Alphabet Spoon Puzzle

My daughter, Hazel, has had her uppercase letters mastered for a while now, but the lowercase ones were giving her some trouble.  We practiced writing them in a plate covered in homemade whipped cream, we drew them in sand in the yard, and she played some pre-K iPad games geared towards letter-learning...all to no avail.

And so, I started to brainstorm some other ideas.  I had seen this spoon trick used for a different memorization project on Pinterest last year and thought I'd give it a shot with letters...voila!  It appears the combination of a challenge to complete, tactile movable parts, and picking out her favorite color of spoons was the perfect storm she needed to master her lowercase letters. 

This project is inexpensive and super simple to make...and if you have older siblings in the house, this is something they'll love to get involved with.  The spoons are also easy to tuck in a bag or keep in the car to be used during an older sibling's soccer practice or dance recital.  Follow the three steps below to make your own Alphabet Spoon Puzzle (or a puzzle for anything else your child is struggling to learn):

1. Purchase 26* colored spoons and 26 clear spoons.
2. Using a Sharpie, write an uppercase letter towards the top of each spoon.
3. Lay a clear spoon over the colored one and write the corresponding lowercase letter towards the bottom of the spoon.

* - Unfortunately, there are no packs of 26 spoons to purchase.  Fortunately, the extras can be used to eat ice cream.  I highly suggest eating ice cream for dinner with your family at least once a year, maybe even two or three times annually.  Try this trick tonight and enjoy all of the extra hugs and kisses you are sure to garner.  You're welcome!

DIY Light Box

Winters in Wisconsin are long (especially this year) and the days are short.  In my search to find some fun activities that take advantage of our early sunsets, I happened upon light boxes and tables.  But the price tags ranging from $50 to $400 were a bit more than I wanted to pay for something I knew my children would use a few months out of the year, but it gave me an idea.  And so I present to you my $5 DIY Light Box. 

To make this you'll need the following items:

• 1 plastic "frosted" storage tub/bin (or with a "frosted" bottom)
• 1 can of black spray paint
• Strands of white Christmas lights or tap lights

To make this light box I first covered the bottom of my bin (the one I found in my basement had clear sides and a frosted bottom) with paper and taped it neatly.  Next, I spray painted the sides of the bin black and removed the paper and tape.   If you can't find a frosted bin, I've discovered some plastic frosted sheets you could apply to the inside of your plastic box. 

We first tried tap lights inside the box which worked just fine, but I couldn't help but wonder if a strand or two of white Christmas lights would disperse the light a bit better...and so I ventured to our basement yet again and dug two strands out of a box.  I can't say if the Christmas lights provide better light or not, but I do know we stuck with them.  One corner of my bin had a crack which actually works perfectly for this project, allowing the light cord an exit from the bin.

And voilà, my light box was complete. 

The only money I spent on this light box was on some inexpensive toys from a local educational store, but even they probably weren't necessary.  My kids have enjoyed using the light box to trace pictures, they've laid out parquetry blocks to create silhouettes, and they love playing with their water beads on the box which roll around and feel squishy (it's a sensory explosion!). 

2-Day Magazine Sale

I received an email today notifying me of a steep sale on many family-focused magazines...THIS WEEKEND ONLY!  Below are some of the titles/prices included: 

For Children

• Ranger Rick - $11.99/year (10 issues)
• Boys' Life - $4.99/year (12 issues)
• Jack & Jill - $7.99/year (6 issues)
• Sparkle World - $13.99/year (6 issues)
• Thomas & Friends - $14.99/year (6 issues)

For Adults

• FamilyFun - $3.99/year (10 issues)
• Parents - $4.99/year (12 issues)
• Wired - $4.99/year (12 issues)
• Popular Science - $4.99/year (12 issues)
• Shape - $4.99/year (12 issues)
• Glamour - $4.99/year (12 issues)
• Yoga - $4.99/year (9 issues)
• Instructor - $4.99/year (6 issues)
• Vanity Fair - $4.99/year (12 issues)

 Happy shopping!  Happy reading!

Camp Classic Play

If you're like most parents I know, your children's planned summer activities are coming to an end.  Almost every parent I've talked to the past few summers have their children participate in organized camps and classes at some point in June and July, but leave the month of August open for spontaneous fun and family time (my family included). 

