123 Baby You + Me
Educational Explorations
· Create a two-way “phone” using string and a tin can.
· Take turns “talking” to each other using scat syllables.
· I particularly like these finger puppets because they are a glittery pink, and who doesn’t like a pop of color every so often? They add some ‘pazaaz’ and silly fun whilst also aiding in keeping her attention— win win! Find them for purchase ($10) on Etsy
Let’s Jam!
In the month of January we are exploring African, Jazz, and Motown music with a focus on sharing acts of kindness. Artists like Diana Ross, The Jackson 5 and The Temptations were well known artists of their era to incorporate jazz in some of their music. Our little ones will learn all about scatting! (A type of jazz singing characterized by improvised sounds). Feel free to explore these songs and keep your eye out for our “song of the day” calendar.
· Douyorre | Famoro Dioubate (lullaby for the babes from @putumayo_world_music)
· Little Lamb Jam | Oran Etkin with Charenee Wade
· Somewhere Over the Rainbow | Aretha Franklin
· ABC | Jackson 5
· It’s Martin Luther King Day | Music Moves In Me
Click image to view “Martin Luther King Day” video.
Winter Kisses Homemade Play-Doh with Peppermint Essential Oil
I feel like Play-Doh will never go out of style, it’s just one of those things that I’ll always fall back on when it comes to good ‘ole fashion fun & entertainment. (for the kids too!) Okay, all jokes aside, Play-Doh has been around for ages it seems (since 1956 to be exact!)
What You’ll Need
1 1/2 cups of flour
1/2 cups of salt
2 tablespoons cream of tarter
2 tablespoons coconut or vegetable oil
1 cup boiling water
Add blue food coloring
Add a few drops of a peppermint essential oil, that will add a festive scent
Add texture by adding blue and silver glitter if you dare.
The How To
1. Start your water on the stove to boil
2. Combine the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and coconut oil in a bowl
3. Add food coloring to boiling water then add water to bowl with your mixed ingredients (take care with hot water and children)
4. Mix until ingredients come together as a dough
5. Once dough has cooled slightly, take it out of the bowl kneed thoroughly, this is the most important part
6. Wah-lah! Enjoy your play-doh!
Courtesy of Pinterest | @inspiremyplay
No Bake Oatmeal Energy Bites
If you’re like me, then you eat up any recipe that’s super minimal prep, quick to get on a plate and bonus points if it’s on the healthier side! These oatmeal energy bites check off my list, and I know they will definitely check off yours!
What You’ll Need
2 1/2 cups of quick oats
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini m&m’s (or mini chocolate chips, or both!)
The How To
1. Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl, use a wooden spoon or handheld mixer to thoroughly combine all ingredients together
2. Shape in balls (smaller 1 inch in size will yield about 30 balls)
3. Enjoy right away or refrigerate for 30 minutes and enjoy chilled!
(Store in container with lid in the refrigerator)
Courtesy of Pinterest | @spendwithpennies.com
Littles Reading List
Just like music, it has been so fun introducing Ellie to a variety of books. She’s starting to grab things, so it’s been funny to see her little hands crookedly hold up one end of a book. Here’s a list of age appropriate books the whole family can get in on!
