Hand Sewing

Hand Sewing

My 5 yr old decided she needed a squirrel to climb the trees with her in the backyard today. So, she decided to make one. We dug out our handy sewing book for children, located the animal patterns and luckily had some felt on hand to work with. :) I cut it out for her since our scissors aren't the best for cutting felt, and she sewed it together with a large needle and embroidery thread, Then she stuffed it and drew on the smile, and named her "Nutty" Then I attached button eyes and a cute little pocket to hold a "nut" for the squirrel. We just happened to have some buttons that looked just like a walnut, and worked perfectly for this project. :)







Then I felt sorry for my 2yr old who can't make her own lovies yet, so I made her Ellie the elephant. :) So fun! :)

More Hand Sewing

We made little felt pillow animals over the Thanksgiving holiday. We found the cutest little beginning sewing book that has all kinds of animal patterns. It is called My First Sewing Book hand sewing by Winky Cherry for ages 5-11 This is my childrens first experience using a pattern, and first project to sew alone. They did a fabulous job. My 7 yr old sewed the Aligator, and my 5 yr old sewed the Unicorn. They sat down and did it all in one sitting too. It was just so super exciting to them. :) I should have had them make each other one for Christmas... hum maybe I still will, or they could make one for little sister.....

Pouring Water

I recently found a great little hand pitcher with a lid for my 2 yr. old to practice pouring water. It's really encouraged her to do more things for herself, and drink more water. :) This great little pitcher is from Montessori services. http://www.montessoriservices.com
They also have many different size glass cup sets. They have a HUGE assortment of little pitchers, cups, tongs.... lots of cool things. It's handle is just perfect for her little hands, and it's small enough she can handle it well. The sponge is for her to clean up any little spills she might make. My 5 year old also loves this. :)

Folding Clothes

My 2 yr. old just learned how to fold wash clothes and she is ever so proud. :) Allowing children to help us is so essential to their self worth. Yes, sometimes it takes a little longer, but in the long run it will save us time. :) Teaches helpfulness, and work ethic, as well as developing their motor skills.

Sewing

Hand sewing

Machine sewing w/

mommy's help.

They made each other
little sleeping bags for
their webkinz.

More transfer projects

Little ones are fascinated with the sound of the rice or beans, beads or whatever they're dumping into the other container. They also sense a feeling of satisfied accomplishment when they've successfully emptied one container into the next. Change the containers, utensils and material to transfer often, and this will continue to be a favorite activity for years. Always remember to start out with the full container on the left to instill the left to right reading skills for later. Below is a pic. of several different transfer spoons and tongs that we use. We also like chopsticks but they are for the older ones, maybe 4-6 yr olds.

Cleaning up

Children naturally want to help and be involved. Even at a young age a little one can be taught to help clean up messes, especially if they made them. :) Teaches responsibility, and self respect while empowering them to see that they can make a difference in their world.

Hammering shapes in cork

This is a favorite with all 3 children.

We found some wooden shapes and I drilled a small hole in the center of each shape. We take small nails and hammer them into cork to create all kinds of pictures. Builds concentration, eye hand coordination, and is kinda artsy too. :) They get very creative with this project.

Transferring objects from one bowl to the other. This strengthens the hand and coordination skills, and also the pincher grip needed to hold a pencil. Of course it is also building the good ole attention span.

Who says breakfast can't be educational too? :) Here my 5 yr old has strung her cereal on a string. Good eye hand coordination anyhow.

The joys of squeezing your own lemons for making homemade lemonade.

My 2 yr. old giving her baby a bath! :)