One year ago today...

We were all introduced to a magical beast caled a Schmippopotamus

ADDED April 29, 2009

It was quite a popular post.  And why not?  Who wouldn't like to meet a schmippopotamus?

 

Meet this unique animal right now with a click here.  (You might just bump into a schmattlesnake, too.)

Get Kid Butts Moving

Two games for kids with benefits for parents

ADDED April 29, 2009

 

 

This might come as a huge surprise, but my kids aren't perfect.  They sometimes break our rules.  Also, they sometimes don't listen.  And they have been diagnosed with an extreme case of lollygagging.  In addition to lollygagging, my kids are often slow pokes.  They dawdle and have even been caught dilly-dallying.  No, they're not perfect.

(For the record, I am not perfect either.  And for the record, my lovely wife is pretty much perfect in every way, I admit it.)

My kids are especially sluggish when it comes to getting ready for school.  So my pretty-much-perfect wife and I have developed two helpful games to get the kids a-movin':

Race to get dressed.  Kids like racing and competitions.  They also like seeing who wins and who loses (and of course, they like to be the winner.)  When it's time to get ready, my wife will say, "Okay, race to get dressed," and my kids don't need any further explanation.  They're out of the room and off to their dressers.  Clothes fly and, though sometimes someone might need a helping hand from a parent, the process is greatly sped up.  

(Since we don't want any ruffled feelings on the way to school, we try to judge the outcomes each day as ties.  If somebody is almost done getting dressed, it's a tie.  Also, if one child would technically lose the competition due to not having a shirt on, we say, "Oh, it was so close to being a tie.  All you needed was your shirt, and it would have been a tie."  This tends to keep all the competitors happy.  And if they do get a little upset -- well, at least they're all dressed.)

Get Away from the Ogre.  Nothing will motivate children to get moving like an unpleasant and rude-mannered ogre.  Apparently, I might have a medical condition, because I transform into an ogre when it's time to get into the car.  I tell the kids that unless they are in the "safe area" (their car seats), the ogre will eat them up.  And he'll use ketchup.  I count to three, and the quite motivated kids are suddenly dashing towards the car.  No more dawdling!  (And sadly, no snacks for the ogre.)

These two games are not just fun for the kids -- they're effective in getting us out the door on time for school.  Well, almost on time.  We're more like five-ish minutes late now.  I mean, we're not perfect, except for my wife.

 

(If your kids respond well to the ogre in your house, and you want to reward them for their efforts, check out this rather cuddly ogre toy.  Yes, it's Shrek.)

 

(Many kudos and thanks to deletem3 for the awesome ogre image used above!)

One year ago today...

We were encouraging you to wave at your kids

ADDED April 28, 2009

Kind of weird, kind of funny.  Looking back, it was a creative idea.  It was certainly fun. 

 

But looking back after a year's time, this might be just the type of thing that kids mock their parents for when they're teenagers.  

 

So we apply this warning label:  for babies and toddlers only.  (We think.)

 

Check it out.

 

 

Pretty Town

It is pretty. Well, it was pretty.

ADDED April 28, 2009

 

This is a great one for young boys -- boys who like to build up and knock down.  (Girls who want to build and demolish are certainly invited, too.)

In addition to some builders and knock-downers, you'll need some blocks for this activity.  (Here are some of our favorite, recommended blocks, in case you're interested.  They're sturdy and perfect for this kind of exercise.)

If you wouldn't mind a brief interruption, here's a quick story we'd like to share.

Once upon a time, there was a very pretty town.  So pretty, in fact, that it got named "Pretty Town."   (The town really was quite pretty.)

Unfortunately, Pretty Town had a problem . . . a big problem.  A giant problem.  Every so often -- and after all the townspeople had got their houses looking nice and pretty -- some grumpy, stomping giants showed up in Pretty Town.  As they stomped, the giants chanted "Fee Fie Fo Fum.  I think I smell someone!"  (That's pretty much a standard giant chant, as you probably know.)

Sadly, once the giants were done stomping and chanting, and once the dust cleared, not a house in Pretty Town was left standing.  Poor Pretty Town.  Not so pretty any longer.

