A playful, charming book that teaches what goes around comes around

ADDED May 30, 2009

Ordinarily, we'd try to review a book about ghosts around Halloween time.  But some kids (my boys, as it turns out) just love ghosts and monsters of all types.  What's more, this ghost- and monster-book is simply jam-packed with fun.  It's got some ghosts, some jokes, and even some subtle admonitions against bullying.   As if that weren't enough, it's both very accessible and extremely creative.

The story here involves -- as the title might suggest -- three little ghosties.  These guys are sitting around, boasting about how they've scared the neighbors.  Pippa Goodhart's choice of words is ingenious.  Check this out:

"Well," said Ghostie Number Two,
"I scared some mean witches,
sitting in dark ditches,
lipsticking their lipses,
plotting evil trickses.

I went clank, clank,
shiver, shake,
BOOO!"

After they're done with this kind of boasting, the ghosties fly off to scare a sleeping kid.  There are twists and turns (we don't want to give away the surprise ending), but suffice to say, the kid doesn't get one bit frightened and might just turn the tables on those frightful ghosties.

The Amazon review says this book is great for preschool-aged kids to second graders, and that's probably right.  This book is -- we promise -- not one bit scary.  It's just fun.  Click here to check it out!

Read with the kids this weekend.  Read aloud!  But please, don't go scaring people unless you want to get scared back yourself!

--S

Give please a break, por favor

ADDED May 29, 2009

Length:  5 minutes
Parental Involvement: Verbal instruction, participation
Kids Should Be Able to:  Speak, understand the concept of different languages

We like weekends here at Today Is Fun.  That shouldn't be much of a surprise to you -- weekends offer plenty of opportunities for fun and learning!

As you might remember, last weekend was Memorial Day Weekend.  It's a good holiday, and we're happy to observe it with our families.

Well, this weekend, we'd like you all to celebrate "Por Favor Weekend" with us.  The concept here is simple:  the word "please" is taking the weekend off.  Hopefully "please" makes frequent appearances in your house, so it might be ready to take a break -- if even for this weekend.

This Saturday and Sunday, have your kids invite please's Spanish cousin into your home, Señor Por Favor.  Tell your kids that this weekend, you and the kids will try to only use "por favor."

If you'd like to, you guys can also employ a little "gracias" in place of "thank you."

It'll be fun, actually, and educational.  Learning and using foreign words makes for good times.  Up with language learning!

So please enjoy "Por Favor Weekend," por favor, pleople!  Gracias.

(Thank you to freeparking for the vintage sombrero photo!)

Tongues are meant to be twisted!

ADDED May 28, 2009

I can't believe that we haven't written yet about tongue twisters.  Tongue twisters are a classic way of keeping kids occupied, using nothing more than . . . their own tongues!

The idea behind tongue twisters, of course, is to choose some tricky words for kids to say . . . and then to make them say the words over and over and very quickly.  Tongue twisters work magically well at home, in the car, waiting in line -- anywhere the kids have some free time and control of their tongues. 

Here are some twisters we've specially tested out for you to try out on your kids. 

A big black bug bit a big black bear a bit.

Toy boat. Toy boat. Toy boat.

See Sam saw the see saw.

Fat frogs flying past fast.

We surely shall see the sun shine soon.

Quick kiss. Quicker kiss.

A cook can cook cookies quickly.

Get your lines in shape . . . and have fun doing it!

ADDED May 27, 2009

In case you haven't noticed, we think paper and markers are all the tools you need for hours of creative, learning fun with your kids.  Do you disagree?  Would you like to argue?  Go ahead and try!  Challenges can be entertaining.

(Please take a moment to check out our favorite, recommended drawing implements here and here.)

Today we're going to do some exercises to keep your drawing team in shape!  So get out some paper and pencils and start the drills.

Begin with swirls.  Tell your kids to draw as many swirls as they want.  Can everyone make swirls?  (Swirls are a personal favorite, I must admit.)

The next drill, zig-zags.  Followed by...

Wavy lines
Parallel lines
Dashed lines
Dotted lines (what is the difference between dashed and dotted?)
Curves and curvy lines
Squiggles and messy lines

In this post we've listed eight different types of lines for your kids to draw.  Can you guys think of any other ones?

