Color Gradation Work

This year I started my internship for my Montessori Certificate. I am so excited to be in the classroom and to start implementing all that I have learned in my Child Development courses and my Montessori classes. Part of my Montessori internship requires me to create monthly work for the classroom. I get really into creating work. I found this work idea on Pinterest. It is called Color Matching Gradation. I think of it as an extension to Color Box III. The basic idea of this work is to match the colors according to their gradation. Gradation can be a very challenging concept for the preschool child, so this work can help scaffold the child by providing a control of error.  

Here is what it looks like on the shelf. 

To make this work, you need these supplies: paint samples, wooden cubes, tape, scissors, and a tray.  I went to Home Depot for the paint samples and picked out nine colors that match Color Box III.  The wooden cubes came from Hobby Lobby, and were really my only expense to make this work. I think it was $3.99 for 24 cubes. I cut the paint samples into 2" stripes to use as the matching chart. Next I cut the left over paint samples into squares to tape on top of the wooden cubes. And wah lah! A cute and fun work for sensorial! I have found that this work is excellent for three and a half year olds.  It keeps them focused for an extended period of time, it develops their visual sense, and even strengthens their fine motor skills.  

Before the cubes are matched. 

After the cubes are matched. 

Spring Hats

Spring is coming!  You know what that means, warmer weather, spring clothes, and spring sales!  I am going to be on the hunt for a good deal on a floppy sun hat.  They are too cute to resist!   It is hard to make the transition from Fall to Spring.  We have to put away all those lovely scarves, sweaters, and boots and bring out the wedges, shorts, and sandals. Then we also have to start shaving more often. Ugh.  It can be hard.  But with the right outfits, a little fun, and a LOT of shopping, this time of year can be really cute.  Here is my take on Spring Fashion this season.  Tell me what you think. Disclaimer, I am not a super trendy person.  This look was an attempt at high fashion and super trendy items.  So basically don't laugh at me.  Well, maybe you can just a little.

High waisted shorts are very in right now.  However, it is hard to know what to pair them with.  I found this pair of DKNY high waisted shorts at Macy's on sale for $24.99 originally $70.  I love this teal color.  They are unique and springy.  To show off the waist line a bit I bought this crop top from Target for about $10.  It is a perfect top for high waisted shorts or skirts.

 The shoes: I found these short booties at Famous Footwear for $45, originally $100.  They have little cut outs on the side, so they have nice detail. My necklace I got from Forever 21 for $10 or so.  I love statement necklaces and this one was too unique to pass up.  I only buy trendy jewelry at Forever 21 because although I love Nordstrom trendy jewelry is well trendy and thus goes out of style quickly.  You can find the same necklace at Forever for half the price.

The hat (my favorite part of the outfit) is my step moms. She let me borrow it.  Actually I took it without asking.  So I hope she doesn't mind.  I think hats are a big commitment, but they can completely take a look to a whole new level.  I'm trying not to laugh in this photo, so its okay to laugh at me here. 

Fall in San Diego

So I know this post is a little late...more like a whole season late, but Emily came and visited me in the Fall in San Diego.  We put a couple cute outfits together for the fall.  San Diego weather is perfect for boots, scarves and dresses/skirts, which happens to be some of my favorite items to put together.  Check out my Fall San Diego look!

Tan Cardigan: Nordstrom $38 -- Absolutely worth every penny!  A staple to my wardrobe!

Tribal print Scarf: Nordstrom $12

Black Skater Skirt: Nordstrom $28

Brown Suede Boots: Emily's closet -- Thank you Em 

Popular Trend: Stripes

This look is fun for a casual day for errands, shopping, or just hanging around.  I am in love with stripes right now!  I found this shirt at J. Crew for $20. It is light grey with white stripes.  The top of the sleeves have three gold buttons, which sadly you can't see here, but I think it adds a lot to the top.   I  added a chambray shirt from Old Navy, black jeans, and tan booties.  To add some accessories I paired a dark grey scarf and a coral watch for a pop of color.  What do you think? Pretty cute right!