Itsy Bitsy Learners

We're moving!

2011-06-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Within the next 48 - 72 hours Itsy Bitsy Learners will be moving!

What do you need to do? Nothing ... We're just letting you know incase things look a little different! We will have an automatic redirection from this site to the new site at http://www.itsybitsylearners.com

Why are we moving? So we can do everything, blog, sell, provide free downloads from one site! Which means one log in for us! Rather than the four we have been juggling!

Thanks for your patience!

Farm PreKinder Pack Winners!

2011-05-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Taylor Wilson and Nina Ann!

You both will be emailed a coupon code good to use at Itsy Bitsy Learners.

It will entitle you to a free copy of the Farm PreKinder Pack!

Thanks to everyone that participated!

Jungle Preschool Pack

2011-05-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a

Jungle Preschool Pack

geared to the 3-4 yrs this one is perfect!

It is a wonderful compliment to our

Jungle PreKinder Pack

(4 -6 yrs).

Hope you enjoy our free Preschool Printables!

Jungle Preschool Theme: Peculiar Parrot Craft

2011-05-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

As part of our

Jungle Preschool Theme

the children made this

Peculiar Parrot

from a stuffed brown paper bag!

I like him! He has character!!

If you want to make a Pecuillar Parrot follow the photo instructions below:

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Check out our Jungle Life PreKinder Pack!!

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Amazing Sale on at Totsy for Learning Resources!

2011-05-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

Totsy is having a 50% on Learning Resource toys!!

Offer ends in 2 days so get them quick!

This is just a selection!

* Itsy Bitsy Learners earns a commission on the initial purchase of all new members.

Jungle PreKinder Pack

2011-05-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share this with you all!
It is the newest of my PreKinder Packs!

Jungle Life

I worked hard on redesigning some of the pages to give the eBook more of a POW!

In the pack you will find:

Book and teaching tool suggestions. Songs to Sing AND 15 printable activities!

BUY IT NOW!

Save 20%!

It can be purchased at **Itsy Bitsy Learners, TeachersPayTeachers and CurrClick!

Price: ~~$4.99~~ $3.99

** Purchase at Itsy Bitsy Learners only and Newsletter Subscribers receive an additional 25% off at checkout!

Read here for more information ...

Giveaway: Win a copy of our Farmyard Fun Pack!

2011-05-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Two of our readers will be able to win a copy of our latest eBook,

Farmyard Fun PreKinder Pack

($4.99 Value)!

Can't wait to win it?

You can purchase this at our main store, TeachersPayTeachers and CurrClick.

Buy it our main store and newsletter subscribers save 25% (read more here)!

We will refund the giveaway winners if they have purchased this prior to entering!

For a chance to win ....

Mandatory Entries (you must complete all 3 and leave 3 separate comments):

1. Be a Google Friend Follower (see right hand column);

2. Be a Facebook Fan;

3. Be a VERIFIED feedburner subscriber;

Optional Extra Entries:

4. Be a Twitter Follower

5. Be an Itsy Bitsy Learners Newsletter Subscriber

Important Please Read:

The offer is open worldwide and the prize will be delivered via email as a PDF.

Entries will close on May 29th 2011 6pm CST and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

You MUST leave separate comments for each entry for them to be valid.

You MUST include a way to be contacted!

We confirm all entries to ensure they are valid.

Winner of Ingles 360 Giveaway!!

2011-05-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Martianne of http://traininghappyhearts.blogspot.com !!

You won!!

I'll be passing your email onto Ana and she'll email you your 15 ebooks!

Big thanks to Ana of Ingles360 for providing the giveaway!

Weekly Wrap-Up: Farm Preschool Theme

2011-05-20T02:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick round-up of the rest of the activities we completed for our

Farm Unit

this week.

Most of these activities were designed for Pre-K to Kinder.

However, we have a two year old tag-a-long that loves to attempt "big sister stuff".

We had so much fun with this theme!

The printables were from our

Farm Preschool Pack and Farm PreKinder Pack.

Thanks for stopping by!

Farm Preschool Craft: Paper Plate Pig Mask

2011-05-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

The children created their own

paper plate pig masks.

These would be great for role-playing Old McDonald or the Three Little Pigs story!

This is a pretty simple craft.

I'll be quiet and let the pictures describe the hows!

Oink, Oink!

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Want to keep in touch with Itsy Bitsy Learners?
Receive our blog posts via email!

Make your own farm playset!

2011-05-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

The children have had so much fun with this

DIY Farm Playset!

This is so simple to make, not to mention, it only cost us 70 cents out of pocket!

We used a medium size box and deconstructed it to resemble the following.:

Next we added construction and tissue paper:

Then we let it dry and VOILA ...

Here is a clip of Missy Mu-Mu making up a counting song whilst playing with her new farm!

Love it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Want to keep in touch with Itsy Bitsy Learners?
Receive our blog posts via email!

Farm Books For the Week

2011-05-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

This week our book basket is full of farm related books!

The children will have access to these books throughout the month.

Every week I will choose 3 books for together time, 2 for Tot Time and 2 for PreKinder.

Each child will be read 5 books consistently every day for a week.

Here are this week's selections:

Together Time Books - Group Reading Time:

G is for Goat, Patricia Polacco. This will also be used for PreKinder.

Simple rhymes and abc's along with introducing farm related vocabulary make this a great choice.

A subtle introduction to addition, will also be used for PreKinder.

"A simple rhyming text encourages children to locate items and animals on a farm in this I Spy meets Old MacDonald offering" (Amazon).

Tot Time Books - Individual Reading Time:

A delightful spin on a traditional nursery rhyme!

A traditional counting book. Many of the animals used are from the farm.

PreKinder 5-A-Day-Books:

Learn about the features and life of a chicken.

This book will be used as a reader.

Learn about the features and life of a pig.

This will be used as a reader.

Thanks for stopping by!

We are linking this up to the 5- a-Day Book Challenge.

Farm Preschool Pack

2011-05-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Have you seen our new Farm Preschool Pack?

Check out our ever-growing website for preschool printables!

Giveaway: Colors, Numbers and Shapes by Ingles360!!

2011-05-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

I am so honored to be hosting this giveaway! I know Ana the owner of Ingles360 through many of the groups we are active in and she used to sell her work at the Itsy Bitsy Learners store! Her work is always adorable and detail orientated!

Ana has kindly offered to one of my readers 15 PDF files (5 shapes, 5 numbers and 5 colors):

To enter for a chance to win you must complete the two mandatory entries, leaving a comment for each entry on this post (this will be verified):

1. You must be a verified Feedburner subscriber of Itsy Bitsy Learners;
2. You must be a newsletter subscriber of Ingles360.

