Posts from — August 2009

This year our family reunion was at a lake. At the end of a fun day of playing in the water, my daughter, Callee did a darling activity with the young kids. It was a treasure hunt. She had 5 stations. Each station had a different activity to be completed to get the clue to the next station. At each station there was an adult to supervise.
Station 1 – make a picture using tiny shell & rocks ( while the kids were doing this, Callee was burying the treasure with an “X“ on top)
Station 2 – listen to a story (picture book about a family reunion)
Station 3 – act out scenes from Star Wars ( all the kids love the Star Wars movies)
Station 4 – using white crepe paper or toilet paper, wrap up someone to look like a mummy
Station 5 – sing 3 songs
The clue from station 5 is to find an “X”. The treasure is buried in a plastic container with an “X”on top.
The kids loved it and stayed engaged because they wanted the treasure.
Callee has done this activity at home with her boys and included cleaning chores as some of the activities. It’s great for a rainy day.

These chicken nuggets are baked which makes them 175 calories per 3 ounce serving.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pound pieces chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut in bite-size
1 cup Cornflakes, crushed
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Directions:
Preheat oven to 4oo degrees F. Lightly grease a cooking sheet. Place all ingredients in a large plastic bag and shake to coat. Place chicken pieces on cooking sheet so they are not touching. Bake until golden brown, about 12-14 minutes.
Deseret News, August 25, 2009

All you need is embroidery floss & tape.
Get Directions

Everyone gets angry, it’s the way we handle it that counts. Be careful not to downplay your child’s feelings. Saying things like, “Don’t get so upset!” or “It’s not that important.” might just make them madder or cause them to hide their anger and take it out on someone later. Instead, help your child learn how to express their feelings. You can role play with your child and they can practice words to use in place of angry ones. Instead of, “You’re not my friend anymore!” they can try, “I’m really mad right now, let’s talk later!” Physical activities or activities that take concentration might help them cool down. Then, the next time they see their friend, they can calmly explain what upset them (“I was hurt that you talked about me to Jenny”).
This idea was taken from Home & School Connection March 2009

This easy activity can help children with patterning, rhythm, coordination, reading, spelling. Boy, that’s a lot for something so simple.
Directions:
1. Print & cutout the activity cards (at least 3 copies).
2. Arrange the cards across the floor in any order creating a pattern.
3. Turn on some music or sing a familiar song while doing each movement in order. Each movement can be 2, 3, or 4 counts depending on the music.
There are so many variations, you could even do 2 together. I left one blank card so your grandchild could create their own movement.
Download Movement Patterning Activity

This darling book tote is made from 2 placemats and a canvas belt. How easy is that? Your grandkids or kids can help you make it.

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This is a darling video for kids to teach the proper way to wash hands. It has a catchy song you can sing as you wash. Go to Washy Washy Clean

This is a humorous story written from the perspective of a dog that is sent to obedience school by his owner Mrs. LaRue. He writes letters to her each day trying to convince her that he needs to come home. The illustrations show that he is really living the life of luxury but he tells things in a different way. This is a great book for ages 5-12yrs.
When you are finished reading the book to your child or grandchild, they can practice writing a letter.
Letter writing ideas:
Pretend you are a pet and write about something funny that happened
Pretend you are the pet’s owner and write about the same funny thing
Write to the author of the book and tell he what you liked
Write to whomever read you the story and tell them how you would change the ending
Write to a friend and tell them about something secial you have done