book nook: little blue and little yellow

Our first week of school was full of all things blue and yellow to go along with the book Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni. Here are five fun things we did in the classroom that you can do at home.

1. Color Mixing: Grab three small glass container such as juice glasses or baby food jars. Fill each a third of the way full with water. Leave one jar clear with just water, in the other two add liquid food color or liquid watercolor so that you have two jars each filled with their own primary color. Add a pipette or eyedropper and let your little scientist get to mixing. Have a towel nearby as some kiddo prefer to pour.

2. Circle printing: Gather an assortment of cylinders and/or tubes  (we used empty bean cans and paper towel tubes) for your kiddo to print with. Fill a tray, plate or cookie sheet with blue and yellow paint. Set out a large sheet of paper and let yer kiddo print away. The more they print the more the paint mixes and soon they will have three colors to print with.

3. Play Dough Mixing: Whip up your own play dough in blue and yellow (or other combo of primary colors). Set out rolling pins, cookie cutters, and citrus juicers (The Dollar Tree is where we found ours) and let the magic happen. Chances are your kiddos will squish away until their blue and yellow play dough turns green. We did this a lot in class often retelling the story as we played (And they hugged and they hugged until they turned green). Click here for the scrumdilly-do! recipe.

4. Pom pom sorting: Pick up a pack or two of pompoms from your local craft store or dollar store. We used a collection of poms pulled from a variety pack and from a single color pack purchased at Michael's (we purchased one blue and one yellow). Find two small bowls or baskets similar in size. Use the bottom of each bowl as a template to cut out a small circle of colored paper to place inside. We used blue and yellow but you can use any colors you like. The paper we used was from a scrapbook pack we have.

5. Circle sorter puzzle: This one is something you need to buy. I found ours on Zulily but you can find them online as well.

Not pictured is shaving cream color mixing, painting on a sphere, paper plate painting, curler stacking, pipecleaner and bead bracelets, blue and yellow collages, and blottos.

my heart is like a zoo

Our book for the Valentine Week was My Heart is Like a Zoo. For the literature, we read the book and went on a heart hunt through the story. Then we went on a classroom heart hunt and graphed our hearts.

 

The hearts we found became our zoo animals. We used gluesticks and markers to create our animals.
 Throughout the week, the children used their eyes to seek out hearts of all shapes and sizes. When we talk about our senses I use words and phrases such as visual clues, auditory clues, sense of smell, sense of touch, etc. I have been doing this since the very beginning of the school year and just now the children are starting to tell me about their clues.  When we read a story and the children tell me what is going to happen next as they look at the illustrations. I will tell them that they are using their eyes to seek out visual clues to the story. I use descriptive phrases like this to illustrate and reinforce each child's actions and processes. Rather than say great job or a simple yes, I prefer to reinforce what they are telling me by repeating what they said with the physical action of how they came to that conclusion. Let's just say I jump into it kinesthetically. I like to make connections and build autonomy this way. I believe it gives them more power an control over their own learning, to know that they are physically capable of using their body as a tool for learning.

We also learned about how our heart works. We used our fists to demonstrate the size and pumping actions of our hearts. We tested our resting hear rate and our accelerated heart rate. We dance around our room to build our heart up and later throughout the week, when the children had been running or bike riding, they would run to me to feel their hearts beating. I would feel their heart beats and say the thumpy, thumps out loud with them repeating after me. Of course we used a stethoscope to listen to our heartbeats and we looked at pictures of the muscles in our bodies. I really liked this book (darn it is out of print but I think this is the same one?) and this book. Also, just found a hand pump at the hardware store used for siphoning gas that will be a great tool to demonstrate the in and out pumping of our blood through our hearts.

make magic! do good! a giveaway

Why not start the New Year with a wee bit o' magic Dallas Clayton style? Mr. Clayton's new book Make Magic! Do Good! 

is brimming with all sorts of fun poetry in motion. From teeny tiny griaffes to real-life dragons the poems in Make Magic! Do Good! are both magical and fun. The lovely folk at Candlewick  have given me an opportunity to give a copy away to one of my American or Canadian readers.

