tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42896905724141896132024-03-19T03:37:05.306-07:00Teach, Cook, LoveMusings of a foodie, craftser, homeschooling mommy and housewife.teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-66883957172075594542017-11-27T17:20:00.003-08:002017-11-27T17:20:54.754-08:00Wild and FreeI just came across this really interesting talk on SoundCloud from WILD + FREE. As we know, there are many different way to homeschool and one method that is gaining in popularity is "Unschooling". Give this little gem a listen and see if it might be right for your family! If not, there are still probably some great take-aways!<br /><br /><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Interstate, Lucida Grande, Lucida Sans Unicode, Lucida Sans, Garuda, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">"Ainsley Arment and Tina Ingold talk about surprising our kids with learning through play. | You'll hear a talk from Jodi Mockabee at our Wild + Free Conference in Wimberley, TX in the fall of 2016. She talks about unschooling, the concept of strewing and how play is a higher form of learning"</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Interstate, Lucida Grande, Lucida Sans Unicode, Lucida Sans, Garuda, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><iframe frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/314612062&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></span></span></span>teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-55416236589732360172017-11-27T16:46:00.000-08:002017-11-27T16:46:35.183-08:00The Place of Music in 21st Century Education: CoursraWow. I'm back! Why? Well, first of all, I need somewhere to post about all of our awesome homeschooling adventures! Second, I'm taking a brilliant course on Coursera from the University of Sydney and I need somewhere to post my coursework!<br /><br />Now, about this course - IT'S AWESOME! I'm really enjoying the video lectures that (so far, in week one) focus on the views of different teaching pedagogies on the use of technology in music education. So, if you're a homeschooling parent who has a keen interest in music education like I do, get over there and do some learning!<br /><br />https://www.coursera.org/learn/music-education<br /><br />And, hey! Just for fun, here's a cute little video of our girls' first harp concert!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9bX1_oCsgkg" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-43072907770553934262013-02-28T10:28:00.003-08:002013-02-28T10:29:02.683-08:00Scream-free ParentingI'm sure you've all come across the concept of scream-free parenting. In essence, it discourages yelling and encourages finding other ways to deal with your children. Here is a brief explanation, direct from the <a href="http://www.screamfree.com/" target="_blank">Scream-free institute</a>:<br />
<br />
<i>Emotional reactivity is behind every bad pattern, bad decision, and
bad relationship. Whenever we get reactive — whether by screaming,
cutting ourselves off, overcompensating for others, or taking things
personally or defensively — we operate out of our anxiety and,
ironically, end up creating the very outcomes we were hoping to avoid.
ScreamFree Living takes this reactivity very seriously and stresses that
the number one step toward creating the types of relationships we truly
crave is learning to calm down. </i><br />
<i>
</i><i>ScreamFree Parenting offers a revolutionary new option by inviting
parents to focus on themselves, grow themselves up, and calm themselves
down. The ScreamFree Parenting principles will lead parents of all ages
(with kids of all ages) to create and enjoy the family relationships
they've always craved starting now.</i><br />
<br />
I've come across scream-free parenting many times and thought that, while it was good in theory, it was practically impossible in practice. Apparently not; I recently came across the Orange Rhino, a blog by a very fun lady who got busted by her handyman for yelling at her boys. Realizing that she yelled more than she liked, she resolved not to do so for 365 days. She is now well past that 365 day goal, encourages people to take up the challenge themselves, and has a lovely blog full of great ideas to help people stop yelling.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://theorangerhino.com/" nbsp="" target="The Orange Rhino"><img src="http://theorangerhino.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/button5.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Now, I don't claim to be a scream-free parent myself. In fact, I just finished yelling at one child for being the cause of some major pain to the other. My crazy girls are always causing bodily harm and huge mess and it is sometimes difficult to keep cool. So, yes, I yell. However, I can tell you that I have discovered our home's secret weapon for reducing yelling by at least 90% - THE WARNING BELL.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgektvU1p-zUmDWbkzL49tVGOgONxAo2ajXimUTvGDVkuMiPADnBU5DVMs0Up9tNmymd7Pr_ARgkjYT4JoA7ikUu-NjDxox06CGNKVHv7RL8GOzZGPDo9L3rKDoZXTohTSTzy26towzoXk/s1600/31f4LriqPOL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgektvU1p-zUmDWbkzL49tVGOgONxAo2ajXimUTvGDVkuMiPADnBU5DVMs0Up9tNmymd7Pr_ARgkjYT4JoA7ikUu-NjDxox06CGNKVHv7RL8GOzZGPDo9L3rKDoZXTohTSTzy26towzoXk/s1600/31f4LriqPOL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>
"The Warning Bell" is basically our system of letting the children know that they are grating
on Mommy's last nerve all all hell may break loose if it continues. For us it's just a simple bell from a set of Schylling Musical Handbells. They were once a toy of the children's so you would think they wouldn't elicit much of a response when used as a threat. As it turns out though, for some strange reason, "...don't make me ring the bell..." is essentially as terrifying as if I had threatened to skin them alive! I don't really get why, but it works. And guess what - manically ringing a bell when you're upset is even more therapeutic than yelling, with none of the associated guilt!<br />
<br />
The effects of me not yelling are also pretty impressive. To my surprise, less yelling has actually resulted in BETTER behaved children. I also have more peace of mind because I am being kinder to my children. As an interesting side benefit, it seems everyone else in the house now yells less as well. Overall, it's been a great success.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, why not give it a try yourself? Any bell will do. Maybe you will find yourself with a clearer conscience and a less hectic home!<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000MTA04U&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-57665061897018901262013-02-27T11:01:00.003-08:002013-02-28T10:29:34.139-08:00I've noticed something...my most frequent post topic is, "I should really post more often". Well, here I am to say it again! I actually really love blogging; I like sharing what I've done in the hopes that it will help someone. However, I somehow just don't manage to fit it in! I'm going to try though - really, I am!!<br />
<br />
To update those of you who don't know us in real life, we are a family of SIX now! Beautiful, lovely, even-tempered Dahlia was born in September and we are loving our little family of girls. Very frequently, I get messages on Facebook from friends asking how I fit everything in, what I do for homeschooling, etc. Today I'm going to give you my generic response that answers a lot of the questions people ask me, but feel free to ask more specific questions and I'll try to post answers! So, here we go:<br />
<br />
I don't know where you're at in terms of information for
homeschooling, so I'll just start from square one; I can tell you what
works really well for us and you can go from there!<br />
<br />
If you're
interested in following your province's standards, you can do a Google
search for “<insert here="" or="" province="" state=""> curriculum standards”.
I do make sure that we're at least meeting our provincial standards
but, as a homeschooer, it is usually up to you what you cover and at
what pace (depending on the laws of your particular state or province).
You might want to slow it down so you can go more in depth or you may
opt to go through the material faster and then mix in special interest
units. I like to look at the curriculum standards for some of the states
as well as our province when doing my planning, as they seem to be
higher. I also try to follow the interests of the children, to some
extent. If we're in the middle of a unit and something sparks their
interest in another area, we may deviate from what I had planned to
explore. </insert><br />
<br />
For keeping children motivated, I find a lot of hands
on activities, music and movement, technology integration, and engaging
reading material to be a winning combination. I also find for my
children (who are younger) that having a routine keeps them excited and
motivated (i.e. they know that our science class with other homeschool
friends is on Tuesdays and look forward to that).<br />
<br />
I'm very
excellent at planning things out, down to every last detail, but not
very good at executing such a rigid plan. If you are good at “sticking
to the plan” I would recommend taking some time over the summer to
figure out what you would like to cover in each subject and then making
yourself a year-long plan for each subject and then a weekly schedule (I
can send point you to some examples if you'd like to take this route). <br />
If
you're like me and work better when you have a bit of “fly by the seat
of your pants” in the mix, you can plan out what you would like to cover
in each subject and then pick what you will do each week. For example, I
know what units we would like to cover for the year in science (five
sense, simple machines, animal adaptations, air, etc.) but I don't plan
out in what order we will do them. We then host a homeschool science
class each week and I plan what topic we will cover only a week or two
in advance and do all of the prep the week of our class. Of
course, there is no limit to the amount of planning you can do in
advance; it certainly doesn't hurt, even if you don't use it right away!<br />
<br />
If you're curious about the balance of schooling, keeping the
house clean, getting healthy meals on the table, and working from home -
it can be done! Well...sort of. There are days that you will just have
to accept that you need to choose between keeping your house clean and
educating your children. It happens, so be okay with it. Which you
choose, ultimately, is up to you. Aside from that, here are the things
that have worked for me:<br />
<br />
- Always leave a room cleaner than it was
when you entered. This is actually a surprisingly effective way to
clean! It will start as just picking up little things and putting them
in their proper spot. Soon, however, you will run out of things to pick
up and you'll have to start dusting, washing surfaces, and deep cleaning
if you want to stick to the rule.<br />
<br />
- Square foot cleaning: When you
have a big, messy area to clean, break it up into sections (one or two
square feet) and clean one section at a time. Just keep going until you
have done the whole room and remember to not move anything into a
“square” that you've already cleaned. Just think – if you did a while
room this way and all you did was move the mess from square to square
you would still end up with 99 clean square feet and one messy one! <br />
<br />
- Get
the children involved with cleaning, no matter how old they are. Even
our barely-two year old helps to empty the dishwasher. If you're feeling really
motivated, make a chore chart and have a rewards system for the
children completing their weekly chores. I like to have chores that they
MUST do and “extra” chores that they can choose to do and get paid for.
<br />
<br />
- I'm big on lists, so it helps me to make a list of the tasks that I
need to complete for the day (sometimes I do this the night before,
sometimes early in the morning, and sometimes in the middle of the day
if I've forgotten!). I often even “schedule” my day in 15 minute blocks.
