Age 4-6 - Age 6-8 - Age 9-11

Always Learning

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Homemade Lava Lamps

January 26th 2012 03:02

I recently implemented "Science on Saturday" projects with my youngest daughter. This little ritual is a hit. One of our favorites are the Easy Lava Lamps we made with her cousin.

Easy Lava Lamps

You will need:

Plastic bottle (water or pop)
Water
Vegetable oil
Food coloring
Alka-Seltzer tablets (generic is fine)

Wash the label off your plastic bottle and then fill approximately a quarter of the way full with water.
Pour vegetable oil into the bottle, almost to the top.
Let the oil and water separate and then squeeze about a dozen drops of food coloring inside.
Watch the coloring fall through the oil and mix with the water.
Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into small pieces and then drop one piece into the bottle.
When the action slows down add another little piece.

Check out a couple more fun projects here

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Posted By: Sylvie Branch - Category: Age 3-4, Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 9-11, Cooking, Craft

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Build a Better Snowman

January 12th 2012 03:06

The basics of snowman building are simple.

It does not take any special knowledge to understand that a snowman is traditionally three snow balls on top of each other, with the largest on the bottom.

But there is a difference between knowing and doing, so the following tips can help make snowman building a success.

Noodle Necklaces....revisited

November 30th 2011 21:07

Technicolor noodles and a handful of pipe cleaners surprisingly kept three young video game addicts very happy all afternoon. My niece and nephews had never made noodle necklaces- this was a SHOCK to me. So simple.

If you have forgotten the drill here is the "recipe"

After checking my pantry for a variety of uncooked pasta noodles, I gathered the kids around the kitchen table.

To make custom-colored noodles you will need:

Pasta
White vinegar
Zip-loc baggies
Measuring cup
1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon
Food coloring

1. Pour one cup of dried pasta into each zip-loc baggie.

2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar to the baggie of pasta.

3. Add 8-10 drops of food coloring to the pasta and vinegar. We happened to have fancy colored food dye in the cupboard, but regular colors work just as well.

4. Seal the baggie. Shake gently so the noodles are coated with the coloring, but not smashed in the process!

5. Inspect the noodles. If they are very dry, add a drop more vinegar. If the color is not intense enough, or there are noodles that are not covered add a few more drops of food dye.

6. Cover a cookie sheet with paper towels. Pour the noodles on the towels, separating as you go. Let them dry as you gather yarn, shoelaces, thin ribbon, or string. The noodles should be ready to string in twenty minutes or so.

7. Make necklaces or bracelets by stringing one noodle on a piece of yarn and then tying it in place to keep the rest of the noodles from sliding off. Pipe cleaners make cute bracelets or rings that are easy for small hands to manipulate.

8. Put a child to work separating the noodles by color or shape in muffin tins, or pull out cardboard or paper plates to create a mosaic pattern.

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Posted By: Sylvie Branch - Category: Age 3-4, Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 9-11, Cooking, Craft

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Cop a 'tude - instilling an attitude of gratitude

November 24th 2011 16:08

Gratitude is not for Thanksgiving

How many families go around the Thanksgiving table saying something they are thankful for? OK, now how many of those kids sitting around the table truly have an attitude of gratitude? By an imaginary show of hands, I'd say the difference is clear. In fact, I'd even venture to say that those with the most in life are often the least thankful.

Teaching your kids to say "thank you" is one thing. Really having them cop a 'tude of gratitude is another. Gratitude does more than just warm Grandma's heart; it is an invaluable attitude that has far-reaching benefits.

Researchers at the University of California have discovered that children who are grateful experience the following benefits:

*They sleep better,
*Have increased levels of satisfaction and set higher standards.
*They suffer from fewer headaches and stomachaches,
*Have a higher immunity to infections.
*Kids with a strong sense of gratitude also get better grades in school
*Have better friendships and relationships with family members.
*They also tend to set higher goals for themselves than those who feel entitled.

What parents wouldn't want this for their kids? An attitude of gratitude has far-reaching benefits that translate into complex changes for your child, family and all those involved with your child.