Camp Classic Play is a week-long list of classic activities put together by some of my favorite fellow bloggers.  If your family completes the activities, there are badges and a downloadable certificate to print out in the areas of Science + Nature, Athletics + Games, Gardening, Arts + Crafts, and Cooking. 

To get your family started on this classic play adventure, visit classic-play.com.  Now go and make some summer memories!  

Marshmallow Peacocks

My three-year-old daughter, Hazel, has been obsessed with peacocks (the word, the bird, their feathers, their specific shade of blue, etc.) for the past few months.  She has named stuffed animals Peacock, signed her name in blue (instead of her usual favorite of green) inside of Mother's Day cards, and anytime there's been a lull in conversation lately, she's yelled out, "Peacock," and laughed like I used to when watching Seinfeld.  However, nothing prepared me for Mother's Day morning, when she came downstairs and said, "Today is Mother's Day.  Tomorrow is Peacock Day." 

She's fortunate she has a mother who never misses a chance to celebrate...even if the party is for peafowl.  In addition to our regular homeschool day yesterday, we learned all about peacocks.  (FYI: males are peacocks, females are peahens.)  And then, using marshmallows, they created peacock paintings.  Here's how they did it:

1. I had the kids freehand a peacock body shape and then paint over them, filling them in.  
2. We selected a few different shades of turquoise for the feathers and using large marshmallows, they added them to the paper. 
3. I added different colors found on peacock feathers (purple, navy, emerald green, etc.) to their palettes, and the kids took miniature marshallows and added the eyes of the feathers (swirling a couple together looks great).  
4. And lastly, they painted lines to connect the plumage to the peacock's body, and then added beaks, legs and eyes.  

Last night when the kids were getting ready for bed they said, "Tomorrow is Bee Day!" (I have a feeling this is the start of something great!)  Stay tuned for bee-themed art project...

Who Lives Where?

The kids and I just got done playing our first game of Who Lives Where? I purchased it last night in the clearance section of Toys 'R Us and couldn't wait for them to wake up to play...the game didn't disappoint!

I love the wooden pieces and animal theme along with the bright colors. The four of us were pretty competitive and had a lively game.

So here's how you play: You divide all of the animals among the 2-4 players and place the roofs on the houses. Then, players take turns trying to find homes for their animals. It's a memory/matching game and a fun way to strengthen those skills along with shape sorting, colors, animal sounds, etc.

This game appears to be in the process of being phased out of stores. If you can find it, it'll probably be on sale. Otherwise, it's $19.99 and ships free with a $25 order from amazon.com...and I'd say it's worth it!

Ugga Mugga Events

My how time flies! As many of you have noticed, I've stepped away from the blog this past month...for many different reasons. With Thanksgiving, and now the countdown to Christmas, things have been busy. I've also started teaching some preschool art classes in my area and creating those lesson plans and projects on top of the homeschooling curriculum for August has taken some getting used to (although I've got that all down now). But the main reason for my step back from Ugga Mugga, the blog, is to focus on Ugga Mugga Events!

My new project is a culmination of all things I love: art, children, and creative event planning (my job prior to being called MAMA). I'm thrilled to say that I am now for hire if you're looking for some assistance planning your child's birthday party, or simply want me to help with the entertainment...in the form of a special craft keepsake!

If you live in Southeastern Wisconsin and want to work together (although I'll travel anywhere if you want to fly me out of this bitter winter weather!), visit www.uggamuggaevents.com to learn more! And for the rest of you, the blog will be back up and running now...I'm off to write a few posts now! Many exciting things to come!

Homeschooling

I think I've mentioned previously in passing that we've begun homeschooling this year. I thought I'd fill you all in a bit more on that.

Homeschooling is something my husband and I always considered. We were both education majors for a few years in college before changing our majors to communications (decided separately...it was not a grand scheme). The two of us have been interested in the process of childhood development and the process of education long before we were committed to each other or had children. I'm sure those of you who read this blog regularly have realized that we're very hands on and passionate about experiences and every opportunity for exploration for our children. And those who personally know our family have noticed that we've got a clan mentality...we're a pack and like to stick together.

Those two thoughts, along with my husband and my wanting our children to develop strong relationships with each other and us, our Christian faith, and our desire to provide our children with time to deeply develop their interests have solidified our decision.

This decision was not easy to come by. We live in an area with excellent schools. When we lived in the city of Milwaukee and when we lived in the rural area of Belgium, Wisconsin, we knew the decision was going to be easier. But when we moved north of Milwaukee to our current location, the decision became more difficult.

But we are fortunate to have a very developed homeschool community in our area. There are many families and organizations that make homeschooling easier and more social. There are also quite a few businesses, including the cultural center, YMCA, arts center, and zoo that offer classes to homeschooling families. Those have made the decision a bit easier...and less intimidating.

As I've discussed my decision and this journey we're beginning, I've had interest from readers, friends, and acquaintances. Because of this interest, and also to help myself document and sort out my own feelings, I've began writing a homeschool blog (appropriately titled Ugga Mugga School). So far it is just me thinking through my decision and trying to locate some curriculum. As it goes forward, I'll be writing about the journey...the daily successes and difficulties.

If you're interested in homeschooling, thinking about it for your family, already a veteran home educator and needing a laugh, or just curious, you can follow my new adventure at UggaMuggaSchool.com.

The blog is still a long way from having a design or permanent layout. It's just in the beginning stages. But I know I would have loved to have someone to look to (or laugh at) so I'm hoping to provide my services for others. It's sure to be a memorable journey!

Felt Alphabet

My son August started kindergarten last week and my daughter Martha begins all of her fall activities next week...and my youngest, Hazel, is now walking and beginning the handful stage. Because of the combination, I'm on the lookout for educational and tactile things to keep her busy while big sister is at story time, gymnastics, and art classes...and I just found these great felt letters I thought I'd share!

MiChiMa's Etsy store is full of various size colorful sets of letters, both upper and lower case. You can also get a set of numbers. These will be fun for both girls to play with, and I know Martha will love perfecting her letter recognition and teaching Hazel at the same time!

Letter sets start at $18.00 and are available at michima.etsy.com.

Little Passports

I've said it before and I'll say it again...the world is becoming smaller and smaller each day. We're more aware of things happening around the globe and we're making contact with associates and creating friendships with people in other countries thanks to blogs, Twitter and other online resources. So it's a good idea to get our children globe-trotting sooner rather than later.

Little Passports is your child's ticket to an exciting global adventure. Each month they're receive their own mail that will inspire a love and understanding of the world as they learn about a country's geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way.

In the first month, the adventure starts with an Explorer Kit. This kit includes a fun travel suitcase (shown above) with an introductory letter from characters Sofia and Sam, a world wall map, a travel passport, fun stickers, an activity sheet, and access to a series of online games and activities with the collectible boarding pass. As an introduction to world geography, your child will use the world map to solve the questions on the activity sheet and in the online games.

In each following month, Sofia and Sam travel to a new country on their magical scooter and share their experiences through a personalized package that includes an adventure letter, fun souvenirs, activities and access to Little Passports online Boarding Zone (full of games and activities).

I don't know about your children, but mine LOVE to get their own mail! And I know that they're going to love all of the adventures and activities that are included in the Little Passports subscription! Each month costs $10.95...that includes shipping as well as a donation to selected charities that positively impact lives of children around the world!

Sign your child up for a monthly adventure at littlepassports.com. Hurry, the world is shrinking more and more each day!

mocobabies

My oldest child, August, was a late talker. When he was about 15 months I began teaching him sign language to ease his frustrations...he took to it quickly and began speaking shortly after, although we continued signing. When he was two, my daughter Martha was born and we signed with her from the beginning. It was amazing to see a 7-month old communicating when she was hungry by signing milk. It blew me away, as well as many friends and family. And now, my daughter Hazel is starting to sign as well.

I learned sign language from various books and online resources which was a bit time consuming. I wish I had mocobabies products back then!

Mocobabies has created sign language flash cards full of all of the words you'd want your child to know in their first couple of years. They are durable for little hands and make learning fun! Couple those with the placemat at meal times (double-sided and full of feeding and food signs) and the stickers in appropriate places around you home and signing with your baby will be a piece of cake!

