Yes, Bubbles Anyone??

It seems like bubbles are the music that calms the beast... Did you ever give water, soap and something to make bubbles with to a little kid... it is magic!! I have been reading some of my favorite blogs and it seems they all have something about bubbles, I took their advice and put out a tray with a bowl, water cup, soap & a hand mixer!! It seems to be pretty popular, especially when a child needs a little a time alone or apart from the other kids. It seems to calm them... they kind of zone out while they twirl that hand mixer, watching the bubbles they create. I love watching them do this work. I can always sense when a child needs the calming effects of a water activity and help steer them to that work, and after they are finished they have a renewed sense of themselves. I love water and bubbles!!! Thanks to all the blogs out there who helped steer me to this activity!!

Open Ended Activities

We have really been lucky to have some great people in our lives who donate some of the greatest stuff. My husbands Aunt Mary Ann sent me two boxes of craft materials that she wasn't using anymore and inside (among many wonderful things) was the biggest treat... Curious Bones!! I have never heard of them before, but they are great. The two that she sent were Under the Sea Creatures and Insect Creatures. I put them all in the Sensory Table and left it out to use at Quiet Work Time. It took a little while and a few, "What do we do with it?" but after a few of my own, "What do you want to do with it?" and "Whatever you want to do with it." The kids began picking the pieces up and exploring. We have a treasure in our classroom. The kids have really become creative at making some interesting and fun creations. Some are Under the Sea ideas, Insect Creatures, but most are just creations that are fun and exciting to show to friends and make up stories about. Thanks Aunt Mary Ann!!!