Go ahead, leave a comment below, add a haiku if yer feeling creative and I will choose a winner on January 10th, so leave your comment and spread the word! You can also leave a comment on scrumdilly-do's Facebook page under the post for this contest, one comment per person please. Happy entering!

a sea shell, dim sum, forgotten cows and a mama that zooms...

Here are four more great books for kiddos featuring a variety of faces and fun. I apologize for the blurriness of some of the photos, my trusty old Rebel took a dive on our last road trip and my new camera just arrived two days ago. Since I had been gearing up for picture book month, I had already taken photos of thirty different children's books! Yay for reading! 

 Can You Hear the Sea?

Written by Judy Cumberbatch

Illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max

 Dim Sum for Everyone

Written and Illustrated by Grace Lin

 For You Are a Kenyan Child

Written by Kelly Cunnane

Illustrated by Ana Juan

Mama Zooms

Written and Illustrated by Jane Cowen Fletcher

November is Picture Book Month

I had grand plans, BIG plans even but somehow time ran away from me so all I have right now for you are four books, all delightful,  you may or may not know...

 Two Old Potatoes and Me 

Written by: John Coy

Illustrated by: Carolyn Fisher

Reading Rainbow video here

 999 Tadpoles

Written by Ken Kimura

Illustrated by Yasanuri Marukami

The Belly Book

Written by Fran Manushkin

Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

The Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out (BIG TIME)

Written and Illustrated by Troy Cummings

Picture Book Month: Swami on Rye

 

Swami on Rye: Max in India

by Maira Kalman

Published by Viking Juvenile, 1995

Swami on Rye is one of my most favorite picture books (what's not to adore about cricket games, red herrings, vampires and a father-to-be flying about on a magic carpet?) Maira Kalman is one of my most favorite people ever. She is a visionary and secretly I liken myself to being a kindred spirit with her. Though she is probably much more interesting than I.  Truthfully, any of the Max books are a good choice. People can be very particular about their favorite Max book, I happen to like this one best. Max books are lyrical and slightly nonsensical. They are not even close to being linear and quite difficult to read out loud to a large group (I speak from experience). One on one however, they are perfect and full of whimsy and wonder and quirk. They are probably more suited for us grown-ups yet I know oodles of kiddos who adore Max as much as I do. Don't miss out on Max or Maira, there is sure to be something for everyone in her wonderful world.

Don't forget, November is picture book month. Check out the official
blog here!

Picture Book Month: Mary's Penny

 Mary's Penny

Written by Tanya Landman

Illustrated by Richard Holland

Published by Candlewick Press, 2010

Mary's Penny is a retelling of a traditional tale with all the markings of a fairy tale as well (save for any fairies). Mary is the daughter of a farmer and sister to two brother's. One day her father gives each son a penny and tells them that whomever can fill the house with something purchased with their penny will get to run the farm. Mary, being a girl, is not included. At least, not at first. Richard Holland's collaged illustrations are wonderful and the story is so simple and lovely I urge you to pick up a copy. This is one for my bookshelves.

Don't forget, November is picture book month. Check out the official blog here!

Picture Book Month: Tommaso and the Missing Line

Tommaso and the Missing Line

by Matteo Pericoli

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2008

In a nutshell, this is the story of a boy searching for his line. Yup, HIS line. He once drew a picture of his favorite view that showcases the most lovely of arced lines. One day he pulls his picture out of his pocket to find the line has vanished! Tommaso then sets out to find his missing line. Told with simple words and creative illustrations your kiddos may find themselves inspired to draw their very own picture with a very orange line. Enjoy!

Don't forget, November is picture book month. Check out the official blog here!

Picture Book Month: Bonnie's Blue House

Yolanda's Yellow School

Written & illustrated by Kelly Asbury

Published by Henry Holt & Co., 1997

Bonnie's Blue House is one in a trilogy of nifty picture books by Kelly Asbury. With a retro feel and simple dialogue, you and your kiddos will delight in Yolanda's school day. The other two titles are Rusty's Red Vacation and Yolanda's Yellow School.

