In December, my friend Nicole blogged about a fun idea: using the alphabet for a year's worth of fun, inspiration, education, more. Read about it here: http://madebynicole.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-big-idea-you-must-play-too.html
It sounded like super fun so I am playing along. I have taken so many pictures and the best part it has helped keep the kids active & happy! I took the approach with kids of focusing on favorite: items (toys), foods, books, movies, & activities that started with each letter.
Here is a glimpse of what we have been up to with A & B:
"A"
Food was definately Apples! We made apple pie, apple cake, applesauce, apple-cinnamon pancakes, apple betty, apple stuffing, & more.
Movie: "Alvin & the chipmunks", the "Aristocats" at home & I took them to see Alvin & the Chipmunks "Squeakquel".
Books: We read a story everyday from the "Animals Stories" from Disney.
Items: Kolby chose: alligator (stuffed animal) & airplane, an arrow (for his toy bow & arrow); Kendra chose: aqua sand (toy), & an angel.
Activities included: arguing (had to include that one it's a daily occurence), animal names game (naming an animal for each letter in the alphabet -- used later too!), & alphabet activites (I used this website: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/themes/abc.shtml).
I really emphasized that "A" is for alphabet and that what were learning about as well as having fun this year!
"B"
Food: Definately Blueberries & Bananas! We had on our menu: Blueberry cheescake, Banana bread, banana split cakes, banana pancakes, blueberry pancakes, buttermilk french toast, broiled scallops, broccoli salad, black bean salad, blueberry smoothies, more!
Movies: Bedtime stories, Babe, the Bee movie.
Books: Bunches of "Barbie" books (Barbie in the Diamond Castle, Nutcracker, three musketeers, etc.) & bunches of Biscuit books (Biscuit goes to school, to the park, etc.)
Activities: Bendaroo's, bead jewelry, braiding hair, baking, baseball (on the Wii), boxing (on the Wii), & a trip to Build-A-Bear!
Items: Kendra -- Barbie, bendaroo's, beads; Kolby -- Buzz lightyear, baseball, & books :O)
We are so excited and are gearing up for "C".
Some of the ideas we have:
First on the menu: chilli, chocolate chip cookies, cocoa. Activities: will be coffee/cocoa time, cutting with cricut, cooking; Movies: Charlie & the chocolate factory; Books: Cat in the hat; Items: Computer& card games. I'm sure will be adding to the list everyday.
This is going to be a great year filled with fun & adventure!!!!