You can earn extra entries by completing any of the following and leaving comments for each additional entry on this post (this will be verified):

3. Visit Ana's blog and become a Google Friend Follower.
4. Be a Twitter Follower of Itsy Bitsy Learners.

Important Information:

The offer is open worldwide and the prize will be delivered via email from Ingles360. Entries will close on May 21st 2011 6pm CST and the winner will be chosen by random. You MUST leave separate comments for each entry for them to be valid. Itsy Bitsy Learners was not provided with goods to offer this giveaway.

Free Yopliat Kids Yogurt for the first 20 People!!

2011-05-12T02:45:00.000-07:00

Check out this Mom promoting healthy eating habits with her preschooler!

Want a coupon for free yogurt?
Twenty people can sign-up for a free coupon below.
Limited to the first 20 readers!

Disclaimer: Yoplait provided Itsy Bitsy Learners with this opportunity, information and product samples/coupons through MyBlogSpark

Preschool Printables: Farmyard Fun Montessori Style Letters

2011-05-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Stop by our Facebook Page. Click on Freebies for Fans.

Grab the password to unlock the free preschool printables!

Thanks for stopping by!!

*****************************************

Could you spare a click here and a click to vote for us?

No sign-up required, just 2 clicks of the mouse!

Poll closes 11/ 5 at 5pm!

Thank you so much!

Barn Paper Bag Preschool Craft

2011-05-09T02:45:00.000-07:00

Make this easy and cute barn for your Farm Preschool Theme!

Start by stuffing a paper bag with crumpled newspaper.

Fold over the top to make a roof ( use a staple either side to secure) and paint the bag red.

On a piece of paper draw freehand (for a rustic look) a roof, door and window.

You will also need some foam farm animal stickers.

If your child is able have them cut out the objects.

Then stick on all the decorations and allow to dry completely.

Don't forget to let your children play with their creation!

Add it to a map and throw in some farm animals!

We also used legos and duplo to make pens and haystacks!

Thanks for stopping by!

Images and Content May Not Be Republished

Without Prior Written Permission.

Farm Preschool Theme

2011-05-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

Farm Preschool Theme

We hope you'll join us over the next week (or so) as we share with you in detail our farm related activities and ideas!

We talked about the importance of the farm in ALL our lives.

It provides the milk we drink, the meat that graces our plates and the vegetables and fruit we consume.

We explored:

Who works on the farm?

What animals live there?

Farm animal Mothers and Babies.

What foods /crops are produced there?

(This was a good time to reflect on our previous Garden Preschool Theme.)

We read these books:

We played with these farm toys:

We used these Farm Preschool Printables:

We have had so much with the Farm Preschool Theme that I have struggled to squeeze in all the activities into the blog posts!

If you completed a Farm Preschool Theme you are welcome to leave links to your posts in the comments area to share with our readers!

April Thank You - Seeds For 1 Family

2011-05-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank everyone that made a purchase at our store in April 2011!

Because of your purchases at Itsy Bitsy Learners we were able to bless a family with seeds.

We chose to donate seeds this month to link in with our previous theme, gardening. But more importantly, it will "offer life-changing help for farmers struggling to raise enough food for their hungry children: fast-growing hybrid or drought-resistant seeds for an agricultural bounty of crops."

Click Here To find out more about how your printable purchases helped a family!

At the end of May we hope to be able to donate 3 ducks from the sales at Itsy Bitsy Learners.

It is a wonderful teaching opportunity for Missy Mu-Mu and Sopapilla too, especially as we will learn about ducks later this month.

We plan to share with you all every month where 10% of our total sales goes each month to benefit children and families in need. We will choose various charities and will donate both abroad and to the US throughout the year. We are always so thankful for those that bless our family and we feel strongly led to bless others in return! We couldn't have done this without you!

*We provide image as proof of donation, to those that made purchases throughout April.

Facebook Freebies for Fans!

2011-05-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

Over the month of May, on our Facebook Page there will be links added for

FREE PRESCHOOL PRINTABLES!

I will not be updating the blog with these Freebies,

so make sure you LIKE our page

to stay up to date with what's available for FREE and to get the links!

All links expire after a month ...

Thanks for stopping by!

Spring 2011 Clean Out : Win Puzzles for your Tots!

2011-04-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

I am participating in the Homeschool Creations Spring Clean Out!

I have one lot which contains three puzzles suitable for ages 18 month to 3 years.

They are in excellent used condition!

If you would like to win and are in the USA (excluding Hawaii and Alaska):

1. Be a Google Friend Follower
(because it's nice to have friends!);

2. Be a Facebook Fan
(my musings, mumblings and favourite links from the blogosphere);

3. Be a Twitter Follower
(keep up with my comings and goings, sometimes I am there and sometimes not so much);

4. Be a VERIFIED Feedburner Subscriber
(you must complete the sign up to qualify, you'll never miss a post);

5. Be a Newsletter Subscriber
(you get access to exclusive free printables and receive 25% off everytime you buy the printables!)

You can do one or all of the above once per household.
You must leave a SEPERATE comment for each entry.
I will check so please make sure you have signed up.

The giveaway closes May 6th 6 pm CST and the winner will be announced May 7th.

Good Luck!!!

Guest Post Corner: ABC Spray 'n' Spell

2011-04-29T02:45:00.001-07:00

Maureen from Spell Outloud is our Guest Poster of the Month!

If you would like to be a Guest Poster and have 150+ Followers please provide us with an article relating to either ABCs, 123s, Colors or Shapes (preferably with pictures) in html to customerservice@itsybitsylearners.com.
We'll schedule you a spot!

In my portion of the world, it is finally getting warmer outside. The snow has melted, the flowers are blooming and my family is ready to spend time outside. This new change in scenery gives me the opportunity to come up with more active (and sometimes messy) was to help my children learn. One game we did recently that my children enjoyed was called Shoot the Letter. It was a game to help my daughters review their letter sounds.

Supplies:
Chalk
Spray Bottle

Directions:
Write letters that your child has learned or is learning on a fence, house, wall or sidewalk with chalk. Give your child a spray bottle. Say a word that begins with one of the letters posted. Have your child listen and tell you what the beginning sound is and then have them "shoot" that letter on the fence/wall.

I had about 10 different letters written in colored chalk on our fence. My daughter loved practicing her ABC's this way!

Variations:
* Have students use a sponge and mop the letter.
* Have the students use a wet paintbrush to "paint" the letter.
* For practicing letter recognition: write all uppercase letters. Have lowercase letters in a hat. Have your child pick a letter from the hat and then "spray" the partner letter.
* Write numbers on the fence/wall. Have a bag of rocks, marbles or M&M's. Let your child grab a handful (or you, if you need to control the numbers.) Count the objects and then spray that number on the wall.

Adding water makes almost any game a hit! This was a great review game and a perfect outdoor activity.

Maureen is a former elementary school teacher who now has a classroom of 6 at home. She shares fun toddler and preschool ideas on her blog, Spell Outloud. She is also a contributing writer on Totally Tots, responsible for the bi-weekly ABC column. Maureen enjoys sharing early education themes and ideas with parents and educators. In her free time she can be found behind the lens of a camera or reading a good historical fiction book.

