Play-Doh Geography–a twist on map blobbing

 

 

My daughter has really struggled retaining the names of the 50 states. We’ve tried music and workbooks and iPad games and trivia during dinner.

 

 

But I think it was all just too abstract for her.

Enter map blobbing.  I love love love the idea! We’ve been using the idea to learn the continents. One day the idea popped into my head that we could modify the idea to help her learn her states too. And she doesn’t need to draw it to retain it! Why, she could play-doh blob the states instead! Everything is more fun with play-doh!

 

 

So I searched Pinterest for the cutest FREE USA printable I could find.  Hands down it’s this one. I printed & laminated & added magnets to the back so it can hang on our white board. We just pull it off the board for geography lessons. I have her shape play-doh over 5 (gradually increasing the number) states of her choice. She then has to tell me the names of the states she’s play-doh blobbed.

You can make it as intensive as you’d like. My goal right now is just helping her learn the names of the states and where they are geographically. The natural connections, like places we’ve been or have family help make it more concrete too.

 

 

This is so much fun even the 7th Grader can’t resist helping when he happens to find her state blobbing!

 

…danielle

prayers with Trevy (a bedtime book idea)

 

 

Praying with Trevy has always been part of our nightly routine.

 

 

Except when sick, Trevy is a sweet, sappy, cuddle bug at bedtime.  Even when dripping with exhaustion, there is something really special about snuggling up, reading a book, singing a song and praying.  No matter how cranky I am, it always gets me in the heart.  It’s one of the most peaceful moments in my day. 

 

I do naps and Daddy does night nights. 

 

 

Now that Trevy is understanding so much…

 

 

I’ve had this heart tug to make prayer time mean more for him. 

 

 

Once upon a time, I’d read a sweet post that shared a prayer over their children. Moving from head down to toes. It included words like “heart of a warrior – feet that run to Jesus”.

 

I thought I’d read it over at Sand in the Gears…one of my favorite reads which I’m shamelessly plugging. In fact, I emailed the author so convinced was I. Tony was kind enough to respond that he didn’t recall such a post but shared this link of inspiration instead.

 

 

I loved the idea on so many levels!

 

I loved consecrating each part of Trevy to Jesus.  I loved tangibly giving thanks for Trevy blessings.  I’ve grown into quite a pessimist over the years.  Forcing my heart to take notice of the blessings is needed!  I loved working on body parts with Trevy.  Helping him become more self aware.  I loved reminding him that he’s a perfectly Planned miracle child (as Toby calls him)! 

 

 

Did you know that the right side of the brain does most of the visual processing? 

 

Yep.  So it’s no wonder Trevy loves things that are visually stimulating.

 

Which is why I decided to take this idea that I loved and make it into a little prayer book.

 

 

I found some of my favorite Trevy pictures and using Pisca I cropped out the body parts I wanted to focus on.  Each page would be dedicated to a different focus. 

 

I then added the text “Dear Jesus, thank you for Trevy’s xyz”

 

I then free-style floated random words around the page.  I didn’t want too much text.  Just simple words that he and I (or he and daddy) can add to during prayers.

 

 

I then printed and laminated the pictures.  And a few hole punches and book rings later…we had our prayer book!

 

 

Trevy loves it.

 

 

He randomly talks about it throughout the day.  And will not go to bed without reading his prayer book.  The first time (and every time since) we read it together…he made it clear (in Trevy speak) that I forgot a very important body part.

 

 

His “taco”.

 

 

Swahili for bootay.

 

 

His siblings taught him to grab his boot and say, “I love my taco!”

 

 

Which he did whilst verbally adding a “thank you Jesus for my butt” page.  All twinkling eyes as he’s telling me all the reasons why his bum is so cool.  It goes poooop in the potty (sometimes) and makes boo-fahs (he’s a boy, people) and booty shakes (I’m not advocating for Magic Mike but I’ve seen the preview and I’m just saying, Trevy could rock the audition)…

 

 

Boys.

 

 

Trevy’s head to toe prayer book is one of the best things I’ve made for him!

