Hot Cocoa Fun (preschool activities)

What's better in the winter then a cup of hot chocolate?!?!  One of the great things about teaching preschool at home is we are not on a schedule and learning can happen any time!  The little ones wanted hot cocoa and it reminded me of a fun experiment I saw here.  Our quiet night quickly turned into a fun experience and with a couple ingredients you can do this too!

Magic Hot Cocoa Science Experiment

Fist up we made some magic hot cocoa!  While they were at the table I added some baking soda to the mug and then covered it with layer of cocoa mix.  They suspected nothing :)  I then gave them a cup of magic water (vinegar) and we said some magic words.  I let the little ones help with the words and I think it went something like "bibbity bobbity boo make this cocoa boil and brew."  Haha  let me know if you come up with some something :)

 Carefully pour in your magic water water and watch the magic happen

 His face haha! He was not sure about this magic cocoa

 This little girl was delighted and loved every second of it.

 We experimented a little more by using some of our 5 senses: seeing, smelling, touching, and I think at one point she tasted one of the bubbles.  We forgot hearing.  We talked about our observations

 We tried adding more magic water at different speeds...fast was pretty exciting!

 We even stirred it with a straw to see if anything would happen.

I think it was a successful experiment

Marshmallow Name Activity

We used mini marshmallows for some fine motor and name practice.

 Write their name on a piece of construction paper.  Using a glue bottle go over a letter or 2.  Have your little one follow the line of glue with marshmallows.

 Let them dry over night.

Hot Chocolate and Marshmallow Counting Mat 

Finally we pulled out or hot chocolate and marshmallow counting mat.  I love making a counting mat for each theme.  This is my favorite style of mat of counting mat because it is low prep, easily adjust to their skill level by adding or take away numbers and you are only printing one page in color instead of individual cards for each number.

 To create print the pages in the download below.  Laminate. Cut number cards apart.  If you have used any of our other number mats you already have the numbers and don't worry about printing them again.

Place your number cards in the box-order doesn't matter.  Use tongs, fine motor tools (like this one), or fingers to add the correct number of marshmallows to the board.  Then clear the board and remove the card.  Continue through the stack of cards.  You can also do some simple addition or subtraction using two cards.  Place two numbers on top.  Add or take away the correct number of marshmallows.  count how many marshmallows are in the cup.

Download the Counting Mat Here

I love how a  few simple, low prep activities are packed with learning.  The best part is they are having so much fun they don't even realize its happening.

Snow & Letter Sensory Bin

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you use my link, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, thank you for your support.

I'm not sure why I've never done a sensory bin before but after reading about some of the benefits I decided to give it a try.  Here's our snow bin!

What's in the box:

cotton balls

stuffing (sewing)

foam letters (dollar store puzzle)

bells

ping pong ball

Fine motor tools

cups, rakes, shovels (from this set)

Let me tell you it was a big hit!  It was played with for an hour and they came back multiple times during the day to play some more. 

 I added some foam letters for them to find and then we used a tracking sheet to identify the ones we found.  (I used this printable from Letters of Literacy) and placed them in these dry erase pockets.

 Great letter recognition, writing practice, and I was right there to work on letter sounds as well. The whole box is great for fine motor skills as well-the yellow one was a favorite for this activity.

 You may have noticed ping pong ball mentioned in the list.  I had a plan to add several and write the letters on them instead of the foam puzzle pieces.  However when I went to grab them I only had one left.  So I tossed it in as a mystery snowball for them to find.

 I think my favorite moment was when this little guy pulled out a bell and announced he found a "jingle."

Watch for more sensory bin ideas!

Winter Number Bingo

My kids LOVE Bingo and what better way to practice number recognition then with a fun game.
We worked on the numbers 1-20.

Download the free bingo cards below (there are 10 different boards). There is also a set of calling cards. I printed mine 2 to a page but you can print them as a full sheet.  Laminate and cut bingo boards apart if needed and calling cards.

Place the calling cards in a bowl or bag.  We used colored "ice blocks" aka mini foam blocks from the dollar store as markers.

First person to get 4 in a row wins!

 Download Here

*dance costume optional :)

The Family and The Living Christ Free Prints

I have some gorgeous LDS Prints for you today! Full text of "The Family, A Proclamation to the World" and "The Living Christ" and guess what they are free!  You can find the download at the end of this post.

