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!
 

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 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!

7 Reasons Why Teachers are Such Great Bloggers

Pix from The Anti-Social Media

I was a blogger-in-bloom in 2009.  I had been a preschool teacher for twenty-years at that time and I was really just looking to share my experiences.

I got spammed by someone my first month-ahem. (By a non-teacher blogger, mind you.)

Not that I did anything wrong. Well, other than the fact that I didn’t know how to connect with others on the blogosphere. Maybe I did comment-faux-pas, who knows? 

The simple fact was that I was wholeheartedly looking for how to do this blogging stuff right.

It reminded me of my first few years of being a preschool teacher. I could tell you all about it but I believe we would all have similar stories of feelings of inadequacy.

I know in so many ways, just like blogging, teachers look to get things right because we sincerely care. Which is what really prompted me to write about why teachers are such great bloggers.

So, if you don’t have a blog, or are considering to blog, I really hope this motivates you to start!

Reason #1 Teachers are Persistent

All good teachers are persistent. Persistence leads to consistency which is needed in blogging. Most blogs wither away on the vine for lack of attention and grooming. We as teachers understand that where there is a will there’s a way. We make time for blogging just like we make time for the quiet or crying child. It’s part of our DNA.

Reason #2 Teachers are Sincere

We know that the children would never give us the time of day if we talked like a stale piece of toast. Teachers know how to jazz up dusty routines (always making the old feel new again) and have that amazing ability to teach and reach the heart at the same time. It comes with practice and sincerity. It transitions well over into our blogs, too.

Reason #3 Teachers Know How to Share

Teachers understand that sharing doesn’t come naturally. We know because we spend so much time encouraging it. Blogging requires social networking which really means that we aren’t afraid to get excited about one another's ideas. Teacher’s blog about one another’s blogs: yes, we actually do activities we say we are going to do. Sharing and blogging is a form of virtual encouragement and affirmation.

Reason #3 Teachers are Patient

Blogging takes patience. Not only the learning process but the overall netiquette involved. We have all worked with children in the classroom that have had a bit of a time making friends, socializing, or learning something new.

As teachers we are helpers one to another. We understand it takes time to learn new things and get set up on new blogging platforms. Because blogging teachers took time with me I learned about the ways I could take time with others. 

Reason #4 Teachers are Creative

Is this the only profession where you can see the same project posted one hundred different ways and we still blog about it? Did you ever wonder why? Teachers are creative in blogging or we would have gone the way of the dinosaur years ago.

Reason #5 Teachers are Inspirational

Teachers are nothing like firecrackers. We don’t put on a grand show and fizzle out in a random puff of smoke. We have an amazing ability to inspire and that has a lot to do with Reason #4. Much of our inspiration comes from the classroom and overflows into the willingness to share with other like-minded individuals. Blogging is a great outlet for us. We motivate and inspire one another!

Reason #6 Teachers Think Outside the Box

Perhaps our own children rub off on us a bit. Thinking outside the box requires looking at solutions and problems in new ways, even if it means getting out of our comfort zone. A good blog stands out from the others through presentation and the angle in which it’s presented.

The same requirement stands for good lesson planning.

Reason #7 Teachers Are Willing to Be Transparent

Blogs are liked for their personality, authenticity and ability make others want to engage. Interestingly enough, these are the attributes of a child’s favorite teacher. How many of us have gone the extra mile; at story time, by being the butt of a joke for the sake making an upset child laugh, or  regularly reminding the children how much you care about them being happy and safe?

Find out more reasons why teachers should blog

Our children are the first ones to call a phony a phony.
As adults, we learn to think it but not say it. I have always felt that  a teacher falls somewhere in between.

It’s a blessing to yourself and be self aware. It’s a gift to others to be transparent enough to share yourself openly without hurting feelings.

When a teacher finds the right balance in a blog; and we usually do, it’s a beautiful thing.

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!

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....

Tips for Teaching Young Children the Skeletal System

I have taught the the names of bones to preschool children and school-ages, alike. 

The songs, diagrams and puzzles are an effective, interactive way to teach children about the bones in the body. Often times the only exposure out children get to bones are during Halloween. 