The townsfolk, plucky and optimistic, dusted themselves off and built up again.  Pretty!  But no sooner were the buildings looking spiffy again than . . . the sound of screeching wheels was heard as the giants' RV rolled into town once again.

And so on and so forth.  Repeat.

We hope you enjoyed that momentary detour into story time.  And in case you haven't already guessed, that tale is also today's activity.  First, have the kids get out the blocks and build a pretty town.  (The buildings and houses should be simple -- definitely not too painstakingly constructed.)  When the kids are done, admire how pretty (and simple) the buildings are.  Then cup your hand to your ear and announce that you hear some giants coming.

The kids should switch from pretty-building-builders into grumpy, stompy giants.  Tell the grumpy, stompy giants to have at it!

Once the town is flattened, call back the builder-uppers to re-construct the town.  (And so on and so forth.  Repeat.)

This game, though simple, is a big hit in our house.  The kids really relish the two vastly different modes -- construction and destruction -- and they really like all the verbal building up we did about those scenarios.  (We also tried to trick each other by building 'hiding houses.'  These were homes built away from the main part of Pretty Town.  Sometimes the giants missed the hiding houses during their stompfests, leading to some celebrating by the surviving Pretty Towners.)

Pretty Town is sure to be a foot-stomping, fo-fumming good time.  (Please just don't plan your next family vacation there.)

 

--S

All About You

Well, it's all about your kids. And it's all about fun.

ADDED April 26, 2009

 

Here's a fun activity for you, your kids, and some crayons or markers. (Here are links to the crayons and markers that we like to recommend.)

You know your kids extremely well. You know all about them. You know your child's. . .

• Favorite color
• Favorite dessert
• Favorite animal
• Favorite book
• Favorite movie or TV character
• Favorite dinner
• Favorite sport
• Favorite friend
• Favorite game or activity
• Chores or favorite ways to help around the house

And so on.

So . . . sit down with your kid, and start to draw each item than you can think of. Even if you're not a great artist, no big deal. As long as you can represent these things fairly well to your child, well then, you're in business.

Don't tell your kid each item as you draw it, but instead, wait until they make a guess. Your children know themselves well, too, so it shouldn't be too hard for them to guess.

When you're done, you'll have a sheet full of drawings all about your child. Hooray! If your kid approves, hang it up in their room.

If your child wants, allow yourself to be the subject of an "All About You" sheet done by your kid. Or, you could ask your child, "Did I miss anything important about you? Why don't you make an 'All about Myself?' sheet."

We promise: you'll have your kid's full attention as you do this. It will be bonding time, and it will be fun. All about you!

Spring cleaning

Non-toxic teamwork

ADDED April 24, 2009

 

You may remember one of our previous posts the cleaning lemon or when we wrote about cleaning out some of the toys in your kids closet and donating them.  Well spring is here and today why not have your kids help you with some spring cleaning? It is an activity that you can do with your kids and we even have included two of my beautiful wife's favorite non-toxic cleaning recipes. 

Have your kids squirt the cleaner while you scrub the counters, or turn them loose with some paper towels and window cleaner, they can clean the inside windows while you clean the outside (this is of my kids favorite cleaning activities).  Emphasize that when you all work together it is fun and you will get the job done faster.  Happy cleaning!

WINDOW CLEANER

1/4‐1/2
teaspoon
 liquid 
detergent

3
 tablespoons
 vinegar

2
 cups 
water

Spray
bottle

Put all 
the 
ingredients 
into 
a 
spray
 bottle, 
shake 
it 
up a 
bit, and 
use 
as 
you 
would
 a 
commercial 
brand.
  The 
soap 
in 
this recipe 
is
 important.  
It 
cuts 
the 
wax 
residue
 from
 the commercial 
brands 
you 
might 
have
 used
 in
 the 
past.


ALL‐PURPOSE 
SPRAY 
CLEANER

1/2
 teaspoon 
washing 
soda

A
 dab 
of 
liquid 
soap

2
 cups 
tap 
water

Combine
 the 
ingredients
 in 
a 
spray 
bottle 
and 
shake
 until 
the 
washing soda 
has 
dissolved. 
Apply 
and
 wipe
 off 
with
 a
 sponge
 or rag.


