Valentine's Books and Crafts for Kids

Hi Y'all!

I am finally getting posts up in advance. They aren't as frequent as I would like, but it's progress. 

We have had such a great week with homeschooling. My girl is finally getting it! She is actually asking to read independently and doing it! Not just skimming over or re-reading the same book she's had memorized since last year!

This is huge for her! Of course, it makes my heart smile too! I may get another reader in the house. (high hopes)

Being mom and teacher gives me another reason to scope out books for her. I go through a series of variables. 

Are they the right reading level?

Can we use it as a lesson or tie it into what we're working on?(she loves non-fiction)

Does it look like she would be interested in it?

I love that most children's books have a lesson or moral to the story type of theme, but they also make it light, funny, or wacky to get kids to really think and analyze the story. 

Reading books to or with a child is a great opportunity to ask some awesome questions!

You'd be amazed at the insight you can get from your child's responses.

How did that make you feel?

How could you have helped xyz?

Would you like to go there someday?

Could you be friends with someone like that?

These are just some example questions. I know you can come up with a ton more.

Love is an amazing topic to learn about! Is it a noun or a verb?

I love this question. For myself, it is a verb. An act of doing or showing.

What do you think? Both? Could be.

Books can help you learn all different types of love!

I started looking up on Pinterest, Valentine's ideas for kids

I actually was shocked that most of the pins were for books about Valentine's Day!

Also, we actually own a bunch of them!

Here goes my mom brain!

I started searching around on Thriftbooks and made up my own list.

I found over 300 children's books listed! Over 300! Just on Valentine's Day. 

There absolutely is a book for every child to get interested in!

Here is a list of the ones we are going to read this year.

Our Top 7 Choices

Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day is Cool

A Crankenstein Valentine

Nate the Great and The Mushy Valentine

Mr. Goat's Valentine

Rhyme Time Valentine

God Gave Us Love

Love Monster

I hope you'll check out our list and let me know which books you chose!

I'm working on an idea of a book swap for kids. Keep that in mind for the future if you'd be interested!

I also found some fun craft ideas to share.

Take a look, Pinterest: Valentine Kid Crafts

Happy Reading and have a blessed weekend!

Big List of Valentine's Day Books

Manners Matter! A list of Children's books to read.

Mind Your Manners, Please!

Teaching children a few basic manners goes a long way.

    I am always trying to find a great lesson to teach my daughter. She is homeschooled, so it is my job to be mom and teacher. One thing we have always taught our daughters, is manners.

Yes, I am the mom who says things like, "That's not ladylike." You can call it old fashion or sexist, or whatever you want. I use it, it works, and we believe in it.

Manners are so important in everyday life. It should be a habit that is universal, but it has to be taught. Manners aren't something children are born with or something they just know.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

Teaching manners could be as simple as reminding a child to say please and thank you.

It can also be more difficult, as in teaching them not to interrupt someone when they are in a conversation.

There are a ton of manners that are fairly common and universal.

1. Say please and thank you

2. No hitting/biting

3. No screaming

4. Respect yourself and others.

5. Try to share

6. Table manners. Sit still, don't play with your food, etc

7. No burping or slurping

8. Use kind words

9. Help others

10. Do not stick out your tongue or roll your eyes

I'm fairly certain we all want children to understand and follow these, but we need to teach them.

As you all know, I am a total Book Nerd! Books are my go to for so much.

Teaching is one of the ways I use books daily.

Here is a fun list of a few books we either own, have read, or will be getting here soon!

I think my favorite one is the Dude, That's Rude!

You'll definitely have to check some of these out.

Whoopi's Big Book of Manners by Whoopi Goldberg

Emily's Everyday Manners by Cindy Post Senning and Peggy Post

Dude, That's Rude by Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick

Manners Can Be Fun by Munro Leaf

My Mouth is a Volcano! by Julia Cook

The Bernstein Bears Forgot Their Manners by Stan and Jan Bernstein

A Child's Book of Manners by Ruth Shannon Odor

The Thingumajig Book of Manners by Irene Keller

Manners Are Important For You and Me by Todd Snow

The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper

These are just a few of the many books available.

I almost always buy my books from Thriftbooks.com

I just love old books!