This activity will get your drawers warmed up and ready to create.  So get creating, people!

Easy, fun, get-them-talking drawing game

ADDED May 26, 2009

My kids just love this one.  They request it constantly, and I'm not exactly sure why.  (The constant requests are not because they admire my drawing ability.  I don't have much of that!)

When you say the name of this activity to your kids, you're telling them what's going to happen here.  Tell them, "If you name it, I will draw it." 

So get out a piece of paper and markers.  Sit down with your kids and see what they say.  What will they name?  As they call out things, you draw it.  (And seriously, don't worry about the art!  This is all about getting your kids thinking and talking.  And about you listening to what your kids say.)

It certainly works well to give your kids a category or two to focus on.  My kids like space aliens, monsters, foods, toys, and more.  What do your kids like to think about?

We hope that this activity is as popular in your house as it is in mine.  And I hope that your drawing ability is better than mine, too!

--S

A special American holiday, no matter what age you are

ADDED May 25, 2009

Happy Memorial Day, everybody!

We think that the meaning of Memorial Day might be a bit difficult for younger kids to grasp.  So this is how we suggest you explain it:  on Memorial Day, we take a moment to remember all the soldiers who have kept America safe and free.

If you haven't talked to your kids about freedom before, you can do so by explaining that in many other countries and in the past, people couldn't live their lives the way they wanted.  In the days of kings long ago -- and in parts of Europe more recently, ordinary people couldn't do whatever they wanted.  People would have to get permission to have a certain job, for instance, or to take a trip, or even sometimes in what house they wanted to live.  America doesn't have a perfect record, of course, but it has always been one of the most free places on earth.  Liberty is one of America's foremost values, and we are all lucky to live here.  We are grateful to the men and women who have given their service to keep America safe and free.

Have a great day!

(And thank you to respres for the boy saluting flag image!)

We were making funny noises and passing them off as vowels

ADDED May 25, 2009

Vowels without consonants sound kind of funny.  And funny is . . . fun!

Read the whole, funny, and educational post here.  

A fun and free outing

ADDED May 22, 2009

Eating "in season" is all the rage these days, and today we have a fun and free outing that you can take as a family:  a trip to a local farmer's market.  You need to eat and everybody wants to eat something that is healthy and fresh. This weekend would be a perfect time to go if you have never been.

Decide ahead of time what your budget will be (they only take cash) and then spend an hour or so looking and tasting (many vendors have samples) all that the local farmers in your area have grown.  You can even let your kids help pick some of their favorites or try something new. Here is a picture of my daughter with purple carrots.

Below is a list from eattheseasons.com of all the fruits and vegetables that are in at their peak of freshness right now.  So get your helpers, head over to the market and grab some goodness.


VEGETABLES

artichoke | asparagus | avocado | broccoli | corn | cucumber | fava beans | peas | radishes | rhubarb | spinach | zucchini


FRUIT & NUTS

apricots | grapefruit | kiwi fruit | lemons | limes | pineapple | strawberries

Orville and Wilbur would be proud. And possibly a bit riled up.

ADDED May 21, 2009

Anything that moves is inherently interesting to kids.  Keeping that in mind, we made a really cool zip line flyer the other day out of some simple things that we had around the house. It was awesome and the end result looked like this. 

Here are the simple, household items my kids and I used to create what we call our "High-Wire Flyer:" some paper or an empty basket from a pint of strawberries, two paper clips, a string of about 15 feet, one quarter and two places to tie the string!  Easy.

First, start by making a paper airplane.  Luckily, you don't need to be fancy or an aeronautical engineer: the classic fold and fly model paper airplane will do just.  Second, bend the two paper clips to form an "S" shape, and carefully stick one end of each "S" clip through the top middle of the top plane.  Next, tape one quarter to the front of the plane (two if you can afford it in this economy) and finally, tie one end of the string to a tree, banister, slide or clothes line and tie the other end lower than the first, to a rock, shrub, chair or outdoor water valve.  (You need to make a path that travels from high to low.)  Remember, the more extreme your line's angle, the faster your plane will fly. Now, 3,2,1 launch!  With a small push your plane will travel quickly down the line making a perfect landing every time.

