5 Pumpkins Preschool Mathize Me, no prep

October 19, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Count Pumpkins in a Truck, and Color a Pumpkin, 2 Free Activities to build those math skills.

I own and use these 2 books with these activities. (no afflilation)

I checked out many 5 little pumpkins books and this is my favorite, the hard cover is actually soft with soft edges so it’s durable. It’s not board, its puffy board some type of plastic I think-VERY EASY TO CLEAN.

Pete the cat is my go-to, I’m still completing my Pete the Cat collection.

Instructions:

Print out and Cut pumpkin squares.

Hand out numbers 1-5 to students.

Paste squares on truck.

Cut and Paste:

Black and White, Color sets to mix and match.

Roll and Color a Pumpkin Game.

Print out pages, 1 per student or 1 per small group.

Students roll one die and color in matching section.

If one number is left, can allow extra rolls per turn per time constraints.

Roll and Color a Pumpkin

Both activities build counting, number recognition and subitizing skills.

rollandcolorapumpkinDownload

5pumpkinstruckreadcountcraftDownload

Living Through Learning, One Pumpkin at a Time

SSSH, inspired by these lawn deco I bought haha

Twist of Lime: How We Created A Bright Study and Office Space On A Budget

October 12, 2020October 12, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

I love the “twist of lime” as a fresh answer to all of the subdued home decor that is trending.

Blue Willow Lane

Our need for a big change in our house came along gradually, but this year we finally decided enough was enough with having a huge space that we weren’t really using ninety percent of the time. The space was our oldest daughter’s bedroom. She went to college at 18, and never lived at home since except on semester breaks and some summers. She’s now a PhD candidate. It’s still a big priority for us that she has her own space each time she comes home, but we also needed the space to be more usable at some point.

Add to that that our youngest daughter is in her first semester of college, studying from home (a hundred percent of the time now because of the pandemic), and occupying a small bedroom, and the time was right to give this space an overhall.

Don’t get me wrong, I love all those…

View original post 1,158 more words

An apple activity a day keeps brain rot away,with free printables

October 11, 2020October 24, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Pack an incredible amount of science with into each day with one activity.

Pair the activity with a worksheet from the free printable, as desired.

Decorate some blocks with apple pictures, apply with Modge-Podge

STACK : Apples . STACK Blocks. Try to Stack Ten.

Stacking Apples Game: A Fall STEM Activity for Kids

Ten Apples Up on Top Book Video

https://youtu.be/poNUrbo8h8A

Identify seeds, peel, core.

**Montessori- Real life skills, cutting apples**

Roll and Color an Apple Game in the printable pack

Pack with instructions, activities, worksheets.

investigatingapples Download

Living through Learning, one apple at a time

I need 2 October Activities right now- no prep

October 10, 2020October 10, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

I’ve used apple, pumpkin, and shapes skittles experiments for 18mos – 8 years old. I keep Skittles on hand for a last minute go-to.

https://www.playdoughtoplato.com/magic-pumpkin-science/

Variate on the pumpkin theme by making Squash monsters.

https://www.notjustahousewife.net/squash-monsters/

Living through Learning, One activity at time.

Distance Learning Homework- Idioms

October 6, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Print, cut, and paste.

This is an easy supplemental language activity that parents can teach at home to their child. It also can be used in a classroom, it’s versatile.

I know this because I had an 8 year old student- entering 3rd grade from Feb-October 2020. I made this as a learning supplement because even with some distance learning, he missed out on a lot of skill building.

My Favorite Books about Idioms:

Check your library first, but these are available through Amazon.

You are what you Eat, Butterflies in my Stomach, Reach for the Stars by Serge Bloch
Pigsty by Mark Teague
Why the Banana Split by Rick Walton
There’s a Frog in My Throat by Pat Street and Loreen Leedy

teaching-idioms Download

The above download is the parent instruction sheet, and the download below is the packet.

idiomsgamematch-1Download

Living through learning, Day in and Day out

I’m only here for the Mask Controversy-Why Trump didn’t Mask up

October 5, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft ♥ 1 Comment

Q: Why are Trump and others, “anti-mask”?

Why Trump chose not to wear a mask, is more important than whether or not he does.

