Cachey Mama's World of Learning

Reading Comprehension Card Game

2020-06-02T13:26:00.003-04:00

This summer, I've decided to do theme days with my kids, so these posts will be more geared toward older kids (I have one entering 2nd and one entering 4th). Here are the theme days we're doing:

Maker Monday (science, art, STEM)
Telling Tales Tuesday (Literacy)
World Wonders Wednesday (Social Studies)
Throwing Things Thursday (Phys Ed)
Finding Facts Friday (Math)

Yesterday, for Maker Monday, we did a Lego challenge that you can see if you check out my Facebook Page.

Today, I decided to play this card game I made up. We're just finished up reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, so we're going to use that book. The rules are simple. You draw a card and follow these instructions:

Ace- Tell a main idea

King/Queen- Chose a character from the book and tell something about them

Jack- Tell about the setting

Number cards- Tell that number of supporting details (you may want to take out some of the higher numbers to keep from running out of details depending on the length of the book)

Joker- Act out a part of the story

Be sure to ask guiding questions. Was that character key in solving the problem in the story and how? How do you know that's when the story took place? How did that detail effect the conclusion of the story? Did that happen in the beginning, middle or end of the story?

Have fun with it!

Super Easy Puppet Theater

2019-08-12T14:03:00.001-04:00

I decided we needed a puppet theater for the classroom this year since we have so many puppets. I made a whole space for it! Found this easy design on Pinterest (https://pin.it/q4amyzj2dt5275) using a tri-fold board and here are the results. I'm pretty happy with it. Now, let's see if it lasts!

Bobbin Lace Bookmarks

2019-02-02T13:35:00.002-05:00

So I've recently begun a new craft. Surprise, surprise, I know! It's called Bobbin lace after the wooden bobbins that you use to weave the threads, or pillow lace after the pillow that you pin your pattern to while you make the lace. So... since I'm a beginner, I haven't bought the pillow yet (it's like $60). I made my own little work surface out of some foam and cardboard I had laying around. Check out what I've done so far. https://youtu.be/6gFc5M8cSo4

Doctor Study in Preschool

2015-02-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos of the unit we are currently working on in Head Start, "What do doctors do?" We changed our block area into a doctor's office. We added doctor's dress-up coats, doctor's kits, tongue depressors, clipboards with paper and pencil, bandages made out of cut up fabric, real bandaids (I found a box of brightly colored ones at Family Dollar for a dollar), a doctor's table (our play couch turned upside down), and chiars for the waiting patients.

Oh, and don't forget our Doc McStuffins sign!

Then, we made out sensory table into the pharmacy. Here is an empty box we happened to have that was the perfect size to put medicine bottles in for pickup.

In the sensory table, I added some old medicine bottles (thoroughly washed out of course) and some other bottles of similar size, with labels covered with tape that simply say "Name," so that they can be written on with dry erase markers.

Also, I added small paper cups, medicine spoons, funnels, test tubes, magnifiers, wooden sticks, and paper bags to the "pharmacy." I put in some flour and salt for the children to mix up their own "medicine."

Here are the books and DVDs we used:

Amazon.com Widgets

Please feel free to comment with your ideas about a doctor study.

Preschool Classroom Setup-Walls

2015-02-04T20:32:00.001-05:00

So, it is February and I am FINALLY getting my post up from the beginning of the year about our classroom setup. These are some photos of our circle time area wall and our birthday board. I decided to make it real simple this year. We don't even have a calendar, just the interchangable day, month and weather words. Also, I love that our word wall is interactive with velcro, so the children can take the words off when they want. Also, the laminated white posterboard is being used as a dry erase board for making our webs about our topic, lists, etc. When done, I take a photo before erasing it for documentation. It is much better than having chart paper hung all over the room or finding somewhere to store it that I will remember.

Here is a close-up of the word wall.

Here is our birthday board.

Please leave comments about things that are on the walls in your classroom!

Crochet Baby Blankets

2015-01-21T12:16:00.001-05:00

I just finished up these 2 baby blankets for a family member who has a cousin with twins. I used the pattern on this blog. This is a fast and easy pattern as every other row is v-stitch. I loved the way they turned out. I hope you will try it out. I have since found other uses for the v-stitch including the chunky cowl from my last post.

Chunky Cowl- Free Pattern!

2015-01-20T11:52:00.001-05:00

Here is a pattern that I created for a cowl using a v-stitch that I liked from a baby blanket pattern. I made it for my sister (pictured) along with the wrist warmers which I don't have a pattern for. I pretty much just winged it with those using mostly double crochet stitch and one row of V-stitch so there would be an opening for the thumb hole.

I used a 9mm hook and thick yarn.

Ch. 20

Row 1: DC in 2nd st from hook and each st to end. Turn, ch 2. (19 sts)

Row 2: sk 1st st, dc in next, sk 1, *V-stitch (DC, ch 1, DC in same st), sk 2. Repeat from *. After last V-stitch, sk 1, DC, then another DC in ch 2 from previous row. (5 V-sts)

Repeat Row 1-2 until you reach desired length ending with row 1. Finish off and weave in ends.

