One roll of painters tape can save your sanity . . . here’s how!
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Picture this scene, it is the third day of rain in the first week of summer vacation for two little boys who had said good-bye to their older brother as he embarked for camp and now they must learn to be with just each other. Tennis has been cancelled –again. Baseball has been cancelled—again. And now golf has been cancelled. The house is full of toys and books and fun activities, but they only seem to be able to find time to pick at each other.And then they spy . . .
PAINTERS TAPE!!!
And so it begins . . .
There is an idea . . .
And a plan . . .
And it starts to take shape.
“This is awesome.”
“You start there, and then my cars will come around this corner and meet up with you, OK?”
“I’ll make sure there’s a parking spot for the cars not racing so they can watch . . .”
“We are all winners, right? ‘Cuz we’re on the same team.”
“Maya, will protect our cars, ok?”
And so it went . . . On and on and on and yes, there is still painters tape on my floor because “we’re still playing it mom” 5 days later.Do I care?Not particularly.I remember when I had my first boy and he was a tiny tot, I read somewhere or someone told me that if they are engaged in play . . . if it is sustaining them . . . if they return to it and if the mess and inconvenienceof it costs you less than $10.00, then let it go.It’s the cheapest babysitter you’ll find.
And that’s how a roll of painters tape save my sanity and became the best rainy day babysitter ever. I need to keep about 5 rolls on hand for inside recess next fall. Now THAT would be awesome!
With more than 20 years of teaching experience, it is my pleasure to bring you my most favorite ideas and activities to keep young learners engaged and loving learning.
This is a mommy lifesaver. My six year old, Seth is currently whining because he doesn’t have anyone to play with. We live in the country and I can’t arrange play dates everyday. May not have a play date but I’ve got plenty of painter’s tape (blue and green!) and a huge box full of cars. Thank you! -Lisa Liddiard http://liddiardsperch.blogspot.com
With nearly 20 years of experience as a full-time kindergarten teacher, I’m committed to creating a classroom where learning is joyful, engaging, challenging, and fun. Each day, I work to ensure that my students feel successful through instruction that considers their unique interests, learning profiles, and readiness levels. I believe that students should be excited to come to class and enjoy a myriad of hands-on activities that encourage exploration and discovery.
While I continue to teach full-time, I find so much joy in connecting and building friendships with teachers worldwide. It’s why I started this blog back in 2012. My hope has become a reality as I have been able to forge relationships with teachers, sharing ideas and building friendships beyond my little neck of the woods through professional development sessions and this blog.
So by all means, take some time to look around and explore A Differentiated Kindergarten. Gather some new ideas, fun tips, and most importantly, don’t forget to reach out and say, ‘Hi!’
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