Blog

Posted on

Making Patterns in Colored Sand

Materials
Colored Sand
Tray
Various objects to make tracks in the sand (combs, scrapers, etc.)

Directions
Pour one color of sand onto a tray.  Provide various objects that will make nice pattern tracks in the sand.  Invite your child to explore the sand, dragging the various objects in the sand, drawing patterns with his fingers, etc.

Posted on

Fruit Loop Necklaces

Materials
Bowl of Fruit Loops
Yarn or string 24″ long
Bobby pin

Directions
Invite your child to choose 2 or 3 different color fruit loops to make a patterned necklace. Sort them into piles by their color. Tie a Fruit Loop on the end of the string or yarn. Tie a bobby pin onto the other end. Invite your preschooler to string the Fruit Loops in an order that repeats (i.e. green, orange, yellow). Encourage your child to lay out one of each color, saying the color out loud, then stringing them in the same order. Repeat. Continue until the string is full or your child loses interest. Remove the bobby pin and tie the end together.

Toddlers enjoy stringing Fruit Loops, too!  It’s excellent fine motor practice.  They may not be interested in creating a pattern.

Posted on

Teaching Our Children Spiritual and Moral Values

Adapted from Mildred Cawlfield’s article, “Moral and Spiritual Values: Can They Be Taught?”

Principia’s founder, Mary Kimball Morgan states:

“In childhood, it is essential that right habits of thought become established – honesty, truthfulness, unselfishness, industry, thoroughness, perseverance, loving-kindness, and all noble qualities which make for Christian character.  ‘The corner-stone of all spiritual building is purity’ (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy p. 241).  Helping our children to love and express all that is pure and good requires us to keep very close to them and to seek divine wisdom constantly in our association with them.”  (Education at The Principia p. 21)

 
As Christian Scientists, we understand the importance of teaching high moral standards to our young children. A child can learn the joy of being honest, patient, selfless, gracious, and obedient. Being an example for your child is the most important way to teach spiritual and moral values. Children also learn spiritual values as they attend Sunday School on a regular basis. Some families find it prosperous to include time in their daily schedules for spiritual and moral nourishment with their children. Together, qualities such as truth and love are talked about and ideas are shared as to how they can be practiced and applied during the day. Reading bible stories from children’s bibles and books such as God’s Gifts or Who’s Afraid, Not You!, singing hymns and discussing the inspiration found in them, sharing stories that emphasize spiritual qualities, and memorizing simple truths from The Holy Bible and Mrs. Eddy’s writings are wonderful tools to use on a daily basis with your children. Keeping these experiences short, simple, and engaging for the child will not only yield valuable learning experiences, but will also create memorable, happy, and inspiring togetherness as a family.
 
Challenges can be discussed and examined more objectively during these special times together.  Children have had time to calm down, are ready to listen to spiritual truths, and are receptive to spiritual solutions. More effective teaching takes place when children and adults are composed and emotions are not involved.  For example, a mother was distressed about frequent arguments which seemed to arise between her two young children.  She had talked to them and had used methods such as having the children talk through the problem and working to seek a peaceful solution, separating them, and even on occasion, just letting them “fight” it out – which didn’t seem to solve anything!  Finally, the mother decided to use these incidents as examples during the family’s inspiration time and apply the tools to help solve the problems and teach spiritual lessons. The children talked about how they felt when they were arguing, what they were arguing about, and shared ideas on how they could handle things differently the next time. They studied relatable stories from The Bible such as Nehemiah refusing to leave his work in spite of taunts from the enemy. This helped them see that real strength and courage is shown when one prevents a fight from happening, avoids an argument, is loving towards their neighbor, and practices the Golden Rule.
 
After having this spiritual lesson time together, the parents would comment on the children’s strength or courage when they observed the children defusing a conflict and expressing genuine brotherly or sisterly love towards one another. The children realized they were much happier, too!
Posted on

Stamping Patterns

Materials

Paper

Stamps

Orange Ink Pad

 

Directions

Press rubber stamps onto an orange ink pad and create a simple pattern on the top half of a piece of paper. Ask your child to help you recreate the pattern on the bottom of the paper.

For toddlers, allow them to just explore with the stamps. Once they have had the opportunity to practice the art of stamping, then start with one stamp and ask you toddler to find the stamp that you used, and make a stamp directly underneath the stamp that you made.  Add a second stamp and encourage your child to recreate your simple pattern.

Preschool children will enjoy extending your pattern and generating their own. Gradually increase the level of difficulty, working up to creating patterns using 3-4 different shapes.

Posted on

Potato Print Patterns

Materials
1 large potato
Tempera Paint
Strips of construction paper approx. 4×12 inches

Directions
Cut the potato into 4 thick sections. Pour tempera paint onto paper plates. Tape a strip of construction paper onto the table surface. Make an interesting shape or simple design into each section of the potato. Invite your child to dip 1-2 sections of potato into paint and create their own own repeating pattern, copy an example of a pattern, or extend a pattern that has been started.

Posted on

Making Colorful Pancakes

Ingredients
Favorite pancake mix
Food coloring or paste
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Griddle
Zip-loc baggies (sandwich bag size)

Directions
Make batter according to the instructions on the box.  Pour batter into each of 4 Zip-loc baggies.  Add food coloring or paste and encourage your child to mix in the color by gently squeezing the bag. Cut the tip of the bag and squeeze the batter into the griddle in pancake shapes. Squeeze all colors into individual pancake shapes to make colorful pancakes.  What happens when the batter begins to cook? Flip and cook through.  Place pancakes on plate and enjoy for a special snack.

Posted on

How to Make Really Good Play Dough

Spring colors and spring cookie cutters!

Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar (alum works well, too)
1 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
food coloring (use icing gels for more vibrant colors)

Instructions

  1. Heat water, oil, and food coloring in saucepan until boiling.
  2. Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar and add to heated water mixture, mixing until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not let mixutre stick to the pot. 
  3. Dump the mixture onto a cookie sheet or tray and let it cool slightly.
  4. Knead, knead, and knead! The secret to great play dough is in the kneading. Knead until soft and smooth. When it’s cool enough, children can help with this part.

Play dough will keep in a tightly lidded container for a few months.

Posted on

Spinning Rainbows

Materials
Salad spinner
Paper Plates
Tempera Paint in Rainbow Colors

Directions
Place a paper plate in the salad spinner. Help your child place one drop of each color paint onto the paper plate. Place the lid on the salad spinner and invite your child to turn the knob. Observe your child’s delight when the lid is removed! Allow to dry and display.