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 .
emotion activities for kids free printable monster cards
Choose an Emoji Card from the Deck and build Emoji from SkittlesFinished Anger Emoji, getting water ready to pourDoes 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
Emotions activities for kids introduction BOOK 2
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.
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.
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.
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 Printable
16 months old or 7 years old, different but the same ha
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
I gathered toddler activity supplies and grabbed random items.
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.
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.
Hanging Paper Shamrocks with Coins
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.
Paper Rock the Shamrock Wreath
Wreath directions from link below. This is the decoration we made that has lasted through
SNOW AND WIND, people!!
not the funnest thing in the world
For 3 years. Easiest and I’m not exaggerating , quickest & easy. I came up with this because I’m cheap and impatient. ha
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.
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.
*disclaimer: I am sharing information based on my knowledge and experience. Please adapt for your needs.
**Always seek medical help if experiencing breathing issues.
CORONA VIRUS car kit preparation sample
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.
Carhartts finger less work gloves click for link (non affiliated)
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ME= What is gaming what is a gamer what is Halo why do you wear hoodies in 80 degree weather?
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 ….
me?
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….'”
Preventing YOUR communication from looking like mine :
Dad finally DID make son walk to corner store once a day on weekends. He did walk to school which was 1.5 miles away. (remember we live in a small town) At least we knew he got excercise.
This is really difficult if not started before preteen age, regardless of personality.
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?
what evil looks like hahhahaha
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.
Kids love it. It’s active, It’s fun, It’s action packed.- YEP
Differentiated- YEP
NO Prep- YEP
Kindergarten Common Core Prep- YEP
WHY DO I HAVE SO MANY VERSIONS OF THIS GAME AT MY DISPOSAL?
NOTE: During homework help, I noticed a 1st grade student counting the 10 frame individually. He was not my preschool student. However, in Kindergarten he picked up Common Core easily.
Yet in First Grade, he. made mistakes by rushing during the tests. Especially with showing the steps in answers.
I used guided practice by reviewing: looking at the amount of the ten frame and knowing it. (subitizing)
If preschoolers practice – practice-THEN in Kindergarten continue- practicing- this format of subitizing? It’s less likely they will lose the process when under test pressure in 1st grade.
Eventually I will sell these in a pack. So get ahead of the pack. (pun intended)
st patricks preschool and kindergarten math game roll and color
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.
coronavirus covid19 Checklist
corona virus covid19 podcasts
-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
This Week in Virology is one of the best podcasts out there to learn. The podcast has always been about viruses by several virologists. Updated bi weekly.
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.”
This is good for global status and overall viral summary.. However I find my state alerts is best for state numbers. 411 updates, but by the time it broadcasts, Oregon numbers are higher..
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.
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.
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”
Completed Shamrock Wreath
Layer the wreath with taped shamrocks.
I bought the frame at the dollar store, it is particle board and I painted the top part green. I used green duct tape when we made it, then re-taped for this photo, ha ha.
This photo demonstrates the look of the frame and how we “layered” the wreath.
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.
the funnest part is to go- baaaaaa, and then a goat goes -maaaa, but a sheep goes- baaaa- aaa- aaa
This is my humble unedited photo. They are saying baaaaa….
Can you spy shamrocks cut out of adult coloring pages? I keep extra shamrocks on hand because well, versatility and I REUSE.
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?
All Supplies needed shown. Glue, poms, shamrocks, black and white paper to cut, butcher paper to glue it all on, and coloring tools.
SHAMROCKSTAR SHEEP:
I did an outline in peach, then retraced with black. Cut an ovalish for the head, and trace around it. DON’T OUTLINE THE HEAD IN BLACK, ONLY PEACH. BLACK CONSTRUCTION PAPER= 4 LEGS, 2 EARS, 1 TAIL. CUT OUT FACE, after tracing around it, place ears over each side of face, and trace the ear corner onto face and butcher paper. Color in ears.
Besides the Shamrock variety, you need 4 heart shapes to make a Shamrock in the Sheep’s middle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Preschool Practice Page Tracks Visual Discrimination
Honestly, we believe Spring weather is right around the corner. Pinterest is already showing Spring theme searches.
Where I live, we get ALL four seasons. SE Oregon, -not Portlandia, Oregon mountains on the dry side of the state. Spring here doesn’t pay attention to the official date of spring. Many years we get some snow AFTER the first day of spring!
Kids who grow up here, wear shorts if its 37 degrees, and, I use a lot of winter-ish themes. haha. I also like to cross-theme, for repetition. This practice page has hearts (valentines/shapes) and snowmen/snowflakes (winter/weather), which I use for review.
If you are lucky enough to live where Spring starts on time, save this for your next “non holiday” winter activity.
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!
This game is played as a Standard Memory or Matching Game.
Skill Building:
MATH: Counting, Subitizing, Number Recognition
SOCIAL SKILLS: Following Directions, Turn taking, waiting
Preschool Math Activity Memory Game, Match the Picture Dice card with the Plain Dice card
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. For beginners: Print out 1 copy of each page. Laminate if desired.
2. Cut out cards. Place upside down and spread out on table.
3. Take turns choosing a card, and find the match, like a standard memory game.
4. Play individually, centers, small groups.
5. Add more cards to original deck as skill level increases.
6. Students will need a instructor guidance until they remember the mechanics of the game and are familiar with it. Then, decreased instruction. Repetition of any memory game will aid in learning and retaining information.
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
From The Irish Times, stating it will start podcasting daily updates (from weekly)
From the BBC daily update
CNN Daily Podcast
Daily case statistics, basic info 4 minutes long
best podcast episodes about Corona Virus outbreak
“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”
BOTANICAL BIOHACKING ( blog and podcast)
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.
My Goals met in DIY Valentines Day Wreath Craft Idea:
Max supply cost 5$, Max time to make 10 min,
A DIY Valentine Wreath I can display before and after Valentine’s Day = lack of clutter. I’m not a fan of wreaths in general, most are unwieldy to store. This one is easy to store.
DIY Valentines day wreath I added the heart later, I had a leftover wood heart but I would’ve used a paper one if I didn’t have the wood one. Look, no one is going to critique what something is made of-they are only seeing the overall product.
Here’s where I bought my stuff, basically leftover xmas supplies: Thrift Store: Hoop and wired yarn fur. Substitute: anything that can be wrapped around a hoop, even that thick fuzzy yarn. Sheer ribbon/printed ribbon: $ store. Floral Picks: Joann’s discounted Christmas supplies. i picked up whatever they had left and the pickings were slim! NOTE: I wish our town had a better $tree. The floral picks can probably be found at most $trees, remember my town doesn’t even have a Target. DIY Valentines day wreathDIY Valentines day wreathDIY Valentines day wreath
OPTIONAL: Loop and tie a ribbon around the Valentine’s Day Wreath top for a hanger!
I only made a loop because I was posting this craft. I don’t personally care about a loop. The loop can be glued if you want it to stay in place, but again, I keep it simple. The downside to gluing is if I story it in a tub, the ribbon can be crinkled or ruined. Without glue, the ribbon can be cut and replaced. Plus I don’t like glue spots on ribbon, personal preference ha ha.
I’ve experienced a creative block all week. I usually have ideas going off like Christmas lights. I’ve had ideas, but not INSPIRED ideas. No “AHA” moments. It’s not fun but I remind myself that any kind of creativity is a Process.
Creativity is a process. It’s not a straight line from Point A to Point B. To continue to produce creatively does require discipline, but discipline does not guarantee inspiration.
The Creative Process is like water in a river. Sometimes debris will gather in spots in the river, slowing water down. It is only through repetition and time that the jam will work loose.
While I am tempted to become frustrated, I’ve learned to participate in the process to get the waters flowing.
Regardless of the medium, I’ve found the process is the same.
Ideas to unlock writer’s block, do 1 every day as needed:
Continue writing what you are already working on. It doesn’t matter if it’s not your best work. Just keep doing it on a regular basis.
Edit, instead of writing. Re-edit other work.
Inhale non-writing subject matter. Listen to a podcast, music, or read a photography journal.
Try Humor in your preferred media. I prefer Liz Climo.
Look up a list of something: reinterpret that list into your own words.
Visit a store that you have never or rarely go to.
Work on the home project you have been putting off.
Take some photos of inanimate objects. Describe in 5 words.
Change one thing in your routine, even moving the time forward 30 minutes.
Participate in an activity to increase mindfulness. Other then the obvious Yoga/exercise/walking- try organizing something, papers or cabinets or junk drawer. Cutting things is mindful. Anything repetitive that you can do without thinking is a mindfulness conduit.
How do you unlock the block of creativity? I’d love to try some new ideas ha ha.
KEEP THESE IDEAS FOR NEXT TIME, RIGHT CLICK AND PRINT BELOW, or PIN.
Students match what is rolled to build number and counting skills.
I created Preschool Math games with the roll and color format to help my students build subitizing (amount recognition) skills.
I was helping a K student with homework the first year Common Core was implemented. I began making Preschool Math games with different themes- as a way to incorporate hands on math learning.
****I always have these on hand for a flexible, low-prep, time filler activity. (for example no recess due to inclement weather) Any number of players can play this preschool math game so there is no fighting over center participation, it also practices social skills like all great games do- waiting, patience, helpfulness and good sportsmanship. This can even be played with PARTNERS.
In my preschool I had the luxury of using a blank foam die from the dollar store. I filled in the die and allowed students to throw it across the room, then run and retrieve it. In a formal preschool I used this game style for a 1 on 1 activity for a very active preschooler and he understood and enjoyed the game. I used a version for a small group in a formal preschool, they didn’t throw it across the room but they could throw it in our group area. This took the pressure off, none of us had to worry about losing a small die OR hitting anything, so we could enjoy the game.
This game is great for differentiation. In my preschool and at the formal preschools I had a variety of levels and each student quickly caught onto the game. I have not had one student lose interest, even up to 7 years old.
Instructions for Roll and Color Preschool Math games:
1. Pass out one game sheet to each student. I recommend a max of 5 students per game. Decide about this rule: If student rolls a number of a section that has already been colored, does she roll again/or pass?
{ If student passes the game will take MUCH longer to complete.}
2. Choose who goes first, take turns clockwise. If there’s time I allow the students to roll to see who goes first.
3. Student rolls die. Then colors the matching section of the his envelope. I advice instructor to wait until a student rolls a repeat number, then introduce the “rule” for pass/re-roll.
4. The next in circle rolls and repeats. The player who colors the envelope first, wins. Students can keep playing until their envelope is finished based on time limit. I didn’t have a winner, I had student move to next center/activity when done.
An added bonus is the game format provides for number and counting reinforcement as each student counts or recognizes what she has rolled. All the students were observing the other turns, which results in visual and audible number repetition. One round of the game goes by quickly.
The Wood Heart wall hanging was built from a bag of wooden hearts sold at the Dollar Tree.
If unavailable at your Dollar Tree, the Heart Wall Decor Hanging can be built from paper hearts.
(Templates provided at Download link below logo)
SUPPLIES:
*1 Sheet Cardstock
in neutral colors or Red, Pink and White Cardstock
*Markers
(only if you want to color neutral cardstock hearts)
*Twine/Embroidery Thread/Ribbon (when cutting Twine pieces, cut 1.5 more length then you think you need.)
(something that doesn’t tangle easily)
*Dowel/Stick
(I glued 3 small dowels together, which I don’t recommend as it made my decoration very fragile)
*Hot Glue Gun and Glue
Prep: Trace, Color, Cut. Tie 5 pieces of twine onto Dowel.
Design: Play with different Layouts before gluing.
PREP: Try different design elements.STEP ONE: GLUE Top Row Elements onto twine.STEP TWO: GLUE ALTERNATE TOP ROW ELEMENTS ONTO TWINE. STEP THREE: GLUE LAST ROW ONTO TWINE. STEP FOUR: GLUE YOUR CENTER ELEMENT ONTO TWINE.STEP FIVE: AFTER YOUR CENTER PIECE, GLUE ELEMENTS TO “FILL IN” DESIGN.
FINALLY, make your hanger. Tie a piece of twine to the farthest left end of Dowel. Then Tie the remaining end of twine to farthest right side of Dowel. (The hanger will look like a U or V when hung, depending on hanger length.)DIY Heart Decoration-Heart Wall Decor Download Link Below
original journal writing prompts- Leaving the Shore
This is your boat. Behind you, are many islands you have already explored. They are far off in the distance. These islands represent experiences, and memories. You are getting ready to get into your boat, leave the old shore, and head off to the next, new shore.
