Books and Products to try for E-Week

Books To Read:




1. Elmo's Valentine by David Prebenna--Who doesn't love Elmo? And, it's perfect, since Valentine's day is just around the corner.



2. Elephants: A Book for Children by Steve Bloom and David Henry Wilson

Products To Try:

1. Elmo (my daughter also has a huge plush Elmo that she loves to cuddle with--it's like the one in the link only much bigger!)

2. Egg shakers (my daughter LOVES these for music time!)






3. Eeyore

Places to Go This E Week

• Elevator - Go to a building and ride up and down the elevator
• Errands - Run errands together. Let the children pick some stores to go to
• Earrings - Earring Store. Buy some new earrings. Go get your daughters ears pierced or if you only have boys. Let them choose some new earrings for mommy to buy.
• Eat - Go out to eat at your favorite restaurant

Activities for E Week

• Easter Baskets - Easter will be here before you know it. Explain to your children what Easter represents, more than just the Easter bunny. Make an Easter Basket with your child. Cut out construction paper and make it into a rectangle box. You can staple the sides together. Have your child color the Easter Basket. Then use a long line of construction paper for the handle. Make Easter Eggs out of construction paper and your children can color those as well. Hide the eggs and have an Easter Egg hunt in the house.
• Envelope - Write a letter or draw an art picture and mail it to a friend. Put it in the envelope and sent it in the mailbox. Show your child the proper way to address an envelope. What goes on an envelope and Why?
• Eye - Draw a picture of an eye and explain why our eyes are so important. They allow us to see. Put a blind fold on your child so he or she can see what it's like not being able to see.
• Ear - Draw a picture of an ear and explain why our ears are important. They allow us to hear. Have your child plug his or her ears for a few moments to see what it's like not to be able to hear.
• Eight - Trace the number eight. Let your child practice writing the number eight. Cut out small shapes from construction paper and have your child glue eight shapes on the paper, Count to the number eight.
• Election - Talk about the election and what it means to vote for a president.

E is for Encouragement

Work on encouraging each other this week! Dictionary.com says that to encourage means to:

1.	to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.

2.	to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.

So, find special ways to encourage your children throughout the week, but try not to focus only on physical accomplishments, such as doing well academically or in sports. Encourage your children to emulate Jesus, by praising them when they share with a sibling, when they're obedient the first time, or when they have a good attitude. Maybe you could write an older child a letter telling him some qualities you admire in him and encouraging him to continue using these qualities to glorify God. You can also have your children help you write an encouraging letter to a sick relative or to their teachers. This would be a great way to get them involved in encouraging others!

Remember that children are mimics, so if you notice your children using a lot of negative language, evaluate your own language. As mothers, we often have the job of correcting, but it it also important to encourage. If children only hear "no" all day long, they are always focusing on the negative. Instead of using "no" for every action you want your children to stop or avoid, try using a distraction (for example, rather than telling your child "no" every time he touches the TV, say, "How about we play with puzzles instead?"). Sure, there are times when you have to use the word "no" or "stop", but save it for dangerous or very offensive behaviors. Also, look for ways to praise your children for good behavior throughout the day and this will encourage them to continue the good behavior (if they are receiving lots of attention for negative behavior, they may want to continue the negative behavior instead!). Teach your children to encourage each other through your example!

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus," (Romans 15:5).

Other Things to Do This D Week

1. Disney -- Plan a trip to Disney World. Your kids will have a blast at the "Happiest Place on Earth". Magic Kingdom is the best. If you can't afford the trip, watch some Disney movies.

2. Dress-up--Give your children a variety of old clothes and let them dress-up as different characters. Make up a skit with your dress-up clothes on and act it out together.

3. Dig--Dig in the sandbox for buried "treasures" (make sure you hide some toys ahead of time!)

4. Desserts--We always explore new dessert recipes. We just look for something yummy and try it!

5. Dance--Make up a dance to any music, and put on a recital (Jazz, Modern, Ballet, or Disco). Be creative

6. David-- Read the story of David and Goliath from the Children's Bible. What did David do with a stone? Why was his stone poweful?

7. Daniel--Read the story of Daniel in the lions den from the Children's Bible. Who protected Daniel from the lion's mouth?

What to Drink? Make your own drink. Since drink starts with a D. You can make coke floats or shirly temples. Have fun with this.

