What’s the Difference Between Baby 1.0 vs. Toddler 2.0?

Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Baby 1.0 to Toddler 2.0. and noticed a distinct increase in the system’s overall performance, particularly in Tantrums 4.0 and it regularly defaults to a “No” application I never downloaded.

In addition, Toddler 2.0 uninstalled some really great programs like Regular NAPS 2.0 while installing Whining XP and Biting 4.0.

Easy-Going 8.0 no longer runs and adding cookies simply causes the system to crash just before adding SugarOverload 2.0. I’ve tried adding Pleading 3.0 and Nagging 4.0 but it works to no avail.

Someone recommended the Spanking 1.0 application but this seems counterproductive to what I am trying to do here.

What should I do?

Sincerely,

Desperate Mom

DEAR DESPERATE MOM,

Thank you for your letter. First, please keep in mind that Baby 1.0 is a Learning Package; Toddler is a full operating system.

Please enter the command: idothisbecauseiloveyou.html and download, Compassion5, Positive Discipline 3 and Love&Humor4.2. 

If the application is working as designed, Toddler 2.0 should begin running Happiness 3.0, Contentment 5 and Sweetness 3.1.

Please reconsider the Spanking 1.0 application, our research shows that overuse of this application can cause Toddler 2.0 to default to MEGAtantrums 4.3, Anger 5 with the Confusion 6.

Just so you know, all those default programs are very bad. These act as a virus and will eventually seize control of every system in Toddler 2.0.

I forgot to mention, do not attempt to reinstall Baby 1.0 back to Toddler 2.0. That system is no longer supported and will completely crash Toddler 2.0.

In summary, Toddler 2.0 is an excellent program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications as quickly as you may like. Please consider buying additional software like Parent Support 7. 

Thank you & Good Luck,

Tech Support

Easie Peasie Homemade Kids Finger Paints

These finger paints are great for a tight classroom budget, but what about a great classroom gift idea for the kids?
Be sure to add at least a tablespoon of dish washing soap to the mixture with the water!
This gift idea is great for:

• Kids Birthdays
• End of Summer Gifts
• Special Holiday Gifts
• Party Favors 

How to make a kids classroom art gallery!

When I first began teaching I put a lot if money back into the program. Then I learned was to be more Recession Chic. Today's teachers have to be quite resourceful and found my parents very willing to help-boy does that lighten the load!
We did a great family classroom project with the parents and kids around picture frames. We requested parents donate an old frame from the Goodwill.
For those kids that insist on taking all their precious art projects home, we had them select a favorite picture to cut out from a magazine.
Voila! Instant kids art gallery!

Kids Crafty Bottle Bird Feeder

Materials list for the Kids Crafty Bird Feeder

1. Empty Liter Bottles with Lids
2. Bulk Wooden Spoons (Available at the Dollar Store)
3. Bulk Wild Bird Seed
4. Scissors
5. Sharpie Marker
6. Masking Tape
7. Small Eye Hook Screw(s) (Enough for each lid)
8. Twine or yarn
9. A nice shade tree with sturdy branches

The Process

Teacher Prep: Use a sharpie and mark two sections per spoon you would like to have them placed. Make sure your "entrance and exit" Sharpie marks are parallel to one another. After you punch small holes in the marks with the tip of your scissors, place one more just above one of the holes. This third hole will disperse seed in the bowl of the spoon.
Get the lid, and screw in the eye hook in the center of the lid. Make sure it's secure.

The Kids Part: Give the children the wooden spoon(s) and allow them to figure out how to put them through the proper holes. This is a great fine motor exercise. When they are finished have them clip a piece of masking tape to cover the 'third seed dispensing hole'.

Allow the children to fill the bottle with the seed and place the lid on top. They will place a length of twine through the whole and tie it.
We love to go out as a group and pick our branches to tie them to. It's then that we take the tape off and allow the bowl of the spoons to fill with seed.

Be sure to get a camera. The kids love to show their families proof that the birds came!

