Basil and Grain Pizza Stone ~~ Review

I received this pizza stone to review.  I love stoneware pans to bake in and used to use them often.  But while we were in the military they seemed to always get lost, or broke that I stopped replacing them until Basil and Grain.

I jumped at the chance to review this stone, because I am now in a home where I feel the love to cook again.  Our last place I just hate the kitchen and didn't like to cook like I did when we lived in Texas.  Now I can't wait to bake and cook more.

If you read me when I posted before you know that I love to make bread and my family loves to eat it.  I have two favorite methods of baking bread, one is in or on stoneware like this Basil and Grain stone, and two in a cast iron pan.

When you get this stone one thing you are going to notice that is different from the stones you get at walmart and that is the weight.  This stone is heavy.  But solid now, know that with shipping breaks can happen.  I didn't have any as my stone was well packaged with padding on all sides.  They also included an instruction sheet that let you know how to condition your stone.

You wipe it down with a damp rag, don't soak it as you pain will take forever to dry.  Once you wipe it down to get the dust from transit and manufacturing off you put in your oven.  A cold oven and then you crank your temp as high as it will go and leave it there for about 2 hours.

Now when I did mine, I forgot that the oven was on until about 4 hours later and my husband turned it off.  My pan is fine.   There were no cracks, I did have a little discoloring but that is normal with stone.

Then I heated rolls on it for dinner,  It crisped up the bottoms so nicely and heated them so evenly they were yummy and perfect for our dinner.

Then I cooked a frozen pizza on it.  I am going to tell you something I was lazy and didn't wait for the oven to preheat.  The stone worked well and I had minimal sticking.  Now we put a second pizza in the oven on the stone after it was up to temp and it stuck a little more but it didn't shock the stone and the stone worked perfectly as it was suppose too.  But the pizzas those cheap little ones came out perfect.

This is the second pizza cooked on the stone.  Might be cheap pizza but it was good.

The stone is well made to allow the heat to get all around it and it heats everything beautifully.  And clean up is a breeze.  For me personally I haven't had to use more than a warm rag, I always place it back in the oven between use and normally I leave it in there when making other items for me it works.  I don't see my oven cycle to keep hot as much as normal.  And my stone is always ready when I need it.

I love Basil and Grain, I really can't wait to see what other kitchen products and hopefully stone pans they have.  As I feel they really support me as a cook.

You can get your own Pizza Stone Here

I did receive the pizza stone for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.  

Family fun ideas and activites for the long winter break.

Winter break starts at the end of the week for me and I thought it's time to come up with fun things to do.  Winter break is different than summer break for me.  Winter break is more fun than summer break but it's so short.  So I sat and came up with some fun ideas of things to do.  Some can't be done everywhere because where you live but I am sure there is enough here to keep you busy or inspire you as well.  Please share your ideas.   Some of these ideas are meant to reduce the time if front of the screen too.

• Up first is one of our favorite things, we do this year round it's family game night.  Now we don't have many board games and it's hard to find one that everyone can play but we have fun.  We also play a lot of card games my 6 yo is learn rummy.  It's such fun.  Lately we put on Christmas Carols and find we can play for hours before we know how much time has passed.  We are going to do this on new years with finger foods to snack on during the day!

• Next is one that involves screen time but is something we enjoy.  We are a large family of six and we don't get to movies much so we do them at home.  My popcorn is better anyways LOL.  So have a family movie night.  If you watch out you can find a code for a free red box movie rental but this time of the year there are many on tv.  We tend to get new dvds for Christmas too so if that's the case we watch one of them or even an old one.

• Before Christmas, go caroling I know no one seems to do it much anymore but you can get a few neighbors and print out songs from here and go and have some fun make some peoples days. 

• I know with the cost of gas these days this is one some people might cut back on.  But take a drive take some or get some hot chocolate and look at Christmas lights.  Nothing I have found gets a child in the mood more than Christmas lights.  Play some carols in the back ground and you have a family fun night without a tv.  Your area might even have a special display.  I know that my area does.  We have nature in lights.

• I don't know about your children but mine love to cook you can have a pizza party and depending on your skills depends on how much you do.  You can use can biscuits and have your children flatten them and top them as they like with their favorite toppings and bake.  Or you can make the dough together  and then make your pizzas.  You can also buy pre made dough as well.  The options are endless.  And if you want to add reading and writing to the mix, have your child make the shopping list before you go shopping and have them read it to you while in the store.   Don't forget to add a salad and help round out your meal.

• This is one I plan on doing on Christmas eve and Yule as we watch holiday movies, have a hot chocolate bar.  Before had you can cover spoons  with chocolate and sprinkles or the end of candy canes with chocolate too.  Don't forget the marshmallows which you can buy or make the same with your hot chocolate too.  Get some fun mugs and just have fun.  Oh and don't forget whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

• You can also make Salt Dough ornaments for your tree and you can do hand prints and foot prints as well.

• Weather permitting you can talk a walk through nature, there is such beauty this time of year. 

• Make gifts for your neighbors.  This could be a great thing to get to know them as well.  It doesn't have to be pricey here are some great ideas for something simple.

• Bake or buy some treats and goodies and drop them off at fire house, police stations and er remember those that are working on Christmas and Christmas Eve.  Please call and check what the rules are before you do this in your area some may not allow this.  But some may and this is a great thing to do with your children.

• Check out your local library for story hour and maybe even your books stores.

• Take some toys and books and donate them to the children's ward or hospital.  Again this one may vary based on rules please call ahead of time but think of the children in the hospital for the holidays.

• This one may lead to a new member of the family but call up one of your local rescues and see what you can do to help from cleaning cages to just walking dogs I am sure they will have something you can do to help them out.  And it's a bonus if you fall in love with one and give them a forever home.  Just please make sure your ready to be that forever home.

• Make snowman soup, which hot chocolate, marshmallows and what other toppings you like.

• A good old standby favorite make cookies, (these make great neighbor gifts walmart has tins for about 2-3 bucks each and the dollar store too)

• Go visiting at a senior center, bring a book and have your child read to the members, bring cookies, sign have fun.  Call visit and see the what the rules are.  I believe you want the Rec. Director when you call.  They can also help you visit those that don't get very many visitors.  I know many seniors would love this and children too. 

• Puzzles, pick up a few for the holidays and then spend a day as a family putting them together.  It's funny how something so simple can be so much fun.

• Weather permitting, have a snowball fight or get the neighborhood in on and it and have a block wide snowball fight, then have a hot chocolate bar to warm everyone up afterwards.

• Weather permitting, have a block wide snowman building contest, or coloring contest something that is fun.  Make the prize something simple.  The stuff to make smores or a tray of cup cakes or cookies.  It's just for fun remember.

• Now if you can't go out.  It's time to build FORTS and TENTS.  I have yet to meet someone who didn't have fun doing this.

• You could turn your living room into a drive in make cars out of boxes and have some yummy food and watch a good movie together.  Just a different take on family movie night.

• Read with your child, have them read to you.  Reading is fun.

• Plan a trip to the library.

• Have your children make and then fill out thank you cards.  Or spend the day scrapbooking memories from the holiday or the year leading up to the holiday.

I know it's a long list and I missed some.  Please add yours. 

How to get your children to keep reading and writing over the winter break.

I have fond memories as a child of winter break, from staying up to late to reading good books.  I even practiced writing my name.  I also watched way to much T.V.  but I also spent time with my family.  But I thought I would share some great ways to help your children to keep reading and writing over the break but to make them fun.

• Have you children make and write thank you cards.  I hate to say but this isn't something that I have done in the past and regret doing.  It wasn't something I was raised to do.  But this year we are starting it.  A few days after Christmas have your children start making thank you cards and help them write out a little note thanking the family member for their gift.  This lets them be creative by making the card, also thoughtful about the person that got them a gift, and it has them work on their writing skills.

•  Read holiday themed or any book aloud.   Reading out loud to your children is a great thing to do.  Even if you read just one short book to them it will help.  Did you know reading to children is something that less and less people are doing these days?  I don't like to read out loud but it's my goal to do it more.  Also have your child read to you as well.  This will help them with their reading skills and it will make them feel special.

• Write a winter break journal.  This is something great for those older children, just pick up a simple notebook or a nice special one and suggest that before bed they just write about their day, or their thoughts.  If they are really stuck (this is stolen from my step mom) have them write 5 things that they are grateful for that day.  These can be as big or as little as they want.  This could be fun and really get them thinking.

