{"id":1016,"date":"2019-02-08T17:05:14","date_gmt":"2019-02-08T17:05:14","guid":{"rendered":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/?p=1016"},"modified":"2020-01-13T21:10:35","modified_gmt":"2020-01-13T21:10:35","slug":"five-books-activities-to-inspire-imaginative-play-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/five-books-activities-to-inspire-imaginative-play-part-1/","title":{"rendered":"Five Books &#038; Activities to Inspire Imaginative Play &#8211; Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Loads of learning and fun can occur when you pair popular children&#8217;s books and activities to bring the book to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sort of like Diet Coke &amp; French Fries or Spaghetti &amp; Meatballs or peanut butter &amp; jelly&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s just something about having a little extra fun with a really good book! Today I am sharing some super simple ways to make these five children&#8217;s books come to life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get started now or PIN for later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/PIN-5-books-boost-imaginative-play.png\" alt=\"popcorn book and popcorn toys\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Reader&#8217;s note:  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Harold &amp; The Purple Crayon (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064430227/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0064430227&linkId=186af9b423f18cc1942adb526722840f\" target=\"_blank\">Harold &amp; The Purple Crayon<\/a> by Crockett Johnson<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Little Blue &amp; Little Yellow (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399555536/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0399555536&linkId=527550aaa221e6694a62ffb94ea8eeea\" target=\"_blank\">Little Blue &amp; Little Yellow<\/a> by Leo Lionni<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Popcorn  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442466634/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1442466634&linkId=d114b973f1202630f542bcb4b959cc90\" target=\"_blank\">Popcorn <\/a>by Frank Asch<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Blueberries for Sal (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014050169X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=014050169X&linkId=e0439bdbc68a72ed36195ca3b5dd36d8\" target=\"_blank\">Blueberries for Sal<\/a> by Robert McCloskey<\/li><li><a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152002235/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0152002235&linkId=07be4360656a38b44ee697d53d6c5761\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Mouse Count (opens in a new tab)\">Mouse Count<\/a> by Ellen Stoll Walsh<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are five book and activity combos that will have you feeling like a curriculum planning genius!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#8b019d\" class=\"has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Harold &amp; The Purple Crayon<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color\"><strong>PREPARATION: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Hang large banners of butcher paper at a preschooler&#8217;s eye level on your walls. (alternate option: Cover a table in white paper instead)<\/li><li>Fish out every purple crayon you can find.<\/li><li>Ask the families to dress their child in purple for the day.<\/li><li>Purchase <a href=\"https:///<a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TOW5Y6U/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TOW5Y6U&linkCode=as2&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&linkId=6b20823c5248d45932bde611069d7a96&quot;>Duck Masking 240880 Purple Color Masking Tape.94-Inch by 30 Yards<\/a><img src=&quot;\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=theempoweredprovider.com-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00TOW5Y6U&quot; width=&quot;1&quot; height=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border:none !important; margin:0px !important;&quot; \/>&#8221; rel=&#8221;noopener noreferrer&#8221;>purple masking tape<\/a> and create an intriguing purple line on the floor throughout your space.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<iframe style=\"width:120px;height:240px;\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=theempoweredprovider.com-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=0064430227&amp;asins=0064430227&amp;linkId=653a0c89c1ae0fdabb2e8a896ac7202a&amp;show_border=true&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=57c4c2&amp;bg_color=ffffff\">\n    <\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color\"><strong>GO TIME: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Read the story <u><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Harold &amp; The Purple Crayon (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064430227/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0064430227&linkId=33d81ca5e1edc994e4b3e391252b90c8\" target=\"_blank\">Harold &amp; The Purple Crayon<\/a><\/u><\/li><li>Talk about Harold&#8217;s wild imagination!<\/li><li>Let the kids create a purple mural on the hanging paper. Instruct kids  where they <em>CAN <\/em>color. Give them clear boundaries so you don&#8217;t end up with purple crayon on your walls. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_8023-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"kids coloring with purple crayon on the wall\" class=\"wp-image-1020\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8023-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8023-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8023-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8023-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8023-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8023-200x133.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_8023.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Color on the walls (covered in paper of course!)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_6915-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"kids coloring on a large sheet of paper at the table\" class=\"wp-image-1019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_6915-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_6915-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_6915-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_6915-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_6915-200x150.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_6915.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Cover a table with butcher paper.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#0608e5\" class=\"has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Little Blue &amp; Little Yellow <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By: Leo Lionni<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a cute little story about friendship! Preschoolers will love to play a role as you read this story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe style=\"width:120px;height:240px;\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=theempoweredprovider.com-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=0399555536&amp;asins=0399555536&amp;linkId=f6144a1d58735b67eee3fff85f0811c3&amp;show_border=true&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=57c4c2&amp;bg_color=ffffff\">\n    <\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color\"><strong>PREPARATION: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Make a batch of blue play dough and yellow play dough Here is my <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"favorite recipe (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://tinkerlab.com/rainbow-play-dough/\" target=\"_blank\">favorite recipe<\/a>!