I have a little plastic bucket of toys for my grand daughter to play with when she comes over for a visit.
She is almost 2 1/2 and is extremely bright! Really, she is! I'm not just saying that because she is my grandchild. I would say that even if I had never met her before---she's just very bright! Oh, and I must add, she is extremely good looking, too. Yes, she's bright and good looking!!!
So, when I started preparing for a visit from her I thought I would add a little surprise at the bottom of her toy bucket---something new and something I could use in all sorts of ways to reinforce a variety of academic concepts.
I know for a fact that Hostess Sno Balls would be a terrific learning tool! How happy she will be when she reaches into her toy bucket and starts pulling out package after package of those yummy PINK Sno Balls!
First, we could work on number concepts. She already counts up a storm, but we will spend some time identifying numbers and matching the numbers with the appropriate amount of Sno Balls! I can just picture her sweet little face lighting up when she places the correct amount of Pink Sno Balls beside each number!
Then, we will work on shapes----creating them out of Pink Sno Balls!!
She will make triangles out of Pink Sno Balls. . . . .
and circles out of Pink Sno Balls. . . . .
and squares out of Pink Sno Balls!
Maybe we will work on memory skills----she'll watch me place a sweet delight under a cup and shuffle them all around and ask, "Where did Nana put the Pink Sno Ball?" This might be too simple for her----we'll just keep this in mind.
I think we could practice her "stacking/balancing skills"---doesn't that look like fun! Making Sno Ball Towers---we could toss in some counting practice again!
She has an artistic flair, so I could foster that on her visit by incorporating a few Pink Snow Ball Arts and Crafts activities---like making a flower garden!! While working on this project, we could discuss colors, height concepts (tall, short), counting again---oh, the possibilities are endless!
Not only would this activity enhance her artistic and academic growth, but it would nuture her imagination!
Such an idea for Imaginative Play would be when we make Pink Sno Ball Critters---like this cute caterpillar! Of course, we will count the body segments and legs! She's sure to enjoy this activity!
We could make some sweet little bunnies crafted from Pink Sno Balls and simple scraps of construction paper for ears and eyes! She could pretend they were a little family and give them all little names. Names like Thumper, and Hoppy, and Fred. That just makes the little bunnies seem more real if these have names!
What about little fat piggies made by putting two Pink Sno Balls together, then adding paper ears, eyes and nose---then a curly little pipe cleaner tail!! She will love this one! Maybe we could make another little piggie and re-enact the "Three Little Pigs" story----doesn't this sound grand?
She could make a Sno Ball Snow Fort and hide a pink plastic monkey Behind it! Yes, we will work on behind and in front---two great concepts that will be reinforced with the help of the timeless Pink Sno Ball ---and plastic monkey, of course!
Lots more fun could be had by taking a piece of blue construction paper and placing it on a flat surface---we will pretend this is water. The Pink Sno Balls can be piled on the water to represent an island---then she can play "monkey island" by adding as many of those pink plastic simians as possible. Of course, I will have her count out loud each of the monkeys she adds to her island!
THE STONE RABBIT wants to help with the Sno Ball Enrichment activities. He suggested we work with her on such concepts as "over" and
under!!!!!
Then THE STONE RABBIT had a great suggestion! He thought we should work on "our five senses" using the Pink Sno Balls as a teaching tool! I have always thought he should have gone into the educational field---he loves teaching others!
We could talk about the sense of "hearing".
THE STONE RABBIT is thrilled to be demonstrating the sense of "sight" when looking at the luscious Sno Ball dangling just inches from his face!
He happily shares the sense of "touch" with his front paws.
He demonstrated the sense of "smell" by placing his nose right on that sweet Pink Sno Ball and inhaling deeply! He was in sweet confection heaven at this point!
Before I had a chance to say "no, don't", THE STONE RABBIT took a huge bite out of one of my teaching tools to demonstrate the sense of "taste"!
I think THE STONE RABBIT and I came up with a bunch of fun and learning-filled activities to share with my grand daughter the next time she comes over to visit!
* * * * * *
The next afternoon THE STONE RABBIT brought me a little surprise.
He had found ORANGE Sno Balls---just in time for Halloween fun!
How sweet of him to pick up a package and bring it to me!
But when I looked down in the basket the Orange Sno Balls were in-----I saw cockroaches!!!! Oh my goodness, I started to scream at the top of my lungs. I turned to grab something to smash those disgusting critters.
By the time I turned back around- - - - - -
they had crawled out of that basket and were swarming all over THE STONE RABBIT!!!
