Things We Are Loving Lately

How could the shortest month in the year be filled with so much love?? I do not know, but we are here for it! And since we are talking about love, now seems like the appropriate time to tell you about some of the things we have been loving lately. Of course, we have a whole list of things that we love on year round … such as iced coffee, Chick-fil-a waffle fries, and a good show on HGTV… here are some things that particularly stand out to us this month. And the bonus is that they are kid-centered. So, as you are trying to figure out what to do between virtual school, look no further!

#1: This Cute Pig Craft

One of the first things we are loving lately is this cute pig craft. I mean, would you just look at it?? Isn’t it the cutest thing you have ever seen? It just so happens to be made out of hearts of different shapes, sizes, and colors. As you can see, the hearts are twisted in different ways to form the pig’s head, nose, and ears.

Supplies:

• 1 extra large heart [outline of face]
• 1 large heart [center of face]
• 1 medium heart [snout]
• 2 small hearts [outside of ears]
• 2 even smaller hearts [inside of ears]
• Glue stick
• Marker or Crayon

And of course, Valentines is not complete without a good pun. So here is a list to get you started. And it just so happens that they pair very nicely with this cute pig craft.

• Hogs and Kisses
• Don’t go bacon my heart
• You are hamsome
• Missing you pig time

#2: This Video of MLK’s House

February, AKA “The Month of Love,” is a great time to be reminded of Black History Month and all it represents. Our nation would not be where it is today without the influence that many leaders had on equal rights for all people. And every year, Black History Month serves as a reminder that we still have to fight for each other’s rights.

If I asked you who came to mind when you think of Black History, I bet it would be none other than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. No one would argue that he is one of, if not the, most memorable civil rights activist.

We have found the sweetest video (here) showing the inside of his birthplace. And to top it off, the tour of the house is given by MLK’s granddaughter! How cool? This video will give kids (and adults, if we’re being honest) a great perspective of where it all started. The only thing better than this virtual tour would be a personal walk-thru, to see it for ourselves! But until COVID-19 allows for us to do that freely, this visit is a wonderful substitute.

And just for fun, here is another (free) resource that you can use to continue your celebrating of Black History Month. Classroom Doodles is a site that has all-things-coloring. More specifically, you will find a whole section (here) with quotes, activists, and graphics that are centered around BHM. Why not do something fun (coloring) and meaningful (recognize BHM) all at the same time?!

#3: This Groundhog Lesson

In case you didn’t know, there is a little holiday celebrated on February 2^nd called Groundhog Day. Now, I may be an adult, but I will admit to you that I am kind of clueless when it comes to the purpose and meaning of this holiday. Please tell me I am not the only one… anyone else feel the same?

This lack of knowledge prompted me to do a little research. Basically, there is the groundhog in Pennsylvania. Every year on February 2^nd, people watch to see him emerge from his burrow in the ground. If he does see his shadow, then there will be 6 more weeks of winter. However, if he does not see his shadow, then Spring will come early!

If you want to continue down the rabbit hole (or “groundhog hole,” if you will), this is a super informative video of kids that gives some groundhog facts (here). You probably never thought you needed more facts about groundhogs, but I promise you won’t regret it.

Let me tempt you even more. Here is what I learned by watching this video:

• The groundhog in Pennsylvania has a name
• Groundhogs’ teeth do not stop growing
• Their homes have different rooms, just like ours

I mean, how cool is this? Adults, I mean *cough* kids, are bound to learn a thing or two about these cool little animals.

#4: This Love Book

Rounding out our list of love, I bring you this short, sweet book from the perspective of our favorite caterpillar.  This book called Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar (by Eric Carle) can be enjoyed by even the youngest of readers. In true Eric Carle fashion, colorful pictures and simple wording grace the pages of this story.

It’s a simple plot that follows along the caterpillar’s journey to tell you why he loves you. Spoiler alert: He loves you a whole bunch.

From a pediatric therapist’s perspective, there are a lot of other reasons to love this book as well.

You will find many early vocabulary words like: Stars, Birds, Sun, Bright, Love, Bee

You will be taught how to describe objects using words like: Sweet, Bright, Sparkle, Flutter

Your little one will have no problem attending because: It’s a short book, The pictures are large, The pages are colorful

Need help finding this book? Check it out at your local library, Amazon (here), or even this virtual reading of the book (here).

That’s a wrap for our list of things we are loving lately. I’m sure this list will always be changing, so stay tuned. After all, how could we only love FOUR things? It’s just not possible! But it will have to do for now.

Happy Love Month!