Hand Made Paper Hearts

Today we created hand made paper hearts.

First we tore up our scrap paper into a bowl.

As much as you want.

This was actually fun for the tots!

Some little ones needed some instruction on how to tear up paper.

A handful of paper scraps into the blender with a cup of water.

                                                           Puree!

        

It only takes a few seconds. Don't put in too much at one time - make this in small batches.

Dump into the bowl until you have the amount you want.

Some friends thought the blender was really loud.

Now put down a towel and some paper towel and dump on the paper pulp.

Place paper towel on top and press out some water.

Roll it all up and squeeze tight to drain excess water. You will get quite  bit.

 Unroll.

                 

 See what you have!

 

Make sure you get it all.

Press into any mold you may want to use.

Presto Our hearts!

It dried still full of colour!

What's on the shelf for Valentines Day?

The collection!

Counting coins - transfer from one heart to the other.

Opening and shutting small containers / putting in and out erasers.

Also used for memory and matching skills, sorting + counting.

Counting heart gems,sorting and putting them into the heart tray.

Pouring mini erasers from one pail to the other.

I spy Valentines jar - which the kids filled.  

Gems and containers on our light table.

Used for counting - matching - sorting, pouring etc.

Then top that with play dough fun - using valentines cookie cutters!

Drummin' and a Little Wind!

On the second day of our music and drama month it was all about drums - with a little wind in there as well!

First we tried out the African drum.

Great beats!

Then on to bongos!

Then we added in the African hand drum.

Jammin'!

Then we needed a wind instrument!

Time for the straw whistles - HERE is a good tutorial.

 Fun to play!

Now for finger drums!

Use any small container - a balloon - masking tape - scissors - paint and brush optional!

Cut the end off the balloon - stretch the balloon over the container - tape around edges a couple of times.Note the little bump - it's OK - it's the bottom part of the balloon. You will want this to play the drum - details below.

Paint if you wish.

Wait let's use those balloon bits!

Add more wind!

Make straw the same as the whistles.

Now use those extra balloon pieces and tape them on the uncut end.

These make a different whistle sound.

It's a funny sound - fun to play!

Back to our drum.

You don't tap the drum - you pluck it!

This is where that bump comes in - it makes it easier to grab hold and pluck.

Our finger drum quartet!

Who wants to Jam?

Thanks pal!

IT WAS A FUN DAY!

Oh yeah.....

.....we also played the shakers we made yesterday.....

...and belted out a tune!

Canadian idols!

Music and Drama Month

We have started a music and drama month in our classroom - which may actually turn into 2 months because we have so much to do!
Yesterday we started off playing didgeridoos and making our own instruments - which we will make many of over the month.

The didgeridoo is very difficult to play - but my little buddy here was the first to get a good sound from this fun instrument.

The teachers had to try as well!

Then we made some shaker instruments with our recyclables - coloured rice and some stickers to decorate!

We used Valentines stickers because it's that time of year! :)

They were pretty as well - and fun to put on.

Shaking ....

... even drumming!

Lots of fun!

Wiggle Worm

We play this game called 'Wiggle Worm' - it's a great game to play for toddlers because we get to wiggle and learn at the same time. Educational and fun! What more could you want in a game!

First I printed off shapes and numbers and a clip art of a worm on to card stock and I laminated them - then cut them to fit on the large craft sticks. I am going to add the ABC's soon - because my tots have this down cold now! I keep them in a plastic container which I simply covered in coloured paper.

To play the game I pull out one stick at a time - hold it up for all to view and the tots shout out what they see on the stick. If the worm pops up the tots get to wiggle and squiggle in their seat. Everyone giggles while skill building!

Now this is NOT my original idea - but I found it over 2 years ago so I cannot link it to anyone - if it's your idea let me know and I will link you! :) All the clips I used I simply searched on google.