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Roll and color a Spiral
Preschool Lady Bug Roll and Coloriffic!
Roll and Color the Ladybug 
Download both Ladybug versions & instructions at end of post.
The below photo is the ladybug printed out. Kids can trace ! (it’s blue because out of black printer ink)
Why my version of Roll and Color?
- Created and tested with my students 3yo-7yo, at different learning levels.
- No Prep
- Great fill in activity
- Kindergarten skill builder for Common Core
My roll and color games are a multiple skill building activity while PLAYING.
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Easiest Ladybug Craft for your kids!
Do you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
Tired of needing special supplies or using lots of printer ink?
Yeh, me too! I made this craft for the no-prep-please, ME and sharing with you.
I tailored this for a 17 month old but because its great for any age, by increasing the amount of dots.It’s great for preschoolers with a short attention span.
SUPPLIES:
- Paper plate
- Paper to print off antennae, spots, and large circle templates.
- I had red paper for the large circle, but no black paper. She colored the white paper black, and children can color the red circle red too!
Instructions:
Antennae, Ladybug Ladybug Song, and Instructions download at end of post.
CLICK AND DOWNLOAD CIRCLE TEMPLATES- (from the same site, scroll down on page):
5 ” RED SHELL TEMPLATE–
4′ BLACK HEAD TEMPLATE:
2′ LADYBUG DOTS TEMPLATE:
Antennae, Instructions, and Song download below
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Quote and Podcast of the Week
I don’t remember which episode this quote “I didn’t buy tickets for a guilt trip” came from. It was a few weeks ago but it stuck. #not my train
The podcast “Circle Back” has been of use all last week. I’ve recently come off of a medication which repressed my emotions and thoughts. Remembering to Circle Back has helped the game plan for repetitive or unhealthy thought track.
Click below to listen to “Circle Back”
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Kids STEM at home
Supplies: Beans, Bin, Blocks and Pitcher of Water.
This activity is appropriate with multiple age siblings, or a single child.
Build a building that can withstand water erosion.
I provided different sized bins and different blocks. He dumped both the blocks and bin from his first attempt.
Substitute what you have. Oatmeal or any kind of filler for the bin, even dirt dug up from outside! If the blocks are scarce and scattered, find some sticks or anything that can be used for building.
Ready? Don’t Do this!
My mistake was allowing too much CHILD LED, in which he did the water himself so fast I did not even know what he was doing until he did it!
Why is it a failed experiment? Because water rarely if ever dumps from the sky in one big stream! Even when it does, that’s PRESSURE DAMAGE – NOT EROSION.
Fix: Re-explain what erosion is after the building is complete. Talk about how the water actually moves, not only the exciting “there’s a lot of it like flooding and there’s damage”. Talk about how to replicate with your own water. TO THE SIDE, and NOT A flood.
Then, take the pitcher and help the child pour the water slowly to erode the “sediment”.
We will conduct another erosion experiment, with different sediment-perhaps sand or gravel rocks. I hope we will be able to understand erosion more fully by demonstrating it properly.
It’s no big deal. I have done the same experiment repeatedly because it is common that children are so interested in the EFFECT its hard to slow down and learn along the way.
Take Away = We learned about pressure and flooding.
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Roll and color a rainbow number identification
This game is a no prep for teachers, parents, and distance learners.
This game practices critical thinking because children count, match, and identify.
This game is effective because it teaches 1:1 correspondence.
This game is fun because it’s interactive.
This game practices taking turns, counting, fine motor and color identification.
This game is versatile because mixed age groups and levels can play at the same time. Or a one player game.
This game is original, I created it and tested it for students 3 years to 7 years to build specific skills listed above.
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Virus Life Style Snapshots
Disclaimer: I have been unable to re-post regularly.
My new reality means I’m focusing only on quality content for subscribers NOT numbers. The goal of this blog remains to equip other educators-formal and informal.
Look for a new activity every weekend, or 2 new activities every other weekend.
WISHING EACH OF YOU WELLNESS, KINDNESS AND SILLINESS.
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Short to Long Vowels for Stars
This game is Stariffic because:
This game is effective because it provides vocabulary and review.
This game is fun because it’s interactive.
This game practices using a process to find the answer.
This game is versatile because mixed age groups and levels can play together.
There are 7 different pages in the pack, below are 3 of them.
Short to Long Vowel games 
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Any time, any place, preschool roll and color
Preschool roll and color provides:
Independent play because children can match and count.
1:1 correspondence skills memorized through play.
Fun because it’s interactive.
Fine motor, color identification, counting practice and taking turns.
Versatility: mixed age groups and skill levels can play together.
Subscribe now to receive subscriber only free printables designed by me and tested by my students!
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Preschool Built- Roll and Color a Rainbow math game
Count and Match. Count and Match. Count and Match=
I don’t need to COUNT anymore.
- This game can be played without adult interference because children can count and match.
- This game is effective because it teaches through play.
- This game is fun because it’s interactive.
- This game practices taking turns, counting, fine motor and primary color identification.
- This game is versatile because mixed age groups and levels can play at the same time.
Subscribe to receive my original free printables for subscribers only.
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Roll into Spring with Preschool Math Games
roll and color preschool math games spring 
roll and color preschool math games spring
- This game is effective because it teaches 1:1 correspondence.
- This game is fun because it’s interactive.
- This game promotes problem solving because it requires 2 steps to find the answer.
- This game promotes social skills because it requires waiting and turn taking.