Slow Critter walk

Taking it slow you see more.

ADDED April 23, 2009

 

Spring is here and so are all kinds of bugs!  Everything from creepy spiders, flitting butterflies and slowly moving snails.  They are all out and going about their business. 

Every so often as your kids race by on their bikes or skateboards, they will catch a glimpse of a rolly polly or some ants busy at work.  After marveling for a few minutes at the tiny spectacle, they are off to their next activity.  But when given the chance to slow down and look closely for bugs on your block, your kids will be amazed at the world that is revealed. 

So today take a slow walk. A walk slow enough to check under every bush, to closely examine the bark on every tree, to check every crack in the sidewalk and just to look for bugs.  Take the time to count the bugs you find, if your kid is an artist commission a sketch of the bugs they see or -- easier still -- grab a digital camera and document every bee, spider, and moth you can find.

Send us a comment and let us know what you see!

No Cut Kite

Get some Spring fun a-flyin'!

ADDED April 22, 2009

For today's fun activity, get out the crafting supplies and make a kite!  It's a perfect outdoors activity to get some creativity pumping and legs running. 

Kite construction can be as easy or difficult as you want. And if you want to be technical about it, a kite -- or deltoid -- is a quadrilateral with two disjoint pairs of congruent adjacent sides.  (I copied that from Wikipedia). With your "deltoid," be creative and let inspiration strike with different shapes and colors.  In our opinion, the funkier the better.
 
A traditional kite has a construction that looks like this.

 

 

 

We made a few kites the other day that did not require any scissors (they did, however, require a little parental folding).  Our kites had a nice, classic kite shape and very easy to make.

Here are the folding steps we used (but as I said earlier let inspiration stike because we want to see photos of crazy kites!)   First, fold the paper in half like this. 

 

 

 

Then fold down the top third like this.  Next fold each of the corners in toward the middle like this (this part might require some parental help). 

 

 

 

 

Tape the four folds down and your finished product will look like this. 

 

 

 

Now you are ready to color.

 

 

 Use markers, crayons, glitter, or even pictures cut from old magazines. If your kids are stuck for decoration inspiration, share with them the meaning of kite decoration in Chinese culture:  the pictures on kites convey certain wishes—a crane or a tortoise for a long life, a dragon for prosperity, and a carp for strength.  All kites are considered to be good-luck charms.

When the decoration is done, tape some string onto the kite and see if it will fly.  We have found that most homemade kites don't fly very well so worry not, use your kite as a decoration for a few days and then recycle it.  Have fun!

Leaf rubbings

Almost Magic

ADDED April 21, 2009

 

Spring and Summer are great times to make some leaf rubbings.  And all you need for this quick activity is leaves, paper and crayons.

First, take a walk with your kids.  While you are walking, you guys should look for a few different-sized leaves that are available in your neighborhood. Try to get at least four green leaves of various sizes. Once the leaves are in hand, have your child look closely at each one and examine the various different parts.  Have your child study the veins, stems and edges. (We are not licensed botanists here, but we did find a few good books if your kids want to learn more about leaves, trees, and the wonderful world of flora).

Back at home, have your kids place their leaves between two pieces of blank paper and, using the flat edge of a crayon, rub on the paper over the leaves.  After a few seconds of coloring, the leaves underneath will start to be revealed.  You will have a beautiful, almost magical Spring leaf collage. 

When the first, "rubbed collage" is complete, have your little ones move the leaves around and make a second picture.  When you have a handful of such masterpieces, frame them to proudly show all your kids' handy Spring craft!  Have fun.

 

Spring Calisthenics

Grow, prance, croak, and fly your way to fun

ADDED April 20, 2009

Spring is here, and over the next few weeks, we will be featuring some great Spring activities.  Today for fun, do some Spring Calisthenics.  This activity is sure to get the wiggles out and create some smiles along the way. 

