Sacramento Children's Museum

Painting on the walls- who doesn't love that?

(I love this. Because who isn't?)

We have gone two days in a row- the kids love that the museum 1) is so close and 2) so fun. It is pretty small and relatively simple, all things considered. But because they can touch everything inside, they love every inch.

Giant Coloring

It is usually toward the end of the day when I roll 10 feet of paper out on to the floor. The children love making large pictures- especially tracing their bodies and making life-sized portraits.

Painting Birdhouses

The children were on their super best behavior- for the most part they kept the paint in the areas most appropriate (not even a drop on the floor!). And I love overhearing their conversations-

"Don't paint on the inside! The birds don't like that."

Shapes Week

We reviewed shape names and colors while the children put together these simple mobiles.

The children did a great job following directions with the pile of shapes. It was nice that they could appreciate that in the beginning the circles and ovals would eventually look like a wizard.

We did the same thing with the circle pandas.

The older kids loved this project. I gave them a pile of shapes and asked them to create a secret clubhouse. They were so crafty- even created a door way. Underneath the flap were a few essentials- t.v. and refrigerator with snacks!

Super Manners

We talked about super heroes as a family last night. I discovered these great printables with situations (I just love the internet- so many good ideas to share!).

So of course we talked about super heroes today during circle time. The children were very receptive. If they have spoken in a way that requires rescue by one of our super heroes, then I ask them to "use your super hero words!"

Now I just need to find a few minutes to whip up some of these super hero capes for the dress up corner!

Fishing

The decorations are in! Ms. H picked a bridge for our fish to hide under. Ms. E chose a sandcastle. Mr. E found some foliage. It looks great!

We will welcome some fins in another few days- when our water had cycled a bit longer. Though I have to admit I am just as impatient as the children- I would love to pick some fish out today!

Bed Bugs

(The fun kind.)

Trampoline Time

Jumping on the trampoline is a great way to get energy out when we are stuck inside. Counting by 1, 2, 5, or 10 helps the children cycle through turns while learning.

Clouds: Part 2

We used half sheets of construction paper in many shades of blue. Fold in half and add a few drips of white paint near the crease. Rub the fold to squish the paint around. Then ask the children what they see.

"I see a motorcycle!" "I see a marshmallow!" "I see lungs!" " I see fish!"

White cloud outlines are filled with small water drops and dust particles.

Books We Read:

Hi, Clouds by Carol Greene

Little Cloud by Eric Carle

Stick Sculptures

Thank you to Mamascout for this idea: Stockpile some of these craft ingredients so that on your next rainy (or super hot) afternoon you have something for the older ones to do.

Letter Bingo

DLTK has a custom bingo maker with many themes. This time I picked letters and shapes- color coding vowels and consonsants. I laminated them with the purple cow so we could use snacks for markers and have easy clean up. The game is a great way to help with letter recognition for the younger children and helps teach categorizing letters with the older.

Clouds: Part 1

During snack time the kids created cloud shapes.

Cotton cirrus clouds- wispy.

Cumulus clouds- fluffy but flat on the bottom.

Road Trip Helps

Do you have one last road trip planned before the end of the summer? Or maybe a 20 minute ride to Grandma's is still torture. Here are a few fun ideas for the car.

Sacramento Children's Museum

I am excited that the Sacramento Children's Museum is 1) within walking distance and 2) opening later this month!