Bird picture found on Facebook from All it Takes is a Can Opener & Crockpot.

Kids Easy Photo Fabric Bean Bag Craft

Thank Photo Gifts and Ideas

Bean bag crafts are always a winner with kids. For years, doing so much by hand has cause me to neglect some of the most creative uses for technology! After seeing this craft I am definitely looking into it more!

Here's what you'll need for your Kids Easy Photo Bean Bag Craft

2 tablespoons of Alum
2 1/2 teaspoons of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
1/2 teaspoon of liquid fabric softener
1 cup of very hot water
Muslin cotton fabric (you will use approximately 8 1/2” x 11” [rectangle shapes] per child)
Freezer Paper (you will use approximately 8 1/2” x 11” [rectangle shapes] per child)
Scissors
Medium size mixing bowl
Mixing spoon
Software: Adobe Photo Shop Elements (if your not looking to spend your moolah on Photoshop, just yet)
Computer and Ink Jet printer (A laser printer is a no-no for this project. I'll explain why later.)
Iron and Ironing Board
Kids Markers (optional)
Sewing Machine or needles and thread (optional)
Digital Camera
Sharpie
Drying rack with clothes pins
Bag of beans or rice
Stapler

Okay, it seems like a big supply list but it isn't really, much of what we had was already on hand. Depending on how much child involvement you encourage depends on the difference between a day or two of completion. I like involving the children as much as possible, so I purchased extra muslin and put them to work on it first. I have twelve kids that don't like to miss a day of school, so nothing ever goes to waste.

The Process

Get Fabric and Paper Ready: Pre-cut 5"X5" piece of muslin and 8 1/2” x 11” Muslin and Freezer Paper (The trick is to cut them while they are placed one on top of the other) use a paperclip or staple to fasten your clipped muslin a freezer paper together so they don't get mixed up.

Snap a Picture: Give the children a 5"X5" piece of muslin to color with markers on. This will be the backing to their bean bag. While they are doing that snap a picture with my digital camera.

Try Setting up the Process in Learning Centers: We set up a 'Mixing Table" for the children with a parent volunteer. Mix the alum, washing soda and hot water in a mixing bowl and make a solution. Do this over and over with the children because the fabric will need to soak up the solution you're making. Besides, the children love to watch the science of it fizzing up.

Write the child's name of the muslin and freezer paper with a sharpie and have them dip an 8 1/2” x 11” piece of muslin in the mixture and  least 15 minutes before squeezing it out. The children will then allow it to dry on the drying rack until the next day. Remember, keep your matching freezer paper in a safe place!

Once the fabric is dry, take out the freezer paper, iron and ironing board. Depending on the age of the children you can iron it with them.  We put freezer paper shiny side up and iron the treated fabric to it until it is cleaved nicely. These are all 8 1/2” x 11” rectangles, so they will run through or printer properly. We trim any excess paper of fabric after we are done ironing.

Getting ready to print..

 In whatever program you choose, size your pictures to 4″ x 4″ images and print them onto your fabric. We set the canvas size to 8 1/2" x 11" to perfectly match a regular sized paper. Place the images far apart so that you'll have plenty of seam allowance.

You can change your printer settings to the best print quality on fabric if you have that option. Always Make sure you print on the fabric side and not on the back of the freezer paper. Oh, I almost forgot, never use a laser printer because it will melt your freezer paper-not good, people--not good.

Heeeere it comes!

After you print....

More pix from The Idea Room

Get the 5"X5" fabric your children colored on with markers and match it to the their photos. Because the kids are too young to sew on this craft we stapled around the pieces front to back to create the 'bag'. The kids gladly filled the beans in the bean bags and a parent volunteer too them home to sew them. Yes, we could have easily had them sewn first and then had the kids fill them with beans but you didn't see their faces when they saw them. The kids just HAD to fill them immediately!

By the way, these make great gift for any occasion. Here are a few ideas of what you can do with them.