<\/li><li>Tip: Place a small ball of each color in a ziploc bag for every child for easy distribution at story time.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color\"><strong>GO TIME: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Before you read the story, talk about the word &#8220;Hypothesis&#8221;&#8230;what do the kids think will happen if you mix the yellow &amp; blue play dough?<\/li><li>After the story, ask the kids to let their balls of dough &#8220;hug&#8221; just like little blue and little yellow do in the story.<\/li><li><strong>Bonus Activity #1:<\/strong> Leave extra blue and yellow dough on the table for further exploration!<\/li><li> <strong>Bonus Activity #2:<\/strong> Offer blue &amp; yellow paint at the easel for kids to transfer this concept to other mediums.<\/li><li><strong>Bonus Activity #3:<\/strong> Fill ziplock bags with a puddle of blue paint and a puddle of green paint. Double bag if you&#8217;re worried about little boys or girls poking through the plastic. Adhere to a patio door or to a table using painters tape. Let kids squish and slide the paint around and watch the colors mix together!<\/li><li><strong>Bonus Activity #4: <\/strong>Pre-cut blue and yellow <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MRKED0/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B009MRKED0&linkId=166c1f06a83a7e92f303ed12bfbc05ed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"paper circles (opens in a new tab)\">paper circles<\/a> and leave them in the writing center to encourage some artistic pieces!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3987-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3987-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3987-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3987-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3987-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3987-200x150.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3987.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Main activity &#8211; squishing together little blue and little yellow during the story.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_8634-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8634-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8634-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8634-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8634-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8634-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8634-200x133.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_8634.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Activity #2 Mixing colors at the <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9177127951/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9177127951&linkId=e517f5f6d35dcf857b12ff350fa626d1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"easel (opens in a new tab)\">easel<\/a>!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_8605-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1036\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8605-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8605-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8605-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8605-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8605-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8605-200x133.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_8605.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Activity #3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_8608-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8608-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8608-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8608-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8608-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8608-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_8608-200x133.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_8608.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Bonus Activity #4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-large-font-size has-vivid-red-color\">Popcorn<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By: Frank Asch<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kids love popcorn! Announce that there will be a popcorn day to get the excitement flowing in your group!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This story is about a little bear who has a Halloween Party and all of the guests bring&#8230;you guessed it&#8230;POPCORN!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe style=\"width:120px;height:240px;\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=tf_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=theempoweredprovider.com-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=1442466634&amp;asins=1442466634&amp;linkId=e5616a6bf0f3cde21619f6d9091b22d5&amp;show_border=true&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=57c4c2&amp;bg_color=ffffff\">\n    <\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color\"><strong>PREPARATION: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Add anything popcorn related to your space. Some ideas are popcorn <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"toys (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006RQ8U76/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B006RQ8U76&linkId=649f9ace35f14a5436668969803a274a\" target=\"_blank\">toys<\/a>, bowls from the kitchen, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"popcorn containers (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O2DZ8C/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001O2DZ8C&linkId=105fe08cd111b0d11b3e67655c14cf26\" target=\"_blank\">popcorn containers<\/a> and more!<\/li><li>Fill your <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"sensory table (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042SX1B6/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0042SX1B6&linkId=cd066679abcd14283ca8fab29ac3f206\" target=\"_blank\">sensory table<\/a> with popcorn kernels or <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"packing peanuts. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SL2ELE/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000SL2ELE&linkId=162df6c23e1f17f481a2066aff51b425\" target=\"_blank\">packing peanuts.