Workshops get Rave Reviews! Join us!

Join us in Southern California! The 2009 Fall/Winter Workshop Series currently runs through December 10th, and takes place from 9:00am to 12:00 noon.

The current hands-on workshop series, Math, Science & Sensory Play, is getting rave reviews from early childhood professionals as they learn new skills and re-charge their batteries in experiential workshops led by Anna Reyner, Training Director for Discount School Supply. Check out these photos from the first two workshops!

Get a substitute for your classroom and gain three (3) Professional Development Hours, practical classroom ideas and a renewed energy for the important work you do with children.

Hope to see you at the next session! Register now!

Southern CA 2009 Fall/Winter Workshop Series

2009 Fall/Winter Workshop Series
Math, Science & Sensory Play: Engaging Active Learners - Register now or Download the Brochure to learn more!

Make math and science an exciting part of your everyday curriculum! This workshop combines lecture, hands-on and small group activities in a creative and highly motivating atmosphere. Experience dozens of new math and science activities based on sensory play and "high-touch" learning for children ages 3-5. Participants will experiment with math and science activities as well as exchange ideas with other early childhood educators.

Learn more about the 2009 Workshop Series. Plus, find live action photos and comments from previous workshops below.

"Really creative ideas - I learned a lot and had a great time" - Corinna Castillo, Site Director, YMCA of Santa Maria Valley

"Informative, fun and easy to follow!" - Michelle Massen, Childcare Leader, Conejo Valley United School District

"WOW! My favorite work shop in ages!" - Pauline McCall, Director, The Learning Experience

"These are fantastic workshops! Thank you and keep them coming!" - Christina Cabrera, Assistant Executive Director, Camp Fire Boys & Girls Club

Register for the 2009 Fall/Winter Workshop Series today!

Fall Crafting Fun - Colored Glue Leaves

Something fun to do with young children this time of year is explore the seasonal changes we see all around us. Whether you live in states where autumn colors abound or not, one commonality during the fall is falling leaves. In the yard, on the streets, at school-- it's easy to spot some leaves on the ground someplace. This Colored Glue Sun Catchers craft is a classic, but a favorite. It gives children the chance to explore light refraction and reflection and color blending, and each student can make a leaf as unique as they are. Here's how we make them:
1. Fill a 2oz. Nancy Bottle™ filled with clear glue and add a few drops of Colorations® Liquid Watercolor.
2. Stir with a craft stick to mix.
3. Apply the colored glue onto a sheet of acrylic in leaf shapes or use patterned rubbing plates and allow to dry flat for 24-48 hours.
4. When completely dry, peel off and make a small hole for hanging.
5. Try using different colors in a pattern for a unique effect.

BioColor® Flowers

Summer flowers are in full bloom so it's time to be inspired by the brilliant colors of nature. Children love making these simple fold-over flowers using brilliant BioColor®.

Simply take white construction paper, fold it in half, and place dots of BioColor® along the middle of the fold. Re-fold the paper and press around the BioColor®. Open the fold and let the BioColor® dry thoroughly. Once dry, cut out your flower shape and attach a craft stick stem. Create leaves from additional construction paper or painted paper plates. Glue them together and enjoy as individual flowers. Or better yet, create an elaborate class mural and have everyone paint the background and then add their own flowers. You'll find lesson plans for both these ideas in Smart Art 2.

Enjoy your summer and keep those gardens blooming!

"Ocean in a Bottle" - Creative Outdoor Science

It's summer again and the perfect time for outdoor activities. Ocean in a Bottle captivates children and leads the way to science discoveries. Simply add Colorations® Liquid Watercolor and BioColor Shimmer Powder to plain water in any clear plastic bottle. Cap tightly and shake it up vigorously. You'll immediately discover your bottle is full of swirling "oceans" of shimmery colored waves that stay in motion long after you've stopped shaking your bottle.

What's happening here? What principle of science does this exciting project illustrate? Water molecules, or H20, are invisible to the eye. If you shake up a water bottle, the water molecules begin swirling around quickly but you can't see them move because they're invisible to the eye. In this project you are "tagging" the water molecules with color and shimmer powder (a non-toxic micro glitter) which enables you to see the water and how it is set in motion as you shake it up. There is so much to the world around us that we cannot see without a microscope. Welcome to the fascinating world of earth science!

Complete directions are outlined in the Smart Art Lesson Plan attached. Instead of Colorations® Sticker Glue, use Self Adhesive Art Foam Shapes to decorate each bottle. Enjoy your summer!

Scraper Art, Arts & Crafts with BioColor - Video