What to Eat? Doughnuts, Dough, Desserts, Danimalls, Deviled eggs,

Deviled Eggs

6 eggs hard boiled
1/8 tsp, salt and pepper
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup pickles
1 1/2 tbs mayonnaise
1/2 tbs mustard
1/8 tsp garlic poweder
1/4 cup bacon bits

Cut hard boiled eggs in half, long ways after they have been peeled. Scoop out the yolks. Mix together yolks and ingredients listed above. Spoon mixture into empty egg whites. Chill and serve.

Books to Read and Products to Try this D Week

Books to Read:





The Happy Man and His Dump Truck (Little Golden Book) (Hardcover)by Golden Books (Author), Tibor Gergely (Illustrator)

Little Ballerina Dancing Book (Board book)by Fiona Watt (Author), Maria Cristina Lo Cascio (Illustrator), Shelagh McNicholas (Illustrator)









Beat the Drum! (Davis, Billy, Rockin' Rhythm Band Board Books.) by Billy Davis (Board book - Oct 2000)





Big Dog . . . Little Dog (Bright & Early Board Books(TM)) (Board book)by P.D. Eastman (Author)










Big Book of Dinosaurs (Hardcover)by DK Publishing (Author)









Products to Try:






Melissa & Doug Dinosaurs 48-Piece Floor PuzzleOther products by Melissa & Doug









LeapFrog Learn&Groove Alphabet Drum
Other products by LeapFrog












Caterpillar R/C Hauler: Dump Truck with Trailer and Bull DozerOther products by Toy State












Bella Dancerella Disney Princess Dance StudioOther products by SpinMaster

Places to Go this D Week

• Duck Pond - Go to a duck pond and feed the ducks

• Doctor - Go visit a favorite doctor. Have a tour of the office

• Dance - Go to a dance performance, ballet, modern, jazz or disco

• Downtown - Visit your downtown if you live in a city. Have lunch and go shopping.

Activities for D Week

• Dough - Make your own play dough

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Mix above ingredients. Knead until desired texture. Add a few drops of food clothing until desired color. Mold and play. Have fun with the dough.

• Drum - Make your own drum. Take an empty oatmeal barrel. Cover with construction paper. (You can color construction paper with the picture of your choice before covering the barrel) You now have a drum. Form a band. March and play

• Door Chart - Take two large pieces of construction paper, bottom page white. On the bottom page write ideas of things to do. Make as many doors as you want on the top page. Tape the top page over the bottom page. Examples of things to do:

1. Say Numbers
2. Say ABC's
3. Do a somersault
4. Tell a Joke
5. Stand on your Head
6. Walk Backwards

D is for Doer

Begin this week with a focus on being a Doer. Make a DO BE Chart to encourage good behavior that will please God. Chart desired performances of the child. Give your child a star as each daily duty is done. You can also make a chart of areas you would like to work on this week.


Here's an example:

OBEY -Honor Mother and Father
LOVE - Love your brother and sister
KIND - Be kind to your friends
PRAY - Daily prayers
SPEAK - Say nice encouraging words and guard your tongue
SHARE - Share toys with others
GOOD - Have good behavior in church
MANNERS - Use your manners, please and thank yous
BED - Go to bed on time without a fuss
CLEAN - Take car of your body, brush teeth, comb your hair, take a bath
CHORES - Clean up your toys, make your bed.. from Barney sing: Clean up, clean up everybody everywhere, clean up, clean up everybody do your share.


Give your child a star each time they do this. Use the key words and explain to your children why they get the star and what each key word means. At the end of the week give them a prize for stars they have on the chart.




James 1:23 KJV
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

Other Things to Do and Learn for C-Week

1. Chairs--Play musical chairs. Keep going around the chairs until the music stops and then sit down, or take turns singing to provide the music. Whoever doesn't get a chair is "out". Keep taking away one chair. Play until one child is left. He or she is the winner.

2. Crawling--Have crawling races. Children love this. It takes them back to babyhood.

3. Camera--Learn how to use a camera and take pictures. Then, make a collage of your favorite ones.

4. Crystals--Take an empty jar and add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup salt (add food coloring for colored crystals). Wait a week until it forms crystals. It may take longer than a week, but crystals will form.

5. Candy Land - Play the game with your children.

6. Creation - (Genesis 1) Read the story of creation from the Children's Bible. What do you like best that God created? Why?

7. Children - Children are a blessing (Palms) Jesus loves the Little Children. Sing the Song. In Mark 10: 14- 16 and Math 18: 1-4. Jesus talks about children. Think of reasons why Jesus wants us to be like little children.

Jesus loves the little children,

All the children of the world.

