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A fun way to preserve special summer memories is by using a tin lunch box. You can find them at craft stores and they come in various shapes and sizes. You can also use a tin box you already have and paint it. Use permanent markers and stickers to decorate the outside then use a clip magnet on the inside cover to hold all the photos. You can make a booklet with your photos or just stack them together and secure with the magnet clip. Put souvenirs, postcards or other memorabilia in a Ziploc bag and keep it in the tin.

Download 20 Frame Math Game

STEP 1 Print out the 20 Frame Game sheet with number cubes.

STEP 2 Cut out the number cubes and use clear tape to assemble.

STEP 3 Each player will need 1 Twenty Frame Game pattern and beans to be used as markers.

STEP 4 Have fun playing the game as follows:

1. Player # 1 shakes both number cubes and add the numbers together.
2. Place the total number of beans on the 20 frame (be sure to add the beans beginning on the top row from left to right then go to the second row adding on beans left to right).
3. Player #2 does the same.
4. The player with the greatest value wins the round. Decide ahead of time how many rounds you will play to determine the winner.

Variations: Subtraction –Shake both number cubes. Cover the 20 frame with beans representing the number with the greatest value. Subtract the beans that represent the number with the least value. The player with the lowest value wins the round.

Addition and Subtraction – Shake both number cubes and add the numbers together. Place that number of beans on the 20 frame. Shake 1 number cube and subtract that amount. The player with the least value wins the round.
Check out the Fall Activity Kit for more fun and creative math games you can do with your grandchildren.

Download Story Wheel Patterns

STEP 1 Print and cutout the 2 circles. Cut the small pie-shaped section from 1 circle.

STEP 2 Put the 2 circles together with the cutout circle on top. Attach the 2 circles together in the center with a brad or a paper clip. Make sure that the circles can turn independently of each other.

STEP 3 Choose a short book to read. Whether you’re reading the book to your grandchild or they are reading to you, be sure to stop periodically and ask questions about what has happened in the story and let them predict what they think will happen next. This is a great way to reinforce comprehension of the story. When you are finished reading together discuss the sequence of events in the story.

STEP 4 On the complete circle have the child draw and color their favorite parts of the story following the sequence of the story. Each scene should fit into the cutout section.

STEP 5 Retell the story by turning the top circle to show each drawing.

Check out the Fall Activity Kit for more fun and creative reading activities you can do with your grandchildren.

Sometimes it’s hard to get children to tell you about their day. Talking sticks can get child talking. On craft sticks write different questions. Put the sticks in a cup and during dinner have each family member take turns drawing a stick and answering the question. You can use strips of paper instead of sticks.

Suggestions:

Tell about something funny that happened to you.

Tell about something that made you nervous or scared.

Tell about something that made you happy.

Tell about something that made you feel proud.

Tell about something that made you feel angry.

Tell about something that you are excited about.

Tell about something that you look forward to.

Check out the Fall Activity Kit for more family fun ideas you can do with your grandchildren.

Each month my newsletter features new art activities, math and reading learning games and family activities. Also, I will share great websites and other helpful information. Free patterns are always included.
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