Winter Center

So in my effort to spice up school a little bit, I decided to make a "Winter Center."  Okay, what I really needed was something to occupy the four year old and be interesting for a couple of the others!  So far, it is working :).  Benjamin & Rebekah are enjoying it the most.  I made a winter box out of white cornstarch packing noodles that I cut into pieces.  Most of the other items were little things that I found on Christmas clearance at A.C. Moore craft store.  I keep a lid on the box when they are not playing with it.  I am not really sure why, but I think it helps to keep it more intriguing to them ;).  I also have an envelope with some winter words in it for Jonathan & Rebekah to copy onto the mini chalkboard.  I have some pictures that I copied along with a box of Handwriting Without Tears mini crayons for them to color and put on the wall.  Benjamin goes to the center when they are doing their work.  Jonathan & Rebekah may go when they have finished their work.  The rule is, though, that the Winter Center is to be done without Mommy!!  Independence is the key here, which really helps me.  I do have to admit that I cut out Benjamin's pictures for him, but other than that, he was on his own.

A couple of days later, I added this fun book (which I love :), and a Hedgie hat to make.  I love Jan Brett's website because of all of her free downloads!

I still need more ideas on occupying a four year old and a fifteen month old.  The Winter Center definitely helped with Benjamin.  I think a Valentine's Center will be making an appearance very soon...