Punch holes in the rims at 3-inch intervals. Tie a length of yarn or ribbon through each hole. Push a metal wire through each hole, attach a bell, button or several paper clips to the wire, and then twist the ends together. Use markers to decorate the plates with weather symbols, such as lightning, clouds or rain. Then shake, rattle and pound the finished weather makers to simulate the rise and fall of a thunderstorm.
Comic strips are a great way to teach story sequencing.
Cut your child's favorite comic strip into individual frames. Glue each frame to an index card. Number the back of each frame in correct sequence. Shuffle the cards and have the kids try to put them back in order. Wildflowers are an important part of Texas' heritage.