You can start by talking with your kids about Spring and what happens during this season.  You can also check out You Silly Goose">Silly Goose, Bear's Bargain (Big Book)">Bear's Bargain (Big Book), and Hop Jump">Hop Jump at your local library if you need a little more inspiration.  We found that during Spring, flowers bloom, colts prance, frogs croak, and baby birds are born.  Taking the actions from all these activities -- blooming, prancing, croaking, and hatching -- we created a Spring Calisthenics exercise program.

First, we pretended we were seeds that slowly grew into beautiful smiling flowers.  Next we pranced around the like colts kicking and neighing, then we quickly dropped to the floor and sat quietly like a bull frog who after a few seconds let out a ribbit.  Finally we pretended that we were inside an egg.  We slowly hatched and then flew around the room. Once we finished the cycle, I announced that the key to any successful work-out program is repetition, so we did it 3 more times.  Everyone was all smiles and out of breath when we finished, but we had a new appreciation for the energy it takes to grow, kick, croak and fly!
 
Use the comments section to let us know what animals are your kids' favorites. And please, people, spring into Spring!

 

Fair and Oddly Even

A fun learning activity that will leave no odd man out!

ADDED April 17, 2009

 

You don't have to spend a lot of time explaining the concept of "fair" to kids.  Kids understand what is fair and what isn't.  And kids are especially adept at determining when they're on the receiving end of some unfairness.

So why not use fair play to teach a more complex mathematical concept:  even and odd numbers.

Tell your kids this:  there are a group of kids on the field who are going to be split into two soccer teams.  If one team is bigger than the other, then the bigger team will definitely win.  But if there is the same amount of kids on the two teams, then the game will be fair, and either team could win.

The concept here is:  if the two teams are even, then the number of kids on the field is even.  

If the two teams are not evenly matched, then the total amount of kids is odd.

Another example you could use is a see-saw. If there are too many kids on one side, the see-saw will tip, but if the amount of kids on each side is even then then the it will balance.

You can even teach odd and even with your hands.  Start by counting one finger on each hand.  If each side has the same number, you are even!  But if one hand has three fingers and the other has two, then you are odd.  (No offense.  Numerically speaking only.)

Make sense?

You could also grab a handful of pennies and sit down with your kids at the table.  Deal the pennies to the kids just as if you were dealing out cards.  (Make sure that the number of people being dealt pennies is even.  So that means if there are an even number of kids at the table with you, don't include yourself.  If the number of kids is odd, deal yourself a pile!)  Did everybody get the same number of pennies?  Was the number of pennies even or odd?

Of course, this fair and even trick only works with . . . even numbers.

Finally, spend some time finding things that are odd and even in your house and your neighborhood.  Two bookends on the mantle?  Even!  Three candlesticks on the dining room table.  Odd!

Now, even things aren't always "fair," and fair doesn't always mean even . . . but you get the idea.  And hopefully your kids will, too.

Have a fun weekend with your kids!  We even hope you enjoy some fair skies!

Warmer, Colder

A time-honored and fun way to find stuff!

ADDED April 16, 2009

 

Here's the game:  hide an object in your house.  Tell your kids what is missing, and send them off to find it.  Help them zero in on the object by saying "warmer" and "colder."

Yes, yes, yes.  We know that "Warmer, Colder" isn't jaw-droppingly original.  We know you've heard the concept of warmer and colder before.  But have you made a game out of it for your kids lately?  If you haven't, we're here to remind you to do it.  Try hiding a spoon before breakfast or even in a parking lot while you are looking for your car (make sure everyone playing is holding hands for safety).

And of course, after your kids understand the game here, it's time to switch roles.  It's time for the kids to have a turn to hide something, and to warmer and colder you.

This game might just come in handy during occasional instances of forgetfulness: when your child has no idea where tooth brushing, eating, or sleeping takes place.  "Warmer, Colder" is also a perfect solution for your kid's momentary blindness while looking for their shoes.  I also have received a report from a friend in Nebraska who successfully used "Warmer, Colder" to help her child find a lost backpack.   Keep your eyes open, and have fun!

Color Blind

See what happens when you combine crayons with a blindfold

ADDED April 15, 2009

 

(In case you can't tell -- and we wouldn't exactly blame you if you can't, the pictures here on today's post are a horse and a monster.)

