A Letter to Santa- Free Preschool Printables

Practice writing letters to Santa! Enjoy these Free Preschool "Letter to Santa" Printables created  by Classified: Mom! Have your preschooler trace the "Dear Santa," and work together to write Santa a formal letter or just a simple list of items he or she desires!

Download Here

Download Here

Download Here

Download Here

Disclaimer: The Free Preschool "Letter to Santa" Printables are for your own enjoyment! Please do not sell these or claim them as your own! You may download as many as you would like and feel free to share- but please link back here! The graphics used to create these free PDF printables are copyright free and the source can be found here. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns- thanks!

Quick Nutritious Snacks for Busy Moms

I wish I had stayed the course my first year of college and continued my Associate's Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. Don't get me wrong, I never second guessed my career switch into the field of education; I just always wished I would have pushed through the Chemistry classes and obtained a degree in Nutrition first before I chickened out and moved on. To this day I am still passionate about exercise and nutrition; although I find it more of a challenge now to eat correctly having to juggle three children, adult life, a part-time career and this blog.

Most days I have to say I eat pretty well. However, there are those crazy days filled with tantrums and tears; deadlines and disasters that leave me either eating anything I can get my hands on or worst yet- not eating at all! If you have found yourself hobbling between the two- you are not alone! Recently, I have decided that it was time to take charge and take care of the glue that holds the family together- me! (And well, you too there mama!)

Snacks that are high in fiber and protein help fill you up and keep you full for a longer period of time. Combined with a glass of water, the suggested snacks below will keep you on your toes as you battle your day.

1. Hummus Wraps. Make these wraps in advance as a quick eat-on-the-run snack or lunch! Packed with protein and fiber- hummus wraps will help keep you full for a long period of time.

What you need:

• 2 T of Hummus (I prefer red pepper flavored hummus)
• 1 8" flour tortilla
• 1 T 2% Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• Veggies- your choice (I use lettuce, carrots, green peppers and tomatoes)

What to do:

• Spread the 2 T. of hummus onto the 8" flour wrap, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mixed vegetables.
• Fold wrap accordingly and secure in clear wrap. 
• Keep refrigerated for a quick food to grab on the go.

2. Momma's Trail Mix. Mixed with dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, bananas, etc.) and raw nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.) add some multi-grain cereal- forget about the chocolate (unless it's dark) to make this a super healthy snack. Make into separate baggies to have as a simple "pick me up" snack.

3. Ants on a Log- don't underestimate this powerful, kid friendly snack- it's loaded with protein and fiber and is super easy to make. Simple wash and cut celery, slap on some peanut butter and add some raisins. So good even my kids enjoy it.

4. Popcorn (low fat- better air popped) and a cheese stick. Don't have time for air-popped? Purchase a single bag of good-for-you popcorn for a snack high in fiber. Have your popcorn go on a date with a mozzarella cheese stick and you will have the added protein to keep you full.

5. Apples and Peanut Butter. Okay, so maybe I am a peanut butter freak. But it is a serious protein filled food that eaten in moderation (due to fat content) is a simple, quick and nutritious food! Simply slice up an apple (with skin) and dip it into peanut butter for a yummy snack.

Other suggestions. Making small changes in your diet is key to keeping healthy. Switch from white to whole grain for the added protein and fiber. Eat breakfast! Eggs are also a great source of protein- coupled with wheat toast and you have yourself great start to your day.  Eat your fresh fruit and veggies AND remember to drink plenty of water!

Positive Behavior Modification- Free Printable

When Time-outs don't work, it is time for you to find another effective discipline tool. I am a firm believer that you never stop learning- even if something is your “craft” or “specialty,” there is always room for improvement. (So strange coming from an educator- huh?) Throughout my short 4.5 5 years of being a parent, I have enrolled in various parenting classes and read numerous books. I took these classes and read these books so I could, for lack of a better term, “enhance” my parenting skills. Every class I took emphasized on one aspect of discipline- Time Outs. Yes, the BIG T.O. of discipline. The instructors of these parenting classes and books give you the guidelines, the do’s and the don’ts, but never really covered the will not’s or the “doesn’t affect my child” aspect!

I found time-outs to be more effective with my first born, although I have to say he never really learned anything from them. I found it to be more of a break from the situation (and for me) than an actual learning experience. Now, I am not saying that time-outs NEVER work- they do, I feel it is more how your individual child handles them. Time-outs influenced him more if he were to sit out from a group activity than if he were to just do something in the private of our own home where he would scream “No I don’t want to” for the entire duration on the time-out step. But, he did stay in one spot. I do have to say that I am very fortunate that neither one of my children will get up and leave from that spot once sent there! My humble apologies and empathy goes to you if you have a child that does refuse to sit ;-(

My daughter, now 2 years and a few months 3 years of age, thinks time-outs are funny. It is so frustrating when I put on my “Super Nanny” face, go through the time-out routine (say sternly, face to face why your child is going to sit in time-out) send her to the time-out step only to have her display a smirk that would make you cringe! Once in time-out she sings and talks to herself. So a time-out is more of a place where she can spend some “me” time and not reflect whatsoever on the issue at large. I (stupidly) still set the timer and ignore her tactics, but am convinced that it really just does not affect her and that she sometimes prefers to be there.

