Just a Goof and a Giggle By Sharen Pearson, AZ Survival station for Mothers of young children. Sharen shares her ideas for getting through those challenging first five years. Simple activities to let you feel like a goof and initiate giggles, where laughter and learning collide.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
As a child, my mother would tell me that she could look in my eyes and know I was lying. From my side of the orbital’s, there dwelt only innocence. “Humpf” However, it made me very “eye conscience”.
Due to my extensive work and relationship with babies, some have gone so far as referring to me as “the baby whisperer”. I take that as a compliment, though I am more reader than whisperer. I read eyes. When you work primarily with the part of society that has yet to master the verbal side of communicating, you adapt. So, the eyes have it.
There is a popular commercial about cell phone minutes in which a mother contends that her son must save his “roll over minutes”. The eye contact between mother and son is spot on. No words needed. My Pastor husband could shoot that look from the pulpit and hit target with our sons every time. My dog tells me she is hungry, needs out or is tired all through the biggest, brownest eyes. When I craft animals and people in my classes and on my programs we say “wake them up” when we add eyes. Life is found there.
My favorite eyes are still those of the youngest. Those eyes are the reason we take children to Disneyland when we’ve been there twenty times already. During the early years of life we look in their eyes and read fear, understanding, curiosity, hope and love.
What we return in our gaze back is the message that gets through. What’s in your eyes?
THE GOOF: JACK THE CANDLESTICK
Taken from an old nursery rhyme “Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack jump over the candlestick.
Before you begin. Teach your Toddler the rhyme and talk about what a candlestick would be. I refer to it as a large round candle, because that’s what the children can relate to. Practice “jumping”.
STUFF:
1. 1 empty, clean pint or quart size paper milk carton
2. Contact paper or construction paper
3. Newspaper
4. Tissue Paper
5. Glue stick
6. Markers, crayons or stickers to decorate
7. Shredded gift wrap-type paper
THE GIGGLE:
Open the milk carton fully. Ask your child how much paper they think can fit into the container. Allow them to crumble newspaper and stuff it into the container until it is full.
Fashion a newspaper “ball” that is just a bit larger than the opening of the container.
This will be Jack’s head. Cover the head with a square of tissue paper and let it drape over the carton. Holding the tissue in place with a rubber band, cover the carton with construction paper or contact paper. This will secure the tissue paper and give you a surface to decorate. Use some colored electrical tape as a collar to give definition to the body and head. “Wake up” Jack by drawing eyes on the tissue. Use the shredded package paper for hair stuck on with the glue stick. Decorate Jack’s clothes with markers or stickers.
Posted: Monday, October 19, 2009
Article comment by:
The eye speaks 1000 words
This is very true. In fact I have often looked deeply into my husband's eyes when I ask certain questions to reveal the truth. But, definately with babies and toddler, the eye speaks 1000 words.
Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Another great craft! Keep them coming Sharen!
Posted: Saturday, September 05, 2009
Article comment by:
Karen
I love this article and the craft. My grandchildren tell me the "whole" story with their eyes. I know sometimes they wonder how I could possibly seem to know what they are thinking....hee hee.
Sharen is right on! She is the best!
