DIY Optical Illusion – Cool Mommy Rides Again

Yesterday, the kids were clamoring for child/mommy time which roughly translated means quality time.

“What? We’re together 24/7/365 – aren’t you getting enough child/mommy time?”

The unanimous answer was “NO!”

True story.

So I guess all that time we spend cleaning, folding laundry and running errands doesn’t count.

Seizing the opportunity to justify getting on Pinterest in the middle of the day, I jumped on my Kids Arts and Crafts board; see it here: http://pinterest.com/mamajoyx9/kids-arts-and-crafts/.

The pin itself is here: http://pinterest.com/pin/234961305531991123/.

And the original post/picture tutorial is here: http://justimagine-ddoc.com/crafts/crafty-finds-for-your-inspiration-no-2/?pid=9988.

I also found this free video tutorial on U-Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TCKUalhvYI. This is a fun little video with a funky beat playing in the background – a nice touch for the younger set.

With my focus on visual learning, I found it very interesting that both tutorials were done with visual steps only, no words. I had no idea I was a strong visual learner myself. I never would have been able to do this by written or spoken instructions; yet, it was really easy to just imitate the pictures.

Andres’ (9 – Chiari malformation decompressed August 2012) neuropsych report mentioned that it is difficult for him to listen and watch at the same time. I didn’t get it at the time. I mean, who wouldn’t benefit from hearing words as well as seeing something done at the same time? Now I get it.

Mental note – Use step-by-step pictures, video or demonstration to teach Noah (6 with Down syndrome) and Andres new processes.

I am a disaster when it comes to art, but I thought this project turned out fabulously.

And Eden got her child/mommy time.

Not Writing? No Problem? Alphabet Skills for Prewriters

Is your little one ready to learn the alphabet but has no interest in writing?

No problem.

Consider this:

How many unique shapes would you need to form all the capital letters of the alphabet?

Here’s your hint:

Betcha didn’t know you can make all 26 capital letters with just 4 basic lines (you’ll have to use some twice).

For example, the letter A:  Two long lines, one short line in between.

B:  One long line, two big curves.

C:  One big curve.

And on and on.

Using these free letter puzzle printables I found on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/pin/234961305529990688/), I was able to print out the templates and letter patterns for all 26 uppercase letters.  You’ll find the original post with printables here:  http://tiredneedsleep.blogspot.com/2009/10/build-letter-templates.html.

I made my templates with craft foam – I just love the feel of the stuff, and it cuts so nicely.  Tagboard works well too.

All three of my Littles (Noah – 6 with Down syndrome, Bella 4 and Seth 3) all went right to work on this and continue to love this activity.

If you’re familiar with Handwriting Without Tears, they use a similar process for pre-writers.  It’s developmentally sound – a tactile, kinesthetic activity that requires recognizing shapes and working to form alphabet letters.  This kind of activity engages the brain in a way where letter formation and motor planning are happening even though there is no pen and paper in sight.  In other words, this is a great way to start down the Yellow Brick Road on the way to writing.

And as we say in the Land of Oz Homeschool, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home!

Pergo, Painter’s Tape and a Plan

Oh, actually this was on my vinyl kitchen floor, not Pergo.

Anyway. . .

I recently saw a more complicated version of this activity on Pinterest.  I simplified it into a spiral maze and used a black marker to ink the letters in alphabetical order on the tape.  If you do this, be sure to change the direction of the letters after every new angle so that they will be facing the right direction as your child follows the tape.  Show your child how to drive on the tape – he’ll get it right away.  I also had the children walk the tape and say the letters as they stepped on them.

Don’t forget to get your tape up after 10 days or so and use painter’s tape, NOT masking tape.  Otherwise you’ll have a much harder time.