Alphabet box

Visit Itty Bitty Love for some great ideas on how to use your Alphabet box!

Site Link:
http://ittybittylove.blogspot.com/2009/09/alphabet-box.html

School Lunch for a year

Found this blog called Fed up with Lunch. A teacher is attempting to eat school lunch for an entire year to prove the lack of nutritional value.

Interesting reading...



Site Link:
http://fedupwithschoollunch.blogspot.com

Ice Cream Paint

A great art activity for an ice cream unit

http://deborahjstewart.com/2010/07/puffy-ice-cream-cones-in-preschool/

Catholic Tool Box

Visit the Catholic Tool Box for Religion Lesson Plans!

Site Link:
http://catholicblogger1.blogspot.com/p/pk-k-lesson-plan-page.html

Ingles 360

Visit Ingles 360 for theme ideas and resources!


Site Link:
http://www.ingles360.net/Freebies/freebies.html

What We Do

Visit the Indoor Activities section of the blog What we do for links to great indoor ideas for learning in your classroom!

Site Link:
http://momandkiddo.blogspot.com/p/indoor-activities.html

Carl's Corner

Whew! Carl's Corner has LOADS of information, ideas, handouts, printables on a VAST range of preschool and kindergarten topics!

Site Link:
http://www.carlscorner.us.com/

Saint's coloring pages

Here is a place to find Saint coloring pages!

Site Link:
http://home.comcast.net/~sborders/coloringsaints/index_files/home.html

Clip art links

http://www.awesomeclipartforeducators.com/

http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/

Game Board Printables

This post might be for the older grade teachers! So. after visiting this site if you don't find it meets your needs, please pass the link on to those in who teach the "Big Kids" !

Visit Game Boards for ready made printable games!

Site Link:
http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/gameboard.htm

Heidi Songs has "creative Kindergarten curriculum". Check out this site for some neat ideas!



Site Link:
http://heidisongs.blogspot.com/

Camping theme

Visit Sew What 4 U to see some camping theme ideas for your classroom!

Site Link:
http://www.sewwhat4ucorp.com/campkindergarten.htm

Catholic Icing

Visit Catholic Icing for great Catholic crafts and ideas!



Site Link:
http://www.catholicicing.blogspot.com/

Button Snake

How about making this button snake for your preschoolers to practice with?

Site Link:
http://thetobyshow.typepad.com/the_toby_show/2009/05/cheap-easy-button-snake.html

Fabric Memory Game

Visit Nancy's Couture to see how she made this fabric memory game! This would also be a neat idea to use different textured fabrics and make a sensory memory game.

Site Link:
http://nancyscouture.blogspot.com/2010/03/game-on.html

I Spy Bag

How neat would these Eye Spy bags be for your classroom? Visit Craftiness is not Optional for a tutorial!

Site Link:
http://theadventuresofroryandjess.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-spy-bag-tutorial.html

Making Friends

The site Making Friends has some neat Bible Paper dolls, craft ideas and more!

Site Link:
http://www.makingfriends.com

Kinderdi

Check out Kinderdi for some cute crafts including a felt very hungry caterpillar story prop craft for you classroom!

Site Link:
http://kinderdi.blogspot.com/2010/07/very-hungry-caterpillar-story-props.html

Family Education

Visit Family Education for great articles, ideas and printables! The entire site can be searched by age to find EXACTLY what you are looking for.

Site Link:
http://www.familyeducation.com/home/

Stop by Mama to 3 blessings for some GREAT homemade manipulative ideas!

Site Link:
http://mamato3blessings.blogspot.com/

Tiny tots learning and growing

Check out Tiny Tots learning and growing for some great crafts, and cute lesson ideas!

Site Link:
http://tinytotslearning.blogspot.com/

Easy way to count 100 days

Here is a quick and easy way to count your 100 days:

Go to Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and pick up some scrapbook boarder pages like these: (measures 2x12 or close). During circle time use a marker to write the # of day. Use the strips to make a paper chain and keep adding to the chain until you reach 100!

To make this super simple and CHEAP, look for the paper on sale or use your store coupon.

A simple way to count to 100 for just a couple of dollars.

Triciarennea

Check out the blog Tricia-Rennea for some CUTE free printables perfect for parties or classrooms!

Site Link:
http://triciarennea.blogspot.com/search/label/printable

Printables on Etsy

Here is a list of Shops selling printables and file folder games on Etsy.

Remember to check seller ratings, and policies prior to purchase!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandsOnLearningFun

http://www.etsy.com/shop/EdufeltandMore

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LearnandGrow

Felt Story board pieces on ETSY

Here are some sellers on ETSY that make felt story board pieces.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/teachablemoment

http://www.etsy.com/shop/1StressLESSTeacher

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GlitterfulStories


http://www.etsy.com/shop/StorytellingFun

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FunFeltStories

http://www.etsy.com/shop/risingmoonadventures

Please note although I HAVE ordered from ETSY previously for other craft items and projects, I have NOT ordered from any sellers listed above. Be sure to check seller ratings and shop policies prior to purchasing!