- This game is versatile because mixed age groups and skill levels can play at the same time.
Subitizing 
Number Identification
- I developed for Kindergarten Common Core Math pre-skills.
- I have used with children ages 3 – 7 years old.
- Use one die, color the rolled # match. If number has been rolled, either skip or roll again (teacher’s choice).
- Does not need to be played until finished, can be taken home.
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I like to move it move it and learn my vowels
We played this as a break between School-now Home -School Lessons.
I have a very energetic student so he loved this game! Anything moving+learning= permanent skill. We played this during inclement weather which was a great help for getting our wiggles out!
If your students knows the alphabet + sounds, she can memorize vowels. Explain the general idea- that vowels are why we say paper instead of ppr. (ha ha yes its funny to try to say words without vowels) Believe me, he will get the concept.
PREP: Print the cards out with the Gray-scale setting
Color the vowel letters the same color. Do not color the other letters with that color. Cut cards apart.
Here’s how we played:
- Place cards face down.
- 1st player draws card.
- If card is a consonant, player does the exercise on card.
- If card is a vowel card, player calls , “VOWEL!” and passes the card to another player who must execute the exercise.
- If it is a Vowel, but player doesn’t recognize it, player must do exercise and, choose another card and do THAT exercise.
- The game ends when all the cards have been used.
Believe me if you play this way it’s SUPER fun, and for this 53 yo, the hardest one was trying to do the inch worm with, well-boobs.
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Kids Art Emotions Collage
Kids read a book about emotions and make their own Emotion Jar Collage.
Direct Download Link at end of Post
kidsemotions-art-activity 
kids emotions art activity 
Focus Book
Make a Jar Collage of Emotions with this free pack:
- 32 emotion symbols
- 2 jar styles
- Instructions
kids emotions art activity 
kids emotions art activity 
kids emotions art activity
Other activities to explore emotions:
Exploring emotions through color (same cards)
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/04/12/emotions-and-color-exploring-emotions-part-2/
Skittles Emoji
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/29/emotions-activities-for-kids-intro/
Alphabet Monster Emotions
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/04/03/emotions-activities-for-kids-part-1/
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Emotions and Color- Exploring Emotions part 2
This Art Therapy activity allows children to learn about their emotions by identifying what is inside, and expressing it.
I use this activity to allow children to express emotions in a concrete way.
Using color and symbols as a tool for encouraging the management and expression of emotion through creative process.
kids emotions art activity 
kids emotions art activity 
kids emotions art activity
Pack includes: 32 symbols cards, 2 different jar style cards, instructions, suggested books list.
Instructions for Emotional Art Activity Part 2-
kidsemotions-art-activity kids emotions art activity kids emotions art activity
Note: During the process of associating color with emotion, don’t suggest a specific color.
I suggested purple for disappointment, ONLY because we learned through previous activities.
During the 1st week, we read books and discussed.
During the 2nd week, we read again and did the intro activity.
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/29/emotions-activities-for-kids-intro/
During the 3rd week, we read another book, and did Part 1.
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/04/03/emotions-activities-for-kids-part-1/
They enjoyed this activity so much I have no photo of the cards they painted, as I was too busy to take photos.
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Teaching Toddlers Power Tool: Sensory Bins; toddler activities at home
When your toddler is showing interest in closing and opening containers. Building Developmental Skills.
Be careful because if a child isn’t developmentally ready for this skill, and is attempting like Aspen above, she will become frustrated. You want to give them activities they are SUCCESSFUL at. And lots of praise YAY!, to build the confidence to KEEP trying.
Exploring Bin & introducing Shapes
I introduce teaching shapes with the heart- because hearts are so common they are easily recognizable.
The sensory bin is red and pink only. This is because I wanted her to focus on the physical shape of the heart, and the feeling of the beans. I actually take her finger and trace it around the heart.
Using a monochromatic color scheme is a great way to introduce teaching colors. This way the child notices one color, even if we are not naming the color.
We played with this bin all of February, but it doesn’t need to line up with Valentine’s Day month. It is for play, when the child is ready to be introduced to shapes.
The sensory bin that followed this was to teach YELLOW.
I wanted to use cornmeal but I was out so I used oatmeal with yellow objects that I found. A yellow block, a yellow plastic bear, yellow poms, yellow paper pieces.
For the YELLOW learning bin, oatmeal with poured into a loaf pan with 3 YELLOW objects. The next day I added a different object. Once there were 5 objects with the oatmeal, i found 5 different objects and interchanged 1:1.
I decreased the number of cups and introduced utensils. Different types of spoons for example, and interchanged these also.
I began teaching Aspen as a nanny this past January when she was 16 months old. I have observed her respond and learn and look forward to her sensory bins. Her mom keeps them and uses them as well. Don’t underestimate the power of a sensory bin for learning and practical use as an easy activity to keep a toddler occupied for a few minutes.
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Kawaii Paper Roll Bunny Craft – all ages
SUPPLIES: (TP) paper roll, coloring tools, glue, paper template
Inspired by: Foam kit @ Joann’s
https://www.joann.com/little-makers-easter-paper-roll-craft-kit-chick-bunny/17138488.html
1. Print the template from the direct download at the end of this post.
2. Color if desired, THEN cut the pieces out.
Glue in order: Square (shirt), Head, Tail, Arms, Bow.
Embellish with glitter, glue, sequins, poms, pieces of material = Imagination.
