Tots and Me... Growing Up Together: patriotic

Welcome to Littles Learning Link Up. Each month you will find:

A seasonal round-up (usually toward the beginning of the month)
Posts where I share what I have been up to with my preschoolers and/or early elementary children (including occasional highlight posts where I share how we used ideas that have been linked up here on Littles Learning Link Up).

Each week, I will host a link up, where you can share either what you have been up to recently, or old posts that may go with the theme. Feel free to link up more than one post.

Each week I will continue to feature a couple of posts from those that have been linked up.

I hope you will continue to share your wonderful posts, and I hope you will find something new to try with your child.

It would be great for everyone to stop by and visit the other linked-up posts as well. Check them out, leave some comments, pin those that interest you. Let's make this a real party and socialize with each other.

It's time for this month's Round Up

Independence Day here in America is coming up faster than I wanted it to, in fact, it will be here tomorrow! I can't believe it is already July. I thought it was high time I shared a round up of great patriotic posts from other wonderful bloggers. You will find craft ideas, activities, snacks, printables, and more. So, pull up a chair, grab your favorite patriotic snack or drink, and relax while you peruse these wonderful ideas.

Patriotic Fun Round Up

Patriotic Crafts

Toothpaste Box Firecrackers from The Joys of Boys

4th of July Craft Idea Patriotic Kids Blower from Natural Beach Living

4th of July Paper Flower Craft for Kids from Artsy Craftsy Mom

Paper American Flag Lantern Craft for Kids from Red Ted Art

4th of July DIY Paper Fans Template from Red Ted Art

Easy Origami Paper Star Wreath from Red Ted Art

Patriotic Lanterns - Cut, Fold, Glue and Decorate from Your Therapy Source

Double Sided Star Wand 4th of July Kids Craft from Darcy and Brian

Captain America (Recycled) Shield from Teach Me Mommy

Fourth of July Paper Banner Craft for Kids from The Gingerbread House

Simple and Inexpensive Patriotic Wreath Tutorial from Gluesticks by Brandy Nelson

4th of July Craft for Kids: Patriotic Necklace from Buggy and Buddy

4th of July Craft for Kids: Patriotic Wand from Buggy and Buddy

DIY Flag T-Shirts for Kids from Non-Toy Gifts

Paper Roll American Flag Craft for Kids from Non-Toy Gifts

Paper Plate American Flag Craft for Kids from Non-Toy Gifts

Red White and Blue Star Wand Craft from Rhythms of Play

Let's Make Patriotic Paper Plate Purses! from Pink Stripey Socks

2 DIY Cardboard Fourth of July Hats from Pink Stripey Socks

Patriotic Cupcake Liner Flowers from Fireflies + Mud Pies

4th of July Patriotic Stars Thumbprint Craft from A Dab of Glue Will Do

T-Shirt Decorating: DIY Red White and Blue Patriotic Shirts from Everyday Chaos & Calm

4th of July Craft for Kids - Scrunched Tissue Paper Art from Crafts by Ria

Patriotic Duck Tape Parade Stick from Crafts by Amanda

Make a Super Fun Rocket Flyer from Brain Power Boy

Easy 4th of July T-Shirt Wreath from The Soccer Mom Blog

Patriotic Mason Jar Lanterns (Video) from The Soccer Mom Blog

How to Make 4th of July Fireworks T-Shirts from Our Unschooling Journey Through Life

Fireworks Fun

Fireworks 4th of July Craft for Kids from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

4th of July Activities for Toddlers from Sixth Bloom

Bleeding Tissue Paper Fireworks Craft from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

Recycled Shredder Paper Fireworks Craft from Capri +3

Fun and Easy Fireworks Craft for Kids: Sparkly Handprint Fireworks from Real Life at Home

Firework Glue Art from Our Unschooling Journey Through Life

American Flags

DIY 4th of July Favors from Organized 31

Make an American Flag Using Water Science Experiments from From Engineer to Stay at Home Mom