I don't always follow it exactly, but it gives me a good guideline. <br />
<br />
- Try
to have meals ready in the freezer. If you don't have a whole day or
weekend to cook up enough meals for a month (seriously, how do people
take a whole weekend off to cook?) you can make double or triple batches
of your supper and freeze the extra servings. <br />
<br />
- Have some ideas for
very quick healthy meals that you can fall back on when you feel like
you want to order take-out. For me, it's things like “Lemon Dill Baked
Fish with Curried Rice and Steamed Veggies” or “Pasta in Red Sauce with
Chickpeas and Vegetables” (less than 5 minutes of prep). When I feel
like ordering take-out, I remind myself that I can make a cheaper,
healthier meal in almost as little time as it would take me to call and
order food! <br />
<br />
- Find a school organization system that works for you. I
think, for most people, workboxes are best. Here is a post from my blog
that shows how we have used them - <a href="http://teachcooklove.blogspot.ca/2011/01/workbox-wrap-up.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://teachcooklove.blogspot.ca/2011/01/workbox-wrap-up.html</a>.<br />
<br />
- Vary
learning methods to keep your kids engaged and well-rounded. We do
activities outside of the house (dance, gymnastics, skating, etc.), in
home group activities (science class, music and movement, drama, etc.),
computer activities (I have a HUGE list of resources that our kids
love), hands on learning activities, and traditional book work. <br />
<br />
- When
it comes to working (photography, glass work, writing, art), I try to do almost all of my work activities after
the children are in bed or, occasionally, when they have another family
member to watch them.<br />
<br />
This isn't an exhaustive list but I do find all of the above helpful in my day-to-day routine. <br />
<br />
I
have many resources that we love (some free and some not) that I will try to share. If you let me know in the comments what subject you are interested in
covering from the following, I'll try to base my upcoming post on that:<br />
Art<br />
Bible<br />
Character Study<br />
Language Arts<br />
Science<br />
Math<br />
Drama<br />
Geography<br />
History<br />
Foreign Language<br />
Music<br />
<br />
I
also do a science class each week and will share some of our resources as we go along. We'll also be doing woodworking workshops, sensory playdates, and a "Let's Create" class
(combining drama, music, dance, and art) after March break.<br />
<br />
I'm sure this is
just touching on the basics – if you have any specific questions, feel
free to ask and I will answer to the best of my ability and/or find
someone who can.<br />
<br />
So, there you have it - the very basics! Hopefully today will be the jumping-off point for more regular blogging. Happy reading! teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-54309264405210678082012-02-01T06:17:00.000-08:002012-02-01T06:17:26.875-08:00I'm Baaaack...with Middle Eastern Recipes!Wow! Apparently Miss Rosalee is a blog-blocker; I haven't made a single post since she came home! In fact, I bribing her with a cookie just so I can write this! Well, here I am, still alive and well, and expecting <i>another</i> baby! I really have to change my avatar - we're missing a couple of family members...<br />
<br />
So, I'm here to post a few recipes from last night's supper, at a friend's request. the menu was baked falafel, cucumber and tomato salad, middle eastern potato salad, and cumin raisin couscous. Now, anyone who has come across my recipes before will have seen my disclaimer; *I DON'T MEASURE!* - there, you are warned. I typically get my list of ingredients my looking at several recipes and adding whatever else I think would work and then putting it all together in the amounts that seem to taste right. I will, however, take a good guess at what I used:<br />
<br />
The falafel is easy - I used this recipe from <a href="http://taste-for-adventure.tablespoon.com/2011/07/29/baked-falafel/" target="_blank">Taste for Adventure:</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://taste-for-adventure.tablespoon.com/2011/07/29/baked-falafel/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQJ1N92Mr5rzrmWnYifgzSifABvjw-MuUUauJ_G83Zz6hvUxmED8si3t8O_IIdhYvFdOD1xz1OFsLzeXvlPlYe_ehuLMXam9lT2UimCh2o2pqQ_CNo58s8MyyAdYdApQrSDumx_4g0iQ/s320/2011-07-29-bakedfalafel-586x322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Now, of course, I didn't actually <i>measure</i> to make sure I had the same amounts as the recipe, but it was somewhere in the ballpark and it was DELICIOUS! To go with the falafel (which we ate as patties instead of in a pita) I made this sauce:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Garlic Tahini Sauce</b></i><br />
<br />
<i>1/2 C tahini</i><br />
<i>1/2 C water </i><br />
<i>3 tbsp lemon juice (I </i><i>really like tangy, so you might want to adjust for taste)</i><br />
<i>1 tbsp minced garlic </i><br />
<i>Salt - to taste (we don't use much salt in things - other people might want more)</i><br />
<br />
<i>Combine all ingredients and whisk together. </i><br />
<br />
As sides we had:<br />
<br />
<b><i>Tomato and Cucumber Salad</i></b><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i> 2 large tomatoes, diced</i><br />
<i>1 large cucumber, diced</i><br />
<i>1/2 bunch green onions, chopped </i><br />
<i>2 tbsp oil (you can use EVOO, but I used flax seed oil)</i><br />
<i>2 tbsp lemon juice</i><br />
<i>2 tbsp minced garlic</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp salt (or less)</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp pepper</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><b>Mediterranean Potato Salad</b> (OMG, this was so good!!!!)</i><br />
<br />
<i>5-6 medium red potatoes, cubed and boiled (you could use any kind - the red's just looked pretty!!)</i><br />
<i>1 bunch green onion, chopped </i><br />
<i>3/4 C garlic tahini sauce</i><br />
<i>1/2 tbsp cumin</i> <br />
<i>1/2 tbsp coriander</i><i>1/2 tsp black pepper</i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp mint </i><br />
<i>1/2 tsp red pepper flakes</i> <br />
<i>Salt, to taste</i><br />
<i>*Note* These spice measurements are truly an approximation. Just play with it until it tastes right! </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<b><i>Cumin and Raisin Couscous</i></b><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>2 C couscous, cooked</i><br />
<i>3 tbsp lemon juice</i><br />
<i>1 1/4 tsp cumin</i><br />
<i>Pinch salt</i><br />
<br />
Unfortunately, none of the food lasted long enough for me to take photos of it, so I will update with photos next time we make it!<br />
<br />
As an important side note, leftover Cucumber and Tomato Salad and Cumin Raisin Couscous = YUM!<br />
<br />
As a bonus, I also made Chocolate Brownie "Larabars" yesterday (though I made them into little balls for the girls). They were FABULOUS, though you will need a vita-mix (or maybe a really good food processor) to make them. I just made mine up, but <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/08/12/hot-fudge-brownie-larabars/" target="_blank">Chocolate Covered Katie</a> has a <i>very</i> similar recipe that you can check out <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/08/12/hot-fudge-brownie-larabars/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra0RGRiGC_Tqhps5D_AUBAQ2kWsx-acSdWiH0T_rhiJQ_C8QSMJ5LHfgXmRfOo4hjwIwTAeEi3i4s4CI4rU-Ig7cLL0NukVM3oL7sC9g1Q-yFLjhDQSX3ExzBmvCgQuPGKjs6XyGmOTY/s1600/homemade-larabars_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra0RGRiGC_Tqhps5D_AUBAQ2kWsx-acSdWiH0T_rhiJQ_C8QSMJ5LHfgXmRfOo4hjwIwTAeEi3i4s4CI4rU-Ig7cLL0NukVM3oL7sC9g1Q-yFLjhDQSX3ExzBmvCgQuPGKjs6XyGmOTY/s320/homemade-larabars_thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy your Middle Eastern menu (and special treat)- we sure did! <br />
<a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/08/12/hot-fudge-brownie-larabars/" target="_blank"></a>teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-45045210916059144912011-03-02T09:20:00.000-08:002011-03-02T09:20:13.220-08:00Welcome Home Baby!! (and a freebie!)Hello everyone!<br />
<br />
Sorry for the extended absence, but there is good news...Baby Rosalee is happily with us at home!<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, February 23rd, I woke up at 5:30 with a contraction. I continued to do so every ten minutes until I finally gave in and got out of bed at 8:00. I was positive that it was "Baby Day"!<br />
<br />
I called hubby to warn him that he might expect a call to come home sometime through the day. Luckily, that gave him enough time to prepare for someone to cover his classes, but I didn't have to make him skip out! I worked through contractions getting steadily closer and stronger until 7:00pm when we finally got our things together and headed for the hospital.<br />
<br />
After only 4 hours at the hospital (compared to 40 with the first and 14 with the second) we had a sweet little baby girl with us!! At 8lb15 and 53cm, she was right between the sizes of her two sisters at birth.<br />
<br />
We were fortunate enough to get a fantastic doctor who, being from Egypt and working at a VERY busy hospital, had delivered over 20,000 babies. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zNCKOLDryWQcvLStt1-cXQ9Ahz7bf5nxp9gc6GdWg4vwPgQmFh71j6cSCNgV2o9NRwD-FI-yNJ_F42hBwK7qmt_AqA79mlf-dvWHRUVkJtSLROlX0EXAa7Y-o78oHHexar6sgTNQ_9U/s1600/P2240498.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zNCKOLDryWQcvLStt1-cXQ9Ahz7bf5nxp9gc6GdWg4vwPgQmFh71j6cSCNgV2o9NRwD-FI-yNJ_F42hBwK7qmt_AqA79mlf-dvWHRUVkJtSLROlX0EXAa7Y-o78oHHexar6sgTNQ_9U/s320/P2240498.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnmZBSlb_ES7LytrrqxRiNaNn1HS61L-79Q1U4xxc2FCiAPkHsTZ1BhpxXYE7O6imJVtDiv-a0oKR2pApjoMo9nyFDppX0KEuMa4IFR33ImVyGMAGFvQEfwiVMkMKNIVuCXCtDFmo3e0/s1600/P2250507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnmZBSlb_ES7LytrrqxRiNaNn1HS61L-79Q1U4xxc2FCiAPkHsTZ1BhpxXYE7O6imJVtDiv-a0oKR2pApjoMo9nyFDppX0KEuMa4IFR33ImVyGMAGFvQEfwiVMkMKNIVuCXCtDFmo3e0/s320/P2250507.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zNCKOLDryWQcvLStt1-cXQ9Ahz7bf5nxp9gc6GdWg4vwPgQmFh71j6cSCNgV2o9NRwD-FI-yNJ_F42hBwK7qmt_AqA79mlf-dvWHRUVkJtSLROlX0EXAa7Y-o78oHHexar6sgTNQ_9U/s1600/P2240498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_T1NWsDFlxIJZW4FNdo0bQPjDIJwEa1fxedNZNKxHmQXy7tnB2I1ttvYLbIZFOtWhxfdR1_H05TmXo-a1TOFUoZmDh4FaCMV49TfOWj5tCrz7Rdw64VR3v0F870sON-a3sqhpPYCn9so/s1600/P2250515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_T1NWsDFlxIJZW4FNdo0bQPjDIJwEa1fxedNZNKxHmQXy7tnB2I1ttvYLbIZFOtWhxfdR1_H05TmXo-a1TOFUoZmDh4FaCMV49TfOWj5tCrz7Rdw64VR3v0F870sON-a3sqhpPYCn9so/s320/P2250515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5IMzmiUBuD9MGH_csmbLYK6_sJ2gSMCYFT4pqGJKUo9e7KU0LdzbZ2Iec3oUNJ3CfEW0pKDXNUeSlygxRFUG8Smdp1RQY_flMYP5RVtaHh-hrBG2Qv52lKg5UAB6I_0TLOvDeBXslJs/s1600/P2250530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5IMzmiUBuD9MGH_csmbLYK6_sJ2gSMCYFT4pqGJKUo9e7KU0LdzbZ2Iec3oUNJ3CfEW0pKDXNUeSlygxRFUG8Smdp1RQY_flMYP5RVtaHh-hrBG2Qv52lKg5UAB6I_0TLOvDeBXslJs/s320/P2250530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We had a good stay in the hospital with no complications, no recovery pain, and a visit from big sister (other big sis had a cold and stayed home). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVhGN_fE6EERC0Pr0XL83YQeShigRnuc5Uzj3QsrELzhC5bmmUZzJ5SBMM8DWyY9xKEL2DKf9scirE76wOKOIPI1THXj92Oy3268TXx5wwuVxWMMyZgvEvE7eRuESWOctgHmxu3gPPuo/s1600/P2250543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVhGN_fE6EERC0Pr0XL83YQeShigRnuc5Uzj3QsrELzhC5bmmUZzJ5SBMM8DWyY9xKEL2DKf9scirE76wOKOIPI1THXj92Oy3268TXx5wwuVxWMMyZgvEvE7eRuESWOctgHmxu3gPPuo/s320/P2250543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So now, as a thank you for reading about our newest addition, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">here</a> is the printable I made while in labour! It's a set of ABC exercise cards/Dramatic play cards. Very exciting! Open them up and you'll see what I mean...teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-2849743624777449082011-02-08T18:10:00.000-08:002011-02-08T18:10:22.872-08:00Mommy to the Rescue!To Whom it May Concern:<br />
<br />
I am not indestructible. I am not Super Woman. I don't get nearly as much done in any given day as I would like to. I'm now almost 38weeks pregnant and at almost any given moment I can barely keep my eyes open.<br />
<br />
But there is good news...<br />
<br />
MY MOMMY COMES SOON!!!<br />
<br />
Yes, that's right, my mother comes on the 16th to rescue me from my crazy tiredness! Nanna to the rescue. I couldn't be luckier. I have such an awesome Mommy. She is coming on the 16th and staying for several weeks while we have the baby and get through the first little while.<br />
<br />
Thanks, Mommy! <br />
<br />
On another note, all of this being insanely tired has got me thinking again about how I can be more organized. See, my problem is that I'm REALLY good at planning - not always so good at execution. That has been getting better, but there is still room for improvement. The other problem is that I often try to take on too much at once, so my new plan, which I have been implementing slowly, is to add one or two things at a time.<br />
<br />
Here are some of my future plans to keep the house running smoothly and as we would like it:<br />
<br />
1) Stick to my routine of doing our calender time and workboxes each day.<br />
<br />
2) Continue doing my learning goals for the girls.<br />
<br />
3) Have a system by which hubby and I do other fun things together in the evenings besides "watch TV" and "watch more TV".<br />
<br />
4) Get some music organized so we have a variety of music to listen to throughout the day (Christian, world music, classical, etc.).<br />