As I raised a Rubbermaid spatula to start whacking at the roaches, I noticed a different one on THE STONE RABBIT'S forehead.
Leaning a bit closer I saw- - - - - - -
this little message from a stylish Pink Polka Dotted Roach!!!!
There are many blogs waiting for YOUR visit--they want to share their Pink Saturday fun, too. So go on over to HOW SWEET THE SOUND. Beverly will have all of the Pink Saturday links ready for you to check out!
DANA
note:
THE STONE RABBIT wasn't totally at fault on his little cockroach prank. You see, he would have NEVER thought about it if he hadn't read Laura's post at AMONGST THE OAKS. SHE is the one who shared her little cockroach fun---so he decided to have a little, too. THEN he was encouraged by Beverly (yes, the Same Beverly who so sweetly and innocently hosts Pink Saturday every week!) to put Pink Polka Dots on the roach---and he did. Actually, they made that little critter look kinda cute!
Happy PInk Saturday. You are totally the funniest thing ever. BTW, Sno BAlls are my favorite dessert.
Posted by: Tricia Arledge | October 03, 2008 at 09:21 PM
I have to agree, this is just the cutest post! And SnoBalls are my fav. too. ~ Robyn
Posted by: Robyn | October 03, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Oooooh - now I want pink snowballs! I haven't had them in FOREVER! As always, great post! Some Saturday you'll have to post the little pink cheeks of that sweet granddaughter of yours! Okay, those roaches look way too real... very, very creepy! Just the perfect touch for Halloween!!...Donna
Posted by: An Enchanted Cottage | October 03, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Happy Pink Saturday!
Always a hilarious PINK post!
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela Delworth | October 04, 2008 at 01:55 AM
Sounds like good learning fun to me : ) Happy Pink Saturday.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | October 04, 2008 at 02:31 AM
Wow, I never knew you could do so much with a pink snoball....I think your grand daughter is going to have a blast!!!
Those roaches though YUCK...they looked too real!! YIKES!!
Posted by: Darlene | October 04, 2008 at 03:48 AM
I haven't thought about Sno Balls in a long time! Who would ever guess they could be so educational!
Posted by: Stacey | October 04, 2008 at 03:58 AM
What a very fun, whimiscal post :) Looks like you had a blast with that The pink Snoball!
Have a grande Pink Saturday.
Posted by: Amy | October 04, 2008 at 04:33 AM
I loved your pink post. I was wondering how far you were going to get with the snoballs before they got eaten. LOL. Happy Pink Saturday.
Posted by: Linnea | October 04, 2008 at 05:14 AM
What a GREAT Pink post. :) I am tickled pink. Have a wonderful weekend.
J.
Posted by: Jessica | October 04, 2008 at 05:46 AM
I've never had a pink snowball, but now I think I need about 10 for learning time with my kids.
Posted by: Erin K | October 04, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Oh, my! The Stone Rabbit makes me smile! Happy PS!
Posted by: jeanie | October 04, 2008 at 05:50 AM
Oh My!
Posted by: Lynn@thevintagenest | October 04, 2008 at 06:04 AM
FUN PINK POST...I can tell you and the Stone Rabbit have a lot of fun with PINK SATURDAY!
love, bj
Posted by: bj | October 04, 2008 at 06:12 AM
Good Morning Dana, How do you come up with this stuff??? LOLOL! Every pink post gets better and better! I always rush over here first thing to see what you have for the present PINK Saturday! LOL!
Have a great weekend! ~Rhonda :)
Posted by: Rhonda | October 04, 2008 at 06:35 AM
LOL! What an excellent post! Love the whole thing, you are too clever! (found you via Crafty Page).
c
Posted by: Cindy | October 04, 2008 at 06:55 AM
Dana, no wonder your granddaughter is so smart. She takes after her grandma. I am smiling like a Cheshire cat. I want a bite too. I love those things. Thanks for the great entertainment. I loved it!
Hugs...Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | October 04, 2008 at 07:09 AM
What an inventive Grandma you are! And stone rabbit is a wonderful gradrabbit. You both taught ME something, because I'd never seen orange sno-balls; gotta get me some.
Posted by: Nola | October 04, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Oh, Dana, how funny! I liked the pink snoball critters.
It almost looked like The Stone Rabbit had a pink "accident" up there! He had a kind of sheepish grin.
I must go find out about those roaches!
Happy Pink Saturday - you always have a fun post!
Posted by: g | October 04, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Dana,
That was the funniest and most creative Pink Saturday post I have seen yet. Thank you for sharing it with us and putting a smile on my face today.