Have you shopped with Totsy?

2011-04-28T02:45:00.000-07:00

Totsy is for Moms

Totsy offers moms on-the-go and moms-to-be access to brand-specific sales,
up to 80% off retail, just for them and the kids, ages 0-7.
They sell toys and educational materials too!

Tree Loving People

One baby, one tree: With every inital purchase through Totsy,
they will plant one tree in the name of your child to help reduce the effects of deforestation.

Members Only

Membership to Totsy is by invitation or request only.
But the sooner you join, the better.

Those That Love To Shop!

Each sale at Totsy lasts only 48 to 72 hours.

Come on over and join Totsy!
It's where the Savvy Moms shops!

Allows You To Earn Store Credit
Totsy also allows members to earn $15 credit on new members inital purchase,
an even better reason to sign-up and share!

Disclaimer: Itsy Bitsy Learners is a member and earns credit for each new member on their inital purchase!

However we only endorse affiliate companys who we believe in.

Fly On My Wall: Easter at Canyon Lake, TX

2011-04-27T02:45:00.001-07:00

We actually managed a weekend away!
This is a huge deal when you have a Husband that works two jobs (never complains) and coaches an 8th Grade Lacrosse team from November to May (that dosen't include the Summer Camp he runs and the Tournament Team he coaches ... Hi I'm Alison and I am a Lacrosse Widow).
So off we went on Good Friday and arrived early evening at Canyon Lake, TX.

I love Hill Country!
Reminds me of Wales (well only the hills, Wales is a little greener).
We had perfect weather, and apart from waking up to a flat tire on Saturday morning
(go figure, when your're next to a lake in the middle of nowhere),
the whole of Saturday was relaxing!!!

The "Easter Bunny" made it to the lake.
How could we leave it behind.
Here are the girls enjoying an Easter Egg Hunt in their swimsuits:

A simple getaway.
Us in a cabin, DH in a tent, communal showers,
(Interesting with a toddler point blank refuses to get in a cubicle ... she was the stinky child until Saturday evening ... where I finally managed to coax her in!)
but it was enjoyed by all!

The girls played outside ALL day!
Not one complaint about having the woods and beach as their playground. Missy Mu-Mu actually swam by herself for the first time, she was so determined and so proud of herself (as were we!).
Insects and fossils everywhere ... can't be that for "hands-on-learning" can you!
________________________________________________________________

Itsy Bitsy Learners is up for nomination in the Top 25 Homeschooling Blogs!!!

It would mean so much to be in this list.

If you are a fan of the blog, enjoy the resources we share and

would like others to know about us please vote.

We truly can't get into the Top 25 Homeschooling Blogs

list without the help of each and every Reader!!

(It's just a click on the link and a click on the orange thumb!)

Thank you so much for your support!

Look out for our next giveaway soon

On the Farm!

Reviewed It! The Curiosity Files Snow Rollers & Other Snow Phenomena

2011-04-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

We were recently given the opportunity to review
The Curiosity Files: Snow Rollers and Other Snow Phenomena.

The Curiosity Files: Snow Rollers & Other Snow Phenomena is a FUN 83 page unit study on all things SNOW related (ebook format). Aimed at children 8 to 13, inside you will find student workpages, copywork, experiments,and plenty of ideas for creativity and hands-on-learning.
From paper snowflakes to snow ball cookies this ebook also provides plenty of ways to entertain your younger children whilst teaching them important scientific concepts!

What did I think?

At first glance, I did not think this publication lended itself to younger learners, but I was mistaken, it does in abundance! The chapters Let's Get Creative and Hands on Learning are great for children ages 3 to 6. I also found that the elementary content could easily be adapted for my Pre-K 5 daughter.
We created a word wall with the Elementary Word List and she loved the songs that were provided in the ebook!

My daughter already has a basic grasp on the States of Matter and the suggested experiments were great for hands-on-learning and reinforcing this concept.

All come with easy-to-follow detailed instructions, always a bonus for busy homeschooling Moms!

Do I recommend it to others?

This ebook gets two thumbs up from us!

It is definately a publication that you can use again and again as your child grows and develops,

and a wonderful resource if you homeschool mixed ages!
Aesthetically pleasing pages will make you want to jump right in and have fun exploring along with your children!

Find out More

If you would like to find out more about The Curiosity Files check them out at the The Schoolhouse Store. There are 9 unit studies available in this series and at $6.95 each ( $46 for the bundle) are affordable for all!

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this publication to review for the TOS Homeschool Crew.
The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company providing the publication or others.

May's Newsletter Sign-Up: Free Trace It Calendar and Pieces!

2011-04-26T02:45:00.001-07:00

Make sure you sign up for the

May Newsletter
being sent out this Saturday!

We are giving away this Trace It Calendar and Pieces to all Newsletter Subscribers!
The numbers could be used as a separate activity (think Count 'n' Link, ordering 1 - 30).

You can only get this

printable free via the newsletter!

New members also have access to our previous printables too...

Don't forget to tell your friends,

family and co-workers to sign-up too!

____________________________________________________

Please help us!

It's as easy as two clicks!

We can't stay in the Top 25 without your daily vote.

Thank you for your support.

Under the Sea Giveaway Winners!!!

2011-04-25T02:45:00.000-07:00

I love this part of blogging (being able to bless others)!!!

Makes me smile!

DRUMROLLLLL PLEASEEEE

....

The winning numbers are?!

So ....

Then There Were 4

and

hamka2608

are the winners!!!

Congratulations to them and thank you to everyone that joined in!

You can all access some free Under the Sea Preschool Printables at the main site.

Also today is the last day to make good of our Easter Weekend Sale

(everything is on sale, no exclusions)!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I also have a small, teeny-tiny request ...

Itsy Bitsy Learners is up for nomination in the Top 25 Homeschooling Blogs!!!

It would mean so much to be in this list.

If you are a fan of the blog, enjoy the resources we share and

would like others to know about us please vote.

We truly can't get into the Top 25 Homeschooling Blogs

list without the help of each and every Reader!!

(It's just a click on the link and a click on the orange thumb!)

Thank you so much for your support!

Look out for our next giveaway soon

On the Farm!

Easter Weekend Sale at Itsy Bitsy Learners!

2011-04-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

I have been nominated for the Top 25 Homeschool Blogs!

Please help me by voting!

If you LOVE the free resources please vote for us!

Free Preschool Printables (No account Required!)

2011-04-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the free

Under the Sea Preschool Printables?

They make a great extension to our

Under The Sea Preschool Pack!

Tomorrow is the last day to enter the giveaway!

Thank you for blessing our families! x

If you have a minute please consider voting for us in the

Top 25 Homeschooling Blogs!

New Fire Department Jumbo Preschool Unit!