A good understanding of what bones and the skeletal system really is is by fun learning rather than a creepy, scary one.

We came up with a few various educational resources that can be used to start teaching young children about bones and the skeletal system.

Teaching with a hands on and fun approach can make education and early learning a bit easier for everyone!

Teacher's Link Tips For Teaching Young Children The Skeletal System

1.  Learn the human body- Skeletal System (Lots of kid friendly language teachers can use)
2.  Skeleton Floor Puzzle - Large enough for a small group time.
3.  The Bone Bounce - A Song by Teacher Lucy Jensen
4.  The Big Story on Bones Website- Tons of resources at your fingertips for answering kids questions. And we know about questions, don't we?
5.  Skeleton X-rays - For the classroom! (For kids that wanna see!)
6. Skeletons in the Closet Game- Really fun! It does contain very small parts so it needs adult supervision.
7.  Them Not So Dry Bones - School House Rock
8. Labeled Bone Diagrams- a  parent and teacher's cheat sheet

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

Finney's Finest Dilly Dip From Dr. Seuss

By far, the simplest dipping dish for veggies or fish sticks! There is something about dips that really have the children going for their veggies. They are more likely to taste or try food they have prepared themselves!

How to Prepare Finney's Finest Dilly Dip

Stir together 1/4c mayonnaise

1 teaspoon snipped parsley

1teaspoon drained sweet pickle relish

1 teaspoon granulated onion powder

Mix it in a bowl and refrigerate it preferably over night!

See more on Parents Connect!

Tips for Boosting Our Kids Nutrition

I have found myself hiding and disguising fruits and veggies for our kids in the preschool classroom. I think any crafty teacher or parent is willing to go though great lengths to make sure our kids have the right nutrition! 'Ants on a log' just had to be the mastermind idea of a caring adult at their wits end. Here are just a few more ideas to add to your kids smoothies. Let's continue to work together in boosting out kids nutrition in innovation ways!

Boosting Our Kids Nutrition With These Helpful Tips:

Nutrition never looked or tasted so good!

• Add cream of coconut to a recipe.
• Experiment with different juices including vegetable juices.
• Try adding a handful of carrots or celery to the smoothie recipe. Once it is blended, kids will never know it is an extra healthy smoothie. Try adding up to 1 tablespoon honey for a sweeter flavor.
• Add oat bran, almonds or wheat germ for an extra burst of nutrition.
• If using canned fruit include the juice for extra flavor.
• Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter to your smoothie recipe.
• Substitute milk for juice or juice for the milk in any recipe.
• To make any simple smoothie recipe thinner add more juice or whole milk. To make any simple smoothie recipe thicker add more fruit.

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!



Kids Homemade Classroom Valentine Garland

It seems like most gorgeous art projects never stay in the classroom longer than a day. Sometimes, I actually have to plan for festive classroom decorations and really get the kids excited about it, as well. This can be a bit tricky but long-term projects can go on for months!
The children used the same crayon muffin technique and I simply place metal paper clips inside as soon as the come out of the oven.

Materials You'll Need For the Homemade Valentine Classroom Garland:

• Lots of Shaved Crayons
• Heart Muffin Tins
• Paper Clips
• Oven
• Long Ball of Twine
• Colored Ribbon or Yarn
• Nature kids collect from home, nature walks, etc.

All photos from Resurrection Fern

The Process: Check out the crayon muffins link and just after you take them out of the oven place a paper clip inside them just before they cool. As a class, we have this activity open all week. We get quite a few hearts. Unfortunately, one year a preschooler came up with the brilliant idea of making them into crayon necklaces. Brilliant idea, and there went the garland...sigh.

Making It Meaningful: I encourage the children to bring bits of nature from home. Pine cones, acorns, twigs and leaves. We make it a special show and tell where the children tell how and where they found the prized possessions just before we hang it on the garland.

These valentine garlands are very beautiful and natural looking. And best of all the children love adding to them and telling stories about it!

How about you? what would you have your class add?

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.

