Lucky Treats!

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Excited2Learn

Greenest of shamrocks…Cutest of leprechauns…Brightest of rainbows…These are just a few fun crafts and activities that seem to fill up the average American toddler and preschooler‘s month of March. And to add to the fun, today we’re sharing a classic Kellogg’s recipe that’s both festive and a tasty treat for the kids to make and enjoy.

You’ll need:

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies

Preparation Steps:

In large saucepan, melt butter on low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.

Remove from heat and add Rice Krispies. Stir until mixed together.

Scoop onto wax paper. I used a rolling pin covered in Canola oil to evenly press the treats. When they cooled, we cut out 4 hearts using a cookie cutter, which we covered with oil using a paper towel. We pressed the four hearts together using a little more of the mixture and added a triangle for the bottom of the four-leaf clover. Then we add green decorations (m&ms, sprinkles, etc.) One is large enough to share with the entire family!

Not only did the kiddos really enjoy making their “lucky treats,” this activity also had a lot of opportunities for them to practice math concepts. We counted the marshmallows, sorted the mms by colors and used them to practice simple addition and subtraction and measured the other ingredients. Cooking activities, tasty snacks and education–win, win, win.

There’s still time for your little one to wear St. Patrick’s day spirit if you order today!

Shamrock Glasses for St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Excited2Learn

Having a St. Patrick’s Day party at home or in the classroom? The kids will love making and wearing these shamrock glasses! Simply download our free pdf, follow the instructions and enjoy!

For more unique and fun St. Patrick’s Day activities and crafts (including a treasure hunt and leprechaun finder!) visit our post from earlier in the week!

Please contact me at your earliest convenience if interested in connecting!

St. Patrick’s Day Activities and Crafts

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Excited2Learn

When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around in March, it’s a great chance to celebrate in fun, whimsical ways. If your child is not familiar with Leprechauns you may want to read some books ahead of time so he/she is excited about these special St. Patrick’s Day surprises we have up our sleeves. Some possible books include: Clever Tom and the Leprechaun: An Old Irish Story by Linda Shute, That’s What Leprechauns Do by Eve Bunting, and The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day (Reading Railroad) by Natasha Wing.

*Leprechauns Have Been Here

I got this adorable idea form Sue Ann Kearns, a wonderful first grade teacher who taught in the classroom next to mine. She would sprinkle green glitter as “Leprechaun Dust” around her classroom so the children would think Leprechauns had been there the night before. Then the children would go on a hunt. It was too cute! The children just went wild. You may also want to add other teeny tiny props (doll house furniture, Barbie shoes…).

Disclaimer: For young children, you want to make sure they don’t really think they will find Leprechauns, just a possible treat they left behind so they aren’t disappointed!

?Leprechaun Finder

It doesn’t get much simpler than this when it comes to crafts and my daughter absolutely loved it! I simply cut the bottom of a green paper cup out with an X-Acto knife. And then L. took a square piece of green cellophane paper and wrapped it around the opposite end of the glass (the part you would drink out of) and placed an elastic around it to keep it in place. Next, you are ready to go in search of Leprechauns. The other great thing about the cup is if your child sees a Leprechaun he/she can quickly flip it over and trap the little guy.

?St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt

We are excited to share this Downloadable Rainbow Treasure Hunt—you and your kids can enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day. Teachers: you can also design your own treasure hunt by using this blank downloadable version.

First choose a “treasure” that’ll be waiting for your child at the end of the hunt (pretend gold coins, St. Patrick’s themed stickers or if you would like to offer a treat, use gold-wrapped Rolos or gold coin chocolates).

Next, download and print the Leprechaun Letter and Treasure Hunt clues. Cut apart the six clues, then hide them according to the directions below on St. Patrick’s Day. Get your little ones excited for the game by reading the Leprechaun Letter together at the start of the treasure hunt.

1^st Clue
Red (Choose where you want the treasure hunt to start.)

2^nd Clue
Orange (bathtub)

3^rd Clue
Yellow (on a window)

4^th Clue
Green (child’s bed)

5^th Clue
Blue (playroom)

6^th Clue
Purple (in your mailbox)

Your child’s “treasure” you have created should be hidden under the kitchen table. We would love to see what your treasure looks like!