Mega Bloks Barbie Build and Play Party

A few weeks ago the Lil Divas and I hosted a Mega Bloks Barbie Party via MommyParties. 

The Lil Divas were so excited to get our "ginormous" box in the mail filled with Mega Bloks Barbie kits. We received the Barbie Build 'n Style Luxury Mansion and the Barbie Build 'n Style Pool Party. Plus, we received the Build 'n Style Ice Cream Cart and the Build 'n Style Fashion Stand for all our guests! The Lil Divas were giddy with excitement. They wanted to dive right in and start building but I had them hold off so that all our guests could build and play together. 

For our Mega Bloks Barbie Mommy Party we whipped up some yummy cupcakes with pink icing & and a Barbie ring topper. We also had kid friendly snack foods and drinks.

Once all the girls arrived (we had a total of 7 girls between the ages of 5 and 8 years old) the building fun began. I have to admit that the mommies got right in and helped too. It was a true team effort.

There was lots of chatting, laughing, building and playing - it was wonderful. The girls had to work together, going step by step to ensure that the kits were being built correctly. It was hard work but they persevered. This was the Lil Divas first time working on a kit this large so it took them & their friends awhile to get things put together, even with the mommies helping.

 The girls really enjoyed the dolls in these kits. The Lil Divas have been carrying them around for weeks now. There are lots of accessories, hair changes, clothing, etc for each of the dolls. They are great for all the budding fashionistas in attendance at our party.

After all their hard work - the girls got to enjoy some play time. Besides playing with the kits and dolls,  we also played Pin the Sunglasses on Barbie and each girl got a Barbie Temporary Tattoo because that's how we roll here. :)

Each girl took home one of the Mega Bloks Barbie kits shown in the photo below along with a small goody bag that I had put together for each of them. The goody bags were filled with - Barbie pencils, stickers, a bracelet and a pencil sharpener. 

A good time was had by all!

The girls really enjoyed the Mega Bloks Barbie kits 

and they had a great time building and playing together.

Thank you Mommy Parties & Mega Bloks 

for gifting us with these amazing products

& 

allowing us to create wonderful memories!

Bern

Disclosure: We received promotional Mega Bloks Barbie kits to host a MommyParties event with girls ages 5-8yrs old and share our experience. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wet Chalk Tape Resist Easter Egg Painting

My preschoolers love drawing with chalk - on our chalkboard, on the pavement outside, on our classroom writing table and of course on paper. I just knew they would enjoy drawing with wet chalk. So, when I was planning some Easter activities I decided to combine two (2) things they enjoy - chalk and tape!

Wet Chalk Tape Resist Easter Egg Painting

I cut out large egg templates from card stock. Then I provided the children with the template, tape, scissors, chalk and some water. The children used the tape and scissors to make a design on their egg template.

Once they had their desired design, they began using their chalked dipped in water to paint.

I loved all the colorful eggs that the children made. Some separated colors by sections using many colors, some used 2 or 3 colors and others just happily scribbled many different colors all over the eggs. Whatever their chosen method - they all enjoyed the process and each egg was unique.

We let the eggs dry before taking the tape off because with the wet paper and tape I was worried about rips and tears. Once the eggs were dry, the tape was relatively easy to peel off. 

Lovely! Isn't it?

Have you given wet chalk painting a try?

Bern

If you enjoyed this activity be sure to check out our other Easter activities, our kid crafts and our Easter Pinterest Board for even more fun ideas and activities to try with kids.

Kid Art: Painting With Toothbrushes

February is dental health month. Last week we had a great dental health week at preschool. One of the children's favorite activities was by far Painting with Toothbrushes.

I cut out a large tooth shape from card stock for the children to paint on. I also supplied toothbrushes and various colored paints. Then, I just let them go for it. 

The children had fun brushing the paint on, flicking it on and glopping it down. This art activity was definitely not about the end product (though they turned out really cool!). It was all about the process and exploring an unusual painting tool. 

One word of caution when doing with young children - be sure to tell them NOT to put the toothbrushes into their mouth. I mentioned this many times with my 3 year olds and still had 2 of them try to go for it. This is definitely best as a supervised activity - just in case.

Have fun painting with toothbrushes!

Bern

Don't forget to check out our Favorite Dental Health Books 

and our Dental Health Pinterest Board for even more fun ideas.

Kids Fine Motor and Writing Activities: Sunday Showcase 2/13/13

The Sunday Showcase  
featuring..... 
Fine Motor & Writing Activities 
for Kids!