•  Have them help with the holiday menu.  My children love to help be it from reading a recipe to me to helping measure out ingredients for recipes.  This also helps with math skills.  Also having them follow the step in order teaches them following directions as well.  It's great how something so simple has baking cookies can be so educational.  You can also have them make menus for the holiday meal let them write out what your having and decorate them.  They can then put them on the holiday table.

• Have them help with the grocery list.  Before that last big shopping trip to the store for the holidays let your child help with the list.  Have them write out a part of the list for something that they want to make with you.  Like the items for making cookies.  And then make it their job to pick up those items at the store with your help.  This helps them with writing skills and their reading once they are the stop.  This would also be a great time to teach them about reading labels on products as well.

• Write their own holiday story.  Gather up some supplies to make your own book and have your child write their own holiday story.  This would be a great thing to do year have year and to save them.   And every year they can be one of the holiday stories that your read out loud during the holiday break.

•  Scrapbooking.  Now this isn't something that I have done in a long time but it is something I found fun.  You can have your children help you scrapbook your Christmas memories.  This lets them be creative and you can encourage them to write the captions on the pages which will work on their writing skill.

• Take a trip or two to the library.  I know everyone loves the feel a of new book.  I know that I do.  But there is something about a library and a child that is wonderful.  My children love love love the library.  To them it's like going to the store and really we sign out like every book we can and they read at least ten while we are there.  So take your child get them their own card if you can and teach them the love of the library.  Also find out about the library's story hours and holiday break programs.  They may have some that are fun and your child would like to try out.

• Don't be afraid of tech.  I know that there are children out there that think tech is the coolest thing in the world and the only thing that matters and that reading is boring.  I have a child like this.  I got him to love reading by putting his books on my ereader (I have a sony so pdf files work great for this).  I am also using it as a teaching tool.  There are many of the classics out there free like Alice in Wonderland, Robin Hood, White Fang and many more.  Also many of the bi g stores and ereader companies have software you can download on to the computer to read ebooks. Here is Nook for the PC, Kindle for PC, and Sony.  Some free classics to get you going. Free from Kindle, Nook, and Sony.  Other than a quick glance I didn't see tons for kinds but you can also barrow ebooks from the library so please look into that but this is a great start with the classics and some books for those older children in your home.  And some fun for yourself as well.

Now I am sure there are other ideas out there that I forgot.   I hope that this is a great jumping off point for you.  Reading is such a great thing and books are a great adventure parents and children alike.  I hope you have a great holiday season and winter break.

Is Spongebob like Real ocean sponges?

This is a power point i am working on for my little man.  I thought I would share with everyone getting geared up to start school

click pic or click here to download

feedback welcomed

The power of lemon and baking soda

Today while cooking my husband gave me my anniversary present well he gave it to my Autumn to give to me.  It was perfect.  Anyways I got to think we have our wedding goblets in a closet they can't be enjoyed that way so I had him get them out.  When I saw them I then remembered they were silver and I didn't store them right.  This is what we found.

Then I remembered that you can use lemons and baking soda to clean sliver thank goodness I don't have silver polish so I dug them out and cut a lemon in half and but some soda on it and used some elbow grease.  and man do they look better not perfect but much better.  See.

They are not perfect but you can see our names on them now. and well I am loving silver so they will be kept out from now on.  Remember that you may have what you need in a pinch in your kitchen.  I know I have the last few times and frankly I would rather clean with lemons.

Ps excuse the mess it was a busy day in the kitchen.

Apple bourbon pork tenderloin and sides all for 3.30

Yes the price in the title is right. Tonight's dinner was very good at a very good price.

There is only one way this meal was so cheap and that was smart shopping.  Here is what I did I happened to find the the tenderloin while looking for something else they were majorly price cut because they were going out of code in other words they were about to expire.  They were marked to 2.28 each.  That's a steal in and of itself, but they were the Hormel brand and I had a coupon for them and since I brought my binder I had them with me.  I had three and got three so in the end it cost me 1.28 each or 3.84 for all three of them which makes three meals for us.  Remember there are five eating right now soon six.

