Greening Our Planet
Think twice about your recycling materials before you toss them in the bin this month. April 22nd is earth day, and it’s the perfect time to integrate your cast offs and waste into kid’s craft projects. It’s also a great time to get outdoors and let the kids help with early season planting in containers or on the ground!
Recycling Stamp Art:
Turn your recycling into stamps for a unique painting. Bubble wrap (bubble side down), milk jug or jar lids, cans (no sharp edges) toilet paper rolls, and egg cups are just a few examples.
Supplies: recycling stampers – we like milk jug lids and bubble wrap (cut into manageable pieces), tempura paints, paper, cookie sheet or plate. Collage materials such as magazine clippings, sparkles, candy wrappers, etc.
Directions: Spread some paint into cookie sheet or plate. Lay bubble wrap in cookie sheet, bubble side down. Carefully pick bubble wrap up and place on your paper. Gently press down and remove. Repeat with other stamps – use the end of a can or toilet roll to make different sized circles. Add shiny candy wrappers or magazine clippings with a small dab of glue. Let dry.
Did you try this craft? Send us your comments and photos!
Eggshell Mosaics:
Supplies: Egg shells (rinsed and dried), cardboard or construction paper, food colouring, glue
Directions: If your egg shells are coloured from Easter, separate them into piles according to colour. If the shells are not vibrant enough, add food colouring and water to a bowl and submerge shells for approximately 5 minutes. Dry and crush shells. Draw a design on your paper. Working in sections, fill the design in with glue and cover with eggshells. Continue filling picture in with coloured egg shells. Let dry.
Did you try this craft? Send us your comments and photos!
In Hops the Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny tradition hopped all the way to North America from Germany. 18th century German settlers to North America brought the Easter Bunny with them. The Easter Bunny, in turn, brought gifts of chocolate, candy, and Easter eggs – a tradition that continues today. Make the Easter bunny tradition uniquely yours by surprising the kids with the same unique item each year – our bunny brings a packet of vegetable seeds to each child, for planting in the spring.
Kitchen with Kids – Cheese Omelette
- Eggs (1 to 2 per person)
• Milk
• Salt and pepper
• Grated cheddar cheese
Crack eggs into a container that can be closed with an airtight lid. Tip: Hold your child’s hands and crack the eggs together. Wash hands thoroughly. Add 1 tablespoon of milk for each egg. Shake a couple of sprinkles of salt into the bowl, and grind some pepper – count the turns of the grind as you go. Seal container and shake it shake it shake it! Heat an oiled pan on medium low, and carefully pour egg mixture into pan, stirring gently with a wooden spoon. As eggs begin to solidify, sprinkle grated cheese on top. Let cheese melt, remove from heat, and serve.
Simple Science- Musical Glasses
Using several glass containers or cups, fill each with a different amount of water. Let the kids tap the edges of the containers with the end of a wooden spoon or pencil. Which container makes the lowest sound? Which is the highest? Vibrations are made when the glass is hit; this creates sound waves which travel through the water. The more water, the slower the vibration, the deeper (lower) the tone.
Tip: for young children, help them control the strength of their ‘tap’ by gently guiding their arm.
Five Minute Fun – Start some Seeds
Fill the cups of an egg carton with dirt or planting medium. Push 1 large seed or sprinkle several small seeds into soil. Moisten with a few drops of water. Cover with a clear plastic bag or casserole. Place in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Seeds should sprout in 7 to 10 days. Try beans, basil, or even grass seed
Planning a Party This Month? – Get Crafty and Go Green!
View our “Green Birthdays” video for tips and suggestions on how to make your child’s birthday party more environmentally responsible!
Win a Three Month Kids Craft Club subscription!
Tell us what you think about the Kids Craft Club and you’ll be entered in a draw for a three month Kids Craft Club subscription (or 3 month extension to your current subscription)! If you subscribe now or in the past, click here. If you’ve never tried the club, click here. Tell us what you think about the Kids Craft Club!
What are You Doing This Weekend?
If you’re in Vancouver this weekend and have young kids, then you’ll want to check out the Baby and Toddler Fair at the Roundhouse Community Centre! It’s this Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Be sure to stop by our table at the show!