If you are really handy or have more than one kid, try making parallel lines and you can race planes.   If you have room in your yard, try crossing two lines and you can have an exciting mid-air dog fight! As with everything we make here at TIF, we suggest that the kids color the plane, because everyone knows that will make it go faster.  Or at least look faster.

To the skies, people!  And we know you have a choice when you fly, so thank you for choosing Today is Fun.

A great, any time snack

ADDED May 20, 2009

On rare occasions, the kids are ready for bed before their bedtime.  When this miracle occurs, I like to do a little cooking . . . and children are the perfect ingredient for my yummy dishes.

First, I’ll make a Pillow Sandwich. This delightful dish requires only two pillows and one kid.  Simply put the kid in the middle of the pillows and gently squeeze the sandwich together.  Ta da!  You have a deliciously fun snack with zero calories. 

Next up, I find myself craving a Bedtime Burrito.  This specialty has just a few ingredients:  one blanket and one child. Assembly is simple: first spread out the blanket and gently place the child on one of the ends, then carefully roll your little one up in the blanket, taking special care to make sure that a head is sticking out of the blanket at all times. Presto!  You have a low-fat snack that is quite fun to eat.

Finally, we'd like to suggest a tasty Pillow Cream Cone.  Simply have your young one stand up straight while cradling a pillow.  Next, have your kid hold the pillow up as high as they can.  (This posture gives you the perfect opportunity to tickle.  So why not do it?)

And here's a word to the wise:  please do not cook these (delicious) silly recipes after Mom has made the bed.  She doesn't look too kindly on energetic chefs ruining a neat and tidy room! 

Please send any similar recipes to info@todayisfun.com or leave everyone a message in the comments. We really want to know what you are "cooking up!"

Thanks to fjsheen for the photo!

Aural Edu-tainment

ADDED May 19, 2009

Springtime is upon us, and in honor of that fine season, we present some beautiful classical music for you to share with your kids.  Today, we celebrate Spring with a free audio download, an excerpt from Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," and its first three movements, Spring.  Put it on your Ipod to listen in the car while you drive to school, or make a CD and enjoy listening during breakfast tomorrow.  This type of thing is an easy way to introduce your kids to great music -- and just might save you from having to listening to one of those wacky, guitar-toting children's troubadours.

To make your listening time more educational, have your kid listen for streams, thunderstorms, birds, trees rustling in the wind, and a dog barking in the the music. Vivaldi wrote the music so that the orchestra would make music that resembles each of those things.  You guys can find each of those:  all you need is creativity and some perky ears.

We are big fans of classical music here at TIF, so drop us an email info@todayisfun if you want many more kid friendly recommendations (sorry, troubadours need not apply).

Click on the links below to play while browsing TIF.

Play Movement 1 Allegro 

Play Movement 2 Largo

Play Movement 3 Allegro

Have fun!

 Thanks to John Harrison for the beautiful music and skepsis and januszbc for the the photos!

Lab coats and safety glasses not required

ADDED May 18, 2009

We are big fans of science here at TIF. And one of the most fun parts of science, we think, is forming a hypothesis and testing it out.  Luckily, you don't need beakers, bacteria or Bunsen burners to form a hypothesis -- just a willingness to observe and test, test, test!

A hypothesis is a statement that is testable and includes a prediction as to the outcome based on the 'variables' being studied.

To make the explanation simple, I explained to my kids that a hypothesis usually has the words if and then. For example, "If I we build a tower nine blocks high -- nine blocks is variable #1 -- it will stand.  But if we build a tower ten blocks high -- ten blocks are variable #2 -- then it will fall".  Hypothesis formed and ready to test! 

You can create a hypothesis from almost anything that can have a different outcome based on variables. "If I build a house out of blocks, then my three-year-old sister will knock it over in two minutes or less."  Or, "if I take a bath quickly, then Dad will read me two books before bed."  And here's a favorite:  "if I eat all my dinner, then I will get some pie!"

