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! 

Fun with Boxes

I know you're crazy about the title right? We have a ton of boxes leftover from recent internet buys, I stopped my husband from throwing them out, and swore I'd find something to do with them. This was three days ago. Last night I was told to do something with the boxes or they were getting thrown out. So the boys and I spent the later afternoon crafting with boxes!

We only had small and medium boxes, no huge boxes.  I usually just sit them inside of huge boxes with some markers and let them go crazy.  I see big boxes as an opportunity to clean, and not have them behind me destroying everything.  

I didn't have that luxury today, but we did think of some pretty cool stuff to do with the boxes.
1. Picnics in a box - the clean up was quick and easy, and they got to eat dinner in front of the television. Everybody wins!

2. Backdrop for dinosaurs! - or dolls or farm animals. Make a stage for whatever your child is into. I'd like to take a second to brag on myself for this backdrop. It turned out pretty good and I have zero artistic talent. So I'm going to pat myself on the back. I used green paint and blue and yellow chalk, and it only took me 15 minutes.

3. Decorate and use for storage- It's a no-brainer: reuse the box. I think this would look super neat with random pieces of wrapping paper all over it, but we didn't have that at hand. So construction and computer paper it was! We spent around an hour decorating the box.

4. Make connecting pieces out of the flaps - they painted & colored them with chalk. I cut them out into shapes and cut (roughly) a 1.5-inch slit in them. When they actually played with it only the big non-triangular pieces with the slit in the middle survived. But the rest of the pieces actually proved to be pretty durable!

Do yall have any ideas on what to do with leftover boxes? 

(Sidenote: I have no idea why the text is highlighted.)