Don't forget, November is picture book month. Check out the official blog here!

Picture Book Month: Song & Juniper

 

Song & Juniper

by August Hall

Published by Big Kid Books, 2005

I know, I'm sorry, another out of print title but you can find these used and at your library and really, libraries are the best things so make sure you have a card if you are able. This lovely book has absolutely gorgeous illustrations. The simple story details a day spent with Song & Juniper. Simple and very pretty. I hope you get a chance to check it out!

Don't forget, November is picture book month. Check out the official blog here!

Picture Book Month: Supermoo!

Supermoo!

Written & Illustrated by Babette Cole

Published by Mammoth, 1994

Supermoo is a story about a super cow. I know! Back in my nannying days, my kiddos LOVED this book. So sit down, give it a read and set your kiddos to creating their own super hero personas.

November is Picture Book month, check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: Thank You Bear

Thank You Bear

Written and Illustrated by Greg Foley

Published by Viking, 2007

This is such a sweetie, sweet book of friendship. The illustrations couldn't be any sweeter. It is the story of a bear who finds the greatest thing ever to give to his friend, mouse. 

To tie in a project with your kiddos, have them paint up a perfectly perfect box just for fun 9or to gift). 

Materials:

*empty box or carton

*paint

*paintbrushes and/or markers

*glue and gluey bits

*tiny toy (optional)

Juice boxes work great for this. To make it a home for a tiny toy, cut out the front or back of the box with a kinfe/blade. This is NOT something for your kiddo to do. YOU can prep the box by cutting first.

Set up craft area with a splat mat or table cover and hand your kiddos a large(ish0 paintbrush and some white paint.

Paint up boxes and set aside to dry. The white paint will prime your box so your kiddos will have a blank canvas.

Once dry, hand your kiddos smaller paint brushes, markers and or collage bits and glue and let them go to town.

November is Picture Book month, check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: Penguin

Penguin

by Polly Dunbar

Published by Candlewick, 2007

Penguins books are quite popular, they are fun and penguins are adorable, right? Penguin is not your average penguin story. True, it is fun and the penguin in question is adorable but there's a sneaky sneak twist at the hands of a very blue lion. Hysterical! Polly Dunbar is also one of my favorite illustrators so if blue lions aren't your thing, make sure to pick it up for the pictures alone and don't forget to check out her other titles.

November is Picture Book Month! Check out the official blog here

Picture Book Month: The Opposite

The Opposite

Written by Tom MacRae

Illustrated by Elena Odriozola

Published by Peachtree, 2006

It goes without saying (at least for me, ahem) that a picture book written by a fella who writes Doctor Who episodes would be unique, witty, and so very clever. The Opposite is just that and if I had more wits about me I would present my recommendation oppositely but my wits have gone off on holiday so all you have is this picture and my word. Oh, and if the story itself doesn't convince you, please take some time to soak up Ms. Odriozola's unique illustrations. They are amazing!
Create your own Opposite with a little paint and a toilet paper tube.

Materials:

*empty toilet paper tube

*white acrylic paint plus other colors

*paper

*permanent pen

*scissors

*glue stick

We're going to create our own Opposite in the style of Ms. Odriozola's amazing illustrations. First thing you need to do is have your kiddo(s) paint their tube white. They can of course paint it another color but make sure it is a light color. Let dry.

 Once dry, cut the top of the tube in a curve to create your Opposite shaped head. 

Next, draw a circle at the top for the face and draw the face. Look at the illustrations in the book and emulate the same style. Keep it simple.

Hand yer kiddos a paintbrush and have them paint up their bodies. Set aside to dry.

While drying, cut two strips from white paper and have yer kiddos paint up the arms as well. When they are dry, affix to your Opposite with a swipe of glue stick. Ta-da!

November is Picture Book Month! Check out the official blog here

Picture Book Month: Sleepy Pendoodle

Sleepy Pendoodle

Written by Malarchy Doyle

Illustrated by Julie Vivas

Published by Candlewick, 2001

Another great read aloud, Sleepy Pendoodle is a sweet book about a young girl and her new puppy. Julie Vivas' illustrations are an absolute favorite of mine and the silly-sweet stumbles as the little girl does her best to wake her puppy with the magic words will have your kiddos smiling, smiling, smiling.

