Planting a Rainbow is one of my many favorites by Lois Ehlert. Her illustrations are striking and her text is simplistic yet descriptive. Planting a Rainbow follows the story of a mother and child as they plant a rainbow of colors in their garden. It follows the process of planting bulbs, seeds, and seedlings, and tending them as they grow, and grow, and grow. Finally they can gather a rainbow bouquet, knowing they can grow another rainbow the following year!
Love…to Teach
I read a passage way back during my undergrad that has stuck with me all these years. It’s premise was this, “If you first teach a child that you love him, you can then teach him anything else.” I really think this is true. Whether you’re teaching proper behavior or names of shapes, any child (any person for that matter) is more receptive to direction and correction when it comes from a person with whom they have a positive relationship.
Positive Guidance Books to Back You Up
Now and then I’m asked for positive guidance resources. I’m sure there are plenty out there (and if you know of them, please comment and fill us all in), but I have two that I usually recommend. These books are great reinforcements for those days when you need a second opinion!
Out and About – Field Trip Ideas for a Garden Theme
If you’re exploring seeds, plants, and flowers with your preschoolers this spring, it’s always great to get out and discover some applications within that theme on a field trip! Field trips don’t have to be elaborate. Most often, I would say that knowing that the host can connect with your children and offer them hands-on opportunities at their level is worth far more than an extravagant locale. Finding everyday, familiar places and then exploring them in-depth, allows the children to make more connections with their previous knowledge, and helps them to reconnect that knowledge again as they visit in the future. Here are some field trip ideas within the garden theme.
Spring Gardens – Get Growing!
In spite of the fact that Winter keeps shoving her snowy foot in the door around here, it is actually spring- even if only according to the calendar. If I had to pick just one theme to study with children in the spring time, I think it would be seeds, plants, flowers, and gardens. (OK, that didn’t really sound like just one theme, but they’re all interconnected, so I’ll let it go.)
Book Activity: Moosetache
I have a penchant for books that are just plain silly, both in premise and in the delivery (rhymes, alliterations, and made-up words – all great for phonemic awareness). Moosetache by Margie Palatini is that kind of book. In this story, a moose is tormented by his unruly and prolific mustache. His problems are finally solved when he meets the moose of his dreams and she introduces him to a special pot of glue she uses to tame her own crazy locks.
Easter Eggs All Around
If you’re looking for an Easter activity to do with your children this weekend, here are a few quick ideas.
Cake Mix Cookies. Better Than the Easy Bake Oven
Do you remember the Easy Bake Oven? You may even have an Easy Bake now, as they’ve been revived. One of the clinchers for the Easy Bake is the simple mix that allows a child to pour, stir, and create all on her own, and bake…well…less than savory delicacies. (Another downer, in addition to the finished product, is the fact that these refill mixes don’t come cheap.) Well, here’s a baking experience that’s just as easy, but a bit more authentic, and whole lot more palatable.
Repost: Push Down and Play Time
Sorry to be resorting to another repost, but little has gone as planned today……or this week! Such is life! We roll with it!
This originally posted September 5, 2009.
As I began writing this post, it became apparent that I was writing a sermon in two parts. (Brevity has never really been my strong suit.) Don’t worry, you don’t need to change into your Sunday best, your pajamas are just fine (you know who you are). Just get comfortable, I’ve got a lot on my mind.
A Handful of Fun: Why Sensory Play is Important for Preschoolers
***Curious about what to expect from child development in the preschool years — from sensory skills to cognitive development and beyond? Head over here to get the Not Just Cute Developmental Guide when you sign up for the Not Just Cute Newsletter!
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