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Essential Nanny in Small- Town America-essentially
4 weeks of Stay Home Save Lives….
Bare Bones
- PT Nanny position down to 8 hrs max weekly.
- Filed for CARES (contract employee) and Disaster Relief with much help & encouragement from Boss. (insert expletives here)
- Husband as “essential” employee, on college campus – sans students, still working full time.
- Marriage.
- Faith.
YESTERDAY: Do I wear this in the store, oh there’s a lady she’s wearing her mask, wait that customer isn’t wearing one and that cart guy isn’t okay I will just wear it like a bandanna : enter store- oh that customer is wearing one and SO are the cashiers okay I will put this on Does it go over my mouth and nose or just my mouth okay i can’t put it on my nose my glasses are falling off so I will put it over my mouth but it’s not staying on very well just don’t move your head OMFG WHAT ARE THE RULES I am staying 3 aisles away from everyone and heading to the cashier and phew I’M audi okay now where did i park my car…. 
Magnified challenges:
- Dealing with the what-if’s
- Dealing with the I don’t knows
- Dealing with the tension of the what ifs and don’t knows.
- Dealing with 5 steps to get 1 thing-small= no Target.
- Dealing with myself.
- Dealing with all the social people now populating my anti social spots like in town trails.
added a big dog to our 2 small dog/1 cat pet family
makers gonna make
ultimately NOT ABOUT ME- its not about you
Every spiritual belief is connected to creation. EVERY. ONE
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Social Emotional Learning -SEL Part 1
Skills:
- Learn the names of different emotions
- Expand Emotion vocabulary
- Act out emotions to become familiar with what each feels like
Age Level:
- Toddler through ages as interested
Prep:
- Print out the cards in color OR
- If you only have black ink like I did-
- print and have the kids color with colored pencils or crayons as a separate activity
Cut the cards and place face down in a pile. All the cards don’t need to be used at ONCE. I recommend between 5 and 10 to keep interest, to play on different days.
Game instructions:
- Play the cards face down
- Draw a card- read emotion, child expresses that emotion in human form, then in “monster form”
I don’t recommend any book reading with this game. This is to explore emotions and learn vocabulary, in a fun way. Children should decided what each emotion feels like and is expressed for themselves.
The next part we will be using a book directly, but in this part, children to interpret for themselves .
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Kawaii Craft for all ages
This is what I created because I am SO BORED!
I know, I know, I sound as bad as the kids
COLOR FIRST
cut out all the pieces
glue the ears to the head
- Glue tail first
- Glue head and ears next
- Glue upper paws
- Glue lower paws
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The time for kids party theme has come
Wear hats or make your own crowns and be Cat-Kings and Queens. Party on Felines!
Play the Cupcake Game for dessert! Or have dessert first!
Kids can use balls made from playdough (if you add a string it’s a balloon).
Let kids choose how they want to cover the circles.
Mail birthday cards to each alphabet letter using this fun alphabet match activity.
Kids can mail the cards if provided a box with a slot in it.
Click below for the free printable.
Get yourself in the party mood by declaring “pizza party day” and getting pizza delivered.
Subscribe to get exclusive freebies,
darned good original
-PRACTICAL
ideas.
Cupcake and Ten Frames
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SEL My many colored days
GOALS:
- Open up discussion to talk about emotions in an objective framework.
- Use Art mediums to express emotions.
- Practice connecting the invisible with the visible and physical expression.
FORMAT:
- Game
- Interactive
- Open Ended
- Exploratory
Introduction:
- 1 person reads
- 1 person acts an emotion
Any book that allows the emotions to be acted out can be used.
Choose a card from the Emoji card deck. Make Emoji Skittles emotion.
Free Printable Pack Includes:
- Supplies list & Prep (cards printed/cut, water, 1 pk skittles)
- Detailed Lesson Activity Instructions
aka Ms. Grouchy Pants
aka Captain Buttcheeks-
building skills but not in a boring way.
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Simple answers to Boredom. Really.
Last week of last month, I began social distancing.
A week later, I wrote my first COVID-19 post.
A week after that, we shopped for supplies, ordered a case of toilet paper from Amazon, wrote another post,
And wrote another post to help folks get a handle on needed supplies before the panic hit.
The next week, schools closed here in Oregon and panic hit.
While I’m not exactly happy to be right, I’m happy to be prepared.
Our SE Oregon is rural, opposite of the state from Portland. testing= NONE. Cases= 2 as of yesterday.
False Sense of security? YOU BET.
ANSWER> Spiritual Renewal. Deeper connection with Nature. Humor.
- Hydroponics: There are small, reasonably priced- hydroponics to grow herbs and cherry tomatoes.
- Cut and Bend bush or tree branches into a shape FOR A FRAME; decorate.
GET OUTSIDE Alone.
Create safe places for frogs and other critters. Even in overgrown lots. Only branches are necessary.
Buy a bird feeder or build one. Ditto for a bird bath. Better yet, use what you can upcycle.
If we make our planet sick, we will make ourselves sick.
We are connected.
IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE ME, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH of scientific data.
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Preschool Visual Discrimination- Woodland Animals
One of the first concepts I introduce with new students is “similar”, = “the same but different”.
EXPERIENCE. As a Parent of Siblings, and Teacher of Siblings.
Life IS fair, it just is the SAME but Different. Each child is given what is needed by me, by others, but it looks different. That doesn’t mean it isn’t similar. Because things LOOK different, doesn’t mean they aren’t the same.
