Snowman Fingerprint Ornament Created with Dollar Store Ornament

It has been a week of trying to seek a sense of normalcy when things don't make sense. I have reassured my children that I am there for them and I am keeping everything moving along. They are so excited about the upcoming holiday as children should be. I wanted to share with you all these adorable ornaments we created using dollar store ornaments. I found the ornaments seven to a box at my local Dollar Tree. The children created the snowman by making a thumb print, pointer finger print and a pinkie finger print with white acrylic. After the paint dried they decorated them with different colors of sharpie. They wrote their names on the backs of the ornament. I had a parent to help get the ornaments started with the thumb prints but all of the children drew their own snowman. I just love them!! They are so sweet and creative. They are going to make a great keepsake for the parents. We have three more days to go! Peace and blessings to all who love children.

Force and Motion Dollar Tree Science

I recently presented at the North Carolina Science Teachers Convention while presenting I shared some ideas for science that can be done with items from the dollar store. I found this item at the Dollar Tree to teach force and motion. The little lady bug has a zip pull in it so it is a great example of stored energy and to boot that little bug has a magnet in it. The honeys are totally fascinated by this fun toy. Here is a video to show you what I am talking about.I hope you can find these at your local store. I used soup cans and I have four lady bugs that I plan to place in a center. There are different colors of bugs at the store. I also plan on including different sizes of cans some with ridges, some without ridges and some cardboard tubes so they can experiment with magnets and attraction.

Science : Solar Dancing Pumpkin

We have had a great time with this little pumpkin guy this week. He has a little solar panel at his feet. I found him at Dollar Tree a few weeks ago an he had to be mine. He dances when his panel has been exposed to light and slows down when the lights are turned down. The children have noticed the changes in the movement of our little pumpkin guy. It has led to some good discussions about energy, different forms of energy and how some energy forms are cleaner than others. I will check back at the Dollar Tree to see if there are any dancing turkeys or reindeer. Can't wait!! I will let you know if I find anything. What are some of the neat things you have found at the dollar store?