Autism Awareness Necklace

Now that the Easter insanity has come to a close, I can finally show you this easy-to-make and able to be worn with everything necklace to celebrate Autism Awareness month. As some of you might know, I am an Autism Support teacher and hold this cause very near and dear to my heart. Autism now effects 1 in 68 children and there is no cure at this time. Researchers continue to work tirelessly to determine its cause and are getting closer to determining factors. Knowledge is power, folks, and bringing awareness to this cause can only help increase support and understanding of individuals on the Autism spectrum. For more info., feel free to check out this awesome site. Here are the steps to make a necklace of your very own!

Materials:

-chain with closures (mine was about 18")

-puzzle piece charm (Hobby Lobby and Michael's both sell them in their "Charms" sections)

-split ring

-blue, faceted glass bead

-head pin

-wire cutters

-needle-nosed pliers

Instructions:

1. Using needle-nosed pliers, open the split ring and place the puzzle piece charm onto it.

2. Place blue bead onto head pin and cut remainder of the pin about 1" above the bead. Create a loop using needle-nosed pliers

3. Place blue bead onto split ring. Close split ring using pliers.

4. String pendant onto the necklace. If closures are too large, simply open the split ring and close once around necklace.

Together, let's Light it up Blue for Autism Awareness!!!

Dental Health Month Activity for Kids

Did you know that February is Dental Health Month? Not that we shouldn't be worried about our pearly whites every month of the year, but I tend to stress it pretty heavily in my classroom throughout this month in particular. Here is a really cute activity I use in different variations each year with my classroom and, now that I have a little one of my own who is old enough to use it, at home, too! Its super simple and lends itself really well to a lesson on plaque and why using a toothbrush thoroughly is the only way to remove it successfully! Aaaand it gives me an excuse to drive everyone bonkers with the "Brush Your Teeth" song I'm sure you know from your childhood. "When ya wake up in the morning, it's a quarter to one and you want to have a little fun, ya brush your teeth, ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch!" Everybody..."ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch!" Here's how this activity is created...

Materials:

-white cardstock

-scissors

-pink construction paper (could be any color, but I liked the color of gums!)

-tape

-contact paper

-dry erase marker

-toothbrush

Instructions:

1. Cut 5 teeth out of white cardstock (I just sort of guessed as I cut, because teeth come in all shapes and sizes!)

2. Tape teeth to construction paper

3. Cover teeth and construction paper with contact paper and trim

4. Using a dry erase marker, color in "plaque spots" on each of the teeth in various spots.

5. Children take turns using a toothbrush to "remove the plaque"

A Vis a vis marker could also be used to emphasize the importance of using water when brushing your teeth and rinsing at the end of a good brush.

Happy Dental Health Month, Everyone!!!