Have a Safe 4th!

Hey there friends!

I have to admit...I'm that mom that freaks out over sparklers. They just make me nervous! I was never allowed to have them growing up, and now they just make me antsy with little ones around.

Last year, we decided to get crafty and make our own fireworks. We attempted straw painting. I think our paint was too thick...

We also made these, and they were a hit! Some sparkly pipe cleaners, some craft sticks and  little hot glue...DONE! Easy peasy, and lots of fun to run around with.

This year I've been looking for other fun alternatives to sparklers and, as usual, the Kid Blogger Network did not leave me wanting! Here are some of my favorites:

super simple: Star Wands from Our Arts 'n' Things

A little fancy: Patriotic Spirit Wands from Buggy and Buddy

Great for itty bitties: Fireworks in a Bottle from No Twiddle Twaddle

Want more crafty holiday goodness? There are over 30 ideas, all from KBN bloggers here on my pinboard: 4th of July with the Kid Blogger Network

Be blessed, and be safe!

Heather

The ABCs of Preschool Play: Day 5

Hello friends!

We're here! The end of the alphabet! Let's get to it.

U is for: Under the Sea
Bust out the art supplies and make an under the sea collage like Just For Daisy. Pair it with your favorite books, and even a trip to the aquarium (or the pet section at the grocery store, am I right?) and you have a pretty fun day!

V is for: Vegetables
Who says you can't play with your food? Creative With Kids used them as paintbrushes! It looks like lots of fun, and may even make veggies more approachable for those picky eaters!

W is for: Water
I wanted to choose just one water table post for you, and then I found Caution! Twins at Play's pinboard. You need to go check this out. For real. They are all her ideas, and they are all amazing!

X is for: X-Ray
Abbey has been asking about her bones lately. Actually, it started with her asking about her ears, then moved to cartilage, and then to bones, but you get the point! Marnie from Carrots Are Orange has a great post about learning what's inside.

Y is for: Yoga
While I may not subscribe to the more spiritual aspects of yoga, I have absolutely seen its physical benefits. Kid World Citizen has a great list of ways yoga can benefit kids.

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Z is for: Zoo

We're big fans of the zoo in this household. We're blessed to have several nearby, and we take full advantage of them. However, a trip doesn't need to be a day away from home. Check out the ideas for a backyard zoo from The Educator's Spin On It.

Want to catch up on the rest of the fun? Check out the other daily posts.

Day 1: A - E

Day 2: Day 2: F - J
Day 3: K - O

Day 4: P - T

For even more great ideas check out the rest of the Learning Through Play bloggers

• Baking with Kids from Life at the Zoo
• Bath Activities for Kids from Bath Activities for Kids
• Discovery Bottles from Teach Preschool
• Farming for Children from Glittering Muffins
• Fitness for Kids from 3 Dinosaurs
• Imaginative Play from Train up a Child
• Kids Activities from Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Learning Through Play from Love Play & Learn
• Learning Toys & Manipulatives from This Reading Mama
• Movement Activities for Young Kids from AngeliqueFelix.com
• Play Dough from The Imagination Tree
• Playing with Light from Graham and Parker
• Preschool Play from Its A Long Story
• Sensory Bins from Royal Baloo
• Sensory Play from Creative Play House
• Toddler Activities from Toddler Approved
• Winter Outdoor Play from Pleasantest Thing

To see the full list of KBN bloggers participating in the ABC's series, click the image above.

Be blessed!

Heather

The ABCs of Preschool Play: Day 4

Hi Friends!

Can I just tell you how much fun I have been having putting this series together? I have found new-to-me blogs, and pinned so many new things for Abbey. I hope you have too!

Here we go with Day 4!

P is for: Pretend Play

There is nothing better than pretending. As much as I love technology, there is nothing like just letting your imagination run wild. I love this library play from The Pleasantest Thing.

Q is for: Quest
Take this idea from Domestic Goddesque and make a shield. Grab your paper towel roll sword and head off on an epic quest!

R is for: Rainbow Rice
Cerys does it again! (I'm a fan of hers...could you tell?)

 S is for: Superheroes
What little one doesn't want to be a superhero? More fantastic imaginary play ideas from The Pleasantest Thing, including a cape your kiddo can make their own!

T is for: Tissue Dance
I didn't even have to read the instructions to know that this game from True Aim Education looks like way too much fun!

Want to catch up on the rest of the fun? Check out the other daily posts.

