Goodness, it has been a little while since I have written. I was in a bit of a fog I suppose. A going to have a new baby fog, that is.

We are so excited to let you know that I’m expecting a new little babe to join our family this Spring! Well, we are all so excited except little Ben. He is not so sure about the idea — or more precisely, the idea of giving up his place as baby of the family I believe. Oh but he will soon come around. Adding a new soul to a family is such an incredible thing!

I’m sure you will be hearing much more about all of that business soon, as I am just too excited to keep it in. A new baby! Oh my.

But today I wanted to share with you something I have been meaning to share with you for a good long while. In fact, I was sure I had already shared this idea with you before — but I checked and checked and it is no where to be seen.

And so it is high time I share this little gem.

One great activity we often enjoy in our home is story magnets.  I change them up often, as they are so easy to make and SO full of learning.

I simply choose a book my little ones are currently into and photocopy some of the pictures. I try to get a few pictures from the beginning, middle, and the end.

Then, I glue those photocopied pictures to cardstock (or thin cardboard) and cut them out.

Finally, I add some magnets on to the back and pop them on the fridge.

This particular day I made some Dr. Seuss magnets as Ben has been loving the story, “One fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” — and really, who doesn’t?

I photocopied some of the words as well this time and added some letter magnets. This turned out to be a great way to encourage word formation and some early reading too.

My little guys love using their magnets to retell the familiar story, but also to add new and exciting adventures to these familiar tales. I try to ensure I have the characters all photocopied as well.

Sometimes scenery will even get added, or a few props. It tends to get a lot of use when I am in the kitchen and my little shadows want to be nice and close.

Oh how I love that.

And to think, a new little shadow is heading my way! Oh my goodness!

Thank you so much for reading friends and letting me share my joy. I hope you are having a wonderful week!