M-LIFE Fridays at the Park

Our first Friday at the park is coming up and we would love to have you join us!

Help Wanted!

Each year our committee member re-evaluate the role they played and their ability to continue to do their job.  We have had some fabulous committee members from the beginning, and for one reason or another some of the members have had to step down.

This year we are left with two open spots on the committee.  We are looking for a couple of people to help out with activities (aka craft/speakers).  Basically the "job" consists of coming up with the craft or speaker for each week, making sure we have all necessary supplies, setting it up and directing it.  You would need to be able to attend a committee meeting the second Sunday of each month at 10am at Community.  Katie helped out last year and is returning again, so you definitely wouldn't be left on your own, and I like to think we are a helpful group!

Please email Trisha at community-reformed-m_life@hotmail.com if you are interested or have further questions!

Favorite Pre-School apps

I made the mistake once of letting the kiddo's play with the ipad.  They now think it belongs to them, permanently.  I hide it a lot.  But they always find it.  Sometimes we need it, we need to use it to keep them busy (the word "need" in that sentence bugs me as much as it may anyone else, but that's a story for another day... the "need" for technology to keep our kids occupied, really?).

So anyway, I've uploaded a few apps that I think are a bit educational at least (might as well make it worthwhile, right?).

Three of my current favorite apps are:

Nick Jr. Draw and Play
This one has surprised me.  It's so much more than just a drawing app.

From the description on itunes: Nick Jr Draw and Play combines intuitive and easy to use drawing, coloring and painting tools with a set of magical effects that kids can use to create amazing artwork! Animated stickers, magic wands, spinning splatter-tops, fireworks, bouncing balls and surprise blocks go together to make interactive creations that they can play with again and again.

The day I downloaded this one, I was not feeling well at all and was spending much of the day in bed, just trying to know where my kids were, and I'm a bit ashamed to admit that my daughter played with this app for about an hour and a half (don't judge, I know, it's tempting).

At $3.99 it's a bit of a splurge as far as apps are concerned, but I think it was worth it!

AniMatch

Just a basic, quick, memory game.  With animal sounds.  I like it.  The kids LOVE it.  Well worth the $.99  (I wish this kept track of how many times we have played this game, or maybe I don't.  Either way, we've played it a LOT)

PocketPhonics

Teaches letter sounds, letter writing and first words.  I've been very impressed with my daughters progress using this app.  I like that they do not call the letter by name.  They say the sound.  Tell the child to say the sound.  And then show them how to write it.  There is a light version of this app available so that you can try it before you buy it, we have the full version and I'm happy we do!  (Make sure to check out the link for more information)

What are your kids favorite apps?

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