Reading our Way to Christmas! 2013

2012 Book Display

Last Christmas we began the wonderful tradition of counting down to Christmas that involves learning.   As you see from the picture above there are 25 wrapped items, what are they???   BOOKS!!!!!

Yes, 25 wrapped books.  Each book is a Christmas themed book.  Some include traditional stories like The Nutcracker, The Night Before Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, and A Christmas Carol.  Some are activity books, music books containing Christmas carols, and most are of the true meaning of Christmas JESUS!

Collecting 25 Christmas books could be expensive so I shopped at used book sales, garage sales, Resale Shops (Salvation Army), and Mom2Mom sales.  Anytime I found a Christmas related book I purchased it!  Books cost me between ten cents to one dollar.  When it came time to wrap I had collected over 25 books and I was able to choose the best ones.

How To Make Your Own Count Down to Christmas...

1. Collect 25 Christmas themed books (or check out 25 Christmas books at your local library)
2. Choose a wrapping paper to match your Christmas home decor (I found my wrapping paper at my local dollar store.  I choose 2 different paper prints and alternated them.  If you have multiple children you could assign each child their own wrapping paper and when you get to that wrapped book it's that child's turn to be the opener)
3. Wrap each individual book (if you want your books in a particular order you may want to number the backs or stack them in the order you want them to be opened.  For example "The Twelve Days of Christmas" I wanted to be opened on day twelve)
4. Die-Cut a Christmas shape (I choose a white Christmas tree to match my wrapping paper)
5. Number your Die-Cut shapes 1-25
6. Tape your Die-Cut shape to each wrapped book
7. Pick out a place to display your Countdown (I chose our buffet in our kitchen but you may place them on your fireplace mantel or even in a book basket if space is limited)
8. On December 1st allow your child to unwrap the first book (book #25) and read together as a family (this might be your bedtime story or a read-aloud story to start off your day!)
9. Continue your opening & reading, counting down all the way to Christmas!!  Happy Reading!

Alternate Ideas...

"I don't have 25 Christmas books this year" -- It doesn't have to be Christmas themed books, wrap up any books in your home for fun!  OR Check out Christmas books at your local library to wrap!

"I don't have time or patience to wrap 25 books" -- Use a gift bag instead!  You may use multiple gift bags and have a treasure hunt in your home for them or simply re-use one gift bag and change the book each day!

"I wasn't able to wrap all 25 books by December 1st" -- Simply wrap 7 books for the week leading up to Christmas.  Choose your favorite, special, memory making books!

What a great way to celebrate Christmas and the joy of reading in your home! I'd love to hear if you will be doing the Christmas reading countdown with me!  

2013 Book Display

A special thank you to Aunt Theresa who gave our family a book to wrap this year titled:

A special thank you to Ma and Papa who also gave our family a special book to wrap this year titled:

Operation Christmas Child

This is our third year filling a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.  This wonderful ministry is coordinated by Samaritan's Purse.  You can take part in this ministry by filling a shoebox with a Christmas gift(s) for a child in need, plus a $7 donation to cover shipping!  After your box is complete drop it off at your local drop off location!!  Here is a link for step by step directions and more specific details of "How to Pack a Shoebox."

A really neat feature that Samaritan's Purse offers is giving your $7 shipping coverage online.  This enables your shoebox to be tracked!  Once your shoebox arrives you will find out the destination of your box through email!!  This feature enables you to extend this giving opportunity with learning.  This would be a great chance to learn facts about the country/area your box was shipped to or simply locate the destination on a map! 

Most importantly these gifts provide an opportunity for us to share Christ's love with a precious child in need.  Samaritan's purse also follows up with a gospel presentation and bible classes for children who receive boxes.  Please consider being a part of this gospel driven ministry this year!

How I taught my 2 year old about Operation Christmas Child:

1. At my local $1 store my daughter picked out a baby doll she liked, I purchased one for her and told her that we were going to buy another one for another little girl.  As she enjoined her doll she also knew that there was another one for someone else.

2. Next we watched a video of Operation Christmas Child together.  I pointed out the shoe boxes are gifts for children who are poor.  Poor means that these children don't have many toys like we do.

