I have tackled and surmounted the lapbook. I feel pretty good about it overall. Now, who knows when another will be added to my “collection,” but nonetheless, I proved to myself that I can do it.

There are two other things I have come across lately that I’d love to make for the children. I thought I’d share the ideas with you in case you haven’t heard of/seen them….and partly a little selfishly, too….to see if anyone can offer tips and hints on how to create these on a budget and time constraints. I’m sure you understand.

1. Phonics bags. I’d love to create these canvas pouches for the kids to explore and have fun with (all the while learning). It just seems an insurmountable task to buy all the bags, decorate them, AND fill them with numerous objects. I think it might take a year to collect everything to go in them. Chasing Cheerios showed us some she made — the first time I saw them was on her site. And Jojoebi made some incredible hand-sewn felt envelope pouches that are too cute for words. I just don’t know if I could follow these acts!

2. Preschool activity bags. These are Montessori in style. They are like “tray work,” but tote-able (and more easily stored and organizable, I’d imagine). I found some neat blogs that showcased the ones they’d assembled (like at The Sunny Patch and Kiddley). Most of the blogs pointed to this book, Preschool Activities in a Bag, but I’m not too clear about whether or not I would want to purchase it since I can’t tell much about what’s inside.

Anybody have any experience with either of these projects? Or tips? Or rah-rah’s to get me motivated to start on one (or both)? I could use all the help I can get. I’m just returning from (a very-much-needed) “vaca” and my brain’s still chilling on the white sandy beaches.