Blueberries For Sal

Today we read Blueberries For Sal by Robert McCloskey.

In this classic picture book, little Sal becomes so involved in her blueberry picking, she doesn't notice that she's following the wrong mother - an equally startled mother bear! "Amusing and suspenseful and entirely childlike in appeal." - Booklist

Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk!

Meet math standards: Number and Operations
*Computation
*Adding and subtracting
*Using objects to computer; using mental computation

((We used pony beads and a small metal pail from Target's Dollar Spot.))

Ask the child to listen as you drop a number of blueberries into the bucket one at a time. How many are in the bucket? Pour and count.

Add a small number to that. Pour and count.

Divide the blueberries into two or three groups and have the child pick which group has the most and which group has the least. Try it several times.

Have the child drop one blueberry at a time into the bucket and count out loud. How high can you count?

Write a numeral (for younger children) or a number sentence (such as 3+4 for older children). See if the child can put the right amount into the bucket.

All About Play...stages, toys & tips

General guidelines from Fisher-Price about what a 5-Year-Old's play might look like.

Clicky link:
Fisher-Price

Cinco De Mayo Maracas

A maraca is an instrument used all over Mexico that is shaken to create sound. They are usually played in pairs ie. maracas. They're simple to make and a fun addition next time you "dance it out!" Dancing is a stress reliever so get right in there with the kids and join the fiesta. You'll both feel better for it!

Seal uncooked beans or rice, beads, small pebbles, seeds, shells, or buttons inside of

1.) Two paper or plastic cups taped together.

2.) A film canister.

3.) Two small paper plates stapled together.

Writing Strips

For pre-writers

Cut a sheet of paper into smaller 3" x 8 1/2" strips. Give your child the strips along with a crayon or marker and let the scribbling begin. By encouraging your child to mark on the smaller sized papers, she'll be praticing smaller hand movements. Since we read and write from left to right, make a dot in the upper left corner and tell her it is the starting point.

Cues to use when talking about her writing:
"These looks like big loops, and these look like smaller loops."
"You have some long lines here and some short ones here."
"I notice you connected these loops."
"These marks are side by side."
"This is really close to the letter ( )."

Contact Paper Creations

A good investment next time you make it to town is a roll of clear contact paper. It has multiple uses. You just place items on the sticky side of one sheet and press another over it to seal.

Color Collage - all red items, all blue items, etc.
Shiny Collage - all that glitters and sparkles
Nature Collage - seal your findings
Autumn Leaf Display - fall colors are eye-catching
Flower Petal Suncatcher - press flower petals in between and hang in a window
Placemats - turn any of the above into placemats
Torn Tissue Paper - just tear and arrange

and many more at...
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/contactpaper/ConTact_Paper_Crafts.htm

Dictation

Merriam-Webster defines dictation as 2 a (1): the act or manner of uttering words to be transcribed (2): material that is dictated or transcribed.

My suggestion for you today is to write down what children say, word for word. That part is important because you give the child ownership of the story. When you do shorthand or leave words out, you're writing your own version of the story.

The messages you send to a child when doing this are "Words are important. YOUR words are important. Words on paper have meaning. Writing something down is a way to remember it later or pass on information." It develops language and literacy skills. It strengthens the imagination!

You can use dictation:

Next time your child brings you a piece of artwork try "Tell me about that!" and write it word for word on the back. Read it back to the child.

Ask your child to describe a photograph. Write down their account of what was happening in the photo. What's important to them might be quite different than what you remember. This can be quite amusing.

Have the child tell you a story. You write it, then the child can illustrate it.

Kids say the darndest things. Capture those moments by writing down what they say so someday you can look back together and laugh!

Great Zoo Escape

Hide several of your child's plastic or stuffed animals, counting as you go so that none get left behind later. For younger children, you might find it easier to stick to one room of the house. Exclaim "Oh no, (number) of animals have escaped from the zoo!" Ask your child for their help returning the animals safely. Count as you go.

*Variation: Take the game outside for an outdoor safari. Colorful gardens work especially well.

*Variation: Have a sandbox? Bury some treasures for later discovery. Jewels from the craft store are especially exciting, or rocks painted gold. Be sure not to give away the secret and watch your child's reaction.