MarytheKaytheBlog

It's Teacher Gift Time!

This is one of my favorite little teacher gift ideas.  I am actually re-posting this, in case you didn't see it the first time around.  I love this idea because it is quick and easy--which is what we all NEED this crazy time of year!

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How about a Sonic Happy?!!

Just today I needed some last-minute gifts for our daughter's choir teachers.  I love to be able to give small, thoughtful gifts to the adults who help with our church's children's musical.  Somehow, I had forgotten all about these gifts...until THIS MORNING--the MORNING of THE MUSICAL.   AAAHHHHHH!!  Sometimes, I really wonder what is wrong with my feeble brain.

The quickest thing I could think of was a $5 gift card from Sonic.  Because WHO doesn't like Sonic???  And, in my world, Sonic = Happy. 

In order to help the Sonic gift card look more thoughtful and creative...you know--to AMP IT UP a little...I thought it would be fun to place the card inside a small Sonic cup and wrap it in a clear cellophane bag.

Stick around here a while, and you'll find that I use these bags for everything!

Quickly, I printed up some colorful gift tags that said,

"Thanks a 'TOT' for helping with our choir!"

(Update:  My niece used this idea for her school teacher, and chose to use this cute phrase:  "Thanks for all you 'TOT' me this year!")

I punched a hole in the corner of each, and slid them into a ziploc bag.  (An easy way to print these creative gift tags is with MS Word, using the insert "Word Art" feature.  I used the rainbow-colored template to type out my message.  After sizing my message to the size I wanted on the page, I copied it, and pasted it 5 more times down the page.  Literally, this took me 60 seconds to create and 60 seconds to print.)

I gathered some yellow ribbon, cut into appropriate lengths, and slid those along with some cellophane bags into the same ziploc.

I also thought it would be fun to have some colorful M&Ms in the bottom of the Sonic cup, for the gift card to rest on top.  (If I'd had some Hershey's Kisses, I would have LOVED putting those in the cups.  M&Ms are what I had on hand, so that's what I used.)

 

Here's a pic of my very-quickly gathered supplies to take in the car with me to Sonic:

At Sonic, I ordered 6 $5 gift cards, along with 6 small cups and straws, and 2 empty bags.  It took 2 tries to get Mr. Sonic to understand what I was asking.

I began assembling those puppies right there in the Sonic parking spot!

First, I plopped a handful of M&Ms in the bottom of each cup, then placed the gift card on top.

 

Then, I put on the lid, slid in a Sonic's happy red straw, placed the cup into the cellophane bag, and tied on the yellow ribbon and gift card.

 

Voila!  You have zee Sonic Happy!!!  Doesn't zees just make you SMILE?

I placed the 6 Sonic Happies into empty Sonic sacks to transport them into church.  I sure did notice lots of glances toward my Sonic sacks.  I think they were wondering if I was transporting TOTS into church!  Yum Yum, me love tots!!

There you have it!  A QUICK, CREATIVE, THOUGHTFUL and INEXPENSIVE gift idea! 

 Those are my 4 favorite words when it comes to gift-giving!  How about you?

(Need MORE teacher gift ideas?  Click here!) 

What is your favorite teacher appreciation gift?

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Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family

The Denim Jumper Convention: VOTE on which denim jumper I should wear

Well, hello, dearest readers!  It's that time of year again... That time of year when I attend the Denim Jumper Convention--also known to some of the more serious (boring) crowd as "The Homeschool Convention."

But, why would I call it the Homeschool Convention, when Denim Jumper Convention is much more fun to say??

In anticipation of the Denim Jumper Convention this weekend, I was going to write a long post about why I homeschool...or some of the great things that have come out of homeschooling...or about how we homeschool...  But, as homeschooling life typically does to me--I have run out of time.  I've been busy reading Uncle Tom's Cabin to Rebecca (nearly put myself to sleep in Chapter 43!), and helping Sara Beth make a giant posterboard timeline of Moses' life.  Oh, and watching an episode of My Fair Wedding with the girls while we ate Chinese takeout for dinner.  (Because Mama was too tired to cook!)

