Do a Dot

We pulled out the Dot paints today and here's what we came up with...

We printed out some pictures online for the kids to stamp in the designated spots.

Then we also drew secret pictures with white crayons and uncovered them with the dot paints.

Oil Pastels

I heard this fabulous speaker at MOPS who was an art teacher before coming a full-time mom. She gave all sorts of fun art related activities to do with the kids. One of these was Oil Pastels. I used my 40% off coupon at Michaels and bought these oil pastels. Only $5 though, so with or without coupon it's not a pricey investment.

Anyway, the kids have fun experimenting with these. As our speaker encouraged, "It's about the process not the finished product!"

Snip and dip

Today we pulled out the tissue paper, scissors, glue and wax paper. A little snipping, a little dipping (in the glue) and a little pressing (sorry, couldn't think of a -ipping word)...

...and voila, a stained glass window decal!

Then we pulled out the colored ice cubes we made last week. Last week, we pulled out the "primary color" food coloring and experimented mixing colors. After waiting for them to freeze, we melted them in warm water. Our goal was to refreeze the ice cubes in the water to make a wreath. That didn't really work, so we just watched them melt.

Last but not least, we did some math games with sweethearts. Who doesn't love a subtraction problem that includes eating candy sweethearts!

Multi-purpose Marshmallows

Another full and fun day in our home.

I've had my nanny kids almost 2 years so it's fun to look back at old photos and videos. Here are all the kids captivated as we watched home videos.

Then we did wheel barrel races to put clothes on a doll.

Good old fashioned marshmallows and toothpicks sculptures.

Then we put the marshmallows to good use, making heart shaped rice krispie treats! I saw this idea on a blog somewhere but I can not for the life of me find which blog. I'll post the link if I can track it down.

The kids did a great job helping and REALLY enjoyed the fruits of their labor!

We packaged a few up to give away.

Paper Snowflakes

A great craft for Emmett, who is quite good at using a scissor. The others struggled with this one a bit. We used both construction paper and coffee filters. The bonus of the coffee filters was that they are already circular so you just have to fold and cut. Also the coffee filters are very light so they are easier to cut. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the coffee filter snow flakes, but they're basically the same, just white.

Step 1: Fold and draw your design.

Steps 2-4: Unfold

Step 5: Tada!

Despite my persistent instruction on the proper way to hold a scissor, Eisley decided that her own way was much more efficient.

Sheet Puzzle Game

We played a version of our Laundry Basket Puzzle game (another heavy work activity) - this was the Sheet Puzzle Game. Puzzle pieces on one end of the room, puzzle board on the other end. The kids took turns pulling each other back and forth; collecting puzzle pieces and placing them in the puzzle board.

I even took a turn riding while the kids pulled me! Look at those hard working expressions.

Then we worked on fine motor skills by beading Penne pasta onto yarn.

Inside Outside

INSIDE: We love our dot paints around here (thanks Mom!). Kids love to paint and I loved the slightly less messy design of the dot paint! We dot paint traced our names, made dot animals and dot painted over white crayon.

My mom also bought us these funky paint brushes. After one paint activity, I opted to paint with water on construction paper. It satisfied the kids and I was satisfied with no messy clean up!

Then we bundled up and headed OUTSIDE.

We biked and scooted (unsuccessfully).

Sledded and slid.

Pushed and pulled (gotta get our "heavy work" in!).