Kim
Posted by: Kim | October 04, 2008 at 07:50 AM
I just love the way your mind works!
You seem to be dropping a lot of hints about coming to California. OK, OK, I can take a hint! I would love for you to visit! :)
Posted by: Donna | October 04, 2008 at 08:23 AM
That was so funny. I so enjoy reading your blog.
The snowball idea was incredible. I will have to use that one.
I don't think I will paint the cockroach wings tho.
That can be your original.
hugs
Becky
Posted by: Becky | October 04, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Humm! I truly was anticipating a cockroach with pink polka-dots, and you made it a reality. Whoever would have guessed that a pink polka-dot cockroach would become a star of Pink Saturday.
And, guess what?! I've never had a sno ball! I think I need to go to the corner store.
Posted by: Beverly | October 04, 2008 at 08:30 AM
aaaaaccckkkkk....
On the otherhand, I LOVE snowballs!!
Posted by: Karin@creativechaos | October 04, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Very fun post. Happy Pink Saturday.
Kris
Posted by: Kris | October 04, 2008 at 08:59 AM
You are too funny! All it took was seeing those buys to remind me that I don't need any pink snow balls.
Have a fun filled pink weekend!
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | October 04, 2008 at 09:10 AM
You are absolutely hilarious!!I don't know if I could have take that many picture without eating all of the snowballs.
Brenda:)
Posted by: Brenda | October 04, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Dana
You never seize to made me laugh every time I visit you. Today Gabriela made me do the twist with Chubby Checker and you made me want a Pink Snow Ball. It won't be long before we have yellow snow our way (you know with all my pooches!!) lol
Have a great weekend Dana
Hugs
Claudie
Posted by: Claudie | October 04, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Oh Dana, this is great!!! Happy Pink Saturday!
Posted by: Melissa (Missy) | October 04, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Oh Dana, this is great!!! Happy Pink Saturday!
Posted by: Melissa (Missy) | October 04, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Oh Dana, this is great!!! Happy Pink Saturday!
Posted by: Melissa (Missy) | October 04, 2008 at 10:06 AM
What a pink snowball saturday!!! Love the pink snowball critter. Not the polka dot roaches so much!
You truly have a "ball" doing Pink Saturday"
Posted by: Bonnie | October 04, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Your imagination amaze me.
I love snow balls, Yummy!
Have a Happy and Bless weekend,
Virginia
Posted by: Virginia | October 04, 2008 at 10:58 AM
You have me really laughing...the belly kind!!! Thanks for that!!
Happy Pink Saturday!
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie | October 04, 2008 at 12:22 PM
You have me really laughing...the belly kind!!! Thanks for that!!
Happy Pink Saturday!
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie | October 04, 2008 at 12:22 PM
You never cease to amaze and entertain!!
I love all the snowball animals!
Posted by: ellen b | October 04, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Loving those PINK snowballs and all the fun you had with them! LOL! Hugs, Maryjane
Posted by: Maryjane | October 04, 2008 at 03:01 PM
I've never heard of SnoBalls before, but love them already :-)
Posted by: Edna | October 04, 2008 at 03:15 PM
I don't know how you come up with these posts. So adorable, except for the cockroaches...ewe! But darling ideas how to use snowballs to teach and play with your granddaughter. Happy Pink Saturday. Karen
Posted by: karen | October 04, 2008 at 03:50 PM
You are absolutely just so much fun. I loved the snoball critters and of course, Stone Rabbit..:)
Posted by: CC | October 04, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Again you crack me up...or is that "you're cracking up" I can just imagine what it must be like following you around your house on any given day. Your brain works in....shall we say....interesting ways. But I'm glad for that because you are ALWAYS amusing!!!! I laugh-spit all over my screen when I saw the stone rabbits new face LOL
Posted by: nikki | October 04, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Your posts are so clever! Happy Pink Saturday!
Posted by: jen | October 04, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Ya know, your sweet and beautiful granddaughter's mother may teach her "not to play with her food!!" LOL
Blessings,
Sher
Posted by: Sher's Creative Expressions | October 04, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Very cute pink Sat. post! You come up with some neat ideas.
sounds like you know quite a bit about teaching young children!
diane
Posted by: Diane@A Picture is worth.... | October 04, 2008 at 08:15 PM
love those snow balls critters. I particularly enjoyed the paper smile and eyes on the stone rabbit! really funny post!
Marina
Posted by: marina | October 04, 2008 at 08:55 PM
I had so much fun on your blog today. Thanks for making me smile. Very clever.
