Brr It's Cold - Part 2

I know, I know it's February, but we did a lot of activities at the end of the month.  Here's the second set of trays on our shelves.

Math

Roll and add - Beginning addition

Literacy

Ending sounds - I found Mister wasn't looking at every letter and would put a "t" on the end of every word. 

Practical Life

As the ice cubes melted the activity became harder.  The Wee One also participated in this activity.

Sensorial

AB patterns, AABB patterns, and ABC patterns



Art

Mister and Ladybug used a marker to color on coffee filters and then a water dropper (practical life and great fine motor/correct pencil grip) to run the marker.

I folded the paper into thirds for them to cut, but with an older child I would have him or her fold the paper.

Beautiful snowflakes (since we lack snow this year) to decorate our room.  Ladybug has been making coffee filter snowflakes every day.

Your Snowy Day

Earlier this month I had paper dolls on our shelf that needed to be dressed for winter.  After reading The Snowy Day (if you don't own a copy of this, then you need one) all month we took our paper dolls and made our own snowy day.

You'll Need

Shaving cream
Glue or Mod Podge
Paper Dolls
Paper

Mix equal parts shaving cream and glue to create your own snowy day. 

Even the Wee One made her own snowy day.

It's Cold!

This is another easy idea that can be put together in minutes.  If you don't have ice cube trays, then the dollar store has them.

The Wee One laughed and laughed when I gave her this activity.  She would touch an ice cube and shout, "It's cold!"  She spent more time laughing and touching than actually putting the ice cubes in the tray.  Mister and Ladybug were able to see the ice melt and we were able to discuss how ice changes into water. 

Superhero Training

What is Superhero Training without the training part? 

The Identification - Each child was fingerprinted and given an i.d. when they signed in.  The kids were so excited to have a new name.

Each child was given a name badge with their real name and superhero name based on the card they returned.  Ladybug's favorite color is purple, so she was Violet Girl.  Mister was Masked Ranger.  We also had  Lily Lightening, Winter Freeze,  Moon Racer, Lady Emerald, and Amethyst Storm.

The Games - Flying, running, jumping, coloring, villain chasing...

Skyline Coloring - This took about an hour to create and it's still being used!  You need a $.99 roll of white paper, a thick permanent marker, a straight edge, and a glass of wine. 

Building Jumping



Villain Crushing - The superheros had to stomp out the villains that invaded the kitchen.



Capture This!  The older girls (around 8) loved this more than anything.  We had some modeling going on with begging for more pictures.  I will include a few snapshots of their superhero modeling in the thank you cards.



Two styrofoam balls were attached to a dowel to create superhero strength.

The Favors - In addition to the capes and candy buckets the children received a mask and a Certificate of Achievement.

And that's a Superhero Training birthday!  A big thank you to all the parents and party planners who have done a superhero party because you gave me so much inspiration.

Superhero Refueling Station

How many kid birthdays have you been to where there is actual kid eating?  Usually the kids enjoy the treats and little else and Mister and Ladybug's party was no exception. 

Superhero Food

Mini heroes for the kids - Ham and cheese and turkey and cheese (additional toppings on the side)

Adult sandwiches



To Drink - It really was a punch

Jelly jar size  mason jars were used for drinking.

The Goodies - Each child was given a Batman bucket (Target Dollar Section) to fill with candy to go.  We also included one wrapped cake pop for their buckets. 

Chocolate cake pops - Mister and Ladybug helped decorate

Yellow cake with chocolate chips and buttercream frosting.  The the right was rock candy suckers and the left blue and red Sixlets, Wonder Woman Lassos (red licorice ropes), yellow star suckers (Michaels). 

Mister and Ladybug are sugar detoxing this week.

I'll See Your One and Raise You Two

This was the first activity that I did with  Mister and Ladybug almost 3 years ago.  I was amazed at how easy it was to put together and how long they played.  I saw that Mister had an easier time, but with practice it was just as easy for Ladybug.  I pulled this out (and made a modification) for the Wee One since she loves circles.  What's better than 10 poker chips and a container?

The slit in this container is wide so she can easily slip in the poker chips.

The Wee One needed more of a challenge, so the slit in the milk jug is narrow.  She has to insert the chip and push.

A flap in the back makes for easy retrieval.  The Wee One did find that it was easier to put handfuls in this way.

So You Want to be a Superhero

When Mister and Ladybug told me they wanted a SUPERHERO birthday I was very excited. I didn't have to convince Ladybug that Mister didn't love Dora as much as she did and didn't have to convince Mister that Ladybug wasn't into big trucks.  If you stay away from the typical party stores it is the perfect unisex party. 

I started out with a Google search and I cam across the most irresistible superhero party.  Every detail was perfect and this was my inspiration.

The Invite

The entire invite was done using Word.  If you are pressed for time check out ETSY (search: superhero invitation) for some really great invitations.

Each invitation came with a postcard for the superhero in training to return.

The Decor - Tablescape

The "tablecloth" is a flat bed sheet I found on clearance at Target.  



The buildings were made from cardboard, covered in wrapping paper, and the details were drawn.

The glass vases had "windows"  made from Duct Tape sheets sold at any craft store.  The stars are suckers from Michaels. 

The Kids' Tables

I bought three  DC Comics from the early 80s and late 70s at Half-Priced Books for around a dollar and glued them to pre-made placemats (Touch of Color) from the party store.  The DC Comic books pages were also used to make the birthday banner. 

Square craft foam was covered in wrapping paper and superhero cutouts were added.  Mister's had Batman instead of Wonder Woman.

Not pictured is the window where a speech bubble said, "Superhero Refueling Station" surrounded by red, blue, and yellow stars.

Welcome Superheroes

This was an 11 pm the night before idea that was done quickly and not up to my usual standards, but man alive was I tired.

The Door - Oh boy it's another wreath



This is a cupcake wrapper wreath.  It took 4 packages of cupcake wrappers for a 14" wreath and I could have put on one more.



Not pictured is a "Welcome New Superheroes" sign and balloons on the front porch. 

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask! Tomorrow will bring more superhero fun.