Behavioral Economics S. Bhanot and M. Childs discuss identify the psychological roots of the controversial tree:

He doesn’t see sick people.
He took what he saw in his community and believes it’s that way everywhere.
Trump doesn’t like being told what to do. The mask mandate became a political issue because of individuals perception of individual rights infringement.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2020/08/18/903433755/behavioral-economists-on-why-some-people-resist-wearing-masks

Trump can’t see Covid-19 danger like he saw danger on his construction site.

Health workers have always worn masks, my husband wears a mask when he sprays pesticides, it’s common sense that a mask is going to stop your spit from flying everywhere and infecting those around you.

Psychotherapist Dr. Ernst discusses the perception of danger, not fact, is key to decision making. “Logically, wearing a mask is no different from not drinking and driving.” Behavioural economics demonstrates many decisions are based on emotions not facts.

Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden listens as he meets with small business owners, Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Carlette’s Hideaway, a soul food restaurant, in Yeadon, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Pro-maskers also choose based on emotion.

Dr. Ernst explains. “Others wear masks because they’re role models for others and feel responsible for them in their role as leader or influencer”.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/southwest/news/west-allis/2020/08/07/milwaukee-area-psychotherapists-explain-why-some-people-refuse-masks/3299786001/

We follow our Tribe.

“However numerous experiments from social psychology also show that we can be blindly susceptible to the influence of others.”
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-09/uots-hah090920.php

Behaviour Economics shows the invisible forces that drive Trump’s, Biden’s, and each of our choices.

The vital issue isn’t about the mask. The important issue is what drives pro/con mask choices. Understanding the psychological factors driving Trump and Biden’s choice, helps us to understand these men beyond the political arena. Understanding the drive behind their choices, equips us to choose wisely with our own.

Living through Learning, one controversy at a time.

October Calendars for all ages- free click and print

October 1, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Living through Learning one week at a time

Kids Money Management unit- free printable pack

October 1, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

So I hired the 3rd grader to mow my lawn for 20$. He asked my husband to stop at the convenience store on the way home, where he bought 17$ worth of candy! I did came up with this curriculum and I did the same with my kids, informally, back in the day. For this unit, I used an article on Forbes.com as a guideline, referenced in the printable pack. School teaches the identification and technicalities of money, it doesn’t teach the mechanics of using money as a tool.

There’s a vocabulary list to review with your student/kid, and here is a worksheet for her to practice.

Vocabulary: Why didn’t I include bank in the vocabulary words? Because the traditional brick and mortar bank that we know, is gradually going the way of the dinosaurs. The bank with the highest Savings account return, is CitiBank, an online only bank.

Next is a spending plan questionnaire, he can write his answers:

Then, there is a worksheet to print off and subtract each category, to use whenever she receives money, before spending.

You can set up a kid account at the bank like my friend does for the 8 yo, or you can use real money jars. Or if you don’t want to use that, I made these for use as virtual money jars. There’s a few versions of the money jar pages in the pack.

moneymanagement-1 Download

Living through Learning, One Dollar at a Time

Roll and Color a Duck, preschool math practice page-no prep

September 26, 2020September 26, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft ♥ 1 Comment

Direct Download at end of post.

Roll and color a duck preschool math game practice page-no prep

I invented this game to help preschoolers with common core in Kindergarten.
Common core uses a ten frame and also these dice number blocks, so if they have the dots memorized at a glance, they won’t have to count them all the time as K students. This gives them one step ahead of the game when they enter K.
Even without common core, it’s an interactive game that helps with counting and recognition of objects without counting.
I like to use a big foam dice from the dollar tree, as it can’t break anything no matter how hard it’s thrown.
If the student has the same # he can pass. I usually have them pass if the number is colored at the beginning, but towards the end for time saving, I increase the turns. Say if there’s one number left and most of the group has only one section to color-I up the turns to 3x a piece.

I have lots of Roll and Color games, you can search for the other themes in the blog search bar.

rollandcoloraduckpreschoolmath-1 Download

Tracing Lines worksheets You wish you had

August 16, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Created in a hurry for a 20 month old! Examples shown below with bad photos, (paper color is photo editor)

themes (not shown):

houses
fruit
farm animals
food
colored hearts
shoes
containers(drinks)
elephants
butterflies
birds

Sharing with other home or school educators as a no prep but not your average worksheet fun.

linetracing-beginner-level-1 Download

Living through Learning, one line at a time

Volcano Project for kids, free printable pack

August 16, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Learning goals:

Volcano’s are made of layers.
Difference between Magma and Lava.
First building block to learning about what rocks are made of.