Not Just Cute

Check out Not Just Cute for ideas in dramatic play, science, Motor Skills, Social Skills and more!

Site Link:
http://notjustcute.com/

Fun With Mama

Check out this post about the best of Fun With Mama for lots of neat ideas!

Site Link:
http://www.funwithmama.com/2010/07/best-of-fun-with-mama-1st-year.html

Payloadz

Here is a link to a site for printables.

Site Link:
http://store.payloadz.com/results/results.asp?m=59327

Kindergarten's 3 R's

Check out Kindergarten's 3 R's for classroom decor post. Also be sure to look at the categories listed on the left of this blog for links to more inspiration!

Site Link:
http://kidney-garden.blogspot.com/2010/06/classroom-decor-themes.html

Chalk Talk

Check out Chalk Talk for more pre-k and kindergarten links and ideas!

Site Link:
http://larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com/

Classroom Helpers

Pre-K Pages has a great post on classroom helpers!

Site Link:
http://www.pre-kpages.com/helpers/

Top 20 Websites

Making teachers Nerdy has a list of their top 20 websites.

Site Link:
http://mrssmoke.onsugar.com/Top-20-Websites-Teacher-Should-Start-2010-2011-Year-Without-9213932

K is for Kindergarten

The blog K is for Kindergarten has a really great post about how you can use duplo blocks and avery labels to help students learn to spell words!

Site Link:
http://iteachkinderkids.blogspot.com/2010/07/really-great-idea.html

Body Smart blog

Check out the Body Smart Blog for Physical education, health and outdoor play ideas!

Site Link:
http://bodysmartblog.org/

Felt Birthday Chair Cover

How about making a simple felt chair back cover to celebrate student's birthday's?

Site Link:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/birthday-throne-chair-covers-668997/

Sensory Bottles

Check out these sensory bottle recipes on quality kids crafts!

Site Link:
http://www.quality-kids-crafts.com/kidscrafts_sensorybottles.html

Hubbard's Cupboard

Check out Hubbard's Cupboard for preschool and kindergarten lesson plans, ideas and printables.

Topics on Hubbard's Cupboard include Religion, literacy, math, holidays, social studies

Site Link:
http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/index.html

jojoebi

Check out Jojebi for more montessori links and lots of free downloads! There are also some very cute crafty ideas.

Site link:
http://jojoebi.blogspot.com

Alphabet Bag inspiration

Counting Coconuts mentions the Alphabet bags by jojoebi. They are sooo cute and creative I thought they deserved a link on here too! Go check out this photo stream for inspiration.

Site Link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jojoebi/sets/72157601187374501/with/993851224/

Alphabet Box on Counting Coconuts

I LOVE this Alphabet box post on Counting Coconuts! LOADS of information, pictures, ideas for creating your own alphabet box!

Site Link:
http://countingcoconuts.blogspot.com/2010/06/alphabet-box-part-i.html

Living Montessori Now

Check out Living Montessori Now for an explination of the montessori method (if you are unfamiliar). At Living Montessori you will also find TONS of great hands real life lessons/ideas and application methods for your preschool classroom!

Site Link:

http://livingmontessorinow.com/

Scarf Dancing

Check out the scarf dancing feature on Preschool Rock!

Site Link:
http://fitness.preschoolrock.com/index.php/activities/creative-movement-activity---scarf-dancing

storytelling fun

Check out storytelling fun.com for great felt sets!

http://www.storytellingfun.com

Filth Wizardy

Check out Filth Wizardry for some interesting ideas for preschool play!

I especially LOVE their homemade lightbox sandtable!

http://www.filthwizardry.com/2010/06/diy-sand-art-lightbox.html

Circus Themed Resources

A circus theme in preschool! A fun idea, but remember that some children can be afraid of clowns. Here are some links to circus themed fun for preschool! I will be posting and adding some more circus theme ideas I have created/designed in the near future!


