Books to Love: "Over in the Meadow"

Rhyming poems help children learn and remember things, just like songs! The poem "Over in the Meadow," written long ago by Olive A. Wadsworth, does this perfectly. It introduces mother and baby pairs, new vocabulary, spring themes ... all in an easy to read, fun package! There are many books that illustrate the poem - this book version, illustrated by renowned author/illustrator Ezra Jack Keats, is lovely to look and great to read. You'll find your little ones chiming in to read along with you, especially if you put a little rhythm in it! It's a perfect read for Mother's Day and you can extend it with a project to highlight the holiday!

Try this: Bake a big, round cookie with your child and ice it to look like a fishbowl - then add some Mom and baby candy fish to decorate. Or ... a whole family of cookie fish! You'll be spending some time with your little ones and they'll be joining in a special gift-making that will begin to set up some traditions, a good lesson for the future.

Trace and cut out some mom and baby animal shapes to make a spring scene or card, or surf the Internet, search for the poem by title and find some cool ideas there - I found a little coloring book on my search that would be fun to do :)

Have fun!!

More "Keepers" for Mom!

Frame a Journal Entry

If your child is old enough to draw and “journal,” save a selection and frame it – there are often entries about family or special times - and the pressure of making something perfect will be gone! Look through journals or portfolios and have them select one that they like - either an illustration or handwriting sample, or both! In years to come, it will be so much fun to look back at drawing and writing from years gone by! They can complete the gift with a heartfelt card :)  Happy Mother's Day!

Laminated Handprint

For younger children, my personal favorite (which I still have and use many years later!!) is a laminated handprint coaster. Pick a bright colored paper – construction or card stock – and, using white paint, have your child make a handprint. When the paint is dry, your child can write his/her name (or if too young, an adult can help!) Cut out around in the shape of a circle and laminate to make a perfect mug-mat! You may want to cut it before writing the name, leaving room, if your child’s handwriting tends to wander or GROW!  Then, have the child make a card to tape it in – with the following message:

“In years to come, you’ll use this to rest your mug or glass

And think of how I made it in my little preschool class.

I wish you Happy Mother’s Day and hope you’ll use this well

And know that I do love you more than I can tell!”

It's a KEEPER!

Keepers for Mother's Day

From the time your children start school until they go to middle school or high school, you are presented with cards, gifts, art, crafts … for every occasion. I used to save everything – in plastic tubs, large mailing envelopes, shoe boxes, etc. Eventually, I was feeling overwhelmed by the pile that was developing in the attic – AND, I never looked at the stuff again!

I noticed, as my own children got older, that simple handwriting samples from years gone by, small keepsakes and sweet handmade cards are easy to store away and peek at from time to time – and that those were the things that my own mother had kept - for a LONG time!

 When you know that a child spent time, talent and energy putting a little bit of themselves into a project, you value it more than a pre-cut, purchased craft or something that was primarily done by an adult helper  - so, keep that in mind when choosing your Mother’s Day projects!

Think of a few past projects that ended up being “keepers”! Teach your children about giving – simple gifts are lovely– and don’t forget about yourself!  Trade children with a friend or have another loved one work with your child to make a gift for you – it’s important that they learn about showing love and appreciation J

Mother's Day Bookmarks

Use card stock and a nice font on your computer to make the beginning of a bookmark – “I love my mommy because …” and have the child dictate an ending, in their own words. Then, flip it over and have them write their name, make thumbprints or personalize in some way. Laminate it, punch a hole at one end and have them help you loop a pretty ribbon through it!

Mother’s Day Portrait

Draw, paint, collage – a “Portrait of my mom”: Use whatever materials you want to make a whole-person drawing or a face, adding details like eye color and hair style, and see where it goes! It will no doubt be adorable! Add dictated information, such as a fill-in-the-blanks information sheet:

My mom is pretty when she ___________________.

I love it when my mom ____________________________.

My mom always says, “_______________________________”.

You can attach it to a decorated frame or bind it all into a card format, folding over a large piece of construction paper! Some of the answers are hilarious … some adorable! Have fun with it!

Stay tuned for part two: more gifts to come ...