*Update* Chicka Boom Trees

A few weeks ago, the girls created these adorable handprint Chicka Boom trees with their names.  I just couldn't store them away with the other crafts, these had to be framed!

 

  

I found a 2-pack set of frames (11x13) at Michael's for $9.99, but with my 50% coupon, I was able to snag these frames for only $2.50 each!  Instead of adding a frame-mat, I decided to use scrapbooking paper.  I love the way these turned out and they look adorable hanging in their room! 

Messy Class: I Spy Alphabet Bottles!

This year at Coop, I'm teaching a Preschool Messy Class!  Yes, a messy class! 

Our first week, we created I Spy Alphabet Bottles.  

I Spy Alphabet Bottle

 Mac had the best time helping me prepare the rice! 

First, we read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

I took in our sand table from home.  After the book, I dumped out all the rice in the sand table. I had numerous scoops/spoons/cups for each child to fill their empty juice bottle.  Unfortunately, the first week was a little chaotic; therefore, I wasn't able to snap any "action" shots!  I had 12 little 3/4 year olds...that's 24 hands dumping rice everywhere! 

After they filled their bottle, we carefully added alphabet beads, then hot-glued the lid on.  

I Spy Alphabet Bottle

 In addition, I created this simple Alphabet Handout (laminated) for each child to take home along with the I Spy Alphabet Bottle.  

I Spy Alphabet Bottle with Handout

Shake, find and identify a letter, then cover letter on handout. 

Finding and Identifying Letters

Super fun way to learn and recognize the letters of the alphabet!

Chicka Boom Trees

My girls love reading the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom! They never get tired of reading it!

 We've done several versions of the Chicka Tree, but our newest version is my favorite! 

  

I just love the way these came out! 

I can't wait to frame and hang in the playroom!  

Our older Chicka Tree versions...

Handprint Tree with Letter Stamps in Fall 2011

Dot Marker Tree with Alphabet Stamps Fall 2011

Handprint Tree with Magnetic Letters Winter 2009

If your child enjoys Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, be sure to check out this adorable video! 

Tot School...Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Our first week of Tot School for this school year was amazing!
The theme was a favorite, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

*I love these new tot trays that I found at the Dollar Tree this summer!*

So, what's on the shelf?

#1. Sensory Bin

Rice, scoop (from Dollar Tree), cute little palm tree from her Nativity set, and Melissa and Doug alphabet puzzle.

Rice plus letters equals...

One happy little girl!

#2. Matching Color Clothespins

Trees found here.

Paint samples from Lowe's glued onto clothespins...great fine motor activity!

Mac liked matching the colors, but had a difficult time attaching the clothespins.

#3. Magnetic Fun

Coconut tree printout and magnetic puff balls.
Craft balls from Dollar tree; hot glued magnet on back.

#4. Chicka Tree with alphabet stickers from Target

Another simple activity for fine motor skills!

She really likes stickers, so she did this activity twice!

When finished, she practiced singing her ABC song!

And was very proud of herself!

#5. Alphabet puzzle from Target's dollar aisle.

Divided by capital and lowercase letters. Least favorite activity on the shelf.

#6. Leap Frog Tag Jr. ABC book

Favorite activity on shelf this week!

I found her reading several times throughout the day!

Other fun activities included:

Special coconut tree snack! Peanut butter, banana, and apples.

Chicka tree coloring printout, which was a great tool for peek-a-boo!

Watching the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom video (at least 100 times).

Listening to the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom song, while coloring this printout.

Alphabet stamp art project.

Working alphabet puzzles!

Melissa and Doug alphabet puzzle

And, another alphabet puzzle!

She also enjoyed playing this game with Big Sis!

Learning how to pump her legs on the big girl swing was a major accomplishment this week!

Finally, her favorite activity of the week...

Taking apart and putting back together the alphabet floor puzzle!




Want to see what other tots are doing? Jump over to 1+1+1=1 and take a look!



Mac is 30 months old.