Jell-O Gelatin Pan for Play-Dough?

     This afternoon, my oldest kept telling me how bored she and her younger sister were. So I decided to take my daughters into the kitchen to make some of our favorite homemade play-dough.
     They had fun a lot of fun helping me, but they had even more fun looking for "tools" to use to play with the dough. They dug through my cupboards, looking for things that they could use. They had found some of their small plastic forks, some cookies cutters, cups, etc. but my oldest daughter found my ole' Halloween plastic gelatin Jell-O pan. This pan turned out to be the best, and most popular thing for my girls to play with. I thought they'd want to play with the cookie cutters, but I was wrong.

     I had a lot of fun watching my daughters playing with their play-dough and this pan. My kids wanted to shove the dough inside the openings of the pan, but had a hard time pulling the dough out with their tiny hands. So I decided that it would probably be best to turn the pan over to do some "stamping". It worked wonderfully, and was a lot easier for my girls to manage the dough that way. I could tell that they really liked pressing their dough onto the pan, then peeling it off to see their creation on the back. Somehow, they thought it was the best thing in the world.

      I am so glad that we did this, because we were all entertained for over an hour with this activity. I think we'd still be sitting there, if it wasn't for having to clean up to get ready for dinner.

For the Babysitter: In Case of an Emergency Printable

     If you met some of my closest friends and family, they would tell you that I am a worry wart. Which I am, especially when it comes to my kids. I am one of the most overly protective parents, you will ever meet. I like to thank my knowledge in early childhood development for that.
    In addition to being an educator, I was a nanny and child care provider for quite a few years. To be completely honest, there is nothing more handy for a babysitter to have than an emergency contact list. I am a full believer in the old saying, "It's Better Safe than Sorry!"

    
     If you're going out, and leaving your children with a babysitter, it's probably a good idea to have a list of emergency and non-emergency contacts for the babysitter to have. You never know, when something just might happen.
     As you can already see, I have created a simple babysitter emergency contact printable. This printable allows you to fill in important information that your childcare provider may need, in the event that an emergency arises while you're away from home. This printable is free for you to download, print and use.

Before downloading, please understand that:
1) This is for PERSONAL USE ONLY.

2) DO NOT modify, resell, redistribute or claim this printable as your own.

3) DO NOT remove my watermark.

4) If you re-post this printable online, credit must be given to

Mommy and Me Creations with a link back to my website.

** Please remember that these images are property of Mommy and Me Creations. 

I am just sharing some love, and ask that you send some back to me.**

DOWNLOAD MY FREEBIE

Newspaper Clipping Names

     I have an awesome idea to share with you today. It's an activity that will help your kids learn how to spell their names. It's called, "The Newspaper Clipping Names" activity! I have done this particular activity a lot, when I taught preschool. It's a really simple activity to do. All you need are some newspapers, a pair of scissors, a pen or marker, and it wouldn't hurt to have a piece of paper with each child's name written on it. This will help serve as a reminder to your kids, in case they forget what a certain letter looks like. 

     To start, ask your kids to look for letters in their name inside their newspaper. Once they have found a letter, ask them to circle it using their pen or marker. Repeat this until all of the letters have been found.

     When all of the letters have been found, and circled. You and your kids may go through, and cut each letter out. After all of the letters have been cut out, make sure to ask your kids to spell out their name using these newspaper clipping letters.
     Below is my daughter's name made out of her clippings. She had such a great time doing this project that she asked to do it over and over again. Just like my preschoolers that I had taught years before. 

DIY: ABC and Number Books

     When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I was determined to make her an alphabet and number book. I wanted to create a book with the letters A-Z, along with some pictures that started with each letter included. I also wanted to include numbers 1-9, along with pictures that counted up to each number. (i.e. 1 ball, 2 frogs, 3 pencils, etc.) So I did. I pulled out all of my scrap-booking supplies, old magazines, and even an collection of alphabet letters that I had received from Beverly {the director of a local childcare center that I had worked and volunteered for} from years before.  It has been over 4 years since I made this book, and now I can't remember where all of the pictures came from. So I apologize, in advance to those who took the time to take and make such amazing pictures and drawings. At any rate, this is the final product (4 years later).