So, I called in the forces (again*). I taught preschool and subbed in on enough Kindergarten classes to know that not everyone uses time-outs all the time. What I find to be more effective at home has all ready been used in many elementary and early education classes for years. The “Traffic Light” concept is a beautiful tool because it not only allows the child to physically see that they are having a “rough day,” you can also carry this system everywhere you go and use it in conjunction with a time out! I used checks,  but you can use faces, x’s or whatever your heart desires. Have your son or daughter decorate their self by using crayons, markers and stickers (as we have done). I found it more of a lesson if the child himself flips over the check to green- to yellow- then to red. I usually use green as a first warning and an age appropriate time-out. Yellow is a second warning, an age appropriate time-out and I take something away. Red is the BIGGIE- time-out, something is taken away and early to bed. This may be too harsh for you (or not enough) but believe me, once you find your groove; I find this to nip bad behavior in the bud pretty quickly.

Add stickers to the pocket to make in more personal.

As I said- I am not against solo time-outs, because they do work for some, if not most children. If you are all for time-outs, great- just make sure to pick a time-out spot that is not the child's bedroom, that is just out of reach to human civilization and is boring. I have a set of steps that I use off of my kitchen; so my children can hear everything, see a little and participate none. However, if you have a little darling like mine, or are over using time-outs, you need a different system or you are just wasting both of your times. I provided you with a free template- but hey- get creative with your “Traffic Light” chart. Just make sure you make it so that it is portable and laminate it so it doesn’t fail due to wear and tear. Teachers purchase pockets from teaching stores, but it is just as easy and less expensive to make one yourself. This tool became so effective in my household that all I had to say is “you want a (insert color here) check?” and the behavior stopped on a dime!

Example of the Green - Yellow - Red Free Printable

I would like to share this with you- click here for the FREE Printable I created and used in my home!

For more on behavior modification click here.

***Please Note: this is a re-post. The original post was written my first month of blogging. I actually was able to put these checks away for a while, until my daughter hit 3- which is a lot harder than 2! Read here for that story. I wanted to share this once again. Enjoy!

Father's Day Keepsake

Need a fun, yet inexpensive present for your children to make for dad this Father's Day? The following craft can be done using wooden pieces (as shown) or with construction paper.

Classified: Easy and is great for all ages.

What you need:

• Wooden letters that spell out DAD, DADDY, FATHER, PAPA, GRANDPA, etc.
• A wooden plaque
• Acrylic paint
• Photos of your children
• Cardboard
• Foam adhesive tape
• Sponge or paint brushes
• Acrylic sealer
• Scissors
• Glue

What to do:
1. Discuss with your children what their dad's favorite color is. Have them paint the wooden plaque.

2. Using a different color- or a shade darker or lighter than the plaque- have your children paint the chosen letters.

3. Paint your child's hand and print it onto a piece of cardboard.

4. Allow all pieces to dry.

5. Glue together accordingly. When glue is dry, protect with acrylic sealer.

6. Using the foam adhesive tape, tape the photographs to the wooden plaque to give it a 3-D look and feel.

Some Fun Books About Dad:




These make a fun gist for dad and is a wonderful keepsake!

June is Internet Safety Month

June is Internet Safety Month and is a time in which awareness is raised to make certain that our children stay safe while online. As a computer education teacher, it was part of my curriculum and personal duty to teach my students about cyber bullying, luring and stalking as well as being safe on the Internet.

It is never too early to teach your child how to be safe online. In fact, when I first started teaching computer education (about 9 years ago) my first job was teaching preschoolers. You better believe I taught them all about Internet Safety. When presenting the "Keep Safe While Online" concept to younger children, closely tie it to the stranger danger concept. Example: Never give anyone your full name, address, or phone number. If you instill this concept at a young age, it will soon become second nature. Just as the 'Stop, drop and roll' fire safety slogan rolls of their tongues- yet how many of them will ever catch on fire. Prepare them for the what-ifs.

It is very surreal to older children that an actual human being actually exists on the other computer. Sometimes they have an alter-ego while on the computer and firmly believe that no danger may exist. I would often propose the following scenario to this age group: "You are at the park and a gentleman in his 30's approaches you. He says his name is Jim, that he is 14 and goes to a local school. He likes to play soccer, hang with his friends and eat French fries." I would ask: "Would you give this man your name, phone number or address? Would you feel comfortable meeting him somewhere alone?"

More times than not, I got the response "But you said he was 30 so he looked 30 right? Then no, I would not give out any of my information to him." Pleased with this response, I then would compare it to being in a chat room. Only this time he sends a photo that he cut and copied from online. The connection is then made.