http://www.tlsbooks.com/themedworksheets.htm

http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/circus/index.htm

http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Circus/

http://www.angelfire.com/dc/childsplay/Circus_Theme.htm

http://www.fastq.com/~jbpratt/education/theme/circus.html

http://www.showmomthemoney.com/circus-preschool-theme-crafts-for-kids/

http://www.123child.com/UBB/showthread.php?t=3578

http://searchwarp.com/swa495109-Summer-Themes-For-Preschool-Classroom-Circus-Activities.htm

http://www.ehow.com/list_5959655_preschool-circus-theme-ideas.html

http://www.preschooleducation.com/acircus.shtml

http://www.kidsparkz.com/circus.html

http://www.k-3teacherresources.com/circus-theme-unit.html


http://www.the-preschool-professor.com/preschool-circus-theme.html


http://www.preschooleducation.com/scircus.shtml

http://www.preschoolcoloringbook.com/color/cpcircus.shtml

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3k0Jy7LSCg#

http://www.perfectlypreschool.com/Preschool-Lesson-Plans/Circus/index.php

http://justpreschoolthemes.com/circus-crafts-and-activities/

Apple Theme Resources and links

http://www.mrsnelsonsclass.com/teacherresources/thematicunits/apples.aspx

http://www.preschoolexpress.com/pattern_station02/apple_activities_aug02.shtml

http://www.alphabet-soup.net/dir2/applesong.html

http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/apples/index.htm

http://stepbystepcc.com/foods/apple3.html

http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Apples/

http://www.kidssoup.com/Apples/Apple_Activities.html

http://www.preschooleducation.com/aapple.shtml

http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/preschool_themes/apples/apples.htm

http://www.2care2teach4kids.com/preschool/themes/apples.htm

http://www.mommynature.com/apples-Johnny-Appleseed-theme.html

http://www.universalpreschool.com/how-to/fun_with_apples.asp

http://www.hummingbirded.com/apples.html

http://www.tlsbooks.com/themedworksheets.htm

http://kindergarten2.homestead.com/apples.html

http://abcteach.com/directory/theme_units/apples/

Carrie's Family Daycare downloads

Visit Payloadz for links to downloads you can purchase from Carrie's Family Daycare. These downloads can be purchased using your paypal account and vary in price. Downloads include many early childhood learning games, classroom decor, felt boards, etc.

Site Link:
http://store.payloadz.com/results/results.asp?m=59327

Living Creatively - Teaching Preschool

Here is a link to Living Creatively - Teaching Preschool. I especially LOVE her sensory steps idea!

Site Link:
http://wendyjanelle.blogspot.com/search/label/homeschool-%20teaching%20preschool

Ping Pong Gross Motor fun!

My son purchased the Cuponk game today. While the kids were playing with the new game, it reminded me that there are some great gross motor and fine motor things you could do with ping pong balls.

1.) Have child bounce and "catch" the ping pong ball. Their catch may require them to "hug" the ball to their chest to totally capture and keep the ball under control, but they are still using their hand eye coordination!

2.) Throw/bounce the ping pong balls into buckets set in a row. Remember watching this on the BOZO show that was on WGN?

3.) Use a sharpie to write #'s or letters on ping pong balls. Place the balls in a tub with some water. Give the child a large spoon to practice spooning out the ping pong balls. Have them identify the # or letter as they spoon out each ball. When finished have then place all #'s or letters in order.

DLTK

DLTK is a site that offers free Bible school printables organized in alphabetical order within the new and old testament.

DLTK also has another site with early childhood crafts and printables!

Site Link for Bible Printables and lessons:
http://www.dltk-bible.com/genesis/index.htm

DLTK's Other Printable site:
http://www.dltk-kids.com/

Stay tuned...

I am working on posting about my felt apples, daily attendance ideas, rain gutter bookshelves, handmade fishing game and my trifold board calendar. I just need to take the photos of these items so I can include pretty pictures with my posts! :)

Jesus Chair

I first heard about this idea when attending a meeting at the start of last school year. I am adapting it for my preschool room this year. My assistant is currently working on the "artsy" part of the chair. I plan to post pictures when it is finished. For now I wanted to share the idea so that it could be worked on over the summer months for those who are interested!

The idea behind the Jesus chair is that it is another way to remind students that our friend Jesus is sitting beside us and with us at all times. I found an older wooden child's chair in the storage room of my school to use for this project. The plan is to paint it and decorate it to remind us of that it is a special chair just for Jesus (no one else is allowed to sit in this chair). We plan to move the chair from place to place in the room each day so that different children get to sit with Jesus at their table and so Jesus is with them at different centers and stations!

Ice Cream Theme

A link to some Ice Creme Themed ideas and printables.

Site Link: http://www.spelloutloud.com/2010/07/ice-cream-in-bag.html

Make your own moonsand

Here is a DIY recipe for moon sand
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/07/15/diy-moon-sand/

CurrClick

CurrClick is a site where you can find downloadable and printable learning resources. Some resources are free and some cost.

Signing up for membership to CurrClick is free and required to download items. When downloading free items, add it to your cart then click the payment method of your choice. The link will then be e-mailed to you (you will not be required to enter your payment info).

Here is a link to a free chore chart to get you started!
http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=23303&it=1

I'm dreaming of building Grace's Town

WOW! I would love to build Grace's Town from Knock off Wood for my preschoolers! You need to check out these complete and FREE plans for some very cute woodworking projects for the pretend play area in a classroom.