• Mother, Father or Grandparents Day gifts
• Great first day of school gift to the children
• Instead of photos you can use picture the children have drawn
• Great for activity centers or matching games
• Great for circle time activities
• Great to use as place setting for circle times or place settings
• A great way to transition children in excusing them for new actives and name selection

 

What ideas can you think of?

Kids Fairy Dust Craft

We highly recommend you make Kids Fairy Dust with the kids, as well as one for yourself. After all, we are all kids at heart, aren't we?

How to make Kids Fairy Dust

Materials Needed:

Glow Sticks (We got ours at Oriental Trading Co. in white for $10.95 for 12. # IN-24/11240 )

Scissors

Iridescent or Diamond Glitter (Found at any craft store)

Baby food jars (enough for each child)

Super Glue

The Process:

1. Cut a glow stick and shake the contents into a jar. (Teacher only for this part)
2. Add diamond glitter 
3. Seal the top ( Super glue) with a lid.
4. Shake well

Note: The children loved to look at these during rest time as we read the book, Tinkerbell and The Lost Treasure. They turned out simply gorgeous! Thank you to All it Takes is a Can Opener & Crockpot  (2/13/12) post on Facebook for the idea! Ours lasted about 5 hours before it began to fade but it's definitely worth it!

*Looking for more crafts with that magical effect? Check out our Glow Water Craft! *                               

Kids Nature Fine Motor Fun

My kids just love nature and chasing birds. We put together a great fine motor nature activity that not only satisfied their love of their feathered friends-but strengthened those little fingers! Hope you love it as much as our kids do!

Materials for Kids Nature Fine Motor Fun

1. Small plastic tubs or use a Large Sensory Table
2. Bag of white rice-enough to fill tub at least 1/3 of the way.
3. Brown food coloring or Bio color
4. One large Ziploc bag
5. Newsprint paper
6. Clothes pins
7. Pipe Cleaners (green, yellow, brown) or any color that could represent a nice juicy worm.
8. Optional: Rubbing Alcohol
9. Scissors
10. Small Paper Cups
11. Scotch Tape

The Process: (The kids love to help with the set up)

1. Place rice in Ziploc and add small amounts of food color or Bio color. Zip the bag shut and knead in the color until it's a nice brown color. Lay it out on newsprint to dry-it usually takes about 30 minutes. I you want faster drying time add a bit of rubbing alcohol as you knead in the color-we found it also makes the color a bit more vibrant, too.
2. Cut small 2 or 3 inch lengths of pipe cleaner (the more the better)-these will represent the worms. We found an adorable way to make worms with the kids, too (check out Alexandra Wishes for her great idea)
3. Each child will have a clothes pin-this is the birds beak. Some of the children really wanted to decorate their 'birdies' and that turned into another activity all together-of course, we were happy to oblige and they trotted off the the art center and used magic markers and wiggle eyes.

The Procedure: Place the dry rice in the sensory table and hide the "worms" inside. Our sensory table comfortably accommodates six children so we taped six cups along the inside wall of the tub with a plain clothes pin inside.
 Let the children know they are the hungry birds that need to find the worms in the "brown dirt". They can put their 'worms' in the cups and we count how many they found.

OMG! We love this chubby worms from Alexandra Wishes

Note: You may want to purchase extra clothes pins because many of the children insisted it would be better if they decorated their own bird beaks to use outside and take home. Don't you just love it when kids are so involved in the curriculum.

This activity also works great in small individual tubs-but for great socialization opportunities, use the a giant sensory table.
We just love kids spring crafts, how about you?

Kids Reindeer T-Shirt Craft

Pix from Factory Direct Craft Blog

I have done kids crafts like this in so many ways for different seasons. They come out so precious and parents and kids go nuts for them! Well, who wouldn't? Practically anything made from kids hand or footprints seem to be a snapshot of their youth. They grow so fast, don't they? So, with much ado, here are the materials you will need.