 

 

…danielle

 

 

ps.  Praying over Trevy has been so beautiful that I decided to pray over the “big kids” too.  Oh if you could see the way their eyes shine!  Every now and then…an idea comes along that is a mommy home-run.

a creative and meaningful way to spread Christmas cheer around the world

 

 

 

Once upon a time, our family lived in Tanzania, East Africa.  We thought we would live there forever…but He had other Plans.

 

 

While there…we served alongside an extraordinarily creative and sweet friend who has created a really special, meaningful way to bring Christmas to Tanzania. 

 

 

Relief Gift Baskets

 

 

 

 

Gift basket options are for $12, $18 and $24.  Read full info here…

 

 

We’re always looking for beautiful and meaningful ways to contribute during the holiday season…and I can’t think of a better one out there!

 

 

…danielle

an imperfect mommy’s good enough memory books

 

I had grand plans for creating super adorable memory portfolios last school year.  Books that I envisioned my children sharing with their children and their children with…  Um, yeah, that was a fail.

 

 

Sigh.

 

 

Part of my issue is that I want things to be perfect.  Perfect or bust.  I’m a first born.  We’re really hung up on perfect.  The thing with perfect is…

 

 

ya know…

 

 

  It just doesn’t happen much around here!  I have too many kids.  I’m plugged into too many things.  I have too much on my plate.  I just can’t seem to do perfect.  Also, I’m being persuaded that perfect is a myth anyway.   

 

 

I have two themes for this homeschool (and mommyhood in general) year.  Use What You Have and Good Enough is Okay Too.

 

 

Hence…my good enough memory portfolios for this year!

 

 

 

I decided those 10 cent folders with the brads inside them were good enough.  You’ll notice the dark blue one is accessorized because I accidentally grabbed some without brads.  I was totally frustrated with myself and Staples (for mixing the two).  But then I decided to use what I have (and I have lots o’ brads and a hole puncher) and modify!

 

I also decided mommy decorating the front cover with a Sharpie was good enough…when I really wanted to run to Michael’s and buy all kinds of cutsie stickers and things.

 

You know you’re proud of me!  Right?  Rigggght?

 

 

I didn’t have to make my own printables but none of the pre-made ones really clicked with what I wanted. 

 

 

So I came up with my own good enough Me in the _______ Grade version.

 

 

We set up at our Huddle Table.  (which I have not regretted painting with blackboard paint btw)  I made sure to have colored pencils and a cursive formation guide.  The guide was added after both kids asked me for help.

 

 

The kiddos loooooved our first memory book project. 

 

 

I’m a sucker for sharing a funny moment.  One of the questions I asked them was what would they like to learn this school year. Which inspired the following conversation:

 

Toby:  I’d really like to learn more about Thomas Edison

 

Bristel:  snicker snicker

 

Toby (annoyed):  What?!  He only created light, you know!

 

Bristel (sarcastically):  Oh really?  He invented the sun???

 

 

 

I have their Memory Books filed in my mommy bin beside my desk.  Where all my homeschool and Trevy school things live.  I intend to fill them through the year with art projects, special papers they work on and other cool memory-ish stuff.

 

 

Click here to download and print the created by mwah good enough Me in the _______ Grade memory worksheets via 4shared.  Or you can email me and ask for the PDF that way.  Unless I can figure out how to upload it to my Raising Little Rhodies fan page.  Then you’ll have to like me for it!  Of course, I do share gobs of free iPad apps as I find them…so you might wanna like me anyway?   

 

 

Happy Mommy-ing!

 

 

…danielle

 

 

linking to…

simple no frills reward chart (and it’s printable too!)

 

 

 

 

 

Amy over at Are We There Yet? totally inspired me with all her back to school boot camp business.  I think it’s just the best idea ever…because I have a mad mommy blogger crush on her.   

 

 

Also, because I need a little boot camp in my life.  Oh Lordy, do I!

 

 

So I finally sat down and hashed out a reward chart I’ve wanted to create for aaaaages. 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, it’s nothing fancy.

 

 

My goal is to help motivate them with their school work, house help and character too!  All while keeping it easy peasy for me.