Site Link:
http://www.knock-offwood.com/search/label/Grace%27s%20Town

Children's Museums

Here is a link to a listing of Children's Museums across the US. If you haven't visited a Children's museum, I encourage you to do so for inspiration and ideas about creative play and discovery.

Site Link:
www.childrensmuseums.org

A Children's Museum in Tulsa OK that isn't on the directory is :
http://www.kaleidoscopecm.com/

Streamer Wands

Here is a tutorial for another version of Ribbon/Stream wands/sticks.

Site Link:
ribbonwands.blogspot.com

Ribbon wands

Here is a link to a tutorial about How to make ribbon sticks/wands. Looks like they require just a few easy to find materials.

I plan to make a few soon and will post picks of my finished product!

Site Link:
Ribbon Wand Tutorial

Katherine Marie Photography

Visit Katherine Marie Photography and view her Theme of the Week posts for great inspiration and ideas!

Site Link:
http://katherinemariephotography.com/blog/archives/category/theme-of-the-week

The Adventures of Bear

The Adventures of Bear site has links for ideas in areas including:
Art, Pretend, Math, Science, Geography, etc.

Site Link:
http://theadventuresofbear.blogspot.com/

Let's Explore

Check out the Let's Explore website for TONS of simple and easy ideas for early childhood classrooms.

Site Link:
http://lets-explore.net/blog/

Scratch and Sniff Paint

Here is a link to a scratch and sniff paint recipe. The Picky Apple also includes the kool aid colors she used with each paint color.

Site Link:
http://www.thepickyapple.com/blog/2010/06/02/scratch-and-sniff-paint/

Bean Bags

I have used scraps of pre-cut quilting squares to make these bean bags. Stuffed with super soft and fluffy batting and a small jingle bell, these bean bags will be perfect for letting my preschoolers throw them at each other or play catch!

The Toby Show

Check out The Toby Show blog for some cute, cheap and easy, creative ideas for your early childhood classroom!

Site Link:
http://thetobyshow.typepad.com/the_toby_show/cheap-easy.html

Story Dice

How neat is this idea!

Check out the sites listed below for details about story dice then, this tutorial from Stitch Craft and make your own story dice.

Sites for information about story dice:

http://www.stitchcraftcreations.com/2009/12/16/a-sad-story-about-story-dice/

http://thetobyshow.typepad.com/the_toby_show/2009/03/cheap-easy-story-dice.html

Education.com

Education.com is a great site for teachers and parents of ALL ages.

Find worksheets, browse the site by topics or by age.

Site Link:
http://www.education.com/

Newspaper End Rolls

Want to help recycle and get some cheap paper that is perfect for easel painting? Check with your local newspaper office! At a local newspaper office near my hometown, I was able to purchase "end rolls" of newspaper for 35 cents a pound. The end rolls are 22 inches wide and come on extra sturdy cardboard rolls! Perfect paper for easel painting or rolling out onto our preschool tables for art time.

When buying the rolls of paper make sure they deduct the weight of the cardboard "core". By deducting the core 16 pounds from my 34 pound total it made the cost that I paid for my 18 pounds of paper under $7

Online Games for Preschoolers

Check out these two sites for online games for your preschooler!

Site Links:
kneebouncers.com

www.meddybemps.com

National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families

The website Zero to Three has some great printable resources to hand out to preschool parents!

Site Link:
www.zerotothree.org

Dr. Suess Links

Here are some links to help you with planning your Dr. Suess Celebrations! I apologize if some site link to similar printables or ideas. I just compiled as many sites as I could that listed Dr. Suess Material.


Site Links:
http://www.oneprettything.com/?p=9022

http://www.thevirtualvine.com/drseuss.html

http://www.hummingbirded.com/seuss.html

http://printables4kids.com/the-best-dr-seuss-printables/

http://www.lucylearns.com/coloring-page-of-dr-seuss.html

http://www.susanezzell.com/seuss.htm

http://www.google.com/images?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&q=dr+seuss+printables&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=HskwTI6bNcH_nQeI6LneAw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=5&ved=0CEgQsAQwBA

http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Dr__Seuss/

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/dr-seuss-birthday/printables/mulberry-street.html

http://www.sowonderfulsomarvelous.com/2010/01/dr-seuss-birthday-party.html

http://www.mrsjonesroom.com/themes/seuss.html

http://www.seussville.com/seussentennial/participation1.html

http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/2010/03/dr-suess-baby-shower.html

http://www.imtopsyturvy.com/2010/04/dr-seuss-3rd-birthday-party.html

Extend your Paint!

Quirky momma has some great $$$ saving resources like her tip on how to make paint go further and be less messy!

Site Link:
http://quirkymomma.com/2010/shaving-cream-paint/

A to Z phonics

Check out A to Z phonics for early reading ideas, lessons and printables.


Site Link:
http://www.atozphonics.com