Materials for Kids Reindeer T-Shirt Craft

• One plain t-shirt or each child
• Long clothes line and clothes pins
• Dark brown acrylic paint fabric medium to mix with the paint
• Fabric adhesive
• Newspapers
• Wiggle eyes
• One red pompom 
• Wet towel
• Paper plates
• Deep wash bin with small amount of soapy warm water
• Optional (at least two parent volunteers)

The Set Up: Put up a clothes line in the classroom and keep the clothes pins ready, depending n the number of kids the craft can take up a lot of space! Mix the paint with the fabric medium and pour a small amount on a paper plate. Spread newspapers on a large table and get towels and a wash bin ready. I like to keep the bin and towels under the large table-it makes for an easy clean up!

The Procedure: Have child take off one shoes and sock. They will be using both hands for the project. Help the child dip both hands and a foot in the paint and press it strategically on the t-shirt, then help the child wash up in the bin. Of course, if you have some volunteers, multiple children can be done at one time.

Make it a gift with Artful Adventures Craft Bags

After each shirt is completed hang them on the clothes line. They will need time to dry (24 hours)
After they are dry the children can glue on the wiggle eyes and the pom pom nose. Give it more time to dry on the clothes line. One thing I had done to make the process go faster was have a child hold a blow dryer on the fresh glued pieces (with direct supervision, of course).

Voila! Your finished! You can wrap them in a kid decorated bag or large sheet of paper the kids made. I guarantee it will be a hit!

Kids Ocean Wave Bottles Craft

 

There is nothing like taking a bit of the beach home with you. As a California girl, myself I love to bring the ocean and science into the classroom to share with the children.

I used to make wonderful wave bottles for used plastic water bottles, however, times being what they are businesses use much less plastic (great for our environment), but not when it comes to the durability of our kids projects.

The families and I found a great option that the children love; we use these ocean bottles as staple pieces in the classroom, as well gift ideas! Here is a craft I guarantee your preschoolers and families will love!

How to Make Kids Ocean Theme Wave Bottles

More Ocean in a Bottle Ideas!

Cheap clear baby bottles (We go to a local Dollar Store)

Bags of small shells (Any dollar or craft store has these)

Soft clean sand or washed pea gravel (Just enough to settle nicely on the bottom of the bottle)

Small Rubber Sea Creatures (Optional but the kids love them)

Large container of Baby Oil (Optional-give you that wave effect)

Blue Food Color or Bio Color

Silver Glitter (Optional but very pretty)

Masking Tape

Funnel

Water

Procedure: Keep the lids and allow the children scoop in a couple spoonfuls of sand or gravel. Allow children to select 3-5 shells depending to the size and one sea creature to place in the bottle.

Have the children mark a halfway point with the masking tape on their bottle. Let the kids add in their water to the mark and funnel in the baby oil almost to the top. Be sure they are holding it securely so it won’t spill.

Add in one drop of food coloring and a dash of glitter. Now securely tighten the bottle with the bottle plug minus the rubber nipple.

There! Now you're kids have captured the ocean in a pinch!

How to Make Rainbow Stew With Preschoolers

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Celebrate the magic of the rainbow!

Preschoolers are always fascinated with colors and rainbows!

Rainbow Stew is a wonderful activity for any season. It is one of those activities that seem to bring the wonders of magic into the imaginations of preschoolers!

 

Materials You'll Need For Rainbow Stew

• Measuring cups
• Large stirring spoon
• Small spoons (for each child)
• Cornstarch
• Sugar
• Water
• Large pot or pan
• 3 mixing  bowls
• Duct tape
• Heavy duty plastic baggies (get the gripper zipper kind)
• Food Coloring: red, yellow, and blue

"This is how we do Rainbow Stew!"

"We love Rainbow Stew!"

1. Supervise preschoolers mix the corn starch, sugar and water in the pot or pan until thickened
2. Carefully remove it from the heat and wait for it to cool
3. Children separate the mixture in three bowls to make different  colors before taking turns to stir or knead
4. Have children help place each color of the rainbow stew mixture into the Ziploc bags (half way)
5. Add duct tape for extra security on the baggies 
6. Have kids squish bags to make the different colors

There are many ways to do Rainbow Stew! What are some of your successful tips and tricks?



