Archive for September 2010
Whenever I’m thinking up posts to write for No Time for Flash Cards, I try to think of things that are good for special needs kids, but can be fun for any kid. When I saw Allie was doing an earth craft with her son the other day, I knew I should share this light box activity.
Kids with low vision are often given a chance to “practice” using their eyes in a nice calm environment. Light boxes are a great way to do this, but hoo-wee are they expensive. Like always, I developed this method to make one on the cheap.
You will need a print out of planet earth. I Googled “earth” and found one easily. You will also need tape, an empty soda box (or similar), a flashlight, a pen, a pair of scissors, and a knife.
First you need to cut off one of the long sides of the soda box.
On the opposite side of the box, in the center, you will want to cut out a hole that is slightly smaller than your earth picture. To cut the hole, I used my knife to get it started and then finished with a pair of scissors.
Then tape your earth picture to the outside of the box, with the earth picture facing in.
Next, take your pen and poke holes in the box all around the earth cut out.
Take you box into a dark room and place the flashlight behind the earth. If you’ve got a strong flashlight like I did, it might help to dim it a little with a paper towel.
And there you go–the most-magical Diet Coke box I’ve ever seen. This could easily be adapted for other planets or even the entire solar system if you were feeling up to it.
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Katy is a mom of one who loves art, mystery novels, and anything involving peanut butter–she blogs about raising her little miracle at Bird on the Street.
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We made this apple wreath weeks ago but wanted to wait until people were settled in the school year and the leaves turned a little more before posting. Originally I planned this as a garland ( which is why there is no paper plate in the materials picture) but decided that a wreath would be nicer and my son could do more of the steps with me if it was a wreath. So grab an apple, some paint and make this fall decoration for your house today.
- Gather your materials. You will need an apple, a plate, some red and green paint, knife, craft paper , painters tape, scissors, glue and a paper plate.
- Before inviting your child to come paint cut a large piece of craft paper off a roll ( find them for cheap at walmart – in the office supply section) and tape it to your work surface with painters tape.
- Pour some red paint into the plate.
- Cut your apple lengthwise.
- Start printing!
If you have never done this with your child show them how to make a print by stamping and removing. If they just want to smear it that is fine too – you can just cut the smears into apple shapes if you want to make the wreath or just let them explore. My son did a little of both. - Next dip your child’s thumb or finger into the green paint to make stems.
- Let dry.
- Cut the apples out.
- Cut the middle of the paper plate out.
- Add glue to the ring of plate. Did you notice the new PJs? It’s the next day, when the apples dried my son was not interested in finishing the craft, so we waited until the next day. Don’t force them to finish ( I am preaching to myself here too
) keep it casual and fun.
- Add the apples!
Apple Picking!
I have more than a few apple picking field trips under my belt and you can too with this website that lists a wide range of pick your own farms in the US and around the globe.
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Ever have a home away from home? A place where people know you and you can speak your mind no matter what? Okay maybe someone will disagree but they will say it respectfully. Well I have sorta kept The Mamasphere.com to myself for a long time. I can’t help it , it’s my get away. Moms supporting moms, friendships blossoming and a few heated conversations. The heart of this online community though are it’s members and even if we disagree about politics, and practice different religions we take care of each other. So I can’t keep my online home a secret anymore. Moms need moms and these are the moms that I support and who support me!
I recently got an email from Jane asking if I had any suggestions for books that mention cities, regions or countries that could be used as a launching pad for some geography lessons. These books are some of my favorites, they can be the start of a live long interest in other cultures, countries and travel.
Madeline in London
My Granny Went to Market
D is for Dancing Dragon: A China Alphabet 
Hugo and Miles In I’ve Painted Everything
There’s a Dolphin in the Grand Canal
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World 
The Falling Flowers
This was an impromptu activity, I didn’t plan it at all. I was finishing up a post for Parentella about school anxiety when my son decided that he had enough of Legos, and since it was pouring outside his beloved backyard was off limits too. I suggested we play library. By the time he was all set up my final proof read was done and we were playing.
- Gather your props. You will need LOTS of books, an old computer to be the check out , a cloth bag and” library” card . You could make a card as a craft before hand if you want or just use a old Starbucks card.
- Set up your library. Ours was set up on our family room couches. My son sorted the books by ones for big kids and ones for little kids. I couldn’t tell the difference but the fact that he initiated the sorting and classification was good enough for me. We popped my old laptop on the coffee table for check out.
- Next ask your librarian to help with book suggestions. This was eye opening for me he suggested some great books by title, this is a great way to get a sense of which books your child remembers and loves.
- Time to check out books. I had to pay a fine too. Isn’t it fun when you realize your kids is listening all.the.time.
- Next it’s story time!
Pretend play isn’t just fun, it’s an important component to early childhood education. It allows kids to practice social situations, learn by doing and develop storytelling skills as well. So grab some books and turn your living room into a library .