In lieu of a very scholarly and highly entertaining (I'm sure) post about homeschooling in our family, I am offering you the chance to VOTE on WHICH DENIM JUMPER I should wear this weekend...you know--to the Denim Jumper Convention.  (How many times can I say those words...Denim Jumper Convention?  Ha!  Said 'em again!)

 

Here goes!  Please vote for only ONE choice.  I know these jumpers are VERY DIFFERENT in style...Just pick the one you like best:

Denim Jumper #1  (always a classic...especially when paired with my anklets and Keds.)

 

Denim Jumper #2  (a little racier, as it shows more leg)

Denim Jumper #3  (the embellishments just make it special, don't they?)

Denim Jumper #4  (a little more form-fitting--but don't worry--not too much!)

 

Okay, what do you think?  Which Denim Jumper is the snazziest and most stylish???  I want to be sure to STAND OUT this weekend at the convention.

And while I'm rubbing elbows with my fellow Jumpers, I do hope you fine readers have a wonderful weekend!  I'll be back here on Monday to tell you all about the convention!  Or, feel free to find me chatting about it on The Twitter.

Goodnight, good people.

(Okay, okay...In effort to remain honest...I must confess...I have not owned a denim jumper since 1992, when I sold my last one at a garage sale.  But...I secretly wish they would come back into fashion--they were SO comfortable!)

What exciting things are you doing this weekend?

Presidential Trivia Quiz: Happy President's Day!

 

Happy President's Day!  In honor of some of our greatest Presidents (and some of my own personal favorites) I thought it would be fun to celebrate--once again--with some TRIVIA and VIDEOS!! 

(Want more?  Check out last year's President's Day post!)

How much do you know about our Presidents?  We'll find out in a minute, won't we?  The more I learn about our early Presidents, the more they become my heroes!  I want to teach our children about the character qualities of great men like Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson.  I want our children to be inspired by their stories of perseverance, bravery, ingenuity, faith. 

Start some great conversations about our Presidents with your kids at breakfast or dinner today--see how many of these answers they know!

President's Day Trivia

 1.  Who was the smallest—and lightest President, weighing only 100 lbs?  

2.  Who was the heaviest President, who ordered an enormous new bathtub for the White House after he got stuck in the existing one?  

3.  Which President took an early-morning skinny dip in the Potomac River most days?

4.  Which 4 Presidents were assassinated?  

5.  Which musical President rose before dawn each day (as a boy) to spend 2 hours practicing the piano?  

6.  Which President, in earlier careers, worked as a fashion model and Yellowstone park ranger?  

7.  Who was the only President not affiliated with a political party?  

8.  Which President named Camp David after his grandson…David?  

9.  Who was the first President born in a hospital?  

10.  Which President's personal library of 6,000 books became the basis for the Library of Congress? 

 

Resources to Share with your Family

1)  Want your kids to learn the Presidents in order?  This fun song not only teaches their names, but an interesting fact about each!

 

(Click here to view video of The Presidents Song)

 

2)  How about an overview of George Washington's greatness? When you watch this Animated History of George Washington, be sure to listen for these key words:  Courage...Character...Unanimously...Leadership

  

(Click here to view video on George Washington)

 

3) Watch Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (an excerpt) - Animated Hero Classics, Nest Family Entertainment - We have collected some of these faith-based videos/dvds for our daughters through the years, and they are wonderful!  Why not WATCH some of these cartoons with your family today--to celebrate President's Day!  Excerpts of the George Washington and Abraham Lincoln videos are posted on YouTube. 

 

(Click here to watch Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address)

 

4)  Hands-down, the best storyteller I have ever heard (besides my dad, of course!) is Jim Weiss.  I had the pleasure of hearing him at a denim jumper convention tell stories about the first 5 presidents, and it was one of the best lessons in history I have EVER heard.   He made early American history come ALIVE for me that day!  I highly recommend any of his Greathall Productions, which are audiobooks he has recorded on cd.  Or, download an mp3 about the fascinating life of Thomas Jefferson! 

 

 

I hope you have a great day celebrating our nation's rich history! 

Want MORE Presidential trivia?  Have you checked out my post from last year's President's Day?

Who was YOUR favorite President?  Why?