Buy used!

Save a tree. Save your money!

I hope you find the perfect book for you to teach a child about manners.

Do you already have a favorite? I'd love for you to share.

Short O and U Word Family Posters

 

Hi yall!

I feel like I need to catch up. How is every one's school year going?

Are you keeping pace? Falling behind? Feel like each day is an adventure?

I sure do!

If you are like me, you're still new and trying to figure out what works best for your child/student.

I have learned my daughter is a visual learner. She likes the songs, games, and posters! Big, flashy, grab your attention kind of things!

That means part of my job is to find lots of colorful worksheets, youtube videos that go with her lesson, and to find, er...create lots of great posters and flashcards to keep her engaged.

Canva is a great resource for making semi-easy material.

Each time I use it, I find a new way to enhance my project. It really is neat.

Here are the latest two short vowel posters I have made.

Short O Word Family Poster

Short U Word Family Poster

If you'd like to purchase the whole short vowel family as a bundle, you can and save!

Vowels A,E,I,O,U Bundle and Save

This week we are focusing on money, coins, and the silent E.

I am super excited to get to work on more material!

Make sure to keep checking back for more great resources!

Happy Teaching!

Short I Word Families ~ Classroom Poster/Decor

 Happy Tuesday!

I know for me this week is creeping by! I was not ready for the weather change. 

I always try to drag out and hold on to summer as long as possible. We try to fill up every day with fun activities and enjoy the sunny days.

Although we all have to stop and work, I try to make that fun too.

Even in the classroom. My "work" this week consisted of working on a Fall lesson and getting another word family poster made up. We've moved on to the short I words.

My daughter actually did super well with short E words so we moved ahead quicker than I had planned.

I guess I need to catch up with her and get these posters done!

I now have available over on TeacherspayTeachers, three of the word family posters.

Short A, E, and now I families.

Short A Words Poster 

Short E Words Poster

Short I Words Poster

More to come! Keep watching and check out the other items available in my "shop" to download.

Happy Teaching!

Short E Word Families ~Poster/Classroom Decor

 

Hello,

It's been a busy week already, and it's only Tuesday!

I seriously am loving working with CANVA

There are so many fun ways to make up great classroom posters and wall decor!

Everything is so easy to customize. I am super excited to start decorating our "classroom" once we get moved.

I am still working on getting all the short vowel word family posters made up and decorated for our room.

If you missed our first set of 6 posters(Short A Word family), jump over here to download your posters.

Short A Word Family

Click the following link to get your copy of Short E Word Family Posters

This is a 3-page packet that focuses on 

-ed, -et, -and -en word families

I hope you enjoy them.

I'd love to see them displayed and be sure to comment anything your classroom is missing.

I'd love inspirations!

Short A Word Families~ Posters/Classroom Decor

 Good Morning Y'all!

I have been burning up my computer searching, learning, and making resources for homeschooling!

The internet truly is amazing! How did we survive without it?

How in the world did all those mommas teach the simplest lessons without all the amazing, at your fingertips resources we so easily take for granted?

I struggle daily to figure out where to begin!

What is the fastest, easiest, and most cost-efficient way to fill my child's brain with knowledge?

I know we could all use any help we can get.

I am still amazed at how fast I caught on to using CANVA

It really is a great tool. I can totally customize pretty much anything I need.

Worksheets, posters, schedule templates, teacher notes, diagrams...

The list could be endless. (I'm still working on it) and finding new ways to use it!

I wanted to share my latest creation with all of you!

These were super fun to make and as soon as the first page came spitting out of the printer, my daughter grabbed it up and commented on the fun pictures and began reading the words aloud!

This is a 6 pack that you can download and print right at home! I have done the work for you!

Short A Word Families

Click Link to Find ALL 6 Pages

I hope you will take a look around my little shop and keep checking back for more!

"I can write my name" Printable Lined Paper for beginner writers

 

Hello, 

Wow! I cannot believe we are already into September!

I know this year has been a trial for all of us. Our littles included.

How are yours changing the way they are learning?

I know we have made a ton of changes around here.

If you've been following me for a while, you know that we did a year of preschool homeschooling back in 2017 and 18.

It was definitely a learning experience for us both.