 

As you might remember, we enjoy taste tests in our house.  It's easy!  All you need is a blindfold and some different foods.

Well, one day after finishing a breakfast taste test (strawberry jelly vs. grape jelly, regular cream cheese vs. strawberry cream cheese), the kids wanted to do another activity using the blindfold.  So we decided to do some coloring.

This one's pretty easy to explain:  put a blindfold on your kid and decide on something to draw.  Your child will have fun with the challenge (it is very challenging, as you might imagine) and you guys will get some pretty interesting results!

Try more simple subjects for this kind of drawing.  A face is funny to try -- also a house, a sun, a monster, a snake, and so forth.  More complicated subjects (a flock of zebras nibbling grass while lions prowl in the nearby grass) might not work so well. 

Have fun and tell your kids this is how Michelangelo got  his start.  (Not really.  But maybe Jackson Pollack?)

(Your family may already have some crayons handy, but check out some of our favorites to use here and here">here.  Our favorite markers to use are here.)

Stories and Story Scrambles

Easy to do, but the results are magical!

ADDED April 14, 2009

 

 

When most people are asked by their kids to tell a story, they freeze up.  The idea of coming up with a new story is a bit overwhelming.  

Today we're here to help you come up with kids' stories easily and effortlessly.  This will help any parent, not just when a story is requested by a kid, but when you need something to talk about or fill the time during waiting.  Making up original stories is very easy . . . especially when you have your kids do all the hard work!

Here are three parts to any and every story:  a beginning, a middle, and an end.  Not too difficult a concept, right?

These two sentences have all that you need to know to make up stories for kids:  "A story has a beginning, a middle, and an end.  Everything else is details."  Remember those two sentences, and you're set!

Start at the beginning.  Tell your kids, "In the beginning of this story, there was . . . "  If you can think of what there was in the beginning, great.  If you want to let your kids come up with the answer, even better.  What was there in the beginning of the story?  A whale, a snail, a kid who missed his mom, a guy who felt grumpy, a race car, an old neglected house.  The list is, as you might imagine, limitless.

Next the middle.  What happens next?  The kid who misses his mom goes and looks for her.  The whale accidentally swallows an empty rowboat.  Someone mysterious buys the old neglected house and brings in a team of painters.  Again, your kids are fully capable of supplying this important part.  Ask them, "What happens next?" and they will think it up!

And of course, the end.  This is the part that wraps up the story.  You can ask your kids, "What happens at the end of the story?"  Your kids will certainly have ideas about this.

And as it says above, "everything else is details."  Once you guys start your story, it's easy to add some details.  If your kid says the story is about a dog, you can chime in with "What color is the dog?  What is the dog's name?  What kind of dog is it?"  Details are so easy -- your kids will think up tons of them, and so of you.

Remember, the story does not have to be great.  No perfect prose or surprise endings are required.  Just have fun!

And what's a Story Scramble?  These are easy, too -- easy to think up and helpful for passing some waiting time with the kids.  Just tell a simple story with the beginning, middle, and ends scrambled up.  Super simple is allowed, people!  For instance, check this one out:  (1)  I brushed my teeth, (2)  I went to bed, and (3)  I ate dinner.  Can your kids unscramble the story?  Here's another one:  (1)  I watered the seed, (2) I had a beautiful sunflower, and (3) I planted a sunflower seed.  Get it?  Your kids will.

Here's one more scramble for you guys to puzzle out:
(1)  Fun, fun, fun for all!  (2)  You read Today is Fun, and (3)  You share the creative idea from the site with your kids.  (4) You tell your friends about TIF (5) They thank you!

Structural Problems

Not-to-code buildings have never been so fun!

ADDED April 13, 2009

This is a great, entertaining idea for boys.  Boys like to break things, and here we're giving them a structured activity in which they can build up and knock down.

For this one you'll need some string and some building blocks.  (We've used both these lightweight cardboard building blocks as well as these wooden ones.)

Tie the string around one of the blocks, making sure that the string is well attached to the block.  (Make sure the knot is tight, for instance.)  The string should extend a few feet from the block.

