This simple idea was completely child created while watching the movie Surf’s Up. When I saw my pillows being used as surfboards, we got out the poster board and crayons and designed our own boards. The children had a blast and I was happy to have fluffy pillows on the couch.
This could be much more advanced using patterns and measurement in the design. But sometimes it is nice just to hang loose and have fun!
Ingredients:
· ¼ c cornstarch
· ¼ c cold water
· 6-8 drops food coloring
Directions:
1. Mix cornstarch and cold water together in a small plastic bowl.
2. Add food coloring & stir.
3. Repeat with different colors.
4. Paint (paint can be easily washed away with water)
This fun idea submitted by Teresa!
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp unsweetened powder drink mix
1Tbsp warm water
Several small containers (muffin tin)
Directions:
Mix water & drink mix together in a small bowl.
Repeat several times using different flavors of drink mix.
Paint
Allow finished art to dry overnight before scratching and sniffing.
Ideas:
Create one of a kind greeting card or wrapping paper.
This idea submitted by Teresa the Super Mom!
Make a fraction book using your child’s favorite foods! A great activity for a classroom big book. Clear mailing tape can be used to bind the book together. I simply have the child make one whole food and then on the other side or separate paper have the child divide it into fractions. Young children can do this part and older children should write out which fractions they made with their food and the equation to make the whole. For example, 1/4+1/4+1/4+1/4= 1 whole cookie.
Fun and simple activity for one or a group of children. A great activity for when you are traveling to keep the little ones busy. Just put all of the supplies into a plastic bag and when you are at grandmas, the hotel or even on the plane, take it out for an instant activity. Hint, put masking tape on end to avoid spilling especially while traveling!
What you will need:
String or thin licorice, cheerios, fruit loops, marshmallows, and any other food you can place on a string.
Thread the food on the string and place around neck and tie ends in a knot.
Make this into a learning experience for the little ones by making patterns, counting the amount as you string the necklace, simple addition and identifying colors.
Making a beach frame is a fun way to use your sea shell collection and create a great keepsake or gift.
What you will need:
Remove glass from frame. Paint frame solid color and let it dry.
Use permanent adhesive glue to decorate outside of frame with shells. You can also use sand for the bottom of the frame. Let dry completely.
Insert the photo and the glass into the frame.
I found this frame for one dollar at Michaels, but there is not a piece of glass in it. They also have wooden pieces painted or not painted in different shapes such as flip flops, sea animals, etc. (These range from 59-99 cents.)
Are you sending off a child to kindergarten or a new school this year? Prepare your child for this exciting day.
Get the Layout
First, find out if you can tour the school with your child before the first day of school. Most schools have a “Meet the Teacher” event and I highly recommend taking advantage of this time to meet the teacher, look at the room and get a chance to get comfortable.
Practice Names
If possible, get the class list of names to start practicing the first week. This will help out the nervous children to remember names and make a friend or two the first week. You could write them out on paper and draw pictures to match, play name bingo, or just discuss the children at the end of the day.
Make A Friend
If you do not know anyone in the class make an effort to set up a play date the first couple of weeks to help develop friendships.
Making Friends Skills
Use a tennis ball and play catch. Whoever has the ball gets to talk and ask a question, then toss, the next person answers and then asks a question. This will develop simple communication skills.
Make a “Making Friends” book. Fold some paper and make a cover, then each page have your child draw or write how to make friends. This will be fun to read the first week or two of school. A good way to start discussions about the school day.
The Kissing Hand
Is your little one still apprehensive? Then a great book to read is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. This will send your child off feeling loved and warm inside!
A simple experiment for children to observe a floating bottle and the effect of adding water to the bottle. Then you can relate this to how a fish floats.
What you will need:
What to do:
Fill up sink with water. Fill up bottle half way with water and screw on top.
Have each child predict what will happen when the bottle is placed in water. Then, place in water and observe.
Repeat, but fill bottle 3/4 with water.
Were the two outcomes different and why?
After discussing, explain how this information relates to fish (see below.)
How to explain why fish can float or swim in water:
Buoyancy is a force that causes objects to float in a liquid or to rise in gas or air. With no water or less water in the bottle, the greater amount of air pressure and so the bottle is MORE buoyant. It floats. Fish can control their buoyancy in almost the same way. If they allow more air in their swim bladder they will be more buoyant, just like the bottle!
The Fourth of July is fun time to start a family tradition! It does not have to be grand, just something the family looks forward to every year. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
GOOD CITIZENS:
An opportunity to teach and show children about being a good citizen. Find a local hospital or shelter to volunteer or donate to the week of 4th of July. Write a thank you note or bring flowers to a memorial, veteran’s hospital etc. Help an older neighbor with a chore such as puling weeds or bringing a meal.
PICNIC:
Picnic is the first thing that comes to my mind when I hear “Fourth of July.” If the weather permits take a lunch picnic to a favorite spot and enjoy! Meeting extended family and friends with a friendly football, volleyball or any game would be something everyone could look forward to year after year. Make a silly trophy for the winning family to hold for the year.
FIREWORKS:
Look up the fireworks shows in your area and make an event by bringing a picnic or cold snacks for the family. The best memory for me was getting to go on the roof once a year and watching all the fireworks from our house.
CRAFTS:
Choose different crafts every year to make as gifts or just keep as decorations for the home.
Many holidays throughout the year in the United States are perfect ways to celebrate and teach about the country, flag and American symbols. Here is a site with information on the flag and Betsy Ross. Great information to learn about during the Fourth of July, Flag Day, Memorial Day, President’s Day and any other patriotic event.
Learn how to make a five pointed star in one snip. You will need a 8 1.2 x 10 inch piece of paper and scissors.
Cool Mom Ideas
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