How to teach with printables:

Beginning Learners = Color the Labeled Volcano page
Early Learners= Code and Color the Volcano page
Elementary= Label and Color the Volcano+Code and Color the Volcano pages

Code and Color the Volcano

Volcano project for kids free printable pack

Recommended Books:

Use “Into the Volcano” as primary source to introduce volcanoes. Share and read certain sections, we read through the photo descriptions.
Emphasize StratoVolcano section in the book.

A Trip to the Top of the Volcano can be used to supplement for a different page activity, or left out as free reading.

Color the Labelled Volcano

Color and Label the Volcano

volcanounit-1 Download

Living Through Learning, one explosion at a time

DIY Upcycled Decor

July 26, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

I inherited this old wood 3 tier planter, and it took me 3 years to figure out what to do with it. I took some pieces off, and my original painting idea didn’t work.

If you decide to up-cycle an old wooden outdoor item:

-Don’t use any type of metal spray paint, if you want your object to look newer. If you want your object to look really really old and worn, then use the metal colors. My first try was VERY bad, it didn’t look metallic AT ALL.

-Use this, it goes on evenly and you don’t have to use primer first.

Rust-Oleum 12oz 2X Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Gloss Spray Paint Deep Blue - image 1 of 4

So I have this special “picture window” . It’s the one I look out of all the time, where my work station is, and the main table is. Okay, it’s the dining room but I use this spot for everything. Not only the outdoor focal point, but the indoor focal point when we walk into the house.

I made a type of blind hanging from an egg carton and butterfly cutouts. I cut up and painted the egg carton cups, then strung the butterfly cut outs and cups together. It was time consuming, but I considered it mindfulness. I don’t know why mainstream sources don’t think of repetitive craft activities as triggering mindfulness. It’s definitely a “zone”.

The ceiling fan actually makes the butterflies “fly”

Honestly I always have had a cheerful whimsy style when decorating. It’s not even Boho, it’s all my own and I think would drive some folks crazy. But you know, these ideas will look lovely in subdued colors also.

REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE. Don’t forget recycling is the LAST step to waste reduction, NOT the first.

Living through learning, one project at a time.

Literacy Rocks! Teaching the alphabet to Toddlers

July 26, 2020July 26, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

I’ve been building skill levels with an 22 mo old and she shows eagerness and interest to recognize and write her letters.

My teaching style is to wait for worksheets and specific letter tracing, writing, until 3 yo. However, this is the 2nd pair of siblings, and I believe as a result of seeing their older sibling write- the younger sibling is driven to learn this skill.

We started with letter recognition activities, and this activity helped her master the skill of recognizing A, the first letter in her name.

We will continue the next step to “find her name”. In addition to this , I have started her practicing line drawing, and Letter A tracing. Another indicator that she is ready for Letter A tracing, is: 1) she holds a pencil correctly 2) she has good hand strength 3) she can open and close small containers easily.

So this week I am introducing her to tracing circles. She is not interested in manipulating objects at this point, she’s not interested as interested in crafts as she is scribbling, scribbling, scribbling. I need to lead her down the road to write her letters before she learns the wrong way.

At the end of this post is a direct download for instructions for teaching the alphabet as outlined in this post.

**Note: If you or children don’t want to paint rocks, just write on the rocks with sharpie markers.

with print awareness-

with letter awareness-

with name awareness-

with alphabet awareness-

with sight word awareness-

reader-

teachingalphabetletters-working-copy-1 Download

Living through Learning, one rock at a time

Quickly painted rock ideas

July 26, 2020October 6, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

There are many cities who have rock hiding Facebook groups in the U. S. There is a group here, we put our painted rocks in random places for strangers to find.

I have been hiding rocks for kids, because we are still in Phase 2, and kids have been robbed of their childhood this summer. Especially heartbreaking because our winters are harsh and there is no rock hunting in winter.

These are for folks like me who don’t have a lot of patience, or use rocks as a “canvas” for fancy painting.

kids ladybug rocks — kids ladybug rock supply list

Ladybug Rock Supplies: Acrylic Paint, Small brushes, Spray Gloss or Mod Podge

or use acrylic paint pens.