Kids Bubble Wrap Activities

Mess For Less, yes indeedy!

I have to admit. I have never run out of ideas for kids with bubble wrap. Sure, we save scraps but nothing beats a big roll for tons of activities!

Art: Tape a sheet down and allow the children to freely pain it with tempra paints. I get a clean shett of paper and have the children press the imprint down. It's a lovely effect. The children comment it even looks like a rainbow beehive!

Hopscotch Pop: We cut out squares and tape them down. We let the children create the hopscotch Pop rules. You will be surprised at what they come up with.

The Pop Run: Very young children need lots of bubbles to pop. Bubble wrap has always brought the most reserved toddlers truly come out of their shell!

Guaranteed fun to the last pop! Thanks Rookie Moms

The Trike Bubble Run: Kids are also loving the bubble wrap outside. We drape it across the trike run as they speed across it!

Bubble Wrap Transition Time: I always save a special stash for emergency days. You know, days where you have a phone call you must take or simply need a longer transition. I use bubble wrap as an engaging fine motor activity that keeps them busy and happy. There is something very addicting about popping bubble wrap! Just ask.......anyone!

Kids Newspaper Sun Hats

Have you ever had those activities where you just simply had to do them every time the season rolls around? Okay, twist my arm, the sun is out and the kids can now make their new paper sun hats!

I can show you a great  modification for the boys that will give it that cool-factor, too!

How to Make Kids Newspaper Sun Hats:

Materials Needed: 

1. Tons of Newspaper (Have parent start saving)
2. Masking Tape
3. Had Picked Flowers (from a nature walk)
4. Phone Books (Optional is you would like to make the flowers)

The Process:

We do this in a small group activity so have the children standing and gathered around the the child that will go first.

1. Have all the children drape large opens sheets of newspaper over the child's head. We tell them to be sure we can't see their face or head! The children love this part because they play peek-a-boo, and 'Guess-who' under the newspaper.
2. I wrap a strip of making take around the child's head two or three times, once we have all smoothed down the newspaper. It is best to start about where the child's eyes are so be sure to hold them close to you during this process. We forewarn them it the tape will sound a bit loud but we are all looking out for them! We even have the group hold the child's hands to steady them because they won't be able to see for a few seconds.
3. As a group we begin rolling up the loose newspaper up the the masking tape strip while it's still on the child's head. Ah, at last! Now they can see and have a wonderful new sun hat!



Pix from Folding Tree!

4. Flowers: We use old phone books for the flowers of these hats. This project can go on for quite some time decorating them! We actually have a hat parade for the parents so we don't mind taking our time. If you decide to paint them be sure to allow a few days to completely dry.
5. Modifications for the Boys: While some boys didn't care for the same look the girls had, they did come up with a clever idea. The Fire Hat! We used the same process but didn't roll the back part of the hat and trimmed it to square it off. Kind of a paper mullet look, but paint it red and you have that cool-factor both boys and girls love.

Kids Phone Book Flower Craft

Photo from Simple Journey

Simple, easy and perfect for Spring! The kids love this craft because there is really no way to mess it up. The more colors and cuts the prettier they become!

How to Make Kids the Kids Newsprint Flower Craft:

• Bio Color liquid watercolor
• Newsprint or telephone book pages (this flower was made on newsprint)
• Metal Brads
• Hole Punchers
• Lids (different sizes for children to trace)
• Pencils
• Light Colored Construction Paper
• Glue
• Glitter (optional)
• Stamps and Ink Pads (optional)
• Scissors

The kids love tearing the pages for their flower craft!