We realize this with mature thinking. It’s a great life skill concept to introduce at a young age.
It also helps deflate sibling squabbles or jealousy.
Academically, differentiation helps to train the eye to learn differences in alphabet letters. Minute differences, like d and b, or I and T.
Visual discrimination pages are a staple= because of the variety of skills they build: fine motor, patience, critical thinking, pre literacy.
Positional practice preschool page https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/12/next-preschool-positional-practice-with-elephants/
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Poddy Training Routine when it has to get done
I made this to use for a poddy training toddler during the time school is out for her sibling. I need a list to make sure we are going to the poddy on a regular basis, even when I get distracted!
The format is flexible, that’s why I will write the time in, or use a check mark.
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Literacy + Easy= Preschool Egyptian Necklace
This activity helps my preschoolers realize the context behind letters. It’s easier to comprehend context, because there are pictures representing letters.
no prep= printable+glue+ribbon
They are enthusiastic about seeing their names another way.
I have a personal passion for all artistic expressions,Art Deco being one of my fav’s. Art Deco, and other art forms are influenced by Egyptian expression.
In the American school System, we frequently introduce older cultures in junior high and high school. This doesn’t make sense to me.
If preschoolers can understand dinosaurs, they can understand people lived a long time ago. I use a map/globe, to show them where we are-and Egypt. Preschoolers have no problem with the general knowledge of this.
Preschool is the perfect age to introduce older cultures, they are still curious and interested in everything. Their brains are still growing like a weed! By junior high, we are competing with the instant gratification of technology/gaming.
The instructions and the book titles we read for this are in the download.
WARNING: use supervision while students are making/wearing necklace. *choking * tie it loosely & make sure it goes OVER the head.
for awesome egyptian necklace instructions
https://readcountcraft.com/2019/09/15/egypt-kids-lesson-plan-with-activities/
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St. Pats DIY Decorations-Decor Ideas
I had already packed St. Pat’s craft supplies.
But, I decided I needed more outdoor decor.
I gathered toddler activity supplies and grabbed random items.
This totally looks great to the cars driving past. The light reflects off of the sparkly and shiny bell.
Funky but, admit it..Festive!
I’ve been playing with the drill and drilled holes in the coins. I threaded it all together with embroidery floss. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the washi tape stick. ha
Rock the Shamrock Wreath.
Wreath directions from link below. This is the decoration we made that has lasted through
SNOW AND WIND, people!!
For 3 years. Easiest and I’m not exaggerating , quickest & easy. I came up with this because I’m cheap and impatient. ha
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/01/rock-the-shamrock-activities-for-kids/
Favorite Alert!
I’ve been experimenting with 3d paper crafts. This one was totally fun to make and it has a UNICORN with a tassel at the end.
I had to FUNK it up. Otherwise it’s boring. Shamrocks.
This is very long, it will work lovely for high ceilings. I even had it hanging over my curtains which I liked.
However, the luck kept crying to go outside…
The wind blows it, it hangs straight down like it’s suppossed to be like that. ha.
I printed out a shamrock template.
I traced and cut out the shamrocks
I folded 3 or 5 together, placed a long ribbon in center & glued.
I did that all the way down the string.
I cut yellow circles and taped them together with the string inside
I stuck the foam coins on the outside of each of those circles.
Glued 3 Uni heads together ON the string, because the horn is too thin for a hole punch circle.
I needed an excuse to make tassels.
Decorations are made from colored printer paper. Fancier papers will be festive and less funky. ha.
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Flutter Flutter Roll, and Color a Butterfly Preschool Math Game
Direct Download Link Under Flying Butterfly
This game is sweet because children can match and count.
This game is effective because it teaches 1:1 correspondence.
This game is fun because it’s interactive.
This game is art because each child decides how to color the wings.
This game practices taking turns, counting, fine motor and color identification.
This game is versatile because mixed age groups and levels can play at the same time.
Fly Fly Little Butterfly
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Shake the Sillies out Preschool Brain Breaks
I made these because I like to act things out as a teacher.
I especially like to act like an animals. I like to be silly all the time because it’s my go to stress reliever.
Kids are kids and even if they look at me weird, they still crack up. This week I overheard 7 year old boys at recess. They yelled in unison “Captain Buttcheeks” and shake thier legs. When I saw Parker the next day I said, “Never fear, Captain Buttcheeks is here!” His reaction displayed shock and a smile.
Always keep them guessing. oh yeah, and download below.
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NEXT-Preschool Positional Practice with Elephants
1 thing a lot of parents don’t realize is how knowing positional words helps with vocabulary, verbalization=reading and comprehension. It’s also a brain growth critical thinking thing.
This is a beginner’s practice page- introducing positional words.
Take the page and introduce the words while using a manipulative. (object) It can be anything small to place in different positions over the flower image with the elephant.
I usually grab whatever is close. Usually a glass stone or eraser, or even a small toy the student is fond of.
Suggestions:
- Based on the student’s attention span, quickly or slowly place manipulative on each position and say the word.
- Have the student move the manipulative and say the word, or repeat the word after you, based upon individual knowledge.
- Based on the student’s interest, do this a number of times in different order. Take turns, similar to a game format.
- ANYTHING CAN BE FUN!
- At the end of activity, go REALLY fast and silly, and the student does the same.
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Corona Virus- The down-low from an Oregonian; including printable lists
*disclaimer: I am sharing information based on my knowledge and experience. Please adapt for your needs.