 

 

Each colored section represents a different “prize” they can work towards.  Our prizes include a Mystery Prize, play date, free day, candy bar, movie and who doesn’t love a little cash?!   Because I need things to be simple simple simple…there are only a few rules and ways to earn a square.

 

 

The rules…

 

• Only Mom or Dad do the coloring in of the squares
• BUT they get to choose which square to color. 
• The squares are colored in during our morning meeting time.  They are NOT allowed to ask at different times!  My kids are very very clever.  They’ve learned the art of asking mommy when I’m zonked or distracted.  Which means I’m more likely to say yes to almost anything.  Hence, setting the boundary of morning meeting only.  However, I myself am not bound to that rule and may surprise them by giving an extra square here or there.

 

They can earn squares by…

 

• Doing all their school work neatly and without griping

• Getting caught in an act of kindness

• Completing chores without fussing

• Reading a whole book with a book report (may be verbal or written)

 

 

Now for the follow through!  That’s always the hardest part.  But as far as the actually creating the thing…check that off my list.  Whoop whoop!

 

 

Just in case it sounds like something you could use…I PDF-ed it and made it downloadable!

 

(click image to download)

 

**if you don’t have a 4shared account and would like the chart please email me tanzie213@yahoo.com and I’ll send it right over**

 

 

Happy back to school boot camping!

 

 

…danielle

exploring astronomy: solar system race to the sun hopscotch review game

 

 

I snuck outside while they were watching tv and drew the solar system on our driveway.

 

 

 

She noticed that I’d excluded Pluto and was highly offended.  Oops.  Guess she’s decided not to subscribe to the Pluto isn’t a Planet team.

 

 

I had a couple ideas for ways to use our chalk solar system. 

 

 

Race to the Sun review game.

 

I like to have them pick a number between 1-20 to decide who goes first.  It’s easy peasy and has eliminated the griping.  I’m a big fan of less griping.

 

 

Whoever wins the number pick gets the first review question.

 

Each correct answer means a hop to the next planet.

 

 

I know his feet positioning looks like he’s ready to run the other way…but he really enjoyed this game a lot.  Even if the eleven in him won’t let him admit it!

 

 

We also just hopped forwards and backwards down the solar system naming the planets in order.  In the direction we were going, of course. 

 

 

Another way we’ll play (an impromptu play date interrupted us though) is to use a squirt bottle to erase random planets and see if we can remember and name the missing one.

 

 

Just a little fun School Lite stuff we did today!

 

 

Other Solar-y System Stuff:

Space Rocks a Chapter by Chapter review

2 Super Fun Asteroids Games

My Solar System Pinboard

 

 

…danielle

Randomnings–my top ten mommy smile moments this week

Bristel: Mommy, when you get married do you spend all day and night kissing?

Me: Something like that, honey

Bristel: And then kids come along and ruin it?

 

 

**********

 

I was in the kitchen making "chicken nuggets"...

otherwise known as Trevy's crack

when he comes charging the kitchen gate shouting,

I homeworking! I homeworking!

I gotta admit I was afraid to see what exactly "I homeworking" could mean but I followed him anyway. He led me to the schoolroom  where a giant coloring book and crayons (which are supposed to be out of reach!) was open to a search and find and he's tracing (read: scribbling over) the letters!

I call that "homeworking" too!

 

 

**********

In order to find the humor, I need to set the stage a little. Bristel and a friend have started a "Care Club" the purpose of which is to do acts of kindness and teach little ones how to behave.  Snicker.  She has asked me to put her hair up so the little ones (read: Trevy) won't be tempted to pull her hair. Cute, right?

On a different day, Trevy and I go outside where she and Toby are busy building something or other in the sandbox and she immediately starts telling Trevy he's not allowed.

So I say...

What happened to your Care Club? Is it only for little kids who aren't your brother?

She rolls her eyes and retorts...

Mooooooom (the way a teeny bopper might...only she's SEVEN!)

swinging her golden locks...

when my hair is down I'm NOT working!

**********

On the list of things I don't want to hear my children frantically yelling...

"Trevy! Don't color on the door!"

Followed by…

“Ugh…too late.”

