Chalk Board Paint

After seeing so many creative things one can do with Chalk Board paint I decided to purchase some and see what I could do with it.

I took an old serving tray to be my test project

 I used painters masking tape for the edges, and a simple brush

It took two coats and dried within an hour. It was pretty easy to do.

Valentines Decor

Yarn, Liquid Starch, and a Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter

This is such an easy project for kids, and yet the outcome is beautiful. For older children they can actually cut the yarn themselves, for younger children you might want to pre-cut yarn. The children chose the color yarn and placed it inside the cookie cutter, then with a brush dipped liquid starch onto the yarn. The yarn must be thoroughly covered in starch. It takes about  3 days to dry, and the end result is a heart shaped decoration that can be hung in a window or from a mantel. I got this idea from Disney's magazine http://familyfun.go.com

Another Use for Gak

Mosaic Gak

One of our teachers made Gak for the classroom, and once the children were losing interest he added something so simple. Glass tiles!!! This is a great way to not only allow children the opportunity to create and manipulate different mosaics but it also offers a sensory opportunity as well. The cold glass tiles are easily pressed into the Gak leaving an impression. They can also be hidden inside the Gak for others to find. Seems so simple yet every time I turn around there is always children at this particular activity.

Pulling Things Out of a Hat

While in the project room today, a few girls wanted to try something new. I had left over egg cartons and drink holders which I cut into pieces. Not sure what to do with them, we pulled out some scrap tissue paper, and got liquid starch out along with some paint brushes. So we began to decorate the pieces. Initially I felt like I needed a plan, but as the girls began to paint on the starch I realized a plan was not necessary, it was more about the process and not the product. I know that sounds like a child development cliche but it was true. This activity kept the girls occupied and content just picking out pieces and painting them on. 

A little bit of home

I am a preschool teacher yes, but most importantly I am a mom. Just thought I would post a picture of our lil one going on 10 months. He has been such a huge blessing and light to our family. It is not always easy to juggle work, and life but coming home to this smile makes my busy day even brighter.

Tree Cookies

What to do with all these tree cookies left over from the Christmas season? Last year we made tree sculptures so this year I left it up to the kids. Of course painting them was top choice.

Even Children Can Build

One of our little friends on his own accord decided while exploring the wood working table that he wanted to build something. So I decided to stand back and watch him have at it. He grabbed four equal sized pieces of wood, he then proceeded to glue them together. Because the time allowed in the project room is limited I allowed him to be called Project Manager and placed his project in a special spot for him to come back to everyday, until he decides he is done. Currently this project is still going on. Stay tuned for the finished product.

 Wood Glue

 Time to paint

Our friend only preferred green for his project, and directed his helpers on where to paint and with what color. 

Wood Working

The Wood Table is a huge hit in our Project room, because it gives the children the opportunity to use real tools. Because safety is a concern I make sure the rules are clear before the children begin working away. I also limit the wood working table to two friends at a time, and only one friend can use a hammer at any given time. All was understood and thankfully there haven't been any accidents . But most importantly I am there to watch, guide and scaffold this wonderful activity. Next we will bring out the saw's!

Things I included at the wood working table were; hammer, nails, screws, screw drivers, real wood, branches, sand paper, and a chisel.

It is important to allow children opportunities to use real items as opposed to always using plastic imitative items. Although those items serve a great purpose in certain environments, using real "adult" items such as tools or even dishes, pots & pans, and silverware it really teaches children that number one we trust them, and number two it enhances their creativity.

Benefits to Woodworking  

• Dexterity/fine motor
• Problem-solving
• Role-playing
• Creative thinking
• Independence/self esteem
• Comparing/measuring
• Textures and properties
• Conceptualization
• Cooperation
• Respect for tools and materials
• Language development
• Eye hand coordination

Painting Gourds

In honor of the holiday Thanksgiving and for the harvest season, the children painted gourds in the Project room. Every single one came out so unique, and the children were fascinated with the various shapes and sizes. Many were excited to be able to take theirs home and add it to their Thanksgiving decor.

Window Writing

Not very exciting but a huge hit with the kids! Plain ol window markers found at Target! The kids loved the fact they could write on the windows! Next week I'll expand on the idea and see what we can come up with