**Always seek medical help if experiencing breathing issues.
FRAMEWORK:
1. Track geographically. I live on the other side of state from Portland.
REALITY: 3/7/20- First case in my county .
2. People carrying it don’t always show symptoms. It can be transmitted with or without symptoms.
REALITY: My husband and I are empty nesters, live in an remote area, and work around few people. We count on being exposed.
3. Not enough testing kits, delay in state lab processing Corona Virus tests, delay in actual numbers of positive cases. Oregon appears to have less cases then it actually has.
REALITY: Neither of us have major health issues, especially respiratory. Keeping distance from elderly friends in case we are positive carriers with no symptoms.
4. Official recommendations: Wash hands/don’t touch face/ stay home if sick.
REALITY: I wear fingerless gloves in public places and Lysol upon return, wash my hands as soon as I get home. (I wear during winter to combat dry skin)
I USE BAR SOAP. I DON’T USE HAND SANITIZER AS IT ONLY KILLS A % of GERMS, there’s no evidence it kills the Corona Virus, and the use of it breaks down the immune system.
I also spray store bought items with Lysol, once arriving home.
*If I took any type of public transportation, I would wipe every thing down where I was going to sit/touch.
Preparation Step 1:
“Natural Disaster”- akin to Corona Virus prep.
MY REALITY:
Spouse employed at college, there are no procedures in place. Employees/students may be quarantined there for a period of time, it’s located across from the hospital.
I have had this in my car for the past few years since I began childcare.
corona virus/ disaster car kit supplies 
Corona Virus / disaster car kit supplies 
Corona Virus/ Disaster Car Kit supplies
DOWNLOAD CORONA VIRUS/ DISASTER CAR KIT SUPPLIES LIST BELOW:
HOW TO STAY INFORMED?
MY REALITY: Oregon follows whatever the CDC page says. I pay attention to my state and county sources of how the Corona Virus testing ismanaged, and positive case locations.
I check random news sources, often through podcasts. Local news/print, state news/print, 411 podcast for statistics.
My Reality: It’s early days….
If I hear an assertion, like, “warm weather kills the Coronavirus”, I check SNOPES.COM to confirm.
For the first time, today’s local recommendation included; if one is elderly or has health problems, to stay home.
The hospital cancelled a health fair today, finally community institutions are taking notice that yes, we should try to avoid crowds/public places if possible.
Download Home Information Checklist here:
Corona Virus Home Quarantine preparation:
Sample of Corona Virus Home Quarantine Supplies
Download Corona Virus Home Quarantine supplies list below:
LATEST (vetted) corona virus podcasts below:
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/02/04/best-podcasts-about-corona-virus-outbreak/
Awareness and Preparation= Getting through this with a sense of “I’ve got a handle on this”
MY REALITY:
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Preschool Positional Practice Activity
Many parents don’t realize is how knowing positional words helps with vocabulary, verbalization=reading and comprehension. It’s also a brain growth critical thinking thing.
This is a beginner’s practice page- introducing positional words.
Take the page and introduce the words while using a manipulative. (object) It can be anything small to place in different positions
But it would be awesome to have the child collect a dandelion or leaf for this activity.
Suggestions:
- Based on the student’s attention span, quickly or slowly place manipulative on each position and say the word.
- Have the student move the manipulative and say the word, or repeat the word after you, based upon individual knowledge.
- Based on the student’s interest, do this a number of times in different order. Take turns, similar to a game format.
- ANYTHING CAN BE FUN!
- At the end of activity, go REALLY fast and silly, and the student does the same.
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/12/next-preschool-positional-practice-with-elephants/
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Similar. Preschool Activity.
Similar.
Why do I make visual discrimination pages that have similar, instead of matching objects?
I introduce SIMILAR, a process of critical thinking, to build life skills. That is why my Visual Discrimination are not MATCHING pages.
Life IS fair, it is the SAME but Different for each of us.
Each child is given what is needed by the teacher, by others, but it looks different. That doesn’t mean it isn’t similar. Because things LOOK different, doesn’t mean they aren’t the same.
We realize this with mature thinking. It’s a great life skill concept to introduce at a young age.
Academically, differentiation helps to train the eye to learn differences in alphabet letters. Minute differences, like d and b, or I and T.
download page below
another practice page
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/05/preschool-positional-practice-activity/
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preschool and kindergarten math dice game roll and draw a rabbit
Preschool and Kinder math dice game builds pre literacy and printing skills.
Use this with any Spring, Animal, or Rabbit book as an extention activity.
Supplies: 1 die, printable for each student.
Students take turn rolling dice, and draw the lines indicated under the die symbol. If student has already rolled and drawn the number rolled, she can draw again or not draw. Student chooses his own rabbit style.
I created this game to give students drawing confidence. I have heard 3 year old students express they can’t draw. I have observed this especially if there is an older sibling who draws well. This game helps to instill confidence in students to try and realize they can even when they believe otherwise.
DIRECT DOWNLOAD BELOW
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Hop on over with Positional Practice
Kids will love being a bunny for positional practice.
For example, hopping *under* the ceiling, or *under* the play structure outside.
Will they remember the words? Yes, because they become the words.
https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/01/rock-the-shamrock-activities-for-kids/
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How gaming meets kids psychological needs and what you can do about it
My step son was 13 when my husband and I got together. He spent all of his free time in his dark room playing XBOX.
My adult kids are old enough that they were preteen/teens by the time every single teen had a phone. So they missed the “getting needs met by gaming” phenomenon.
