How to make the Kids Jack-o-Lantern carving last longer!

Great idea found on Pintrest! Make your own Pumpkin Fresh!

Carving a pumpkin to make a Jack-o-Lantern with the kids? Make that carving last! Spray a mixture of bleach and water (equal parts) on the inside of your fresh pumpkin daily or coat the inside w/ petroleum jelly to keep mold and dehydration at bay. I wish I had known this tip last year for the kids!
Well, I think we could still save one as a science project-then the kids could see the difference between the two Jack-o-Lanterns! 
Be sure to check out "Getting Messy with Ms. Jessi" with some great Halloween and Fall Art for Preschoolers!
 

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!

Growing in the Preschool Classroom

I love growing in the preschool classroom. I think that is why I have always have bits of nature, critters and assorted plant life perched somewhere. Growing seeds is a wonderful process for preschoolers to see all year round because it truly demonstrates that all things take time grow, and go through a process to mature.
In a world of fast food, microwave dinners and artificial whats-its, it's a nice reminder that through: patience, care and cultivation- good thing come to those who wait.

Fish Tank Growing

In all my years I have never been short of a fish tank. The kids use these for group growing projects all year long.
Come Spring and Summer we do catch and release of little insects and wiggly finds.

Classroom Jar Growing

Avocados take time to grow. I have the children take turns caring for them by changing the water supply regularly, and checking for sprouts.
The children may not ooodle over them, but they know their there and require care and love.

Paper Towel Growing

Preschoolers love this one. What could be simpler than wetting a paper towel, keeping it moist, and letting thee seeds take their course? The children love using a squirt bottle to freshen them up.

These are lemon seeds but any seed will do.


Growing in Cups

I avoid crafty projects when when I really want the children to experience the science of how things grow.
No stickers or wiggle eyes here, because it can sometimes take away from the organic beauty of nature.

Growing in Plastic Bags

This activity goes so smoothly and quickly the children will often forget they actually did it!

We found a remedy for that by having them water them daily with a squirt bottle and marking the growth with a black sharpie.

I never thought this idea would catch on with the children but it did when I suggested they name their sprouts.

This one is affectionately named, "Sugar Pie".
FYI: These definitely have a shelf life of about two weeks in the preschool room. After that 'Sugar Pie' won't live up to the sweet smell of her name....

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

Kids Crafts from Recycled TP Rolls

 

Who doesn't have tons of TP rolls laying around? I thought I would give an Honorable Mention shout out to some of the best ideas we have found out there for TP roll crafts. They kids will love them, parents will keep them, and you can finally clear out that huge box of them on the shelf!

Make a silly monster from recycled TP rolls.

Why wait for Halloween?

There are quite few more craft ideas for tp rolls on here, too! Love it!

See more on No Time For Flashcards

Get buggy over this idea at Homeschool Creations

For my "Things That Fly" unit. Thanks Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

I Can Teach My Child teaches us a thing or two about penguins

For when they're caught being good! Thanks sugardoodle!

Make you favorite characters or family members into finger puppets!

All the buzz-zz-zzzzzz on John Deere Mom

Kids Nature Walk Terrariums

Look what we found!

I love going on nature walks. Especially, when the weather is nice. I will usually take out my group of kids; paper bags in tow, and we march along singing every song we know while picking up bits of nature. By the time we get back: share our finds, and are ready for a nap, nature has made a lovely fragrant carpet all over the classroom!

Now, we have found a lovely Nature Terrarium project that the parents won't mind the children taking home.

What You'll Need Before Your Nature Walk: 

• Assorted clean small jars with lids
• Moss (At local pet shops or craft supply stores)
• Small bowl of water or squirt bottle of water
• Magnifiers (optional)

What the Children Should Look for During the Nature Walk:

• Pine Needles
• Leaves
• Twigs
• Flowers
• Bark

Pix from ourbigearth.com

The Process: Spread out all your findings on a table and inspect them with magnifiers. Gently dampen pieces of moss and securely cover the bottom of the lid with it. from there the kids can make nature arrangements with their findings in the moss.
Once they are finished, help them fasten the lid over their work. The jar helps hold the moss and everything in place!
How to care for you Nature Walk Terrarium: Place it in a lovely place in the classroom to showcase them in indirect sunlight.