<br />
5) Start doing "Once-A-Month-Cooking". Seriously. No matter how hard I try to plan my menus, I fail terribly at sticking to them. I think that taking one day out of my month each month would be MUCH more convenient. I mean, really...how would I even be able to cook a meal every night with three under 30 months?!<br />
<br />
I'm sure there are LOTS more things I could be doing, but those are the ones that pop into my mind right away.<br />
<br />
So, what are some things that you do to stay organized and on top of things?teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-4585142098527735502011-01-31T22:06:00.000-08:002011-01-31T22:06:31.145-08:00Workbox Wrap-up!This post is a little late, but better late than never!!<br />
<br />
As previously mentioned, we started workboxes last Monday. It was such a great success that I wish we would have had them for the first week of our Polar Regions unit as well!! We got SO much accomplished in one week and I am please to announce that we reach almost every one of our 68 learning goals for a two week period (the ones we didn't were my fault for just not introducing them.<br />
<br />
For anyone who doesn't know what workboxes are, it's basically a homeschool organization tool by which you place 12 activities in boxes each day and that's your day's school work. It keeps things on track, helps you to vary the content, and helps the student visually see the end nearing. There's a lot more to it, I'm sure, but there it is in a nutshell. So...here is a peek into our workbox week:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_zFUYLdPUTmAYS4V390LLKdHYZc1IP7H5hDizxTzEgx11Xahwpd71qPRy3W0ST9jfpAgnyfxFUN1prNwQpwld-OaxSkqmnXS8sUPa4FAg2GjGHAtwsrgvXemYc4UFlN1AQ7qXf_2EiI/s1600/P1250329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_zFUYLdPUTmAYS4V390LLKdHYZc1IP7H5hDizxTzEgx11Xahwpd71qPRy3W0ST9jfpAgnyfxFUN1prNwQpwld-OaxSkqmnXS8sUPa4FAg2GjGHAtwsrgvXemYc4UFlN1AQ7qXf_2EiI/s320/P1250329.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLWYwivFSyLxfMPIBuBDgbkxoOOK22P6HgA8Cv9Hy2-ZoDLMKSy_9TNoEdxqbuEpDytrkwdLEXUzV70aCaODCBJ8ZexH0azzX8f5Xg9lCUD133IwX52Snvv56u0Y3gI9eFrCgBuLdHPo/s1600/P1240298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLWYwivFSyLxfMPIBuBDgbkxoOOK22P6HgA8Cv9Hy2-ZoDLMKSy_9TNoEdxqbuEpDytrkwdLEXUzV70aCaODCBJ8ZexH0azzX8f5Xg9lCUD133IwX52Snvv56u0Y3gI9eFrCgBuLdHPo/s320/P1240298.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Here are two of our days worth of workboxes. Just to give you an idea of what a day looks like, day 1 had:<br />
<br />
- Coloured Paper Camoflauge game<br />
- Arctic/Antarctic animal flashcards<br />
- World Geography cards (for use with the large wall map)<br />
- Bears on a Balance activity<br />
- Sorting Bags<br />
- "at" family initial sound matching game<br />
- "The Caterpillar" poem basket<br />
- Arctic Animal sight word game<br />
- Chinese and French picture books<br />
- Artist of the Week Painting Flashcards<br />
- Candyland<br />
- Stamping with Samll Stampers and Inkpad<br />
<br />
And here are some random snippits from the week's activities:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghU3euaNgK_-Ocz2RZKk_tz5yrLzwZfWeTmc3YSelijTvh58w5c_Pv0mqkXSX1WlvzUm2N-Ny7wDI6l0zYtAGYoEiBQ8D5f3IIYwjO0tiX9W1YwultNgFpkRWpnUcP4EK0uqZ8FjESnxw/s1600/P1240296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghU3euaNgK_-Ocz2RZKk_tz5yrLzwZfWeTmc3YSelijTvh58w5c_Pv0mqkXSX1WlvzUm2N-Ny7wDI6l0zYtAGYoEiBQ8D5f3IIYwjO0tiX9W1YwultNgFpkRWpnUcP4EK0uqZ8FjESnxw/s320/P1240296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lily sorting seashells by type of shell. We also sorted bears by size, animals by species, toys by color, etc.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgk0_HozEKDAeL_AL_kZFRaMVNspExU_Jg4fWhlr1mmIier6HvfkmfvY_7f3ldPajpyaZdfKVLY66kLC8RmhZ4-K_zg_GWHk-Bjk1RYtJp2Irg_bxzvDhH-nDJMhYiEiCChxVrGXn_mkk/s1600/P1240311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgk0_HozEKDAeL_AL_kZFRaMVNspExU_Jg4fWhlr1mmIier6HvfkmfvY_7f3ldPajpyaZdfKVLY66kLC8RmhZ4-K_zg_GWHk-Bjk1RYtJp2Irg_bxzvDhH-nDJMhYiEiCChxVrGXn_mkk/s320/P1240311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> You can't see it well here, but this is Lily doing her camouflage activity. I cut out animals from various colours of paper and Lily matched them to the place the would camouflage best after a discussion on what camouflage is.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG1tLXzzVUDu_VF1gZj6b6OBp0aQ2saRMBZJPoF7J51ZLRNAQWpG1-fcg_hv5U8dX5_j_ryIB7CkDk5D4NPOBL0lr09dJXAbCywMgdxoc2rjpdTCVyjmwamF2U8x7NqXE28faBSsKaRk/s1600/P1250315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG1tLXzzVUDu_VF1gZj6b6OBp0aQ2saRMBZJPoF7J51ZLRNAQWpG1-fcg_hv5U8dX5_j_ryIB7CkDk5D4NPOBL0lr09dJXAbCywMgdxoc2rjpdTCVyjmwamF2U8x7NqXE28faBSsKaRk/s320/P1250315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lily doing her Canadian map puzzle. I got this at the Dollarama and I swear it's the best two bucks ever spent!! She LOVES it and will do it many times in a row!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFOMdqvTFcmEO8ob1-Q4nDfSZSgdzMLWhwmwVh2djGdNqnSNQuuqfu6IchVT1zzzPYUfmcGzJKBPRfdQgFF_IFGAo6DC-ZQKDu8au5i5GPNEXvsIqABH8WsIVc7Rw-ZaUkGHkQhdj6I4/s1600/P1240310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFOMdqvTFcmEO8ob1-Q4nDfSZSgdzMLWhwmwVh2djGdNqnSNQuuqfu6IchVT1zzzPYUfmcGzJKBPRfdQgFF_IFGAo6DC-ZQKDu8au5i5GPNEXvsIqABH8WsIVc7Rw-ZaUkGHkQhdj6I4/s320/P1240310.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Violet playing with the worms she scoffed from Lily's sensory bin. Why worms? We haven't changed our bin since Halloween!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiL25_krnWJ2h_RIlNB179aEM7TLwRabEpqPmzhpHqTagzpH2MJj4Oy9ojoHPIBFy0AAWsiqzReqQJI9SQcXaVW6FgVJ0JqP500ONHVbKrW2vcbpRGklovWSLWKcwOSPS4VdGOLzrFi8/s1600/P1180275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiL25_krnWJ2h_RIlNB179aEM7TLwRabEpqPmzhpHqTagzpH2MJj4Oy9ojoHPIBFy0AAWsiqzReqQJI9SQcXaVW6FgVJ0JqP500ONHVbKrW2vcbpRGklovWSLWKcwOSPS4VdGOLzrFi8/s320/P1180275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Violet entertaining us with a little guitar music while we work.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjR0a_74B6bv7YcpKYxlG2io47MnZBNKYhs5BmYs4X2UKSp4lcW5GiLANewcTZRjZdr8bwqX5AoD6c8mLEZ0hBMWiR8bfUpaUaDUfBNHLT8do3IbFcTSlpzws3d7zAQO44i7mf0BRCpA/s1600/P1270341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjR0a_74B6bv7YcpKYxlG2io47MnZBNKYhs5BmYs4X2UKSp4lcW5GiLANewcTZRjZdr8bwqX5AoD6c8mLEZ0hBMWiR8bfUpaUaDUfBNHLT8do3IbFcTSlpzws3d7zAQO44i7mf0BRCpA/s320/P1270341.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lily doing her "The Caterpillar" poetry basket. I got this idea from <a href="http://countingcoconuts.blogspot.com/">Counting Coconuts.</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBKAjDNmMEuxGFv71JWDwhYtlfHUgn0teBchjxigkNeo7V5M925pydTzEsItEZ0E88lURz851V706VN6rjq44miU7OgOtJdZEH9C107K-ZdSJeAFUmWQoopZ8j9GCzeP_7KgXCYBxU68/s1600/P1270339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBKAjDNmMEuxGFv71JWDwhYtlfHUgn0teBchjxigkNeo7V5M925pydTzEsItEZ0E88lURz851V706VN6rjq44miU7OgOtJdZEH9C107K-ZdSJeAFUmWQoopZ8j9GCzeP_7KgXCYBxU68/s320/P1270339.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lily learning to collage with scrap paper. This was actually an improptu activity after doing an activity from her "I Can Paste!" book. She wanted more and I just couldn't say no! Look how intense she looks!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTg5VsCA3KIJ8abvRoVfag0VgjtUQtC1M3WvfmWiv5i3atjJpZ2KOadm93JPVm0mtZ1F1NsucCyOA1SgQghYTtPFRDc6galFDdpuj4rkcYd5Dlh4hGD-b8TZTpl5gH-Dhf4pMu8RntJAY/s1600/P1270342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTg5VsCA3KIJ8abvRoVfag0VgjtUQtC1M3WvfmWiv5i3atjJpZ2KOadm93JPVm0mtZ1F1NsucCyOA1SgQghYTtPFRDc6galFDdpuj4rkcYd5Dlh4hGD-b8TZTpl5gH-Dhf4pMu8RntJAY/s320/P1270342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Doing balancing/Weight prediction activities with Daddy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There were LOTS more activities during the week, but I don't intend to make a mile long post every week. Some of our other favourites, however, were:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Camoflauge I Spy: </b>I made an all white scene with all white animals hiding in at an laminated it. Lily then had to find the hiding animals. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Fabric Strip Sequencing</b>: I made various lengths of cut scrap fleece and Lily sequence them by length. She was obsessed with this. She wanted to do it every day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">- <b>Secondary Colours Experiement: </b>We mixed together the primary colours to get the secondary colours. Great fun! Especially painting with the coloured water on coffee filters afterwards!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, that was our week! This week we're on to birds and we have lots of fun things in our boxes!! Do you have workboxes too? What fun activities are in your boxes this week??</div>teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-35131172309643474762011-01-31T21:33:00.000-08:002011-01-31T21:33:55.708-08:00Does "Beans and Wieners" Count?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBqtmm4UffThxy0sq2KyiGPRqcc78y3H6NvPdRhUH-D9_LizV0cwSitk_LV6FWGamvQhMXZE9MQN2l9tVDqpZV2ozd-Ts4F-ORQX80Yp38jbN87TnyHbGKAbPUNyuWWRVCr7_FmugkWY/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Yet another edition of Menu Plan Monday!!! (though wait, it's technically Tuesday by a few minutes...I'll just pretend I'm in Alberta...Anywho...<br />
<br />
Last week turned out really well. Where I do have to admit that I made some substitutions based on how I was feeling that particular day, having a menu in place actually help ensure that there was a meal on the table everyday. Well, except that day that we had corndogs for dinner. I can't, in good conscience, call that a meal. But we just won't talk about that, k? Oh, and then there were the "Beans and Weiners" that I laced with ten tonnes of veggies. But that was a request from hubby. By the way, I have NEVER made beans and wieners. Ever. It's a miracle it tasted good- I threw everything in there! <br />
<br />
I hope to have similar, or even greater, success with the menu plan this week, so here's my plan:<br />
<br />
Monday: Leftover Spaghetti<br />
Tuesday: <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/cajun-jambalaya-recipe2/index.html">Jambalaya</a> (This recipe isn't exactly how I make it, but still extremely delicious!)<br />
Wednesday: Baked Ham, Mixed Vegetables, and Extremely-Mushroom-Heavy Scalloped Potatoes (mushrooms were on sale and Lily LOVES them)<br />
Thursday: Thai Peanut Chicken<br />
Friday: Roasted Garlic and Potato Soup and Tomato Avocado Sandwiches with Vegan Mayo <br />
Saturday: Leftovers<br />
Sunday: Veggie Burgers<br />
<br />
As you can see, I was still not brave enough to add in lunches and breakfast. Maybe someday. Maybe.teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-64185341264178883582011-01-30T21:56:00.000-08:002011-01-30T21:57:44.737-08:00Excuses, Excuses...I feel terrible for not posting more often. I know I shouldn't - this definitely shouldn't be anywhere near the top of my priority list (sorry guys) - but I do. I feel bad. I know there are people watching for post and I'm not making them. It makes me a little sad. I have excuses...babies, pregnancy, husband, school, cleaning...but really, what's 30 minutes a day to post? So, I guess I'm going to try to make a blogging schedule much like I schedule everything else!<br />
<br />
This is my proposed plan:<br />
<br />
Monday - Menu Plan Monday<br />
Wednesday - What's in the Workbox Wednesday<br />
Weekend - Weekly Review<br />
<br />
...and whatever else I happen to post. Maybe this will work, maybe not.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, you'll find my learning goals for both girls for tis week <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">here</a>. I really felt like Violet was getting the short end of the stick, so I made some for her too!<br />
<br />
I'm going to try really hard tomorrow (or sometime in the near future...) to make a post about our Arctic Unit and the success of our workboxes. Stay tuned!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-65907882780449599982011-01-26T09:01:00.000-08:002011-01-26T09:01:11.791-08:00Evil Tot Schoolers...As you can see from the majority of the content here at Teach Cook Love, I am really big on "homeschooling" my children. Now, my girls are only 25 months old, 11.5 months old, and not-quite-yet- born. This doesn't stop me. Not at all! In fact this is the best time to teach our little ones. Their tiny little brains are like sponges! AND it gives us the opportunity to show them that learning can be fun!<br />
<br />
So, where am I going with this? I tend to blog about my activities with the girs as well as make regular Facebook posts about our time together, so my views on early learning are certainly no secret.Well, recently I had a very well meaning friend of the family take it upon herself to send me a message about the dangers of my practices. Now, if this was someone with whom I had a long-standing "Facebook Relationship" by which she posted to say things like "Happy Birthday to the girls!" or "Congrats on the pregnancy!" I would not mind. This however, was not the case. She had, in fact, NEVER said ANYTHING to me on Facebook before! This is what she decided would be our first FB correspondence:<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i> "...i know you mean well but they are just babies and are only little children once. both you and they should just enjoy their childhood."</i><br />
<br />
I tried to write back to her saying,<br />
<br />
<i>"Hi *****! We only do learning activities when it's fun<br />