 I actually made the prints probably over a year ago and finally got the courage to print them in October.  Then built the frame in November and finally hung them a couple of weeks ago.  So why did it take me so long to finish this project (besides having my 5th kid who didn't sleep for the first 7 months of her life)?  Well these things are HUGE and I was a little nervous to commit but I'm so happy I did.  

We have vaulted ceiling in one of our hallways and I wanted something to fill the space.

Here's a not awesome picture to give you a little better idea of the scale.  It was really hard to take a decent picture in a dark hallway.

Can I tell you one of the best things about these prints...I printed 2 of these 24"x36" and build the frames for about $20.  It would have been a bit less if I didn't have to pay shipping on the prints.  These are actually engineered prints from staples and they are super cheap.  Now they aren't for everyone because they are really thin and mine did get a few wrinkles while sitting in my bedroom all those months.  But I kind of love the look so it works for me.  

I mentioned I build the frame and that tutorial is coming soon!  I thought I took pictures but I can't find them...maybe because I didn't take any...I don't know :)  Anyway it is the easiest build ever especially if you are making a much smaller one.  So watch for that.

I have both of these prints ready for you to download below.  I've included 2 size but if there is another size that you would like let me know and I'll see if I can include it as well.

To download click on the link of the size you want.  It will take you to a folder with both of the prints for that size.  For Jpeg download the prints you want to your computer and print at home or upload to your favorite print shop.  If you plan to print from home and want to make it super easy on yourself download the pdf file.  Click print and your done.  If you have any questions or I uploaded something wrong please let me know :)

Download Here:

8x10 Jpeg

8x10 PDF 

(do not adjusts margins and it will fit your frame)

24x36 

(works for engineered print at staples or any other print shop)

Come Follow Me: Luke 2, Matthew 2 (January 14-20)

How's your week going?  I'd love to hear what you are doing, what's working for your family or your personal study, or any thoughts you've had while studying.  I've enjoyed the lesson on Elisabeth and Mary as well as this one.  It seems like we often study these during December and with all the Christmas prep and activities the message and some of these stories sometimes gets lost in the extra fluff of Christmas.  It was so nice to go back and really study these chapters.

Here are some fun lesson helps for January 14-20,  Luke 2, Matthew 2.  I studied and used the manuals for Families and individuals, primary, and I even took a little bit from the one for Sunday School to plan and create these activities.  These helps can be used for family study, primary, and there are even a few things that work for individual study.  These were created with my family and primary class in mind but hopefully there are some things that will work for you.  With all of these lessons I try to get to as much as I can but I always seem to over plan and we often don't get to everything.

Under Ideas for Family Scripture study and FHE (I&F) the first activity suggests selecting a person in Luke 2, read a few verses about that person's interaction with the Savior and share something that they learned that increases their faith in Jesus.  I created 4 different cards that can be used...I did include the wise men even though they are not in Luke 2.  If using these as a family I thought it would be fun to divide into groups and have each group take a person or two.  In your group read the scripture passage and discuss. Use the cards to take some notes. After a few minutes share what you learned, any thoughts, or favorite scriptures that you just read.  This can also be used for individual study or use them together during family scripture study to take notes.

 Nativity Match game and Find the Star game: Print two of the match game on cardstock. It would be a fun way to review the different scripture stories.   Find the star-Have one person step out of the room.  Hide the star somewhere in the room.  Play hot and cold to help them find the star.

I'm going to show this movie clip called "Wise men still seek him"

Here are two activities that go along with this clip.  The first is a crown. Decorate the star by drawing or writing a way you can "seek him" or you've probably heard of giving a gift to Jesus, its the same idea :)  Once its finished help them glue or tape it to their crown.  For the Coloring page-same idea but draw or write your gift inside the present.

UPDATE: For FHE I read the long quote below and then we used this board game to discuss ways we could make room in our heart for Christ.  It seemed to go well :)

Seek Christ Board Game:  Take turns rolling the dice (one is included if you need it).  Move the number of spaces the dice landed on and then share one way you can "seek" Christ.  Be ready to help them with ideas until they get the hang of it...a few ideas are reading our scriptures, going to church, family prayer, helping our mom with dishes, reading a book to our brother, etc. another option would be to ask questions from the lesson, or give them scenarios and ask if this is a way to seek Christ.  There are scenario cards in some of my other lessons- here and here if you need some.    *For game board pieces buttons, candy, pieces from other games work :)  I wanted to focus on us seeking Christ not so much the wise men seeking Christ so in this download I've included the board with the little girl.  If you would like the other board you can find it in this post.

