"All About Me" Photo Book

I'm always on the look-out for codes for free or inexpensive photo books from various companies (Photoworks, Walgreens, Shutterfly, SeeHere, etc.).  My friend, Terri, shared an idea for a number book she was making, and it inspired me to try this project.

You need:
Digital photos

1)  Find an inexpensive place to print photo books.  Upload your pictures and make your book!

I filled this "All About Me" photo book with pictures from the last year and included captions about family, friends, accomplishments, and trips.

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While I have not tried them, Hot Prints has free photo books (four per month per person).  The catch is that they include an advertising insert in the middle of the book (they claim it is easily removable).  Shipping and handling costs $2.99.  If you've used Hot Prints, I'd love to hear what you think! 

I also noticed Pamper's Gifts-to-Grow program has an 8x8 photobook available from Shutterfly for 800 points plus shipping.  If you have a child aged three or under, you can find lots of free codes (use a search engine or check out Money Saving Mom) to earn prizes -- even if you don't use Pampers!

Sharing "All About Me"

Even though we do preschool at home, I like to encourage my girls to stand up and share about themselves (like show-and-tell).  I think it is a great confidence booster and an excellent way to learn (very) basic public speaking skills.


You need:
Bag or backpack

1)  Go on a scavenger hunt!  Have your child pick five objects that are special to him or her.

2)  Invite your child to share what they picked and why they picked it. 

I modeled my choices for the girls and gave them the opportunity to ask me questions.  Then, they each shared.  Even the two year old wanted to take part!  She picked out a teddy and shoes for her bag and said they were "sheshal me"!  Later, when their dad came home for lunch, they shared what was in their bags with him (without any prompting from me).  They've already requested to do it again tomorrow!!

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

I recently received a copy of the book The Boy Who Changed the World to review.  It fits perfectly with our "All About Me" theme this week!

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews is an encouraging and inspiring story about how choices you make can change the world.  The story begins with a young boy, Norman Borlaug, in a cornfield proclaiming "I want to change the world."  As he grows up, his path connects with Henry Wallace's.  Henry's path was changed because of his interaction with George Washington Carver.  George Washington Carver was saved because of Moses Carver.  Andy Andrews retraces the story of each man, and we see how four lives intersect to make a difference for many around the world.

The book is beautifully illustrated and based on Andy Andrew's gift book The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters.  A butterfly is woven into the illustrations on every page, and the ending includes a kid-friendly description of the "Butterfly Effect" and an encouraging reminder that each of us is important to God.  While the book is not overtly Christian, there are several references to God.

I love the idea of this book and the so-called "Butterfly Effect".  It always amazes me how the choices we make can impact those we've never even met.  It is definitely a lesson I want to pass on to my daughters.  They loved the book as well, and we've read it several times already.  Following the story may be a little difficult for preschoolers, but mine appeared to enjoy it (even the two year old sat still for a little while)!  The curriculum guide for Pre-K through 2nd grades at http://www.andyandrews.com/education was also helpful.

Disclaimer:  This book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my non-biased review.

Letter Writing: Your Name is Special

As we go through the year, I've decided to combine themes (when I can) with my oldest daughter's curriculum and our preschool themes.  I'm hoping to make things a little easier for myself!  We're focusing on names this week, and there was a beautiful idea I wanted to share with you. 

You need:
Pen
Paper

1)  Write a letter to your child explaining the meaning of her name.  Tell her why you chose her name.  Let her know what she means to you and your family.  Read it to your child.  Then, make a copy and place the original in a safe place (your child will probably love to carry the letter around and share it).

I was so blessed by this activity.  It's such a small thing to do, but it communicates a great deal to your child.  My girls just glowed after I shared the letters with them!  I truly hope you'll take the time to give this activity a try!

Tasty Tuesday: Name Cookies

This is a fun activity to celebrate your child and draw attention to his name!

You need:
Sugar cookie dough (check out my favorite recipe here)
Rolling pin
Alphabet cookie cutters
Cookie sheet
Frosting
Sprinkles or other decorations

1)  Roll out the cookie dough.

2)  Cut the letters of your names from the dough.  Bake according to the recipe/package directions.  Cool.

3)  Frost the cookies.  Decorate!!

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My aunt gave us a container of 101 Cookie Cutters one year, and I wondered what in the world I was going to do with them!  We've loved having them though and have used them for so many different things (from Play-Doh to tracing them to cutting out biscuits and cookies).  Our set has numbers, letters, and seasonal cookie cutters. 

Masterpiece Monday: Self-Portraits by Frida Kahlo

"I paint self-portraits, because I am the person I know best."  - Frida Kahlo

With our focus on "All About Me" this week, I wanted Masterpiece Monday to highlight the work of Frida Kahlo.  Frida Kahlo painted over 55 self-portraits during her career.  A well-known artist from Mexico, Frida's life was filled with pain and her paintings often reflect that tribulation.  As a young child, she suffered a bout with polio.  Later at the age of 18, she was in a terrible bus accident.  She began to paint during the year she spent recovering fom her accident.  Sadly, Frida had over 30 surgeries during her life but lived with chronic pain until she died at the age of 47.  You can read a more complete biography at http://www.fridakahlo.com/.

If you are unfamiliar with the paintings of Frida Kahlo, this video includes many of her self-portraits.  As we watched, I pointed out the backgrounds of the portraits.  I also discussed Frida's life with the girls.  I didn't have access to any books I felt were appropriate for preschoolers, so I just shared with them some things I learned about her (you can find some children's book about her life here).


If you are viewing this via email subscription, view the video here.

After viewing Frida's paintings, let your child try this unique self-portrait!

You need:
Mirror
Paintbrush
Paints
Paper

1.  Stand your child in front of a mirror or place a mirror in front of them.  Have your child paint herself on the mirror.

2.  If your child paints quickly, you can carefully place a piece of paper on the mirror and press down.  Peel the paper back and allow to dry.  If the paint is already dry, capture the portrait through a photo!

The paint came off easily, and I finally got the mirrors cleaned!