Learning through living, one rock at a time.

Alphabet Juice- Keeping it Fresh- Teaching the alphabet

July 8, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

My playful alphabet set where kids get to match the slice to the juice glass. They can even put the slice in the juice and pretend- slurp slurp slurp.

This practices my teaching method for alphabet letter recognition.

(PRIMARY Guideline: Focus on lowercase letters primarily using books and environmental print. We see lowercase letters more frequently then uppercase letters.)

Prep:

Print the Direct Download from link at end of post.
Cut up the lower case letter slice cards.
Make a pile of the Juice pages and a 2nd pile of slices.

Instruction for teaching alphabet letters:

Beginner Skill Level:

Layout Uppercase Pages that spell child’s name.
Give child the pile of slices that only include child’s name.

Skill Level Name Match:

Write child’s name on a blank slice.
Set up as shown below.
Give child a pile of letters that comprise their name.
Child spells out their name, placing slices next to the A on the page- in order.

Name Skill Mastery:

Once child knows how to spell his name, and knows the name of the letters that comprise the name:

Practice until child recognizes both upper and lower case of the letters of her name.
With this skill mastered, increase the letters added to the name letter pile.
This supports critical thinking skills, vs memorization.
This method supports self confidence.

*do not worry about letter sounds during this activity*

NAME SKILL MASTERED :

Continue adding to the lower case slice pile a few letters at a time for each practice session, until child quickly pulls out her name letters automatically.
Ask what child if he would like to spell Mom or Dad, next.
Continue with the same steps, the next name he spells.
This provides “buy-in”, we enjoy learning more when we get to choose what we are learning.
Use this same method as child practices matching letters to other words and names. Encourage ONE syllable names.

Once child understands how to play the game because she’s played it several times, incorporate letter sounds. Say the sounds and the child can repeat after you, but don’t focus on the sounds if it detracts from the child learning what each letter looks like.

Two Downloads: Alphabet Juice Upper and Lower Case set, the 2nd download link is the above instructions as a printout.

alphabet-card-slices-orange-juice-readcountcraft-1Download

teachingalphabetletters-instructions-1Download

Living through Learning, one slice at a time.

To wear or not to wear? Mask questions and answers.

July 2, 2020October 5, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

I’m not telling you what to do.

I am equipping readers with valid sources to make an educated decision regarding the mask controversy.

As an Oregonian, I am now mandated to wear a face mask.

I was a “better safe then sorry” mask-wearer, pre-mandate.

However, I’m still on the fence about mandated mask wearing.

Mask vs non-mask is a divider in our small rural community.

Non-Maskers- Get angry at the government.

Maskers- Respect other’s Non-Mask choice.

WHO mask video screen shot — 5 Questions: Stanford scientists on COVID-19 mask guidelines

5 basic questions and answers highlights:

Masks contribute to “source control”.
Less Covid-19 tiny spit escapes if both wear masks= spreads 5 ft.
If 1 person is masked= spit spreads +30ft and stays in air up to 30 hrs.
Proper Mask ventilation= blow out a candle with mask on from 1 ft.
Charge it=”… Rubbing mask w/latex gloves for 30 sec. prior to use, can increase efficacy by 30%

Woman wearing a cloth face mask in a grocery store — **Still confused about masks? Science about how face masks prevent corona-virus.**

Mask science Article Highlights:

“Masks may be more effective as a “source control” because they can prevent larger expelled droplets from evaporating into smaller droplets that can travel farther.”
Read the studies where mask recommendation standards originated from.
2 case reports that show mask wearing stopped virus spread due to masks.
CDC changed it’s mask recommendations due to: 1) shortage of surgical masks. 2) U.S. wasn’t culturally prepared. 3) Better understanding of Covid-19.
Chin- Hong, “Nobody’s taking a cholesterol medicine because they’re going to prevent a heart attack 100 percent of the time, but you’re reducing your risk substantially.”

Makes don't work to protect people from Covid19. — **Face Masks Don’t work?**

Masks don’t work highlights:

Lots of medical reports provided for evidence of mask non-effectiveness.
1 is recent-published in 2020.
No Covid-19 tests.
Studies show masks ineffective regarding other airborne viruses.