Next, have your kids use the whole set of blocks to build a structure.  The structure could be a castle, cottage, skyscraper, shack, or just a generic 'building.'  Whatever it is they construct, make sure the block with the string is towards the bottom. 

Have your kids step away from the building.  One of the kids should hold the end of the string.  Instruct your child to choose a countdown ("3, 2, 1, blast off," for instance, or "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, cowabunga!")  and then yank the string.  Down comes the structure!  Spectacular, wow, and hooray!

Once the shattered remains of the building has been thoroughly admired, it's time to build it up again  . . .

This might sound odd or overly simple, but we assure you, boys will love it!  Build it up, knock it down, and keep the fun going!

Chicks vs. Bunnies Tic-Tac-Toe

A print n play activity

ADDED April 10, 2009

For today's fun we have a great activity that you can print and play with your kids.  Have your kids color the chicks and bunnies, then cut them out and get ready for some serious Chicks v. Bunnies tic-tac-toe action.  This activity is guaranteed to entertain all weekend long.  Today's activity is quick simple and like everything at TIF free!  Have a great weekend.

 

 

(click image to download)

The Today is Fun Semi-Official Power List

Foods that will give your kids power for today and every day

ADDED April 09, 2009

We have received many emails about yesterday's post.  In it, I mentioned a "Power List" that I had written out for my kids.  (As you might remember, my kids like anything with the word "power" in it.)  

I listed foods that would give them plenty of "power," and I taped it up on our fridge.

My list is nothing special.  And I warn you, I am not a dietitian.  (But I did make the list using information at nuval.com.)

 

In case you can't read my chicken scratch in the accompanying photo, we proudly present . . .

The Power List
Apples
Apricots
Bananas
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cantalopes
Carrots
Celery
Cucumbers
Grapes
Honeydew Melons
Lettuce
Milk
Oranges
Pineapples
Strawberries
Tangerines
Water
Yogurt

Instead of asking for cookies as snacks, now my kids are asking for things on the Power List.  And they're getting plenty of power from these healthy foods, I can tell.  Believe me, my kids are not lacking for energy!  We have also created a TIF "Power List" that you can print out and use to create your own "Power List".

Thank you, everyone who wrote to ask about this.

Bunny Kisses

And how to get one

ADDED April 09, 2009

 

While bunnies are widely admired for their cute little noses, it seems they have no lips to speak of.  Therefore, bunnies are not really good kissers.  We're pleased to say, though, that bunnies still can give kisses despite the no-lip situation -- all they have to do is twitch their noses back and forth.  

Bunny Kisses are something every kid and parent can do.  You really don't need any reason to give a Bunny Kiss, but we've created a fun Easter-themed game for you.  (It was the perfect diversion the other day when we were waiting and my kids started to grow restless.)

Here's how we played:   I would say, "Whoever is wearing black gets a Bunny kiss."  And lo and behold, anyone wearing black would indeed get a Bunny kiss from me.  Then the kids would get a chance to pick the color that would warrant a Bunny kiss from them.  Even though it created a little rowdiness and some possibly disapproving stares, it was a lot of fun.  

This game is a great if your kids are learning colors and it can even be played to teach patterns like plaid,gingham or stripes.  For older kids, you can teach other concepts with this simple game ("If you have a R in your name, you're going to receive a Bunny Kiss," or, "If your age is the same as two times four, you're up for a B.K.")

If you need of a few minutes of entertainment today or any day, just remember Bunny kisses and entertainment is a few minutes away.

 

Thanks to madeleine_for letting us use your photo

Breakfast Power Nest

A fun way to get baby birds (well, your kids) flying!

ADDED April 08, 2009

We have a list of healthy snacks on the outside of our fridge.  When I wrote the list down for my kids, I decided to forgo the word "healthy" and instead used the word "power."   (My kids really like anything with the word "power" in it)

As it turns out, my beautiful wife uses the fridge quite a bit.  Seeing the list the kids and I put there, she decided to create something we call the "Breakfast Power Nest."  This entree is healthy and provides a powerful start to the day.  It's also perfect for Easter breakfast, by the way.

