Puppet Theatre for under $5

This is my weekend project - a puppet theatre which I created for for under $5!

I found this at the Reuse Centre for $3

I am not sure if it was actually a puppet theatre once upon a time - or a dart board frame. 

I think it's a puppet theatre - 'cause that's where my mind went.

See $3 - yippy!

It needed curtains, so I got a pillow case from the dollar store.

I made 2 curtain panels out of one pillow case.

I didn't want to sew so I hemmed it with Fabric Glue!

Worked great nice and neat!

To hang the curtains I used picture wire and an eye hook.

Inside view.

Front view.

I made a sign on my cricut machine.

I also added some tickets.

So what do you think? I am more than certain the tots will love it!

Next month we are focusing on Music and Drama - this should come in handy!

TOYS, TOOLS AND TREASURES

TOYS, TOOLS AND TREASURES
1244 Sable Drive
Burlington, ON
L7S 2J5

Toll-free: 1-866-940-1933

Tel: 905-631-8041  Fax: 905-631-6551
email: toystoolsandtreasures@sympatico.ca

website: www.toystoolsandtreasures.com

I would like to introduce you to a great supplier of quality toys and activities. I went to explore their place of business and walked out with all kinds of great materials for my children to explore. The kids have really enjoyed the new items I have purchased so far. I will share some of them in upcoming posts. I don't normally promote businesses, but I found their product line to be unique and of good quality. I was impressed.

Toys, Tools and Treasures is an on line shopping experience.

"Toys, Tools and Treasures is a Family Owned and operated business. We offer high-quality products that provide both fun and therapeutic benefits. We take great pride in our personal customer service! We specialize in sensory tools, activities to enhance fine and gross motor skills and equipment to help develop underlying skills and promote optimal functioning. We are constantly working to expand our product-line. We would love to hear from you if you have suggestions regarding additional items you would like us to carry."

Stop by and see what you think!

Didgeridoo and a drum too!

So today I decided my hunt for classroom resources would lead me to some didgeridoos, and it did!

The bonus was an African drum!

Some African hand drums!

As well as pencils that resemble the drums above - they can actually be played.

I love the hand painted designs on these as well.

Here they are - the didgeridoos

Now I just have to learn how to play them!

I like the designs!

I traded my 70's record albums for all of the above! I was happy - my records will find homes where people love and desire them and my kids will have fun at school playing these!

Not to be Overlooked

When I go into thrift shops - or go to garage sales etc. I go with a list of items in mind to purchase. 99% of the time I find what I am seeking. Today I wanted to get a few more instruments for my music chest. I ventured over to the bagged items and saw some broken castenets inside. Most people would pass them up - but I also love to refurbish and restore things.

They needed new elastic ties - the elastic they use is a thick fabric coated type - Hum where to get that?

Then it came to me - hair elastics are exactly the same!

I cut off the metal centres - strung them through the holes in the castanets and put a bit of glue on the ends so they wouldn't fray. They turned out perfect!

So for $1.99 I have two new sets of perfectly fine castanets.

I also found these cute mini brass cymbals - I will change the ribbon when I find a nice one.

I'm not sure how to play them - I'll have to check that out!

They were $1.99 as well.

These are about 3 inches around.

Update: I did some googling and I found out that these are cymbals used in India for folk music and dance.

How to play Manjeras 

Teaching Essentials

It's amazing how each and every year I add to my stash of essential resources for teaching. Those resources have certainly changed over the years. Especially since technology has changed. I think of all the things I have provided for the children in my charge with out technology. Not to mention the hours and hours of prep time it took to make sure I could provide all I had envisioned in my mind.
At this time in my career I have a few essential tools to help with my task of providing a full and fun program.

First I got on to a computer - I am a late bloomer - I have only been on the computer since approximately 1990 (perhaps later than that). Wow this computer thing is really cool eh?! LOL Having really good programs is important to assisting in the creation of all those ideas stashed in my brain! I have had many different publisher programs - which I adore - I couldn't live without them. Now I have a husband who is 'Mr. Computer' and he can add anything I request. Of course that means that a printer is in order because you definitely have to print off all those ideas that you find and create!
The best part about being on the computer is meeting all the other great educators through blogging - Facebook and other social networks. Those people inspire me like I have never been inspired before!

The next important thing for me is a laminator - I LOVE MY LAMINATOR!

I recently had to purchase a new one since I jammed up my older one.

That was a sad day - I wanted to cry! :( Fellow laminator addicts know what I mean!

Now I have recently purchased Cricuts - OMG my new addiction!

If you don't know what they are - they are personal die cut machines to make letters and images for bulletin boards - calendars - class projects etc. Some people use them for scrap booking!

