TOP 10 of 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

It's been a wonderful year! I'd like to thank the readers here for taking time to read, comment, share and pin the posts here. I get so many of my classroom ideas from things other teachers share, and little illuminations provides me with a way for me to pay it forward (just a little) by sharing here. I am so thankful to get to know so many wonderful folks via the blogosphere and social media. I was even lucky enough to meet several bloggy buddies this year in person! (note to self: I still need to finish that post about the meet-ups at NAEYC!)

To start the year off, I thought I'd share some of your favorite posts. These are the Top 10 little illuminations posts from 2012!

   10.  Perky Penguins In Pre-K
    9.   Jump Rope For Heart
    8.   All in A Day's Play
    7.   Pet Week Play In Pre-K
    6.   Baby, It's Cold Outside
    5.   A Gift For Dad, A Book and A Bloghop
    4.   Discovery Bottle Inspiration
    3.   Cloudy With A Chance Of Weather
    2.   Making Literacy Connections With Our Names

 And DRUMROLL, please......  the NUMBER 1 post of 2012 is:

    1.   Signing In And Out Of Pre-K

In all honesty, posts about bulletin boards are year-round hits---the number of visits to those posts far outnumber any others. I didn't include them in the list above for that reason. I thought I'd include a list of the TOP 5 Bulletin Board posts of 2012 here:

     5.  Back To School Bulletin Boards...Redux
     4.  Spring Bulletin Boards
     3.  Dr. Seuss Bulletin Boards
     2.  Fabulous Fall Bulletin Boards
     1.  St. Patrick's Day Bulletin Boards

Now, you've seen what was popular on little illuminations. What was YOUR favorite little illuminations post in 2012? Please share it in the comments!


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A Gift for Dad, A Book To Share and A Blog Hop!

I'm thrilled to participate this month in the Preschool Blogger Network's "Father's Day Book and Activity" Blog Hop! 

I am always stumped for good ideas for gifts kids can make for Father's Day. I came up with this simple pencil can that is so easy for kids to make and can be decorated for any theme or interest. 


First, wash a empty can from the recycling bin. Soup and vegetable cans are the perfect size for this. If you are worried about the top edge, simply place a strip of duct tape over the lip to cover the edges. Glue craft sticks to the can until the surface is completely covered. (Be careful to make sure the sticks are aligned with the bottom of the can or it won't sit level.)

After letting glue dry, paint and decorate to suit Dad's interests. My husband has an affinity for sailing, so we made our can with a little sailing scene with a banner plane that pulls a banner that says "Dad".  We used foam stickers for embellishments. 

 

Another thing I like about this project is that it is easily adapted for any person or occasion. If a student does not have a father, or a father figure, it can be decorated for Mom or Grandma. I take note of those situations at the beginning of the year and ask the family how they want to handle it. Often, there is a grandfather, uncle or other father figure in the picture. If this is the case, you may want to read a book about non-typical families. I've heard really good things about the book "Love is a Family" by Roma Downey from Touched By An Angel. 

There are tons of good children's books out there about Dads. My favorite is "Kevin and His Dad" by Irene Smalls. Dad and Kevin spend the day together doing chores and enjoying their time together. I love that the focus is on finding the joy together in simple, everyday activities! 

Be sure to stop by these wonderful blogs and check out the books and ideas they are sharing today!


Teach Preschool : Aunt Annie's Childcare : Living Montessori Now : The SEEDS Network : Music Sparks :Males in Early Childhood : Little Illuminations

Father's Day Ideas Coming Soon.....

Stay tuned tomorrow for some great Father's Day books and activity ideas in our "Father's Day Blog Hop", brought to you by members of the Preschool Blogger Network! If you've got a great idea to share, stop by and add it to our Blog Hop! 

Father's Day Ideas from Around the Blogosphere

Since we're out for the summer, I don't have any Father's Day crafts planned this year. I thought I would share some of the great ideas I've seen posted recently, in case anyone needed a little inspiration.

Gift/Craft ideas:
This Duct Tape Picture Frame from Teach Preschool is such a simple idea, even younger kids can make this. Be sure to check out the links at the bottom for a few more ideas.

I love this keychain from Brick by Brick.

One of my favorite ideas is this BBQ sauce idea from The SEEDS Network:

This footprint bookmark is very cute, looks easy to do and is also from The SEEDS Network:

 Kiboomu has a post, Kid-Made Father's Day Gifts, with several different ideas to choose from.

This clipboard from AlphaMom would be a great way to preserve a masterpiece.

Baking for Dad is a sure fire way to show the love. Check out these Cookie Gift Cans from Pre-K Pages.

This Father's Day Wordle Gift , also from Pre-K Pages, would be a handsome addition to Dad's office.

Card ideas:
I love this Kid-Made Father's Day Tie Card from Kiboomu.

I love this Father's Day Toolbox Card from Brilliant Beginnings Preschool 

There are several ideas you can use for Father's Day cards in the post, Father's Day Handprint and Footprint Crafts from Handprint and Footprint Art.

I also encourage you to take a moment to be mindful of your students who maybe only have one parent. Aunt Annie's Childcare has a great post, Thoughts on Mothers' Day about talking with families who have only one parent about how they handle such specific holidays.


A few good reads for Father's Day:
       

Happy Father's Day!!!!