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The Sunday Showcase is hosted on FIVE blogs!

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
Here Come the Girls

Inspiration Laboratories

The Iowa Farmer's Wife
Train Up a Child

Each blog showcases their own features

 (from the previous week's linky) 

so be sure to check them all out!

If you are here for the first time please read this informational post for the full details.  Anything kid friendly and/or child centered is welcome!  You are welcome to share more than one post,  but we don't accept links for giveaways,  shops, or downloads for purchase, etc.  They will be deleted.

If you're linking up we encourage you to visit 

some of the other links & our Pinterest board!  

*Important* 

Please note that by linking up you are giving us permission to use a photo (with proper link to you!) in our featured section and on our Pinterest board!  If you prefer not to be featured simply comment below or e-mail me to let us know.

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The Showcase Features:

Developing fine motor skills is crucial for handwriting. Here are some fun ways to strengthen kids fine motor skills and practice writing that were shared on last week's Sunday Showcase.

Learn to Write Letters with Sensory Activities 

(Moms Have Questions too)

18 Fine Motor Activities for Preschoolers (Mess for Less)

Glue and Salt Tactile Letters (De Tout et de Rien)

Pipe Cleaner Fun (Sugar Aunts)

Pom Pom Busy Bags (Making Boys Men)

Do you have a favorite fine motor or writing activity? 

Please share in the comments below.

If you have been featured, grab a button you deserve it!

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From your Hostess:

This past week I introduced you all to The PLAY Group -

a fab group of parents & educators just like YOU that are dedicated to sharing hands-on and fun play and learning activities.

I shared 50+ Early Literacy Activities compiled from the 11 members of The Play Group. The post covers alphabet and letter sound ideas, phonics and sight words, reading strategies and writing activities. It's definitely a resource you will not want to miss.

Thank You for sharing your child centered ideas with us!

Bern

A Day Out With Thomas: S. Florida Giveaway

A few weeks ago I told you about the upcoming Day Out with Thomas: the Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 in South Florida. Today, I am super excited to be able to offer my local readers a giveaway for a Family 4 Pack of Tickets to the event being held at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum for Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 3pm. 

If you're a local reader who's ready for a day filled with Sir Toppam Hatt, a 25-minute ride aboard Thomas the Tank Engine, arts & crafts, storytelling, mini golf, Zoo Miami encounters, live music, face painting and more then use the rafflecopter entry form below to enter for your chance to win a family 4 pack of  tickets (valid on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 3pm only!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck,

Bern

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Goldcoast Rainbow Museum and a Day Out with Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013. I received promotional items in exchange for sharing this event and my opinions of it. All opinions expressed are my own and are a result of our personal experience. Your experience and thoughts may differ.

50+ Early Literacy Activities for Kids

Early literacy is crucial to later reading success. The best way for children to learn is through hands-on exploration, repetition and of course play. Today, I am excited to bring you 50 Early Literacy Activities from the members of The P.L.A.Y Group that readily incorporate those qualities and are sure to make learning both meaningful and fun in your home or classroom.

What is the P.L.A.Y Group? A group of moms and teachers dedicated to making learning and play activities readily available to everyone. We share our activities and ideas in the P.L.A.Y Group G+ Community and on our Pinterest board. 

Today, I am excited to share some of our favorite early literacy ideas with you.

Alphabet

It all begins with the alphabet, doesn't it? In order for children to learn to read they must learn these 26 letters and their sounds. Luckily, there are many ways to play and learn when it comes to the alphabet. Here are some of my favorite ways to help children master those ABC's -

Alphabet, Numbers and Colors Game (One Perfect Day)
A-Z of Learning Letters: 90 Fun Activities (Learn with Play at Home)
Alphabet Goo (Learn with Play at Home)
DIY Montessori Letters (Train Up a Child)
Milk Cap and Clothespin Alphabet (Train Up a Child)
Sensory Alphabet (Growing a Jeweled Rose)
Fishing for Letters (Growing a Jeweled Rose)
Wash & Learn Alphabet Bath (Growing a Jeweled Rose)
Eye Spy Alphabet Squish Bag (Growing a Jeweled Rose)
Alphabet Apple Tree (Growing a Jeweled Rose)
Alphabet Soup Bath (Bath Activities for Kids)
Magnetic Alphabet Bath (Bath Activities for Kids)
Alphabet Letter Hunt (Bath Activities for Kids)
Bubble Bath Letter Pit (Bath Activities for Kids)
Frozen Word and Number Scramble (Bath Activities for Kids)
Easter Egg Letter Match (Mess for Less)
Magnet Letters & A Cookie Tray (Mess for Less)
ABC Name Word Hunt  (Toddler Approved)
Alphabet Bowling (Toddler Approved)
Alphabet Sticky Wall (Toddler Approved)
Watering an Alphabet Garden (Toddler Approved)
Alphabet Rocks (Parent Teach Play)
Musical Alphabet Game (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)