  

I got mine from Kijiji - the large machine was only used once - just not the ladies cup of tea - her hubby bought it for her as a Birthday present - she's not a crafty person. The small machine I got from a young lady who updated hers to a larger machine - it is in immaculate condition. I have already used both and they work like a dream - I can't wait to put up my bulletin board and have the children make their first project! I will definitely post pictures when I get back to school in a week or so.

I am so glad I have hobbies where I make additional income - because that paid for my new toys. :)

I got the 2 machines and 4 cartridges plus a 'Jukebox' (seen below) for the price of one of the smaller machines, retail.

Pictured below is the Jukebox - which holds up to 6 cartridges.

I don't have to keep switching cartridges as I create.

Here are the cartridges which have the designs available to cut.

Each one has many choices and there are many others available.

I am just so happy I am able to have all the resources I find essential to creating the things I want to enhance my classroom and my activities!

Playing with blocks!

I have at least 5 main types of blocks in my classroom at one time. I often add more, and switch them out, with a variety of other types - styles and textures on a regular basis. Combining a selection of blocks together can enhance this play beyond the simple build a tower type of block play. Not that there is anything wrong with that, as tower building is an important component of block building. After all the 'Pink Tower' is one of the principal pieces of equipment in a Montessori classroom. Essentially block play transforms any day into an adventure in learning.
When I watch the children playing with blocks, I see so many crucial developmental skills being evolved. I watch the excitement when the children transform blocks to  into creations, which in their mind represents what they had intended. The social aspect of block play is of great value. I see children that may not have socialize together, suddenly partner up and create a structure, with a resourcefulness that had not been established before.
Providing the tools for exploration in the classroom is a teachers role in ensuring that the children have what they require for steady developmental growth. Blocks may seem like a common and simple object, but there importance is paramount.

Take a look at the articles on these links for "The Importance of Block Play":

A place of our own

Let kids play

Picklebums

Community playthings

Early childhood news

Sixty second parent

So what type of blocks do you have in your classroom?

 Here are some of the Toddler favourites we have:

Plastic 3D Character Blocks / Clipo Peeka Blocks / Waffle Blocks

Wooden blocks in a variety of types

Wooden Lincoln Logs / Foam Blocks

Duplo Blocks a classic favorite! 





 I can't remember the name of these - but we like them :)
*Thanks to one of my followers on FB for reminding me that these are called Bristol Blocks!

The list could go on and on - there are so many to choose from.

Perhaps we can give our gratitude to Frederich Froebel for the introduction of these wonderful "gifts" in his newly formed kindergarten classroom. His altruistic vision of presenting play with a purpose, by creating occupations, lead the way for teachers to use the child's 'environment' as educational aids.

Watch this video which I made for more information on Frederich Froebel:

 Froebel Video

Be sure to add a variety of blocks to your classroom!



Links to famous artists

Have you ever wanted to be a famous artist - or at least recreate a picture like their's? Here's your chance! Loads of links - information and colouring sheets for a famous artist theme!

http://arthistory.about.com/od/coloring_pages/ig/Coloring-Pages/

http://www.colorwithleo.com/print-paintings.php

http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/1678

http://www.supercoloring.com/pages/category/artsculture/famous-paintings/

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/artists/subjects/portraits.shtml

http://other.999coloringpages.com/Coloring+Pages/Famous+Paintings.htm

http://other.999coloringpages.com/Coloring+Pages/Famous+Paintings.htm

http://www.squidoo.com/art-masterpiece-coloring-books

http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/2007/06/20/color-inspiration-from-the-masters-of-painting/

Resources for the classroom - on a dime!

OK I so miss my garage sale Saturdays! I had to go out to the local reuse centre to see what I could find. I have a couple of projects to do so I had a reason to go (like I really need one - LOL). So this is what I got!

I got these rubber coasters for 50 cents - they will come in handy for either math activities or just fun in the dramatic play kitchen ... or my mind is going crazy now - loads of ideas! :)

For playdough fun or making gifts - all kinds of uses - 25cents

I'm using these a lot lately - I grabbed some more - 10 cents each

To make round icecubes which will be good in our winter sensory bin!

I went for these - 35cents each - I want to make pom poms for our Winter concert.

I was inspired by the Christmas fine motor activities found here.

I need more stuff to put on the pole - I'll check another thrift store this week!

About $3 all together.

This basket will be good to keep the above rings in for this activity - 50 cents

I always grab good baskets - storage is always needed - 50 cents

Love this - melt beads to make stain glass projects. $2

The lead for the stain glass!

Included in the $2 price!