Add 2 large wood buttons on one end.

The only advice I have is to make sure your buttons are big enough because they will be going through the V-stitch holes. You want to make sure they're not going to slip out easily like mine do. My sister is currently looking for some larger buttons to replace the ones I used. LOL

Please comment any questions you have because this is the first pattern I have ever written myself, so I want to make sure it can be understood. Thanks for your help!

Crayon/Coloring Book Carrying Case

2015-01-05T13:39:00.001-05:00

Christmas Treats

2014-12-30T14:14:00.001-05:00

It's a little late, but here are all the goodies I made for Christmas this year. White chocolate oreo bark, raspberry almond thumbprints, decorated christmas tree and snowflake shaped spritz cookies, mint oreo truffles, reindeer chow, chocolate covered pretzels in tree and reindeer shapes, and white chocolate snowmen. You can find all these wonderful yummy treats on my "Desserts" board on Pinterest. Just follow me, Cacheymama!

Pinterest.com/cacheymama

On the Go!

2014-12-04T14:01:00.001-05:00

So, I have decided to try and do some posting on my blog again. I would like to have a post at least once a week or so. So..... I decided with my busy schedule, I needed an easier way to type on the go. I just recieved my new bluetooth keyboard in the mail and I am so excited to use it. So far, it is working great! Will hopefully have a review of it soon after I've used it a little more. And, I'll give a little warning right now, my posts may be on a lot of random topics, but since it is now Cachey Mama's WORLD OF LEARNING, I would have to say that covers a wide range of topics anyway! Happy reading friends!

Lori <3

Elephant Toothpaste

2014-05-18T16:13:00.000-04:00

Our school had the opportunity to invite some special visitors in to do an experiment. They are recent graduates from The Ohio State University and they are sisters. One is an engineer. They showed us how to make elephant toothpaste using dry yeast, hydrogen peroxide, water, dish soap and food coloring. The kids had a blast and wanted to see them do it over and over again. The "scientists" let the children pick out the colors for the toothpaste. I think it will be one they will remember for a while!

Easy DIY Streamers

2014-04-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

Here are some streamers I made using party ribbon and straws. I just taped them together and BOOM, a fun, active toy that kids love! Keep in mind, they don't last long as the materials are not that sturdy, but they are cheap and easy to make. Also, you could use popsicle sticks for the handles.

The kids really had a good time with these and loved waving them around as they ran around inside on a rainy day.

"Over in the Meadow" Felt Board Story

2014-04-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

We are studying the weather changes that come in the spring, including the animals coming out when it starts to get warm. So, I decided to read the book Over in the Meadow and made some felt board animals to along with it. This book is great for counting and rhyming and learning about what different animals do.

Distinguishing Between Number, Letter, and Word

2014-03-25T20:55:00.000-04:00

This is a literacy activity we did to see if the students could distinguish a number from a letter and a letter from a word. Surprisingly, both classes did really well with it. I mostly had the older children participate. This is super easy to prepare and great for practice with beginning reading skills.

Bear Story Time

2014-03-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

The librarian came to our school for story time and focused on bears.

She used the bear and the bee puppet for this rhyme:

Here is a Bear

Here is a bear, the bear is fuzzy; Here is a bee, the bee is buzzy.

The bee makes honey in a hollow tree.

The bear likes to eat honey you see.

Here comes the bear, Oops! There he goes.

The little bee stung the bear right on his nose.

She's reading Where's My Teddy? by Jez Alborough

This book was really cute and wonderful for predicting.

She also used laminated bear stick puppets for each child to sing the song, The Bear Went over the Mountain:

Oh, the bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain.

The bear went over the mountain, to see what he could see.

And what do you think he saw? And what do you think he saw?

The other side of the mountain, the other side of the mountain.

The other side of the mountain, was all that he could see.

So, he went back over the mountain, he went back over the mountain,

He went back over the mountain, so very happily.

She also used some props to go on a bear hunt:

Going on a bear hunt, leaving right away,

Gonna find a bear if it takes all day.

1. Did we bring the map? Yes, we brought the map.

2. Did we bring the flashlight? Yes, we brought the flashlight.

3. Did we bring our lunch? Yes, we brought our lunch.

4. Did we bring the honey? Yes, we brought the honey.

5. Did we bring the camera? Yes, we brought the camera.

Ready for a bear hunt! Now, let's go!

And, we also sang the song, If you're happy and you know it doing these actions:

Clap your claws...

Stomp your paws...

Give a growl...

Do all three!

And one last rhyme:

Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around. Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground.

Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe. Teddy bear, teddy bear, that will do.

Teddy bear, teddy bear, climb the stairs. Teddy bear, teddy bear, say your prayers.

Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn out the light. Teddy bear, teddy bear, say goodnight.

Below are some of the books that she read and/or recommended about bears.