Violet cries when I stop and says, "More! More""<br />
Don't worry, I'm not a total nutcase drilling them so they can be geniuses."</i><br />
<br />
She, of course, did not want to have an ACTUAL conversation about it, so she disappeared. I then updated my status to read:<br />
<br />
<i>...wants to clarify for all of those people who think I'm a nutter stealing my children's childhood by teaching them - it's all play for us! We stop when they are not interested, but normally they BEG for more. Violet cries when I try to stop, Lily yells, "Wanna learn more, Mom!" Rest assured, I am not tying them down and propping their eyes open with toothpicks while I show them flashcards! </i><br />
<br />
Maybe it was petty, but it made me feel better!<br />
<br />
Seriously, people, what could you even DO with a young child that was not educational?? I can't even imagine how that would be possible. Seriously, please do tell. Enlighten me!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-4047542312862793172011-01-24T11:38:00.000-08:002011-01-24T11:38:06.644-08:00Menu Plan Monday - and FOLLOWERS!Well first let me say that I am extremely excited to enter my blog today and see that my very tiny following is growing! YIPPEE! I still stand by my promise that as soon as I reach 25 followers I will host a giveaway so keep watch!<br />
<br />
As most of you know, I LOVE to cook. Somehow though with the children, preparing things for homeschool, spending time with hubby, and being tired and pregnant, we still manage to somehow order take-out far more than I am confortable with. Okay, it's really less than once a week but that is WAY too often for me. I though that, to combat this craziness, I would start menu planning again. I have planned out our meals for the next four weeks (assuming baby #3 doesn't make her arrival before that) but will post them one week at a time. So...here it goes, my first "Menu Plan Monday"!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBqtmm4UffThxy0sq2KyiGPRqcc78y3H6NvPdRhUH-D9_LizV0cwSitk_LV6FWGamvQhMXZE9MQN2l9tVDqpZV2ozd-Ts4F-ORQX80Yp38jbN87TnyHbGKAbPUNyuWWRVCr7_FmugkWY/s1600/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>Monday:</b> Mushroom & White Bean Alfredo<br />
<b>Tuesday:</b> <a href="http://vegandad.blogspot.com/2007/12/tunori-sandwiches.html">Tunori Sandwiches</a> and Mushroom Barley Soup<br />
<b>Wednesday:</b> Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Herb Roasted Potatoes and Carrots<br />
<b>Thursday:</b> Chickpea & Spinach Curry<br />
<b>Friday:</b> Jambalaya <br />
<b>Saturday:</b> Perogies<br />
<b>Sunday: </b>Leftovers<br />
<br />
A few things to note about my menu this week:<br />
<br />
- I haven't gone as far as to plan out breakfast and lunch as well. I may decide to add that in next week if I'm able to stick to my plan this week.<br />
<br />
- You will notice that there are a lot of meatless recipes. We are not vegan, but we do eat vegan or vegetarian meals several times a week.<br />
<br />
- There are very few links to recipes. Unfortunately, I mostly make it up out of my head! I will, however, try to write down some of the better recipes as I go so I can share. <br />
<br />
<br />
As a side note, our schooling efforts are going really well! We started on the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Workbox System</a> this week and it's going very well! More on that later!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-17151342952194153522011-01-17T21:30:00.000-08:002011-01-17T21:30:22.403-08:00An Amazing Day!I have to say, I'm pretty sure your children are capable of more than you think they are. Why do I say that? Because I think my children (and all children, for that matter) are <i>very</i> capable little individuals and they STILL manage to suprise me at least once everyday! Today, of course, was no exception.<br />
<br />
I think the most amazing thing that happened today was in the aftermath of doing a geography lesson with Lily. I <i>finally</i> put our large wall map up at Lily's level (after 4 months of having it sitting in the corner...bad Mommy!). We did our geography lesson in which she pointed out 20 countries. That was impressive enough, but then...<br />
<br />
A couple hours after we had done our lesson Lily went down for a nap. Violet was just waking up from hers, so I went to retreive her from the bedroom. As we passed my the map in the hallway, she began to reach for it. I though, "Why not...?" and held her in front of the map and asked, "Violet, where's Russia?" and SHE SHOWED ME!! I continued to do that with <i>*14* </i>other countries and my <i>11 month old</i> baby knew where all of them were just from watching her sister! Aren't children just amazing!?<br />
<br />
I am in the midst of making country flag cards to use in our geography lessons but, in the meantime, check <a href="http://kids.scintro.com/printables/index3.asp">these </a>ones out:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kids.scintro.com/printables/index3.asp"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuTvBG7gADGMAl0suYaBY7HUoaA_Zqtlm9ksrnJf090WLexo1-YAMQtzpXX1HDxdOSekbEYtspHlNbcbQ2ktxxyr3AAvstzDmUcxuSXTh2Lo4NHFOYTyrPWo3RQfURKV8ghfiKGpe04Y/s1600/count1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Aside from our amazing geography journey, we managed to complete about 10% of our learning goals for the next two weeks in just one day. I'm so excited to say that today was such a success that I think it may keep me motivated to keep up the momentum for the rest of the week!<br />
<br />
So, the moral of today's story is simple - <i>never </i>assume that your child is not capable of doing something! Let them try and the may just surprise you!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-85486564759873147572011-01-16T20:59:00.000-08:002011-01-16T20:59:03.982-08:00I'm Back!!! With Learning Goals!!Wow...June? Really? I'm such a slacker. But now I'm back with a renewed vigour! Maybe you should ask me if I still feel that way in a few weeks when I have THREE babies under 26 months...<br />
<br />
The two we already have are sure getting big!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tRMo-LWBVItpuaF6jhcynRvA1kaByYdwmcLBDmZA_5moQwVZVmg4H6scTvGB6GZSKPID1tWzfvqGhEdwCYwZ7AzfWsYb5fh408QqEswsR5gfOUlWxd0vsSkkh74uobvNnCdXW620ww4/s1600/166341_10150367663010082_629195081_16592014_271126_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tRMo-LWBVItpuaF6jhcynRvA1kaByYdwmcLBDmZA_5moQwVZVmg4H6scTvGB6GZSKPID1tWzfvqGhEdwCYwZ7AzfWsYb5fh408QqEswsR5gfOUlWxd0vsSkkh74uobvNnCdXW620ww4/s320/166341_10150367663010082_629195081_16592014_271126_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhDTO0_VZybKXi-tr_0TMrlSYoJv7cnN_kJIfyVdSVLV-nNKv4mzaQ-e24Np4inyJ9tNaXTfPb1YxaIbxyTFuZ653x7ekhwdU9q7A8G-AI3cyRjs2NkfWbz0WGgS2vbNwNdHQzvZPWl0/s1600/166417_10150365547875082_629195081_16541772_2132897_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhDTO0_VZybKXi-tr_0TMrlSYoJv7cnN_kJIfyVdSVLV-nNKv4mzaQ-e24Np4inyJ9tNaXTfPb1YxaIbxyTFuZ653x7ekhwdU9q7A8G-AI3cyRjs2NkfWbz0WGgS2vbNwNdHQzvZPWl0/s320/166417_10150365547875082_629195081_16541772_2132897_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Anyways, I am really trying to be deliberate and organized with my homeschooling, especially for Lily. In an attempt to accomplish all of the things that I would like to in a given time span, I have decided to make two week lists of learning goals. <br />
<br />
So, here is our list of goals for this week and next:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Science</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Understands how polar bears keep warm</div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can identify/name basic Arctic animals</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can identify/name basic Antarctic animals</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can sort Arctic and Antarctic animals</div></li>
</ul><ul><li value="1"><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Understands what camouflage is</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Is familiar with how several Arctic/Antarctic animals camouflage</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Knows at least one fact about each Arctic/Antarctic animal studied</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Geography</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can locate Antarctica on a map</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can locate the Arctic circle on a map</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can locate 25 countries on the world map</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can locate all Canadian Provinces on Canada map</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Is familiar with appearance/homes of Arctic peoples</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Math</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can identify the widest/wider/narrowest/narrower of a pair or group</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can sequence narrowest to widest</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can identify the thickest/thicker/thinnest/thinner of a pair or group</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can sequence thinnest to thickest </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can predict which of two objects will be heavier or lighter</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can choose the group of items with more/less/most/least</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Language Arts</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can recite “The Caterpillar” by Christina G Rosseti</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can define “noun”</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can define common nouns, sister, brother, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, and cousin.</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can identify the letter (the capital) that makes a noun a “proper noun”</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can read 20 sight words</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can say the sounds made by the letters b, c, f, h, m, p, r, s, and v.</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can read all cvc “at” family words (bat, cat, fat, hat, mat, pat, rat, sat, vat)</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Foreign Language</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can say the Chinese word for “cold”</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can say the French word for “cold”</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can name 5 objects in Chinese</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can name 5 objects in French</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can sing one French song</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can sing on Chinese song</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can sign “cold” in ASL</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Does the ASL actions to “Humpty Dumpty” (wall, fall, horses, men, together, again)</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Bible</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can name the first man and woman God created</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can name where the first man and woman lived</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can tell why Adam and Eve had to leave Eden</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can tell who told Eve to eat the apple</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can recite Genesis 1:1</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can recite James 1:17</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Says evening prayer alone at least one time</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Music Theory/History/Appreciation</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can tap one simple rhythm</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can choose between a C and F when hearing the notes played</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can identify portraits of Beethoven and Bach</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can choose composers portrait (between Beethoven and Bach) based on recited facts </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Is familiar with the music of Beethoven</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Is familiar with “throat singing”</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Performing Arts</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can perform three basic tap dance steps</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can perform the basic Cha Cha step</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can play one guitar chord (Em?) while holding guitar in proper position</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Art</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Is familiar with the works of Van Gogh</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can name at least three Van Gogh works</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can identify Van Gogh From a portrait</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Knows at least three facts about Van Gogh</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Knows what secondary colours combined primary colours make</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Phys. Ed. </div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can do three yoga positions when named</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can play one game on the Zippity</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Misc.</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can play a basic mouse control game</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Can differentiate between left and right</div></li>
