Letter S: s is for snowman: playdough mats

Free to download resources from prekinders.  The file contains pages to laminate (or place in a page protector for a cheaper alternative).  There is one set with numbers already printed (image shown above) and another set with the numbers missing.  Although the blog suggests the numberless files are for younger children who are not ready to count yet I think our personal preference will be to print one of the numberless pages and use number "tiles" instead - this way I can use dots, numerals and words to match with the manipulatives and save on printer ink at the same time.

Supply plain white playdough or add glitter to the mix to give a fine motor workout, or for just counting use cotton wool balls, "snowflakes" cut from doilies or white bottle tops.
Good for any winter theme maths centre as well as our S for snowman letter practise.

Reading Cave

This pin on pinterest inspired us this week and with the shops full of cheap Christmas lights now was the time of year to implement it.

(photo source Play At Home Mom)

Of course as always we didn't have the appropriate cardboard box but rather than be discouraged we put on our thinking caps and used the space under the dining room table instead (after all this is unused space most of the time).  Filled with cushions and quilts and with battery operated lights on the underside of the tabletop we created a cosy, twinkly space to cuddle up and read or be read to.