I am a huge fan of busy bags. I love having engaging and educational activities ready to go when I need them! They can easily go with you which makes them great for summer and travel. They are also a fun way for kids to develop the fine motor skills they need for Kindergarten! Fine Motor Busy Bags ABC Match Fine Motor Busy Bag. Use clothespins and a paper plate to create a sunshine busy bag that develop fine motor and ABC skills. Crazy … [Read more...]
How to Make Invisible Ink with Lemon Juice
I have been wanting to try invisible writing with lemon juice for awhile now, but we haven't gotten around to it. We were sent a copy of Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors (affiliate link) written by Rachelle of Tinkerlab and when my preschooler saw it in there and asked to try it I immediately said yes! Invisible Ink with Lemon Juice lemon juice (any citrus will work) cotton swabs cardstock iron I love simple … [Read more...]
Homemade Silly Putty Recipe
Homemade silly putty is both a great kids activity and a science project! After playing with silly putty at engineering camp this week my kids wanted to play with it at home too. We decided to make some homemade silly putty using items we already had at home. It was a great way to extend their learning and play! Making silly putty turned out to be a great way to practice thinking like a scientist and using our problem solving skills. Our first … [Read more...]
What Do Phonics, Phonemic Awareness and Decoding Mean?
If you have a preschooler or a kindergartner chances are you've heard the terms phonics, phonemic awareness and decoding before. What do they really mean? This week as part of our Get Ready for K Through PLAY series I'm going to explain! Some of my longtime readers (thank you!) may know that I have my Master's in Reading and am a trained Reading Specialist, but you don't need a background in education to figure this out. I promise. All you need is … [Read more...]
Liquid Layers Density Science Experiment
Density can be a tricky science topic for kids to understand. Making the concept hands-on with a density science experiment like liquid layers is a great way for kids to "see" density in action. I've seen other people do this experiment before, but this was the first time I had ever done it myself. Our first experiment didn't turn out as well as I thought it would so follow the pouring directions below if you don't have a lot of extra liquids when … [Read more...]
Kindergarten Active Math Games
Preschoolers and kindergartners love to move! Instead of trying to get them to sit still all the time I am a big fan of letting them move and learn. This week in our Get Ready for K Through PLAY! series I am sharing some fun Kindergarten active math games for kids! Kindergarten Math Games: Number Line Run. Help kids recognize numbers and number order with this fun and simple sidewalk chalk game. Math Hunt. Search around the house for the … [Read more...]
Dancing Raisins Science Experiment
The Dancing Raisins science experiment is so cool! It is also super easy to do which makes it perfect for our classic Summer Science Camp series! Dancing Raisins Experiment: clear sodas (we used Sprite, Mountain Dew and tonic water) raisins clear glasses water (for the control) Fill clear glasses each with a different type of soda. We found that using soda that hadn't been refrigerated and was at room temperature … [Read more...]
Teach Independent Skills for Kindergarten
Kids need independent skills to navigate the Kindergarten classroom. Being able to take care of yourself at school makes a child feel more confident and leads to success. Last year I shared the 3 Independent Skills Your Child Needs for Kindergarten and this year I'm going to share a fun way to practice them--with an obstacle course! Independent Skills Practice Game backpack lunch box with drink cup and other containers folder or … [Read more...]