Thank you Robbin Rivers from ourbigearth.com for this great idea!



How to Get Free Classroom Materials

Now a days wallets are thin. We I used to not think twice about purchasing before-is now bought on sale.
And I mean a good sale.
I am learning to be a bit more recession chic when I realized people and businesses really do want to help. They just aren't sure how. It's up to us teachers and caregivers to stick together and do the  fancy footwork it takes to give our kids the best experiences. Here are a few tips I have learned.

How to Get Free Classroom Materials

* Make a list of things you need as well as things you want for the classroom. And hand it out to businesses. Let them know who you are and why you are asking. Follow up with a personalized thank you card. Nothing touches people more than a thank you card from the children.

*Then talk to the parents and find out what they do. Ask them about any materials such as paper, drawing materials, etc. that could be used the the classroom. Often times parents see materials thrown away at the job that the children would love-anything from Styrofoam to computer parts.

*Make a list of the businesses in your local area. I had a lumber yard near me one year that gave us bags of free sawdust. The children loved it in the sensory table. Most copy centers or art stores are willing to give scraps of cardboard or shredded paper. A bridal shop gave us tons of gorgeous scrap fabrics. I saved over $250 dollars on paper and fabric one year!

*Buy supplies in bulk from unconventional places. Team up with other schools or day cares and share the cost.

*Don't forget the garages sales or flea markets. Okay, this takes some time to do, but you'll feel so much better spending $5 on mildly used puzzles the $35 on brand new ones. The kids will never know the difference!

*Check with parents about the toys the children have already out grown. When every classroom does this there will be a plethora of toys to choose from. The only caution is if children recognize it as it once being theirs. This can start a, "You have a lot of es-plaining to do, Lucy!" We ask parents box up toys they will donate out of sight for a while before donation it. It truly does help.

Donations some times means going out and doing the footwork yourself, and with the money you save, you'll feel so much better you did.

Homemade Kids Math Activities

I try to never fight a child's natural inclination towards nature. By playing into their natural curiosity it has made for wonderful and economic classroom materials. Kids math activities don't have to be expensive. I have always loved bringing as much nature into the classroom as possible!

Materials You Will Need:

1. Polished Rocks
2. White Paint Pen
3. Small bags or simple plastic containers

Note: I personally like to purchase small individual bags for the children to have as group math activities. There is something about having materials of their own to use. It was just so economical I couldn't resist! OF course it can also be made as a wonderful  shared math activity, as well.

Rock Dominoes @ marthastewart.com

Here is How to Make Homemade Kids Math Activities From Rocks:

The Process: Draw numbers and  the matching specific numbers of dots on each of the rocks. The Paint Pen allows for plenty of fingers handling it as well as occasional touch ups once the math has been loved off of it. I usually put numbers on one side and the corresponding dots on the other.

The Procedure: Once they have dried, place them all in mini bags for the math activities!

We found some other creative links for rock activities such as Mod Podge Rocks! 'Love Rocks' by Amy. Brilliant and great for matching and serration!

There are so many great ways to make children's math activities.
What ways are you Recession Chic in your classroom?



Ten Fabulous Fall Leaf Activites For Kids!

Take advantage of these ten fabulous fall leaf ideas for kids! Whether you work in a classroom or are looking to keep a little one busy; these ideas will surely warm up the chilly days of Fall!

Ten Fall Leaf Activities to Look Forward to This Season:
1. Make a leaf compost for a garden!
2. Make a lovely fall wreath by painting a shaped paper plate with orange glue paint. The more leaves the better!
3. Make a leaf collection to display. We love to have the children create a graph and we work to categorize them by shapes and colors!

4. Go on a fall nature walk to crate a leaf bouquet. We love to wrap our bouquets in orange and yellow tissue paper and tie them off with raffia bows or corn husks. Many fall leaves are very fragrant and the children are always excited to give them as gifts!
5. Use contact paper or packing tape and seal the leaves inside to make a special book mark. Adding bits of fall confetti or stickers add a special touch!
6. Create leaf rubbings! Place them under white paper and use the edge of a crayon to shade them in. It's an instant masterpiece even for very young children to try.
7. How about raking up a pile and simply jumping in! A great way to get the wiggles out as well as laugh with all your friends.