**********

We were playing a game in the pool where the person tagged had to go under water.  Ever the lover of cause & effect, Trevy was tagging me incessantly.  So I say…

I’m gonna tag you!

To which he responds with a head shake…

Naaaaaw…

too little. 

**********

It tickled my funny bone that when we came home the sitter said she spent over an hour learning about Ancient Egypt with Bristel on the iPad.

Seriously?

How many 7 year old girls want to study ancient history and consider themselves a fashionista?!

**********

(If you’re a Speech Therapist…you may want to cover your eyes for this one! )

Trevy asked me for his binkie. I've been trying to wean him from it but in a moment of weakness (or maybe inspiration) I said... 

Let Toby take you potty and help you brush your teeth and then you can have it.

So he pattered over to Toby and asked, "Potty?" Toby was busy and replied, "in a minute".

 

 

So what did Trevy do? Well, I walked by the bathroom and found him sitting on the potty ALL BY HIMSELF! He's pulled his pants down and climbed up and made pee pee BY HIMSELF!

 

 

Um yeah, we had a Pee Pee Party!!!!

 

 

He did need help pulling his pants back up...but we can handle that for him no problem-o!

**********

I could tell he was winding up to give a mighty hop while descending our very steep stairs so I said...

Trevor, don't you dare!

Iya fwawg!

Translation: I'm a frog

Um, not on the stairs you're not!

And he resisted the urge to hop all the way down to the very last step.  At which point he did indeed become a one legged hopping fwawg. 

Ribbit.

 

 

**********

 

 

Trevy was screaming bloody murder from the schoolroom.

I couldn’t get there right away so I hollered…

what’s going on in there?!

Trevy comes running, upset, with Toby yelling in the background...

Don't believe a word he says!

LOL! This is funny because even though Trevor's speech is VERY limited you'd be surprised at how much tattling can be done with single word phrases!

**********

I wonder what our neighbors think when they drive by and see Trevy hanging out in our big bay window?

Our couch is right up against it and he'll climb over the back...stand on the radiator and wave at people until mommy finds him and makes him get down.

But hey, at least he has clothes on.

Most of the time.

…danielle

 

chalkboard your table tops because it’s practical, cheap and super cute

 

 

Sometimes it annoys me that almost none of our furniture matches.  The rest of the time I try to convince myself it’s because we’re cool and eclectic!

 

 

:: smile ::

 

 

The truth is…we just can’t afford to buy sets of furniture. 

 

 

So we’ve picked up pieces here and there.  Think yard sales, from family, craigslist and free cycle even!  And of course, not a stitch matches!  Weeeeell, I’ve seen all these ideas floating around Pinterest.  And I was inspired and thought of a super-cool-cheap-skate way to make at least some of my furniture match!

 

 

Allow me to introduce you to the magic powers of blackboard paint!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I convinced the Hubster to buy me a little pail at Home Depot for under ten buckaroos.  Supposedly you can find it at Walmart too.  Ours didn’t have it in stock.  Also, I really wanted the spray paint kind but I just wasn’t patient enough to order it online.  So I went old school with the primer and the brushes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In just a couple hours on a sunny Sunday afternoon (between church and Special Olympics) I worked on making our School/Play/Therapy room tables match.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used left over warm white on the bottoms and the tops became blackboards!  Warm white looks reaaaally good against the blackboard paint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wah-lah!

 

 

Practical and Cute!

 

 

Plus, they all match without spending a fortune to buy a new set!  Makes me feel warm n’ fuzzy on the inside.

 

 

Since chalk is wipe-from-the-walls-because-Trevy-WILL-color-on-them-friendly, I’ve been leaving a little bowl of multi-colors in the middle of the table so they can create at will.  It’ll also come in handy next school year for writing spelling lists, practicing cursive and all the other wonderful ways we can think of to play with our new blackboard tables!

 

 

The only bummer is that it needs to be washed with a wet washcloth.  A regular eraser just doesn’t do the job.  But otherwise we’re in LOVE with our new tables!

 

 

 

 

Just this morning I caught my budding ar-teest drawing an American Flag in honor of America’s Birthday!