I can say that I learned so much about schedules, techniques, and found so many wonderful free resources!

There are thousands of moms, educators, and child care workers who put in so many, so many hours of work. All so that people like us have easy access to materials for us to provide an education for our children at home.

We decided to go ahead with a traditional public school for kindergarten.

She did really well learning so much. She learned all the important basics for her age and grade level. I am forever grateful to her teacher.

I honestly didn't realize how much she had actually absorbed into that little brain until I started homeschooling her again going into first grade.

This kid is amazing! I may be biased.

I wanted to jump in and give a tiny bit of help to all these mommas out there searching for help. I finally found a free program that I can manage to navigate.

I have been using CANVA

It has a free version and also a paid premium one.

I admit I haven't upgraded my account yet, but with all the amazing choices to work within designing so much, I'm sure I will make the change soon. I admittedly am not at all tech-savvy so it took me a bit to figure some things out.

They actually added a whole section for "school templates" which has made it so much easier!

Here are a few FREE printables I made.

These are easily converted from png to jpeg for printing.

Please take these freebies and keep following. I am hoping to get more printable made up and posted.

I made these easy for the kindergarten level just playing around. Now, I am excited to move on and make up a few first-grade worksheets.

Stay tuned!

4 in 1 Printable Worksheet:Shapes Great for preschool

I love free printable!

Hi, y'all. I hope everyone is enjoying this glorious day!

The little and I may take some time to enjoy the outdoors today. We both deserve it.

My little has been working super hard this past week.

Letters, shapes, worksheets, chalkboard work, flashcards.

We've been dabbling in a little of a lot!

You know how it is, they have the attention span of hyena on his third Snickers bar!

Well, my kid does anyway.

I wanted to find something that I could use for a multitude of lessons!

Or at least something that I felt gave her enough work to keep her doing more than five minutes of school time, and also actually engaged her enough that she was learning.

I can't count how many worksheets we have done on the letter A.

Say A. Trace letter A. Find all the As in the hidden puzzle. A flashcard. Write A on the chalkboard.

Over and over... and you know what?

She STILL cannot identify A by itself. UGGH!

We She is struggling with this one!

We'll get back to A next week!

So, I finally found this page that is totally free to print out over @Erin-specialeducation

It is actually part of a shapes series, but I just wanted the one sheet.

You can always look through and choose what you need.

EASY LINK FOR PRINTABLE SHEET

I knew I was going to use this worksheet in several ways.

I wanted to create a lesson that gave her a few ways to learn from it.

(I printed several copies)

I am calling this 

4 in 1 worksheet

1.Identify

For us and most, that is the first thing they need to learn.

What is the name of each shape?

2.Trace

This worksheet is made so that the shapes are drawn with dotted lines perfect for tracing each shape!

We used a crayon on one and pencil on another

3. Color

The color key at the top is great to teach them a pattern or to follow instructions.

Only squares are yellow, etc.

4.Cut & Glue

The dotted lines used for tracing also work great to encourage cutting along the line.

This was wonderful practice for scissor control.

We then glued all the shapes onto a piece of construction paper.

Do it randomly or make a pattern!

I am so happy with all she took away from this one worksheet!

4 lessons, 1 sheet= happy momma!

To add a cute little book to your shapes lesson, check on the link below:

My Very First Book of Shapes by Eric Carle

*This post contains affiliate links

Halloween Craft For Kids-Funky Pumpkins/Jack-O-Lanterns

Funky Halloween Pumpkin Craft

As many of my fellow blogging mommas know, in order to actually have an awesome seasonal or holiday post out and floating around the internet in time for people to find it, view it, and make it useful; we have to get a head start and be planning WAY early!

Well, that is the plan...

I had been jumping around Pinterest, the web, and other blogs, trying to find a few great craft ideas for Halloween.

I have found several, but finding the time and getting my little actually interested in wanting to do them is another story.

We did manage to find one that she was pretty excited to get started on.

It was the using scissors part!

 I'm not sure if I should be proud that she does so well and wants to practice, or terrified that my new five year old has a scissor obsession?!?!

Anyway, the craft is a simple cut, decorate, and glue project aimed for toddlers and younger kids.