Bead for nose (many items can be substituted for bead)
Mini Party Cups from 1$ store- pictured below
Cat Helper (optional)
Embellishments (optional)
DIY Valentine’s Day Mini-Gnomes construction
DIY Mini-Gnomes for Gathering and Hiding
Pictured below show DIY Valentine’s Day Gnome using a different base.. The process is the same. Substitute the mini party cup for the base, which is much smaller then the pot. Both the pots and cups from 1$ store.
DIY Valentine’s Day Gnomes, Step one
DIY Valentine’s Day Gnomes- Step 2
DIY Valentine’s Day Gnomes- Step 3
DIY Valentine’s Day Gnomes- Front of Completed Glass pot base Gnome is on far left
Find detailed instructions for the hat and beard here:
DOWNLOAD Journal Prompt Lists and Pages at end of post.
Ulysses S. Grant at West Point
Ulysses S. Grant was the Civil War general whose strategies produced Northern Victory. He then served as the 18th U.S. President.
“For much of his life, Ulysses S. Grant failed at every occupation he tried. But in the United States Army, his remarkable talents as a soldier and leader saved his country from falling apart.” (American Experience Online-PBS.ORG)
To aid self assessment objectivity, we’ll define this important U.S. historical figure in terms of personal failure:
Never became a Math Teacher as he desired.
Raised to rank of Corporal at West Point, “it was too much for me” he wrote. Demoted and graduated at the lowest possible military rank-Private.
Failed to bring his family to live with him when he was stationed in the Oregon Territory because his business ventures failed.
After resignation, failed as Farmer.
Failed as a real estate partner.
Rejected when he tried to re-enlist when Civil War started. (someone intervened and gave him a military appointment)
Caused excessive casualties at Shiloh battle, due to lack of preparation.
Weakened the American Presidency.
Politically inept and ineffective, leading to several government scandals.
After presidency, failed as financial firm partner.
Declared Bankruptcy and had to live off of personal loans.
Never overcame accusations that he was an alcoholic.
Even in his success in the Civil War, he still messed up at Shiloh, costing soldier’s their lives.Grant began writing his memoirs as a way to support his family-then was diagnosed with cancer.
General Legacy, other then the Civil War Battle Victories:
Retained honesty and integrity
Fought for African American Rights
Victorious Civil War General
Completed his memoirs right before he died
Reflection:
Four items on the personal success list.
Twelve – 12, items on the personal failures list.
Well, to me, the lists demonstrate SUCCESS.
The Success of “perseverance”.
The Success of “courage”.
Perseverance takes courage.
What inspired me, was when he wrote “it was too much for me”, as a West Point student with rank, to explain his demotion. To graduate as the most non prestigious rank ever. It doesn’t appear he viewed it as FAILING. Doesn’t failure imply giving up on that aim? His first “job” out of the gate, he failed at.
No matter how much he sucked in business,he kept trying. To the end of his life he chose to seize opportunities. Mark Twain approached him about writing, and Grant didn’t sway from his goal even when he was diagnosed with cancer.
How do you view Grant using the juxtaposition of so-called failures and successes?
Journal prompt pages or the Journal prompt list, can be downloaded at the end of post.
Below is a link to “PERSONAL MEMOIRS OF ULYSSES S. GRANT” the free e–book
I reviewed over 20 preschool friendship books and came up with my top 11 based on specific criteria. Then I created free printables to accompany each book, practice pages for different skills.
I love young children’s books so much that I haven’t stopped adding to my private collection! I love young children’s books SO much, it’s the main goal of this blog. It is the main goal of my pinterest board.
My goal for book lists is to equip myself and other educators to use books as a curriculum basis. When I started developing my own preschool curriculum I always used a book as a base.
However, I found that with most recommended book lists they were often:
Overgeneralized= Applied for the obvious. Z is for Moose can be used for abc’s but also, isn’t kindness showed later to Moose when Moose is FINALLY included?
Silly books are rarely recommended for preschoolers for skill based learning: for example “Rex vs Edna”. Edna is a chicken and wins, and I have tied in this book as a diving off point to study the chicken life cycle.
My Review Criteria:
Story meets storytelling standards according to my children’s literacy class criteria.
Story needs to be adaptable for shorter attention spans.
Pictures need to be easily recognized- for example, not all of my students know what a llama looks like, so I don’t “Llama llama” until, we have talked about real Llamas.
A board style is preferable for classroom so children have access to “read” themselves.
Each book demonstrates friendship components by “showing” not “telling”.