Don’t think I didn’t give in, either.
Was it my idea to buy him the latest PlayStation model for his 17th birthday?
Before I accepted reality, I was always on his case/we went on family trips. Like the beach/comic cons etc.
I knew he and many many many too freaking many teens use gaming as their social outlet. But I was ….
As a “teacher”( formal or not) I was in tears with the “wasted potential”. He aced standardized tests in every area– you feel me ?
Yesterday I heard, “‘the psychological needs that gaming meets….'”
http://psychologypodcast.libsyn.com/185-how-to-be-indistractable
I am paraphrasing- what Nir Eyal discussed.
Preventing YOUR communication from looking like mine :
EVERY small victory is a BIG VICTORY!
Said step son may have spent 12 hours in his room, but doggone it he walked for 30 minutes that same day ha. AND LETS BE REAL. Your kids will be less resistant because it’s not a step monster bringing in all these new ideas into the dynamic!
We want to keep our kids safe, by doing this we have a challenge finding ‘safe risk’ activities. We can’t say “go play outside” unless its a fenced backyard, and we STILL check every 5 minutes am I right?
By understanding how gaming can grow to meet needs, we have the tools to keep gaming as a recreational activity, to continue meeting needs OFF LINE.
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Saved by Brain Breaks- Play
You say Preschool? I say everyone!
Are you kidding me? I use these when *I* need a brain break!
CUT ‘EM up, or don’t.
PRINT, and use.
Dude, I use the cards because when I most need a brain break, I
FORGET. I can’t have an original silly thought.
It’s always animal noises I remember and even I get bored with doing the same thing all the time!
NO kidding. I make these for my self, too.
remember when we used to say:
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Preschool I SPY March Theme
I use this for beginning preschool skills. Many of the I Spy printables I located had WAY too many items for numbers 1-5 practice.
This is an I production I Spy practice Page. It goes with my rock the shamrock sheep activities . WHY?
Hearts make shamrocks! Shapes make pictures.
Download link below
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Be Aware and Prepare without freaking out- CoronaVirus Covid 19
I started posting about COVID 19 the last week of Febuary because I believed Americans were not taking it seriously. My state of OREGON, had a delayed response in managing the outbreak- basically only following Federal requirements. Our numbers are false, OR has WAY more cases but its the way the issue is being handled here.
***PLEASE USE SOAP AND WATER INSTEAD OF HAND SANITIZER!
FACTS:
1. Soap kills more germs then hand sanitizer.
2. If hand sanitizer is over used it will decrease the body’s immunity.
3. Hand Soap kills more germs then Hand Sanitizer.
4. We don’t know if Hand Sanitizer kills Covid-19.
Why Institutions use Hand Sanitizer:
1. Less Mess
2. If soap scum is present, germs can grow.
3. Soap and Water are unavailable.
HOME: Use soap and water.
OUT: Use generic diaper wipes. They are cheaper and wipe everything, including hands.
I am offering bite size practical tips, so readers don’t have to do all of the research that I did ,(multiple media sources). “Tips” drawn from work experience, listed at bottom of post.
-Get your news from Podcasts, not mass media.
- Easier to vet bias. Reading the general description will reveal if it’s political or health related. Or, it’s easy to tell once the person starts talking. The best podcast episodes have a discussion panel of medical experts.
- Busy People friendly. Podcasts can be listened to on a commute, while fixing dinner, I’m listening to a birding podcast as I type this.
- Bite size compacted information. There is not as much sensationalized because there is not the visual medium to make it so.
UPDATED
Corona Virus 411 Daily Update Podcast
“Coronavirus 411 provides daily updates, news, alerts, and information regarding the Coronavirus. Coronavirus 411 podcast collects Information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the World Health Organization (WHO) and other news sources. This information is meant to help people stay informed and updated about Coronavirus.”
5 Live Science Podcast with Dr. Karl and CoronaVirus
Episode: Dr Karl And Coronavirus 2/29
“Rhod’s joined by Dr Karl plus special guests Yolanda Plowman and Joanna Rothwell for a Coronavirus special.”
95% of the podcast answers/clarifies common questions.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p084x00w
The good news is the CDC now allows states and cities to test without permission.
CDC Website below:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
My main concern about the CoronaVirus Covid-19 is how each state/city is managing outbreaks. I’m in Oregon, on the opposite side of the state from Portland. No surprise that an elementary teacher tested community (non china related) positive there.
I am going to check tomorrow with a friend who can tell me if procedures are in place at the 1 hospital. I doubt it, but the good news is by the time it hits our area, we will be. (remote small town)
If you live in an urban/suburban area, contact your local hospitals/schools and ask if they have a procedure in place, or when they will put one in place. Institutions will implement under state directions, Google your state health authority/department.
This is what I googled to find Fresno California Coronavirus: ‘ fresno ca health department corona virus’.
Results: news articles and official health department info/links.
Google a similar combination for your state/city if you are unaware of the EXACT Health Department Name.
The side effect of my career background is personal health/safety management. I’ve worked in:
Adult Homes for the Mentally Ill- Licensed sanitation and hygiene practices, awareness, assisting in client and self health prevention management from colds to changing diapers.
Rest Homes (seniors): Mersa and other communicable health issues, including prevention suits- changing diapers et. al.
Home Health Aide for seniors and mentally ill in their house- These homes are not always completely hygienic.
