The Number Train

Today we "rode the number train".  Well, we actually just completed a counting/pattern activity I randomly decided to do with the boys.  But it was referred to as the number train.

I printed out different rail cars that I found on clip art and the numbers 1-14.  

I then cut out and pasted the cars together (Why didn't I just print out one long train?), and I cut out and put tape on the back of all the numbers.  

I let my boys do the rest. They counted the rail cars and took turns finding and placing the correct numbers unto the cars. 

And once they were all numbered, we discussed the patterns and reviewed counting and number recognition.  (I also get bonus points for remembering to ask color questions).

My train was way bigger than I intended it to be, so we ended up throwing it away when we were done.  But my boys enjoyed the train enough that I made a self vow to make it again, in felt or with Velcro. They definitely want to do the activity again, and it's pretty flexible so I can add different things to it, like letters or sight words.  

The number train may soon be "the educational train".  I will share the reusable version once it's made, but for now I will just reprint the paper one...just way smaller.

DIY Photo Frames

One of my first thoughts this morning was how badly we needed picture frames,  So I decided that we would make our own, and not use popsicle sticks! ...Who needs to run to the store when you have a lot of random supplies sitting around?
So here are our three frames, just in case you are on a frame shortage or creative kick. Or if you are like me and want to show off family pictures, with a little extra umph!


1. Book Frame
Old Book, Paint, Glue, Glue Dot/ Tape

The boys painted an old book.  And when it dried, I glued the pages ends together.  Then I put the glue dot on the back of a picture and put it on the book.

It's a cool frame for a shelf or table.

2. Gift Box Frame
Gift Box Top, String/Rope/PipeCleaners, Glue Dot/Tape

The boys had nothing to do with this one. I put two holes in the boxes top (using a pen) threaded the pipe cleaner through, and that's it. Then I put the glue dot on the back of the photo, and put it in the the frame.

This one is going to look pretty cool hanging or leaning, and I can turn it around in the winter to show the snow scene on the othe side. 

I am pretty impressed with myself.

3. Construction Paper Frame

Construction Paper, Back Piece of Spiral Notebook/ Cardboard, Blocks, Crazy Glue, Glue, Glue Dots/Tape
I cut out a 2 inch border on a sheet of computer paper, and let the boys glue torn up construction paper on it.  After the rectangle border dried,  I glued the sides to the cardboard piece of an old spiral notebook, I then took two blocks, super glued them together, then super glued them to the back of the frame. I took the glue dots, and put two photos inside It stands on its own!


I may change the photos I used.  But don't the frames looks so neat?! And there's no glass, so I don't have to worry about any huge incidents if I decide to sit the photos somewhat within reach! 

Our Adventure Book

I'm a Wish fanatic.  (Wish is shopping app for those who don't know.) Everything is so cheap, if you're willing to wait a month or two for it to ship from China. I'll admit the clothes are not always as pictured, but they aren't too bad. And everything else I've received was pretty good quality, especially for the small prices I paid. Recently, I bought this charming brown notebook! I call it our "Adventure Book".

The notebook is a small leather book that you close with a faux leather cord and it has the cutest brown pages inside. One of my favorite things about it is that it works like a binder.  I can rearrange the pages if I mess up the order of things; I am mistake-prone so the rings are going to be my saving grace on more than one occasion.  

For sentimental reasons, I keep ticket stubs, small tokens, stickers, business cards, room keys, pictures, etc. of the places we've been and the places we've taken the kids. I like to keep little memorabilia.  I spent the afternoon arranging, glueing/taping, and captioning all our little adventures. And it looks so neat in one little book! (It would look better if my handwriting was better and my pens didn't suck, but oh, well.)   As the book fills up, it will just look more impressive. 

My family thought the book looked so neat and fun; they found it "interesting".  The boys proved how sharp their memories were, and joined me on a quick stroll down memory lane.  I didn't do this project as a kid craft/activity, but it was still one the kids and I ended up enjoying together. If it really matters, you can always hand the children a glue stick and let them help...But, if you are like me and enjoy creative outlets, it's definitely worth doing alone!