<\/a> Be sure to include scoops and cups for dumping and pouring<\/li><li>Fill <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"sensory bottles (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:///<a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EM2JWE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002EM2JWE&linkCode=as2&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&linkId=29e91fc136cf01e499581a5c451a5e9c&quot;>VOSS Artesian Still Water, 330 ml Plastic Bottles (Pack of 12)<\/a><img src=&quot;\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=theempoweredprovider.com-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002EM2JWE&quot; width=&quot;1&quot; height=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border:none !important; margin:0px !important;&quot; \/>&#8221; target=&#8221;_blank&#8221;>sensory bottles<\/a> with popcorn kernels and hide tiny items inside for a fun &#8220;I Spy&#8221; activity<\/li><li>Gather oil, butter, popcorn kernels, etc to make real popcorn in a real <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KL8SM92/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00KL8SM92&linkId=1294732e98f7da449bc403cd265fac3a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"popcorn popper (opens in a new tab)\">popcorn popper<\/a>!<\/li><li>Search for this fantastic popcorn song on You Tube and be ready to sing it with your crew: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Popcorn Song (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://youtu.be/bo3YbmhkEcM\" target=\"_blank\">The Popcorn Song<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7625-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_7625-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_7625-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_7625-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_7625-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_7625-200x150.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7625.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Gather popcorn <a href=\"https:///<a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006RQ8U76/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006RQ8U76&linkCode=as2&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&linkId=08403c6027be0f8c8f8ab5b9a55df2c5&quot;>Learning Resources Smart Snacks Count &#8217;em Up Popcorn<\/a><img src=&quot;\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=theempoweredprovider.com-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B006RQ8U76&quot; width=&quot;1&quot; height=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border:none !important; margin:0px !important;&quot; \/>&#8221; target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; rel=&#8221;noreferrer noopener&#8221; aria-label=&#8221; (opens in a new tab)&#8221;>props<\/a>. The red bowl contains Styrofoam peanuts!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color\"><strong>GO TIME: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Read the story &#8220;<a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442466634/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1442466634&linkId=bf23f4c4ecde1bd368f6977acd2ae31c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Popcorn (opens in a new tab)\">Popcorn<\/a>&#8221; by Frank Asch. <\/li><li>Write the word &#8220;POPCORN&#8221; on the board. Ask the kids to find the word &#8220;POP&#8221;! Talk about how they think this food got it&#8217;s name.<\/li><li>Use the math worksheet to hunt for numbers or letters&#8230;color with a yellow crayon to make it look like buttered popcorn.<\/li><li>Dance to THE POPCORN SONG suggested above.<\/li><li>Give a popcorn popping demonstration. <\/li><li>Make a list of things kids would like to add to their popcorn (i.e. M&amp;Ms)<\/li><li>Watch a movie with your yummy popcorn!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3314-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"books and activities for preschool\" class=\"wp-image-1029\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3314-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3314-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3314-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3314-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3314-200x150.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3314.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_7658-e1549582574886-800x1067.jpg\" alt=\"young boy coloring popcorn worksheet\" class=\"wp-image-1024\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#230bb9\" class=\"has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Blueberries for Sal<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This adorable <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014050169X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=014050169X&linkId=af0fd8e1cee57b0bcb9f123700958ad6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"story about a boy and a bear  (opens in a new tab)\">story about a boy and a bear <\/a>who get mixed up with their mothers while searching for blueberries has been around awhile but kids still love it just the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe style=\"width:120px;height:240px;\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=theempoweredprovider.com-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=014050169X&amp;asins=014050169X&amp;linkId=3bb17f6ed9c6485a1178c3cd81d8f4ed&amp;show_border=true&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=57c4c2&amp;bg_color=ffffff\">\n    <\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color\"><strong>PREPARATION: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Pick up some blueberries from the grocery store&#8211;add them to one or two of your meals (blueberry pancakes, smoothies, etc)<\/li><li>Collect some jumbo dice (regular dice will do in a pinch) and blue\/purple <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"dot markers (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004W3Y4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00004W3Y4&linkId=2e44849b23e3f3d024c87c4479558194\" target=\"_blank\">dot markers<\/a><\/li><li>Lay out a giant piece of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"butcher paper (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U6QE2Y/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B003U6QE2Y&linkId=d2d08a2f30fd1b26fb3c8e58b7926409\" target=\"_blank\">butcher paper<\/a> and draw the outline of a landscape of bushes. <\/li><li>Google your favorite yogurt-covered blueberry recipe! Don&#8217;t have one? You will soon! These are so easy to make with kids.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color\"><strong>GO TIME: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li> Allow kids to sample a blueberry and create a chart to graph their results. Build on math skills using words like &#8220;most&#8221; and &#8220;least&#8221;. <\/li><li>Serve blueberries at meal time(s).<\/li><li>Play a 1:1 correspondence counting game: Have the child roll the dice. Ask them to stamp the same amount of &#8220;blueberries&#8221; on to the landscape using the dot marker. Repeat until your blueberry bushes are full! Add the title: <u>Blueberries for Sal<\/u> and hang in your play space!<\/li><li>Cut out small blue circles. I love to use this <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"circular paper punch (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013NESBKK/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theempoweredprovider.com-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B013NESBKK&linkId=cb310f30c33daec8e735745fe116d68e\" target=\"_blank\">circular paper punch<\/a> to save time. Hide the circles around your play space. Ask kids to hunt for blueberries just like Sal!<\/li><li>Dip blueberries into yogurt using a toothpick. Lay on wax paper and let them firm up in the fridge before devouring.