Get yours today free math program

Funnix.com

is giving away a free copy of there math program from June 1 thru June 26 so head on over to there site and get your copy today

from there site

Funnix Beginning Math is a 100-lesson computer program designed for children who have not learned beginning math operations.

Funnix Beginning Math will be available as a free download from June 1 through June 26. All components of Funnix Beginning Math are included in the download—100 animated computer-based lessons, workbook material, a teaching guide, and a placement test for assessing the child.

The program is unique in the sophistication of skills it teaches in only 100 lessons. Children learn different types of counting. They use counting by tens and counting by ones to solve addition problems that traditionally require carrying. For example: 45+35.

Be assured that this program is FREE. No hidden charges, gimmicks, or costs for handling and shipping. This giveaway is like the one conducted in January for Funnix Beginning Reading and resulted in over 41,000 free downloads.

Tonights dinner was nice and cheap 5.18

Tonight dinner was a simple one of mac salad and corn and brats for the adults and hot dogs for the kids.  Thanks to coupons I was paid to take the pasta out of the store, and got the hot dogs for .25 a pack.  thus making a cheap mean an the left over mac salad makes great sides for lunch too.

A big thank you!

I have to say thank you to all the readers from Fort Hood Savers.  And thank you to Fort Hood Savers for sharing my under five dollar blueberry muffin recipe which you can find here.  Fort Hood Savers is a blog for those wanting to save money and while she focuses on my area you can use her tips in your own area as she has nation chains on her blog to with coupon and sales match up and links to printable coupons.  And she is also feature cheap recipes so make sure you hope on over to Fort Hood Savers and follower her.  She also has a Facebook page as well.  And please don't forget to click follow for my blog as well as will keep posting cheap dinner ideas and recipes and so much more.  Thanks Again!

A nice and easy way to earn gift cards for the holidays

Just about everyone knows what swagbucks is and how you can earn pp or amazon gift cards well now BING.com has come out with there own way of earning gift cards and more.

First when you sign up you get 250 points, and a 5 dollar amazon gift card is 451 points so you are half way there.  I am at 266 in the matter of minutes.

Sign up and they have things for you to click that give bounus points for me tonight it was check the traffic I clicked the link and got 12 points and then I receive another point for every 2 searches I do up to 12 points a day until june fourth.

So hurry and sign up it's not hard mine is link to my hotmail account!!  Just follow this link

Help a friend out

Help my friend make her goal of 1,111 fans she only needs a couple more and trust me you will lover her blog The Screaming Penny.  She posts tons of great deals and thrifty meals and more.  So hurry up and like her!

We have buds

We have buds on our tomater plants aren't they pretty

We also have sunflowers growing I am late getting things this year but hope to hit up some great deals and get more plants.

Coupons coupons and more coupons

I just have more than I will use before they go bad so I am sharing with the locals who care to pick them up I will even be nice and let you tell me what you want please please please just take what you will use

This are a mix of ones from buzz agent that I have received for products I have tested, the paper and printables I will try and label what they are when I list them.

• (8) Save 3.00 Children's Claritin 6/30/11 (bzzagant)
• (1) Forumla Check Good Start 4.95 exp 7/1/11
• (1) $1 off one iams healthy naturals dry dog or car food exp 5/31 (might have more)
• (5) $1 off on 18 3 oz cans of fancy feast elegant medleys cat food any variety exp 8/1
• (5) $1 off on 24 3 oz cans of fancy feast cat food any variety 8/1
• (2) $1 off any one new temptations mixups treats for cats 6/12
• (2) $1 off one package of purina tidy cats cat litter any size any variety 8/1
• (2) $1 off on two packages of purina whiskers lickin's cat treats any size any variety 8/1
• (6) save $1 on one bag of purina kitten chow or purina cat chow anze (excluding 16-18oz) any variety 6/26
• (3) $3 off any one bag of nutro natural choice dry cat food 5/22 (I know tomorrow but i can hope somone needs it)
• (2) Save $1 on twenty 5.5 oz cans or 2 12 ct or 1 24ct or larger variety pack of purina friskies or purina friskies pouches an variety 8/1
• (5) Save $1.50 on one 17.6 oz or larger bag of purina god chow or puppy chow 5/28
• (3) $1 Off Iams Pro Active Health dry dog or cat food 5/31
• (5) Save $1 on one 4.4 lb or larger bag of purina dog chow or purina puppy 5/28
• (3) $1 off any one any size of pedigree marrobone treats 5/29
• (3) Buy 3 iams canned dog or cat food get 1 free 5/31
• (3) $5 any one bag of nutro natural choice grain free dog food 5/22
• (2) Save $2.50 on your next purchase of one 3.5oz package of purina pro plan roasted slices 5/31
• (3) $1 off one imas premium protection dry dog or car food 5/31

