IRONKIDS Casey

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"Keeping It Simple" - Editor's Post

This summer, with my husband being out of a job, God has gifted our family with the magic of a dwindling bank account. And what a gift it is.

"How are you keeping your kids busy this summer?" my friends want to know.

Well, truthfully, I'm not. These days, we aren't keeping "busy" much at all.

And I've never been more convinced that by not having a summer of frills and thrills planned for the girls, they're developing in incredible ways. They're sewing pillows, entertaining us with math riddles and brainteasers, building forts, having tea parties with their stuffed animals, writing short stories (more than 20 combined since the beginning of June), experimenting in the kitchen, and more.

How to Make Homemade Gak

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What you'll need:
 
1/2 cup water + 1/4 cup for later
1/2 teaspoon Borax
Food coloring (optional)
Baggies 
  1. Pour the glue into a bowl with 1/2 cup of water.  Mix well.  
  2. Add the food coloring if you'd like a fun color (if want to get really fancy, add some glitter too!).
  3. In a new bowl, mix 1/2 tspn of Borax with 1/4 cup of warm water.  Stir until the Borax is dissolved.
  4. Pour the Borax water into the glue mixture.
  5. Now stir, stir, stir!  The more you stir, the firmer it will get!    
 
This is a messy project, so be sure to prepare your work space!  There's lots of chemistry behind this activity, so this is also a good learning experience for the kids.  Have them research why the gak is firmer the more you play with it and thinner when you let it sit.   
 
The gak will last quite a while stored in a ziploc bag, just make sure it's closed tight when you put it away for the night! 
 
 

Field Trip Idea: Student Art Exhibits at the Library

The Montgomery County Library is hosting Student Art Exhibits showcasing the works of Conroe ISD students in grades K-12. The  South Library (Lake Robbins Dr) is a participant, and I was pleasantly surprised when I dropped by the facility on Monday evening and was able to view about 50 awesome art pieces created by local students. These student artists are Talented (with a capital "T")! Here's how I plan to turn this into a field trip for my little ones:

Books We Love - Kindergarten

Many students begin to read in kindergarten (even just a little). Spend time celebrating what your child has learned, and enjoy reading together every day!

 

  • Spend FUN reading time together every day. Don’t focus on teaching and practicing reading – enjoy books and stories together.
  • Read to your child every day – even after they start reading. Invite them to join in.
  • Read books over and over – and even if she picks the same book AGAIN, it’s good for her!
  • Let your child pick the books. They will stay interested and learn a lot.
  • When it’s not fun or there are distractions, take a break. Keep reading enjoyable for everyone.

Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds
Marisol finds a new way to paint the “sky” when she finds out she doesn’t have any more blue paint.

Books We Love - 1st Grade

First graders start reading, and before long they can read almost anything! Don’t forget to take time to read to your child and enjoy your favorite books over and over.

 

  •          Even though your first grader can read, keep reading to her regularly.
  •          Give your child lots of opportunities to read to you.
  •          Take a book with you wherever you go, and enjoy books in the car.
  •          Reread books often and talk about the books together.
  •          Always remember to keep reading fun, never frustrating. 

Olivia by Ian Falconer
Olivia is a pig who is good at many things like singing, dancing, and scaring her brother! She is a funny pig! Check out all the Olivia books in you like this one.

Summer Shopping