"G" is for One Gzonk!

This is another one of our favorite books. I can't help myself with ABC Books. When I see one, I usually like to check it out. They are all pretty much the same and re-use the same words for certain letters like"Q" and "X." So, when I saw this book, "G is for One Gzonk - an Alpha-number-bet Book" by Tony DiTerlizzi I knew we had to have it. 

If you know my Kidamerink, then you know he has a very silly sense of humor. He LOVES to make up words and say things that sound very silly to him, so this book was right up his Alley. We have read it a bazillion times now and it still doesn't get old. 

Check it out and have some fun getting to know what the "Krigglebink" is and the "Fly-Swatting Footzey-Foo." The "Xirzle" is a favorite along with the "Pink Peepee-Weepkins who sleeps soundly on the Loo..."

It's a twisted take on the Alphabet with great illustrations that will push your little Kidamerink's imagination even more!

Rhyme Time

          

These books have become our Favorites! Rhyming is so important when preparing your future reader for success. We play a rhyming game in the car all of the time. My Kidamerink loves it. We take turns picking a word and then finding rhymes to go with it until we can't think of any more. 

Since reading these books, my Kidamerink thinks it is funny to play the roll of "Bob." He doesn't usually continue the rhyme in this book. He thinks he's pretty hilarious when he plays "Bob." It's fun.  I think it is just as important to recognize a word that doesn't belong with the rhyme set. So it's ok to play "Bob!"

Check these books out!

My Favorite Things: I Spy

"I see something you can't see and it's..."

My Kidamerink LOVES anything "I Spy."

We often play "I Spy" throughout the day or to keep him occupied while we are running errands etc.

We got this "I Spy" Counting Puzzle last Christmas, and he absolutely loves it. He actually still plays with it -- which is a great Christmas Gift in my book!

It has many different purposes and I love how versatile it is. 

Not only is it a puzzle, but you can learn your numbers, colors, and play the "I Spy" game printed on the sides of the puzzle. My Kidamerink also likes to make up his own "I Spy" games and look for certain objects. 

We end up doing something new every time we play with it. 

I Spy Big! Floor Puzzle.

Puzzle Time!

Almost done...

Playing "I Spy."

Check it out!!

My Favorite Things: Eric Carle Flash Cards

Why I love our Eric Carle Flash Cards:

   

1. One of our favorite books around this house is, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," By Eric Carle. Who doesn't love this book and the illustrations? It's a classic.

 

2. These flash cards are very sturdy. We have had the alphabet set since my son was born and they have survived his toddler years (no other set has lasted as long).

This video is of my Kidamerink right before he turned 2, in December of 2009.

3. My Kidamerink LOVES them. He brings them out at least 2-3 times a week, just for fun.  We have gone from just simply saying the Letter/Animal to talking about the animal, what it likes to eat, what color it is and what the "babies" are named (i.e. Kangaroo's baby is a Joey). 

We also recently bought the numbers set. I like that there are both cards with the number (5) printed as well as the word (five) along with counting examples using the Eric Carle Illustrations.

The Illustrations are vibrant, the concepts are simple, and they are very useful "tools" in our home.

Remember: Flash cards don't always have to be a static tool. Be creative and come up with ideas on how to elaborate on the simple answer - "T = Turtle." Get to know your flash cards and learn about the animals, point out the shapes and colors, name off other animals that start with T. 

As you can see, we enjoyed them when my Kidamerink was young and we are still enjoying them now.

Let your flash cards "grow" with you! 

**This is not a Paid Sponsor, I just really like this product and I think you would too!