Sight Word & Phonics Fun

Mastering letter sounds, phonics and sight words are a crucial part of learning to read but it can be tedious and boring for kids to practice those skills. How can you make it fun? Let me share the ways -
Learning Sight Words - 10 Fun Ideas (Learn with Play at Home)
Sight Word Spray (Train Up a Child)
Sight Word Mash (Train Up a Child)
Snapping Out Sight Words (Toddler Approved)
Silly Sight Word Sentences (In Lieu of Preschool)
Conversation Hearts Sight Word Game (Mess for Less)
Sight Word Jenga (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
Sight Word Tic-Tac-Toe (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
Sight Word Connect Four (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
Sight Word Hopscotch (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
Sight Word Twister (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
Sight Word Discovery Bottles (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
Sight Word Island Jumping (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)


Simple Word Family Game (One Perfect Day)
Feed the Monster: Letter Sound Activity (Train Up a Child)
Silly Phonics Game for Beginning Readers (Train Up a Child)
Word Family Slam (Toddler Approved)
Word Family Trees (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
Catch the -at Word Game (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
-ig Word Family Slide Pig (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
Word Family Eggs (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)


Other Fun Reading Activities:

A great way to get kids reading is by using visuals and/or providing symbols/logos that they are familiar with. Make a Grocery Game for kids that will not only kept them entertained at the grocery store but also practice pre-reading skills (B-Inspired Mama).

Strategies & Ideas for Reading with Children

Strategies to Use When Reading with a Child (In Lieu of Preschool)
25 Ideas to Get You Little One to Love Reading (In Lieu of Preschool)
6 Keys to Make Reading Fun for Kids (B-Inspired Mama)
Reading Comprehension for Preschoolers (& Beyond) (Learn with Play at Home)
R is for Reading (Rainy Day Mum)
The ABC's of Learning to Read Through Play (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
Gifts to Inspire & Encourage Budding Readers (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)
7 Tips to Encourage Your Beginning Reader (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)

Writing

How do you get your children writing? It all starts with recognizing and learning to spell their name? Try these fun name recognition activities -

Learn Your Name with Playdough and Pom Poms (Learn with Play at Home)
Rainbow Name Writing (B-Inspired Mama)
Shamrock Name Fishing (B-Inspired Mama)
Letters in Our Name Twister (Toddler Approved)
I Can Spell My Name Hopscotch (In Lieu of Preschool)
Rainbow Color Writing (Parent Teach Play)

The best way to get children excited about writing is to make a game out of it, of course! You might want to try these hands-on writing activities -

Water Painting on a Chalkboard (One Perfect Day)
Salt Tray Writing Tray - (Rainy Day Mum)
125+ Ways to Practice Making Letters (In Lieu of Preschool)
25 Ideas to Get Your Child Ready to Write (In Lieu of Preschool)
Coconut Scented Writing Tray (Parent Teach Play)
Dry Erase Board Writing Practice (Mess for Less)
Tracing with Yarn (Mess for Less)
15 Ways to Encourage Letter Formation & Handwriting Practice (Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas)

Isn't that a fabulous list of literacy ideas? 

Be sure to bookmark this for later because that's not all.

For more fun hands-on learning ideas be sure to check out 

the other bloggers that are part of the P.L.A.Y Group - 

Housing a Forest - Mess for Less - Rainy Day Mum - Parent Teach Play  

In Lieu of Preschool - One Perfect Day - B-Inspired Mama 

Toddler Approved - Train Up a Child - Growing a Jeweled Rose  

Bath Activities for Kids - Nature and Play - Learn with Play at Home

Plus, this is a blog hop! 