My Home Daycare following licensing standards- Disaster training required for all day care facilities including writing a plan for 5 possible disaster types.
Preschool Facilities where teachers deal with FLU, COLDS, RSV, etc, LICE prevention on a daily basis.
AND: CPR/EPI-PEN/Diabetes/Adult Aggression
None of these are specific to possible epidemics, however, they are all specific to physical (& mental) HEALTH Prevention, Management, and Crisis.
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Rock the Shamrock Activities for Kids
ROCK THE SHAMROCK WREATH
I didn’t have a Blog 3 years ago, but we had a great time making this wreath. I cut the shamrocks out, because I like to cut out shapes. However, the Shamrock shapes can be bought. They will be more uniform.
I had a lot of process art that I couldn’t bring myself to toss. I cut shamrock shapes out of some of it so the art wasn’t a total waste.
I did not use tape sparingly, I used white duct style tape but you can use green also. It doesn’t really matter. I believe art is freestyle and most don’t notice imperfections.
Also kids aren’t going to want to stand around while the teacher spends 5 minutes getting the tape “just right”
ha ha.
Rock the Shamrock Sheep -baaa
I love using shapes to make pictures, and I saw a comic shamrock sheep drawing somewhere which sparked the idea.
D was going to enter Kindergarten, I liked using SH in sheep and shamrock.
I didn’t have a bulletin board, but I did have a fridge.
As a part time Nanny I like to make extra projects for the kids, and here is a version of the Shamrock Sheep craft I turned into a kit for the family to make together.
Luck is love multiplied, Spy the Hearts?
SHAMROCKSTAR SHEEP:
Make a Big Shamrockstar Sheep for a Small group project, or a smaller one for 1-2 kids. Older kids can complete a big one. Take into account time to complete and size of shamrocks, when deciding your Shamrockstar Sheep Size.
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Preschool Visual Discrimination- Pet Cats
One of the first concepts I introduce with new students is “similar”, = “the same but different”.
Life IS fair, only the SAME but Different. Each child is given what is needed by me, by others, but it looks different. That doesn’t mean it isn’t similar. Because things LOOK different, doesn’t mean they aren’t the same.
We realize this with mature thinking. It’s a great life skill concept to introduce at a young age.
Academically, differentiation helps to train the eye to learn differences in alphabet letters. Minute differences, like d and b, or I and T.
Visual discrimination pages are a staple= because of the variety of skills they build: fine motor, patience, critical thinking, pre- literacy.
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Teachers can never have too many brain breaks
This is versatile for St Pat’s day but notice, also OPPOSITES (hello/goodbye) and COUNTING (coins) for invisible learning opportunities. HA!
I can’t tell you how many times I pulled out brain breaks when I noticed myself feeling impatient or frustrated.
download below ….baaaa
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How to Plan a Fun Family Vacation With Kids of All Ages (Guest Post)
Source: Pexels
How to Plan a Fun Family Vacation With Kids of All Ages
Growing up, you might have gone on a few fun family vacations, and now you’re thinking of taking your own family on a similar trip. As you begin planning your trip, you might wonder how you can make sure that everyone has a good time.
Planning a family vacation that satisfies everyone’s interests will take some thought, but considering how you can meet all your children’s needs in advance is worth it. By the time you get home, they will probably start asking when you can visit somewhere new! Here are a few tips to help you pull off the perfect family vacation, no matter how old your children are.
Secure Your Home
Have you ever worried about the security of your home while you were away on vacation? By setting up an effective home security system before you leave, you can rest assured that your property and belongings will be safe while you’re out of town. For example, you may want to install an automatic door lock.
Other smart devices, like programmable lights and a doorbell camera that lets you know if someone is on your property, can provide additional security. According to Nationwide, putting lights on a timer can make it look like someone is still home, which deters would-be burglars.
Consider Going All-Inclusive
Image via Pexels
If you’ve never stayed at an all-inclusive resort before, you might be surprised by some of the perks and how affordable it can be when you factor in all the services the resort provides. According to U,S, News, prepaying for a stay at an all-inclusive resort will make it easier for you to budget, because you won’t be pulling out your wallet for every little thing you purchase on the trip and trying to keep track as you go.
When your family stays at an all-inclusive resort, there will be no shortage of things for the kids to do. Most resorts have organized activities for children and teenagers, so their parents can enjoy some downtime.
Book Spacious Accommodations
Not interested in staying at an all-inclusive resort? If you’re staying in a hotel room or an AirBnb, make sure to book a space where everyone will have plenty of room. Yes, the kids may have to share a room out of necessity, but each member of the family should still have the opportunity to get a little alone time if they need it.
If you and your kids feel cramped at your accommodations, you’ll likely have to deal with more arguments, and no parent wants to deal with squabbles between siblings on vacation. Keep the peace by ensuring that everyone has breathing room.
Be Ready to Compromise
What is the key to making sure that everyone is reasonably happy on your family vacation? Be willing to compromise, and make it clear from the get-go that everyone will get the chance to see and do what they’re interested in. Do your best to keep your itinerary fair. You don’t want one child to feel left out, while another gets to choose several activities.
Explore Outdoors
Image via Pexels
Want to make sure that the kids are totally worn out by the end of the day? Spend plenty of time outdoors! Whether you want to go hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, or simply exploring the wilderness at a nearby state park, there are plenty of opportunities to see the great outdoors on your next vacation. Outdoorsy activities can be fun and appropriate for all ages.