My daughter and I have had a lot of fun over the last few days forming hypothesis and testing them out. Just about anywhere we go, we are able to play what we call, "Make a hypothesis," and it is cute to hear a nine-year-old talking about science.  In our testing, we have bounced balls (several sizes), pushed shopping carts (with several riders) and toppled towers (of varying heights).  The result of all this scientific work has not been a research grant, colorful sash, or dinner-plate-sized medal, but a lot of fun.  And some science education along the way. 

Explain to your kids today what a hypothesis is and let the fun begin.  We would really like to hear what you think of our blog, posts, and how handsome we are, so please drop us an email info@todayisfun.com or leave a comment below.   If you leave us a message then we will be happy!

Thank you to estherase, mikefischer and jalb for letting us use your photos!

Parents have DIY projects. Kids love tools. Everybody wins.

ADDED May 15, 2009

Today's post was inspired by Laurie March, a Los Angeles interior design expert (and friend to Today is Fun).  You can check her blog out here.  Laurie helps families improve their living spaces -- she is enormously talented, and I've caught her paying attention not just to her adult clients, but to their kids as well.  Laurie recently noticed how children are fascinated by tools and home improvement projects.  Together, we came up with some entertaining ways to help kids join in on home improvement fun...

The right tool for the job.  When you've got a home improvement project going, you can talk to your kids about how each job requires the "right tool."  For instance, if you need to hang a picture, then you need to first put a nail into the wall.  Really, only one tool in the toolbox will work for this chore.  It's not the hacksaw, it's not the screwdriver, it's not the tape measure.  It's the hammer!

But if you need to open the battery compartment on a toy robot, the hammer is definitely not the tool to use!  There's one right tool for that job, too.

Sometimes, more than one tool will work (for instance, one could sometimes use a drill or a screwdriver), but you still have to choose the right one.

It's a good lesson for life:  Kids obviously need to make a decision as to the right tool to use for the job.

When you're doing a home improvement project, let your little ones look through the toolbox with you.  You guys can discuss each tool and what it is used for.  And if your kids are older, you can ask them "right tool" questions, such as:

A sprinkler head in the front yard is loose.  What tool would we use to tighten it?
What tools do we need to hang a picture in the living room?

Finally, learning the difference between flathead and Phillips screws (and screwdrivers) seems to be very interesting for children!

Kids playing with tools.  If kids have toy tools (ours do), then they can bring their tools along as Mom or Dad makes minor repairs in the house.  Kids and parents can compare kid tools with grown-up tools.  How are they different?  How are they the same?

Also, of course, kids can play with tools and pretend to fix things.  These "things" in question could be a cardboard box, a chair, or any sturdy household item.  Parents could choose to talk about real steps with kids, such as, "Okay, you've got your tools and you're going to hang a picture.  What's the first thing you need to do?  What's the first tool you need to use?"

Finally, kids can sometimes, occasionally handle real, grown-up tools.  My boys love to play with our family's level -- watching the bubbles move in the little, see-through tubes.  My five-year-old can pretty much use a level, too, much to his delight.

Drawing and talking about tools.  Drawing a collection of tools could be fun for kids.  How many different kinds of tools can they figure out to draw on a piece of paper?

Kids and adults could also cut the tools out once the drawing's done, and have a miniature paper tool collection.

A drawing like this (or a picture book that displays a variety of tools) could be a great starting place for a conversation.  Which tools are sharp?  Which tools do you need to plug in?  Which tools are heavy?  And so forth.

We were making up easy stories for the kids

ADDED May 15, 2009

We're all about the most bang for the least buck.  In that vein, a year ago today we were making up fun stories for the kids . . . with the least amount of effort.

All you need is an animal, a place, and something you can touch. 

Has anyone out there seen the evening? Has anyone looked?

ADDED May 14, 2009

Here's a quick and easy activity you can do with your kids every day.  And if you make it a regular, everyday type of thing, it might just become a bit more special for your family.  Find the evening.

What is evening?  Well, it's a bit hard to describe, as it's certainly open to interpretation.  In our house, we say evening is that time when the sun can't be seen any more (because it has set), but it's not night.  That means the sky still is predominantly its usual light blue color and not night's purplish black.