Farm Study

2014-03-18T20:30:00.000-04:00

These photos are from my co-workers classroom. They have been working on a farm study the last couple of weeks and she has a TON of great ideas. I will probably be using some of these ideas soon myself. Thank you to Crystal for allowing me to use your photos!

Making Owl Pillows

2014-03-12T20:30:00.000-04:00

Here are some owl pillows that I am also selling. They are very easy if you follow the tutorial below.

Here are the 2 pillows I have made so far. I am also going to attempt making my own pattern for other animals. I have one in the works for a frog next. I am selling these for $18 plus shipping (about $7).

Jewelry Making

2014-03-10T21:46:00.003-04:00

I know I have been slacking on my blog recently, but I am trying to catch up a little bit. This is part of the reason. I have been busy trying to make jewelry to sell. Here are some of my creations. You can get all the materials and tools you need from Walmart or most craft stores such as JoAnn's and Michael's. I mostly used glass beads and wire. Enjoy! Leave a comment if you have any questions.

Valentine's Heart Animals

2014-03-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

Here is what we did for our friendship day activity when the parents were invited volunteer in the classroom. They made all different animals out if hears and some other various shapes.

Other stations that we had set up for the kids to do included decorating a paper bag for their cards, and lacing beads on string to make a friendship bracelet. It was really fun and the children always enjoy when their parents come in to volunteer.

The Very Lonely Firefly

2014-02-27T20:00:00.000-05:00

For our study on "Investigating Light," one of the books we read was The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle.

After reading the book, we made fingerprint fireflies. Using yellow paint, we made fingerprints on black construction paper. Then, after it dried, we drew in the details. Here is an example of the one I made.

We also took a piece of cardboard and poked holes in it. Then, we turned off the lights and shined a flashlight through the holes to make it look like fireflies lighting up.

The kids really enjoyed this unit, especially when we turned off the lights to make shadows and paint with glow in the dark paint!

Sight Word Sensory Hunt

2014-02-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

We have recently begun a study on food and grocery store, so here is one of our activities. In the sensory table, I placed spiral pasta, foam letters, and various scoops, shovels, etc. Then, I added some sight words onto a bulletin board right above. The children are to hunt out the letters to try to spell their sight words. Not only does this give them practice with sight words, but alphabet recognition as well.

Also, I chose these sight words intentionally to reinforce what they have been learning on the bus.

Bulletin Board Ideas

2014-02-25T21:45:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of the bulletin boards we have up outside the classroom. The first one focuses on our transportation unit. There is some of the children's work posted. It was a project where they had to tell how they come to school, by bus, car, truck, etc. and then cut out that vehicle and glue it on the paper. I also added some strips of paper that have objectives listed that relate to what the children learned and on the outside, I posted some photos from our wrap-up celebration of our study when parents were invited to come and race remote control vehicles with their children.

These are our patterns we made using different color light bulb cutouts for our "Investigating Light" study. As you can see at the bottom center the one that is all blue, one friend got creative and decided to cut out and glue on his own light bulb. Although he didn't create a color pattern with it, I felt that it was worth displaying as he took it upon himself to extend the activity.

I like how both of these turned out with the bright colors. I felt that they really stand out!

Post Office Trip

2014-02-08T23:06:00.000-05:00

We took a field trip to the local post office a couple weeks ago. Here are some of the pictures. Luckily, we were able to see the distribution center instead of just the post office itself. It was really cool to see how they sort the mail and get it ready for the mail carriers. I think the kids learned a lot.

She was showing us all of the gear they have to wear in the winter to keep warm.

All the bins where the packages (presents) get sorted.

Our "tour guide" mail carrier was very friendly and so good with the kids. She made it exciting and let the kids ask questions. She was very patient as well. She really made it a great field trip for all!

As a follow-up activity, we turned our writing area into a mail center where the kids can write a letter to a friend and put it in the mailbox. There is even a place to write the friend's name and address on the cards.

This was a very informative lesson and I would recommend a field trip to your local post office to any preschool age classroom!

Upcycled Wooden Heart Wall Decoration

2014-01-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

I made this project for a Christmas project. I got the original heart shape from the thrift store for $1.99.

Next, I sanded it down.

Then, I painted it red.

Using some scrap cardboard and some scrapbook paper, I cut out the same heart shape and glued them together with a glue stick. (Using liquid glue can make the paper wrinkle up when it dries).

I attached it to the back of the wooden heart.

Here is the final product.

It can just be a decoration for the wall or you can also use it for wine cork storage.

Simple Sewing Projects

2014-01-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

Here are some sewing projects I've been working on recently. Yes, I decided to pull out the old sewing machine and dust it off.

Bean Bags. You can buy the filling below from Amazon.

Next, I made a pillow for Snugglepuppy and a mini one for his teddy bear.

Last, I made a 10-minute table runner. Admittedly, it took longer than 10 minutes. Some of that was due to technical difficulties, so I think if I make anymore it will be much faster. Here's the video: