In fact, he seems to be doing really wonderful with his letter formations, it's just getting them all in the right order that is giving him some trouble....
So I thought it would be fun to make him some personalized monogram flashcards, so that he could continue to learn to recognize the letters in his name, and lay them out in the correct order.
The goal was to make them bright and colorful and easy to read, so that he would continue to be interested in using them.
I let him take a peek at some background images that I had snagged off of Google, and select his favorite patterns.
Then, using the backgrounds he picked out, I created the monograms.
Which I then printed out.
Once cut out, I wanted to give the cards some extra strength and pizazz, so I mounted them on colorful cardstock. I purposely mis-matched the colors, to give them a more playful feeling!
The next step was to make them child proof. Well, as much as possible anyway. That meant that each card took a trip through the laminator.
Once through the laminator, they were cut back down to size and called complete!
Being the organizer that I am, I decided to whip up a personalized storage envelope to tuck the cards inside.
This little learning gift is all the rage with Parker and his daycare buddies!
So what do you think? If you are interested in snagging a set for your little one, feel free to stop by my Etsy shop and check it out!
Anyone doing any fun crafting with the kiddo's lately?
Having a few kids my self in school the only suggestion that I give to you is only having the "P" capitalized and the rest of his letters lowercase.
ReplyDeleteCUTE CUTE though!
These are adorable as usual! I have to ask, where did you get your laminater, what brand is it, do you love it? I need to add this to my wish list!
ReplyDeleteEm
Hi Emily!
ReplyDeleteI found the laminator in the office section at Target. I have also seen them at Walmart. The brand is GBC, and I use Scotch laminating pouches. The laminator itself was about $30, I have had it for a couple years now and it has always worked great!
xoxo,
Jen
Hi Jen- Love your blog - you are an inspiration! Can I ask what program you use for your fabulous templates, lists and these wonderful letters? You sure have a gift of encouragement & inspiration! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteKara
I really love this idea. I looked for the backgrounds for a different project and couldn't find them. Can you help?
ReplyDeleteHi Jen, cute letters! I had to chime in (my Mom owns a Montessori school and has taught for 35 years) and the Montessori method has all sorts of great tricks....but you might think about adding texture to the letters as well, so they trace it with their finger and feel the sensation of the texture as well (sand, fur, etc). The kids will make the sound of the letter while tracing it with their finger...works like a charm :)
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Colleen
Awwwwww! Such a great mommy =) I can't wait to make cute, functional, educational stuff for my future little ones! <3
ReplyDeletexoXOxo
Jenn L @ Peas & Crayons
Hi Jen! I just found your blog last week, and I think you and I were separated at birth! I LOVE organizing, lists, spreadsheets... I've been browsing through your posts and have already gotten some fabulous ideas!!
ReplyDeleteI love the letters that you made for your son... so adorable!
PS- your new office space is amazing. :)
THanks for all the fabulous ideas, and can't wait to learn more!
Hi Kara!
ReplyDeleteI use Microsoft Excel to make the letters {and all my other labels and spreadsheets as well!}. And Kristen, I actually do a specific google image search for backgrounds, such as, "chevron background" or "blue damask background" and see what comes up....
xoxo,
Jen
Jen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip! I am in love with the grey zig zag print. I tried your trick with no luck:-( Any memory of how you searched it?
Thanks a ton!
Kristen
I love it! Terrific idea!
ReplyDelete{Rebekah}
They are fantastic!! MIght have to have a go at making some...if not a trip to Etsy may be in order!
ReplyDeleteDid you make this for all the kids in the preschool? I would think they would be envious of Parker. Of course I'm sure you keep his "special" things seperate. I think it's a great idea and I love the little pocket you created. Would you share how you made the pocket? I want to make some of those, especially if I return to teaching.
ReplyDeleteKatharine
I have been doing child care for the last 25 years. I have found this free website wonderful for printable's. There are tons of useful things for mom's.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dltk-kids.com/
I hope you enjoy. I am sure enjoying your blog. I wish I knew how to get started on one for myself.
How are you filling in the text?
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: Here is a better tutorial at how I create labels and art and fill text/shapes: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/08/you-asked-label-me.html
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
xoxo,
Jen
Random question :)
ReplyDeleteThe font that says "name cards" what is it called?! I have been trying to figure it out for sooo long!
@Shantel: The cursive font is called "Black Jack"
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Jen
I just found your blog and I am OBSESSED! I am interested in buying a laminator and I was wondering what kind you had and maybe a link to where I can purchase it !
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for taking your time off to read and answer my question!:)
I can see that it is a GBC Creative Laminator but I've only seen it for 9" and it looks bigger than that to me.
ReplyDeleteYep - it's a GBC, I found it a few years ago at Target or Walmart for around $30. It's pretty standard size, 9" seems about right.
Deletexoxo,
Jen
Thank you very much for responding I found a website that is selling the same model for only $16.88! I will be sure to purchase it very soon!:)
ReplyDeleteWould you mind sharing where you found them at this price. I would love to buy some of these for our lunches too.
DeleteThank you for this amazing blog! I am over the moon!! But I was courious if you still told the letters in your Esty store ? I would love for my son to have them......
ReplyDelete" SOLD "
DeleteI was looking too, couldn't find in etsy....Thanks Stephanie
ReplyDeleteHi friend!
DeleteI wasn't getting much interest so I haven't relisted them, however, I will keep it in mind in the future as I begin creating more items for the shop again. :)
xoxo!
Jen
Thanks Jen,
DeleteI just love your blog!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Stephanie
I'm so confused! Can you explain how exactly you did this through Excel? I have never used the program. Thank you! I'm a special ed teacher & would LOVE to do this for all the children that I work with. - www.busybeeny.blogspot.com
ReplyDelete