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How we celebrate Martin Luther King Day at our house

(reposted from MLK Day last year)

In honor of Martin Luther King's birthday, my daughters know we'll be watching Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech on YouTube.  They also know to watch Mama, because every year, at some point, I will get tears in my eyes.  It's different every time.  I just get swept up in the emotions of that day, the power of Dr. King's lyrical speech, delivered with the beauty of his booming Southern voice.

Seriously, is there a more poetic, more memorable speech in history?  Maybe there is, and I just have never read/heard it.  (And quite possibly, I am a little partial.)  Please tell me you have watched his speech, and recently.  If not--here, I'll post it here.  Please watch it!  And watch it with your kids, pausing along the way to explain some of Dr. King's references and examples.

There are 2 qualities about this speech, this man, that I hope to point out to our daughters.  First, even in the midst of horrific wrong-doing, Dr. King encourages the peace and forgiveness of the Bible he preaches.  He had every right to incite anger and retribution, yet he chose peace.  Second, when faced with 2 difficult choices--to organize and fight against the wrong with physical force, or to lay down and take it--he chose Choice #3.   Like Dr. King and so many other Civil Rights leaders showed us, sometimes the clear-cut decisions are not always so clear-cut.  Sometimes a better, more creative answer is out there--like the Montgomery bus boycott. 

  

Just because I cannot help myself, here are some of my favorite lines:

"We've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand, the riches of freedom and the security of justice."

"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom from the cup of bitterness and hatred." 

"Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force."

"No, no we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."

"...unearned suffering is redemptive."

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." 

To help our girls gain a better perspective of the world Dr. King talks about in his speech, I thought it would be helpful to watch a movie.  Now, most of the segregation movies are not at all appropriate for our young girls.  However, I found a movie about the true story of the pint-sized hero Ruby Bridges on YouTube.  All of the movie is posted on YouTube--in 9 parts.  We're going to pop some popcorn, and watch this movie today.

 

If you don't have time to watch the whole movie (and I hope you do, because it is wonderful!)--PLEASE watch at least Parts 1 and 2.  Part 2, when tiny Ruby walks through the yelling, angry crowds, will break your heart, and will provide some great topics to discuss with your kids.

I cannot imagine what sweet little Ruby's mama felt that day, as she walked her daughter through that hostile environment.  People screaming horrible things to her innocent daughter.  I know she wanted to protect her from the ugly world.  But, because of the Rubys of the world, the Williejeans and Terrences, segregation slowly ended--one brave student at a time. 

  

 Happy Martin Luther King Day!  May we all look back not upon an ugly past, a shameful past--but may we be inspired as we look back.  Inspired by the heroes, from great ones with booming voices like Martin Luther King, to pint-sized little ones, who didn't even understand the towering stand she was making as she walked into school each day.  May we teach our children about the character of these heroes, so that when the time comes, they may take a stand for good.  That our children might be emboldened to stand against the evil in the world.  And, that they might stand up and put an arm around those who are not able to stand.

At least, that's my dream for my children on this holiday... 

What do you teach your kids about Martin Luther King day? 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."        -Ephesians 6:12

Christmas Around the World Classes: Italy

Ya'll, I don't know if you have discovered this about me yet...but sometimes...I am a crazy woman.  Case in point:  The month of December.  Besides helping make Christmas happen for our family, as well as a birthday celebration for our youngest daughter, I teach 3 Christmas Around the World classes to a group of homeschool kids.

Oh, but please don't get me wrong.  I LOVE teaching these classes.  I love the different kids that come every year.  I love their enthusiasm in learning about different cultures.  I love the research into new countries and cultures involved in putting these new classes together every year.  And I just love the way the classes make me feel so FESTIVE and Christmas-y!!

(Read about some of our past Christmas Around the World classes!)

Just last week, 14 kids and I jumped over the ocean and learned all about the easiest country to locate on any map--the boot-shaped country!  Italy!!!  Buon Natale!

In case you'd like to incorporate this class into your own student's schedule, I am attaching many of the notes we used, in a booklet form.   I also used some fun coloring sheets from the Christmas Around the World coloring book. (which are not included here.)

Feel free to download this Christmas in Italy booklet

(Read here to find out the terrible thing I ALMOST DID with these booklets...SO THANKFUL I caught it before I handed them out to the kids.  Hint:  Check the "P.S." at the end.)

So...WHAT did our Christmas in Italy day look like?  Here are a few fun pics! Finding "the boot" on the globe!

 

This group of kids LOVED coloring in their booklets!  They are also coloring their white sacks--which kept everything they made safe and organized!

 

Sweet, sweet girls...

 

When in Italy...you make PASTA!!!  Of course!  The modern pasta maker makes it much easier than the old fashioned rolling out...

 

My older students were a GREAT help.

 

Lots and lots of noodles...

 

Making the glittering stars!  A reminder to our fun story Old Befana, but also tree ornaments to take home!

 

Sweet new friends working together

 

Look what I made, Mom!

 

Oh, we didn't just stay inside all day.  We had lots of outside play time!  Can you tell they're excited to be out?


What do all Kindergartners love to play? 

Duck....duck....rabbit!!!  Duck....duck....coyote!!  The older kids improvised on the old standby game.  I love it!

Want MORE Christmas Around the World / Christmas Past in America ideas?  Click HERE to read more!

Do you remember leaning about Christmas in other cultures when you were in school? 

What fun things do you remember?

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The time our Sara was Sarah, and gave a speech up there-a, even though she was a little bit scared-a

Oh come on, now.  Don't judge my title.  It's poetry.   Or...add a little beat-boxing, and we've got ourselves a little rap...  Okay, I'll stop now.  And I mean it.  (Anybody...want a peanut?)

And, there-a she is...our little Sara!  Her school holds a history banquet annually for each grade, where the students represent famous people from the time period they are studying.  Her school's history curriculum is learned chronologically, so 1st grade was studying the beginning of time, until the early Middle Ages (which I LOVE, by the way!  Why didn't I learn history chronologically?  It makes MUCH MORE sense, don't you agree?  Plus, the students gain a greater world history perspective.)  

Our Sara Beth was Sarah, of Abraham and Sarah in the Bible.Each student learns all about her historical figure, writes a 1-minute speech about her, creates a poster, and delivers the speech about that person at the banquet.  Our Sara was convinced that Sarah in the Bible did not wear shoes...  So...as you can tell, that was a battle I did not fight.

This picture makes me smile.  Here are the 2 Saras...Sara Beth and her friend Sarah Grace.  Sweet girls.  Sarah Grace was Miriam, Moses' big sister.  Aren't they just as sweet as pie?

 

Here's a group of the students, all dressed up and ready to give their speeches.  I see King Tut, Deborah the judge and warrior, Ruth, King Nebuchadnezzar, and of course Sarah...

 

And here is Sara as Sarah giving her speech.  Sweet thing--I'm not sure the microphone even picked up one word of her soft voice.  But, you know what?  She stood up there, faced a fear, and delivered a speech.  We were SO PROUD of her!!!! 

Needless to say, she was THRILLED when it was all over! 

Sometimes, it is really heart-wrenching watching your kids go through difficult times.  Almost always, I would give ANYTHING to trade places, and go through the difficult times for them.  However, I know that trials are necessary for my daughters to grow into strong young women.  Also, nothing gets this mama to praying like a difficulty for my child.  And just like Sara Beth being thrilled when her speech was over...nothing makes this mama's heart SOAR more than seeing my daughters face a challenge and WALK THROUGH IT.

I sure love those girls 'o mine.  (Can you tell?)

What was the fear you had to face back when you were in school?  Do you remember the feeling of relief when it was finally over?

Our night with some really famous Missourians...

We've been working really hard around our house lately...studying Missouri history.  Rebecca's homeschool academy holds a history banquet each year, and this year Rebecca chose to study Bess Truman, famous First Lady from Independence, Missouri.

Rebecca studied Bess Truman's life, created a poster about her, and wrote and memorized a 2-minute speech about her life.

Just this week, we got to celebrate with her class, as they all presented their famous Missourians. 

I bet you can even guess who some of them were...especially if you know anything about Missouri history.  (Hint--the person didn't have to be born in Missouri, just had to live here for some time.)

I know I am a little biased...but I think this is the prettiest Bess Truman I've ever seen!  Don't you agree?

Oh, and look at her hair!  Rebecca thought a French twist would help her look the most "First Lady-ish."   She did it herself--that girl has some amazing hair talent! (unlike her poor mama...)

 

Oh, and here she is giving her speech.  Doesn't she look like she's been giving speeches all her life? 

 We couldn't have been ANY PROUDER of our own little Bess Truman!  It really is humbling to see your kids stretch themselves, do something they are not comfortable with, and succeed.

Where's my little drooling toddler with dirty knees from crawling all over the place?

Don't remind me...I know she's growing up...too quickly. 

Did you ever do anything like this when you were in school? 

I never did...but I sure do think it's an amazing experience for kids.
 

How to Carpool like a Rockstar

Hold onto yer hats, pardners, because I am about to change your CARPOOL LIVES!! 

Do you dread your carpool day?

Or do the neighbor kids drive you batty during the 15-minute drive from school?

Well, have I got a FUN SOLUTION for you!

Just last week during a fun lunch with some girlfriends, I heard about a FANTASTIC IDEA from none other than the CARPOOL ROCKSTAR herself.  Well, when I heard about this idea, she became known to me...as the Carpool Rockstar.

There she is--the Carpool Rockstar! Everybody say, "Hello, Janna!"  (I cannot mention her last name...You know...the paparazzi and all...)

So, what does the Carpool Rockstar do--you know--that makes her the Carpool Rockstar?

She plays CASH CAB with her carload of neighborhood kids.

(What's Cash Cab?  Click here to check it out.  Also, please climb out from under that rock.)

Brilliant, right?  Ahead of time, Janna prints out some Disney trivia, throws it into her purse, and just when the kids least expect it...or when she cannot stand another minute of rowdy kids...she pops down the little rear-view mirror.

DING DING DING!!!  When she pops the little mirror down, CASH CAB BEGINS!  And bonus for the person riding shotgun--they get to be the "Final answer person."  All the kids work together to decide the answer, but the front seat person gives the official answer.

 Wanna see some of the Carpool Contestants?

Isn't this brilliant?  Janna said this game sort-of evolved.  In the beginning, she would just ask random trivia off the top of her head.  After a while, she started planning ahead and printing off some trivia.  

And the prizes?  Well, they are not elaborate.  Sometimes, the prize is just the satisfaction of playing.  Other times, it's whatever fun snack she has in the car.

You wanna be a Carpool Rockstar like Janna?

Well, go print off some trivia right now.  Here--I'll help you!

Printable Disney Trivia(be sure to scroll down to the print icon before printing)

More Printable Disney Trivia

Disney / Pixar Characters

Team Mascots Trivia  (for your little sports fans)

Want more?  Here's a whole index of lots of different types of trivia questions.  You'll want to select the "PDF Print" option.

5 Easy Steps to Carpool Rockstar Status:

1.  Print off some trivia your kids will love

2.  Throw those printed pages into your purse

3.  Grab some little snack treats for prizes, and throw those into your purse

4.  Wait for just the perfect moment of carpool chaos to introduce Carpool Cash Cab!

5.  Wait for the paparazzi to start following you...through the pick-up line...the neighborhood...the Sonic drive-thru...Because YOU. ARE. NOW. A. CARPOOL. ROCKSTAR.    Congratulations.

We all have Janna to thank.  Never forget SHE is the ORIGINAL CARPOOL ROCKSTAR.  

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Back to School Edition: Linky Dinks

Reminds me of a little ditty...

"It's the most won-der-ful time....of the year!!!!!"

You just thought that was a Christmas song, didn't you?

Oh, come on now--you know you love it when your kids go back to school. Just admit it. However, you homeschool moms...you may not be singing the same tune. Oh, don't be pretending that teaching your children is the most beautiful thing you've ever done, and how could anyone ever send their little darlings to a *gasp* public school. I know that back-to-school time is the time of year homeschool moms' spending goes up...on things like...coffee, chocolate, cigarettes, Jack Daniels. (You think I'm kidding, don't you?)

Either way--I thought I'd provide some fun links for your back-to-school reading and looking pleasure!

 

Make your own school supplies? I especially like the instant index cards out of paper plates, and the flash card frisbees (on page 2).

 

 

Cute lunch box, please!! My oldest is eyeing the Vera Bradley sale for one!

 

 

Oh. My. Polka dot! These PB Teen polka dot backpacks are about to do me in! Plus FREE SHIPPING right now! Be sure to scroll down far enough for the "sale" ones.

 

Do your kids need a craft project? How about letting them cover their notebooks? Or what about personalizing a notebook with their favorite picture

Great ideas for a Cool locker!

 

Oh Oh Oh! I want some cool pencils like these! Don't even get me started on the cool pencil cases... Yes, the Juicy Fruit gum one, please.

 

All right...I could go crazy with the back-to-school links... Can you tell that I have a little problem already? So, in closing, I leave you with the GRANDADDY of all back-to-school EYE CANDY. *cue the harps*

Happy shopping!

What are your favorite new school supplies?

Creating Learning Centers

My Kindergarten daughter thrives on structure.  Sara Beth likes schoolwork, and she likes having tasks to do.  I have noticed--especially in the mornings--that when she doesn't have something constructive to do, she is usually right by my side, competing for my attention.  (The more I need to get something done, the harder she is competing!!)  Also, if I give her too much time to watch a movie or just play on her own, she can be cranky when it is time to get back on task.  Especially in those morning hours before lunch, she truly seems happiest when her time is structured with meaningful activities.

Because of these morning struggles, I knew I needed to find some structured activities to have on-hand when I can't focus my attention on Sara Beth.  I decided to gather some materials together to create some learning center boxes--just like they have in many Kindergarten classrooms.  I've been searching online for ideas, and have come up with a few that will be helpful to both my Kindergartner, and also my 5th grader.

I already had the materials to create the first one--the Money Learning Center.  Since Sara Beth's Homeschool Academy class is working on counting money, this one fits in great.  All I needed was an empty egg crate, some loose change, and some cut-up notecards with small amounts written on them.  (Note that there are lots of "price tags" for Sara Beth to choose from.  She likes being able to choose the amounts herself.)

Already, Sara Beth has gotten this box out several times--on her own--to "play store."  How fun that big sister has also gotten involved, and has helped checked her sister's work!  I love it!!!

 
Oh yes, the learning centers must be contained in beautiful see-through organizational boxes.  And look--my favorite kind!!--where the lid is permanently attached.  (It's the little things that make us OCD girls giddy...) 

As I gather the materials for some other learning centers, I will post my progress.   Because of the time and expense investment, I will add a few new learning centers at a time.  Here are my ideas so far:

Money Center - egg crate, lots of loose change, price tags.

Pattern Center - pattern cards / blocks.

Puzzle Center - find inexpensive 50-100 piece puzzles to rotate in and out.

Listening Center - books on cd, stories on cd--set up the tent and let the girls listen inside!

Highlight Center - Word searches and colored highlighter pens.

Scrapbook Center - Fill the box with 2 inexpensive scrapbooks, lots of pictures of the girls/vacations/family, pretty papers, stickers, markers, scissors, and glue.  These scrapbooks will be on-going--the girls can pick up where they left off each time.

Lego Center- Find some small sets (Right now, our girls don't have any Legos.  Shame on me!)

Handwriting Center- Print out some large alphabet letters and some 3-letter words (not to be confused with 4-letter words), add in some Wicki Sticks and pipe cleaners to outline letters and words.

Paper Doll Center - Have the girls "act out" stories using the paper dolls.  Have my older daughter write out plays for them to perform.

Writing Center - Have a couple of blank "mini books" already created and ready to use, provide materials to make more mini books or create greeting cards--old magazines, scissors, markers, pencils, white card stock paper, stapler.

Measuring Center - Fill a plastic bin with dried beans, add in some plastic measuring cups and spoons, a wide-mouth funnel, and a couple of plastic bowls.  (True confession:  I was in the store TODAY, standing in front of the dried beans and rice, and I COULD NOT make myself pick up a bag.  I was standing there visualizing my future self, bending over and picking up lots of stray beans and rice...  I think I'm going to need to take my control freak medication...)

What do you think?  I'm new to learning centers--does anyone have suggestions?