So be sure to check out all the other great topics and posts:

Art Activities from the PLAY Group  (B-Inspired Mama)

Art and Play Recipes for Kids (Bath Activities for Kids)

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking with Kids from the PLAY Group (Rainy Day Mum)

150+ Early Learning Activities from the PLAY Group (Growing a Jeweled Rose)

200+ Fine Motor Skills Activities from the PLAY Group (In Lieu of Preschool)

75 Math Activities from the PLAY Group (Toddler Approved)

200+ Ideas for Messy Play from the PLAY Group (Train Up a Child)

Get Out and Play (Nature and Play)

Recycled Craft Activities from the PLAY Group (Housing a Forest)

175+ Ideas for Repurposing Items for Play from the Play Group (Mess for Less)

100+ Science Activities from the Play Group (Learn with Play at Home)

The Ultimate Guide of Sensory Play Activities from the PLAY Group (One Perfect Day)

Happy Hopping & Learning!

Bern

12 Dental Health and Tooth Books for Kids

February is Dental Health Month. It seems appropriate to spend some time on the subject after the sugary, candy filled day(s) that accompany Valentine's Day.  Today, I am sharing some of my favorite Dental Themed Books for kids.

These books are suitable for Preschool thru 2nd Grade.

Open Wide: Tooth School Inside - a fun, silly book that peasants tooth facts in a way that the whole family will enjoy. The illustrations are detailed and quite humorous - you'll find yourself looking them over again and again and still seeing things you may have missed before.



Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer) - Follow Dora on her visit to the Dentist for a check-up. This book is great to read before a child's first visit to the dentist. It takes you through all the steps so children will know what to expect when it's their turn.



The Tooth Booth (Dr. Seuss) - Explore teeth is whimsical Dr. Seuss style. Kids always enjoy seeing all the animals teeth and finding out facts about their own teeth. Plus, this book is great for those that are reading on their own. My Kindergartener and First Grader enjoy reading it on their own.



How Many Teeth? (Let's Read and Find Out Science) - This is a factual book perfect for the K-2nd grade set that answers their questions about teeth - What are baby teeth? Why do our teeth fall out? How many teeth do we have? and so on....



The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist - We enjoy the Berenstain Bear books so this was a no-brainer once we were thinking of taking the Lil Divas to the dentist. There is some teasing by Brother Bear but as always the values and morals in these books wins out.



Melvin, the Magnificent Molar? - A tooth named Melvin? Yes, and he's adorable and children love him. This was a cute book and the Lil Divas enjoyed seeing the Tooth Fairy and finding out what their molars are up to.



Bear's Loose Tooth - Fans of Bear (from Bear Snores On, etc..) will delight in this story. Bear is concerned about his wobbly tooth and all his friends end up taking turns trying to pull it out. Ultimately Bear pops it out himself. This is a cute story for kids who are worried about losing their first teeth.



Loose Tooth - A beginning reader book about that first wiggly tooth that young readers can read for themselves. With only a few words per page this a great confidence boosting reader that also explores those first wobbly teeth and the enthusiasm that comes with them.



Young Cam Jansen and the Lost Tooth - A tooth mystery? Yes! This is great for your K to 2nd grade readers, especially if they are Cam Jansen fans. Annie's tooth falls out and disappears. It's up to Cam and her photogenic memory to help her find it.



Fancy Nancy and the Too-Loose Tooth - When Nancy's friends loose their teeth at school they receive a special tooth holder necklace. Nancy really wants one of them but in order to get one her loose tooth has to fall out at school. So, when Nancy looses her tooth on her way to school, what can she do? Tell the truth or lie and finally get that necklace. Great conversation starter for your Fancy Nancy fans about doing the right thing. Preschoolers delight in having these read aloud while your K (with some help) and 1st graders can read these on their own.



Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder - If you have a K to 2nd grade Junie B. fan at home they will surely enjoy this one. Junie is the first child in her class to have a loose tooth and she is not happy. She has lots of concerns about how she will look and how the tooth fairy works. If you are averse to Junie's bad attitude and name calling then this book isn't for you. My daughter enjoys these books and we use any inappropriate behavior as a means of communicating what we expect our girls "not" to do.



Make Way for Tooth Decay - An easy reader that teaches kids about bacteria and tooth decay and how they can prevent it. Bright and silly illustrations make this a humorous read for kids while still imparting useful information about tooth health and good dental hygiene practices. This is a great book for beginning readers in K (may require help with some words) thru 2nd grade (can read independently).

Do you have a favorite dental health or tooth themed book to share?

I'd love to add more to our reading list.

Happy reading,

Bern