Red and yellow, black and white,

All are precious in His sight,

Jesus loves the little children of the world

What to Drink? Coffee, Coke, Cranberry Juice, Cider, Capri Sun, Hot Chocolate

What to Eat? Cheese, Crackers, Corn, Carrots, Carmel, Cake, Cup Cakes, Chicken, Chinese food, Cookies, Candy, Chocolate, Cranberries

Cake - Carrot Cake Recipe

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tbs. baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cooking oil
4 eggs
2 cups of grated carrott
1 cup drained crushed pinapple
1 cup chopped nuts

Icing:

1 pound of confectionary sugar
1 1/2 sticks of butter
8 oz. of cream cheese
1 tbs. vanilla

Sift dry ingredients. Mix sugar and oil and eggs. Add dry ingredients. Stir in carrots, pineapple and nuts. Bake in oblong pan at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Books to Read and Products to Try this - B Week

Read some books and try some products that start with a C. Here's some we recommend. Please email us if you have any other suggestions.

Books to Read:





The Very Hungry Caterpillar board book by Eric Carle


(Board book - Mar 23, 1994)







The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (Hardcover - Mar 12, 1957)

Color of His Own (Hardcover)by Leo Lionni (Author)

Cowboys (All Aboard Books) (Paperback)by Lucille Recht Penner (Author)

Disney/Pixar: Cars Out for a Spin (Disney Presents a Pixar Film: Cars) (Hardcover)by tk (Author), Disney Storybook Artists (Author)

Products to Try:

Crayola Color Explosion Glow Board - My son just got this for Christmas. He loves it. It's really cool to see what you color in 3 d as well as glow in the dark.

Crayola Color Wonder Deluxe Set - These are the best! My son loves to color and has actually colored his rug but when he uses the color wonder, he can only color on the paper.

Disney Pixar Cars Supercharged 1:55 Die Cast Cars Assortment of 15 with Young MaterOther products by Disney = My son loves the movie Cars. He has so much fun playing with all the cars. Any of these toys will be great for your children and they will especially love it once they see the movie.

Fisher-Price T.M.X. Tickle Me Extreme Cookie Monster - Much like the Elmo. This is a great toy for your younger children. The kids love to laugh at the cookie monster.

Little Tikes Cozy Push&Ride Coupe - My child loves this and when I was young I had one too. This one the parents can poosh or you can buy the one that the child controls with his or her feet.

Places to Go This - C Week

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® circus picture

• Circus - Visit one in your area. Dress up like clowns and have your own circus today if there is not a circus around you. Here's the Ringling Brother's circus info in case they are visiting your area and you want tickets http://www.ringling.com/




• Church - Visit different churches. Explain to your children that there are different religions and that's why there are so many churches and why each church looks different.




• Craft - Attend a craft show or go to a craft store and let your child pick out some new craft to make.




• College - If you have an older child in college, take your children to visit him or her. Also, if you have a college in your area, take your children around the campus and explain the importance of higher education.




• Candy store- Go to a candy store and let your child pick out a special treat.

Some Activities for C-Week

1. Cat--Make a cat out of construction paper. Cut out parts for your children, and let them paste their cat on another large sheet of construction paper any way they want it to look. You'd be surprised at the variety they come up with! Here are the shapes you will need:
-large circle for the head
-small circles for the eyes
-large oval body
-small squares for the feet
-small triangle ears
-big triangle tail
-small triangle for the nose

2. Colors--Do a lot of creative coloring this week. Also, make a color chart: Cut out one 4"x6" piece of construction paper for each of these colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black, brown, and purple. Write the name of the color on each rectangle. Now, cut out three shapes--a small circle, a small square, and a small triangle--for each color listed. Have the children match each shape to the correct color. Paste the shapes to the correct color 4"x6" rectangle.

3. Cross--Cut a cross shape out of construction paper. Have children color it, and discuss how Jesus died on the cross for us.

4. Clock--Make a pretend clock: Take a paper plate and number it like a clock. Cut a large hand and a small hand out of construction paper. Attach the hands with a clasp. Then, talk about time and how to tell what time it is on the clock.

C is for Compassion

Start this C- week off explaining the letter C. Write it down and see if your older children can write the letter. Ask them if they can think of any words that start with C.

This week focus on Compassion with your children. Explain to your children that others may not have it as well as they do. Some children don't have food to eat or clothes to wear. Explain that they can help others. Help your children feel compassion. Look for someone who is hurting, a sick neighbor or a lonely grandma living far away. Bake cookies for someone or send a letter to someone who is hurting or lonely. If you can, take a trip to visit a sick relative. They will appreciate more than you will ever know.

