Got two things coming at you today! A craft and some outdoor time. Totally unrelated but both super fun!
First we got an idea for making a homemade and upcycling "I-Spy" alphabet game. Idea is NOT mine I got it from this amazing lady here.
Started with these and an old baby bottle of Avery's.
And then created this! Sam had a blast looking for the alphabet today.
I should have put the paper inside a sheet protector so that we could use a dry erase marker and then use it again and again. Having to reprint the alphabet again and again is not very green!
Then right before lunch Sam begged to go outside. So we did.
And found some really fun stuff!
A good mouse hole...tracks got stepped on, but oh well!
Some amazing bird tracks!
And then check out how excited Sam is about what SHE found in the far end of our backyard.
And Avery was there too!
We had a great day! Both indoor and outdoor play, learning and exploring.
Good day.
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The Nitty Gritty!
The alphabet "I-Spy" game is made out of split peas and alphabet beads. Super simple and Sam loved it. I actually put in two complete alphabets so that it would be a bit easier for her but I think for a child that is just a bit older or use to these games only one set of beads for this size bottle would be necessary.
From our outdoor play -
One thing I have learned about having Avery outside right now is that I have to let her fall. She has to fall, whine, scream, complain and then figure out how to get up on her own. I cannot come running over to her everytime she gets stuck or falls down in the snow. Then she won't learn how to get up on her own and will always need me. She needs to learn.
So I let her struggle. I let her get mad. But she does get up on her own. And after 20 minutes or so she is toddling around the backyard getting into all kinds of fun "trouble" and not worrying about the falling at all. But we have to go through this struggle time almost everytime we go outside. It is a battle, but for me it is worth it and necessary.
Living in WI my kids have to learn to walk in snow, play in snow and LOVE snow!!
Love the alphabet idea. I have seen some with little plastic animals in it too! I might have to try this. It would make a great gift too:)
laughingwiththeharrises.blogspot.com
Posted by: Melissa | 02/24/2011 at 06:42 PM
what great photos. We love Ispy bottles :)
so are you done with winter yet?
Posted by: butterfly wishes and wonderland dreams | 02/24/2011 at 07:45 PM
Love the alphabet game! In fact, since my daughter decided to empty the entire bag of lentils on the kitchen floor, I might just use it for this project!
Posted by: Maria @Two Cups of Kids | 02/24/2011 at 09:22 PM
Love, love the I Spy bottles! I may just be stealing that idea from you. I've got an alphabet learner over here as well. And those icicle shots! What a beautiful photo you snapped. They look like christmas ornaments!
Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!
Posted by: Julie M. | 02/25/2011 at 08:44 AM
Oh man, photos like this make me miss snow days and all the fun to be had.
Thanks for stopping by my place!
Posted by: The Flying Chalupa | 02/25/2011 at 03:14 PM