Make Your Own Finger Paints

finger painting is fun!! It is even more fun when you can take it outside! Here is a recipe to make your own finger paints that I got from Family Fun. Next time you bring out the finger paints, bring out the BIG paper and go outside. See what kind of designs can you make with things from nature! Use a stick, a leaf (but not one pulled off a tree, a rock, a handful of grass a dandelion. Take a picture and email it to me and I will put it on our blog!! Have fun!

Materials:
1 cup of cold water
1/4 cup of cornstarch
1 tablespoon of light corn syrup
Washable, nontoxic tempera paint
Bowls
Finger-paint paper or freezer paper
Masking tape

Instructions:
Before you begin: Spread out a plastic tablecloth, keep wipes handy, and wear a smock or old clothes.
In a small saucepan, stir together the cold water and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens and clears -- this will happen all at once. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup, then divide the mixture into bowls and stir a squirt of tempera paint into each one.
After the paint has cooled, scoop blobs of it onto finger-paint paper (taped to your table) or let your kids scoop it out themselves -- whichever they prefer -- and commence smearing. Leftover paint can be stored in sealed containers in the fridge for a day or two.


Tips:
Getting Started with Creative Projects for Little Hands
1. Keep it safe. Make sure supplies are labeled nontoxic and are not choking hazards. Discourage kids from putting supplies in their mouths.
2. Set it up. Designate an art area in your home with an easel or a low table where young artists can stand to work (this is usually easier for them).
3. Don't rush. Make sure you allow plenty of time for setup, exploration, and cleanup.
4. Don't stress over mess. Set things up so cleanup is easier for you, then try to relax and let your child have fun.
5. Write it down. Before you forget, write the date on your child's creation and, if she's talking, what she said about it.

Painting in the rain!

We seem to have had a lot of rainy days this spring and more are in the forecast! Instead of dreading the rain, try using the rain! Color on a piece of card stock or other heavy paper with washable makers. (printer paper is too thin) Put it outside and let the rain work its magic!! When the colors have run, bring it inside and place it on a flat surface to dry! You will be amazed at the wonderful piece of art!!

Teething

Answer the survey question on the left side of the screen!

There are many questions that come up about teething. It is important to remember that every child is different. My son had a full set of teeth by the time he was a year old, my daughter didn't have a single tooth when she turned one! Whenever their teeth come in, it is important to keep their new teeth and the gums clean. There is no reason to use a toothpaste on infants. A simple finger brush (the rubber ones with the rubber bristles) are good for infants with no teeth or one or two. As soon as they have more teeth, I wouldn't recommend putting your finger in their mouth! :) Their little jaws are very strong! Then you can move to a teething brush. They are designed for the infant to hold them alone and chew on the bristles. It is shaped like a ring so that it can't be shoved too far into their mouths. The following is from the mayo clinic website. Please pay special attention to the highlighted area. If you have any questions about teething or anything else, just post it or email me and I will do my best to answer it!

What's the best way to soothe sore gums?

If your teething baby seems uncomfortable, consider these simple tips:

• Rub your baby's gums. Use a clean finger, moistened gauze pad or damp washcloth to massage your baby's gums. The pressure can ease your baby's discomfort.
• Offer a teething ring. Try one made of firm rubber. The liquid-filled variety may break under the pressure of your baby's chewing. If a bottle seems to do the trick, fill it with water. Prolonged contact with sugar from formula, milk or juice may cause tooth decay.
• Keep it cool. A cold washcloth or chilled teething ring can be soothing. Don't give your baby a frozen teething ring, however. Contact with extreme cold may hurt, doing your baby more harm than good. If your baby's eating solid foods, offer cold items such as applesauce or yogurt.
• Dry the drool. Excessive drooling is part of the teething process. To prevent skin irritation, keep a clean cloth handy to dry your baby's chin. You might also make sure your baby sleeps on an absorbent sheet.
• Try an over-the-counter remedy. If your baby is especially cranky, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) may help. Don't give your baby products that contain aspirin, however, and be cautious about teething medications that can be rubbed directly on a baby's gums. The medication may be washed away by your baby's saliva before it has the chance to do any good — and too much of the medication may numb your baby's throat, which may interfere with his or her normal gag reflex.

From the mayo clinic website

Language Development article

I have added a language develpment article from the mayo clinic website.  These are great guidelines for making sure your child is on track.  Remember that these are only guidelines.  Every child develops at his or her own rate.  There are some red flags that you can watch for.  If your infant doesn't have a startle reflex (jump when hear a loud sound) or if you notice that they aren't reacting to sounds or your voice, you should have your child's hearing checked.  If your child is not making sounds or repeating sounds that could be a sign of hearing loss as well.  All infants have their hearing screened at birth and again at their preschool screening and once again at their Kindergarten check-up.  If they have had a lot of ear infections, this could slow their language development.  When these delays are caught early, they can usually be caught up with their peers fairly quickly with early intervention.  If you have any concerns you should consult your doctor or early childhood professional. 

Check it out!

I just added a new recipe for easy ice cream.  Just click on the link on the right.  I will add recipes occasionally so check back! 

Never Stop Learning!

I am learning something new everyday!  As I figure out this blog thing I will add to it!  Check back everyday to see what I have learned.  Watch for pictures, links and even recipes.  If you have some fun pictures that you would like to see added, please email them to me!  You can see all blog posts on the right side or the left side of the screen.  Just click and read!

Welcome to our new blog!

We are trying out something new! ECFE has a blog now! We have so many events and announcements throughout the year that it will be nice to have a place where all of this info can be found! I work on getting calendars, photos, surveys and more! Let me know what you think!