the area of an elephant plate

When I set up the fine motor table, parents often ask "How does this?" or "what are they supposed to do?" I always answer, "I don't know yet, they'll show me." There is no right or wrong way to explore an invitation. By the end of the day, almost all of the pompoms were gone. I bet they are hidden in pockets, purses, or cubbies. 
 

fine motor invitation: cutting and piggy banks

Or elephant banks in this case. Long strips of paper will often get crammed into the banks, and they usually do not fit. How can we get it to fit? Tearing? Cutting? Folding? All of the above! 

what's in the mystery bag: elmer

I have to admit I have no idea where the mystery bag is right now but a year or so ago, I was pretty constant at filling it with items relating to our story and introducing it at circle time. This week we read Elmer and dived in to all elephants all the time...I found this photo in my archives and  thought I would put it here to remind myself to find that darn mystery bag (handmade by me from this diy) and fill it up! Here's what was inside:

*handmade Elmer beanbag
*Elmer domino
*elephant beads from a Jungle Animal Pack
*squares of color (red & green)
*animal flash cards, the Elephant is from this set and lists facts on the back

an elephant parade

Back in October we did a guided drawing project that I had to do twice because I simply could not cut out these amazing elephants like we did last year. So, they drew their elephants and I swooned and then I had them draw a second elephant that they then added their paint to. I have to find those photos but for now lookie what these wee artists drew!