A Simple DIY Game for Teaching Patterns

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There's pretty much only one TV show that Jake likes right now, and it's Team Umizoomi on Nickelodeon. Although I curse the show when I'm trying to fall asleep and the theme song plays over and over in my head, I do like that its focus is on preschool math concepts, such as counting, shapes, measurements, sequences, and patterns. The pattern scenes are what Jake has been drawn to the most lately, so I decided he needed a game of his own. 

This pattern activity only took me about 5 minutes to put together. The hardest part was selecting what foam stickers to buy. Since we visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium a few weeks ago (you should add it to your bucket list), I decided to go with an undersea theme for the stickers.

Here's what you need for the activity:
* Foam stickers - I got mine at Michael's, similar here
* Wooden 1.5" circles - purchased at Michael's
* Shell holder (optional but fun to have) - I found mine at the beach but I also saw them at Michael's
* Playing board (optional) - I just used the back of the 12" x 12" wooden panel from Michael's I recently used to make a DIY checkerboard. While you don't need a playing board for this activity, I found it really helped Jake keep his attention focused in one place where all of the pieces were contained.

I had the game set up and ready to go for after nap time. I've found that this is the time of day in which Jake is most focused without wanting to run around and do a million other things. Since he's only 27 months old I started with simple patterns. I guided him on the object of the game, but once we did the first pattern together, he was able to finish the rest on his own. 

After making several different boards of patterns, I then cleared the board and let Jake do whatever he wanted with the playing pieces. He started to sort them on his own, making his own patterns and grouping pieces together. So not only can you use the playing pieces for patterns, they also work well for sorting. 

When I asked Jake if he liked his new game, this was the look he gave me. Another success. And simple to put together!

If you liked this post, be sure to follow along on Facebook so you can stay up-to-date on all our fun games and activities. 

Garden Tic-Tac-Toe

When I was little, I loved restaurants that had paper tablecloths and crayons. Not only could I doodle while I waited for my food but it also meant I could play an endless amount of tic-tac-toe. I actually know of a way to make sure that every game ends in a tie, but I'll keep that a secret between me and Google. 

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After my friend Amy from While Wearing High Heels (an amazing blog you must check out) shared with me this creative tic-tac-toe version by Chicken Scratch NY using painted rocks, I knew I had to make my own. Instead of the traditional X's and O's, I wanted something that would fit perfectly with a garden. I've always been drawn to sunflowers, so that was an obvious choice. The leaves were a good match, but they needed something to make them a little more special so each one has a tiny ladybug. My playing board is a simple paver I picked up at Home Depot for about $1.00. I used chalk to draw the grid. 

Painting rocks is easier than it looks. Here are some tips and answers to questions you may have:

1. The number one question I'm asked about my painted rocks is where do I find such smooth stones? I'm fortunate to live near a beach covered with them, but you can also look for rocks at the craft store, dollar store, and any garden or landscaping center. 

2. Clean and dry your rocks before you paint. To be honest, I don't always do this, but when I do, I notice a difference. 

3. I always use acrylic paint. Martha Stewart high gloss acrylics are my current paint of choice. I love that they are made for all surfaces. 

4. I use very small watercolor brushes because I find them easier to control and perfect for details. If you are painting with kids, I would look for a variety of brush sizes. 

5. I'm still experimenting with varnishes to protect my finished rocks. I most often use Mod Podge as a sealant, and I prefer the matte version. 

6. Most importantly, don't feel like your rocks have to be masterpieces. You can pretty much paint anything on a rock and it will still look beautiful. 

If sunflowers and leaves seem like too much work, traditional X's and O's still look great painted on stones. I can't wait to give this garden tic-tac-toe game to the kids who live next door. It will be a perfect game for them to play this summer in the yard. 

If you liked this rock craft, you might also like my other rock projects: magic dragon rocks, painted hungry caterpillar rocks, alphabet rocks, train rocks, and counting rocks. 

I would love to stay in touch with you on my Facebook page. Besides letting you know when I have a new post, I always post other fun crafts, activities, and pictures that I don't put on the blog. Happy crafting!

30 Things I Learned From a Two-Year-Old

One of the greatest gifts my two-year-old son has given me is the opportunity to live like a child again. I have learned to stay present, cherish simple pleasures, think creatively, and just play. Here are 30 ways to enjoy life like a child (thank you, Jake):

-Take a morning walk
-Enjoy a book filled with just pictures
-Smile and say hi to passersby
-Pick up sea shells, even broken ones
-Stop and smell the flowers (literally)
-Lie in the grass and watch the clouds
-Make a wish
-Color outside the lines
-Follow birds and butterflies
-Say I love you spontaneously and loudly
-Run just because
-Collect rocks
-Delight in the beauty of bubbles
-Wave to passing cars
-Bury your feet in the sand
-Eat with your hands and lick your fingers
-Give really tight hugs
-Walk down the street holding someone's hand 
-Keep found treasures
-Cry because you need to cry
-Dig in the dirt
-Run through the sprinklers
-Take an afternoon nap
-Stay in pajamas all day
-Stare off into space and daydream
-Make time for arts and crafts
-Go barefoot
-Curl up with a good book before bedtime
-Eat only the icing off a cupcake
-Find the joy in everything that surrounds you

Name Recognition & Spelling with Peg People

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Jake is 27 months old and loves seeing anything with his name on it. In his room, we have his name framed by his bed, and one of his favorite toys is his personalized step stool puzzle. To help him learn to spell his name, I made him painted peg people inspired by these dolls made by Hand Painted Heartwork. Wouldn't these also be great for letter recognition as an entire alphabet.

These peg dolls are easy to make. Only 3 steps.

1. Use acrylic paint to cover your wooden peg people. I bought my peg dolls online from Craft Parts. You can also find an assortment here. 

2. Use paint or a paint pen to add each letter. I did uppercase letters on the front and lowercase on the back. 

3. Once completely dry, cover your peg dolls with Mod Podge to keep them protected and looking nice. I used the glossy version. 

I thought that Jake's little peg boys needed some friends that were girls. So I made one of his best friends, MJ, a set of her own. Jake and MJ are like two peas in a pod. I swear they'll be going to prom together one day. 

I have a feeling that Jake is going to love his new peg dolls. I already have some game ideas in mind. 

Make sure to stay in touch on my Facebook page to see what comes next. Besides letting you know when I have a new post, I always post other fun crafts, activities, and pictures that I don't put on the blog. Happy crafting!