Save some of their allowance money for the church poor box. Gives toys or clothes away to the poor. Moms, these character traits that you take the time to teach while your children are young will serve them well in the years to come as they grow into mature, well formed Christian adults.

Tell your child that God is watching everything you do, to bless you not, to hurt you. You can't out give God, so as you bless others God in return blesses you. God is good!

1 Peter 3 8-9

"Finally, all of you be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing."

Other Things to Do and Learn for B-Week

1. Balls--Learn and play a variety of ball games. Some ideas are baseball, basketball, football, kick ball, tennis or ping-pong. Make it simple and gear the game toward your child's age group.

2. Beach--Have an indoor beach party. Use your imagination. Everyone get in bathing suits, and use hand lotion for sunscreen. Wear sunglasses; play beach ball. This is a great activity in the wintertime or as a rainy day alternative.

3. Body--Learn about the parts of your body. Can you name them? Brain and Back are b-words--where are they?

4. Babies--Learn about babies. Jesus came as a baby; read the story of the nativity. If you have a baby of your own, have children learn to feed, clothes, change, and bathe baby (use a doll if no baby is available).

5. Bunny--Do the Bunny Hop! Get a cd with the song or just make up your own tune. "Put your right foot forward. Put your left foot back. Do the bunny hop. Hop, hop, hop..."

Water Balloon Toss

6. Balloons--Blow up balloons. Make up some balloon games, such as playing catch or baseball with balloons. If you can go outside, fill balloons with water and play a game of balloon toss.

What to Drink? Banana smoothie, Buttermilk (just a taste)

What to Eat? Have your child taste foods that start with B. Biscuits, Balone, Banana, Bread, Baked Beans, Black Beans, Breakfast, Blueberries, Blueberry yogurt.

Make Banana Bread together:

Banana Bread Recipe

1/4 c butter

1/2 c brown sugar

1 egg beaten

1 cup of bran cereal or uncooked oatmeal

4-5 ripe bananas

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 c chopped pecans or 1/2 c crunchy peanut butter

Cream together butter and sugar until light. Add egg and mix. Then add cereal, bananas and vanilla. Stir then combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and add to first mixture, stirring only long enough to moisten the flour. Bake in greased loaf pan at 350 degrees for one hour or until cooked.

Books to Read and Products to try this - B Week

Books start with the letter B. It's a great thing to read to your children and teach them the joy of reading. This B week, you can make a book. Cut out pictures from a magazine and pate them on construction paper. Punch a hole at the corner of each page. Attach a string. Then talk about a book. Make up your own story. Moms can write what the child says under each page.

Also, you can make a bookmark for your books this week. Cut a 2" by 6" piece of construction paper. Let your children decorate it with crayons, paint or cutouts. Use in children's Bible to mark their place.

You can buy some new books or go to the Library and check out some. Here are a couple of our favorite ones.

Books:

Good Night, Sweet Butterflies (Mini Edition): A Color Dreamland (Hardcover)by Dawn Bentley (Author), Melanie Gerth (Creator), Heather Cahoon (Illustrator)

Butterfly Kisses (Little Golden Book) (Hardcover)by Bob Carlisle (Author), Brooke Carlisle (Author) "Forever and for always- That's how a Daddy loves his girl..." (more)







Row, Row, Row Your Boat (Board Books for Babies) (Board book)by Annie Kubler (Illustrator)





Little Bear's Little Boat (Hardcover)by Eve Bunting (Author), Nancy Carpenter (Illustrator) "Little Bear loved his little boat..." (more) Key Phrases: Huckleberry Lake





How Many Blue Birds Flew Away?: A Counting Book with a Difference (Hardcover)by Paul Giganti (Author), Donald Crews (Illustrator)






Products:

Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper - My 10 month old loves this toy. It is so fun for him to see the balls blow up and down.

Motorized Bubble Blower - Go out and buy some bubbles or blow bubbles if you already have them. This bubble blower may make your job a lot easier. My kids love bubbles and can play with them for hours. They have so much fun popping the bubbles.

Little Tykes Jump and Slide Bouncer: This product has been a lifesaver. It allows my boys to get their energy out and safely bounce.

Moose Mountain 100 Balls with Duffel Bag - Create a ball pit. If you don't have one, buy the balls and put them in your inflatable pool. Since it's cold out, your probably not using the pool so why not bring it inside and fill it with Balls and you have your own ball pit.

Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier - Any of these will work. Just pick the color you like. This is by far the easiest carrier to put on and take off. I still use it since my children like to be held so much. I took it with me to Disney and my son even slept in it.