 

 

The best news is - you’ll probably have some left over to play with too!  Here are some fun projects you can try til’ the pail runs dry:

 

• Garden Chalkboard Puppets by Nurture Store
• A New Chalkboard from a Yard Sale Find by The Artful Parent
• Re-purposed Chalk Table by Creative Playhouse
• Make Your Own Chalkboard Art Bins by The Artful Parent
• Martha Stewart’s ideas of creative ways to use chalkboard paint

 

 

…danielle

we call them squeezies

 

 

Play dough is all the rage these days!

 

 

 

 

in case you hadn’t noticed

 

 

 

 

I double dog dare ya to surf Pinterest and not stumble on a play dough pin!  But then, why would you want not to when play dough is the bestest?!

 

 

 

 

My (this is not a new idea and there are plenty of other similar ones out there but this was the first I’d seen) original inspiration for this project was Somewhat Simple’s Wacky Sacks.  It was one of those “holy what a great play dough idea, batman!” moments!  This project is SO easy that even the non-craftiest mommies out there (to which I am eternally bonded – we are sisters, kindred spirits, besties) can and should do it!

 

 

 

 

And just in time for Daddy’s Day too!

 

 

 

 

 

You’ll need…

 

 

Play dough.  I bought mine at the dollar store.  Next year maybe I’ll be adventurous and add some scent-i-ness too.

 

Balloons.  We already had these on hand.

 

Helpers.  Because you’ll need help smooshing the play dough into those dang balloons!  I happen to have three (even though Trevy is more mess – less help) running around here. 

 

 

 

Roll the play dough into snakes.  But not without your iPod by your side, of course.  Because we all need Adele stuck in our heads for weeks on end.  :: smile ::

 

 

Have one of your Helpers stretch the balloon out nice and wide.

 

 

 

Smoosh and squeeze play dough into stretched balloon.

 

 

 

 

We used one container of dough per balloon.

 

 

 

 

Bristel decided hers needed a face.  She then proceeded to carry it with her everywhere!  Named her Squeezie and proceeded to donate all her Barbie items to her new play dough pal.  It is not uncommon around here lately, to trip on a Barbie bus being manned by Squeezie.  With a bow in her hair (because that little balloon tied knot does kinda look like hair), no less.

 

 

 

 

Both of the (little) boys have a squeezie too.  Toby calls his the thinking ball.  Which lives in his workbox tote with his school work.  For easy “thinking” access.  Trevy’s survived for a 10 minutes (maybe) before being chewed apart.  Sigh.  We’ll have to figure something bite through proof for him because it really is great for sensory and fine motor input!

 

 

 

 

And for our “big” boy with a special day coming this weekend?

 

 

 

A Daddy play dough Stress Ball to help him survive without us while he’s off makin’ the bacon!

 

 

 

 

If you’re looking for a last minute Daddy’s Day gift, this could be your ticket!

 

 

 

 

 

For even more play dough inspirations…

 

 

• Check out these super cute play dough stress balls by Make Do and Friend
• Critters and Crayons (one of my besties, she just doesn’t know it yet :: wink ::) has this great easy peasy play dough recipe
• You’ve gotta check out the googly eyed play dough monster by Mama Smiles – too cute!
• You’ll smell the yumminess with The Chocolate Muffin Tree’s microwave kool aid play dough.
• I know a certain little girl that would love this play dough imaginative tea party by No Twiddle Taddle.
• JDaniel4’s Mom has a great OT hole punching play dough activity.  I’ll definitely be doing this one with Trevy!
• Who wouldn’t love a play dough garden like famiglia&seoul created.
• Being a beach bum myself, I adored Creative Playhouse’s sand  play dough idea.
• Word Play House has homemade play dough + a handmade gift + printable that you don’t want to miss!
• How fun would glitter play dough be?  Red Ted Art has a post about how to make your own!
• Imagination Tree has a must read post about the benefits of playing with play-dough plus some great ideas of nifty things to add to your squeezy stuff!
• How about using play dough to explore emotions?  Your Therapy Source is offering a free clay (or play dough) emotions printable! 

 

 

 

…danielle