• (1) save 2.50 on hartz ultra guard flea and tick topical drops for dogs and cats 5/31

Book Review: Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family: Includes So Many Innovative Strategies You Won't Have to Cut Coupons

I just finished reading  Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family: Includes So Many Innovative Strategies You Won't Have to Cut Coupons bye Steve  Annette Economides (that is really there name.  And they have a website called America's Cheapest Family.  They have been featured on morning news programs, 20/20, and even the Dr. Phil Show.

This book was hard for me to get into, maybe because it talked about planning and lists and menus and all things I hate doing a rebel against.  But I forced myself past it and honestly learned a ton of great facts.  This book starts and ends with ideas on how to not only save money but your time as well.  This family focuses on family as well and this book is much more than just saving money at the store.  While I don't know about shopping only once a month (I shop twice now) they had other great ideas.

This book is a great read even if you already know how to save money at your grocery store or coupon.  Don't let the title fool you they talk about coupons and it turns out the husband worked with companies that made coupons and helped design them.  They also talk about the food traps that stores set up for you with sales that are not really sales.  Now we all probably know one season couponer that can tell you that a sale isn't that great like the 10 for 10 1 qt Gatorade when not on sale I can find them as low as .69 each.  

They talk of figuring out the cost per unit and buying going our of code meat.  Now I admit this is something I am not sure I am willing to do but I just met my local butcher and I love there meat in there freezer packs and it avg 1.85 a pound.  They also talked about how to save money on lunch meat with buying chubs and asking the deli to slice it.  The same with cheese as well.  These are all ideas I didn't think about before and will be trying at my local store.

Really this book has to many items and tips to list there was only one thing that bothered me and it was very little in the start of the book they talk about the great deals they find at a dented can store, and then later in the book talk about avoiding these items at the store for fear there is something wrong with them.  I know it's a little thing but it stuck out to me big time.

One thing that I really loved was all the charts and lists and stuff they shared and the family stories it made it easy to relate to them when you learned about them and there family.  They have a great few on family dinners and sharing stories and everything.   I loved the idea of some of the games that they played as well.

I would say this book is worth a trip to the library of even buying a copy to keep as there is so much in there you really want to start with one step at a time.  Other wise I think it would over whelm you and this is what they suggest as well.  I got my copy from the library but I think I will have to keep my out for a used or really cheap copy of it.  

This book also has lots and lots of links and other books they suggest you read to help you out on your journey to saving money and feeding your family healthy.  That brings me to a great point of the book it's about only buying what you need not what is free or on sale it's about how to get those healthy items cheaply that there are not normally coupons out there for.  I would call it a simple living book.  I would also say this would make a great book for well anyone.  I really suggest this book it might be hard for some to get into especially if you think you know all you need to know but please give it a chance and understand you take the ideas and make them work for you.  You don't have to it the way they do.

Mark those calendars free math program coming in June.

Are you a home school mom?  Do you like free things to try out for your children?  Well then mark those calendars for a free math program coming in June.  

Funnfix.com is launching a new math program in June and they are offering it free for a limited time.

They did this with there Reading program earlier this year and we really enjoyed the program.  For more information please visit there site here.

Free Movie!!!

A free movie I might just have to go it's been too long

Summer reading programs 2011 and how your kids can get FREE books

My oldest will be out of public school in one months time and it's scary to think about but I need to get some things ready for the summer. And since we need to work on reading I started with summer reading programs.



And Barnes & Nobel have one. You child can earn a FREE book after they read 8 books (free book comes off a list)

To join this program is easy all you need to do is go here and find the pdf to download or download it here

To find a store near you go here

They have a parents kit and an educators kit and in the end they are very much the same but I like the educators kit which can be found here



Now Boards also has a summer reading program. They double dog dare you to read ten books to get one free (starts June 1). Here is the link to download and print the form needed.