2011-04-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

Angela Bergman has created a massive

preschool pack

inspired by everything to do with the

Fire Department and Firefighters!

It would make a great addition to a Community Worker theme or as a standalone unit!

View a list of contents here!

Check out more

Preschool Packs

by Angela Bergman

all available at

Itsy Bitsy Learners!

If you are a creator of Early Years Educational Resources,

Itsy Bitsy Learners would love for you to join our Design Team!

Thank you for blessing our families!

If you would like to show your support please vote for us!

Free Easter Story Puzzles and Coloring Pages!

2011-04-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

I just finished creating these Preschool Printables and am offering them free!

Use these simple 6 piece puzzles and coloring pages

to help support your teachings of the

Easter Story!

Includes 4 6 piece colored puzzles and 4 matching coloring sheets, delivered as a secure PDF.

Download from Itsy Bitsy Learners!

If you would like to show your support please vote for us!

Fly on My Wall: Palm Sunday

2011-04-20T02:45:00.000-07:00

If you were a fly on my wall,

this is what you would have seen.

Disclaimer: It is NOT a place where I discuss the abundance of flies in my home *grin*!

Talk about a

typical two year old moment!

She was not going to have her picture taken with me at ALL.

I love Missy Mu-Mu's enthusiasm though .. love her!!

Love them both!

Sopapilla (2.5 yrs) however was very cooperative at church

when asked to carry a palm leaf at the start of service!

[Check out this neat Palm Sunday Craft Idea from Our Crafts -n- Things!]

I am always thankful for small miracles. Always.

Although I am sure the "bribe" of an Easter Egg hunt after service helped!

Thanks for stopping by!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Don't forget to sign up for the giveaway!

2 people will win a copy of the

JUST RELEASED

Under The Sea PreKinder Pack!

90 Page PDF

(Includes 5 day lesson plan, craft ideas and 23 printable activities!)

Or you can

buy it today at

Itsy Bitsy Learners , TeachersPayTeachers or CurrClick!

If you win we will refund your payment!

Easter Sensory Tub

2011-04-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

Here is our

Easter Sensory Tub.

It is very basic but

the girls haven't stopped playing with it!!

Thanks for stopping by!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Don't forget to sign up for the giveaway!

2 people will win a copy of the

JUST RELEASED

Under The Sea PreKinder Pack!

90 Page PDF

(Includes 5 day lesson plan, craft ideas and 23 printable activities!)

Or you can

buy it today at

Itsy Bitsy Learners , TeachersPayTeachers or CurrClick!

If you win we will refund your payment!

Easter Art Box

2011-04-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

Missy Mu-Mu (5.5 yrs) LOVES art boxes!

She had so much fun with our previous ones

that I went ahead and assembled an

Easter Theme Art Box

for her.

Stuffed full of goodies for her to use with out instruction.

The thing to remember with art boxes is:

Adult Supervision Provided,

Adult Direction Eliminated!

Here is Missy Mu-Mu exploring her box for the first time this week:

Creativity at work!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Don't forget to sign up for the giveaway!

2 people will win a copy of the

JUST RELEASED

Under The Sea PreKinder Pack!

90 Page PDF

(Includes 5 day lesson plan, craft ideas and 23 printable activities!)

Or you can

buy it today at

Itsy Bitsy Learners , TeachersPayTeachers or CurrClick!

If you win we will refund your payment!

New Under The Sea Unit (Giveaway too!)

2011-04-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished editing the new

Under The Sea Unit!

It is suitable for PreKinder to Kinder and the

90 page PDF

is stuffed full of lesson plans, craft ideas and 23 printable activities!

Here is a preview of some of the items in the pack which is

now available

at Itsy Bitsy Learners , TeachersPayTeachers and CurrClick:

Now would you like a chance to win a copy?!!

I am giving away TWO Under The Sea Units!

If you purchased this unit and win I WILL refund your payment!

Mandatory Entry:

Please note all entries will be confirmed.

- You must be an Itsy Bitsy Learners Facebook Follower.

Extra Entries:

1. Be a Twitter Follower AND tweet this giveaway with a link back to here (tell me in the comments section)

2. Be a Google Friend Follower;

3. Subscribe to our feedburner email;

4. Facebook and/or blog about this giveaway (leave a link in the comments section);

5. Be a subscriber of the monthly Itsy Bitsy Learners Newsletter!

Rules:

- For each entry you MUST leave a separate comment below this post.

- Please leave a way for me to contact you.

- The giveaway is open worldwide.

- Ends April 24th 2011 at 6pm CST

- Winner announced April 25th 2011. Winner will have 72 hours to claim their prize. After-which a new winner will be chosen.

- The prize cannot be shared or stored in an online retrieval system.

Good Luck and tell your friends and co-workers!!

Dancing in the Rain (Free Song Sheet)

2011-04-15T02:45:00.000-07:00

Rain Song

(Original Artist Unknown

Sing to the tune If You're Happy and You Know It.)

First a little drop of rain hit the ground,

Tap, Tap.

Then another drop of rain hit the ground,

Tap, Tap.

Then another and another and

another and another,

And pretty soon we hear a different sound,

SPLASH, SPLASH!

Thanks for stopping by!

Grab this

free preschool song sheet

from

Itsy Bitsy Printables!

Simple Science - Dirt!

2011-04-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dirt.

I found this delightful book,

Dirt: The Scoop on Soil (Amazing Science),

at the library and knew instantly the girls would love it.

They did!

As soon as
I said the "D" word
their ears pricked up and they were all about the activity!

The book is aimed at 4 to 8 year olds

and the pictures are engaging enough to prompt questions from preschoolers.

It received mixed reviews on Amazon.com,

but I focused on the chapters that were relevant and thorough for my child.

A simple experiment perfect for 4 to 5 year olds.

We did the experiment that focused on the various layers found in soil.

To do this experiment you will need:

Dirt (go figure!), water, transparent jar,

something to stir with and simple instructions

(we used the one in the book).

Start by scooping the dirt into a jar.

We used everyday potting soil from the Dollar Tree

(leftovers from our Gardening Sensory Tub).

Then add water:

Encourage your child to make a prediction

as to what will happen when the water and soil is mixed together.

Missy Mu-Mu predicted mud would be made.

Now stir, stir, stir!

Within minutes

(which is perfect for young children)

layers will begin to show in the jar:

This was the end result after 5 minutes of letting the mixture settle!

A fun and instantly gratifying

experiment for young learners.

Thanks for stopping by! x

Looking for Gardening Preschool Printables?

Linked To:

Learn 4 Le$$: Got your Earth Day Lakeshore Learning Coupon?

2011-04-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Lakeshore Learning and enter for a chance to win a coupon!!

We just received a 20% off a non-sale item!! It can be used online or instore.