November is Picture Book Month! Check out the official blog here

Picture Book Month: The Red Lemon

The Red Lemon

By Bob Staake

Published by Golden Books, 2006

Oh how I adore The Red Lemon. The rhyme, the story, the illustrations...it's all delightful! Click on the author link for more information on the book. For fun, click here for official Red Lemon games and if you have any lemons on hand, whip up a batch of red lemonade (six times as sweet)! Save one of your lemons for some red lemon printing and enjoy your day!

Materials:

*lemons

*red paint

*white paper

Set out a shallow tray or plate with red paint on it. You can use liquid watercolor or acrylic or tempera. I used three different shades of red.

Slice lemons in half and have your kiddo dip their lemon half in the paint and then stamp it onto their paper. 

Use different paints and/or shades for variety. I think this would make an awesome giftwrap, don't you?

 November is Picture Book Month! Check out the official blog here

Picture Book Month: Elizabeth and Larry

Elizabeth and Larry

Written by Marilyn Sadler

Illustrated by Roger Bollen

Published by Aladdin Paperbacks, 1992

No longer in print,  I am sorry to say, Elizabeth and Larry is well worth the hunt. check your local thrift stores and library sales. People often donate their old paperback picture books. Boo for them but yay for you! This is a simple story of two friends enjoying their time together with the added element of kookiness by having one of the characters portrayed as an alligator. Elizabeth, Larry and Ed is also fun. If you find that one instead, pick it up!

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: Moosetache

Moosetache

Written by Margie Palatini

Illustrated by Henry Cole

Published by Hyperion, 1999

Published more than ten years ago, Moostache was way ahead  of the current mustache trend. It is utterly ridiculous and completely amusing to young children. If you can, try for the other two books in the series; Mooskitos and Mooseltoe.

For a fun project, have your kiddos create their own silly mustaches from construction paper. Affix to face with a dab of flour and water or a store bought glue dot and make sure to take oodles of pictures. Or, pull out the felt, popsicle sticks, or pencils and whip up a 'stache or two a la scrumdilly-do!

Picture Book Month: Our Friendship Rules

 Our Friendship Rules

Written by Peggy Moss and Deedee Tardif

Illustrated by Alissa Imre Geis

Published by Tilbury House, 2007

Our Friendship Rules is a lovely read for school aged children, both boys and girls, though the feminine content might influence your young ladies a wee bit more. We've all experienced that moment when suddenly our best friend has discovered someone new and Our Friendship Rules does a wonderful job of illustrating the emotions and after-effects. The illustrations are perfectly sweet (and I may be a tad bit biased here) and the story itself, matter-of-fact, whimsical and heart breaking. I would recommend this read especially to second and third grade classrooms. To accompany, why not whip up a milkshake with bananas, chocolate and cinnamon mixed in like Alexandra and Jenny enjoy or you can make a hand puppet (and NOT from anyone's favorite shirt!) check out Julie Voigt's puppet project on her blog Art for Small Hands.

Ingredients:

*1 cup milk

*2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream

*1 large frozen banana

*2 tablespoons cocoa powder

*1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon

Toss all the ingredients into a blender, place lid on top and give it a mix until thick and milkshakey. Add more milk or less ice cream as needed. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. Check out the blog here.

Picture Book Month: The Genie in the Jar

The Genie in the Jar

Written by Nikki Giovanni

Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Published by Henry Holt and Co., 1998

This title for me is full of freedom and movement, whimsy and song. The title may be a little misleading but don't let that keep you from reading this aloud to your child. A lyrical poem that can be interpreted in a number of ways especially with Raschka's sweet illustrations, The Genie in the Jar is a celebration of family, love and community. To accompany a reading, I would ask the children to draw a picture of themselves as if they were a part of the story, using crayon and watercolor on a brown paper bag.

Don't forget, November is Picture book Month. check out the blog here.