8. Make a fall collage with leaves, sticks, and corn husks on a small sheet of tag board. We add to it throughout the week as the children cut out fall images from magazines. Got a story to tell? When the project is finished be sure to take dictation from them about their beautiful fall art.
9. Feeling really crafty? How about decoupaging fall leaves on a votive glass to make special gifts for the holidays.
10. Make your own fall leaf print handkerchiefs. Simply cut squares on muslin fabric from a fabric store (very inexpensive). Lay the fresh picked leaves in a pattern on the floor and place the fabric over it. Now gently pound the leaves with a mallet and the colored moisture from the leaves will show through on the hanky! Yes, it's washable but avoid 'bleaching' the lovely colors by using a color safe bleach detergent.

Frugal Cleaning Tips For The Preschool Teacher

Look Teacher! I drew you a picture on the wall!

After a successful day in the preschool classroom you are sure to give yourself a pat on the back. Then, there it is! The reason why the children were giggling behind the book case...a lovely but not so practical wall mural of crayon and marker scribbles.
Has this ever happened to you? Don't hide it behind that poster! We have teacher tips that will clean up lots of messes without using harsh chemical.

Removing Permanent Marker and Crayon:

Zap marker stains away!

Materials Needed: Tooth paste(not the gel), clean damp cloth, soap
What It Cleans: This cleans painted walls, wood, and porcelain.
The Procedure: Buff a bit of toothpaste over the marker and let it set a few minutes. Then wipe it off with a soapy damp cloth.

How to Make Your Own Baby Wipes For The Kids:
Materials Needed: Paper towels (Viva works the best), A round plastic container with a seal-able lid, a sharp serrated knife, cups of boiled water, 2TSPS of baby shampoo or baby wash (smells divine, doesn't it?), 1 TSP baby oil.
The Procedure: Cut paper towels in half with your knife and remove the cardboard tubing. After the boiled water is room temp. mix all your liquid ingredients and place in the plastic container. Now sit the paper towels in the solution and let is set for ten minutes....then place the lid on and flip it to set for another ten minutes. Hum-dee-dum-dee-dum....
Voila!: Sit it right side up and be sure to pull from the center of the roll to get your wipees. Always keep it sealed tightly to prevent dry out. Just save the next roll for next time you make a new batch! Tre' Frugal!
What It Cleans: Great for outdoor adventures,the messy lunch bunch, and sticky little hands everywhere!

More Crayon Removing Tips:
Mayonnaise- Circular motions and wipe off!
Baby Oil- Buff and wipe.
Baking Soda- Make a paste with water and buff.
Shaving Cream- Generously apply to marks and wipe vigorously.
Hand Lotion- Buff on, buff off.
Hairspray- Works great on walls! Apply with a heavy hand and wipe off.
Baby Wipes- Buff in circular motions.

Have you ever had art disasters in your classroom?

Kids Art That Rocks!

I love the great outdoors! Something about the fresh air, sunshine and space that really puts us in a happy creative mood. We like to have kids come back with a bit of memorabilia from each trip we take together! Here are more go green art activities you can do for pennies!

Go Green Art Activities for Kids:
How to Make a Hot Rock Sculpture
Materials: Palm sized rock the kids have picked up from a nature walk (The larger the better but not so heavy they will drop it), old broken crayon pieces, clothes pins and rubber bands (optional), an oven, cookie sheet covered in foil, small bowl of ice water.

Procedure: Preheat your oven at 150 to 200 degrees. Wash your rocks and set them on the foiled cookie sheet. Depending on how many rocks you have you may need to adjust for the time but the rocks simply need to be hot enough to melt a crayon. Secure crayons in the clothes pin with a rubber band (This crayon extension is to keep fingers safe as you and the child freely color on the hot rock).
Process: Depending on the age of the child you will want to to be in close proximity. I have never had anyone get an ouchie but I keep a bowl of ice water handy for little fingers.
The Finished Product: Colors melt gorgeously and smoothly! It gives a wonderful rainbow effect on your rock! Glitter crayons are fabulous! They make great gifts!