Homemade face masks contain the coronavirus only a little. — **Do face masks really reduce corona-virus? Experts have mixed answers**.

Mixed Answers Highlight:

May Chu, a clinical professor in epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health on the Anschutz Medical Campus –

“The recommendations that everyone wear masks are because “any kind of impediment is better than nothing,” Chu said. But fabric masks are not expected to be as protective as surgical masks, she said. That’s why public health officials are warning people to remain at least 6 feet apart from one another, even if they are wearing masks.”

Use your critical thinking skills. Know why you are making your choice.

Feedback and comments always welcome for discussion.

https://readcountcraft.com/2020/10/05/im-only-here-for-the-mask-controversy-why-trump-didnt-mask-up/?fbclid=IwAR0v7PcvBP2GBCezg9bRe7Cqy5nIlLSDbCpmcl2saoOWsqKrctuTHt457-Q

Living through Learning, one health issue at a time.

Stamp the Ladybugs! Kids potato print art

June 27, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

ladybug potato prints — **Ladybug Potato Prints Mural**

Display a ladybug print mural that bursts with color.

Low prep, common supplies, kids of any age get busy with creating.

You say Process art? I say Art. All art is a process.

Everyone is creative, each of us only needs to find the medium that we can express our creative language with.

A 20 month old and 7 year old created this mural.

All studies show that toddlers/preschoolers need play with mental stimulation, to help the brain develop. School Age Kids need lots of opportunity for free creative expression with different art mediums.

I introduced ladybugs to the toddler by reading toddler ladybug books a week before we did this mural, and I showed her real photos of ladybugs a few times.

(Recommended Ladybug Books direct download at end of post)

What you need:

Blank Paper
Potato Halves (at least 1 per paint color)
Each color paint poured onto a paper plate
Dabber/Dot marker

What skills does this art project build?

Toddler and Preschool:

Sensory Development
Shape Recognition
Self-Confidence
Creativity/Critical Thinking
Subject Exploration
Practice with Steps (delayed gratification)

School Age:

3D Subject Learning
Self-Confidence
Freedom to create
Creative Style Development
Critical Thinking
Decision Making
Methodology (practicing step by step)

Instructions:

Each child takes a potato half.
Dip the potato half in the paint and stamp onto paper.
Ask younger children what shape the potato makes.
Allow the children to stamp their potatoes like crazy.
LET DRY.

Once the stamps are dry, each child gets a dabber.
Children use the dabber to stamp the spots onto the ladybug.
Ask younger children what shape the dabber makes.
Allow the children to stamp the dots like crazy.

Extension: The 7 year old asked Google for 5 facts about ladybugs, then recorded them. I verbally quizzed him for review sporadically to help him retain the info.

ladybug kids art — **Written Ladybug Facts**

I’m extremely passionate about this project. It allows the teacher to provide the framework to allow long term learning skills that stick.

**Ladybug books- toddler through 2nd grade**

recommended-ladybug-booksDownload

Living through Learning about Ladybugs.

We hope! It’s multicultural books for Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten

June 19, 2020June 21, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Sharing My Multicultural Book Boards. I have researched to ensure titles do not perpetuate stereotypes.

Click on IMAGE

to see books in each category {from Pinterest},

or LINK if noted.

Multicultural-Inclusion-Diversity Books:

Chinese New Year books: January

My First Chinese New Year Book By Karen Katz

Native American Books :

Kids' Books About Native American History and Experience | Brightly

African and Jewish Books:

LINK:

https://www.pinterest.com/readcountcraft/preschool-and-kindergarten-book-resource-list/diversity-inclusion-multicultural-books/

Teach Hope. Stay Kind. Wishing Well.

Free Butterfly Hunting for All.

June 15, 2020June 26, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft ♥ 1 Comment

Low Prep and Song Play

I have been working with the 20 month old to recognize bees, butterflies and ladybugs. For her, butterflies are the easiest to recognize. This bundle goes after the ladybug set, in sequence.

Once the child is familiar with both insects, interchange ladybug/butterfly, in the song.

Don’t forget to show real photos of the insects. We have seen butterflies and one bee so far in real life on our walks. I still use real photos on my phone intermittently, especially for ladybugs and bees.

NO PREP

Finding differences helps with finding differences with letters and numbers.