You cannot possibly be over your child's shoulder in every situation over the Internet. Your best defense? Teach them and educate yourself about Internet Safety. Some quick tips for you to discuss with your child:

• Never give out any personal information with anybody that you meet online.
• Never share your password, but please do so with your parents.
• If something someone says makes you feel uncomfortable, turn off your computer screen and tell an adult.
• Never, and I mean NEVER meet anybody that you meet online!

For further information, please visit the sites below. It is a great reference for you as a parent and for your child as well!

i-SAFE Inc.

FBI Guide to Internet Safety

Safe Kids.com

Stop Cyber Bullying

If you are interested in learning about educational software to help teach your child about Internet Safety, please do not hesitate to contact me.

What Daddy's Do Differently

I am a nurturer.

I am the one they run to when they fall and get a "boo-boo."

I am the one they want a bed-time story from at night.

I am the one that they ask for when they cannot sleep.

But there are things that Daddy provides for them that I cannot. At times it is hard to pinpoint- the exact Daddy charisma that draws our children to him. But it is there.

My children go to Daddy when the need to wrestle and play rough. They know that mommy is too "gentle" when she wrestles and battles with her boys and is way too nice when her little girl participates. She knows that Daddy is a gentle rough; although she holds her breathe the entire time they play.

My children go to Daddy with an inquiring mind. They want to know how the world works and what they can do to 'fix it'. They enjoy watching Daddy take things a part and put it back together again. I am always annoyed when I cannot open a jar of something and my kids suggest that I let Daddy give it a try- he is good at fixing things.

My daughter goes to Daddy when she wants extra attention. There is something special about a father-daughter bond that I will never experience with my daughter. I am very envious of that special bond, but know how daughters need their fathers.

Daddy is intellectual, strong and rough. My children wouldn't want him any other way.

Father's are definitely special and have their own way of child rearing that I am often amazed about. What does your child's Daddy do that you cannot? Does it drive you insane? Do you caught up in the moment and just take a step back in wonder and aw?

When Mom is Sick- A Poem by Yours Truly

When mom is sick,
there is still work to be done-
the dishes do not wash themselves;
and the children still need to have fun.

When mom is sick,
nothing seems to go her way.
Kids won't nap, temper tantrums to throw-
it feels like forever in a day.

When mom is sick,
she tries her best to fight through it all.
She makes the bed against all odds,
and completes each important telephone call.

When mom is sick,
the world still goes on- though she is down.
She puts her best foot forward and completes all tasks
with a half smile and never a frown.

But when other family members are sick,
it's rest, love and bed for them all day.
Mom becomes a doctor, a nurse and a waitress-
and you know what? She wouldn't want it any other way!

Side Note: I had my poetry published by age 15 in National Poetry Books, as well as local newspapers. If you ever read my poetry then, you would of never guessed that I wrote the above. It's a far cry from the dark, lonely child I once was.

Kid's Craft- Easter Bunny Hat: Learning About Ovals

If there is one theme that I love teaching the preschool aged child, it would have to be the concept that shapes can create anything! If you have been visiting my blog for a while now, you may have noticed that I incorporate shapes into a lot of my lessons for preschoolers ( Valentine's Day Luv Puppy Puppet, Shapes Clown for example). Aside from teaching color theory, shapes are another great foundation to teach a young child. Why shapes? You can draw just about anything using the basic and organic shapes. Lessons like this are also great for a young child to learn how to follow step-by-step instructions. Allow for creativity when they chose to decorate and draw on the bunny's face.

Classified: Easy and is great for the toddler and preschool crowd!

What you need:

• 12x18" White construction paper
• Cotton ball
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Crayons and/or markers
• Stapler

What to do:

Preparation:

Cut two- 4x18" band out of white construction paper.

1. Cut out several white ovals; 1 large oval for face, 2 long ovals for ears, 2 small ovals for cheeks, 4 small ovals for bunny paws, two fat ovals for bunny legs) Older preschooler children can cut out their own ovals!

Step 1

2. Glue the bunny head to the center of the white strip.

3. Have your preschooler assemble the bunny head according to photo. Add long ovals for ears, and two smaller ones for cheeks.

Example

4. Glue on the bunny's paws and legs (2 paws in front and one small oval + one smaller oval makes one leg). See photo. Draw a face on the bunny. If they chose, allow them to add spots, stripes or anything else they wish for their Easter Bunny. ** My daughter gave you a lovely example.

Step 4

5.  Turn the hat over and glue the second strip to the back of the bunny's head as shown.

6. Allow to dry.

7. Once glue has set, use the "head band" strip and measure the child's head. Note: you may need to add another piece of strip of white paper, depending on the size of your child's head. Don't forget to measure the white strip that will go over the child's head as well.  It doesn't have to fit perfectly, just make sure it's not too tight.

8. Staple together.

9. Glue cotton ball to the back of hat for tail.

10. Dry.

11. Hop around and enjoy!

Lesson add-on:

• Compliment this craft with a great book, such as Peter Cottontail!
• Make each bunny a different color and put on a play.
• Learn some facts about the Easter Bunny and present them to your class. 
• Make it into a science project and learn about rabbits.