And the Free books are also limited but there seems to be some on there that my children will love you can find them Here

You can go here to find the store nearest you.



Now Hastings also has a program.

Theirs is call the Summer Book Club and from what I understand on there website is first you can download their reading journal. Which has many books listed in it. Not sure they are the ones you have to read, but pretty sure they are after you read them you do the book report and then take your journal in and get a sticker for it. I do know they offer coupons to help you get the books.

They also have where you can write an essay and you child has a chance to win a computer for themselves and a school of there choice (I don't know if homeschools count I will have to look into it but it might take time) and you can find that info here.

You can go here to find the store nearest you.

Now there are lists and lists out there for summer reading but I am of the mind that you should have your child read what they love first, light that passion for reading under them before you move on to the required reading if you can. I know as you go through school be it public or homeschool there are times you have to read something you hate. But I don't think fun summer reading should be that.

Most of these programs allow you and your child the fun in choosing what to read. Remember to check your local library for other great programs in your local area and it's a great place to get your books to read. Enjoy this time this summer and happy reading. I recently read that reading for fun is on the down slid I find that sad.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

National Kite Month

Not only is it National Frog Month but it's also National Kite Month. My boys and husband just love flying kites we got the boys some kites for Ostara.  To be honest I am not sure who had more fun the boys or my husband.  They started out front and ended up going to the park.  We had gotten the kites from the dollar store because I was trying again to see if they would like them.  They are on the list for Easter now as they played with them till they fell apart. (Note: dollar store kites only have 50 of string on them and you might want to change it out for heavier string. )  So naturally after finding out what month it was I had looked for the school stuff behind the kites to turn a fun afternoon into a learning adventurer.

Ricky truly loved learning about Ben Franklin and his kite and string. He thinks it was crazy but thought it was cool.  We are still working on this lesson but I can see the joy in his face as he learns.  This is what I have wanted for him it's perfect for him.

 My boys Kites on Ostara it was cloudy and windy but it didn't stop them.

Kites are a perfect tool to get your child to engage in so many subjects like art, history, math, science and more.  But lets face it they are fun.  So again I spent some time searching for things for my child to do and I found this great site with tons of stuff on it.

They also have a pattern to make your own kit out of thread and simple printer paper and you can find that here and the pdf here.  There are other patterns as well and you can find the one for the bubble bee here. 20 kids, 20 kites, 20 minutes this one looks fun and I think a home-school group would do great with it.  Here is a pattern for a paper bag kite.  And the Boka Boka Kite.

This site is full of lessons and lessons plans.  And this is a pdf on kites in the class room.  I think it's a great read.

Mrs. Jackson's Class has a ton of links for kites.  I haven't checked them all out yet but thought I would share anyways.

This blog has listed some of the books you can look out for to add to your lessons.  You can never have to much reading right?

And for the preschooler in your life or the little one that may need their own work to make it easy all around.

This is a pdf of how to make a kite with bamboo skewers and construction paper and a few other house hold items.

So take a weekend and go fly a kite, have some good old fashioned fun.  and if you don't want to make a kite there are many stores online in which you can buy one.  or if you want a cheap one there is the dollar store and walmart.  Also check out your craft stores as well they sometimes have them.

National Frog Month

National Frog Month

 

Did you know there was such a month?  I didn't not as a child and not as an adult.  But now I do and all I can think about is the fun that I will have with it. So why is April Nation Frog Month, because it's mating season silly.

So naturally I went on the look out for a way to make a fun quick unit for my son.  I mean it's frogs yeah they are slimy but I don't know any boy that doesn't like them.  I found a ton of stuff so the next few late nights will be getting a lesson plan together for next week.  But I thought I would share some of my finds.  Now you will have to check everything and see what fits your child and their learning style but I hope that it helps on planning something fun for National Frog month.

 Blue Poison Dart Frog

I have to say this link is kind of cool first you little one will love love hearing the different frogs they have one there and it also has some pre-made lesson plans.

This link is great for those preschoolers it has letter worksheets and crafts.  Oh love crafts and even some stories as well.

