Shake Your Sillies Out

Remember this old song from Raffi? Take a minute to listen to this song with your child. Play it again and follow along clapping, shaking, wiggling, and even yawning together with the kids.

The wiggles also have a version of this song that you can find on youtube but I like Raffi's better:) The background photo for this video clip is kinda funny so you'll just have to ignore that. I really like how it has the words so you can read along with the song. Have fun!

Get moving with this cute summertime rhyme

A cute action rhyme borrowed from  Picture Books and Piroettes. Try this at home. To add movements just follow the words and be creative! 

 Hop Like a Bunny

Fly Like a Bee

Twirl like the wind under an apple tree.

Open like a daisy 

in the morning sun.

Act like a river and run, run, run.

Extensions: read a book or do crafts about summer, bunnies, bees, apple trees, or daisies. 

Ribbon Craft

Photo borrowed from Make and Takes blog


While researching ideas for inexpensive props for my class I found this idea and it's a great craft to do at home. All you need is some scrap ribbon and some canning jar rings or shower curtain rings.  The website Ribbon Rings from Mom Colored Glasses blog  has some nice instructions and photos, but you don't have to do it exactly like it explains. She is working with a six year old and so I have a few ideas for making this craft fun for even a one year old.

Toddler Tip
Get the craft ready for the skill level of your child. Plan ahead and really think about what your child can do--maybe he can pick the color of the ribbon, pull the ends of the ribbon after you've done the loops of the knot, or even use scissors to cut. Then do everything the child can't do before hand. If they do one thing with this craft then they can call it their own and be proud of it!

Now use your new prop to dance along to your favorite music. Pretend to paint the sky with the colors of the ribbon. Usually kids come out of their shell when they are holding a prop. It's as if the item in their hand gives them ideas and leads them in their movement.

Hop, skip, dance around the house or outside with your ribbon rings.