</ul><br />
Wish us luck! I'm sure we will need it! teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-26057470880094940212010-06-28T14:12:00.000-07:002010-06-28T14:12:12.420-07:00Educational Bath Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I like to think that every moment of the day has the potential to be educational. I also happen to think that paying $20+ for foam toys to play with in the bathtub is a little insane. My solution? DOLLARAMA! (Isn't it always?)<br />
<br />
So, today, as Little L sat in the bathtub, I found myself thinking, "What a wasted opportunity to learn!" Out came my dollar store bought outdoor placemats for some tub-sticking bath shapes:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAIjAw1qq8Vc57mFP1CmUTIX9DLkFPQF7GNSPbVABvJ7x6duSCAq1w0bAumu8rYywKv1WwXa6y8NzCgPUad83cyYqV6yC1XvwCq_a1oDbee__VN6Fb3pzDglI_0wxl0cYNMNjcP9NndY/s1600/sarah+blog+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAIjAw1qq8Vc57mFP1CmUTIX9DLkFPQF7GNSPbVABvJ7x6duSCAq1w0bAumu8rYywKv1WwXa6y8NzCgPUad83cyYqV6yC1XvwCq_a1oDbee__VN6Fb3pzDglI_0wxl0cYNMNjcP9NndY/s320/sarah+blog+017.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<b>What You Need</b>:<br />
<br />
- Outdoor placemat or shelf liner (see above)<br />
- Scissors<br />
(Yup...that's it!)<br />
<br />
<b>What You Do:</b><br />
<br />
1) Cut the placemat into shapes.<br />
2) Wet and stick to side of tub.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktcwtakq80DFH17E4s2e568NPn3hO_SPGuegRYXqcROMh0EHtVtxEMdir2wtiY42g1z_yAbTZ_X4KHRc6h4UzxgkfdXRp-lRbZWobejnVmelv_TkjNqmNF9lJX1pbwURz_C8Ywje8wlI/s1600/sarah+blog+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktcwtakq80DFH17E4s2e568NPn3hO_SPGuegRYXqcROMh0EHtVtxEMdir2wtiY42g1z_yAbTZ_X4KHRc6h4UzxgkfdXRp-lRbZWobejnVmelv_TkjNqmNF9lJX1pbwURz_C8Ywje8wlI/s320/sarah+blog+014.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I free-handed my shapes, but if you need a good template you can use <a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/us/ms7/shapes-coloring-pages.asp">these</a> coloring pages from Fisher Price.<br />
<br />
Little L had a blast sticking these to the side of the tub, to Nana's leg, to her own tummy. Just be sure to talk about the shapes you're using and, VOILA!, educational bath time!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-58244659167485945822010-06-27T20:30:00.000-07:002010-06-27T20:30:04.556-07:00News and a Giveaway!Well, sorry (once again) for the lack of posts. We were on the road to visit family "Out East" and have arrived safely. I would like to take this opportunity to thank God for my two wonderful little girls who didn't make a peep of complaint on our twenty hour drive. Also, for my fantastic husband who did all of the driving! Speaking of thanking God, on to the good news:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EavHahXI_E9gnR6ZzX-ugcQ4g-IM8TTEgdM8Xpthg1ZQmdgKaocTvEgeiSjEnEWHAuGriCVB2DFGaxXFC2eC8MOERX_FwdtX8zGFvkGKuBgoNScKRykz9Ecq3_Hvgit27phPEAHn0-o/s1600/pregnant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EavHahXI_E9gnR6ZzX-ugcQ4g-IM8TTEgdM8Xpthg1ZQmdgKaocTvEgeiSjEnEWHAuGriCVB2DFGaxXFC2eC8MOERX_FwdtX8zGFvkGKuBgoNScKRykz9Ecq3_Hvgit27phPEAHn0-o/s320/pregnant.jpg" /></a></div><br />
YIPPEE! Baby number three is on the way! At least that explains why I was having trouble staying up past 10:00! I'm not sure just how far along I am, but that could potentially be <i>three </i>just under two. What a blessing and a great adventure!<br />
<br />
Now, as I don't like to post without leaving you with something, <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/milestone-charts-birth-to-age-3">here</a> is my favorite chart of baby milestones from Baby Center - Very comprehensive. I like to print it out and write on the back when they actually achieved each milestone. <br />
<br />
Oh! And I mentioned a giveaway, right? I currently have a very small and sad following soooooo...once I reach 25 followers I am prepared to have an AWESOME giveaway. I won't tell you what it is yet (do I even know?? Maybe not...) but I will tell you that it would be awesome! So...follow me!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-53134159716938615072010-06-20T18:48:00.000-07:002010-06-21T01:54:51.128-07:00FREE Children's Yoga CardsI am so excited about my latest find that I just had to quickly share - ABSOLUTELY FREE yoga cards for children!! You can buy children's yoga decks on Amazon...<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0811836983&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1846861810&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
...but these awesome cards from <a href="http://montessoribyhand.blogspot.com/2007/08/yoga-photos.html">Montessori by Hand</a> are full colour actual photographs with a live child model!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1cdnrf2XbKvru-qeKTeZUmMoonRYtC3MUvyZq2QV2znrWJIy0rLbSoXy-v9TAbTwJSC35V9VKHm6PXmWf09frro6oDk0zWSMPEbgW53JQsaPu4pCGImwILFkwhuIHLOK7NtXzNxZtj8/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1cdnrf2XbKvru-qeKTeZUmMoonRYtC3MUvyZq2QV2znrWJIy0rLbSoXy-v9TAbTwJSC35V9VKHm6PXmWf09frro6oDk0zWSMPEbgW53JQsaPu4pCGImwILFkwhuIHLOK7NtXzNxZtj8/s320/tree.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Meg from <i>Montessori by Hand</i> suggests that you have them printed, mount on <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">cardstock</span>, write the name of the pose beneath the photo and laminate.<br />
<br />
You can check out her post with a link to her photos <a href="http://montessoribyhand.blogspot.com/2007/08/yoga-photos.html">here</a> and her post about how to use them in the classroom <a href="http://montessoribyhand.blogspot.com/2007/06/yoga-in-classroom.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to start this with Little L!!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-23362286889887999232010-06-16T19:29:00.000-07:002010-06-16T19:36:32.831-07:00Flashcard LinksI don't know about you, but we <i>love </i>flash cards around here! Little L started identifying animals and other things from flashcards at 7 months and has learned much of her vocabulary from them ever<br />
since.The first flashcards we used regularly were a generous gift from her Omi:<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0756615151&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0756615186&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0756615178&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have since discovered, however, that there are tons of FREE flashcards available online! Here are some that we've enjoyed:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.learninga-z.com/special/tradingcards/">Animal "trading cards"</a> with great photos and lots of information from <a href="http://www.learninga-z.com/special/tradingcards/">Learning A-Z</a>. These can be used to trade, as flashcards, or to play card games:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2F2XXm98jBi6zVBO5tX0n1fj5Tp2-5Lsa9041TL6jIOnk70S_QcJglsekqGJzrTMuPi77vB5Rn_iO3-s03o0v4TVoh5Qc4iwsTrazOai3EL4I0KSVjCGfd9l-F-n9QPiVe0xWETTXpc/s1600/tradingcard-tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2F2XXm98jBi6zVBO5tX0n1fj5Tp2-5Lsa9041TL6jIOnk70S_QcJglsekqGJzrTMuPi77vB5Rn_iO3-s03o0v4TVoh5Qc4iwsTrazOai3EL4I0KSVjCGfd9l-F-n9QPiVe0xWETTXpc/s320/tradingcard-tiger.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://store.creation.com/common/productpdfs/10-1-530_flashcards.pdf">Insect flashcards</a> that also teach the orders of insects.<br />
<br />
A variety of flashcards from Lesson Sense, many of which are colour photographs:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtkG2BubJEfIyc1HZO0T0GzVbVUF4zvqfL9PYyzTVFjkSvBRDemsRuC78XZetipjMk1DqcyijBx03dP8v4wgTbp5qZWqUf2Mdd2zf5zNUc42qdM0aTb09bWii34mMO417_H3j30KqN0I/s1600/smallflashcardsphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtkG2BubJEfIyc1HZO0T0GzVbVUF4zvqfL9PYyzTVFjkSvBRDemsRuC78XZetipjMk1DqcyijBx03dP8v4wgTbp5qZWqUf2Mdd2zf5zNUc42qdM0aTb09bWii34mMO417_H3j30KqN0I/s320/smallflashcardsphoto.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Feel like learning <a href="http://www.semanda.com/">Chinese</a>? This was really important for us, since Little L was born in China:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17HHnrF46JkVkR84gfsMWWN1lk8UD2EJYdNqUI9Qlo8rMSujR-22UOzcFDazHzFYZfEnaN5hdxLbp5JzyxxUt_kMk4ae8HmM7YeMQ0o239K3ymUNjMG21Ixht3saj9U0NwbtF-L3XTpU/s1600/flashcards.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17HHnrF46JkVkR84gfsMWWN1lk8UD2EJYdNqUI9Qlo8rMSujR-22UOzcFDazHzFYZfEnaN5hdxLbp5JzyxxUt_kMk4ae8HmM7YeMQ0o239K3ymUNjMG21Ixht3saj9U0NwbtF-L3XTpU/s320/flashcards.gif" /></a></div><br />
Montessori <a href="http://www.montessorimaterials.org/Geography/LandFormCards.pdf">landforms cards</a> which will soon be turned into an awesome tactile experience for us!<br />
You can also find lot of other free printable Montessori cards <a href="http://www.montessorimaterials.org/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
We're big on music around here. We practice our rhythms with these <a href="http://laytonmusic.wordpress.com/2007/12/19/rhythm-flashcards/">Rhythm Cards</a> from Layton Music. Take a look around - they also have lots of other great printable games and such!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tnBr5EuSlRw6AvUlgCayPEGrv-KqMFjhPnIanr0XUvXP6KhEGzfQ9GU1iUeX-DAcIFBwaUxWUE3mIPYIkNa7dO4rtk0pSxdxX45ZyAuQvjcndepsxSP6MfHcFvEXh82w5dPrGSlRWq4/s1600/rhythm-cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tnBr5EuSlRw6AvUlgCayPEGrv-KqMFjhPnIanr0XUvXP6KhEGzfQ9GU1iUeX-DAcIFBwaUxWUE3mIPYIkNa7dO4rtk0pSxdxX45ZyAuQvjcndepsxSP6MfHcFvEXh82w5dPrGSlRWq4/s320/rhythm-cards.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So, there you have it - some of my fun finds for our kiddies! Tell me...what are your favorite online printable flashcards?teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-84413172257390379142010-06-14T20:51:00.000-07:002010-06-14T20:51:07.606-07:00ABC Quiet BookOkay, we get a double post today - that is my offering for disappearing for so long...<br />
<br />
I'm making a wonderful, lovely gift for Little L right now. Is it because I'm a awesome, cool Mommy? Not really...it's mostly for self preservation reasons! You see, long car trips and restaurant visits are getting to be a little trying for Little L. I've decided that she needs something to keep her busy in these situations and a nice Mommy-made quite book seemed just the thing.<br />
<br />
In case you have no clue what a Quite book is, here are some great examples from other Mommy bloggers:<br />
<br />
A beautiful and imaginative book by <a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2009/06/finished-quiet-book.html">Homemade By Jill</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKE7dbMW_dfvQ2pf5r7xSYT-bHs88UFpxedjTKGbHCugnZETZzXWgXmszjHn4xNsJB4pJd7bpHqi2WdqcteAw4hEsS-8qr7R6fcNOebfiuISOOg0qSViG6vcXyyWbWz76yRn_2FpTG6Y/s320/IMG_7735.jpg" /></div><br />
Some very cute ideas from <a href="http://jsquaredplusk.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-own-homemade-quiet-book-is-finished.html">J Squared Plus K</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoRUYUHe2IilWV71B7tXmjw5fs78lH5gDvmbOt3Fygr_OQNItFl6268HNnENedjL1EORrR56eVj-0z3mNaHXMaWu-93C3iktxu5NgWEylVjPIetQzDDd9Nqvr38hZEE59Hgcs9ljmgac/s1600/traffic+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoRUYUHe2IilWV71B7tXmjw5fs78lH5gDvmbOt3Fygr_OQNItFl6268HNnENedjL1EORrR56eVj-0z3mNaHXMaWu-93C3iktxu5NgWEylVjPIetQzDDd9Nqvr38hZEE59Hgcs9ljmgac/s320/traffic+watermark.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Of course, you could just buy one:<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000I0BAV0&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But, for me, the fun is all in making it!<br />
<br />
I started with all sorts of nifty ideas and wondered "...how can I do <i>all </i>of these?" and then it hit me - ALPHABET BOOK!!<br />
<br />
Now, I've seen some cloth alphabet books that look really pretty, but don't really <i>do </i>anything. I want this to be a serious keep-the-baby-busy kinda' book, so each page has to be interactive. Based on the things Little L is interested in now, here is what I've come up with:<br />
<br />
A - Africa - A giraffe with removable spots, a "taggie" tactile lion, a lift the flap rock hiding a snake.<br />
B - Bears - Bears holding blocks with a number of dots to be matched to a felt number.<br />
C - Clock - Clock with moving hands, pouch with time cards with times to move the hands to.<br />
D - Dressing - Cloth doll with clothing to dress in. Clothing hangs from clothesline, held on by tiny cloths pins.<br />
E - Eggs - Patterned eggs - match one half to second half.<br />
F - Farm - Animal finger puppets inside lift-the-flap barn. <br />
G - Garden - Button-on flowers, lift the flaps for insects, butterfly with movable wings. <br />
H - Hearts - Match felt hearts in colours by pair.<br />
I - Ice Cream - Sequence largest to smallest scoops. <br />
J - Jack-o-lantern - Make faces with felt pieces.<br />
K- Kangaroo - Kangaroo with baby in pouch, moving tree climbing koala, lift-the-flap platypus with. eggs.<br />
L - Letters - Match alphabet letters to shadows.<br />
M - Map - City map with toy car to drive.<br />
N - Name - Button-on Name.<br />
O - Outer Space - Moving rocket ship, astronaut, moon, stars.<br />
P - Pond - Frog with velcro tongue to "catch flies", lift the flap pond creatures.<br />
Q - Queen - Braid-able hair, removable jewels on crown.<br />
R - Robot - Elastic limbs, LED eyes, zipper.<br />
S - Shapes - Match shape to shadow.<br />