Easter Preschool Theme - Preperation

2011-04-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we started preparing for our Easter Preschool Theme which we will begin soon! We thought we would share our purchases with you. We usually shop at Target (Dollar Area), Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby and Michaels.

So here is our shop!

And THEN we remembered our bagged up themes (should have checked before we started gathering):

We also found this 2010 magazine which will be great for our discussion on birds and eggs:

We haven't even started on this box, wonder what treasures it holds!?

Be sure to check back this week and next week to see how we used everything in our

Easter Preschool Theme!

You can also find an Easter Preschool Unit and Easter Mini Pack at our stores!

(Thank you for blessing our families! x)

New Easter Printables at CurrClick!

2011-04-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

Check out this second great

Easter Early Learning Pack

Sold at our CurrClick Store!

It includes

39 pages of printables,

and a 5 day plan!!

Created © by Alison Garza of Itsy Bitsy Learners

sold at CurrClick and TpT.

Some Original Artwork © by Angela Wenke of Resale Clipart available for purchase at Itsy Bitsy Learners.

Check out this other adorable Preschool Pack at Itsy Bitsy Printables!!

Thank you for blessing our families! x

Gardening Preschool Theme

2011-04-06T04:46:00.000-07:00

We have been having so much fun this week with our Gardening Preschool Theme! The girls have continued to play with their Gardening Sensory Tub , it's been wonderful to sit back and watch them explore this sensory tub.

They also enjoyed using their watering cans to tend to the garden:

During "Preschool Time", I filled their trays and boxes with gardening activities.

Missy-Mu-Mu used the Gardening Preschool Printables from Itsy Bitsy Learners, supplemented with the Garden Preschool Pack from Homeschool Creations.

For Cutie Tot I created a Garden Tot Tray for her using a felt farm house and our small world vegetable garden. She loved this and it kept her entertained so I could work with Missy-Mu-Mu:

They have had so much fun with the Gardening Preschool Theme and Gardening Sensory Tub!!

If you did a Gardening Preschool Theme or a Gardening Sensory Tub,

please leave a link in the comments section!

You can also find

Gardening Preschool Printables

at our store.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Gardening Sensory Tub

2011-04-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

The girls had SO MUCH fun with their

Gardening Sensory Boxes!

The total cost of one box was $4!

We used plastic shoe box, soil, artificial flowers and child size trowel and cultivator.
Ours was a simplified version of the Gardening Sensory Tub posted by Homeschool Creations and Counting Coconuts!

Here are the girls enjoying their Gardening Sensory Box:

Visit our other posts for more Gardening Preschool Theme ideas!

You can also find

Gardening Preschool Printables

at our store.

Thanks for stopping by!!

April Newsletter Coming: Sign up for Easter Freebie!!

2011-04-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

Make sure you sign up for the

April Newsletter being sent out on April 9th 2011!

We are giving away this cute counting mat to all Newsletter Subscribers!

You can only get this

printable free via the newsletter,

after which it will be part of a bigger pack in our stores!

Don't forget to tell your friends,

family and co-workers to sign-up too!

*Easter Egg Graphic (c) Angela Wenke Resale Clipart

Linked to:

April Fool's Sale ... So Good You'll Be Laughing!

2011-04-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Itsy Bitsy Learners
is having a

45% off sale for three days only

on select printables and clipart

(certain restrictions apply) .
Visit our store today!

If you are a newsletter subscriber and an account holder (prior to 03/31/2011) you can also use your 25% automatic club discount .. making that

a possible savings of 70%!!!

Make sure you check out our four new units also:

Tools, Gardening, Pirates and Easter!

Hope to see you soon!

(Thank you for blessing our families. x)

New Button For Itsy Bitsy Learners!

2011-03-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have finally made time to create
a new button for this blog!

That leaves only 99 more little jobs to complete.

If you like this blog please consider adding it to your blog.

Also,
if you have the old version please swap out the code.

Please feel free to also use this button if we mentioned your blog
and you want to add us to your Featured On section!!

So without further ado ..... Dah! Da!

Now .... I'm off to clean the kitchen and hush the kids for hopefully the last time tonight. Hopefully.
Thanks for stopping by!x

New Printables: Easter!!!!

2011-03-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this great

Easter Preschool Unit

exclusive to Itsy Bitsy Learners!!

It includes

65 pages of adorable printables,

that I know your Preschooler and PreKinders will love!

Created © by Angela Bergman

sold at www.itsybitsyprintables.com.

Original Artwork © by Whimsy Primsy purchased at Digi Scrap Kits; and Scrappin Doodles purchased at Scrappin Doodles; and Original Artwork © by Whimsy Primsy purchased at Primsy purchased at Digi Web Studios.

Thank you for blessing our families! x

Small World Vegetable Garden

2011-03-30T02:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my "pack-rat" ways pay off. Sometimes. Hidden away for at least two years was this

small world vegetable patch.

I purchased it online at Lakeshore for $2.50!! I have since checked and it is no longer available.

I had kept it hidden as a possible stocking/ Easter basket filler. But it never made the cut. So today when I was wondering what to give the Girls I was so happy to find it! Especially as we are doing a Gardening Theme for the next couple of weeks!!

Small world toys are great for

sparking the imagination,

and developing role-play of real life events.

The pack contained TWO of everything:

The Girls really enjoyed playing with the set, and requested their doll houses. They made their dolls salad, had them tend to the vegetable patch and worked their pincers grips!!

We focused on the importance of healthy eating

and learnt the names of the different vegetables and fruits (including how they grow; in a tree, on a vine, below ground and above ground).

Fun, fun, FUN!

Thanks for stopping by and

Happy Gardening!!

Spring Art Box

2011-03-29T02:45:00.000-07:00

When I first came across art boxes,

I found them to be liberating from the cookie-cutter

arts and crafts,

I was so often expecting my children to create.
Strange really because when I taught preschool the focus was on celebrating the process.

When I began homeschooling (and more so childcare), I felt I needed to have a finished product from children that looked like something. It helped me feel like the day/week had been a success. But

I have never been a big fan of adult-directed arts and crafts.

That's why you don't see too many of them in blog posts anymore ... but if you were to come to my house you would see two little girls that everyday ask for their art box and the open ended materials that it holds.

My art basket

either takes the form of a $1 store purchased foil roasting pan or an old basket. Both are

shallow enough for the children to access at ease.

I add things to it as the week goes on and take away things the children have looked over repeatedly. You truly can adapt it to meet your child's needs!

Here is our

Spring Art Box:

Here are the girls creating

(adult supervision provided, adult direction eliminated):

The great thing is that whilst they are exploring freely, I can supervise and ooh and ahh at their creations from behind my laptop!

So whilst the idea of art boxes is not my own personal creation it is one that has

inspired me to nurture my children's creativity

and something which is now ever present in our homeschooling day!

Thanks for stopping by!

Learn For Le$$: Spring Inspired Printables!