Visual discrimination and counting.

Fine Motor and Visual Discrimination.

Extend activity by counting butterflies found.

This is a show and tell post, so find the download below and happy butterfly hunting!

5littlebutterfliespreschool-pack-1 Download

July Play It for Preschool

June 14, 2020June 15, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Preschool Math Dice Game, Roll and Color the Heart Flag

What do you need?

Printable-

Die-

Coloring tools-

and Preschoolers!

(free download at end of post)

preschool math dice game roll and color a heart flag — **preschool math game roll and color a heart flag** game

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 as a single player game.

preschool math dice game roll and color a heart flagDownload

Preschool Math Game

more free July 4th printables

Free LadyBug printable pack? Yes Please.

June 7, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Ladybug Free Printable Pack — Dot the matching Ladybug

Toddler/Preschool Ladybug Body Parts Puppet song- my version
Toddler/Preschool Ladybug Ladybug counting song- my version
Cut out the ladybug squares and attach to craft sticks
3 no prep activity pages as shown

I have been crazy for ladybugs this year!

Maybe because their population is declining and all those ladybugs I found as a kid will no longer be here?

Maybe because they help roses grow?

Maybe because they are modern art? I mean oval and circles and red and black and white? COOL.

That’s all the clever writing I have for today, folks!

IF YOU LIKE THIS PRINTABLE PLEASE : Subscribe or PIN or Comment as a thank you!

LADYBUG LOVE ALL AROUND!

free Ladybug Printable Pack — free Ladybug printable pack

ladybugpackprintablepack-1 Download

Ladybug Free Printable Pack

Roll and color a Spiral

May 23, 2020May 23, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

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rollandcoloraspiralpreschoolmathgame-1 Download

Preschool Lady Bug Roll and Coloriffic!

May 17, 2020May 17, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

roll and color the ladybug preschool math game — 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:

NO NUMBERS Instructions for Roll and Color a Ladybug

rollandcolortheladybugpreschoolmathgame-1-1 Download

Roll and Color a Ladybug

Easiest Ladybug Craft for your kids!

May 17, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

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

ladybugladybug-antennae-readcountcraft-1 Download

ladybugladybugsong-1 Download

ladybugladybuginstructions-2 Download

Kids STEM at home

May 3, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

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!

**FAILED EXPERIMENT, NOT FAILED BUILDING**

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.

wishing you wellness, kindness, and silliness

Roll and color a rainbow number identification

May 3, 2020May 3, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

roll and color a rainbow numberidreadcountcraft — 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.

rollandcolorarainbowpreschoolmathgamenumberid-1 Download

Wishing you wellness, kindness and silliness.

Short to Long Vowels for Stars

April 24, 2020April 24, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft ♥ 1 Comment

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.

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colorshorttolongvowelgamesreadcountcraft-1Download

Short to Long Vowels for Stars

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is moveandlearnvowelsgame.gif

Any time, any place, preschool roll and color

April 24, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

roll and color a flower — **Photo of Roll and Color a Flower game**

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!

rollandcoloraflowerpreschoolmathgame-1Download

Preschool Built- Roll and Color a Rainbow math game

April 24, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Photo of Printed Roll and Color a Rainbow Subitizing

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.

rollandcolorarainbowsubitizingreadcountcraft-1Download

Roll into Spring with Preschool Math Games

April 22, 2020April 22, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft ♥ 1 Comment

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.

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.

preschoolmathgameroll-and-color-1 Download

I like to move it move it and learn my vowels

April 15, 2020April 24, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft ♥ 1 Comment

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.

learn vowels

Kids Art Emotions Collage

April 12, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Kids read a book about emotions and make their own Emotion Jar Collage.

Direct Download Link at end of Post

Make a Jar Collage of Emotions with this free pack:

32 emotion symbols
2 jar styles
Instructions

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/

emotionskidsactivitycolormonster-collage-1-1Download

Emotions and Color- Exploring Emotions part 2

April 12, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft ♥ 1 Comment

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.

Pack includes: 32 symbols cards, 2 different jar style cards, instructions, suggested books list.

Instructions for Emotional Art Activity Part 2-

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.

emotionskidsactivitycolormonsterreadcountcraft-1 Download

Teaching Toddlers Power Tool: Sensory Bins; toddler activities at home

April 10, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

When your toddler is showing interest in closing and opening containers. Building Developmental Skills.

