Happy New Year!

Getting back into school and daycare routines after the holidays usually leaves little ones exhausted at the end of the day.  Give your tired kids some extra time to relax by sitting around the table for craft time.  They can get crafty by getting organized for the new year!   Give these crafts a try:

Decorated Art Folder:

Supplies: presentation folder, collage supplies such as photos, magazine clippings, crayons or markers, stickers, feathers, sparkles, glitter glue etc.

Directions: transform a simple folder into a personalized art folder by decorating with your name, a photo of yourself, and other items.  Keep your folder in a handy place and add the new artwork that comes home from school or daycare!

 2009 Calendar Story Book:

Transform your old calendar into a story book with the kids!

Supplies: 2009 Calendar, 12 pieces of paper large enough to cover dates portion/chart of calendar, glue, something to write with

Directions: replace the dates area of the calendar with a blank writing area by gluing paper on top of dates chart.  Do this for all 12 pages.  Using the theme of the calendar (animals, landscapes, princesses, cars, etc), ask your child to dictate a story for you to record.  The calendar themes can be transformed into personal stories such as ‘Joe’s trip Across the Country’, or ‘Sue’s  Animal Adventure’.  You can also add word bubbles to the calendar photos if your child wants one of the pictures to talk.  A great way to pass the afternoon!

Did you try these crafts?  Send us your comments and photos!

 

Kitchen with Kids – Candied Walnuts

Some nuts, such as walnuts and pecans, are a good source of Omega-3s, which may be linked to brain development and emotional well being.  Here’s an easy snack the kids can help make:

2 ½ cup walnuts

1/3 cup corn syrup

2 tbsp sugar

½ tsp cinnamon

Coat walnuts with corn syrup, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 325 for ~15 minutes or until nuts are golden brown.  Let cool before serving.

Simple Science – Gravity and Resistance 

A classic experiment that’s a fun guessing game for kids too!  Choose several (non-breakable) objects from the house, such as a stuffed toy, a ball, a building block, and a couple identical pieces of paper.  Hold two of the items out in front of you.  Which one will fall fastest?  Why?  What happens when you drop the pieces of paper at the same time?  What happens when you crumple one up and drop it?

Five Minute Fun – Mark Up Your Calendar

Enlist the kids to help mark up your calendar with special events such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  They can practice their printing by writing the names of friends and family who are celebrating birthdays on a certain date, or they can draw a picture of the person in the calendar date box.