2011-03-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

~~Urgh.~~ YAY!!! It's Monday! To brighten up the start of your (okay really I mean my) week I thought I'd do a round up of the great free and very affordable early years resources!

Spring Unit (Musings of Me)

Spring Thematic Unit (Ingles 360 available at CurrClick)

Gardening PreKinder Printables (Itsy Bitsy Learners)
Use the code GARDENINGFUN to get the PreKinder Pack for Free ($3.50 value)! Expires
03/31/2011

Gardening Around Grammar (Ingles 360)

Gardening Preschool Pack (Homeschool Creations)
Participants in the Homeschool Village Garden Challenge will receive a BONUS also!

April Showers (Our Little Monkeys)

S is for Spring (Ingles 360)

Spring Montessori Printables (Montessori Print Shop)

Do you have free or very affordable Spring inspired printables?
Leave a direct link in the comments and I will add you to the list!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Create your own Easter/Spring Printables!

2011-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

We have just uploaded these cute clipart sets to our store!

Use them to create adorable educational printables for your children/classroom!

Price: $1.50

Available at Itsy Bitsy Printables

Price: $1 Price: $2.50

Available at Itsy Bitsy Printables Available at Itsy Bitsy Printables

We are a Licensed Reseller of Resale Clipart.

Thank you so much for blessing our family. x

New Printables: Spring Time Gardening

2011-03-24T02:45:00.000-07:00

Available from the Itsy Bitsy Printables store and just in time for celebrating Spring!
My daughters and I will be planting seeds next week so I was inspired to make these sets:

Thank you for blessing our family. x

Family Friendly Savings!

2011-03-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

I have done a quick round up of family friendly savings! When you sign up for these FREE offers you help support Itsy Bitsy Learners, as we are provided with a small commision!

Signup to get Access to $5.00-$10.00 in coupons plus enjoy your favorite Kellogg brands for less with money-saving coupons! Get special offers and promotions. Be the first to know about new products and the latest innovations at Kellogg. Receive the tastiest Kellogg recipes!

Get a $20 off coupon for 4 people!

Have fun with friends, family members or co-workers at AMF Bowling Centers and find the nearest location to you!

Chili's Free chips and queso coupons. User signs up to get the email they are brought to a page that says Thanks for Joining and they can print coupon from that page.

Users can add coupons right to the stores grocery savings card. Stores Cellfire currently works with: Baker's City Market Dillons Fry's Gerbes Hilander JayC King Soopers Kroger Owen's Pay Less QFC Ralphs Scott's Smith's Carrs Dominick's Genuardi's Pavilions Randall's Safeway Tom Thumb Vons ShopRite

Thanks for stopping by!

Free Springtime Printable for Newsletter Subscribers!

2011-03-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Would you like to receive this printable?

Sign-up for the Itsy Bitsy Learners newsletter and we'll be sending it out tomorrow!

NO LONGER AVAILABLE - SENT OUT 03/23/2011 at 7:30am

Join Newsletter Here!

New Printable Pack: Pirates!

2011-03-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

Available from Itsy Bitsy Printables!

Pirate Preschool Printable for developing early learning (63 pages) contains:

-Alphabet Match

-Size Sort

-Word Cards

-Number Match

-Cloths Pin Clip Cards

-Missing Numbers

-Number Puzzle

-Patterns

-Match the Picture

-Number Sequence Puzzles

-Pre-Writing Skills

-Scissor Skills

-Puzzle Match

-Lacing Card

-Magnet Page

-Uppercase and Lowercase Sort

-Small, Medium, Large Sort

-Word Trace

Workbox Drawers on Sale!

2011-03-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a new system for your workboxes, Amazon.com is having a sale on some of the rolling carts!

Double Storage Cart With 15 Drawers-Multi-Color

List Price:	$145.00
Price:	$101.79
Sale:	$78.30
You Save:	$66.70 (46%)

Double-Wide Storage Cart with 12 Drawers - Multi-Color

List Price:	$109.00
Price:	$72.09
You Save:	$36.91 (34%)

Advantus Cropper Hopper Home Center Rolling Cart, 10 Drawer Multi

List Price: $79.95

Price: $54.26

You Save: $25.69 (32%)

Thanks for stopping by!!

St. Patrick's Day Printable Pack Available!

2011-03-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

AVAILABLE FROM PRINTABLES.ITSYBITSYLEARNERS.COM

St. Patrick’s Day Preschool Printable for developing early learning.
Includes the following activities:

-Alphabet Match

-Number Match

-Size Sort

-Match the Picture

-Word Cards

-Shadow Match

-Small, Medium, Large Sort

-Lacing Card

-Magnet Page

-Patterns

-Uppercase and Lowercase Sort

-Scissor Skills

-Pre-Writing Skills

-Word Trace

-Puzzle Match

I am here .. in spirit!

2011-02-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

Apologies for lack of posts this week ... I am packing the house .. landscaping the front yard ... oh and homeschooling .. I have posts a-coming ... just need to find an hour or two to edit ... thanks for your patience!

Montessori Course Winner!

2011-02-20T05:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Jessica of http://abcsofjesshouse.blogspot.com/! You have won the Montessori Wordwide Course!!

The winner was chosen at random, 1 being the earliest comment and 111 being the oldest.

Thank you to everyone that joined!

Preschool Craft: Heart Shaped Basket and Removable Bouquet!

2011-02-14T02:45:00.001-08:00

Create a heart shaped basket and removable bouquet! This is a fairly simple craft and it can be completed in one day! It makes a wonderful gift for Moms and Grandmothers! To complete the craft you will need:

- 4 Dinner Sized Paper Plates;
- Red Paint;
- Artificial Flowers
- Glue
- Stapler
- Scissors

Step 1:
Fold two paper plates in half and make a crease on the closed edge. Unfold paper plates.

Step 2:

Paint these two paper plates red. Place to one side and let dry.

Step 3:

Fold a third paper plate in half and cut the middle out. This will form the handle. Paint this red too. Let dry.

Step 4:

Cut another plate as shown in the photo below. This will form the base for the bouquet. Then glue artificial flowers on this. The more the better. Place this to one side to let dry.

Step 5:

Now it's time to assemble all the pieces!

Thanks for stopping by!

February's Sensory Tub: In Action

2011-02-13T02:45:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share some images of the children using our monthly sensory tub!

Thanks for stopping by!

Valentines Threading

2011-02-12T02:45:00.000-08:00

I saw a whole bunch of wonderful activities on one of my favorite blogger's site, Counting Cocunuts. But the one that really caught my eye was the Buttoning Hearts activity she had created for her son.

I had already done something similar during Fall where Missy Mu-Mu had to thread fabric leaves on a ribbon. However Missy Mu-Mu was a very reluctant threader in Fall 2010, so I thought perhaps the hearts themed one would "call" to her more ...and it sure did!

That's why I love the blogging world, it inspires and awakens us to all the possibilities we have put on the shelf or have yet to do.