**Added shiny eggs for interest. Make sure eggs are easy to open and close, and the colors are appealing.**

**If your child is getting frustrated with the inability to close the eggs, use this bin for INTERACTIVE play with you .**
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.

Putting Pasta in the egg and closing it= **Problem solving**. Builds hand strength and coordination, confidence.

Exploring Bin & introducing Shapes

**Practicing Fine motor skills (writing) while taking out bean . Learning Background knowledge for amounts (math).**

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.

**paper hearts, jingle bell, foam heart, pipe cleaner**, Kidney beans

**DIFFERENT CUPS ARE VITAL FOR LEARNING WITH THIS SENSORY BIN**

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.

Kawaii Paper Roll Bunny Craft – all ages

April 10, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

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.

kawaiibunnycraftreadcountcraft Download

Social Emotional Learning -SEL Part 1

April 3, 2020May 21, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft ♥ 2 Comments

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 .

emotions-activities-for-kids-monster-alphabet-letters-color-monsterDownload

Emotions for kids

Kawaii Craft for all ages

April 3, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

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

kawaiibunnycraft-1Download

The time for kids party theme has come

April 1, 2020April 5, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

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.

Beginner **Ten Frames Pack- Numbers 1 through 5**

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.

**SuperGodNotSuperMom Free Printable Happy Birthday Activity**

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

preschoolpartythemepackDownload

SEL My many colored days

March 29, 2020May 21, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft ♥ 1 Comment

**Choose an Emoji Card from the Deck and build Emoji from Skittles**

**Finished Anger Emoji, getting water ready to pour**

**Does the result of the** experiment “look like” the emotion on the card- Anger?

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:

Emotions activities for kids introduction – BOOK ONE

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

emoji-skittles-cards-readcountcraft-1Download

aka Ms. Grouchy Pants

aka Captain Buttcheeks-

building skills but not in a boring way.

Emotions Activities for Kids

Simple answers to Boredom. Really.

March 27, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

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.

**ONLY THE DUCKS SHOULD BE FLOCKING=SOCIAL DISTANCE**

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.

*I am reaching out to friends through social networking and offering to run errands for seniors and single parents.* Even though it is personally uncomfortable for me to do this. We each can do one small thing.

**This is me. Mel. As Always Living through Learning. I wish EACH of you WELL and,** may we all really live, learn, and **RELEARN**.

Boredom answers

Poddy Training Routine when it has to get done

March 17, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

toddler routine — **Toddler Routine List**

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.

Toddler routine free printable childcare parents — **Toddler Routine Printable**

**16 months old or 7 years old, different but the same ha**

Toddler Routine free printableDownload

poddy training routine printable

Literacy + Easy= Preschool Egyptian Necklace

March 17, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

**“Joelle” Name Example for the egyptian necklace**

**Preschool Egyptian Necklace**= Cartouche

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.

**DOWNLOAD BELOW NOW**
***for awesome egyptian necklace instructions***

make-an-egyptian-cartouche-for-preschool-and-kinderDownload

https://readcountcraft.com/2019/09/15/egypt-kids-lesson-plan-with-activities/

St. Pats DIY Decorations-Decor Ideas

March 14, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

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.

St Patricks Decorations Decor Ideas — **St Patrick’s Floral Doorstep Decor**

This totally looks great to the cars driving past. The light reflects off of the sparkly and shiny bell.

https://readcountcraft.com/2020/03/01/rock-the-shamrock-activities-for-kids/ — A ceramic container I no longer used, shamrocks, bells and coins stuck on sticks wrapped with washi tape. I cut the coins out of a piece of goal foam. Green foam flower stickers and fake carnations I had used for Valentine decor.

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.

**Still not the funnest thing in the world**

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.

St Patricks Decorations Decor Ideas charmer

I needed an excuse to make tassels.

ST PATRICK'S DECORATIONS TASSELS DECOR — ***CHECK OUT HER AWESOME TASSEL TUTORIAL***

Decorations are made from colored printer paper. Fancier papers will be festive and less funky. ha.

