10 frames

Today we learned about using 10 frames to recognize sets of numbers quickly.  We discussed how many filled boxes vs empty boxes we had for each number.  Lil was excited to see how she could use them to recognize how many objects were in a set without even counting.  After she made frames 1-10 she decided to make a giant 10 frame by placing them on the floor.

Christmas Light Sequencing

Cynthia (Nanny): 

To work on our number ordering to 15 I cut out light bulb shapes and numbered them. The girls did very well with 1-10 but needed some support with 11-15. Our focus right now is recognizing and orally counting up to 20 so this activity was a good informal way for me to know what lessons to pull next week to reinforce numbers to 20. 

Winter Snowflakes

Cynthia (Nanny): Today we read one of our favorite books, Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell. If you've never read it, you must. It touches on so many great lessons and topics like self worth, self confidence, bullying, family, and starting in a new school to name a few. 

After we read the book we made paper snowflakes like the main characters does in the book. I introduced the concept of being unique and special, just like snowflakes. 

A friend of mine named Beth reminded me about making paper snowflakes this season so thank you Beth! :) 

I needed a refresher on folding the paper but found a good one here: http://www.marthastewart.com/276331/how-to-make-paper-snowflakes/@center/1009041/christmas-crafts-projects

Afterwards, we used glitter to decorate them and hung the snowflakes on the kitchen windows

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Christmas Tree Name Puzzles

Cynthia (Nanny): 

I started by cutting out a triangle tree shape. Then I wrote each girls name on a tree vertically. Next, I cut the tree into strips w one letter on each. Then they assembled the tree to spell their name and adds star and trunk. 

This was an easy way to spell their names while keeping with our Christmas theme. 

Homemade Snow

Snow in San Antonio is rare, but not when you have 2 simple household ingredients! 

We used 1 box of baking soda (approximately 2 cups) and 1/3 cup of white hair conditioner. That's it! I made one batch for each child. 

We mixed the two ingredients together and it felt like real snow! It was cool to the touch, moldable, and a little slushy. This will for sure be a go to winter activity for us! 

Thumbprint Candy Canes

Cynthia (Nanny): 

To reinforce patterns we used thumbprints dipped in red and white paint to create a candy cane. So fun and easy! To help them keep the shape I lightly drew the cane shape on their papers to stamp over. 

Christmas Patterns

Cynthia(Nanny): 

Patterns continue to be a concept we reinforce constantly. Being able to recognize, identify, and extend a pattern are what we worked on today. 

I made 3 different patterns using a Christmas sticker book I got on sale at Michael's last weekend. The patterns all followed the ABC rule this time but I inserted missing spots within each. 

The girls didn't seem to have problems with them so I need to make them a little more challenging next time. 

When Little Sister was done, she noticed the space I left on the bottom of the page and asked to make her own. Of course, I let her! 😀

What other ideas can you share on having your kids create patterns?