3. Next we looked at our shoe box together.  This was the most difficult part because there were many items and treats that she would like to eat or play with.  She took everything out then I told her we are going to put them back inside for another little girl to have.  I was happy to see her put the items back in the box cheerfully!!

4.  We prayed together over the box for the little girl who would receive it!

5. Next week we will drop off our box together at our local drop off site!

National collection week is Novemeber 18th-25th!  Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas 2012

We are always using our i-pad for learning!  I enjoy finding videos that correlate with what our learning focus is.  I came across this video titled "The King is Born" it is a cartoon focused on the birth of Jesus (and it's FREE on You Tube).  We have used this video a few times as another way to present our toddler with the story of the birth of Christ.

As always please use discretion while viewing.  It is difficult to find children's books and videos that are accurate with scripture.  I see this difficulty as an opportunity for us (and our children) to search the scriptures and find the truth!

Enjoy these last few days of the Christmas Season and remember "Jesus is the Reason for the Season."  Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Christmas Window Cling Play & Oral Language

I am always looking for ways to involve my daughter (18 months) in everything we are doing.  We started our Christmas decorating and it was my desire for her to join the fun!  I purchased some Christmas/Nativity window clings ($1), pulled up a small ottoman by the window so she could kneel on it to reach, and I let her place them anywhere she wanted, pull them off and do it again and again!  We also have a door wall in our home that would allow her to play without the assistance of a stool or ottoman.  Either area is a great spot for this activity!

I would suggest that this be done with supervision if you are using it with little ones that might want to taste the pretty plastic pictures.  If this is the case simply allow your child to play, with you watching, until interest is lost then collect all the pieces into a bag for future play. 

Oral Language:

While she is playing we talk about the pictures.  I might say, "There is baby Jesus, can you say baby?" I may also create conversation about what she is doing such as, "I see you putting the sheep on the window.  Good job baby, that looks nice."  I also comment about what she is playing with such as, "I like the bright yellow star on top of the stable.  Point to the star."  As she responds either with words or pretend language I make sure I listen, wait until she is done then, add some more language to the conversation.  

Play:

It is fun to watch her go to the window and choose to play with this activity.  Sometimes I allow her to play without my interaction.  This gives her the opportunity to develop some independent play without mama's help.  When she does this by herself I often hear her say "oh-no" when the window cling won't stick and falls to the floor.  She usually picks the fallen piece up and tries again.  If I see signs of frustration I decide if this is something she can work through or I might suggest to her, "Do you need help?"  I use this phase a lot when I see any frustration that is leading up to a temper tantrum.  I would like to see her develop the skill of asking for help when a task is too difficult or frustrating for her.  If she begins to have a temper,shout, or throw pieces I might say, "baby...say, help mama."  Then I assist her to bring the frustration level down.  

I take such delight in having my daughter explore new things.  This is a great activity that can be changed each season.  As long as you don't mind finger prints and window clings that are not in the perfect place your toddler will have a great learning activity to engage in!  Have fun!!

December Toddler Home School

In my post "Setting Up School" I shared with you that I was so excited to have an area in our home that I refer to my toddler (18 months) as "school!"  Each month I would like to share with you the changes I make and any additional items added.  This month our focus is on Christmas and the birth of baby Jesus.  My main focus is giving my daughter many experiences, pictures, books, and play items/opportunities that will help develop her oral language and overall learning.  Some of the words we have worked on thus far for December is baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, various names of the animals in the stable where Jesus was born, Christmas, Christmas tree, and Christmas lights.  I also often add in letters like, "J is for /j/ Jesus."  The teacher in me just can't help but squeeze in some letters!  Please see the pictures/captions below for our December home school.

 

Nativity Play Toys and Lift the Flap "Come and See Baby Jesus" Book

A small snowflake rug for my toddler to sit on while reading or playing.  In Target's dollar section (usually found at the front of the store) each season they offer rugs for $2.50.  

Although this doesn't have to do with December we found a comfortable animal chair at Costco for $16.  We are using this for a special reading corner/spot.  I also keep a favorite book on the dog to invite her to read!

