Our Latest Craze

After one of the children showed interest in learning how to knit (like her mom) I began searching for ideas to teach the basis.  I remembered from college one of our prof's showing us how to finger knit, however, that was 10 years ago so I needed a refresher.  I found this great tutorial that was easy for the children (and myself) to follow.

How to Finger Knit

Hope you have as much fun as we've had!

Until You Read Again....

Time + Life + Work

I could make many excuses as to why i've neglected to keep this up to date, but I won't.  I'll apologize humbly and carry on sharing the experiences and ideas I've gained in the last few months!

Cardboard Builders

Another way to upcycle your cardboard.

1. Cut cardboard into shapes
2. Paint/dry
3. Snip slots into 3 or 4 sides of shapes

Scultures a-plenty! 

(unfortunately, I do not remember what site I found this....my apologies)

Until You Read Again....

Warm Smells for Chilly Days

When the air begins to cool, it can be of great comfort to come in to warm and soothing aroma's.  In our Centre we are not able to light candles, so a homemade potpourri is often set to simmer on the electric hot plate.

In a medium, heavy pot, place 3 cups of water and a combo of the following:

• Apple peel and cinnamon stick
• Orange peel and cloves
• Lemon peel and a nub of fresh ginger
• Lime peel and coconut extract

You can also experiment and create your own scents! 

(*Notes: keep an eye on the water level and refill as it evaporates, be respectful of children/staff that are scent-sensitive or have allergies, never leave the hot plate on when you leave the room and keep the hot plate at a safe distance from curious hands & fingers)

Until You Read Again.....

*Blink*

There went August.....and September is rolling in.  Time to welcome returning and new children and families. 
How do you prepare for a new school year?  Do you have a traditional activity, song, or  room set-up? 

Until You Read Again.....

Make-It-Yourself Games

Often when a game gets broken or has lost pieces, it just seems easier to go out and buy a new one.  I try and challenge the children to remake the same game with items we have or can be easily donated to us.  One of the children's favourites is Pick Up Sticks.

We used bamboo skewers(with the tips trimmed off) and coloured them.  We used a paper towel tube as a storage container.

The newest favourite and a great take-a-long game, is X's and O's.

Cardboard bottom from a juice bottle pack.

Colour, paint or decorate the board. 

 Buttons as the X's & O's.

CHALLENGE:  What games can you build from things around the Centre or house?

Until You Read Again.....

Flower Pot Reuse

Another good way to reuse something that might end up in the landfill.

You might also like to try putting your crayons, markers or pencils in it. 

Until You Read Again......