An idea on Tuesday

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Halloween Black Cats - FREE DOWNLOAD

These black cats can be used in many different ways at home or in the classroom but here are three learning activities to get you started.

These activities can help your child with counting, matching, colour recognition and provide

wonderful language experiences. They are also a great fine motor activity.

Activity 1:

- Print out the cat shape on card, and cut it out. (I made five cats for my children, but you can make any number)

- Draw faces on your cats.

- Laminate the cats for durability.

- Decorate the wooden pegs with different patterns. (Decorate both sides)

- Ask your child some questions – How many legs does a cat have? Can you find four legs that are the same?

- Encourage your child to peg the cat’s legs onto the body and count with them.

- Continue until all of the cats have 4 legs.

Activity 2:

- Print out the cat shape on card and cut it out.

- Make coloured cat collars out of card and glue them onto the cat’s necks.

- Laminate the cats for durability.

- Instead of drawing patterns on the legs, colour the pegs with the same colours used for the collars.

- Encourage your child to match the coloured pegs to the corresponding cat.

- Continue until all of the cats have 4 legs.

Activity 3:

- After your child has successfully completed the last activity, you could sing the song…
- “5 little cats went out one day, over the hills and far away, Mother Cat said “Meow, meow, meow’ and only 4 little cats came back.” Sung to the tune of “5 Little Ducks” – as you sing, encourage your child to remove one of the cats each time until no cats are left, counting backwards from 5.

To get the most from these learning activities, ensure you talk, encourage, question, model and play with your child.

You can download your cat here. Get some pegs, and make some purrrfect Halloween black cats.

Let me know how it goes.

Niccola

Tuesday, 13 October 2015

Enjoying Nature

We have just spent some time away as a family at the most beautiful location, four hours out of Perth.

NO TV, NO CLOCK, NO INTERNET, NO TELEPHONE RECEPTION!!!!

We had to talk, play games, explore our surroundings, read and basically enjoy each other's company in the most beautiful setting. We spent lots of time outside. We climbed, walked, paddled, swam, tried archery, played mini golf, rowed, ran and LOVED it.

I thought I would share a few photos with you.....

I feel inspired to start the term, fresh from a beautiful holiday.

Niccola

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Easy Activities For Busy Parents

We are on holidays here for another week ....ah so lovely!! We are having a great time staying in our pyjamas, reading, seeing friends and relaxing after a very busy term.

This week, I thought I would show you some great activities that are perfect for littlies in the holidays or to fill a bit of time on a rainy day. The best thing about these activities is that they take a few minutes to set up and they will keep the children busy, while providing many wonderful learning experiences. Just perfect for busy parents!!

1. Pushing matchsticks into styrofoam. As well as being a great fine motor activity, this can help children with counting, colours, patterns and turn taking.

2. Draw a quick road map. Get your child to help draw and design particular features that are relevant to them. A great language activity that allows your child to explore their creativity and role play different scenarios.

3. Sorting According to Colour. These IKEA plates and bowls are not only perfect for eating off but they are perfect for sorting items onto. This is another wonderful fine motor activity that reinforces colours, counting and sorting.

4. Sand Pit Counting

Write numbers on disposable cups and spoons for your child to have fun in the sand pit. This activity can help children recognise numbers while making some marvellous and imaginative mud creations.

5. Threading straws. These bubble tea straws make perfect beads for threading when cut into small pieces. They are just the right size for little fingers. Children can make snakes, necklaces, bracelets or mobiles with these straws. This simple activity enables children to make patterns, recognise colours, practice their counting and is a wonderful fine motor activity.

Or..... If you are three, you can think of other fun uses for the straws.....

Happy holidays...

Until next week, Niccola

Tuesday, 29 September 2015

Messy Play

We are on holidays this week after a long winter term - Yay for holidays!!!

Our last day of school was so warm and beautiful, I decided we could engage in some outdoor messy play and it was a lot of fun.

Firstly, we had finger painting with shaving cream and a few colours to mix up some masterpieces.

Secondly, we had mud cooking with a variety of utensils, containers and natural materials.

Thirdly, we had Lux soap in our water trolley with whisks and containers.

If you are on holidays like me, I hope you have a wonderful time.

Niccola

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Pine Cone Fine Motor Activity

I set up an invitation for the children to explore some beautiful pine cones on the wonder table.

We have painted pine cones in the past and made a beautiful class mobile:

We have also made bird feeders with pine cones, glucose and bird seed which were lovely to hang outside in the yard and the birds loved them!!

The children could use the pine cone trees in the block area or for small world play. The pine cones could be used for sequencing, counting, ordering according to size or as a fine motor activity like we have done.

You'll need some pine cones....