This one was a last second idea and I'm so excited about it!  We are going to talk a little about what they think Jesus was like as a child.  Then read Luke 2:52.  I'm going to have 4 station set up.  The number circles are your labels for each station.  We are going to move to each one and do an activity that goes along with "growing in _____."  The purpose of this is to explain that Jesus was once little too and and just like Jesus we  can grow in these different areas and become more like him!

You can pick your own activities but I've included a few ideas and printables for you:

1. Wisdom (intellectually): Any type of learning activity or challenge. We are going to play a game my husband created that we call "1 step, 2 step" it's a trivia game and my kids love it!  Here's how you play.  Everyone lines up at one end of the room, the question person (usually a parent) on the opposite side.  Ask the first person a question-(we usually do church related but sometimes academic...it doesn't really matter. These are made up on the spot and fit each players knowledge level).  The player then has a chance to answer.  If they answer quickly with no help they get to take 2 steps towards the question person.  If it takes a little longer, need a hint or help but still get the question right they get to take one step.  If they answer incorrectly they do not get to take any steps.  Continue taking turns answering questions until someone get to the question person (think red light green light).

2. Stature (physically): We are going to use the exercise dice included.  To make print (preferably on cardstock), cut along the solid lines, fold on the dotted lines.  I tape mine together.  Roll the dice and do 10 of each activity.  You decide how many time you want to roll.

3. favor with God (spiritually): have each person share their favorite scripture story.  Another idea would be to read a few scriptures for the lesson-maybe Jesus in the temple :).

4. favor with others (socially):  Create Valentines or Coupons for family members or friends.  I included some super hero coupon cards in the download.

Update: If you have older kids there is a great article this month in the New Era on growing in these 4 areas.

I found this quote in the Sunday School manual and really wanted a copy for myself.  Its included in the download.  Here's a cute song and video for kids to go with quote (found here)

For Primary I think any of these ideas would work.  I like to make sure we go over the scripture stories and then play one of the games or do a coloring page (the crowns would be fun!)

Download your free Lesson Helps Here!

Adorable graphics from Melonheadz, Whimsy Clips, Krista Wallden - Creative Clips,  The Kinderhearted Classroom, DSart, P4 Clips Trioriginals,  Mather's Music, Chirp Graphics     and Fonts by Hello Literacy

January 7–13 Matthew 1; Luke 1 (Come Follow Me Lesson helps)

How is everyone's week going?  I hope you found some activities to help with your first week of "Come Follow Me."  We've been figuring things out over here and enjoying our time together learning more about the Savior.  I think the 10 Virgin's parable and game have been a favorite so far (it involves m&m's so who wouldn't like it :)

We are also loving the journals.  My little kids love gluing in their coloring pages and printables and my 10 year old loves having a special place to write and is also enjoying the fun printables as well.  I love having a place to keep notes and some of my favorite scriptures and quotes for the week.

You can find both of these activities and much more for week one  here.

As we are finishing up our lessons for the week I've found a few things that worked for us and a few that didn't.  The big one is I over planned for a regular week-I thought that would be the case.  We have been able to get to almost everything but with school starting back up again a full lesson almost every day isn't realistic.  Here's what I'm thinking we will try this upcoming week: 1 or 2 mini lessons (probably Sunday and FHE Monday) and daily family scripture study where we read and discuss the chapters for the week.  I wanted to make a detailed reading schedule with questions to ponder but as I started it just wasn't coming together.  I think my favorite thing about this curriculum is the flexibility to study what our families needs.  So I don't want to put this time into a little box I can check off but rather see where the Spirit guides our reading and discussions. 

Okay enough of my rambling :)  Here's are some fun lesson helps for the week of January 7-13, Matthew 1, Luke 1.  You can find all the printables at the end of this post.

Mini Lesson #1: Heavenly Father Answers Our Prayers (find sections in the primary manual & it relates to the section God's blessings come in His own time individual and family)

There are so many topics in this lesson but I decided I really want to focus on prayer this week.  How to pray, what we can pray for, and how answers and blessing come from Heavenly Father.