Having my daughter Hazel signing milk at 7 months when she's hungry takes the guess work out of deciphering her cries. She makes the sign and knows immediately that I'll be picking her up and taking her to the couch to nurse. She instantly relaxes and knows her needs will be met. And the benefits of signing has continued into toddlerhood and the preschool years with my older children. I'm able to communicate with them across a room at play dates and at story time when we need to be quiet.

Visit mocobabies.com to see more photos of their well-designed products and to purchase. Prices start at $8.99 for the placemat or purchase the full kit of flash cards, stickers and the placemat for $49.99 (a savings of over 15%). And once signing takes off, I highly suggest the Signing Time DVDs...such a great program for children to watch and reinforce signing while enjoy themselves! I love watching it with my children and picking up new signs as well. Before you know it, you and your children will be bilingual!

Goosie Cards

I received a 26-card ABCs set of Goosie Cards to take a first hand look at. I had heard of them before and knew they were personalized flash cards. But what I didn't know was that I hadn't come close to imagining their high quality and perfect size.

Goosie Cards measure 4 ¼ inches wide by 7 ½ inches high making them the perfect size for little hands to hold and large enough not to be easily misplaced. They are very, very, very (I'd go on, but I think you get the picture) sturdy laminated cardstock which will stand up against sticky hands holding them followed by a good wipe down.

Ordering options for Goosie Cards include uploading your own high quality photos to their site and creating your own text, using the Goosie Card images provided on the site and creating your own text, or simply ordering packs of flashcards from their Gift Card Sets. Ready to order sets include ABCs, colors, 123s, shapes and colors, trucks and tractors, bugs, animals, sign language alphabet, favorite foods, mix and match game, body parts, and what to wear.

Goosie Cards are a wonderful thing to have tucked away in your diaper bag to keep your little one occupied when out for coffee with friends. They're obviously also great to have at home to make teaching your child their colors, shapes, letters, numbers, etc. all the more fun and personal. I know my children would have loved to have learned their numbers with flashcards which highlighted counting objects in our home that were special to them...or having their own photos of loved ones with captions underneath with who is in the photo and their relation to my children. The possibilities are endless!

Goosie cards ship within three days and sets start at $16.00. Available at goosiecards.com.

Alphabet Art: Part 1

With my daughter Martha now singing the ABCs on a daily basis (thank you Super WHY!) and trying to read like her big brother, we've got letters on the mind in our house. I recently came across these great ABC posters on Etsy while looking for some tools to further her new found literary love.

First up is the Alphabet Art Print in Letter Fest's Etsy store. It is available in pinks, blues, or yellows, as shown here. All are soft, subtle colors that won't distract from your other nursery decorations...although the print is sure to make a statement on it's own!

Most of the illustrations shown to correspond to each letter are my favorites for each letter...I love butterflies, elephants, stars, and whales...and who doesn't love a good yacht?!

Available in Letter Fest's Etsy Store for $20.00.

Alphabet Art: Part 2

This is the Animal A-Z Poster from Tara Hogan's Etsy shop. This poster is made using 100% post consumer recycled paper and soy inks. It comes packaged in a recycled kraft tube mailer.

This poster is just stunning, in my opinion. I fancy the use of animals, great illustrations (particularly the birds), and lovely colors! I appreciate that it showcases both capital letters as well as lowercase letters for children to learn.

The Animal A-Z Poster is available in Tara Hogan's Etsy Store for $60.00. And spend a few minutes browsing the rest of her work...it's all simply stunning!

Little Pim

Little Pim is an award-winning foreign language immersion DVD series for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. They currently offer seven theme-based DVD series that use both animation and real kids to introduce words and phrases for everyday activities. Languages available are Spanish, French, Chinese, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, and English (ESL).

At least nine more languages are planned for release within the next two years: Portuguese, German, Hindi, Arabic, Russian, Greek, Farsi, Korean, and Swahili. Each language has DVDs available individually or in a discounted three-disc set.

My two oldest children have been watching a few DVDs and they really hold their attention. It's so cute to hear them speaking other languages...especially when my daughter Martha still mispronounces words here and there in English!