You will need a whole grain waffle, a cup of yogurt, some almonds and some blueberries.  Use the whole grain waffle for the bottom of the nest. Next, top it with yogurt and then sprinkle with a few almonds and finally blueberries.  The power nest is complete and ready to eat.

A big part of a parent's job is encouraging your kids to be health.  A cool name like Breakfast Power Nest might just be all the encouragement your little ones need to eat a great breakfast.  

Breakfast is served.  Power up, people!  And let me know if you want to see the "power" list INFO@TODAYISFUN.COM.

Egg Memory

A recycle and re-use game.

ADDED April 07, 2009

 A perennial Easter decoration at our house is the plastic egg.  The plastic Easter egg is often filled with candy and that otherworldly plastic grass.  However, here at TIF headquarters we like to take things that are fun and make them even more fun.  After a careful study of the fun factor of plastic Easter eggs, we came to the conclusion that they are perfect for guessing games.  If they still have the grass in them from last year, even better. 

We've made a game kind of like Memory. For this game, you will need at least ten eggs.   (If you have twenty or thirty eggs, even better.)  Next, find some little things that match, such as two blue Hot Wheels cars, two Lego men, two small babies or two barrettes. Make sure you have an even number of items to fill the eggs.  Then place the eggs in a smart five by five square, and you are ready to play.

The rules are the same as traditional Memory, each player picks two eggs trying to make a match. If a match is made, then that player can make two more guesses, conversely if no match is made the play moves to the next player.

So recycle and re-use those eggs from last year and create your own guessing game.  Fun will sure to be a match!

 

Thanks to kanspice and meltingmama for the photos

An Inch, a Foot and a Mile

Learning about measurements

ADDED April 06, 2009

 

Today we’ll be having fun with measurements.  For this activity you’ll need a ruler.  And a car.

Start off small:  give your kid a ruler and point out an inch.  Ask your little one what things are smaller than an inch.  There’s not a lot, we think.  But what can your kid come up with?  (A penny, a ladybug, a speck of dust, etc.)

Next show your child a foot.  What can you guys think of that is smaller than a foot?  A lot more than that inch, right?  (A person’s foot, a guinea pig, a hamburger, etc.)

Have your child take a ruler and measure the stuff in your house.  Tell them to report to you their findings.  What’s bigger than a foot?  What’s smaller?

When they’re done measuring around the house, it’s time to examine the next measurement up the scale.

(The next measurement above a foot is a yard.  You could tell your kids about yards if you want.  In our house, though, we didn’t.  People measure fabric and football fields in yards, but otherwise yards aren’t used much anymore.)

For us, the next measurement up is a mile.  To show your kid a mile, put them in the car . . . and show them a mile.  Drive a mile away, and then turn around and go back home.  When I did this with my son, he was amazed at how long a mile is.  And really, there’s no way to describe the distance, without getting in the car and actually experiencing it.

And as with the other measurements, talk about a mile.  What things are bigger (and smaller) than a mile?

It takes some practice to learn what measurement to use.  For instance, even after the mile car trip, my five year old wondered, “Could you use a mile to measure our house?”

We hope that this activity is educational . . . and that in the fun department it also measures up!

Major League Geography

Here comes baseball season (and another excuse for learning!)

ADDED April 03, 2009

 

Professional sports offer a fine opportunity to teach your children about American places.  If your kids love sports, wouldn't they be interested to see all the cities and states from which competing teams hail? 

For the new baseball season, we've created this handy map.  Print it out and pass it over to the kids. 

First have your children make a small X to show your city or town. And then, do you guys cheer for a certain team?  If you do, locate it on the map, and have the kids spruce it up with some colors.  Next, if your kids know and remember other teams, find those on the map.  Have your kids color each in as you go along.  And have them color each state you discuss.  For each baseball team, it's not enough to mention the city--we want to know states, too.  What state do the Boston Red Sox come from?  How about the Cincinnati Reds?  (And if the team already provides the name of the state, well then, we want to know the city.  Yes, we mean you:  Arizona Diamondbacks, Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies!)  Try to discuss all the teams and have your kids color the whole map in.