Craft Process: Allow kids to freely paint on phone book pages with Liquid Bio Color. After it is dry we have the children trace lids with pencils and begin cutting. We like to do this at a table while socializing and do it for as long at the children are interested. The more cuttings we get the more beautiful the effect. We usually dedicate one day for this project.
After we are finished, we punch holes in the centers of the circle clipping. Depending on how many clipping we have we dedicate on table during option time to hole punch. The children love mastering the hole punchers and are so pleased by their work.
More Water Coloring: We take a light sheet of colored contraction paper and allow the children to paint a beautiful place where they have seen flowers. The children love ink stamping butterflies and insects in the background as well.
The Finished Product: Sure, we take our time with this craft, even having two or three days to enjoy it. For the finale children merely stack the circle clippings from big to small then insert the brad. We attach them to their watercolor painting an add a brush of glue and glitter.
This art has a shabby chic look to it...very pretty!

Neat Feet Kids Craft

 We found a great craft idea from  Craft Ideas for Kids that we were able to modify for the classroom! They are great gift ideas for parents just about any time of year!

How to Make Neat Feet For Kids:

Materials Needed

1. Sensory Tub of Moist Sand
2. Kids Shoe Boxes
3. Boxes of Plaster of Paris (follow instruction on the box)
4. Pen
5. Towel to dry off those cute little feet!

Procedure: Have the children fill their shoe boxes half way with moist sand. We use a marker to show them where to stop. Have the kids take of their shoe and gently press on bare foot into the sand. When an imprint is created follow the instruction on the Plaster of Paris box and pour it in a mold.

Gift Idea: This makes a great gift idea! We glue felt at the bottom of the Neat Feet and turn it into an adorable paper weight!

Kids Space Alien Crafts

Space Themes was never one of my strongest areas for teaching young children. The kids I work with are so hands on and well....the stars are not something we can explore with the five senses. We use lots of real images of planets as well as adding a bit of fun and science in the mix.
The whole excitement about space is the mystery of it all.
We gather as many materials as possible and then have tons of fun with space aliens.
Without further ado, this an Honorable Mention Shout out to all the kid crafty aliens out there! If you have any to share as well please do with a back link to the site! Thanks again!

Silly Soap Box Space Aliens by Craft Jr. Good clean fun!

Water Bottle Top Space Creatures! Make them in a snap by: se7ven!

"Sprouts" The Space Alien by Free Kids Crafts! He'll grow on you!

"Space Blob Bob" by Make and Takes. Add some space juice and make him glow!

Making Kids Crazy Glowing Water

 

We made crazy glowing water for a science project and decided to take it to a whole new level with the kids! We discovered that making such projects like Flubber, watercolors, Space themes and virtually any activity that involves water can add a glowing effect!

Materials Needed For Kids Crazy Glowing Water:

OOooOOooo! Look what we did!

One black Light

Clear Cups for each child or one large bowl

Highlighter pens

Wrench (Optional)

Water

Sharpie marker

We allow the kids to label their cups with their names. You can have them make the solution in one large bowl or individually in each cup (this requires individual pens for each child). A worthy donation if this works out!

You can break open the pens to expose the filter or simply have the children sit the pens in a small cup of water. This is a more kid friendly approach and it gives them a day to watch the pens transform the water.

The children love turning of the lights and having the black light shine on their creation. H-mmmmmm? Perhaps we are off setting the cost of the highlighters with all the electricity we are saving?

Recycled Kid Craft Projects



TP Roll Seed Pots from Bonzai Aphroditie

I love recycled arts and crafts. The idea of doing so something to reduce waste as well as making something beautiful really appeals to me! I also use this as a time to let kids know and be aware that there are so many creative crafts they can to with supplies from home!

Be sure to share easy ideas with families by posting them in your newsletters! Parents are not only grateful, but see that we are saving them money, too!

Here is another Honorable Mention shout for those bloggers and sites that will help you get your recycling on!

Kids Bee Bracelet by Kangaroo Boo

Sssss-nakes from Play Pennies

From Kangarooboo

From the Ramblings of a Crazy Woman

Just one of 3 crafts showcased @ My Plum Pudding

From cuffs to spiders, check out Family Crafts

The egg carton bouquet

Woolly Sheep from Kids Craft Weekly

Crafts and Things for Children