How to teach your kids to Cop a 'tude - an attitude of gratitude
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Posted By: Sylvie Branch - Category: Age 3-4, Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 9-11

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He can build a website, but can he build a doghouse?

November 13th 2011 02:33

At the risk of sounding like an old fuddy-duddy, I have to say with all the technology available to kids, many are losing out on learning important life skills. Recently, in my high school art class I asked my students to thread a needle. More than half the class had never even attempted this feat. That surprised me and I realized they would not be able to sew on a button if the need arose. Now that alone is not terribly significant, but when adding up all the other tangible skills many of these children missed, it made me take a look at where my own children are lacking.

These practical skills are more than survival or even convenience, they can help sharpen cognitive skills and provide them with an engaging weekend activity. Part of appreciating what you have, comes from knowing how far people have come. They may never have to sew their own clothes, build a fire to cook the fish they caught for dinner or build a shelter on their own, but they can get a taste of the difference.

Life skills 101 for kids

Simple Sewing
Hand sewing is something both boys and girls can learn for very little money. Even without master skills yourself, you can teach your child how to sew a button back on a shirt, mend a pair of pants, or use a sewing machine to whip up a set of easy curtains for their bed room. A pillow is another basic first project. Use soft material or an old sports t-shirt to create something unique for their bed.

Novice tips: If you have never picked up a sewing needle or operated a sewing machine before, and do not know anyone who has, head to your local fabric store. They will be happy to assist and probably even offer beginner classes.

Grow your food
Chia Pets do not count. If you do not already have a garden, consider a container garden to give your children the experience of planting tiny seeds and watching them turn into something edible. If the standard tomatoes, beans or peppers do not interest you, try strawberries or herbs. We also make a point of going to road side farmers markets to buy fresh food straight from the gardener. This helps kids connect the dots. Instead of just believing food comes from the grocery store, they can see the work involved in cultivating healthy plants.

Novice tips: While you do not have to be a master gardener to plant a seed with your child, if you are completely lost, the people at a garden center can offer guidance. They can direct you to the right plants for your location and offer tips on how to care for your plants of choice.

Pound it
Set aside wood scraps for your child to work with. Learning how to use real tools is another essential part of a child's development. You can start with a bird house kit, or let them design their own. My son jumped into wood working, he is always building something. This hobby is rare among his friends, many who have never swung a hammer let alone used power tools.

Novice tips: If you do not have access to tools, look for free classes at your local home improvement store. They often conduct kids workshops that can give your child a chance to try different projects, in a safe environment.

Help your child become more self-sufficient by giving them a taste of hands-on skills.

9 Ways to Encourage Creativity

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Posted By: Sylvie Branch - Category: Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 9-11, Cooking, Craft

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Shape Books Encourage Reluctant Readers

November 10th 2011 02:11

Reluctant writers can be encouraged to put the pen to the page with the help of a pair of scissors. Making shape books can turn writing into a crafty project, perfect for visual learners or kinetic, hands-on learners. The process of making a book in a particular shape can also provide the framework for a story.

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Posted By: Sylvie Branch - Category: Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 9-11, Books, Craft, Writing

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Encourage Creativity

November 3rd 2011 00:55

9 Ways to Encourage Creativity

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Posted By: Sylvie Branch - Category: Age 3-4, Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 9-11, Books, Computer Based, Craft, Toys, Writing

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August 2nd 2011 13:28

Better than a lemonade stand, a kids art show can be a fun way to promote creativity, earn money and build a sense of community.

Host your own with the following tips for a One Dolla Holla, Fifty Cent Center or Quarter Show Tips
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Posted By: Sylvie Branch - Category: Age 3-4, Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 9-11, Books, Computer Based, Cooking, Craft

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Best backpacks for a first grader

August 2nd 2011 13:23

Children going back to school have a lot on their minds. Many are nervous about showing up with the right clothes and accessories. The right backpack not only has to be in style, but be functional. It is tough to be cool with a broken backpack strap, or a wonky wheel on a rolling backpack.

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Posted By: Sylvie Branch - Category: Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 9-11

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