 

 

Baseball team names offer an opportunity for more interesting conversations and possibly some vocabulary learning.  What exactly is a Padre?  Why was the San Diego team given that name?  Why were the Twins given that name?  What is a Marlin?  If you don't know any of these answers, simply turn to trusty ole Wikipedia.  (My kids were particularly interested to hear how the Houston Astros got their name.  If I'm not careful, my boys, with their love of all things space- and rocket-related, might just switch allegiances on me.)

 

You can hang your kids' colorful map up.  When the baseball team your family follows is playing an opponent, the kids can be in charge of finding the opposing team on the map.

 
Play ball!  (And go Dodgers!)

 

--S

 

(Thank you, DeusXFlorida, for the use of the baseball photo above!)

Special Tricky Messages

Busy brains are happy brains

ADDED April 02, 2009

 

Kids like using their brains to figure stuff out.  That's good news for you, of course, when you're trying to keep them entertained.  All you have to do is give your kids a reason to get their brains in gear!

And here is a very good (and rather fun) way to get your kids to use their brains . . . special tricky messages!

Special tricky messages aren't exactly codes.  They're just a way of looking at letters and words differently.  Today we'll demonstrate two tricky methods.  You'll definitely catch on quickly, and soon you'll be writing special tricky messages for your kids, too.

The first kind is very easy:  write a note to your kids, backwards.  This method of special tricky messaging is so simple that a kid of five or six could figure it out.  So . . . why don't you have your kid of five or six figure it out?  

Figure out a three- or four-sentence note that you can write your kid.  It should be easy for you to find a subject:  you can write how you feel about them, or you can write a few sentences about their interests (Spiderman is a good guy, but Dr. Doom is a bad guy!), or anything else about their life (Thank you for setting the table for me yesterday.)  Simply write the note backwards -- it's surprisingly easy and quick to do.  (Tomorrow night movie family have and popcorn make to going are we!)

For young kids this basic kind of trickiness is truly quite exciting.

The second special tricky message method is also very rewarding.  We call it "expand the message."  This one (and the backwards suggestion above) might be easier and quicker if you type up the messages on your computer and print them out.  If you make a mistake -- and what parent doesn't multi-task and make a mistake or two? -- it's easy to fix.

For "expand the message," type a quick, one- or two-sentence note to your kid using all CAPITAL letters.  Then take each word and make up a sentence to go around it.  The resulting sentence doesn't need to make a ton of sense; it just needs to hide the true message.  Here's an example we've come up with for demonstration purposes:

THIS is a note for you to read.  It is kind of SPECIAL.  The MESSAGE IS what is special.  The words here are FOR YOU to read.  

YOU will eat breakfast tomorrow.  Pancakes and waffles ARE good for breakfast.  (Breakfast is THE first meal of the day.)  Wash your hands if you use syrup, because sticky hands are not the BEST!

(Just read the capitalized words to figure out the special tricky message.  If you want, feel free to copy this word for word and give it to your child.  We don't mind!)

If you have any questions or other ideas, let us know.  People, one this with fun some have please and!  


--S

Who Has The Higher Card?

A fun card game for littler kids

ADDED April 01, 2009

 

For this activity, you'll be surprised to learn that you'll need a pack of cards.  But it's true:  you do need a deck of cards.

Sit down with your kid at the table, and give the cards a shuffle.  Deal two cards in front of your child.

Your young one gets to choose which card to take.  You get the other one.  

Whose card is higher?  That person wins the round!  (Place both cards on the winner's side of the table.)

Repeat.  Your lucky kid gets to choose which of the two cards they want.  You get to deal each pair onto the table.  After each round, add both cards to the higher card person's pile.

Keep going until you've gone through the whole deck.  Now you guys count the piles.  Who has more cards in their pile?  That person wins the whole game!

Yes, yes:  we know that this idea isn't jaw-droppingly original.  But it's fun and easy.  It's a great card game for little kids (though bigger kids seem to enjoy it, too.)

No matter which person has the higher card, everyone wins!  It's fun!

 

--S

 

(Thanks to lilit for the card photo above!)