for your primary learners. Subitizing is the ability for students to recognize or identify a number or the number of objects in a set without counting. It is the springboard for building a strong number sense and it is the key to establishing mental math reflexes!
In order to get started dying the rice for your bin, you’ll need these materials:
-3 cups of rice
-3 tsp. vinegar
-Food coloring or gel (amount varies based on desired color)
-Gallon Zip
-lock bag
-Paper plate
Combine all ingredients in a gallon sized zip-lock bag, cover and shake well until rice is covered. Add green as needed. If you’re looking to make it more of a lime green, add some yellow food coloring. Leave on a paper plate to dry for an hour.
My favorite aspect of making a sensory bin is having the autonomy to create and utilize sensory objects that best fit the needs of my learners. In this case, incorporating fine motor skill practice was also a goal of mine. With this being said, I chose to add plastic Easter eggs and mini counting erasers to my bin. Students can gain extra fine motor practice by opening and closing the Easter eggs, as well as finding, picking up and counting out the spring themed erasers.
I’ll introduce the sensory bin as a “Spring Subitizing Egg Hunt” center and use it all month long in my math workshop rotations. Students will explore the sensory materials in the bin to find and sort the different representations of each number (1-10). The different representations include the number words, tens frames, dice, dominos, pictures and tally counts. You can find a sample of “Easter egg hunting” for the number “one” in the image above.
I plan to also use the same sensory bin materials, but incorporate other learning goals, such as addition/subtraction facts, sight words, etc. For example, the Easter eggs can hold different types of math facts. Students can then practice their fact fluency by sorting the facts by strategy. This practice supports their flexible thinking and enhances their number sense!
I hope this post has inspired you to create a spring sensory bin for your classroom and ignited you to modify it to fit the needs of your learners.
If you’re interested in using the subitizing sorting cards, be sure to download them here!
Save it for later!