All individual DVDs ($15.99-$17.95) and three-disc sets ($44.99-$49.95) are available at amazon.com where they qualify for FREE SHIPPING!

Language Tree

I've always wanted to learn to speak at least a second language. I wish I had paid more attention in classes in high school and not simply studies for tests but truly tried to learn Spanish or German. And I have the same goal for my children...for them to effortlessly speak a language other than English. My new plan is to learn alongside them.

Language Tree is going to help with that! Their DVDs are for older school-aged children (and adults)...they require reading so they are not for young children to watch alone. My son August and I watched the German DVDs together and had a lot of fun trying our best to pronounce conversational phrases you'd use throughout your day in Germany. But if German isn't for you, you could choose Spanish, Chinese, French, Italian, English (ESL) or Sign Language.

All languages are available in individual level and volume DVDs ($15.99-$22.49) allowing you to personalize your purchase. Visit amazon.com where they qualify for FREE SHIPPING!

Glückskäfer

Glückskäfer is located in south west Germany and offers some of the most well-made, high-quality wood, metal, ceramic and textile items for children. When my children's kitchen items arrived, I quickly realized that the quality of their play items was up to snuff with my own high end cook/bakeware products (I love to cook and bake...and kitchen products is an addiction)!

The wooden items my children have are also wonderfully well made. The organic nature of the carved items is romantic and simple and are sure to be treasured by my children's children...and I love purchasing such heirlooms!

And all that Glückskäfer has to offer started back in 1945 by Erich Käfer. Erich, at the time, was an elementary teacher and wanted to give good traditional playthings to children that they could develop well in such extremely wounding and difficult times as World War II in Germany. Erich Käfer's son and today's owner, Manfred Käfer, is a father himself to six grown children and knows all too well what needs children and families have. And he works to provide high-quality learning-through-play products to all of us!

Some of Glückskäfer's products are difficult to find in one place as most shops only offer a few of their products from one range. The largest selection I've found in one place is on Amazon. There I found some kitchen products, wooden toys, felt animals and a few garden products. Visit amazon.com to see them all.

TAG Toys

TAG (Think And Grow) was established in 1976 by Dr. Lawrence Mestyanek and his family...and TAG remains a family business today. Their wonderful wooden educational toys are designed for children from ages one to six to assist in early development of sensory motor skills and thinking abilities.

All of TAG's products are proudly manufactured here in the United States through blending traditional, time-tested made-by-hand techniques with state-of-the-art, automated machinery. Together, they allow for the high quality products at their reasonable prices.

One of my favorite TAG toys is the Music Box (shown above) which allows for the child to see the actual moving pieces that create the melody all while watching the red figure move up and down. And I'll be honest enough to admit that I've spent a good amount of time watching him bob up and down myself...it's mesmerizing!

I'm also a fan of their perception and concept products that my son took to quite quickly with his analytical brain and the I Can Spell! Alphabet Puzzle to assist in developing reading and spelling skills.

To purchase TAG toys, visit amazon.com. And watch for a TAG giveaway later this week!

Moon in My Room

Great Gift for Boys and Girls!

Uncle Milton's Moon in My Room is one small step for technology, and one giant leap for fun lighting.

The Moon is an accurate curved relief of the real thing, and is designed to be mounted on a bedroom wall. A mini remote controls the phases of the moon...or the moon can left on automatic and it will go through twelve stages from Waning Crescent through Waxing Gibbous (don't you just love the sound of that) to New Moon. The Moon will automatically turn itself on in a darkened room, and turn itself off after 30 minutes (though you can override this feature if you wish).

Moon in My Room is powered by four AA batteries and 2 AAA's in the remote (I'm a big fan of rechargeables) and comes with a CD giving you an audio tour of the Moon round all its craters and seas. There's nothing like bringing the magic of the Moon into your child's room!

Available at amazon.com for $24.99.

New York City in a Bag

This New York City in a Bag set comes with eight wooden city structures and six wooden cars. Included are iconic structures such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the Statue of Liberty. The wood used to create each piece is from sustainable forests and the tallest piece measures four inches high.

Visit momastore.org to purchase this set for $15.00.