Posted by: Grandma Faith | October 04, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Cute, cute post again! Happy PS!! Wow, those bugs look REAL!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
Posted by: Stephanie | October 04, 2008 at 09:23 PM
I can only imagine what you and the Stone Rabbit are up to this weekend!
I left a gift for you on my blog and I still need your address! Have a great week!
Donna
Posted by: Donna | October 05, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Loved, loved your post. Have a great new week.
Posted by: Patricia | October 05, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Your Pink Saturdays are such a treat, Dana! This was fun!
Posted by: Pat | October 05, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Oh, Dana! I just loved this blog. The pink sno balls look yummy and what super ideas to use them for! :)
Posted by: Alexandra | October 05, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Creative as always, Dana. We need more like you in this world!!
Posted by: Bev | October 05, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Where to begin??? So fun and so entertaining. Of course I just read a week's worth of posts...just can't keep up. What a lucky little girl - fun and education all wrapped up together. (I agree, she is adorable). I do wonder if you ever sleep - let me know. Hello to Bonnie! Glad you are doing well. Sharleen
Posted by: Sharleen | October 05, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Happy Pinkness to you Dana...and I can without a doubt say "you're not right!" LOL Which means you fit my world perfectly..LOL
Pink dotted cockroach thoughts,
Stephanie
Queen of Dreamsz
Posted by: Queen of Dreamsz | October 05, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Oh Dana - those cockroaches are tooo real looking. I'm braver going up against a cockroach than I am a mouse, though. I'd really prefer tangling with one of those pink snowballs - they look yummy and I've never had one either...wish you could give me a few lessons! HPS :)Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | October 05, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Dana, I stopped back on this post to let you know to check back on your energy/Halloween post. I left a comment today as I somehow missed it.
Have a great day.
Hugs...Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | October 06, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Oops, forgot to tell you there were 10 items in that picture so you were right on with your observation. smile. I never did find time to post on Sunday. Too much action going on in this house. My knee is doing great and I danced at my niece's wedding.lol
Hugs...Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | October 06, 2008 at 05:53 AM
You have a lucky granddaughter! What a creative grandma you are! I bet she would have fun with those ideas! You always have so much fun!
Have a great day!
Kim
Posted by: Kim V | October 06, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Whew! You had me at cockroaches in the basket! I would have flipped!
That's a cute concept of education and pink sno balls! I like that idea! I bet she will always love learning with Gramma *winks*
Posted by: AwtemNymf | October 06, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Dana,
Entertaining us with pink snowballs! How fun is that!
Where do you come up with these ideas - you must keep an "idea book!" Lots of fun on Pink Saturdays at The Stone Rabbit!
Stop by - I have a surprise for you!
~Jean
Posted by: Jean | October 06, 2008 at 05:47 PM
You are sooo creative. Hope you are having a pink Week!
Posted by: Lori | October 07, 2008 at 01:12 AM
PINK Snowballs!! Oh, how I loved those as a kid...still do--LOL! And now they have orange ones for Halloween--super! But so clever to use Snowballs for teaching/learning. This was a very cute post, Dana...Can't stop smiling! :o) Happy Days ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | October 07, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Wow, that must have taken a lot of time...let alone lots of creativity! Cute!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment about our new bundle of joy! We're very excited! And I promise, no more surprises. :0)
Jillian
Posted by: Jillian | October 07, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Remember me? Life has been sooooo C-R-A-Z-Y lately...but a good kind of crazy, so I can't complain even though it has kept me from visiting. But...I'm home now...for a week or so anyway. (Even though I'm sick with a cold AND a stomach virus, it's good to be home.)
I've had fun reading all your posts I've missed. I won't comment on each post, but I've loved them all. So much "eye candy"! So much fun!
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | October 07, 2008 at 01:33 PM
I just saw these online and thought you should know:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=15976876
hugs,
e
Posted by: Erin K | October 07, 2008 at 02:50 PM
I love the snowball piglets. Are the snowball bunnies going to be the Stone Rabbit's minions?
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | October 07, 2008 at 05:42 PM
I loved all the pink snowball lessons Dana! Now I know for sure you were a teacher! :-)) My DIL taught kindergarden last year and would have loved this! She has first grade this year but I'll show it to her just the same ...so cute!
The roaches were ....well...ewww...but funny too!
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | October 09, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Can't believe I forgot to comment on this, especially as I go to your blog first! This was hilarious, and I even called my teenage son over and he had a good laugh too! Where do you come up with these ideas? I especially love the paper eyes and mouth on the stone rabbit.
Kady
Posted by: Kady | October 17, 2008 at 10:03 PM