Going on a family vacation can inspire a love of travel in your children. Plus, you’ll get a welcome break from the responsibilities of the real world for a few days. When your trip is over, you and your family will already be talking about planning your next vacation.
Daniel Sherwin
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Preschool Practice Page -Bird and Pine cone
Why positional words are important:
- vocabulary
- verbal skills
- reading and comprehension
- critical thinking
This is a beginner’s practice page for positional words.
Take the page and introduce the words while using a manipulative. (object) It can be anything small to place in different positions.
But it would be awesome to have the child collect a pine cone for this activity.
Based on the student’s attention and interest, quickly or slowly place manipulative on each position and say the word.
Have the student move the manipulative and say the word, or repeat the word after you.
Do this like a game, taking turns moving the pine cone to different places, until the child gets bored.
ANYTHING CAN BE FUN!
At the end of activity, go REALLY fast and silly, and the student does the same.
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2 Skills Preschool Practice Page
1. Concept: “similar” = “the same but different”.
Life IS fair, it just is the SAME but Different. Each child is given what is needed by me, by others, but it looks different. That doesn’t mean it isn’t similar. Because things LOOK different, doesn’t mean they aren’t the same.
We realize this with mature thinking. It’s a great life skill concept to introduce at a young age.
2. Academic: trains the eye to learn differences in alphabet letters.
Minute differences, like d and b, or I and T.
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Preschool Brain Break Game. Spring Pets Animal Theme Cards
WHO?
Toddlers and Preschoolers
WHAT?
A game or random brain breaks
WHEN?
Any Time
HOW?
Print out cards, laminate if desired. Place card in pile, each child takes turns identifying and acting out. The other students say the name of the animal, then act out.
WHY?
To learn animal names, take turns and get our energy out!
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Preschool Memory Game hearts and snowflakes
Instructions:
Print 2 or more copies, laminate for long term use.
Play as a Memory game. This game practices visual discrimination as well, which helps build letter recognition skills.
Game is used with small groups OR a single player can match the vards, still building memory and visual discrimination skills.
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Updated: Best Podcasts about Corona Virus outbreak
This was first published the last week of February. Podcasts vetted and updated.
The purpose of this blog is mainly preschool and younger children’s activities, however I post about awareness issues that effect families . I wrote the original post because it was difficult to find information, and few appeared to be taking the management of the virus seriously.
Working with many licensed facilities supporting different at risk populations means I’ve had a 5 pack of breathing masks, 2 first Aid kits, almost obsessive behavior to keep my hands clean for several years. I don’t touch public door handles, I strive to avoid close contact with the public, and my peers have perceived me as a general hypochondriac. Whatever, I agreed with Gates and I’m right, ha.
The Corona Virus information on social media ranges includes conspiracy theories and racism toward Chinese.
I prefer podcasts for information as episodes are usually jam packed, have a descriptive title and in general can be vetted for authenticity easier then YouTube or ugh mainstream TV News.
Most current CoronaVirus subject podcast episodes are junk discussions..Please understand I have ABSOLUTELY NO AFFILIATION WITH ANY OF THESE BUT DISCOVERED RECOMMENDED PODCASTS WITH A GENERAL SEARCH AND LISTENING. Used critical thinking ears.
Best Podcasts/ Episodes about Corona Virus outbreak:
UPDATED
“Vaccines and the N Corona Virus”
Tight packed 4 minute episode explaining the “big picture” of the virus.
Another great related episode is the latest episode, located on the page at the same link. “Pandemics vs Epidemics What they are and how they happen”
Episode: CoronaVirus as a Damp Plague
Chinese Doctors with SARS epidemic experience, explain ” how Novel CoronaVirus causing pheumonia fell into the Damp Plague Category”
Admittedly this is a brainy medical podcast, some of it went over my head, however I found the intro portion and the last portion quite informational. The last portion explains why self medicating “herbal” treatments do not work, and gives explanations of prevention and prevention tips.
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Egypt Kids Lesson Plan with activities
I came up with this unit out of a desire to show that language is symbols, just as our alphabet is symbols for sounds-so is hieroglyphics. My goal was to demonstrate the “concept” of the alphabet, as well as incorporate lots of art/engineering and diversity.
Kids love mummies! THAT was the interest “hook”!
We did these over the course of a month, one or two activities a week. I introduced the unit with a scooby doo mummy caper library dvd.
We also built pyramids with Jenga blocks, egg carton cups,sugar cubes (i don’t recommend because they kept eating haha) and a 3d paper pyramid from a template.
Pyramid building and later days these cups became a favorite as they expanded into castle building.
There is a link to an easy pharoah headdress to print and color which the boys enjoyed making and other activities we did not do. There are lots of choices to personalize for students. There is also a complete alphabet pack of hieroglyphic cards included.
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The Very Impatient Caterpillar and Butterfly Number Sense Game Free Printable
Roll and Color a Butterfly
WE love this book, its hysterical! Biology + the difficulty of waiting + humor = Bawesomeness! (butterfly + awesomeness)
Free printable, includes a colored key (pictured above) and the same page with a blank key for student to choose her colors.
Direct Download Link Under the Butterfly:
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Hop, Waddle and Spy with preschool printables
Doesn’t this just make you want to hop and waddle into Spring?!
I Spy worksheets are one of the classic ways to build visual discrimination and counting skills.
Direct download below the bunny:
ispyrabbitsandducks
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Being a Christian during Covid-19
Click below to read on my other blog:
