The Letter "B"

And so we continue with our ABC challenge! This week we will focus on the letter "B."

I have an alphabet app on my phone that Kailynn loves to play with. In the app, you "build" the letters. I thought why not turn this app into the real deal?

Since I already had the files on my laptop for each letter, it saved me preparation time on this week's alphabet activity. Be sure to have these tools handy before you start: scissor, glue stick, colored construction paper. (Feel free to use bottled glue if that's what you prefer. I used a glue stick because it makes for less clean up when it's in a toddler's hand.)


Step 1:  Print out letter "B"

Step 2:  Cut pieces of construction to fit into the shape of the letter

Step 3:  Glue construction paper pieces onto the letter

It's a simple activity that any toddler will enjoy. Kailynn loved this activity and has started pointing out the letter "B" in some of her books. I will admit that when I first started the alphabet challenge, I wasn't sure if she was going to understand much of it. To my surprise, she is able to identify these letters on her own. It seems to be working! Stay tuned for our next alphabet activity. I have a few creative ideas in mind that I'm sure you and your little one will love!

Vacation

I've had people ask if I have already abandoned the blog. I am still here! I have not disappeared. Our first week of creative alphabets has taken a break and we will continue now that we are back. This past week, Kailynn and I went on a last minute vacation while daddy was on a business trip. Although it rained almost every day, we still had a blast! We saw dolphins and sharks at Gulfarium, had fun in the sun in Panama City, saw giraffes and tigers at Wild Adventures, and splashed around in Splash Island. Kailynn and I enjoyed every bit of our spur-of-the-moment vacation and it went a little something like this...

(Don't forget to check back soon for simple activity travel pack ideas that I used on our trip)

Say Cheese!

The first and probably the most important tip I have when it comes to photographing children would be to let them be themselves. How many times have you pulled out your camera and told your little one to “say cheese?” Most of the time, they will pose awkwardly and force a smile onto their face. Ideally, a big smile and looking directly into the camera would be a perfect shot. If you have ever tried to get a toddler to sit still for more than just a few seconds, you know how difficult it is to get that “perfect photo.” Well, I have good news for you! They don’t have to be smiling or even looking at the camera for it to be a good photo. Let them run around and have fun. Who knows? They just may cooperate with you if you make it seem like a game and not a task. Just be sure to have your camera at hand and be ready to take a ton of photos.

Just the other day, I took Kailynn outside to play before it started to rain. I sat in the middle of the yard and started snapping away with my camera while she simply played on her tricycle. I took nearly 50 photos. Of those 50, these are my 4 favorites. Notice how she isn’t smiling in any of the photos.

I hope this tip helps you the next time you have your camera out! Be sure to check back for more photography tips!