Create a box full of fun things for your grandchildren to dress-up in when they come to visit. Fill it with old clothes, hats, shoes, and jewelry. I like to look for interesting things at thrift shops or yard sales. It’s easy to find some hilarious things that your grandchildren will love that are inexpensive. Children love to create funny outfits. Encourage your grandchildren to write a short play to act out or read a story and let them act it out. Be sure to take pictures to preserve the memories. I like to keep my dress-up items in a plastic box that I can slide under the couch, it’s easily accessible and also easy to put away.

Well, I’m back to school. It’s hard to believe that summer vacation is over. I really enjoyed the extra time with my grandchildren. Some of the activities that we did together are included in this months newsletter. Be sure to check them out and let me know how they worked for you and your grandchildren. I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

My friend Carmen, from Albuquerque, New Mexico shared this great idea with me about how she creates special memories with her grandchildren. After they have done something together, she writes about it in her “Remember When” book. For example, if they went to the zoo she might write: Remember when we went to the zoo and the bear roared so loud that it scared Angie and she spilled her drink. She also includes photos. When her grandchildren come to visit they love to look through the book. It is now a tradition so the grandchildren will often ask her “Are you going to write that in the Remember When book?” As the grandchildren get older they can write in the “Remember When” book or even start their own. Thanks for the great idea Carmen.

Sorting activities are great to help children build math skills. As they create patterns, organize items in sets and examine similarities and differences in items, they build a foundation for a better understanding of math. This is a fun and inexpensive sorting activity for your grandchildren to do when they come to visit. It’s really great for all ages. Sometimes my adult children get involved. I put all kinds of interesting items in my jar. There are buttons, plastic money, beads, plastic animals, rocks, marbles, the list is endless! I dump the jar onto the table then the children begin organizing their favorite items. I like to talk to them about what they chose and why, what other items match what they already have. They usually come up with answers that I would have never had thought of. My new friends, I met in Chicago, suggested dumping the items into a large box lid to keep things from falling on the floor and using an egg carton for sorting the items. Thanks for the great ideas.

This is a fun and inexpensive way to show photos of your grandchildren on your fridge or any magnetic board.
You will need  lids from cans (any size will work - soup, vegetables, fruit, etc.), glue and magnets.
Directions:
1. Remove the lid from the can, I would recommend using a can opener that leaves the edges smooth.
2. Trace the lid onto the photo and cut out slightly smaller.
3. Glue photo on the lid and add a magnet to the back.

This is an activity that your grandchildren would enjoy doing with you.