    This book has seen so much love, and Brooklee literally begs me to read it over and over again. Now, you're probably wondering how on earth I've kept this book without it ripping or tearing to shreds. It was simple, I used contact paper to help laminate each of the pictures. I then made 3 hole punches on the side, and then tied it together with ribbon.

I have always wanted to make another one of these for Saydee, but having two children to take care of doesn't really allow me time to make one. That's when I decided that the printer, some stickers, clear plastic protectors, and a three ringed binder would be helpful.
     Over a year ago, Nikki over at Melonheadz Illustrations had made an ABC Series. I had got the black and white version of it from her, but never used it. Now, I had the perfect excuse. I printed out each letter, colored each with colored pencils, added some stickers, placed each letter in a plastic protector, and then into the binder. It was certainly finished a lot faster than the scrapbook Alphabet Book, and still was just as cute. 


     When I read these books to my daughters, I always like to start out with "A is for Apple" and then I work into the pronunciation. I will pronounce the letter, and then end with the name of the picture (i.e. Ah, Ah, Apple). I do that for each picture included on the page. I always think to invite my daughters to try repeating the pronunciation with me, even if it's not 100% correct. At least, they are enjoying themselves.

When I get to my number section of my books, I always count the objects so that my daughters can learn how to count along.

 I encourage you to make one of these for your kids, and read it over and over. They will love it!

Building with Shapes

     One activity that I have always found was is building with shape cutouts. I could always pull out my shapes, and my kids would be as excited as ever. This activity was a hit with my preschoolers. They would beg me to pull out my shapes, just about every single day.

     I am so excited that Brooklee is finally at this fun age of wanting to create things, and build things. I decided it was time to pull out my shapes, and let her build anything that she wanted. Of course, she wanted me to help her. Together, we made a big triangle out of little triangles. We built a tower, and even a train.

Brooklee was so happy that she started singing, and making up words to a train song. I could really tell that she was enjoying herself.

     To make these shapes, I jtook some construction paper and cut out some basic shapes of the paper. I then took some clear contact paper, and "laminated" the pieces.  That was it. Really simple.

If you need another shape idea, I have a printable matching shape game that you could use too. You can find it by clicking here.

Playing in the Shaving Cream

     During my senior year in high school, I started volunteering at a local Special Needs Preschool. The teacher, Mrs. Hill, asked me to over-see her art center that day. She explained to me that she was going to let the kids play car wash-- with laminated pictures of cars, squeegees and shaving cream. I thought that this was a pretty cool idea. I had never played with shaving cream before, and it was actually a lot of fun. Since then, I have used this idea with many of my classrooms while teaching.
     These sensory activities are very important for children, especially for those who have a difficult time touching and feeling things that are "messy". I know what you're thinking, "I don't know very many kids, who don't like getting messy!" I thought the same thing, when Mrs. Hill told me that there were some students that did not want a single thing to do with any of her sensory activities. It wasn't until I started playing with these kids that I saw how hesitant and anxious they were about touching the shaving cream.
     In order for me to get these kids to join the activity, I had to show them how fun playing with the shaving cream was. Some kids eventually put their hands in the stuff, and others just played with their squeegees. Mrs. Hill was fine with that. Her focus was on inviting each child to participate, and continually expose the child to similar activities.
     Why must we encourage children to participate in sensory activities? Think about it. Throughout these young kids' lives, they have learned through their senses. Young children are not used to sitting still, and listening to a lecture. Children learn by experience, and by doing. It is our job, as the parent or teacher, to talk to each child about the task at hand. This will help them learn new words to describe what it is that they are experiencing. Something as simple as, "eww, that's slimy", can help a child build upon his/her vocabulary.
     At any rate, I decided to pull out some shaving cream to let my kids play with today. This time, I let their imaginations grow wild. I did not provide them with laminated paper. I just handed them a dab of shaving cream on top of some Tupperware lids (hoping to contain the mess, a little), and of course a few toys. It was so much fun just watching my daughters play. Saydee wiped shaving cream all over herself, while Brooklee decided to roll a ball in the shaving cream. The best part was watching the expressions on their little faces, as they started digging and squeezing the shaving cream in their tiny hands. It was priceless!

