Please visit https://montessori21stcentury.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/spring-forward-2013-with-timely-lesson-planning-ideas/ for the updated 2013 issue!
Enjoy!
Heidi Anne Spietz
http://www.amonco.org
It’s still cold in many areas throughout the United States. Some weekends are spent with families snuggled in their warm homes reading books, playing board games and doing other things to pass the time. Why not create some very special lasting memories?
Knitting, needlepoint, embroidery, crocheting and other such activities serve multiple purposes and can be enjoyed by all. It’s not too late to knit a scarf for that special someone. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are not far away. Why not make a handmade gift that is created with thought and care?
You can readily see that the benefits stretch far beyond just making memories. First, young children receive practical life applications and learn how to combine colors and textures. Second, it gives family members an opportunity to share a creative experience. Third, we all know that you can’t put a price on a handmade gift.
So, let’s get started. First, visit How to Knit and Crochet You should find just about everything you need there – from the basics to a discussion forum where you can ask questions, look for project ideas and share the fun.
Find links to free projects, lesson planning ideas and other offerings by visiting Links
See http://www.amonco.org/creative3/montessori_fall3.pdf for more information.
Lois, from Bountiful, forwarded an easy to knit pattern that is perfect for beginners. Visit Broken Rib Scarf with Seed Stitch Border – EASY BEGINNER PATTERN to access this information.
Yarn can be expensive, so first check the bins and discount tables at your local crafts or yardage store for bargains. If it’s too cold to venture outside, visit Closeouts from Bountiful You can also found out more about fibers, books, spinning, weaving and some very special products by visiting Bountiful
Have you admired those who create beautiful needlepoint masterpieces, but have felt too timid to try this art yourself? Think again. Receive a good overview and directions on how to get started by visiting Teach a Child to Needlepoint and Needlepoint for Fun
Receive a Beginning Cross Stitch and Continental Stitch for Making Coasters by clicking here. To see more of Ruth’s beautiful designs visit Ruth Dilts Design
Harrisville Design’s pegLoom, is a great and affordable way to discover the excitement of real weaving. Children immediately grasp the technique of weaving with the simple, sturdy loom. Children can make wall hangings, purses, coasters, “mug rugs” and more! pegLoom includes everything needed for a complete woven project. The pegLoom was also the winner of the Teachers’ Choice Award. Visit Harrisville Designs
Next, point your browser to the Farm Country General Store http://www.homeschoolfcgs.com. This online store offers a wide variety of arts & crafts books and other resources for individual and group settings.
Be sure to also read the Creative Care March 2012 Newsletter for ready to use preschool age appropriate craft kits and other spring themed items. For additional information about year round crafts, please visit the Creative Care website.
For more creative fun visit Hands On Fun and click on the free hands on lesson planning idea planning newsletters.
Heidi Anne Spietz
Fathers’ Day is June 19 this year, and approaching quickly. Many of us make a big production of Mothers’ Day, with candy, flowers, dinner “out”, etc.; but for our fathers, sometimes, we don’t make quite as much fuss. Fathers are, indeed, usually harder to make or buy gifts for. However, a good father is worth his weight in gold – especially in our current social climate – and he’s probably very appreciative of any effort you make in his honor. So, if your family is blessed with a fine father (or several), be sure to take the opportunity to help the kids in your life show their love, respect and appreciation. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking.
Jaye at Creative Care shares instructions for a neat, personalized picture frame. This is an inexpensive craft project which allows lots of opportunity for a child to express their own creativity and symbolize their unique relationship with their father. http://www.amonco.org/summer5/montessori_summer5.pdf
Another fun do-it-yourself gift from Rae at Creative Process is their leaf print t-shirt. Find instructions here: www.amonco.org/summer4/montessori_summer4.pdf
Since most fathers I know are always up for a good meal, cooking or baking can be a good way to share your love on Fathers’ Day. Maybe Dad would enjoy some fresh cinnamon rolls for his breakfast, using this recipe from Larry at Farm Country General Store. www.amonco.org/summer7/montessori_summer7.pdf Home-baked goodies are always so inviting.
If your father does not have a sweet tooth, perhaps he would appreciate a nice Italian dinner. Marjorie Kiel Persons of Classical Magic, Inc., shares a very simple but flavorful recipe for Linguini in Clam Sauce as part of her “Oh, How I Love Italy” lesson plan. www.amonco.org/summer4/montessori_summer4.pdf
For more ideas for cooking Italian food with kids, visit this cute website: http://www.great-chicago-italian-recipes.com/cooking_for_kids.html Their easy-to-navigate sidebar will connect you to lots of other great recipes to round out your Italian feast for Dad. He might enjoy appetizers like bruschetta or zucchini fritters. A salad is always nice with pasta, whether you prefer the simple and patriotic Caprese or the elaborate antipasto (always a good choice for the “where’s the meat” dad, and usually popular with many children, as well!) Italian cooking also offers a wide variety of traditional desserts from cheesecakes and frozen puddings to cookies and pastries. (You just might want to watch out for the alcohol content in some of them.) Mangi e goda! (Eat and enjoy!)
If your dad is musically-inclined, you can find instruments, CDs, books, music boxes and many music-inspired gifts—for young and old– at The Music House. http://www.themusichouse.com/ Their “specials” page has many great deals for fathers (and graduates).
If your father is a man of action, perhaps he would enjoy an outing with you. If you live by a beach or other open area, you might have good kite flying conditions. Kite activities combine fresh air, exercise, and science in a way that brings out the kid in most people. Find out more in “Up, Up and Away—The Art and Fun of Kite Flying” at: www.amonco.org/summer/montessori_summer1.pdf
Another fun outdoor activity to share with Dad is birdwatching. It is an interesting and versatile hobby that coordinates well with other recreational pursuits, like hiking or camping; but you can also find birds in your own backyard or at a city park. Ornithologist Sanford Wilbur provides lots of tips to get you started at: http://www.amonco.org/spring1/montessori_spring1.pdf If your father is new to birdwatching, you can find simple binoculars for a gift as cheap as $30-$50 at: http://www.binoculars.com (look for “birdwatching binoculars” link) or http://www.campmor.com (search for “binoculars”.) You can also find a wide variety of field guides and other birdwatching books, both new and used, for a variety of prices, at: http://www.alibris.com/search/books/subject/Nature%20Birds%20Birdwatching
However you honor and celebrate them, we hope that you and the fathers in your life have a wonderful Fathers’ Day!