Last we added her play piano to her school area.  We have added musical play toys on her Christmas list to provide a weekly music time for her.

 Happy Homeschooling!!

Christmas Countdown

Although we are just finishing up Thanksgiving I wanted to make an early Christmas post just in case you wanted to prepare this idea!!  Last Christmas I found a wonderful idea of how to countdown to Christmas that involves learning.  I was so inspired by the idea that I literally have worked on it all year!  As you see from the picture above there are 25 wrapped items, what are they??? I'm sure you are wondering.  Well....you know I'm a teacher and you know I love teaching my precious daughter so it has to be teaching related...have you guessed yet??  BOOKS!!!!!

Yes, 25 wrapped books.  Each book is a Christmas themed book.  Some include traditional stories like The Nutcracker, The Night Before Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, and A Christmas Carol.  Some are activity books, music books containing Christmas carols, and most are of the true meaning of Christmas JESUS!

Collecting 25 Christmas books could be expensive so I shopped at used book sales, garage sales, Resale Shops (Salvation Army), and Mom2Mom sales.  Anytime I found a Christmas related book I purchased it!  Books cost me between ten cents to one dollar.  When it came time to wrap I had collected over 25 books and I was able to choose the best ones.

How To Make Your Own Count Down to Christmas...

1. Collect 25 Christmas themed books
2. Choose a wrapping paper to match your Christmas home decor (I found my wrapping paper at my local dollar store.  I choose 2 different paper prints and alternated them)
3. Wrap each individual book (if you want your books in a particular order you may want to number the backs or stack them in the order you want them to be opened.  For example "The Twelve Days of Christmas" I wanted to be opened on day twelve)
4. Die-Cut a Christmas shape (I choose a white Christmas tree to match my wrapping paper)
5. Number your Die-Cut shapes 1-25
6. Tape your Die-Cut shape to each wrapped book
7. Pick out a place to display your Countdown (I chose our buffet in our kitchen but you may place them on your fireplace mantel or even in a book basket if space is limited)
8. On December 1st allow your child to unwrap the first book (book #25) and read together as a family (this might be your bedtime story or a read-aloud story to start off your day!)
9. Continue your opening & reading, counting down all the way to Christmas!!  Happy Reading!

Alternate Ideas...

"I don't have 25 Christmas books this year" -- It doesn't have to be Christmas themed books, wrap up any books in your home for fun!

"I don't have time or patience to wrap 25 books" -- Use a gift bag instead!  You may use multiple gift bags and have a treasure hunt in your home for them or simply re-use one gift bag and change the book each day!

What a great way to celebrate Christmas and the joy of reading in your home! I'd love to hear if you will be doing the Christmas reading countdown with me!  

Baby's First Christmas

I know it's January BUT I wanted so badly to post this wonderful "Baby's First Christmas" craft!!  It's not too late to do this and put away in your Christmas tub to display next year and for years to come!!  Simply stamp baby's feet in non-toxic green paint and stamp on a piece of 5x7 pre-cut white card stock paper.  I then dipped my finger in yellow paint for a star and brown paint for a trunk.  Next, add your child's name, message, and year!  I made one for our home and gave one to both sides of grandparents with a message that said, "Merry Christmas 2011 Love, Baby."  Lastly, place 5x7 paper in a clear plastic frame (or any 5x7 frame of your choice) to display!

We had a WONDERFUL 1st Christmas with our special little girl!  I decided to list the traditions we did this year so I can continue them in years to come!  I wanted to blog about each one but December became so crazy that I didn't get to all of them...so here is a quick look!

2011 Christmas Tradition Review:

• Picked and Cut a REAL Christmas Tree
• Made Popcorn Garland
• Advent Wreath/Candle
• Christmas Footprint Craft
• Looked at Christmas Lights
• Made Sugar Cookies
• Took Sugar Cookies to our neighbor next door and our neighbor who is a widow
• Countdown to Christmas (Nativity Set and Wall Hanger)
• Christmas Picture Card (Put in 2011 Frame to display next year and years to come)

Brother-in-Law Tells All!