Make an Easy American Flag from Popsicle Sticks from STL Motherhood

American Flag Bookmark from Red Ted Art

4 July Kids Craft Ideas - Color Rice American Flag Exploring from Powerful Mothering

Handprint and Footprint Flag Craft for Kids from Non-Toy Gifts

Easy Flag Craft for Kids from Non-Toy Gifts

DIY 4th of July Flag Decoration for Kids from School Time Snippets

Magazine Mosaic Flag from Crafts by Amanda

Handprint American Flag Craft for Preschoolers from The Soccer Mom Blog

Red, White and Blue Flag Art Activity from Best Toys 4 Toddlers

Sponge Painted American Flag Craft from Crafts on Sea

Lego Printed American Flag Craft from Crafts on Sea

Quick and Easy Colonial Flag Watercolor Art Project from Table Life Blog

Flag Craft from Pool Noodles & Pixie Dust

American Symbol Crafts

Handprint Bald Eagle Craft for Kids from Simple Everyday Mom

4th of July Handprint Crafts - Uncle Sam and Bald Eagle from Artsy Craftsy Mom

Paper Plate Uncle Sam for Preschool from Red Ted Art

Simple Toilet Paper Roll Bald Eagle Craft for Kids from Homeschool Preschool

Patriotic Eagle Craft with Pom Poms - Perfect for 4th of July from Jinxy Kids

Crafts for Kids: Make a Statue of Liberty Crown and Torch from Buggy and Buddy

Make an Eagle from a Cardboard Tube from Crafts by Amanda

Pom-Pom Bald Eagle Craft for Kids from The Soccer Mom Blog

Patriotic Snacks

How To: Make Cute Surfboard Cookies for Any Occasion from Adventures of a Military Family of 8

The Cutest Patriotic Flip Flop Cookies from Adventures of a Military Family of 8

Raspberry Blueberry Slab Pie Patriotic Dessert from Hello, Yummy!

Firecracker Strawberry Pops from Crayons & Cravings

Patriotic Cake - Perfect 4th of July Cake Recipe from Easy Family Recipe Ideas

American Flag Cupcakes - Easy Patriotic Dessert from Easy Family Recipe Ideas

How to Make Patriotic Non Alcoholic Summer Drinks - Perfect 4th of July Drinks from Natural Beach Living

Red, White & Blue Dessert Bars from Cutefetti

Easy 4th July Cookie Decorating Activity for Kids from Red Ted Art

Patriotic Thumbprint Cookies from Moneywise Moms

Amazing Patriotic Popcorn Crunch Recipe To Try Right Now from This Mama Loves

American Flag Cake from Spaceships and Laser Beams

Red, White, and Blue Pinata Cake from Spaceships and Laser Beams

Patriotic Snow Cones Recipe - Easy and Inexpensive from Thrifty Jinxy

Patriotic Gluten-Free Muddy Buddy Chex Mix from Really, Are You Serious?

Flag Sugar Cookies: A Fun Activity for Kids! from Gluesticks by Brandy Nelson

Firework Bundt Cake Recipe from Cook * Eat * Go

Berry Trifle-Inspired Desserts from Real Life at Home

Patriotic Fruit Kabobs - 4th of July Snack for Kids from School Time Snippets

Patriotic Red, White and Blue Mousse Parfait Recipe from Mommy Evolution

4th of July Rice Krispies Pops Recipe from Mommy Evolution

Red, White and Blue Fruit Salsa from On My Kids Plate

American White Chocolate Popcorn from Teach Me Mommy

Super Fluffy 4th of July Cake Mix Cookies from In the Kids' Kitchen

American Flag Fruit Pizza (Gluten Free) from The Soccer Mom Blog

Red White and Blue Poke Cake from The Soccer Mom Blog

Red White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats from Living Life as Moms

Patriotic Hands-On Activities

Red White and Blue Science Project from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games

4th of July Slime from Little Bins for Little Hands

4th of July Skittles Science Experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands

4th of July Science Experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands

Awesome DIY Water Table with Red, White, and Blue Activities from Living Montessori Now

4th of July Activity: Paint Stars on the Driveway from Fun Learning for Kids

Red White and Blue Stars Sensory Bottle from Rhythms of Play

Magnetic Games for Kids- Pipe Cleaner Fireworks in a Jar from JDaniel4's Mom

Patriotic DIY Bubble Wands from I Heart Crafty Things

Glow in the Dark Sensory Bottles & July 4th Printable Activities from Edventures With Kids

American Flag Optical Illusion Art + Science Activity from Mommy Evolution

Patriotic Foam Sensory Activity from Mommy Evolution

Patriotic Sensory Tray for Toddlers from My Bored Toddler

Shaving Cream Sensory Play - Red, White and Blue from My Bored Toddler

Skittles Experiment: Exploring Color Science from The Soccer Mom Blog

P is for Patriotic Pasta Sparkler Activity from Tots and Me...Growing Up Together