1. Prayer Sandwich demo and mini book.  

I saw this idea years ago and as I was reading through the lesson it popped into my head.  Grab some bread, peanut butter, and jelly.  Show your kids that a prayer is like a sandwich-top piece of bread (begin by saying "Dear Heavenly Father), add peanut butter-this is when we thank Heavenly Father for all of the things he has given us. Next we add the jelly or ask for things we need.  Finally we add the bottom piece of bread-finish "In the name of Jesus Christ Amen."  If would be fun to have your kids share some things they can thank and ask for while you make the sandwich.  Make a few extra for a yummy snack.

Next create a mini prayer sandwich book.  Print one for each family member (b&w option included-printing tip i always use my printer in the draft setting to save ink.  You do not loose much quality).  On the peanut butter and jelly write some things you are thankful for or can ask for.  Put it together with a brad, staple, hole punch & string...whatever you have will work.  We are going to add these to our journals along with the cute handout that says "How has Heavenly Father answered your prayers?"  There is space to draw or write in your answer.  This would also be a good time to share a story about a time one of your prayers were answered. 

UPDATE: I included another print option that will save you on ink and coloring time :)  I've divided each "piece of the sandwich" to its own page so you can print it directly on colored paper.  Ex. peanut butter on brown paper, Jelly on red or purple paper.  You will need to color the edge of the bread but that's it!

  Words on the sandwich come from the song "I Pray in Faith"

Optional activity:  Print the activity at the end of the primary lesson.  Cut the pieces apart.  Print one of the charts  (looks like the picture below) that is included in this download.  Use the chart to sort the pictures.

Mini Lesson #2: With God nothing is impossible. (idea in individual and family-ideas for family scripture study section & primary under teaching older children)

1. Review or act out stories of Elizabeth and Mary -ask what are some things that might seem impossible without God's power?

2. Wordstrips-cut apart and hide the different pieces around the room before you start your lesson.  Go on a hunt to find out what the Angel Gabrielle said on this topic.  Gather the wordstrips and work together to put the pieces in the correct order.

3. Next we are going to talk about a few other stories where Heavenly Father did something that seemed impossible.  2 ideas: Charades or pictionary-use the cards included to act our to draw some of the stories from the scripture.  There are a few blank ones to add your own. Another ideas is to split up into teams, set a timer and as a team write down as many stories or incidents as you can come up with in the set amount of time.  Once time is up share the stories you came up with.

4. Read the 1st paragraph under the chapter heading- "From a mortal perspective, it was impossible..." Print and cut out the journal card and answer the question.  There is space to draw or write your answer.  

Printable quotes from the lesson for you or those in your family that would like them :)

As I was reading through the lesson these two quotes stood out to me.  

If you want just the printables right click and save to your computer.  You can upload and print from your favorite print shop or paste in a word document, size, and print.  I like to do this if I need multiple copies of a print.  One of these would be great to share with your ministering sisters :)

Scripture Cards:  This week for FHE we are going to assign different tasks to family members (I'm sure many of you already do this).  We have our FHE board ready to go.  The person that has the scripture will be assigned to pick a scripture that will be displayed for the week.  One of the large (5x7) scripture cards would be a great place to write and hang on the fridge or where ever you want to place it.  The scripture can be from the assigned chapters, from their personal reading (where ever they may be), or a favorite scripture.  During FHE they will share the scripture and why they picked it.  This is just another way we are trying to place more of an emphasis on scripture study.

You can also use the blank cards to write your favorite scriptures or quotes and place in your journal or display.  There are 2 styles and 2 sizes.

Primary Lesson idea: I might update this after Sunday and figure how much time we will have for the lesson but right now this is my plan :)

Review story of Mary-use pictures from the Gospel art book-stop right after Mary asks how can this be?

Search for the wordstrips (idea from above) and find out what the Angel Gabriel said.  Work together to put the scripture together.  

Emphasis that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  I like the explanation in the section teaching  younger kids (1st activity under Jesus Christ is the son of God)

Next review or show video clip from lds.org about Elisabeth and Zacharias.  Emphasis that Heavenly Father answers our prayers.  Share a time he answered one of your prayers.  Print the chart from the download (black and white) and the pieces from the coloring activity at the of the primary lesson for each child.  Help them cut ,sort, and glue.  If time color.  If you teach young children have the pieces cut ahead of time.

Download the Lesson Helps Here

Adorable graphics from Melonheadz,  Jen Hart Design,  Graphics From the Pond,  Instruct and Inspire  and Fonts by Hello Literacy