Adelei's Favorite Apps

Adelei LOVES all things technology. Of course that's not really surprising, most kids do. But don't leave your phone [or iPod, or Nook, etc] just lying around. She knows how to turn them on and how to unlock the simple lock screen. Baby genius or the product of a tech savvy generation? I'll let you decide. Anyway, here are a few of her favorite apps! 

Zoodles 

I was introduced to this app by a friend who's kids used it and loved it! Being a free download, I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not only does it have a ton of popular age appropriate videos, it also has an art studio, and a library [where you can record yourself reading for your child to hear!]. The best part, though? It's all in kid mode! Which means that once you get in the app, they can't get out! NO more random phone calls or asjdlkfjaks text messages! 

Netflix

I can't tell you how many times having this app has saved my sanity on a grocery trip. They have some really great shows on there that are not only fun, but full of learning! Some of Adelei's favorites include Sesame Street, Super Why!, and LeapFrog Phonics Farm.

Pandora

Every night at bed time, we turn on the nursery rhyme station on Pandora. We sing a little, dance a little, and before you know it, baby girl is fast asleep.

ABC Mouse

Adelei loves to 'play' ABC Mouse on the computer, but let's be honest, NO one wants to sit at the computer all of the time. Luckily, she can play a condensed version on the iPod. This definitely comes in handy on road trips!

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn

These apps have fun little songs to learn the alphabet, numbers, shapes, & more! It's a nice change of pace from flash cards and workbooks.

What are some of your children's favorite apps?

Tot School Supplies

While I was researching and creating Adelei's curriculum, I started writing a list of things that I wanted to get.

My first stop was at the Dollar Tree, and I was so, so surprised by all the wonderful things they had!

I know I'll be picking up more things along the way, but here was my loot from my first trip.

Large Zip Lock bags, Giant Art Pad, Hair Gel*, Disney cardboard book, Wild Animal Fruit Snacks, Die Cut Letters 69 ct, Teddy Bear Cookies, Playskool Shapes workbook, Disney Colors workbook, Sesame Street Alphabet with Elmo workbook, Fisher Price Zoo coloring book, Foam Letter Stickers 124 ct, Playskool Number Flashcards/Alphabet Flashcards/Colors&Shapes Flashcards/First Words Flashcards, Animal Window Clings, Highlighters, Mini Marshmallows, Bubbles, Stickers 300 ct

All of that for less than $25. Can you believe it? I can see SO many projects with all of these goodies we picked up today, I can hardly wait! 

*I know the hair gel seems really random, but I will be using it as well as the zip lock bags to create sensory experiences for Adelei!

Alphabet Board

I have always been a very hands on learner.

I can't just hear something and remember it.

I have to hear it, see it, write it down, read it over & over.

I'm only guessing that Adelei may be the same way.

Regardless, I decided that, to aid in her learning, I wanted to make her an Alphabet Board.

Start out with a piece of 20x30 foam core. You can use poster board if you prefer, I just wanted something that was a little more sturdy & would stand up against my rambunctious toddler.

I bought these die cut letters from the dollar tree, but they also sell them at Walmart.

All you have to do is line up your letters, add a little glue, & ta da! 

Note: I used yellow & blue instead of black & white so this can also be used when I'm teaching her colors!

If you're worried about the letters coming off, you can put a coating of Mod Podge over the top. I skipped that step, though.

This is a very simple project that will act as a visual reference and help enhance the learning process.  The whole project cost about $3 & took less than an hour. I know that we are going to get a lot of use out of it over the coming weeks!

With an alphabet board, you can:

Sing the alphabet while pointing to the letters

Have your little one trace the letters with their finger

Get your little one to point to the letters as you call them out

What kind of learning aids have you created for your little learner?

Learning with Adelei

I mentioned a few posts ago how fun my daughter's age is.

She's picking up on things & learning so fast, it's amazing.

Not that she hasn't been learning all along, but her brain is a sponge right now and I love it.

She has inspired me to create a curriculum for her!

My husband looked at me a little crazily when I told him what I was doing, but after all, I do have a degree in education, so it's not like I'm not going into this blindly.

After I put her down for a nap, or put her to bed at night, I pull out my computer and start researching & planning. What I know for sure is that the first step will be a 26 week curriculum learning the alphabet, colors, simple shapes, and numbers 0-9.

I cannot even to begin to express how passionate I feel about this right now. 

I know teaching is something that I am meant to do with my life, and I am so grateful that I have the ability to stay home & teach my daughter.

As we go through the curriculum, I will be sharing our activities, ideas, tutorials, and pictures of my sweet girl in action, so be sure to check back!