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3632-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"boy and girl dipping blueberries in yogurt\" class=\"wp-image-1030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3632-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3632-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3632-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3632-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3632-200x150.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3632.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Use toothpicks to pick up the blueberries and dunk them into yogurt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3642-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"pan of homemade yogurt covered blueberries\" class=\"wp-image-1031\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3642-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3642-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3642-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3642-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3642-200x150.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3642.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption>Lay out on a piece of wax paper and let them firm up in the freezer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3607-1-e1549582402104-800x1067.jpg\" alt=\"preschool boys stamping blue dot markers onto paper\" class=\"wp-image-1032\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3621-1-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"blueberries for sal poster\" class=\"wp-image-1033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3621-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3621-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3621-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3621-1-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/IMG_3621-1-200x150.jpg 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_3621-1.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"color:#105f11\" class=\"has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Mouse Count<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe style=\"width:120px;height:240px;\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=theempoweredprovider.com-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=0152002235&amp;asins=0152002235&amp;linkId=bd38e3efdafe6cff55a2494f9cf7b209&amp;show_border=true&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=57c4c2&amp;bg_color=ffffff\">\n    <\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>By: Ellen Stoll Walsh<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kids love the drama this story brings as a greedy snake rounds up lunch that consists of 10 mice in a jar&#8230;&#8217;little, warm, and tasty, fast asleep&#8217;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color\"><strong>PREPARATION: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li> Gather the following materials to retell this story: a green or brown men&#8217;s sock for the snake puppet (add googly eyes if you so desire), a tall clear jar, and 10 cotton balls (the mice) and a rock.<\/li><li>Model Magic Clay (green or brown will do) to roll out snakes.<\/li><li>Use number flash cards (or make your own) 1-10. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color\"><strong>GO TIME: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Read the story to the kids one time through.<\/li><li>Allow them to make observations&#8230;how do you think the mice were feeling in this story? What did they notice about the numbers at the beginning of the book and the end of the book?<\/li><li>The author uses the word &#8216;greedy&#8217;&#8230;talk about what this word means.<\/li><li>Read through the story a second time, using the props to act out the story.<\/li><li><strong>Bonus Activity #1:<\/strong> Use green or brown model magic clay to roll out snakes.<\/li><li><strong>Bonus Activity #2: <\/strong>Make edible snakes and mice using store bought pizza dough. Sprinkle with salt for extra flavor.<\/li><li><strong>Bonus Activity #3: <\/strong>Find a large box and leave it out for kids to act like mice &#8211;going in and out of the jar (the box).<\/li><li><strong>Bonus Activity #4:<\/strong> Draw an outline of a jar on a piece of construction paper. Print off photos of little mice. Let kids cut them out and glue in the jar.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"508\" src=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/adel-mouse-count-2.2016-800x508.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/adel-mouse-count-2.2016-800x508.png 800w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/adel-mouse-count-2.2016-400x254.png 400w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/adel-mouse-count-2.2016-768x488.png 768w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/adel-mouse-count-2.2016-1000x635.png 1000w, https:\/\/theempoweredprovider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/adel-mouse-count-2.2016-200x127.png 200w, https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/adel-mouse-count-2.2016.png 1134w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pairing books and activities is a great way to pull your space and activities into focus. Utilize the books children already love to incorporate not only pre-literacy skills but oodles more!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Loads of learning and fun can occur when you pair popular children&#8217;s books and activities to bring the book to life. Sort of like Diet Coke &amp; French Fries or Spaghetti &amp; Meatballs or peanut butter &amp; jelly&#8230; There&#8217;s just something about having a little extra fun with a really good book! Today I am<\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/five-books-activities-to-inspire-imaginative-play-part-1/\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2811,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":""},"categories":[136,41],"tags":[180,183],"featured_image_src":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/FEATURED-IMAGE-NEW_-5-BOOKS-PLUS-FUN-ACTIVITIES-FOR-EACH-ONE.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/FEATURED-IMAGE-NEW_-5-BOOKS-PLUS-FUN-ACTIVITIES-FOR-EACH-ONE.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Roz Addler","author_link":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/author/rozaddler1/"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/FEATURED-IMAGE-NEW_-5-BOOKS-PLUS-FUN-ACTIVITIES-FOR-EACH-ONE.jpg","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https://wp.me/pafW5k-go","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/1016"}],"collection":[{"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/types/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/users/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/comments?post=1016"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/1016/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2812,"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts/1016/revisions/2812"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/media/2811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/media?parent=1016"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/categories?post=1016"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-json/wp/v2/tags?post=1016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}