6 ways to tell if you are a frog  This is a cut thing to ask your children of all ages and teach them at the same time.

Wildlife coloring book has more than Frogs but it's pretty good.

About.com Nation Frog page more fun than anything.

Frog Fables and Parables

All about Frog

 Frog in Werlands

Life Cycle of a Frog

Now this can be such a fun think that you can take time to go over of make it into a whole unit study lesson. This first site I found is just full of info and I love they lay out.  It also has clip art you can use for lap books and worksheets as well as coloring pages. You really need to check it out for yourself.

This page is full of information and lesson plans for all ages I haven't looked at everything but what I have I enjoyed. 

Her is a simple craft for the life cycle of a frog great for the younger children. 

Life Cycle of a Frog Game Very simple and easy to use great for little ones. 

The life cycle in pictures pretty close to having your own frog.

If you like worksheets here are some for the life cycle of frogs.

 

Save the Frogs

Link to save the frogs site it has tons of info on it about save the frogs day and what you can do to help.

And of course check your local library for some great books on frogs.  Remember to have fun with it.  And since it's frogs don't be afraid to get a little dirty should you try to go out and find some.  Take pictures and make memories while learning.

Working on an Earth Day Lesson Plan

Earth Day

     With Earth Day around the corner I have been thinking about what I am going to do for it and how to make it fun for Ricky.  Then I remembered a fun little children's story that I am sure most of us have read The Lorax by no other than Dr. Seuss.  This is a great book for Earth Day and after a little time on Google I see that I am not alone in this thought.  There are many great jumping off places to use the Lorax in a lesson to teach about Earth Day and how to treat our home.

     A great place to start would be right in Dr. Seuss' back yard in Seussville.  This site is great they have video clips of some of the Cat in the Hat cartoons and some of Dr. Seuss' movies (previews).  They also have a Lorax lesson plan that can help get people started planning a lesson.  Ricky just loved the Lorax game that they had as well.  If your child likes printables and coloring they have that as well. 

     So this weekend we are heading to the library to borrow a copy of  The Lorax, and we are going to get the movie from Netflix.  While there we are going to see what other books they may have with an Earth day type theme. 

Smash! Smash! Truck Recycling As You've Never Heard It Before!  

Written by: Aidan Potts

We Planted A Tree

Written by:  Diane Muldrow

Baby Beluga

Written by:  Raffi

The Berenstain Bears Don't Pollute (Anymore)

Written by: Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain

              

      

     We are also going to go on a nature hike this weekend to get things started and to look at the trees and show why they are important.  We may even hit up a local nursery and check out what they have.  I am also thinking it would be a great time to get some transplants in and start a garden out 

back.

For other ideas I am going to be checking these sites.  In the end I am going for educational fun and to teach my child what I think is important and also to have this lead into nature study and and study of animals.  Every link I am sharing will have free content on it.

EPA Environmental Kids Club
The menu to the different sections is on the bottom under all the widgets it look ok.  the teacher section has some pdfs that you can check out as well

The Lorax Free Lesson Plans

Some of these would work for a child older than mine but there is still some great info on this site.

Blue Print for a Green School Curriculum Guide
This is easy to use put in the subject you want, grade level and how long you want the lesson and it pulls up ideas with links and stuff.  I have only played with it for a few minutes but I have liked what I saw already.

Green Teachers Celebrating Earth Week: It's Elemental
I just love the ideas on this page and can see them being a great jumping off point for us and many lessons.

Planet Pals
To be honest this site is cute just not sure it will work for us but I know there are so many out there that are looking for things that this might help.  there is free stuff on here and they have a store as well.

Energy Kids from the EIA
This site has lesson plans, games, riddles and science projects you can do with your child and it's educational on energy as well.  I can see my 5y.o. enjoying this site as well as my oldest who is 10.  I am sure we will wrap something from here into our earth day lessons.

The Lorax Saves the Trees Game
Ok my son hasn't tried this one out yet but I did and it was cute and easy.  While not the must educational I believe it will help back up the theme of the book and or earth day and well hey every kid likes a little fun.

These are just some of the ideas and things I have found for Earth Day, I am sure I could find more but I have been given a ton of ideas for a great jumping off point and I hope that they help you the same way.