Thanks for stopping by!

K5 Valentines Math Activities

2011-02-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

For these activities I used themed mini erasers and die-cut hearts (in pink and red):

The activities were used to provide hands-on-learning to Missy Mu-Mu's, Math U See lessons. We are currently working on the first line of the 100 square, which focuses on 0 - 9.

Missy Mu-Mu began by placing the cards in order from 0 - 9. I used different colors for odd and even numbers, which naturally creates a repeating ABAB pattern:

Then starting from zero she had to place the correct number of erasers above each numbered heart:

The end result is this:

Then later on in the week I added more numbered cards and we worked on recreating the first three lines of the 100 square:

We talked about how each coloumn has similar numbers at the end, the first column had all zeros, the second had all ones, and so on. We also looked at the rows and how they were similar.

Missy Mu-Mu REALLY enjoyed these activities!

Thanks for stopping by!

Just For You: Fitness Kit Giveaway!!

2011-02-07T02:45:00.000-08:00

I was so happy to receive my box from MyBlogSpark last week! Inside was a bunch of goodies:

The Review:

Progresso Soups are available in 40 flavors! We were given the chance to taste 5 of these, and by far our family favorite is the Light Chicken Noodle!

I often use these to make myself a quick lunch and LOVE the fact that light varieties have 100 calories or less. Even better they are packed with fiber and vegetables!

You could win:
One lucky reader will win a gift pack that contains a VIP coupon for a free can of Progresso soup, a yoga mat, water bottle, set of aerobic bands, sport headband and two sport wristbands to help you with your weight loss goals this year.

[Prize includes coupon for only (1)one can of soup]

Mandatory Entry:
1. Be an Itsy Bitsy Google Follower (see top of sidebar, with all the friendly faces!) and leave a comment letting me know.

Additional Entries (you MUST leave a comment for each one):
2. Be a Facebook Fan of Itsy Bitsy Learners;
3. Be a Twitter Follower of Itsy Bitsy News;
4. Tweet about the giveaway and leave a link to your Tweet in the comments section;
5. Be an Email Subscriber of Itsy Bitsy Learners;
6. Blog about this amazing giveaway with a direct link back to it (leave your post link in the comment section!)
7. Join the Itsy Bitsy Learners Newsletter!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

-Open to US only, and the prize will be mailed from Progresso through MyBlogSpark.

- The giveaway will be open until February 26th 2011 (6pm CST). Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Sunday 20th February 2011. They will have 48 hours to contact Alison Garza. After 48 hours the prize will passed to another winner, chosen at random.
- The winner will then have to provide me with their contact information to pass on to MyBlogSpark.
- The winning entry will be confirmed. So if you entered as a facebook fan ... I'll be confirming that you are, same with email subscribers etc.
- Alison Garza resumes no responsibility or liability for your experience or the contents/delivery of your prize.

I received a review pack containing 5 cans of Progresso soup, a yoga mat, water bottle, set of aerobic bands, sport headband and two sport wristbands. This did not influence my opinion in anyway. This review and giveaway opportunity were provided to me by Progresso through MyBlogSpark.

February's Sensory Tub 2011

2011-02-06T02:45:00.000-08:00

Here is the sensory tub the children will have access to this week, most of my supplies were located at:

Target (Dollar Section);

Micheals;

Various Dollar stores

Lakeshore Learning.

I normally let the children explore it without adult guidance the first week. Then as the month progresses I add

extenders to the tub, for example:

Finding cards that contain keywords or letters;

Transferring items into containers or themed ice-cube trays;

Threading items on to color coordinated pipe cleaners;

Finding objects and matching to a picture card;

Playing I Spy and having the child locate the item I am providing clues for.

Did you make a Sensory Tub for February? Please leave a direct link in the comments area to share with others!

Check out all the activities and resources on the Valentines Preschool Theme page!

Valentine's Preschool Activities

2011-02-05T02:45:00.000-08:00

Here are some simple and affordable Valentine's theme activities!

I found cookie cutters at the 99cent Store.

Use them as as a sizing activity.

Use them as a stencil.

Sort them from small to large, large to small!

I think I found these in the dollar section of Target?

Use them to make ABC patterns.

You could also use them for fine motor development; opening and closing.

If you can think of any other uses please leave a comment below!

Check out all the activities and resources on the Valentines Preschool Theme page!

Field Trip: Woodlands Children's Museum

2011-02-04T02:45:00.000-08:00

The weather was really grim last Sunday afternoon, and the thought of entertaining the girls in the house was not appealing to me soooooOOOooo we jumped in the car for a mystery trip!

Missy Mu-Mu, hates surprises. So the hour drive in the car was filled with many whats, whys and wheres. Needless to say as soon as she saw the sign she was thrilled, as was little sister.

The girls enjoyed role playing with the fire engine ...

... in the big playhouse ...

... and in the grocery store!

They went fishing; learning about magnets and discovering sea creatures.

Discovered the effects of wind ... this was Missy Mu-Mu's favorite experiment!

Made a necklace; practicing threading and pattern making!

Enjoyed digging in the big pit!

All in all, a good Sunday afternoon!

(I also got to visit a new-to-me Lakeshore Learning store, where I splurged on Valentines stuff! The store was three times the size of the one I normally visit .. I was in homeschooling heaven!!)

Mom!? How do you make hearts?

2011-02-03T02:45:00.000-08:00

This week we had an impromptu Valentine's Preschool activity, which I always think have the most meaning. Missy Mu-Mu came and asked me how do you make a heart. She can draw them pretty well, but she wanted to know how you cut them from paper:

So I taught her how to fold the paper carefully and to draw a line on the creased edge.

She cut carefully on the curved line and was proud of the end result - a heart!

For 20 minutes she made heart after heart. Big ones, small ones, red ones and black ones.

She also learnt why you should draw and cut on the creased lines, showing that mistakes are in themselves valuable lessons.

Then she was done.

Check out all the activities and resources on the Valentines Preschool Theme page!

Arctic Preschool Activities

2011-02-02T02:45:00.000-08:00

Just a quick glimpse at some of the activities we completed last week for our Arctic Preschool Theme!

My five year old strengthened her problem solving skills with Arctic animal puzzles!

My 27 month old daughter completed an Inuit Puzzle.

We practiced size sorting from large to big, whilst emphazing our new keyword, Inuit!

We reviewed shapes and talked about animals that are found in the Arctic!

Thanks for stopping by!