Printables

American Flag Cootie Catcher Printable from Red Ted Art

Pledge of Allegiance Printables from Homeschool Preschool

July 4th Hunt and Find from Your Therapy Source

Free 4th of July Pack from 3 Dinosaurs

Hands-On Fourth of July Ten Frame Cards from 3 Dinosaurs

Fun USA Symbols ABC Themed Easy Reader Book from 3 Dinosaurs

4th of July Coloring and Fun Free Printable from Wise Owl Factory

Free 4th of July Learning Pack for Tots & PreK from Totschooling

American Flag Shape Matching from Totschooling

4th of July Printable Wand Craft for Kids to Make from Projects for Kids

4th of July Activities - Spelling Patriotic Words in Binary Code from JDaniel4's Mom

4th of July Logic Puzzles for Kids {FREE} from Math Geek Mama

Scavenger Hunt Printable for the 4th of July from Organized 31

Printable 4th of July Puzzles from Real Life at Home

Fun Free Firework Printables for the Fourth of July and Bonfire Night from Kiddy Charts

4th of July Scavenger Hunt for Kids from Crafts on Sea

4th of July Coloring Pages from Year Round Homeschooling

Free Patriotic K-2 Fun Pack from Year Round Homeschooling

Free Patriotic PreK Fun Pack from Year Round Homeschooling

American Flag Fun Pack from Year Round Homeschooling

American Flag Coloring Pages from Year Round Homeschooling

Free 4th of July Fun Pack from Year Round Homeschooling

Free Star-Spangled Banner Copywork Printable from Homeschool Gardens

Miscellaneous

4th of July Story Time Ideas for Young Readers from Homebound but Hopeful

Patriotic Activities for Kids to Celebrate the 4th of July! from the Preschool Toolbox

4th of July Books for Kids (Unit Study) from Mommy Evolution

American Flag Unit Study from Year Round Homeschooling

Free Online Independence Day Unit Study Resources from Year Round Homeschooling

Patriotic Books with Flag Day & 4th of July Activities for Kids from How to Homeschool My Child

And here is my Patriotic Ideas Round Up from several years ago, where I shared a variety patriotic things we had been doing in our homeschool. There are muffin tin meal ideas, desserts and crafts.

Do you have fun "Patriotic" craft ideas or activities? Feel free to link them up below.

Now onto:

Littles Learning Link Up Features

On my last Littles Learning Link Up post, there were 6 wonderful posts linked up. I will be sharing 2 randomly selected posts as there were no clicks last week.

Please, don't forget to stop by other posts that are linked up. See what catches your eye, stop by, pin the post to a relevant board, and perhaps leave a comment to let the author of the blog know you have been by for a visit. I know I appreciate others commenting and letting me know they have read my posts, so I am sure others do too.

This week's 1st randomly selected post is:

Tara from Homeschool Preschool shared I Spy Pirate Monkey Activity for Preschool.

And here is this week's 2nd randomly selected post.

Kelli from 3 Boys and a Dog shared Summer Fun Activity Pack for Upper Elementary.

Join the Party!

I would love to have you join in this week! What sort of activities do you do with your young children? Do you have some favorite activities you would like to share? I invite you to link up below. I will be pinning posts on relevant boards, and I would love to feature some of the activities each week from what is linked up.

Please know I may share a picture from your post and link back to it, along with sharing how we used your idea in our school time, if applicable. By linking up you are giving me permission to use a picture from your post. I will ALWAYS give credit and link back. Additionally, if you choose to try out any of the ideas with your child, please make sure you give credit where credit is due.

Linky will be open through Sunday night, to give me time to check out all the posts and get the Features organized. Please take the time to visit some of the other wonderful posts linked up.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Littles Learning Link Up: July 5, 2016 Craft Highlight- Fingerprint American Flag

Each month you will find:

A seasonal round-up (toward the beginning of the month)
A guest post featuring crafts, activities, tips, snack ideas or other early childhood topics. (toward the end of the month)
Posts where I share what I have been up to with my preschoolers and/or early elementary children (including occasional highlight posts where I share how we used ideas that have been linked up here on Littles Learning Link Up).

Each week, I will host a link up, where you can share either what you have been up to recently, or old posts that may go with the theme. Feel free to link up more than one post.

Each week I will continue to feature a couple of posts from those that have been linked up.

I hope you will continue to share your wonderful posts, and I hope you will find something new to try with your child(ren).

It would be great for everyone to stop by and visit the other linked-up posts as well. Check them out, leave some comments, pin those that interest you. Let's make this a real party and socialize with each other.

I first mentioned doing a Littles Learning Link Up Highlight back in December. I had thought it could become a monthly thing. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. I do want to try to do a highlight post more often. A highlight post isn't the same as a feature. With the highlighted post, we will actually be making the craft(s) or participating in the activity. You will get to see how much we enjoyed it, and I will be mentioning any tweaks that I add. Of course I will be linking back to the original post.