Zippin Down the Freebie Trail

    

    Easter is coming up really fast, and I am really excited about it. I am also excited to be apart of "Zippin Down the Freebie Trail" today. I wanted to be apart of last year's Easter Blog Hop, but didn't get the chance to join the trail. I am very thankful for the opportunity to be apart of it, this time around. I am also very thankful to be joining this trail with a bunch of terrific bloggers that I truly admire! I would like to thank them for letting me join them on this great trail to the land of Easter Freebies!

 On this stop on the Bunny Trail, I have a free Happy Easter Printable that can be used to print and frame to decorate either your home or classroom. On this printable, I have used all pastel colors and words that describe Easter. I hope that this will bring joy and happiness to you during this happy and exciting time of  year!

Before downloading, please understand that:
1) This is for PERSONAL USE ONLY.

2) DO NOT modify, resell, redistribute, or claim this printable as your own.

3) DO NOT remove my watermark.

4) If you re-post this printable online, credit must be given to

Mommy and Me Creations with a link back to my website.

** Please remember that these images are property of Mommy and Me Creations. 

I am just sharing some love, and ask that you send some back to me.**

Download the Freebie

This blog hop will continue throughout the week. Please continue "Zippin Down the Bunny Trail", and visit  Angelia Grimes-Graeme over at "Extra Special Teaching". You can do this by clicking on the "Zip on Down" image below.To start at the beginning of the trail, click on the image at the top of this post and grab as many freebies as you can!

Dying Easter Eggs

     Dying Easter Eggs is one of my favorite Easter activities, and I am very proud to pass on this love to my daughters. With just the three of us, I usually use a box kit to dye my Easter Eggs. This year, I decided to use my classic DIY Easter Egg dye that I would use while teaching my preschoolers.

To dye eggs without an Easter Egg Dying Kit, you will need:

-Vinegar
-Water
-Eggs (Hard Boiled)
-Food Coloring
-Spoons and Cups (one for each color)
-Some Paper Towels

Step #1: Boil your eggs, and make sure to save your hot water from boiling.
Step #2: After the eggs have boiled, pull them out and place them nicely on a paper towel to dry.
Step #3: Pour 3/4 cup of boiling water into each cup.
Step #4: Pour 3 tablespoons of vinegar into each cup needed.
Step #5: Add approximately 10 drops of food coloring into each of their cups. (The more drops added to each cup, the more vibrant the color will be on each egg.)
Step #6: Place the eggs in their cups, and leave for a few minutes. (The longer the egg is in its cup, the darker the egg will become) Continually adjust your eggs using a spoon, this will help even the color around the egg.
Step #7: Once the egg has reached its desired color, pull it out and place it on a paper towel to dry.

     The best thing about this dye recipe is, crayon can be added to the egg to help resist the dye just like the typical Easter Egg Dying Kits that are sold in stores. This recipe definitely helps save a few dollars, but I have found it really helpful when dying eggs with multiple children. I have used this method several times, especially while teaching upwards of 25 children.
I wouldn't recommend dying Easter Eggs as a whole group activity, but I would most definitely suggest doing it in small groups for center time. That way, the teacher can monitor each child and clean up any mess before it "gets out of hand". I would also recommend having the children wear smocks, or old clothing sent from home. This will prevent their nice clothes from getting stained.

