January 2009 - Always Learning

Always Learning

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Always Learning - January 2009

Learning Phonics With Music

January 30th 2009 02:09

Looking around for a fun way to introduce the sounds of the alphabet to my daughter, I stumbled upon the Letterland program which introduces the 26 letters of the alphabet by song. Each letter of the alphabet is introduced as a character - Annie Apple, Bouncy Ben, Clever Cat - and the sound each character makes is sung to well known nursery tunes which are catchy and fun.

My 3 year old daughter found this to be very enjoyable and within a few days of listening to the cd had learnt all the sounds of the letters.

Also available to purchase was a lovely colourful book, simply entitled ABC, which gave a detailed story about the characters as well as beautifully illustrated pictures listing animals and objects starting with the same letter. A great visual aid for children and also highly recommended on my part.

The program is available to purchase from www.letterland.com (UK) or www.letterland.com.au (Australia).

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Posted By: Michelle Sweeney - Category: Age 3-4, Age 4-6, Books, Reading

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Chocolate Cake In A Mug

January 29th 2009 05:48

Cooking is a great activity for children of any age and this 5 minute chocolate cake is quick and easy to make.

5 Minute Microwaveable Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). Please note the cake may rise over the top of the mug.

Allow to cool a little and tip out onto a plate if desired.

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Posted By: Michelle Sweeney - Category: Age 3-4, Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 9-11, Cooking

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Lantern Festival Craft Activity

January 28th 2009 08:29

In preparation for Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Festival) which is celebrated this year on the 9 February, we decided to make some paper lanterns to hang on the ceiling.

A great craft idea to while away an afternoon which involved limited craft materials which were already in the house.

My daughter drew some designs on A4 paper and we also chose some pictures to print off and glue on to the paper including butterflies, chinese dragons and tigers to stick on the lanterns.

If you are not sure how to make them it is a very simple process.

Firstly cut off a strip of paper from the short end of the paper approximately measuring 2.5cm (one inch) which will be used for the lantern handle. Fold the paper in half lengthwise and measure lines 2.5cm apart starting at the folded edge. Cut with scissors making sure to leave approximately 2.5cm of the top of the paper uncut. Unfold the paper and match the long edges of the paper together and tape or staple to form the body of the lantern. Lastly staple the handle on to the top of the lantern.

A great activity which is only limited by your imagination and it can be adapted for any time of year.

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Posted By: Michelle Sweeney - Category: Age 3-4, Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 9-11, Craft, Social Studies

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