T - Telephone - Removable receiver, family phone numbers in "phone book" to practice.<br />
U – Under the sea - Octopus with snap tentacles, tactile coral/seaweed and creatures, lift-the-flaps.<br />
V - Vegetables - Mini vegetables to pull from "dirt" and collect in basket.<br />
W – Walk - Match animals to the tracks they make.<br />
X – X-ray - Lay skeletal system pieces over felt doll.<br />
Y – Yarrr! - Pirate with flip-up eye patch, tactile parrot, treasure chest with mini lock.<br />
Z – Zipper - Unzip a clown's shirt to find pieces to make various faces.<br />
<br />
So there you have it! I know it seems a tad ambitious, but I think I can to it!<br />
<br />
What would you put it your Quiet Book?teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-28246663837169005342010-06-14T19:44:00.000-07:002010-06-14T19:53:13.474-07:00Tot School - Weeks 2-4<span style="font-style: italic;">To School Weeks 2-4 Overview: Little L - 17m, Little V - 3m</span> <br />
<br />
Well...it seems I disappeared; I disappeared from <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Blogland</span> for almost two whole weeks! I may not have even noticed, but it seems I have a small following - they alerted me. So, why did I disappear? Did my computer break? Did I go on vacation? Was I so deep into craft mode that I simply had no time? Was I abducted by aliens eager to learn my mad crafting skills? No, I just didn't have anything very interesting going on. Also, I couldn't seem to make myself stay awake past 10:00pm and any blogging I do is done way after that! <br />
<br />
But, as it turns out, what a wonderful day I have chosen to return! My <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">placemat</span> game has been featured on <a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/">Weird, <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Unsocialized</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Homeschoolers</span>!</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4289690572414189613&postID=2824666383716900534"></a><center><a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/2008/12/homeschool-showcase-submission.html"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/clapboard-snapped-1-1.jpg" /></a></center></center><center> </center> <br />
Now, I have a purpose!<br />
<br />
So, a quick update on some of the Tot School things we've been doing: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MYwoIWaLaiIJD6nC9eeQRIOaKD7kpLA8IVh50bL1rGaGbb1WiJH9GNIhdhquwQOSIPwUs_RYZ868TWg-gv731sPDmMvUqVDYOw6c74Q9CXQm00WkgbedMaqWNjkrOo9lOLzHhUB3vvI/s1600/P6010094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MYwoIWaLaiIJD6nC9eeQRIOaKD7kpLA8IVh50bL1rGaGbb1WiJH9GNIhdhquwQOSIPwUs_RYZ868TWg-gv731sPDmMvUqVDYOw6c74Q9CXQm00WkgbedMaqWNjkrOo9lOLzHhUB3vvI/s320/P6010094.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Water Play at a playdate </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MYwoIWaLaiIJD6nC9eeQRIOaKD7kpLA8IVh50bL1rGaGbb1WiJH9GNIhdhquwQOSIPwUs_RYZ868TWg-gv731sPDmMvUqVDYOw6c74Q9CXQm00WkgbedMaqWNjkrOo9lOLzHhUB3vvI/s1600/P6010094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlJfWS2_ZVhdyscsjU70GIqu3Z2Go88bg2ZLUmuGgnaQSkPumDZSI-5RWJm15q6vwOMk1emAtkIC4db1LEF4Kekv3bkVQrMdKpifPJl0gwBs9mzERozfl8za2ifwmjJ3W86YaRN7Tn9U/s1600/P5250020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlJfWS2_ZVhdyscsjU70GIqu3Z2Go88bg2ZLUmuGgnaQSkPumDZSI-5RWJm15q6vwOMk1emAtkIC4db1LEF4Kekv3bkVQrMdKpifPJl0gwBs9mzERozfl8za2ifwmjJ3W86YaRN7Tn9U/s320/P5250020.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i> <i>Pool time with "<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Uncky</span>"</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyhZDo2OWABEhCZXXcHVvZy3a-tKS5_h9QM6WIdwdUgu5PHzSs65ufncRMzpRQP4akgXYyRheL3iSu2yB9_5PcaeGtfje1CqVhowadS0lJZJI2TGV7OmJkQam0eHJLJrP0xue6xoCOxM/s1600/P5240016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyhZDo2OWABEhCZXXcHVvZy3a-tKS5_h9QM6WIdwdUgu5PHzSs65ufncRMzpRQP4akgXYyRheL3iSu2yB9_5PcaeGtfje1CqVhowadS0lJZJI2TGV7OmJkQam0eHJLJrP0xue6xoCOxM/s320/P5240016.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Learning our foods by feeding Elmo</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qWr-GNk42zJUPc_3qTs4B_b8OIyH4Ceh9Bzh0wQr22nhvfKHSWtFk0dWZy9wUq_BxYhZAOamP8QI2ja32Gt13kSgxzsMKOLvvRLOsCabGG8cqHPa3OYDRkGwEvh-zBm-IFKyFqulsnk/s1600/P5270028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qWr-GNk42zJUPc_3qTs4B_b8OIyH4Ceh9Bzh0wQr22nhvfKHSWtFk0dWZy9wUq_BxYhZAOamP8QI2ja32Gt13kSgxzsMKOLvvRLOsCabGG8cqHPa3OYDRkGwEvh-zBm-IFKyFqulsnk/s320/P5270028.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ending sounds worksheet - doesn't she look like she's thinking hard?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl8DC1L5W37vy5VEZqwSnrdDpjHZkkJxpPQTa1X2C3B_Uizv3dB9xUeKvtoeAjuIjcwvsZUko0yJglFeK3VO96IIDZhcAthQn85edd1nB9GOZCtuXA6eS4Pj3y6hVaDvtjqJcY-QH1aY/s1600/P5240009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl8DC1L5W37vy5VEZqwSnrdDpjHZkkJxpPQTa1X2C3B_Uizv3dB9xUeKvtoeAjuIjcwvsZUko0yJglFeK3VO96IIDZhcAthQn85edd1nB9GOZCtuXA6eS4Pj3y6hVaDvtjqJcY-QH1aY/s320/P5240009.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Park time. Not educational, you say? You'd be amazed how much vocabulary we work on while playing!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vw2sWqzkJZGVM15k9nKE8O18xBMfrSS-b6lhNotLTaDArfL-L2WxE70JsmNUSZEiDzFb2pSEawXhcScYjlH932UkKAO2GQRsEcojpnJZEiucPOx0yLJpVFybrIhlMUsQ17mfQQilkqI/s1600/P5270030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vw2sWqzkJZGVM15k9nKE8O18xBMfrSS-b6lhNotLTaDArfL-L2WxE70JsmNUSZEiDzFb2pSEawXhcScYjlH932UkKAO2GQRsEcojpnJZEiucPOx0yLJpVFybrIhlMUsQ17mfQQilkqI/s320/P5270030.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>One-to-one correspondence with rocks and a mini muffin tin</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5j6jg8A4LXdaTapFtahrtZZ7alkVAi-8Kjts5Xz18LDwG2boYAFT2Rwq8IOwoBwBVzGSbo8goCE44OV3Q5CPB7rH336sl8UdhtROnbA6CGYWwTNQJAF_nFob5xyMpDt9s7AfjPL3l-o4/s1600/P5270037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5j6jg8A4LXdaTapFtahrtZZ7alkVAi-8Kjts5Xz18LDwG2boYAFT2Rwq8IOwoBwBVzGSbo8goCE44OV3Q5CPB7rH336sl8UdhtROnbA6CGYWwTNQJAF_nFob5xyMpDt9s7AfjPL3l-o4/s320/P5270037.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Little L "reading" her farm book to her baby sister</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Here are some of the books from the set above.<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1594960496&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1594960038&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=159496002X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I can't recommend them enough. In the farm one pictured above, each set of pages is dedicated to one farm animal. On one page is a beautiful illustration and on the other a paragraph about the animal and gray-scale illustrations of several breeds of that animal. You the find the colored stickers in the middle of the book and match them to their illustration. Little L has been having a <i>ball </i>with these books!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7y-nJS4Xx3y4opTcO1GviGBsHpHoYx4vrnQcPPCDd9xtAE8WSggzlKV2nEWfgUNmu5ZFRFtl6gtxIfNn4whUzkOKMIPbMx3LwMt0WDfiO9nQYXIjNSDN8wOL8hTNXlJAtgRhQXtflT_w/s1600/P5280077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7y-nJS4Xx3y4opTcO1GviGBsHpHoYx4vrnQcPPCDd9xtAE8WSggzlKV2nEWfgUNmu5ZFRFtl6gtxIfNn4whUzkOKMIPbMx3LwMt0WDfiO9nQYXIjNSDN8wOL8hTNXlJAtgRhQXtflT_w/s320/P5280077.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We've also been working on:<br />
- Lots of flashcards<br />
- Learning about North American birds<br />
- Reading small words (so far Little L has read "hat", "cat", Mommy, and her own name!)<br />
- Co-operative reading (we have 5 books now that Little L helps me "read" by filling on words when I pause)<br />
- Poems (I start and leave out the last word of each line, Little L fills it in!)<br />
- Evening prayer (Much like the poems, I leave out the last word of each line for her to say. She also says, "Amen", as usual.<br />
<br />
I'm sure there's more, but that's enough of an overview to make me not feel like an <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">un</span>-fit Mommy. Really, I'm new to this blogging stuff! I will try harder to make my tot school posts once a week!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-48134005093297871462010-06-02T21:24:00.000-07:002010-06-02T22:58:46.947-07:00Save the Hats!!These are some<i> </i>of my oldest child's hats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp9V_6vTE3YvGOk2dKE1L3Pz9ST2VeLzXgN_8WbsoPuPjUALm-jb3Ow75E-yFVKuU1r5tWYLy_27lL1iD723jdNp4EsVAdgsAzfQxC-AnJaaAsYi7Yh_BvhiMPfGDzAwJKRb7nQHqF78/s1600/P6020099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp9V_6vTE3YvGOk2dKE1L3Pz9ST2VeLzXgN_8WbsoPuPjUALm-jb3Ow75E-yFVKuU1r5tWYLy_27lL1iD723jdNp4EsVAdgsAzfQxC-AnJaaAsYi7Yh_BvhiMPfGDzAwJKRb7nQHqF78/s320/P6020099.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Yes, <i>some</i>. My big girl has probably a dozen hats (mostly gifted second hand) and if it were up to me, she would have six dozen more! I love babies in hats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnQIWNZ8nzcK-geiGtz4o5aXw3Uy0xsuA7NTOjhZb0WDWiuzM1E3plqyrJs6xgYr7M6lM7RIpl40KQUYGjxKg420F14XWrmAtZvcrp_OvLU1QzLohQdfp8sA6z0JdoPuOnTtsdsBmDmM/s1600/25406_10150168323025082_629195081_11885953_4722135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnQIWNZ8nzcK-geiGtz4o5aXw3Uy0xsuA7NTOjhZb0WDWiuzM1E3plqyrJs6xgYr7M6lM7RIpl40KQUYGjxKg420F14XWrmAtZvcrp_OvLU1QzLohQdfp8sA6z0JdoPuOnTtsdsBmDmM/s320/25406_10150168323025082_629195081_11885953_4722135_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
See...wouldn't <i>you </i>buy a bunch of hats too?<br />
<br />
Anywho...I love hats on little people but I have found one small problem. Come on, moms, can you guess?<br />
<br />
You see, hats on little people have a tendency to get tossed on the ground. "No big deal," you say, "...just pick it up off of the ground!" Well, if only it were that simple. In our family, the hat gets tossed waaaaay at the front of the big double stroller and then, long after, someone realizes that it's missing, resulting in us going backwards for the next ten minutes.<br />
<br />
One such incident happened last week. It was a precious hat. One of those hats that not only has a matching outfit, but who's outfit also has a matching sibling outfit and hat. Can't lose that one, right? Well, as we were just entering the park fifteen minutes from our front door we realized it was gone. Slight panic attacks followed. We retraced our footsteps while praying for the best. As it turns out, it never left the driveway but it got me thinking...how can I make sure none of our adorable hats ends up trampled on the sidewalk? <br />
<br />
This is what I came up with. It involves ribbon, velcro, and an old negligee...?<br />
<br />
<b>What You Need:</b><br />
<br />
- Your favourite hats<br />
- Ribbon<br />
- Needle/thread/scissors<br />
- Adhesive velcro<br />
- Scrap fabric, preferably in a matching colour to each hat<br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
1) Sew a length of ribbon to your hat.<br />
2) Attach two strips of hook velcro on either side of the ribbon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cc6U9QXPQVWbiKJEteJB5mK9IVnwSFiUIKPOvtVId6hSF0mZm1G9euV2LEmduYv35ZBAlfe3t0Ig7_TtVEItJmzR8xt-gM8zqF27YWN_haBSsO-yc6kvDT_h5dZG3zzasDIY89NzBfs/s1600/P6020101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cc6U9QXPQVWbiKJEteJB5mK9IVnwSFiUIKPOvtVId6hSF0mZm1G9euV2LEmduYv35ZBAlfe3t0Ig7_TtVEItJmzR8xt-gM8zqF27YWN_haBSsO-yc6kvDT_h5dZG3zzasDIY89NzBfs/s320/P6020101.JPG" /></a></div><br />
3) Stick fabric (in my case, fabric from and old negligee) to back of loop velcro.<br />
4) Bundle ribbon between pieces of hook velcro. Place loop velcro on top. (You are now in "I don't want the ribbon dangling while I run around" mode)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipChWpfMDs5RWGj3IfRZda7EjcSl87iFg8o5IlThkAioR1cWED_Yb_82NAphqYS4pYbGxRPzx6XDGr0AusUFhYLdJYnLsN7BFLd0HWaWVE8ZQfhEXAgrJyZNYdFfDqUtSoTtDke4qf_N8/s1600/P6020106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipChWpfMDs5RWGj3IfRZda7EjcSl87iFg8o5IlThkAioR1cWED_Yb_82NAphqYS4pYbGxRPzx6XDGr0AusUFhYLdJYnLsN7BFLd0HWaWVE8ZQfhEXAgrJyZNYdFfDqUtSoTtDke4qf_N8/s320/P6020106.JPG" /></a></div><br />
5) Secure ribbon to stroller or shirt with clip or safety pin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZsI1I9Iv_z0S_3mZonVuCKQPgAz9ySHpf4dm1LB73PJk-CZJXW73pJixg2pvFDjSaMNbRmTSKwXFL_hFfFdatna2d10TvBfiNw8yWVu-FLYN7IsbYh9EUvUG23jpDX_ldcHlnDw0bNU/s1600/P6020111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZsI1I9Iv_z0S_3mZonVuCKQPgAz9ySHpf4dm1LB73PJk-CZJXW73pJixg2pvFDjSaMNbRmTSKwXFL_hFfFdatna2d10TvBfiNw8yWVu-FLYN7IsbYh9EUvUG23jpDX_ldcHlnDw0bNU/s320/P6020111.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuNY9oc86CC7ow23G5Yg_FPXy5dssdA4ImtVCbxeoL9oIaqVkZJW0ymo0wQ_zOgJUp7LvZWIGr1KAFZs57p6OVecmWxeCtu5JbW0OTZ9Lg3bgPfgpwg8K4Gi4f7bWEBL1pCC74vakeTM/s1600/P6020109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuNY9oc86CC7ow23G5Yg_FPXy5dssdA4ImtVCbxeoL9oIaqVkZJW0ymo0wQ_zOgJUp7LvZWIGr1KAFZs57p6OVecmWxeCtu5JbW0OTZ9Lg3bgPfgpwg8K4Gi4f7bWEBL1pCC74vakeTM/s320/P6020109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<i>Version </i>A <i>has the ribbon sewn on and wrapped around the already existing bow. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Version </i>B <i>puts the ribbon on the inside of the rim instead of on the outside of the hat. This is my favourite variation!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Long live baby hats!!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-48475744109036396962010-06-01T19:23:00.000-07:002010-06-01T19:23:06.551-07:00Tardy Blogger - Recipe Re-PostWow...time sure does fly! I've looked back and it seems that not only have I not posted for four days, but I didn;t write <i>anything</i> about Tot School week two - and we're already in to week three! Ooops...lazy Mommy. The real reason is that I can;t seem to get my toddler to bed at a decent hour and I can't seem to will myself to stay awake any longer than 10:00. Well, guess what...? You're not getting anything original tonight either! I do, however, have a yummy recipe for you! It's from a post on my personal blog from our days living in China. Just for fun, I'll give you the whole post:<br />