Littles Learning Link Up July Highlight:

Last week, Schoolhouse Family Fun shared a great selection of Fourth of July Patriotic Crafts. I was looking for something simple to do with the children, especially because we couldn't get to the fireworks this year. So, after making a banner for our living room doorway, we made a variation of the Fingerprint American Flag. I did not have a blue marker, so we made the blue rectangle field out of construction paper. The only other things I tweaked were making sure our flag had the correct number of stripes (because I am OCD that way), and letting the children make their fingerprint stripes without me first drawing the lines. They said they didn't want them, so, I went with it. They actually did pretty good without them.

Here is what you need to make the Fingerprint American Flags:

White paper (I used printer paper but construction paper can be used.)

Small rectangle of blue construction paper

Red paint

White paint

Glue stick or white school glue.

This craft is quite simple to make.

Just glue the blue paper into the top left-hand corner of the white paper.

Then have the children make white fingerprints in the blue field. Younger children can just add the fingerprints, while older children can count up to 50.

Then have them make stripes of red fingerprints as shown. The first red stripe should be at the top of the page, and there should be 4 red stripes in the section with the blue rectangle, then 3 more below it, ending with a red stripe.

Hannah did start out counting, but she lost count. Harold just put fingerprints on randomly.

The older girls were more careful about their star fingerprint placement.

Of course, one of the reasons Hannah lost count, may have been because she was "skip counting" by using two fingers at a time.

Here are their finished flags:

While we were working on these, the children remembered we had made something similar a few years ago. We used fingerprints for the stars, but used construction paper strips for the stripes.

They had remembered counting the fingerprints with big brother's help. Similar, but not quite the same.

Let's take a look at that review schedule:

I did want to quick remind you what reviews are coming up here on Tots and Me...Growing Up Together. I posted the review Veritas Press last week. This week I will be posting the review for Laurelwood Books. Amelia and I have been learning Latin using Olim Once Upon a Time...In Latin. Coming up soon will be the reviews for ArtAchieve, ABeCeDarian, and Heirloom Audio Production's newest release Beric the Briton. The reviews for Talking Fingers: Talking Shapes, CTC Math, Enlivenze FlipStir Puzzles, Foreign Languages For Kids By Kids and Jolly Literacy (2 different reviews) will post in August.

Yes, we are keeping busy this summer, even though we are not having what we call "school days" where we have Bible time, and Story Time and Calendar time.

A few somethings I would like to share with you:

It is officially summer, so I would like to invite you to check out a couple of my round ups.

If you are looking for fun ideas to keep your kids busy this summer, you might want to peruse my Summer of Fun Round Up.

Of course, summer is a time to think about the beach, so I also have a round up for ideas for having fun at the beach, or having beach fun at home. It's the Beach Fun Round Up.

And finally, don't miss last month's Guest Post: Early Elementary Lighthouse Unit Study.

I am still lining up guest posts for this year. If you would be interested writing a guest post for Littles Learning Link Up one of these months, please leave a comment or contact me via my contact info on my About Me page. I will need to have your email address so I can contact you. I am looking for posts that have to do with young children: crafts, activities, foods/snacks, tips, or other ideas. I am open to suggestions.

Now onto:

Littles Learning Link Up Features

On my last Littles Learning Link Up post, there were 30 wonderful posts linked up!

I will be picking one randomly selected post to share, plus the top clicked-on posts.

Please don't forget to stop by other posts that are linked up. See what catches your eye, stop by, pin the post to a relevant board, and perhaps leave a comment to let the author of the blog know you have been by for a visit. I know I appreciate others commenting and letting me know they have read my posts, so I am sure others do too.

This week's Randomly Selected Post is:

Lauren from Heart of Deborah shared Kids Celebrate 4th of July.

Now for this week's top clicked-on posts:

Laura from Inspiration for Moms shared Tips on Running Errands With Kids.

My Bored Toddler shared Toddler Boredom Busters #5.

Shecki From Greatly Blessed shared LearnBop Online Math.

Join the Party!

I would love to have you join in this week! What sort of activities do you do with your young children? Do you have some favorite activities you would like to share? I invite you to link up below. I will be pinning posts on one of my relevant boards, and I would love to feature some of the activities each week from what is linked up.

Please know I may share a picture from your post and link back to it, along with sharing how we used your idea in our school time. By linking up you are giving me permission to use a picture from your post. I will ALWAYS give credit and link back. Additionally, if you choose to try out any of the ideas with your child, please make sure you give credit where credit is due.

Linky will be open through Monday night, to give me time to check out all the posts and get the Features organized. Please take the time to visit some of the other wonderful posts linked up.