July, 2010   THEMES:  Pirates  7/1-7/16  Dragons/Fairy Tales  7/19-7/31
SPECIAL DATES: **SCHOOL CLOSED** Monday,  July 5th We hope you enjoy the 3 day weekend!  **PIRATE DAY** Wednesday, July 14th Please have your child dress-up for this fun day of pirate adventure!!  The children have taken the time to write the pirate a letter to see if he can come by and visit again this year to share his stories!!!   **MAKE BELIEVE DAY**      July 28th & July 29th This is a fun filled day of make believe activities for your child.  We do allow the children to dress up in “Magical Make Believe/Fairy Tale” accessories…. glitter hair, colored hair, face paints, fancy/creative hats, fun wands, etc.  Please fill free to check in with teachers on other creative ideas for this day	HAPPY BIRTHDAY…  Davis              July 3rd Bradyn           July 15th Cole               July 21st   ~We hope you have a wonderful celebration~	BLUEBERRY BLISS:  *20-ounce can crushed pineapple,(not drained) *1 package yellow cake mix *3 cups fresh blueberries *1/2 cup sugar *1/2 cup melted butter *1 cup chopped pecans(optional)   **Lightly butter a 9x13 cake pan.  Spread the pineapple on the bottom of the pan; then sprinkle on the cake mix, the blueberries, and the sugar.  Drizzle the melted butter over the top and add nuts, if desired.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until bubbly.  Enjoy this tasty berry treat!!
COLORED RICE….  SENSORY ACTIVITY To make colored rice, place a supply of rice in a large re-sealable plastic bag; then add several drops of food coloring and a small amount of rubbing alcohol.  Seal the bag and squeeze the mixture until the color is evenly distributed. Allow the rice to dry on waxed paper.  When dry- have fun with the rice in a tub for a great sensory experience!
FRIENDLY REMINDER…   We have had some bright sunny days, so please remember to apply sunscreen on your child before coming to school.  We will apply more as needed throughout their school day!!	A PICNIC PERFECT ACTIVITY  What’s in the basket? (Discovery/Sensory Center) Have your child employ his sense of touch at this activity.  Into a large handled basket, put several items that might be used on a picnic, such as a paper plate, a plastic spoon, a plastic cup, a napkin, and some plastic picnic foods from his toy box (such as an apple, orange, banana).  Lay a towel over the top of the basket so the items aren’t visible.  Have your child reach under the towel, feel an item, and try to guess what it is before pulling it out to check his guess. Have your child continue until the basket is empty. *Added note- once your child has mastered the specific items you chose then challenge him by putting different items into the basket**	BLUEBERRY FUN, AGAIN: Blueberry Paint…. Experiment with paint from berries!!  Have your child help you use a wooden spoon to mash fresh blueberries with a small amount of water.  Have your child wear a “smock” and work at an outdoor table as natural dyes and inks can stain.  Invite him to dip twigs, toothpicks, or cotton swabs into the blueberry paint and create designs on white construction paper. Another idea….let your child mash an assortment of other natural ingredients with water to make “ink”.  What color ink can he make from cranberries, beets, dandelion flowers, fresh grass clippings…and many more!!! Happy art fun