Most books involves a non person character=Inclusive. If I don’t identify with the girl I can identify with the turtle. Or easily identifiable non gendered traits.
Reviews are listed under book, along with a description of its printable.
Books are linked to Amazon Kindle Page.
YouTube link supplied as available.
(I may start an affiliate store, but only because listing books this way are easier for myself and my readers.}
LOOK FOR PINK TO LINKS
Simple text, great vocabulary builder but easy to comprehend. “Aa is for all of us-be everybody’s friend.”Printable = Heart Lower Case Alphabet cards.
Smick, Chick, Stick. A simple friendship book with little text. A great book to read to introduce rhyming. Printable= Rhyming Picture cards
Truman misses his owner and discovers bravery and a way to escape cage. Demonstrates how to be a friend to small creatures, growth mindset. Contains a lot of text for preschoolers, but some text is easily omitted. Printable=Color a Shape Flower for a Friend. https://youtu.be/ThBJCEcvNd4.
A great book for acts of kindness friends do for each other.Printable: Robots Match/Memory Game https://youtu.be/CmNude8rRD4
Lots of wordless pages with pictures. Students can mime along with mime actions. Shows, not tells, Including others. Printable= Heart Counting cards. .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr1gm5gIG4Y
A great story that demonstrates opposites, and how friends can be total opposites and still be friends. Printable= Upper Case Craft Alphabet Cards https://youtu.be/ucUDAOU9b88
This book may have too much text for some wigglers, but the illustrations make up for it! I love this book because of nature, because it shows we “share friends” and, of course -wild animals don’t belong to anyone really.Printable= Woodland theme Visual Discrimination Page. https://youtu.be/7K3F9r9kcfY
This story can help show young toddlers how friends feel when their creation is knocked down. And how friends listen to each other. Printable= Real Rabbit Photos memory game https://youtu.be/rHPoj53dy8o
You WILL be my friend is a hilarious take on toddler and preschool friendship! All the speech bubbles don’t need to be read to get the story. The bear reminds me of over exuberant toddlers and active preschoolers who try SO hard! Printable= Color a bear valentine for a loved one
I had to add this, I love all the Pete Stories and have yet to meet a young learner who doesn’t! It also is great to explain handing out class valentines. Printable= Finish The Hearts pattern. https://youtu.be/v_7gjA44otA
Preschool Friendship Books Practice PACK ABOVE includes:
SMICK
-BE A FRIEND
-PETE THE CAT VALENTINE DAY
-YOU WILL BE MY FRIEND
-ABC’S OF KINDNESS-
TRUMAN
I love this story as a Circle Time Movement book! It has Eric Carle’s animals from his other books, one on each page. Printable= Brain Breaks Animal Movement cards
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 hieroglyphsAfter learning about pyramids and burial, they made their own “mummy” stuffed animalsUsing my contact paper blocks, they built a pet cemetary and pretended to be pets.He is being a mummy cat
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.
The fun thing about this game is we use the color rolled for whatever place on the unicorn we want to. So, even the body can be three or four colors!
We use a big foam dice from the dollar store. The student don’t have to worry about dropping the die, throwing it too hard, or losing it. I have done this type of play learning at formal preschool small group also. This game offers differentiated learning.
Instructions:
Pass out a Unicorn Page to each student, gathered around a table. Have the coloring tools in the middle of table.
Each student takes a turn rolling the dice, then passing the dice. If the number has been rolled already, the student takes another turn.
The game is finished when all of the students have their unicorns colored.
Students can move centers if they are finished before others. If students like, they can complete their unicorn coloring at home.
This can activity is adaptable for any group size of kids, and unlimited ages, even a mix of ages.
Scavenger Hunt Sticky Collage Activity
There was so much snow that the children were excited to find anything! This was not planned, I grabbed a couple of recycled containers to put their goodies in.
Returning inside, I cut two pieces of clear contact paper and hung them up with magnets on our “magnet boards”. (Oil Pans)
Have a break, have a nature scavenger hunt for kids
Then, they stuck their collages to the color paper they wanted, and filled in the “frame” with oil pastels.
Creating masterpieces
Finally, they decided to blend oil pastels on the back, which can be seen here.
The backs made the scavenged items easier to see. However the contact paper makes collection easy to hang up directly on windows, although make sure to tape the corners up.
