Clubhouse Manger

This was a very simple, and fun, little craft I did with my Clubhouse Kid last holiday season. Unpacking the Christmas boxes, it warmed my heart when I found it. I tracked down the photos of when we made this (I was not actively blogging back then, but I was still an avid photo taker) and decided to share...

Clubhouse Christmas, A Green Event

Today being December 1st, the countdown to Christmas has officially started here at the Clubhouse. Last night I got out last year's Advent Calendar, which I made out of all recycled materials. Tissue paper from gift bags, Christmas cards from year's past (yes, I save everything), brown paper bags, and even some wrapping paper. This year, we get to use it again.. so I guess it's re-recycled? 

That got me to thinking about all of the different ways we recycle during the Holidays. You'd be surprised at how much can be found in the mail. Before you throw out yet another "look at our lowest deals ever" circular, take a closer look...

The Clubhouse at NAEYC

There have been a few changes here at the Clubhouse, and that's why you haven't heard from me in awhile. We were taking the time we needed to transition, and we did some travel.

We're back though, and we sure do have a lot to catch up on!
What better place to start than last week?

It was a week spent in Atlanta, Georgia at the National Association for the Education of Young Children Conference. An event full of exciting sessions, informative meetings, focus groups, and more! Surrounded by friends and colleagues, I thoroughly enjoyed indulging in the world of early childhood education.

The exhibits were a personal favorite, it's just amazing to have every possible education resource under one roof. From toys to books to outdoor play, I was able to enjoy a lot of hands on fun, and be introduced to an entire range of new products coming during this holiday season and throughout the new year.

A panoramic photo of the exhibits area.
I wish I could have made the photo larger,
but I wanted you to see the entire spectrum of options.
It was definitely A LOT to see!

Clubhouse Cloud Dough Bakery

Sometimes I get an idea from a book the Clubhouse Kids are really enjoying, or comments I hear in the classroom during play. Even just a question from a child or parent can spark an entire array of activities in my mind.

In this case, I just had a lot of flour.

Really, too much.

So, the Cloud Dough Bakery was born.

The Clubhouse Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: Spicy Tamale Art

This year, I am six, so I get to mix the dough, which is made of cornmeal. My sister Lidia is eight, so she gets to spread the dough on the corn husk leaves. I wish I was eight, so that my hands would be big enough to spread the dough just right--not too thick and not too thin...

          -Growing Up With Tamales by Gwendolyn Zepeda

As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month here at the Clubhouse, we have been reading some good books about food. Food is a big part of the Hispanic Culture, with many cultures having specific foods/recipes that are passed down from generation to generation.

A popular favorite at the Clubhouse?

Tamales.

So, I decided it was time to bring some of the ingredients, scents and spices of tamales into the Classroom, the Clubhouse way.