Day 1: A - E

Day 2: Day 2: F - J
Day 3: K - O

For even more great ideas check out the rest of the Learning Through Play bloggers

• Baking with Kids from Life at the Zoo
• Bath Activities for Kids from Bath Activities for Kids
• Discovery Bottles from Teach Preschool
• Farming for Children from Glittering Muffins
• Fitness for Kids from 3 Dinosaurs
• Imaginative Play from Train up a Child
• Kids Activities from Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Learning Through Play from Love Play & Learn
• Learning Toys & Manipulatives from This Reading Mama
• Movement Activities for Young Kids from AngeliqueFelix.com
• Play Dough from The Imagination Tree
• Playing with Light from Graham and Parker
• Preschool Play from Its A Long Story
• Sensory Bins from Royal Baloo
• Sensory Play from Creative Play House
• Toddler Activities from Toddler Approved
• Winter Outdoor Play from Pleasantest Thing

To see the full list of KBN bloggers participating in the ABC's series, click the image above.

Be blessed!

Heather

ABCs of Preschool Play: Day 3

Hi my friends!

Are you having fun with this series? I hope it has given you some great new ideas!

Without further adieu...let's get to K-O!

K is for: Kick
That's it. Get outside and kick a ball. Another great reminder from Cerys that things don't need to be complicated!

L is for: Light Box

Don't get me wrong, I love my light box, but this one from True Aim Parenting takes playing with color and light to a whole new level! SO much fun! 

M is for: Movement

It's no secret that kids love (and need) to move. Marnie from Carrots Are Orange has a great post on the science behind why that movement is so important for little brains!

N is for: Noodles

Abbey hates getting her hands dirty. Everyone has their own little sensory "issues", that is hers. However, I think this  "messy" play activity from The Imagination Tree is one we could get away with!

O is for: Oobleck

More messy fun from Science Sparks! (it even glows in the dark!)

Want to catch up on the rest of the fun? Check out the other daily posts.

Day 1: A - E

Day 2: F - J

Day 4: P - T

For even more great ideas check out the rest of the Learning Through Play bloggers

• Baking with Kids from Life at the Zoo
• Bath Activities for Kids from Bath Activities for Kids
• Discovery Bottles from Teach Preschool
• Farming for Children from Glittering Muffins
• Fitness for Kids from 3 Dinosaurs
• Imaginative Play from Train up a Child
• Kids Activities from Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Learning Through Play from Love Play & Learn
• Learning Toys & Manipulatives from This Reading Mama
• Movement Activities for Young Kids from AngeliqueFelix.com
• Play Dough from The Imagination Tree
• Playing with Light from Graham and Parker
• Preschool Play from Its A Long Story
• Sensory Bins from Royal Baloo
• Sensory Play from Creative Play House
• Toddler Activities from Toddler Approved
• Winter Outdoor Play from Pleasantest Thing

To see the full list of KBN bloggers participating in the ABC's series, click the image above.

Be blessed!

Heather

ABCs of Preschool Play: Day 2

Hi friends!

I've got a whole new batch of letters for you today! Let's get to it.

F is for: Fish

JDaniel4's Mom has some great fish ideas! Pair these up with a trip to the aquarium or a family movie night with Nemo and you will be all set! How cute is this Fish Wash??

G is for: Glow
Little ones love anything that glows in the dark. It's just so cool! These glow in the dark water beads from Caution! Twins at Play look like way too much fun.

H is for: Human Board Game
What kiddo wouldn't love to be a piece in their very own board game? True Aim Education made theirs outside, but you could easily do something similar with masking tape for some good rainy day or winter fun!

I is for: Ice 

Ice cubes, cups, bowls & spoons. It doesn't get much easier than that! Thanks, Teach Preschool!

J is for: Jigsaw Puzzles
Cerys at Rainy Day Mum reminds us that classic toys are still some of the best out there!

Want to catch up on the rest of the fun? Check out the other daily posts.

Day 1: A - E
Day 3: K - O
Day 4: P - T

For even more great ideas check out the rest of the Learning Through Play bloggers

• Baking with Kids from Life at the Zoo
• Bath Activities for Kids from Bath Activities for Kids
• Discovery Bottles from Teach Preschool
• Farming for Children from Glittering Muffins
• Fitness for Kids from 3 Dinosaurs
• Imaginative Play from Train up a Child
• Kids Activities from Growing a Jeweled Rose
• Learning Through Play from Love Play & Learn
• Learning Toys & Manipulatives from This Reading Mama
• Movement Activities for Young Kids from AngeliqueFelix.com
• Play Dough from The Imagination Tree
• Playing with Light from Graham and Parker
• Preschool Play from Its A Long Story
• Sensory Bins from Royal Baloo
• Sensory Play from Creative Play House
• Toddler Activities from Toddler Approved
• Winter Outdoor Play from Pleasantest Thing

To see the full list of KBN bloggers participating in the ABC's series, click the image above.

Be blessed!

Heather