<br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> <a href="http://sarahanddanielsadventure.blogspot.com/2008/09/thank-god-we-brought-med-kit.html">Thank God we Brought a Med Kit!</a> </h3><div class="post-header"> </div>Have you ever had a Capsicum burn? For your sake, I surely hope not. Let me tell you the tale of my day from h*ll...<br />
<br />
Today, for lunch, I decided that I would make a Cream of Vegetable and Rice Soup. I proceeded to put my rice on and chop my cabbage, green pepper, tomato, and onion and put them all on to boil. About ten minutes later, after putting the finishing touches on my soup, I began to feel a strange sensation - one I had only felt one other time in my life. My hands began to burn like hellfire...much like they did the first time I ever cut up hot peppers and didn't know that I should wear gloves. Although I had touched no hot peppers or chili oil of any kind, this was a very recognizable pain. I proceeded to run my hands under water, wash thoroughly, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">submerged</span> in ice water, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">submerge</span> in milk, and dab with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">freezer</span>-chilled wet clothes... All of which provided little to no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">relief</span>.<br />
<br />
Daniel came home as I was sitting on the bed, with my hands out in front of the fan, meditating away the pain. I told him my terrible story of woe while trying to deduce where the pain was coming from. First, I thought that perhaps one of the vegetables I had used in my soup had travelled with some hot peppers and gotten oiled. But I quickly remember that it was the <em>inside</em> of the pepper that was the problem. And then it came to me. Perhaps my green peppers weren't green peppers at all. My current terrible cold would keep me from telling by smell while cutting them up...<br />
<br />
Daniel then went to eat his lunch and confirmed that there were, indeed, chili peppers in the soup. So, mystery solved; problem not-so-solved. My hands still felt like I was holding them over a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bunsen</span> burner. I browsed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">internet</span> for ways to treat a hot pepper burn (cause by the oil <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Capsicum</span>) and came across a suggestion of using rubbing alcohol to soothe the pain. At that moment, I was ready to try anything. I went to our med kit containing about 100 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">alcohol</span> wipes (which I swore when I packed them that I would likely never use) and got to rubbing. And "VOILA!" it did cut <em>some </em>of the pain. Lucky for me, the burning mostly subsided within a couple of hours. It seems a burn of this nature can often last up to 24 hours.<br />
<br />
So, I went about my business, booked our holiday trip (more about this is my next post), and came home to get some more soup. While carrying my soup, my gimpy and still somewhat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">burny</span> hands failed on me and my soup made it all over the kitchen floor. Although I did wear gloves while cleaning it, it still managed to seep through and my hands began to burn once more. This time, a soap and water scrub and alcohol swabbing did the trick quickly.<br />
<br />
Later, it was time to make supper. I chopped and put potatoes on to boil and, while reaching for the cover of the pot, lost my grip resulting the <em>glass </em>cover flying across the room and landing in tiny <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">pieces</span> on the floor (and in my potatoes). This would not have caused me too much strife until I suddenly noticed that familiar sensation. My hands were, once again, on fire.<br />
<br />
I though to myself, "What the hell?! I was only chopping <em>potatoes</em>!" and then I realized that in my haste to ease the pain of lunchtime, I had not washed the cutting board. As a result, my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">potatoes</span> picked up the leftover oil and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">transferred</span> it to my hands. This time, the alcohol trick did not work. Nor did a good washing. So, here I sit, typing with hands of fire.<br />
<br />
The one good thing that came from this experience, was a wonderful soup! For anyone who would like to try it, here is the recipe:<br />
<br />
<strong>Hands of Hellfire Soup (<span style="color: black;">Clever, eh?)</span></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>2 tomatoes</strong><br />
<strong>1 cup cabbage</strong><br />
<strong>1 medium onion</strong><br />
<strong>1 medium sized green <em>chili </em>pepper</strong><br />
<strong>2 cloves garlic</strong><br />
<strong>1 250ml <em>bag </em>of milk (could be substituted for canned milk if you're not in China!)</strong><br />
<strong>1/2 tbsp thyme</strong><br />
<strong>1/2 tbsp pepper (or to taste)</strong><br />
<strong>1 1/2 cups cooked white rice</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Chop all vegetables and garlic. Combine chopped mixture and just enough water to cover in pot. Bring to boil on high heat. Add milk, thyme, pepper, and rice. Turn to low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Serve.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Contrary to what my story may portray, the soup is actually rather mild and very tasty. So, for all of you soup lovers - Make and enjoy. Just remember...wear gloves!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-24320593438830737982010-05-28T20:19:00.000-07:002010-05-28T20:19:14.439-07:00FREE Dinosaur Flashcards!Happy Friday!<br />
<br />
I though I would share some of the flashcards that I have made for the girls! This particular batch is dinosaurs (and a few other prehistoric animals). They are nothing special - just images from various sources on the web with the name of the dinosaur added on the bottom. I have been making a second set of cards to attach to the back with various facts about each dinosaur, but that's mighty slow going, so these will have to do for now!<br />
<br />
A few points of interest:<br />
<br />
- You don't <i>have to</i> have the text! I left the files in a format that is editable so you can take the text off if it suits your purpose better.<br />
<br />
- There are a LOT of files. Well, only 11, but that could be seen as a lot. I had to do it this way to save my pitifully slow computer from crashing.<br />
<br />
- I'm sometimes lazy (see, I even used "I'm instead of "I am", which saves me only one character <i>if </i>you include spaces! But...then I wrote this loooong explanation of how I was being lazy, so does it still apply...hmmm...?). As a result, I haven't converted the photos from their original format. This is not <i>only</i> due to laziness, but also because I didn't want to muck up the formatting. Soooo...if you <i>really </i>love dinosaurs and you want some <i>free </i>flashcards as a symbol of that love, you'll have to download Open Office <a href="http://download.openoffice.org/">here</a>. It is also free and WAY better than Word, in my opinion.<br />
<br />
As an aside, we found an AWESOME book this week<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=teacoolov-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0789465159&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> - DK's my first animal lift-the-flap beard book. Of course, I love everything ever published by DK, I think but for us at this very moment in time, this one is a winner. Little L was totally excited to lift every flap and Little V was mesmerized by all of the real life pictures. She, at 3 months, even smiled and "talked" every time I lifted a flap! You should really check it out! <br />
<br />
<br />
Oh yeah...back to what I was saying - Dino Cards! Download them <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/87riqzzuet">here</a>!teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-38015712014771618592010-05-26T20:32:00.000-07:002010-05-26T20:32:57.740-07:00Homemade Deoderant vs. Deoderant CrystalSo, recently I've been growing more and more concern with the ingredients in ladies anti-perspiration. If you're interested in why, <a href="http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Watch-Out-For-Your-Deodorant-Ingredients/924939">this</a> is a good place to start. The best solution, I though, would be to make my own homemade deodorant (that, by the way, is my default solution for everything, "I'll just make my own!"). For homemade deodorant:<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>What You Need:</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">5tsp cocoa butter (you can instead use 2 cocoa and 3 shea butter)</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">3 tsp baking soda</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">2 tsp cornstarch</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">Old deodorant container</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><b>What You Do:</b></div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">1) Melt coacoa butter in microwave at 20 second intervals.</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
2) Stir in baking soda and corstarch.</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">3) Pour into old deoderant container.</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">4) Leave to set in fridge.</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><b>Notes:</b></div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">- This was a risky project. If it hadn't worked, I would have ended up smelling like a sweaty chocolate factory...eeewww...</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">- Even though all of these ingredients are edible, I wouldn't suggest tasting this mixture. Curiousity killed the cat...or at least my taste buds. </div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">- Take it from me, use the old deodorant container. You could just pour it into a small tub (which is what I did in the begging because I was too lazy to wash a deodorant container) but then you will be chipping away at your deodorant in order to get a piece to use each morning. Eventually, you will break down and re-melt it and put it into the deodorant container anyway, so you might as well start there!</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"> </div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">Now, after using my homemade deodorant with much success for a couple of weeks, we chanced upon a mini deodorant crystal at the Dollarama (good find, Hubby!!). It claims to be free of all of the scary ingredients I am trying to avoid, so I though I would pick it up and give it a try. Much to my surprise, it too works like a charm! </div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">So, here is my comparison of the two:</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><b><i>Odor Fighting Power </i></b></div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">Both have been tested in many conditions, including a Salsa class in which I dance in a non-air conditioned room with two babies strapped to me<i>.</i></div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i>Homemade</i> - 7/10 - Lasts about 12 hours before you would want to replenish</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i>Crystal </i>- 9.5/10 - Lasts 24+ hours and in extreme conditions (to my surprise). I was out salsa dancing and then playing in the 39 Celsius heat, where a black shirt and was <i>still</i> okay!</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i><b>Scent</b></i></div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i>Homemade</i> - Smells like cocoa butter. This, for me, is a plus. I like deodorant with some sort of scent. It somehow makes me fell like even if I was smelly, it would hide it a bit...</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i>Crystal</i> - Completely unscented. For those who are sensitive to scents, this would be a plus.</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i><b>Ingredients</b></i></div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i>Homemade</i> - I know what goes into it and I can use all 100% natural food-grade ingredients. I feel 100% safe wearing it. </div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i>Crystal</i> - Even though it <i>says</i> that it doesn't have anything sketchy in it, I have trouble believing it. Because the ingredients on bath and beauty products do not have to be listed, I'll never know for sure...</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i><b>Ease of Use</b></i></div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i>Homemade</i> - In the used deodorant container, the homemade is very easy to apply. You can put it in your purse and take it anywhere and use it just like regular deodorant. </div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><i>Crystal</i> - Has to be wet with warm water to apply, therefore making it hard to use anywhere but your bathroom. </div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><b>My Personal Preference</b>:</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">Based on this criteria, I can say that I am more comfortable wearing the homemade deodorant because I know what's in it and I like the smell. The crystal, however, lasts a <i>lot </i>longer. I would be most likely to carry the homemade in my purse for regular application and use the crystal when I know I will be out for a really long time or doing strenuous activity. </div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5"><br />
