During the summer we had loads of fun with balloon reading games and outdoor reading games, but now that we are further into the school year I am wanting something fresh and fun for my first grader. Lily’s latest love is anything Disney princess or fairy-related as evidenced by her Halloween costume this year.
I took this action shot while I was volunteering doing math assessments on Halloween. Lily refused to pause for a picture telling me, “I’m supposed to be doing math right now, Mom!” That’s my girl! This picture inspired me to rethink our learning strategies at home. Everything is more enjoyable with a princess theme, right?
Lily’s first grade class does a fly swatter game where they practice word recognition. When I peeked into Lily’s classroom she seemed to be enjoying it so I decided to try a similar concept at home. I had a princess paddle ball board that I almost threw away because the string and ball had broke. We repurposed it to be our word swatter. The game is simple – lay out flash cards in front of your child and have your child sound out the words. Once they have read all the words, call them out and have them swat them. Easy peasy! I am thinking that we may even need some new princess-themed flash cards. We have have played this game several times and Lily hasn’t tired of it yet.
This is one simple way to incorporate what your child loves into their learning using on-hand household items. There are so many more! I would love to hear your ideas.
To celebrate all our little princesses, I am teaming up with several generous sponsors to giveaway a Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle, and Disney Magic Mirror app (compatible with iPad, iPhone, iPod, and iPod Touch).
The 3-story castle is over 3 feet tall, and comes furnished with more than 30 accessories and furniture pieces. Rapunzel and Ariel have joined the castle, adding a spiraling ‘elevator’ of hair and a sea-themed bathroom. Cinderella, Princess Aurora, and Snow White also return to the castle with themed rooms of their own. Disney Princess dolls sold separately.
To add a bit of magic, the castle has been designed to work with an app called Disney Magic Mirror [$3.99]. Download the app free when you purchase the castle. By way of the app your child will see a princess activity, castle event, special visit and more on their device when they align it with one of many special trigger points throughout the castle. How fun is that?
Enter to win on the Rafflecopter Widget:
A special thanks to all the sponsors:
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Be sure to check out co-sponsor’s Allison’s gorgeous Disney cupcakes complete with printable Princess toppers!
2 Comments
Audra @ Reality To Dreams · November 4, 2013 at 1:16 pm
This is such a good idea! I’m thinking of doing this with my 2-year-old and his colors.
Adelien · November 12, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Girls should be excited with all the princess topic. I love to see tha castle as well. It looks very awesome. Thanks for sharing. 12 weeks to Christmas? Time is running.