Last week my husband's brother stopped by our home to visit! He noticed our popcorn garland! He shared with me that when he was little they (my husband and him with their mama) tried to make popcorn garland for Christmas. I thought that was interesting because my husband never told me about it. My brother-in-law shared that their mom made all the popcorn and set up the needle and string. They started making the garland but they were eating the popcorn at a faster rate! Needless to say their mom got so frustrated that the boys were eating all the popcorn that she threw in the towel and joined them too! They never made popcorn garland again! I asked my husband about it and he said he can just faintly remember. Thought it was a cute story! So if your garland doesn't work out, throw in a Christmas movie and have a popcorn party!

Advent and the i-pad

We have been continuing to follow the advent family devotions each night. To print a PDF copy for your family please see the post "Advent Tradition." This week's focus has been on angels. Some of the songs suggested have been, "Angels We Have Heard on High" or "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing." After singing as a family we decided to listen to a much better sounding choir of voices so we turned on the i-pad at the dinner table and watched/listened to a wonderful melody of "Angels From the Realms of Glory." (found on youTube) Baby loved the instruments (we named some of them to her for a learning opportunity). So if you have access to technology by the dinner table pull some videos up and enjoy a family concert right at your table!

Advent Tradition

Each Christmas season at our baptist church we celebrate Advent.  This year our church has encouraged us to participate in the advent season with "Advent Family Devotions."  The devotions have bible verses, song suggestions, and ways to have your own advent candle/wreath in your home.  This is my first year learning about and celebrating advent in our home so I thought I would begin by purchasing an advent candle holder/wreath.  I started my search for these items at my local Christian book store.  I found two advent candle holders one for $18 and another for $30.  Since I didn't have my coupons and they were not on sale I decided to wait.  Later in the week I made a trip to a thrift store to find some treasures and wouldn't you know a beam of light shown down from heaven on an advent wreath for $3.99!!!!  I proudly placed my wreath in my cart and took it to the check-out counter.  When arriving at the counter a young man held up a raggedy old purse and told me I could reach my hand inside to pull out an additional discount!  I was a bit nervous putting my had in the bag but with my bath and body works hand sanitizer strapped to my bag I reach inside to pull out an additional 10% off tag!  I took home my wreath and gave it a bath...

I then let it dry for about a half a day next to my heater vent....

Then I decorated it with 4 red candles and a string of battery powered lights...

 In the middle I placed a tile with a verse on it, although you may place an additional candle in the center to light on Christmas day symbolizing Christ.  Also traditionally each candle has a specific color with a symbolic meaning although I chose to have all red candles to match my home decor. 

 

My goals this advent season are to use the candle wreath and complete the family devotions and suggested song each night before or after dinner.  I also want to learn more about the advent tradition and meaning!  Next Christmas I will know even more about advent to teach to my baby!!  Please use this PDF link below to print off the suggested readings and songs for celebrating advent in your home!

Advent Family Devotiond PDF

 (PDF taken from Cornerstone Baptist Church:  http://www.cbcroseville.org)

Popcorn Garland

As a young child I remember making popcorn garland with my family for our Christmas tree!  This Christmas I wanted to try it for our tree!  Of course baby couldn't help me yet (6 months) but she enjoyed  watching mama!  I had a great conversation with her about what I was doing (adding more vocabulary words to that fast developing brain of hers!!) Here is how we made our popcorn garland...

Gather popcorn seeds, popcorn maker, cranberries, needle, and thread.






Pop your popcorn, open your bag of cranberries, then thread your thread and needle (make any pattern of your choice)!

TIP: Tie one end of your string to something, we used our paper towel holder!!  The other end will have your needle so you can thread your popcorn and cranberries

TIP: Make garland in small amounts, lie flat, then tie together when you are ready to add to the tree!

Add finished garland to your tree.  All garland does not need to be added at once.  You can add more garland to the tree by tiring a new piece to one that is on the tree already!

TADA!  You have a beautiful homemade garland for your tree and a GREAT family tradition and memory for your children!

Some Close-Up Shots!!