Just For You: New Printable Coupons

2011-02-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

These are from Coupon.com and thought they might help a few homeschooling families:

$1.00 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Holiday Cookie

$0.40 off Pillsbury Sweet Rolls

$0.50 off Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls

$0.30 off Refrigerated Pillsbury Grands! Biscuit

$0.50 off Fiber One Chewy Bars 90 Calorie Bars

$0.50 off Chex Mix OR Chex 100 Calorie Snack

$0.50 off Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks

$0.40 off Totino's Rolls Snacks

$0.75 off Cascadian Farm products

$0.50 off Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough

$0.75 off Muir Glen Tomatoes

$1.00 off Pillsbury Sweet Moments Refrigerated

$0.50 off Gardetto's Snack Mix

$0.75 off Frozen Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits

$0.50 off Yoplait Kids Yogurt

$0.75 off Yoplait products

$0.40 off Pillsbury Italian Meal Breads

$1.50 off Wanchai Ferry Frozen Entrée

$0.75 off Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza

$0.55 off Cocoa Puffs cereal

$0.75 off Cinnamon Burst Cheerios cereal

$0.75 off Chex cereal

$0.50 off Pillsbury Toaster Strudel Pastries

$1.00 off General Mills cereals

$0.40 off Betty Crocker Cookie Mix

$0.40 off Yoplait Yogurt

Free Portrait Package & 50% OFF

$1.00 off any Garnier Fructis Style Product

$2.50 off any 2 packages of U by Kotex* tampons

$3.00 off on any K-Y Brand Product

$2.00 off any shade of Feria

$3.00 off Garnier HerbaShine Color Creme

$1.00 off Garnier Fructis Shampoo or Conditioner

* This is an affiliate link, Itsy Bitsy Learners earns a commission from leads.

Family Fun Nights: AMF Bowling $20 off 4 People!

2011-02-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Have fun with friends and family members at AMF BowlingCenters! . You can get a $20 off coupon for 4 people. For more information and to find your nearest location click the image!

*This is an affiliate link. We earn a small commission.

Four Ways to Use Valentine Measuring Cups and Spoons

2011-01-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

I found these heart shaped measuring cups and spoons in the dollar area of Target:

I plan to use these in at LEAST four ways:

1. To learn about volume/capacity

Using a large cup and a small spoon to learn about volume/capacity and strengthening cognitive

development.Posing the question, can you fit a large cup of rice into a smaller cup?

They will also be allowed to free play with them with rice.

2. In directed art.

They will be encouraged to make heart prints with them using various shades of pink and red paint.

3. As a sizing activity.

The children will be encouraged to place them in size order.

4. To strengthen transferring.

Most likely incorporated with the monthly sensory tub.

That's all I have for now! If you can think of any other ways to use these ... PLEASE leave me a comment!

Check out all the activities and resources on the Valentines Preschool Theme page!

Raising Girls #1: Makeup for girls aged 8-12? Agree or disagree?

2011-01-26T06:29:00.000-08:00

This morning I received an email from my husband with the subject line, WHAT?!, I was thinking it was going to be one of those silly forwards but it contained a link to a post telling about a leading Retailers plans to sell make-up marketed at 8-12 year olds.

Now I could clearly see the need for the exclamation-question mark combo he had used. He is an elementary school teacher and the father of two young girls. One of which is three years away from being 8 (the age the above products in the article are marketed for). He is also not looking forward to parenting teenage girls!! It worries him (actually I think he's more worried about the strong wills they are already presenting, add this with hormones and he is freaking out - ha!).

Firstly, I 100% believe it is the job of the parents and extended family to keep their children on the right path (or at least the path you choose). However, lets not be blind to the fact that this is NOT the case in every home. Surely there is a moral obligation from retailers and this may to some people be crossing the line? I understand that just because it's on the shelf, I do not have to buy it. But should it be on the shelf in the first place?

I am a parent that refuses for my young girls to wear nail vanish, crop tops and shoes with heels on them. They are both five and under. This is our family's personal choice. When they reach an age we consider appropriate we will allow these things to happen, but what age is an appropriate age for girls? It seems retailers are pushing that line lower and lower these days, but what got me is that these products are "mother -approved"!?

I am a parent that cherishes the innocence of childhood. I personally don't like those shows where little girls are spray tanned and paraded in front of men and women, with the emphasis that beauty is the be all and end all of a females existence. I don't mind pagents so much after the age of 15/16, primarily because I feel at this age a child has a stronger voice. However I still do not agree with the sexualization of girls this age either. But below the age of 12? Really?! Yes, I let my girls play with princesses, but I also educate them in science and math. Anyway the thought of spray tanning Missy Mu-Mu and Soapilla exhausts me, those two don't sit still for me to even put their hair in bunches!

Am I the oddball these days? Was I the oddball? Because I am sure at this age I was still playing with dolls and into art, and not concerened about the latest shade of lipstick, mascara and eye shadows.

I'd love to hear your opinions on this, especially those of you from families with older girls 8 - 12.
Please do not name companies in your comments.

Valentines Printables!

2011-01-25T02:45:00.000-08:00

I have FINALLY finished my Valentines Printables --WOOHOO!! You can find them at Itsy Bitsy Printables, I am only offering one of the sets for free and this can also be found at the store, the others are included in the 50% off Sale! You can also use the code HAPPY2011 for $3 off a $6 purchase (certain restrictions apply).

The Newsletter Discount Club will be updated on 01/31. If you signed up for the Itsy Bitsy Newsletter as part of the recent giveaway, and wish to be included in the club, you must also sign up for a free account at the store and choose the newsletter option. I check the database once a month and add new newsletter subscribers then. You get 25% off all purchases and this can be combined with sales and coupon codes!! Refunds are not given for past purchases.

An adorable hands-on counting activity that encourages children to count from 0 - 10 and develop visualization for quantities!

This adorable set will meet every child's level of cutting and challenge them!

Thick guidelines help the child understand where they should be guiding the scissors. A Parent/Teacher information sheet is also included to help you decide which level your child is at.

This adorable Valentine set is perfect for Preschool to Kindergarten! It will aid you in teaching ABC sequencing and letter recognition!

The children help the cupid shoot the heart on these adorable tracer pages!

Attach the hearts to clothespin and have children match numbers to numbers whist strengthening their pincer grip (this printable is FREE!!).

That's all the Valentines printables for now, thanks for stopping by!!

Winter Theme Round-Up

2011-01-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

To finish off our Winter Preschool Theme we:

Punched, pinched and prodded white playdoh. Working hard to strengthen those small muscles!

We made paper plate snowmen. My youngest worked with me pointing to where she wanted me to squeeze the glue. My oldest assembled everything herself (much to the disgust of my two year old!)

We played with InstaSnow. This was a HUGE hit!!

We played with dyed icecubes and miniature snowmen. Another mega hit!!

Missy Mu-Mu (5 yrs) made a foam snowman by herself.

As part of our Math-U-See time we made a number line (0 -9) with snowflake stickers.

With the remainder of the stickers we created a snowy scene!

Then on Friday the cold north wind arrived in Houston, TX! I had to find their hats and gloves that I had packed away for our move to Wales. It NEVER gets that cold that quick here.

That pretty much sums up the end of our Winter theme, thanks for stopping by!!