Teacher Burn Out

"Part of a teacher's job is to burn brightly without burning out."

I was once asked how I avoided teacher burn out all these years. The answer came quite quickly.
No.
It is nothing anyone taught me in college or I learned at a lecture.
It's something that happened over years of commitment....
But I believe the love that developed over time eventually had it's way with my heart.

A Preschool Teacher's Job

Part of our job is to help all our children be a product of their own inspiration.

Super Easy Luminaries for Preschoolers

Winter Luminaries make great gifts and are so versatile. This open ended craft can be done in so many adorable ways it is almost unfair to post it only in November. But since we will be doing it this month with the preschoolers we'll be sure to let you know all the different way you can use them.

Materials for your Super Easy Luminaries:

• Tissue Paper
• 1 part glue and water solution in cups
• Paint brushes
• Baby food jars
• Tea lights
• Scissors (optional)
• Glitter (optional)

Procedure: After cutting or tearing the selected colors of tissue paper chosen, have the children carefully brush the glue solution on the jars. While the solution is still tacky, position papers on the jars. Brush over once more with glue solution and sprinkle with glitter. When the jar is completely dry place the tea light inside.

Some great extensions and options for the holidays are:
Floral Luminaries  

Paint with diluted white paint and glue. Use assorted dries flowers and leaves for spring time and Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Wrapping Paper Luminaries
Paint with glitter glue and scraps of wrapping paper or pictures from magazines any time of year. Create themed projects for birthday or holiday quick gift ideas everyone will love!

Whatever the holiday, make it your own by being creative! We would love to hear about your ideas and crafts!

Got five minutes, and some fabulous fabrics? Well you're ready to made some really adorable tea light luminaries!

Preschool Kids Q-Tip Snow Flake Craft

Snowflakes glittering from the sky

Snowflakes, snowflakes, up so high

Snowflakes, snowflakes, soft and white

Snowflakes, snowflakes, a beautiful sight!

Q-Tips are so versatile! We we always keep them on hand for engaging crafts for our preschoolers. A winter time favorite is cutting Q-Tips to make beautiful, unique snow flakes. The kids love to cut them all themselves so there is minimal preparation on the teachers part.
Here is what you'll need to get started.

How to Make Q-Tip Snow Flakes With Preschoolers:

• Lots of Q-Tips
• Small cup of glue
• Blue construction paper
• Scissors
• Pictures of snow flakes

The Introduction: Be sure to show the children pictures of snow flakes. This is a great opportunity to give them some really great facts on snow flakes and really finding out what they know about them. Each snow flake is unique and beautiful, just like they are!

The Process: Allow children to freely cut the Q-Tips. They love this part! Pass out small cups of glue and let children arrange them on the paper. Allow them to figure out how they will glue it down to adhere on the paper.
What Skills Kids are Learning: Spacial awareness, fine motor, problem solving, counting and math, balance and symmetry
Extensions: 

• Instead of colored construction paper have the children paint their own winter sky as the background.
• Use clear of silver glitter for a celestial effect!

What other successful snow flake project do your children enjoy?

Child Development Theorists That Help Us Teach

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Bowlby, Skinner, and Dr. Spock all have major contributions to child development theories we use today. We found a great cheat sheet video we can use when parent conferencing or simply providing a great scientific foundation for why we teach the way we do in our classrooms.

Dr. Spock has the #2 Best selling book globally!

We like to always be ready to have an answer next time anyone make the comment that all we do is play all day.

We know, if anyone really knew how hard teachers actually worked they wouldn't call it play at all.

For all you hard working teachers out there...

We understand.

The Easy Way to Santitize Your Classroom Toys

Sanitizing doesn't always mean elbow grease....

Need a better way to sanitize small classroom toys such as small Lego's and various manipulatives? All you need is an empty dishwasher, a capful of bleach with dish washer detergent and a nifty net bag.
Simply place all your small classroom toys in the bag, tie it off and run it like you're washing dishes.
It cleans and sanitizes them instantly! Every small nook and cranny!
This is great when we are trying to keep our kids healthy during cold and flu season.
Happy sanitizing!