     Thanks for stopping by. Please let me know if you decide to do this activity with your kiddos, and how it turned out for you. I always enjoy hearing from you. Thanks again! 

Teaching Kids about Feelings and Manners

     While I was a preschool teacher, I would constantly teach young children about emotions and manners. Young children are very egocentric, and need help understanding the feelings of others.
To help them learn to understand, it is best to present scenarios to the child. Ask him or her, how he or she might feel if they had experienced something similar in the story shared.
     It is best to provide a visual, when presenting these scenarios. This will help keep the child's attention. In order to do this, I have used one paper plate and some markers. I have drawn one single face, but have made the facial structures to switch from a happy face to a sad face based on how the plate is turned. I will admit that there have been times, when I cannot get the face to look both happy and sad. In this case, I would provide two plates. Make one plate a happy face, and another a sad face.


I would suggest that after each story has been shared to hold up each plate, and ask the child- "How would this make you feel? Would it make you happy (hold up the happy face), or would it make you sad?" (hold up the sad face). This activity will help the child problem solve, and use their critical thinking skills to decide how they would feel in a similar situation.

Grocery Shopping with the Kiddos

We all know that grocery shopping with kids can be difficult, 

especially if you're shopping alone with the little ones. I have an idea that just might help!

Before going to the store, most of us will look through our sales ads. Why not cut out the items that you want to buy, and glue them onto some paper to make a "grocery list collage"? Make sure to make a list for each of your children, and then invite them to find those items listed on their grocery list at the store.

My 3 year old, Brooklee, loves to be "Mommy's helper". She enjoys putting groceries in the cart. Here is the last grocery list that I made especially for her.

My local grocery store has child sized carts. The last time we went shopping, we only needed to buy a couple of things so I let my daughter push one of them. She absolutely loved it! There were shoppers and clerks comment on how sweet it was to see such a cute little grocery shopper. Brooklee was smiling from ear to ear, and was so proud to help.If your grocery store offers these to their customers to use, I would suggest you let your kids push one around.

Simple Holiday Decorating

The other day, I ran into Kristine McKay {the host of "My Craft Studio"} at the mall. My husband and I were heading down the escalators, when I saw her heading in the same direction. I literally took a double take, because I could not believe my eyes. She was, of course, dressed nice and talking on her cell phone... and following us!! I whispered to my husband, "That's the lady I was talking to you about! She's on that online craft show, I always watch." I was so shocked that I didn't know what to do! I stood very still and looked on, while my husband stared at her. She finally hung up, and asked, "Do I know you?" That's what all started our small, but really fun conversation. Of course, she asked if I was a crafter too. I shyly answered with, "Yes", still amazed that I was even talking to her.  To be honest, I try to be crafty... but my OCD gets the best of me, every single stinkin' time. I have tons of craft ideas whirling around in my head, all of the time. I just don't act on them, for fear that I won't like the end result. I have to say, it is one of the most frustrating characteristics about myself.

Now, I try to stick to easier crafts that are much more desirable and fit my style. About seven months ago, I inherited a simple wooden wreath. The wreath itself is pretty, but it does look a lot better with a little something added to it. I decided that for each holiday, I would decorate it with a little something {from the dollar store} to match the corresponding holiday. Thus far; I have managed to decorate it for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and now for St. Patrick's Day. {I've found that I'm also saving money by reusing the same wreath... Instead of buying new for each holiday.} My wreath turns out surprisingly beautiful each holiday too. I am very proud of the progress that I've made. Now, I need to find something a little more challenging.

Here is my St. Patrick's Day wreath. Usually I put a little something hanging/sitting in the middle of the wreath,  but this time I wanted to focus on  the little shamrock vines "growing" around the wreath. This project was simple enough to allow my 3 year old to help me, which she absolutely loved doing! If you have a simple wreath laying around, I would suggest saving some extra cash and do the same thing!