You can find the original post and give a shout out here to:

@LorieK~ ReadingConfetti

Funky Pumpkins

materials

• construction paper
• stick or bottle glue
• scissors
• old magazines or newspapers

optional decorations

• googly eyes
• beads
• pipe cleaners

You will need to take your construction paper and cut out "pumpkin"(orange) shapes and the stems(green), then glue stems to back of pumpkins

I worked on this part while she cut out eyes, noses, and mouths from magazines.

This seemed to keep her busy and also reduce her glue use. LOL

Once everything is cut out, we decided to see how silly we could make them. The point was to not "match" eyes, nose, and mouth that typically looked normal. The funkier the better...and cuter.

After you allow them to dry, you can glue to a solid sheet of construction paper or use them individually however you like.

A fun idea is to use them as cards for friends. Write a spooky message on the back and give them out.

Here are a few we made. They turned out so silly and the little really had fun deciding which eyes or nose to add to which pumpkin.

You can always use different colors or make your pumpkins into different shapes.

I hope you enjoyed our quick craft. Be sure to check out our other craft ideas

Fun Crafts

If you are looking for some spooky books for your littles, be sure to check out my post here

Halloween and Fall Books for Kids!

Enjoy and Happy Halloween! Be sure to share your ideas or post pics if you try our craft!

Halloween and Fall Books For Kids

*post contains affiliate links

Update:

I've also added a fun Halloween packet to print out.

Halloween Fun Activities Packet

Who has kids busting at their little seams getting excited about Halloween?

I can't believe how early and how fast it seems to come every year!
I keep thinking the fourth of July was like...last month! Oh no, it's already September. Wow!
Too fast!

I have had this list of books sitting around. Taking my time getting cover photos and editing them, trying to pick a few of our favorites and seeing which ones others seem to favor.
Then, I realized today that everyone is posting, pinning, and sharing all of their Halloween and Fall stuff already! (Walmart already has real pumpkins for sale!!!)
Well, I can't be falling behind any more than I apparently already am!

We have read several of these books. I have also added some we have not read, but I am certainly going to shop for them.

Used Children's Books at Awesome Prices

Without further ado...

Great Halloween and Fall Books

Room on The Broom
This is one of our absolute favorites! It is a fast paced, rhyming story about a witch who has a few visitors on her broom.

The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin
This book is about a pumpkin that doesn't look like all the others in the patch, but soon he shows them how different can be a good thing.

Pinkalicious and the Pink Pumpkin
Pinkalicious is all things pink! Even her pumpkin! If she can find one...

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree
Do they dare go there? Do they dare go in to the Spooky Old Tree?

Boo Who? A Lift and Flap story
Cute little book to show different Halloween things.

Peter Rabbit and the Pumpkin Patch
Peter and Benjamin are on another adventure into Mr. McGregor's garden.

The Berenstain Bears go on a Ghost Walk

Click, Clack, Boo by Doreen Cronin
The Tiniest Pumpkin by Janet Craig
We're Off to Find the Witch's House by Richard Krieb
Arthur's Halloween by Marc Brown
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Franklin's Pumpkin by Sharon Jennings
Bernstain Bears Harvest Festival by Stan Bernstain
There was an Old Lady who swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro
We're Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
Even more Awesome books @ Scholastic Kids

I know there are so many more I could list. I'm sure I will come back and add as I find more great books!
I hope you enjoy these. Please comment and share any that you've read and love!
What is your kid's favorite spooky book?

35 NO SCREEN Activities For Kids

Do you worry about how much screen time your child gets?
Do you know how much is too much?

I know we've all seen or heard the phrase "Cut the Cable". It is one of the latest trends in television watching.

I also know that it is mainly due to the economy and people trying to find ways to cut back costs, save a few bucks a month, or to get a better selection of what they view. Why pay for channels and programs you don't watch!?

But, what about cutting out screen time completely?

Okay, not completely, 100 % of the time.  I just mean cutting...wayyy back.

Did you know that using game systems, tablets, cell phones, and computers, are also considered screen time?
Studies have shown the many effects that too much screen time or stimulation can cause on children.
Did you know that too much screen time can affect children's sleep patterns, eating habits, and over all physical health? It can also cause difficulties in school, difficulty focusing for long periods, and behavior issues; such as, aggression, depression, social anxiety, and more.
Check this out:
Screen Free

Do you have NO SCREEN DAYS?

