Colors Unit, Part 1

Baby Bear takes pride in knowing his colors. Even though he already knew many, I decided to do a colors unit with him because he found them so fun an fascinating. During this unit we were able to add a few new colors to his repertoire and to extend his color knowledge from recognition to association.

Each day we focused on one color in particular. I introduced each color of the day when I helped Baby Bear dress by handing him a shirt that corresponded to our focus.

We started the unit by reviewing colors he already knew by making fun, tactile collages.

I also made a special meal each night to match the color of the day. For the most part, I was able to avoid using a ton of food coloring, but this wasn't always possible (or practical). For example, one night we had blue pancakes and blueberries with blue milk.

Shortly before we began this unit, Baby Bear started learning how to use safety scissors. One of his favorite activities was practicing cutting a piece of colored paper.

Every day, we also read a book to go with our color. Baby Bear's favorites were Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, and Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle.

Bowling for Soap

Not to be mistaken for the band called Bowling for Soup. ;)

I am one proud (and amused) mama bear at just how creative my Baby Bear can be sometimes. For example, after returning from a shopping trip, Baby Bear dug through the grocery bags looking for anything I might have bought for him. To my surprise, he got pulled out the package of bars of soap, got very excited, and started exclaiming, "Blocks! Blocks! Play with blocks!" No matter how many times or ways I tried to explain that they were bars of soap, not blocks, he insisted he needed to play with them. I finally opened the package, intending on showing him exactly what I meant. Instead, he showed me exactly what he meant when he grabbed the bars and started stacking them like blocks.

Our family spent all evening playing with bars of soap!!! First, we built with them as Baby Bear had wanted. Papa Bear had fun finding new architectural designs. Baby Bear enjoyed knocking every new structure down. Then, we set them up like bowling pins, rolled a ball at them, and bowled for soap. This was a huge hit with Baby Bear! Remind me why we parents buy our kids toys again?!

 So, if you're facing yet another rainy, cold day and need a fun new activity to turn to, try bowling for soap! It's good, clean fun! (Wocka wocka!)