Winter Name Activity

In preschool, children learn to recognize, spell, and write their own names.  This is a BIG early literacy goal and acts as a springboard for all kinds of learning.

Today I want to share an easy, hands on winter name activity that is perfect for little ones at home or school.  I call this SNOWY NAMES and it can be done 3 different ways.  For each version you will need a sheet of blue paper with each child's name written or printed out on it.

Snowy Marshmallow Names

This first version is favorite because it involves FOOD!  Have each child outline their name with Elmer's glue and then stick on mini marshmallows to form each letter.  Be sure to set aside a few extra marshmallows for your kiddos to snack on while they work.  ;)

Snowy Dot Sticker Names

In this version give each child a few sheets of plain white dot stickers then have them peel and stick them to form each letter.  I found the dot stickers at the dollar store, but binder reinforcement stickers would work great too.  Using stickers is a great way to build fine motor skills.

Snowy Cotton Ball Painting

If you don't mind a little mess this version is super fun!  Pull out the white paint, add some cotton balls, and clothespins then let your little one get busy forming the letters in their name by painting and dabbing snowy dots.

And while this activity looks like play, these simple name activities provide lots of learning too!  Don't forget to chat about letter names, letter sounds, how a capital goes at the beginning of a name, the proper way to form letters etc.  Learning is FUN!  

Which activity is your favorite?

New Year's Dot Pages

It's almost time to pull out the pots and pans and ring in the new year!  Are you ready?  We are and that's partly because we don't have any crazy New Year's Eve plans.  Nope.  Nothing at all.  My little family of four will be hanging at home and that's OK with me.  HA-HA!  Littles in bed on time, cozy clothes, and a glass of wine... sounds about perfect in this phase of life.  Would you agree?!

BUT for a little festive fun I did make these New Year's Dot Pages and the girls loved them!  

They are perfect to use with bingo daubers, do-a-dot markers, Target mini-erasers, or pom poms and provide easy entertainment with very little mess!

Dot pages are awesome for kiddos because they help build hand coordination (just look at that concentration) and fine motor skills.

Use them at home with your own kids or print and add them to a center for that first week back to school!  You can grab them for FREE by clicking here or on any image in this post.

Happy New Year!

Student Holiday Gift Idea!

Holiday break is quickly approaching and if you're like me you still might need a quick and easy gift for ALL your kiddos!  Have no fear, I know it's a crazy time of the year, so this FREE tag and some #dollartree bubbles (4pk) make this gift cute, easy, and affordable.

I was browsing my local dollar tree when my pre-schooler spotted this adorable 4 pack of holiday bubbles.  She just HAD to have them and I of course said yes because right away I knew these would make for easy student gifts.

When we got home I pulled out my Christmas ribbon and made a tag that reads "have a bright and bubble holiday break!"  Gave it a hole punch and TA-DA!!  Holiday gifts are done!   

Looking to make your own?  Grab the tag by clicking HERE or on any of the images in this post.  

Happy holidays friends.  The end is near!

Winter "Painting"

Hey All!

You might of started to think I'd never return, but here I am and ready to roll!  The husband and I flew home to the states for the holidays so the last few weeks have been filled with family, friends, and fun!  We started out visiting the in-laws in Virginia and then finished up with my fam in sunny California.  It was a perfect trip, but of course not long enough.

Now most of you are in full swing so I thought I'd better hop to it and join in the January fun.

When I was in California I decided to help out in my mom's kinder class and boy am I happy I did!  Uh, can I just take one second to say that my mom is an awesome teacher!  No, I mean really she is AMAZING!  If you're ever in California and want to see an example of great teaching she's definitely one to watch.  While helping out I got to pull her kiddos to complete this simple little winter "painting."

For this painting my mom told her students that they would be painting with "magic water."  Do you know what they used?  Bleach!  Yep, students were asked to paint a winter scene using this magic water and as it dried it suddenly appeared white like snow!  The kids were amazed and had so much fun watching as their "paint" dried.  Now, don't worry I pulled kids in groups of 3 and each had a cup of bleach that only had about a tablespoon in it.  We discussed the importance of not getting the "magic water" on our hands or clothes and carefully used q-tips to paint our pictures.  We had no accidents and each painting turned out super cute!

My mom added these paintings to her winter bulletin board which includes awesome interactive writing about a snowman.  Notice her "Frozen"  reference?  Ha-Ha

Hope your first weeks back are going well!

January and a Sale!

Hi Everyone!  Can you believe Christmas Eve is tomorrow?!  The husband and I will be heading back to the states shortly, and although I dread the 10.5 hour flight I can't wait to see family and friends!  Before I go I wanted to share a few things I recently posted in my store that'd be perfect for January. 

If you're looking for something to do for the first day back after break why not check out my New Year activities.  I have included a New Year's Resolution craft writing display and a few other printables that are sure to keep your kiddos busy.  

I know in January many teachers teach about penguins and if you do, you might like my penguin tree map activities.  I've said it before but I absolutely love doing tree maps and I always try to find some way for my students to display their writing.  For this tree map I have created a little penguin book which students will create and fill in. I think they will enjoy having their own penguin fact books.  The set includes directions and templates for how to make the book as well as class tree map pieces and a student recording sheet.

And how about Printables?  This set of winter themed printables focuses on all kinds of kindergarten common core standards.  And no Christmas here, so the sheets are perfect for the rest of the winter months.  They're perfect for follow up activities, centers, homework, or even small group work.

Well, I hope you all are relaxing and getting ready to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones.  As a way to say thank you and Merry Christmas my store will be 15% off now thru Christmas Day!  Merry Christmas!