I used to. When we had our own home, we were cable free for over three years. We also had days when I didn't allow the televisions to be turned on at all! No tablets, television, game systems, computers, and occasionally they could listen to music or have ear buds for a limited time on those days.

Those days we had to find other ways to occupy our hours.

I admit some days seemed to drag on and some days I caved in and let the television be turned on. We aren't perfect, but making a conscious decision to try and limit screen time for everyone is a good step.

I know for some, this task is easier than it is for others. Most of us have had access to all these devises for quite a few years, and our children most likely have never been without at least one of them.

Remember the days of one "family TV", with 3 channels and everyone had to watch the same show or nothing at all.

Ah, those were the days. For myself, no screen days is pretty simple

Oh, wait, oops. No scratch that!

I do my work on the computer, mostly have my phone at the ready; constantly checking emails, texts, etc.

See, we all need a little less visual stimulation in our lives!

How are we going to do this NO Screen Thing?

Well, I'm glad you asked! I've come up with a list of 35 NO SCREEN Activities For Kids!

Hey, parents! Don't be afraid to join in.

Children learn by example!

1.Read a book

2. Do sidewalk chalk/play hopscotch

3.Sing a song-silliest wins!

4. Color/draw/paint

5.Build with blocks or Legos

6.Do a puzzle/jigsaw/maze

7. Run a race

8. Play dress up

9.Build a blanket fort

10.Play in the sand or dirt or mud!

11.Play a card game or board game

12.Have a scavenger hunt

13. Play I Spy or Would you Rather

14. Walk to a park

15. Play a game of catch or wiffle ball

16. Throw a Frisbee

17. Write a letter

18. Play career, be a doctor, teacher, veterinarian 

19.Play grocery store or restaurant- cashier/customer

20.Have a water balloon fight

21.Blow bubbles, make a water station

22.Call a friend, grandma, cousin

23. Make a snack, create a recipe

24. Go to a farm or petting zoo

25. Play with play-doh(who doesn't love this stuff...right?)

26.Give your toys a wash/clean up

27. Do arts and crafts

28. Play school

29. Play with a pet you have

30. Make homemade slime

31. Have a picnic indoors or outside

32. Go watch a ball game

33. Ride a bike, skateboard, scooter, roller skates

34. Go to the library

35. Go bowling

I hope this list gives you some great ideas for your NO SCREEN days!

Crayola has a ton of great arts and craft supplies and craft ideas.

Ticketmaster is a wonderful place to find deals and discounts on so many events. Concerts, games, plays, and more

Be sure to check both of those out for amazing ideas!

I would love to hear any other ideas you've found!

Sharing is caring!

The Kindness Rocks Project~ Kid Edition

The Kindness Rocks Project
What is it anyway?

The mission is:
One message at just the right moment can change someone's entire day, outlook, life

It all started when Megan Murphy was walking along the beach looking for a sign. A message to help her decide what to do.
With a sharpie in her pocket, rocks all around her, and an idea, she decided to not wait for a message but instead...leave one. A message of kindness for someone to find.
You can find out more about the origins and her story over at the website.
THE KINDNESS ROCKS PROJECT

Our Kindness Rocks

The Kid Edition:

I really wanted to do this with all my kids and niece and nephew. We could all use a chance to be kind to others. I wanted to make this as kid-friendly as possible and still teach them the lesson I was aiming for.

My main approach was getting them to think of ways that each of them could be kind to someone.

The most popular answer was "I can share."

When you are age 3-7, that is a huge act of kindness!

Starting off I had already gathered and cleaned as many "good" rocks as I could find in our yard and garden.(Thankfully, when my husband roto-tilled, it turned up tons of rocks!) We used what we had and they were all different sizes and shapes.

I knew the kids would need some help and prompting to figure out what their "message" would be.

We talked a lot about ways we are kind and things that make us feel happy.

I love their answers. Everything from Spiderman to Mom's cooking.

They shared that they felt kind when we love each other and when they play with their friends.

We decided instead of just using words as a message, it was easier(and fun) to really let them paint and show what kindness and being happy means to them.