Places to Go This - B Week

BOATING
Go to the Lake and watch boats. Count how many boats there are and how many blue or black boats you see. If you live in a warmer climate, you can take a boat ride or go somewhere there are bumper boats. If you do go for a boat ride remember safety first and use a life jacket.

Ball Park

Go to a Baseball or Basketball game. Talk about the two different sports. Go to the park and play a baseball or basketball game with friends. Teach your children the song, "Take Me out to the Ball Game." Learn the history of this song:

According to the Wikipedia. The words were written in 1908 by Jack Norworth, who while riding a subway train, was inspired by a sign that said "Baseball Today — Polo Grounds". The words were set to music by Albert Von Tilzer, although neither had ever seen a baseball game. (Norworth and Von Tilzer finally saw their first Major League Baseball games 32 and 20 years later, respectively.) The song was first sung by Norworth's wife Nora Bayes and popularized by various vaudeville acts. Norworth wrote an alternative version of the song in 1927. Norworth, with his wife, also wrote "Shine On, Harvest Moon."

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

1908 Version
Author: Jack Norworth

Composer: Albert Von Tilzer

Published on: 1908, 1927

Published by: York Music Company

Katie Casey was base ball mad.Had the fever and had it bad;Just to root for the home town crew,Ev'ry sou Katie blew.On a Saturday, he young beauCalled to see if she'd like to go,To see a show but Miss Kate said,"No, I'll tell you what you can do."

"Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,I don't care if I never get back,Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,At the old ball game."

Katie Casey saw all the games,Knew the players by their first names;Told the umpire he was wrong,All along good and strong.When the score was just two to two,Katie Casey knew what to do,Just to cheer up the boys she knew,She made the gang sing this song:

"Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,I don't care if I never get back,Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For it's one, two, three strikes, your out,At the old ball game."

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

1927 Version
Author: Jack Norworth ©

Composer: Albert Von Tilzer

Published on: 1908, 1927

Published by: York Music Company

Nelly Kelly love baseball games,Knew the players, knew all their names,You could see her there ev'ry day,Shout "Hurray," when they'd play.Her boy friend by the name of JoeSaid, "To Coney Isle, dear, let's go,"Then Nelly started to fret and pout,And to him I heard her shout.

"Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,I don't care if I never get back,Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,At the old ball game."

Nelly Kelly was sure some fan,She would root just like any man,Told the umpire he was wrong,All along, good and strong.When the score was just two to two,Nelly Kelly knew what to do,Just to cheer up the boys she knew,She made the gang sing this song.

"Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,I don't care if I never get back,Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,At the old ball game."
Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Reference

Ballet

Go to a Ballet or take your child to watch ballet class and if he or she is interested. Have them start taking classes. You can rent a video on ballet and watch a video on the ballet in case you don't have one in your town. Have your child dress up as a ballerina

Bus

Take a ride on a bus. It's bouncy and fun. You can sing the song, "The Wheels on The Bus." DLTK's Educational Activites Lyrics to

"The Wheels on the Bus"
The wheels on the bus go round and round,round and round,round and round. The wheels on the bus go round and round,all through the town. (Roll hands around each other)

The wipers on the bus go Swish, swish, swish;Swish, swish, swish;Swish, swish, swish.The wipers on the bus go Swish, swish, swish,all through the town. ("Swish" hands in front of you like windshield wipers)

The horn on the bus goes Beep, beep, beep;Beep, beep, beep;Beep, beep, beep.The horn on the bus goes Beep, beep, beep,all through the town. (Slap palm in front of you like honking a horn)

The doors on the bus go open and shut;Open and shut;Open and shut.The doors on the bus go open and shut;all through the town. (Push hands back and forth in front of you)

The Driver on the bus says "Move on back,move on back, move on back;"The Driver on the bus says "Move on back",all through the town. (Point thumb over your shoulder)

The babies on the bus says "Wah, wah, wah;Wah, wah, wah;Wah, wah, wah".The babies on the bus says "Wah, wah, wah",all through the town. (Rub fists in front of eyes)

The mommies on the bus says "Shush, shush, shush;Shush, shush, shush;Shush, shush, shush."The mommies on the bus says "Shush, shush, shush"all through the town. (Hold index finger in front of mouth as if saying shhh)

You can also go buy the DVD The Wheels on the Bus

Bakery

Visit the local bakery. Learn about baking, and how to make breads and other bake goods. Let your child pick out some goodies to buy. You can even see if the baker will let your child watch while they bake something. Go home and pretend to be a baker. Bake cookies and let your child help decorate them.