Last Minute St Patrick’s Decorations

Flutter Flutter Roll, and Color a Butterfly Preschool Math Game

March 13, 2020June 15, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

Preschool Math dice Game Butterfly — **Roll and Color a Butterfly 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

butterfly-preschool-math-dice-game-1

Egypt Kids Lesson Plan with activities

September 15, 2019March 15, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

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.

Cartography necklace made with hieroglyphs

After learning about pyramids and burial, they made their own “mummy” stuffed animals

Using my contact paper blocks, they built a pet cemetary and pretended to be pets.

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.

**Pyramid building extension activity**. The next month, 4.5yo used Jenga blocks to make a sarcophogus in his own play. He also practiced drawing the “dog god” (anubis)

**The printable pack has the lesson plan, links I used for some activities, center ideas, video links.**

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.

egypt Download

The Very Impatient Caterpillar and Butterfly Number Sense Game Free Printable

June 14, 2019June 15, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach

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:

numbersenserollandcolorabutterfly Download

Hop, Waddle and Spy with preschool printables

May 13, 2019March 12, 2020 by Read.Count.Craft

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:

brown-rabbit-sideview — **preschool I spy pages direct download link below**

ispyrabbitsandducks

Preschool I Spy Spring Animals Pages

Count Pumpkins in a Truck, and Color a Pumpkin, 2 Free Activities to build those math skills.

Instructions:

Cut and Paste:

Roll and Color a Pumpkin Game.

Roll and Color a Pumpkin

Both activities build counting, number recognition and subitizing skills.

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Pack an incredible amount of science with into each day with one activity.

Pair the activity with a worksheet from the free printable, as desired.

Ten Apples Up on Top Book Video

Identify seeds, peel, core.

Roll and Color an Apple Game in the printable pack

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I’ve used apple, pumpkin, and shapes skittles experiments for 18mos – 8 years old. I keep Skittles on hand for a last minute go-to.

Variate on the pumpkin theme by making Squash monsters.

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Print, cut, and paste.

My Favorite Books about Idioms:

Check your library first, but these are available through Amazon.

The above download is the parent instruction sheet, and the download below is the packet.

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Q: Why are Trump and others, “anti-mask”?

Why Trump chose not to wear a mask, is more important than whether or not he does.

Behavioral Economics S. Bhanot and M. Childs discuss identify the psychological roots of the controversial tree:

Trump can’t see Covid-19 danger like he saw danger on his construction site.

Psychotherapist Dr. Ernst discusses the perception of danger, not fact, is key to decision making. “Logically, wearing a mask is no different from not drinking and driving.” Behavioural economics demonstrates many decisions are based on emotions not facts.

Pro-maskers also choose based on emotion.

Dr. Ernst explains. “Others wear masks because they’re role models for others and feel responsible for them in their role as leader or influencer”.

Behaviour Economics shows the invisible forces that drive Trump’s, Biden’s, and each of our choices.

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Created in a hurry for a 20 month old! Examples shown below with *bad* photos, (paper color is photo editor)

themes (not shown):

Sharing with other home or school educators as a no prep but not your average worksheet fun.

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Learning goals:

How to teach with printables:

Code and Color the Volcano

Recommended Books:

Color the Labelled Volcano

Color and Label the Volcano

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REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE. Don’t forget recycling is the LAST step to waste reduction, NOT the first.

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I’ve been building skill levels with an 22 mo old and she shows eagerness and interest to recognize and write her letters.

My teaching style is to wait for worksheets and specific letter tracing, writing, until 3 yo. However, this is the 2nd pair of siblings, and I believe as a result of seeing their older sibling write- the younger sibling is driven to learn this skill.

We started with letter recognition activities, and this activity helped her master the skill of recognizing A, the first letter in her name.

At the end of this post is a direct download for instructions for teaching the alphabet as outlined in this post.

**Note: If you or children don’t want to paint rocks, just write on the rocks with sharpie markers.

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I’m not telling you what to do.

I am equipping readers with valid sources to make an educated decision regarding the mask controversy.

As an Oregonian, I am now mandated to wear a face mask.

Mask vs non-mask is a divider in our small rural community.

Non-Maskers- Get angry at the government.

Maskers- Respect other’s Non-Mask choice.

5 basic questions and answers highlights:

Mask science Article Highlights:

Masks don’t work highlights:

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Created in a hurry for a 20 month old! Examples shown below with bad photos, (paper color is photo editor)