Sometimes it was a bright color, a pattern or a rainbow.

Some they made into food or a character they like. Some painted trees or nature.

I love how they are all so unique and personal.

Isn't that kind of the point? Shouldn't our Kindness rocks be personal?

I am so proud of them and how much they learned and shared.

Now we get to leave them all over. 

We have taken some to the lake and the park. Leaving them around a tree or by a shelter.

We have a whole coffee can full of our kindness rocks to leave around and share.

Here are some of ours we made

I hope you enjoy our

The Kindness Rocks Project~ Kid Edition

Be sure to check out the website and always

share your story.

20 MORE Summer Writing Prompts For kids

  20 MORE Summer Writing Prompts For Kids

Hi y'all.

I wanted to take the chance to add another great list of writing prompts before Summer officially ends. If you missed my first list, be sure to check it out:

20 Summer Writing Prompts

In Ohio, we only have about 28 days left before all the kids head back to their 8 hours of structured confinement. 

I'm using this time to let them use those little brains as creatively as possible! 

Yes, these are prompts, but please use them as just that. Let the littles come up with a few of their own!

I know it is a huge confidence booster when they realize how creative they can be all on their own.

So, mommas....prompt and let go! Let them write.

Grab some pre-made printables here

1. Make a superhero

2. My greatest adventure

3. Build the perfect ice cream sundae

4. If I was inside/on my favorite television show

5. My dream grocery store list(what I would buy)

6. If I lived 100 years ago

7. My favorite indoor games

8. A perfect day at school

9. Plan my own themed party

10. A day at the zoo I designed

11. My dream bedroom

12. If I was the parent for a day

13. My imaginary pet

14. What I like best about being me

15. Worst chore ever

16. If it was always Winter

17. Best memory with Mom or Dad

18. If there weren't any cars/trains/airplanes

19. My dream job/career

20. If I could switch places with anyone

Well, here is my list of 20 more...

Have your kids done much writing over Summer vacation?

What was their favorite thing to write about?

I'd love to hear from you!

Keep checking back for more fun ideas.

DIY Kid Craft~ Kid Made Wind Chimes

What momma wouldn't love to wean down those piles, containers, buckets, bins, bags and drawers of leftover, saved up, and collected "craft supplies"?

I know for me, it is a daily task to keep all these treasures contained and...hidden from little eyes that think every button or googly eye is the best thing since sliced bread!

But, we do have those days that we can actually find a use, a purpose for some of our ever growing supplies.

I am totally not opposed to anything you can reuse, up-cycle and DIY!

We are a frugal family, so we use what we have.

Hint* This supply list I'm going to give you is completely just for suggestions. Use what you have and make it gorgeous!

Onto our craft...

Plastic Cup Wind Chime

For Kids

I will say this took a lot of my doing...My little is four years old and there are a few things she definitely couldn't have done by herself or unsupervised.

Supply list:

plastic cup(any size/color)

yarn, twine, thread

hole puncher

pipe cleaner(1 per wind chime)

beads(thicker thread needs bigger hole in beads)

needle(same as above, thicker yarn will need larger eye to thread)

embellishments-stickers, glitter glue, foam stickys, etc

Assembly:

First you will take your cup and puncture a hole into the bottom(small) for the pipe cleaner to go through. (Good luck mommas! PSA: the cup will collapse under pressure while you are puncturing!)

Twist an X with the pipe cleaner to join two ends. Insert into hole of cup.

This will be your handle or ring to hang your wind chime by.

It should look like this:

Next you will use your hole puncher to make 3 holes evenly spaced around the rim of cup.

Now lay the cup aside.

Cut your yarn/string the length you wish(we did 10, 12, and 14 inches) remember you'll need extra to tie both ends.

Tie one end off larger than your bead holes. a couple knots should do.

Start beading, leaving a couple inches to feed through punched holes and tie to your cup.

Make three of these. We did ours three different lengths.

After you have them all beaded, proceed to tie them to your wind chime through the holes in your cup.

Your wind chime is complete! Now you can always add any other decorations you'd like!

Aren't they just the cutest?!?!

I hope you enjoyed walking through our craft of the day!