</div><div class="comment_actual_text" id="text_expose_id_4bfde09633ced2011b8f5">So, no more poison deodorant for us! Yippee!</div>teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289690572414189613.post-12281800509599449492010-05-23T20:26:00.000-07:002010-05-23T21:56:20.507-07:00Tot School Week One and Goals<span style="font-style: italic;">To School Week One Overview: Little L - 16m, Little V - 3m</span><br /><br />Well, our first "official" week of Tot School was at least a semi-success. We do a lot of learning on a regular basis, even by mistake, but this week we were somewhat intentional about it (we have been other weeks in the past as well). The biggest accomplishment was our farm totbook, most of which was downloaded <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/2009/09/farm-tot-bookfinally.html">here</a> at 1+1+1=1. I also added some extras that weren't in their download pack.<br /><br />I did put together the actual book but I'm not sure how much I like it. The size is a bit large, so I think I might make it a bit smaller in size by having it fold in on itself or something to that effect. I would like our books to be super-portable to we can take them along to our play dates. In the meantime, here's a preview of some of the components.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7CpDsEwO9YW82bPy6ghhcqWf4AqOn1dVX4kJvbR2b_yq7WZKhwq3Y8SiWxAXcLBY66ndZF3As0sjg2EEf06m74JPEeqHs1VGsWdiSmoP13_EF1i31K9jl3ruQuk8jE6Iw1pfP9LWntw/s1600/P5180078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7CpDsEwO9YW82bPy6ghhcqWf4AqOn1dVX4kJvbR2b_yq7WZKhwq3Y8SiWxAXcLBY66ndZF3As0sjg2EEf06m74JPEeqHs1VGsWdiSmoP13_EF1i31K9jl3ruQuk8jE6Iw1pfP9LWntw/s320/P5180078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474674546871566626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">"On the Farm" printable book, tractor size sequencing, animal numbers, farm puzzle, animal match, heads and tails match. </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx4hZiCq9R1MJPlEpejqHE5WRbixTFMk5r9F9BUr6YU_KJ17ye0x0bKEpLRA30MJd4gN2IDONJvsbmARwWjLtrgQmIex3ilbdglVZ1wAdeWzsOHUBKOS6LSfFrio9vNBi2Vny5ADTNgI/s1600/P5180079.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx4hZiCq9R1MJPlEpejqHE5WRbixTFMk5r9F9BUr6YU_KJ17ye0x0bKEpLRA30MJd4gN2IDONJvsbmARwWjLtrgQmIex3ilbdglVZ1wAdeWzsOHUBKOS6LSfFrio9vNBi2Vny5ADTNgI/s320/P5180079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474674549150619026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Who's My Mommy Match cards, farm animal flash cards, vegetable flash cards, farm ending sounds worksheet.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There is more in the totbook, but I will do a dedicated post just for that when we're all done making it.<br /><br />Here are some action shots of our farm week for Little L:<br /><br />One of the tot book printables from 1+1+1=1 - the heads and tails match. In using this with Little L, I simply showed her one half and gave her two options for matching the other half.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJJIeN90m5Ue-2AH58roD2TI_x2rzSINE3YLpjCHJY-KVd9R3NkpxJjk_QK0VjIw1wv_EWTfObn8J1QNqxW51viPViRrFXFjHtdT-KJvsXB-5MP_RmLzXJSLKeVO3hRfZjHYvQrP5cTw/s1600/P5180039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJJIeN90m5Ue-2AH58roD2TI_x2rzSINE3YLpjCHJY-KVd9R3NkpxJjk_QK0VjIw1wv_EWTfObn8J1QNqxW51viPViRrFXFjHtdT-KJvsXB-5MP_RmLzXJSLKeVO3hRfZjHYvQrP5cTw/s320/P5180039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474678696239376514" border="0" /></a><br />Tractor size sequencing - another printable from 1+1+1=1. For this activity I took two tractors and asked which one was bigger or smaller. We did this several times and then we put them in order.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVgfUtTkQQUJMEnkcYgKM6HZNoBxVVxlf3QWYn5Legkm3mOJgyuoUzbW6khyphenhyphen6FmTbT6UUrRA3fpzskuiJnesQTCXwhTsz4KG_Ih8JkO1lZ6Y_STxGM1Hybety_MThQJAD4eXxQAsVJ70/s1600/P5180033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVgfUtTkQQUJMEnkcYgKM6HZNoBxVVxlf3QWYn5Legkm3mOJgyuoUzbW6khyphenhyphen6FmTbT6UUrRA3fpzskuiJnesQTCXwhTsz4KG_Ih8JkO1lZ6Y_STxGM1Hybety_MThQJAD4eXxQAsVJ70/s320/P5180033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474680547007523762" border="0" /></a><br />We love our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Touch-Feel-Picture-Cards/dp/0756619718">DK flash cards</a>! There happen to be a lot of farm animals and objects throughout the card sets that we have (including a whole farm set) to we just sorted through and picked them all out for farm week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaef2X6Zl7LX87OY-VjKHvRkV0cNzQ5IKuVBO7EM0OnBpjldTCB79fdjFrNcBIplZLx-uDuK-I7INUsUAl9RqC47jG-lqZr2j6d9Y9th__F_xuS_CjHalm98jtoPAYNQkU7WEIgg2jaQ/s1600/P5180041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaef2X6Zl7LX87OY-VjKHvRkV0cNzQ5IKuVBO7EM0OnBpjldTCB79fdjFrNcBIplZLx-uDuK-I7INUsUAl9RqC47jG-lqZr2j6d9Y9th__F_xuS_CjHalm98jtoPAYNQkU7WEIgg2jaQ/s320/P5180041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474678704865936930" border="0" /></a><br />Little L loves board puzzles and is starting to get really good at getting the pieces into the holes on her own.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNdHCXEFZohOnToOn6aJNbpIB2yxOXQUQveovJDSg310uLoWBxUXHDJDG2dn5uwd8rGQUfc98YReu5KXKJTeJ_C1E3DSzlbDQr8jiXiAJOMaZ7jdJ82rypo5jFS2mRH4vt0F68eSFVPU/s1600/P5180046.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNdHCXEFZohOnToOn6aJNbpIB2yxOXQUQveovJDSg310uLoWBxUXHDJDG2dn5uwd8rGQUfc98YReu5KXKJTeJ_C1E3DSzlbDQr8jiXiAJOMaZ7jdJ82rypo5jFS2mRH4vt0F68eSFVPU/s320/P5180046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474678716075416642" border="0" /></a><br />In the world of my little girl, everything has the potential to be a hat - here is the proof!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwRxBFQVBHTBL4ycphCQ5xZjDRbr5zOOkHkxqVg_iioFV4HKTGmaXb_pk8CSwVNh3A1NIBsjs44Si6LbPS4vM_HhwTpmwAuQ_uJ9CRNXafKU3hIpmshBdll-3MWoCB3yXlKckQnzkYUA/s1600/P5180045.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwRxBFQVBHTBL4ycphCQ5xZjDRbr5zOOkHkxqVg_iioFV4HKTGmaXb_pk8CSwVNh3A1NIBsjs44Si6LbPS4vM_HhwTpmwAuQ_uJ9CRNXafKU3hIpmshBdll-3MWoCB3yXlKckQnzkYUA/s320/P5180045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474678721385383186" border="0" /></a><br />We also practiced some motor skills, including going up and down stairs and putting a necklace on and taking it off (and putting on Mommy and taking it off).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIts9AhNyb53clHpvLq-aq2Nrm7Zdm8f_YoEnYDdCOLtrsWkPFbe6oP8_mIEOfuQ60zacrAXD523AaLl5NQspcNmGL-ZYfCDFTLPX_IeL6b6hyphenhyphenYWkN1yplmjGLOT_Cl3O1pZedIiAqSg/s1600/P5180053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIts9AhNyb53clHpvLq-aq2Nrm7Zdm8f_YoEnYDdCOLtrsWkPFbe6oP8_mIEOfuQ60zacrAXD523AaLl5NQspcNmGL-ZYfCDFTLPX_IeL6b6hyphenhyphenYWkN1yplmjGLOT_Cl3O1pZedIiAqSg/s320/P5180053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474694476460520994" border="0" /></a><br />Some of our other activities included lots of books, a very sucessful potty day with <span style="font-style: italic;">two</span> stickers on her <a href="http://www.pottytrainingconcepts.com/Potty-Patty-Potty-Training-Chart.html">potty chart</a> (we aim for one a day), a nice nature walk where we learned about different types of flowers, writing practice on the magnadoodle, name recognition practice, playing of musical instruments, coloring animals that will go in a minibook for our lap book, and much more.<br /><br />As for Little V:<br /><br />We had lots of sisterly love...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA19UWGn59tdGbCm8xLRPBzRXU5d1wZLP24dDfyIQKHx2izzh7y6cViA-kcG1b6LPAMLut5Mj02N8jpImxQHMA7Zz2SaqZYIwlYNzIqlOVNKHnvLHeSyuOYnONGIPoriuCEzazTr4tIWM/s1600/P5160017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA19UWGn59tdGbCm8xLRPBzRXU5d1wZLP24dDfyIQKHx2izzh7y6cViA-kcG1b6LPAMLut5Mj02N8jpImxQHMA7Zz2SaqZYIwlYNzIqlOVNKHnvLHeSyuOYnONGIPoriuCEzazTr4tIWM/s320/P5160017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474680532030316466" border="0" /></a><br />...including some flashcard fun. every time I show a flashcard to little L she says, "Show?" and wants to show it to her baby sister. How sweet!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolSmSsfnpDXm64SCJqtvIHZm-p7JSfGSM7BhUDOe_UASWcnU2pRmmdHx4RwZJHiXnb2OpRIBKp6mkomJqZWgm1-sweZZAN08JxcuIyur6YifZYZbgUpzlJEv6BR1NgrXmsKgKWtdv7lo/s1600/P5180035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolSmSsfnpDXm64SCJqtvIHZm-p7JSfGSM7BhUDOe_UASWcnU2pRmmdHx4RwZJHiXnb2OpRIBKp6mkomJqZWgm1-sweZZAN08JxcuIyur6YifZYZbgUpzlJEv6BR1NgrXmsKgKWtdv7lo/s320/P5180035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474680553063417682" border="0" /></a>Mommy also showed Little V cards, including farm animals and vegetables.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrj2z8Nv_paTu6PBB_ZaMhqw07qxzU7a0E26i1DGYIsdZzbVt5qh-xWWTTzZvhkG5RRXXA8R0vUr3BmqXSOTV8n6LQVFwfzL3MGbNg90aZJYnK07lwyqSpdkRQRf7brM1X5Q_S6IlKSbs/s1600/P5180037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrj2z8Nv_paTu6PBB_ZaMhqw07qxzU7a0E26i1DGYIsdZzbVt5qh-xWWTTzZvhkG5RRXXA8R0vUr3BmqXSOTV8n6LQVFwfzL3MGbNg90aZJYnK07lwyqSpdkRQRf7brM1X5Q_S6IlKSbs/s320/P5180037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474680557788950530" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We read books, including Henry Horse, on in a set of four "Noisy Carry-Along" books. This was another fabulous Dollar Store find for us.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXzQ_UNvfT6dVdQEBFYKFZAXbOnfLNwztUjoCXzv-ivAqhCkwMu_K2TNZWBlpwPfPYmI6jlt6ZTbxwqLxVJEZJpY8c7HzwIcfI5yPuSB3j0Id2pR1IENT7umnyg3hUB60hmefE-Wdye4/s1600/P5180062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXzQ_UNvfT6dVdQEBFYKFZAXbOnfLNwztUjoCXzv-ivAqhCkwMu_K2TNZWBlpwPfPYmI6jlt6ZTbxwqLxVJEZJpY8c7HzwIcfI5yPuSB3j0Id2pR1IENT7umnyg3hUB60hmefE-Wdye4/s320/P5180062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474694482985394130" border="0" /></a><br />This week, Little V also began working on the ancient art of teddy bear wrestling.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEr1dQK3CTTVZSgjCRTc1w4fhnJfwiOaD-_yRrS3Dtwd-zbhCz1DrWPJ6faT7MPxbmb3V9KkAcpO_e6NtyHx1s-7CQVKg4oNpyN24_Mt7UOmbp2GMywKCqp1SNNJsr-9htTG7wfCpfykY/s1600/P5170023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEr1dQK3CTTVZSgjCRTc1w4fhnJfwiOaD-_yRrS3Dtwd-zbhCz1DrWPJ6faT7MPxbmb3V9KkAcpO_e6NtyHx1s-7CQVKg4oNpyN24_Mt7UOmbp2GMywKCqp1SNNJsr-9htTG7wfCpfykY/s320/P5170023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474680540757146738" border="0" /></a>We also did lots of singing and dancing, worked on our colours, practised body parts, and so on...<br /><br />One of my very favourite times this week was listening to traditional music from around the world. Little V was excited to show her appreciation by "singing" through all of it. Little L, because we've all been going to <a href="http://www.salsababies.com/">Salsa Babies</a> classes, wanted to "Cha Chach" to <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> of it. Have you ever tried doing the Cha Cha to traditional Chinese music?? Picture that for a moment, if you will.<br /><br />Anywho...because we didn't get done everything I wanted to get done, I have decided to extend our farm unit into next week. Because it will perhaps make me accountable, I will make a record here and now of the things I intend to do with the girls next week.<br /><br />- Rubber duck size sequencing<br />- Farm shape sorter<br />- Cotton ball sheep<br />- Baa baa black sheep painting<br />- Rooster painting<br />- Tot book animal colouring (we've done some of this but will finish)<br />- Heads and tails match (we did this last week but will continue)<br />- Farm counting cards ((we did this last week but will continue)<br />- Animal match cards (find the friend, memory)<br />- Who's my Mommy cards<br />- Farm maze (a very simple maze that I printed and laminated. We follwe the path with our finger)<br />- Farm shadow match (laminated worksheet, we make the matches with our finger)<br />- Farm ending consonant worksheet (laminated worksheet - we point to the correct letter)<br />- Tractor sequencing (we did this last week but will continue)<br />- Vegetable flash cards (we did this last week but will continue)<br />- Farm animal flash cards (we did this last week but will continue)<br />- Farm board puzzle (we did this last week but will continue)<br />- Youtube farm videos (because we are unfortunately unlikely to make it to a farm this week...maybe though...)<br />- Farm songs multiple languages (Oh, Youtube, don;t let me down!)<br />- Chinese animal cards (Little L was born in China, so we try to keep up her Chinese)<br />- Chinese fruit and veg cards<br />- Farm animal sound match (I will play the actual animal sound Little L will match it to a photo<br />- Online farm games<br /><br />I would also like to make sure we get in some of their other stuff (letter, rhythm and pitch practice, dot cards, etc.). I am seriously considering implementing some kind of workbox style system not because Little L needs it, but because <span style="font-style: italic;">I </span>do to keep myself on track!<br /><br />So...into week to of our farm study we go!<br /><br /></div></div>teachcooklovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488866390936004535noreply@blogger.com0