One of our preschool friends brought this wonderful book to share and the entire class LOVED it! We listened to it over and over and over again! Even when we weren't listening to it the kids were talking about it, humming it and singing the song. Couldn't recommend it more!
This wonderful, warm book is about a little bear exploring all the wonderful things he might be when he grows up. One thing he knows for sure . . . he always wants to live with his mom. This book is a great lead in for so many discussions--growing up, family, love and career/job possibilities. My favorite way to use this book, though, is one-on-one snuggle time with my own little cub! :)
This book is a favorite at my house. The simple story of different animals being kind to each other starts with sharing an egg. Each animal in turn wants to do something kind for a friend. Sometimes that kindness is shown by giving something, sometimes it is by doing something. This simple read with bright pictures was a perfect tie in for our theme of the day--eggs, as well as our character trait for the month--good manners.
If your child comes home today and says they watched a movie . . .
Well, we did!
One of my most favorites:
This is a great movie that helps introduce kids to not only the letters of the alphabet but the sounds each makes as well. The kids had a lot of fun singing along, laughing, and even dancing with the leap frog family.
We had a blast at our Mom's and Muffins Party! We ate muffins, drank milk, read this book . . .
and, what I think was the kiddos most favorite . . . experienced Marvelous MAGIC!
Because . . .
there is nothing as rewarding as the look of awe and excitement on a 4 year-old's face when watching magic,
and because I love you all so dearly and want YOU to be able to experience that. . .
AND MOSTLY BECAUSE M is for Magic . . .
And . . .
Although a good magician NEVER reveals her secrets . . .
I am NOT a good magician . . .
SOOO . . . here are some magic tricks to awe the preschoolers in your life :)
Turn Water into ICE!
Supplies:
Cup/Mug (one that CANNOT be seen through!)
Sponge
a little bit of water (1/8 cup-ish)
Ice (I used a regular cube . . . but I think small cubed ice might have a better effect)
Set-up:
Squish the sponge into the bottom of the cup and wet your ice-cube
(Something I didn't do . . . so it stuck to the sponge a little :) ).
Put ice in cup.
For your Audience:
"My breath is so magically cold, it can turn water into ice!"
Pour the 1/8 C of water into the cup . . .
Blow on it and say the magic words (while the water soaks into the sponge)
Turn cup upside down and
watch in amazement as only ice comes out!
Penny in the Neck
Supplies:
A penny
Set-up:
None
For your Audience:
"I will take this penny, push it through the skin in the back of my neck and have it come out my mouth!"
Let kids check out the back of your neck to see if they can see the magic hole and look in your mouth to make sure you aren't hiding anything.
What you do:
Reach both arms back behind your head, with at least one elbow hidden from the audience by your head. While you act like you are pushing the penny through your skin, hide it in V-part of your arm made by folding your elbow (I don't know what that is called or how to describe that!)
Show the audience your empty hands (while keeping your elbow folded and hiding the penny).
Act like you are pulling the penny out of your mouth while flinging your arm open so the penny goes flying through the air.
(That probably only makes sense to those of you who have seen the trick . . . sorry!)
Disappearing Quarter
The easiest way to explain this one is the Youtube video that taught me :)
Exploding Water How it works:
1) Fill several clear containers (I used plastic drinking cups) with about 3/4 cup water and 1/3 cup vinegar. (the ratio can be varied, but more vinegar= more fiz= more fun! PLACE CONTAINERS on a BAKING SHEET, as this WILL MAKE A MESS!!!!
2) place one small drop of food coloring on a metal spoon (don't use clear, since you can see the color on the other side), then place a heaping teaspoon of baking soda on top, or enough to make sure the food coloring is covered.
3) Have a child come up and pick a spoon to stir in a cup of "water".
It will fiz like crazy and remain clear while fizzing, so make sure they keep stirring.
Once the fiz has settled down, the color will show up.
I will be using 6 different colors. red, green, yellow, blue, orange (one drop yellow and one drop red), and purple (one drop red and one drop blue)
(notice the water on the bottom of the baking sheet? It WILL bubble over and make a mess. Paper towels would be a good idea to bring...)
I have a few more tricks that didn't come out this time . . . i'll have to find another time to use them :)
At preschool this week it's all about the letter Mm!
Today Moko pulled out his magic bag full of things that start with the letter Mm: Money (and a little magic!), macaroni, mustard, mushrooms, a mouse, a monkey, markers, a movie, and some mail! Letter Mm is Moko the Monkey's favorite letter, of course! :)
Then he introduced us to this book . . .
And because the letter Mm loves to MUNCH . . . mmmmm good stuff, we munched cookies while we read the book, followed by a glass of mmm milk!
We did lots of tummy rubbing as we practiced the sound of the Letter Mm :)
We also made our invites to the Muffins & Mom's party . . .
Aren't those just the cutest little card making elfs?!?
And as an at home bonus, here's a fun link to a short letter Mm animation activity you can do with your child.
This fun story is about a little boy who can't sleep because there is a tiger in his closet. Not a scary tiger, but a noisy one--crunching potato chips, playing the tuba and even doing cartwheels. Will this silly tiger finally quiet down and let a very tired boy sleep? Recommended for preschool-2nd grade.
When it is time for bed, little Llama snuggles up in his bed, only to become nervous when the light is off and Mama is gone. This wonderful book has beautiful pictures and captivating rhyme that draws you in while addressing familiar night time fears. The resulting drama will ring familiar to both children and parents. Recommended for toddlers-kindergarten.
Written by: Sally lloyd-Jones Illustrated by: Jane Chapman
When night falls over the forest even little animals must stop hopping, crunching, and close their eyes (all except the owls. . .) and curl up to rest. This is one of my favorite bedtime books. The pictures are beautiful and the rhythm captivating and relaxing. Recommended for preschool-1st grade.