What fun crafts have you tried?

Anyone know of a better, safer way or a tool I'm missing to get the hole into the bottom of the cup? LOL

That was the hardest part! Still fun though. Please share yours!

Be sure to check out all our other fun ideas we've been collecting over here: CoffeeWastedMomma's Crafty Stuff Collection

Super Easy Summer Craft For Kids~Paper Plate Fans

Summer Easy and Fun

Paper Plate Fans

I am dying in this heat!

Here in Ohio, the last three days have been above 90F.

I was not made for Winter...but this heat, no rain, no breeze is about to kill me.

I have this very persuasive four year old that is determined we are going to do a craft every day..Every. Single. Day. this week. OUTSIDE!

Yes, she is also very specific. 

So...an outdoor craft that is quick, easy, and...cheap!(saving up for my iced coffee!)

I jump over to my wonderful Pinterest board filled with tons of great ideas. Seriously, my biggest addiction next to my babies and coffee!

I found this craft...

over @ The Pinterested Parent

By the way...She is awesome! Check out her stuff! I have been following her for awhile and she always has something new.

These are so cute and easy to make.

The supplies are things you probably already have on hand. Bonus!

Supply List:

paper plates

popsicle sticks or "crafting sticks"

Elmer's glue or glue gun and sticks

crayons, paint or markers

scissors(my brain is melting. I just had to google...how to spell scissors!)

optional:

stickers, googly eyes, stencils, foam stamps...

Directions:

Cut plates in half(2 fans)

Decorate, design and embellish your half plate

If using paint or anything glued, wait until dried.

Glue 2 popsicle sticks into a "V"(wider is better) for gripping your fan/handle

Then glue the other 2 ends to the back of your "fan"

(press firmly)

Allow to dry

Fan away!!

So, I survived the heat and we got them all finished. I think we made about 8 in total. I even got the middle daughter to join in!

They turned out super cute and...very useful!

Now...fan mommy!

I hope you give these a try and always check back for more fun, cheap, easy crafts!

We have great ideas!

CoffeeWastedMomma kid craft ideas!

Happy July!

Share your fun ideas!

20 Summer Writing Prompts for Kids

Hey, mommas!

Are you on Summer vacation? or stay-cation, as I am!

Are you like me?  Your kids are driving you crazy with all the long days of,..."We're soooo bored!!"?

I know we've all been there!

Whether you are a working momma or a stay at home momma...we know. 

Are the kids relentless with the days of doing nothing?

"I fed you!" 

"I gave you the TV!"

"Go outside, go play!"

"Have you cleaned....anything today?"

I also get to thinking, what have they been doing all summer?

So, when I really got into creative mom mode, I came up with this great idea of getting them to write!

I know rocket science, right?

Well, it may take some coaxing but if they are bored enough and you can get creative enough...it may work!

It never hurts for them to practice! Especially since there isn't much actual writing going on in public schools these days. Everything is done on Chrome books or computers.

So, I make them write. With an actual pencil and paper.

Creative writing, handwriting practice, and a enough "me" time to put on a fresh pot of coffee!

Sometimes our kids need a little creative jump start. So, I made up this great list of ideas for them.

I think most of these cover a pretty wide age group. My own daughters are quite spread out in age, so what may pique one's interest may not for another.

20

Summer writing prompts for kids

1. Your best/worst day                  11. Best gift

2. Favorite movie                          12. Favorite hobby

3.Favorite meal                             13. Best/worst school subject

4. Best accomplishment                14. Favorite time of day

5. Your wish list                            15. Favorite game/sport/activity

6. Top 3 movies or books              16. A time you were scared

7. Your role model                         17. If you had a super power

8. Best vacation                             18. A goal for the year

9. Best friend                                 19. Make up your own character

10. Favorite holiday                       20. Write your own recipe

I hope these give you some creative ideas.

Do you "make" your kids write during summer?

Do you have some more great prompts?

If you are looking for some more great summer activities for your kids check out The Crafting Chicks, 100 Summer Activities and chart

You can also check out my fun and crafty board over here: Fun Craft Ideas

Happy Summer y'all!

Update:

I have added 20 more great ideas to this list! Be sure to also check out:  20 MORE WRITING PROMPTS