let’s celebrate with a BLOGIVERSARY link party!

 I am so excited about today!  Not only am I celebrating one year of blogging, I get to party with some great bloggers who have inspired me along the way.  I really wanted to have a beautifully written “why I blog” post to proceed this one, but life had other plans.  Make sure to come back tomorrow to read my Blog Story.  I will say that one of the very best parts of blogging has been the people I have “met” over this past year.  The bloggers that I have invited to join this linky party are people who have inspired me, helped me, and guided me.  I am so grateful for each of them.  This year wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without them!

For this linky party I have asked that each blogger to put her own spin on adding a little learning to playtime.  Make sure to visit each link… these bloggers all have something wonderful to offer.

adding learning to our pretend play
Fashion Show 

 I really wanted this activity to be special.  When the water heater broke and needed to be replaced , we made the best of it and enjoyed the EXTRA large box that came with it .  Once the kids had enjoyed a few days of open ended play, I decided it was time to create something fun.

ART

I cut the cardboard so that it laid flat.  Then I propped up one side.  Little M immediately called that the “backstage” and started drawing characters.  I love watching her draw.  She usually has a fascinating story to tell while she works.

MATH

I drew circles coming down the stage to represent lights and at the end of the stage I made 5 stars.  Each meant to be a posing spot.  I made sure to add numbers for a little number recognition.

FINE MOTOR

We set up the dress up clothes right next to the stage.  Buttons, snaps and ties are great fine motor practice… and they were perfect for adding just the right amount of creativity to our fashion show!

Language

To add a little language to our fashion show I used construction paper to make challenge cards.  M and M took turns picking a card.  Then it was time to dress up according to the word on the card.

PRETEND PLAY

Once we had the stage set, it was time for some serious pretend play.  Daddy and I had a great time watching M and M strut their stuff.

MUSIC

Oh I almost forgot.  Big M played music for Little M as she walked the stage, and Little M sang a special song for Big M as he posed.

This was one fashion show I could watch again and again.

So now, let’s see what everyone else has to share!!!!

Lesson Planned by Jillian on November 29, 2011.