My kids and I look for every evening.  We ask, "Is it evening yet?"   Sometimes if we're inside, we will rush to the backyard and inspect the sky. 

(This daily checking also helps to motivate the kids to "do their thing."  For instance, no one is allowed to rush outside and check on the evening if there is still food visible on the dinner plates.  In our house, if you're interested in finding the evening, you better eat your dinner!)

Good luck to you and your kids in your search.  And if you find the evening out there, please don't misplace it again!

(Thank you to kkimpel for the photo above!)

It's exercise! It's entertainment! It's both!

ADDED May 13, 2009

If you tell your kids to go outside and run around, you might not get the results you'd want.  Your kids might immediately start exercising their lungs with loud questions and complaints.  Their bodies might stay inside and their muscles might work up some frowns.

But, as you probably already know, it's all about presentation with kids.  Children respond better when you just use the right packaging!

We suggest you enroll your children in an exercise class right away.  No need to drive around looking for a suitable instructor, of course, because you are it. 

Have your kids stand in an area with plenty of space around them.  Now start showing your little ones some exercises to do.  We're confident you can improvise something here; you could try teaching them:  jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, jogging-in-place, etc.  If you know any yoga that might work, great.  See how the kids are doing--spend as long doing your exercises as long as all you guys are all comfortable and happy. 

And now the really, really fun part:  now it's your kids' turn to be the instructors.  Kids, we've found, really enjoy taking over the reins.  My kids love watching me as I mimic their exercises, which usually involve some extreme, crazy gestures, some wild flailing of arms, and some practically impossible yoga-ish stances.  (Needless to say, for this exercise class, you'll want to leave your dignity behind in the locker room.)

When my kids (five and three) lead the class, they flap their arms, they twist their trunks, they hop and down vigorously.  (It all is quite tiring, I must say.)

It's exercise, it's entertainment, it's both!  Have fun!

On your watch, that is. As opposed to on your body.

ADDED May 12, 2009

If you own a watch with a second hand on it, then you've already got a device that will keep kids entertained and on their toes for many, many minutes.  Just watch that second hand go -- and watch the fun times happen.

With a second hand, you can time everything that happens, of course.  Timing events means measuring them -- and measuring is fun for kids.  (For another fun measuring activity, check out our tape measure activity here.)

Today, your ever-so-useful second hand will help you and your kids have fun measuring two kinds of events:  things in your kids' lives and things your kids do.

First, you and your kids can measure the events that are happening in the world around them.  If your child is old enough to borrow your watch and be in charge of supervising the second hand, that's ideal.  If your kid is too young, then you can help.

You guys should simply choose things to time.  How long does it take for the garbage truck to collect your trash?  For Daddy to leave the breakfast table and go get dressed?  For the dog to eat dinner?

(Opportunities for timing are really endless.  Here are some more suggestions:  how long does the toilet make noise once it's been flushed?  How long does it take for Mommy to find parking at the mall?  For a red light to turn green?)

The second, second-hand activity entails timing your kid.  And this activity might just be even more fun, because it is all about "the star of the show" (that is, your child.)  Tell your young star to do something, and then time them.  For instance, how long does it take them to run from the backyard to the mailbox?  How long does it take them to wash off their plate at lunch?

And if you've stuck with us this far, you've reached the point where we reveal the true beauty of this fun suggestion.  Timing your kids makes the not-so-fun chores, the stuff you have to nag them to do, more fun and less needing nagging.  For instance:

How long does it take the kids to put away all the toys?
Or brush their teeth?
Or get dressed for school?

Yes, the magic of timing chores will wear off eventually.  But that's when you tell your kids to see if they can 'break the record.'  For instance, the fastest you cleaned your room last time was four minutes.  Let's see if you an break that record!)

It took approximately seventeen minutes and twenty-one seconds to type all the words above.  (There was a quick break somewhere in there to get a child more milk, which may have slowed the process down a bit.)  We hope this suggestion has your family doing some fun timing in zero seconds flat!

(Many thanks to sohumb for the boy and grandfather's watch photo, and to woodleywonderworks for the interesting clock image!)

And keep good deeds in mind all day long

ADDED May 11, 2009

Recently, we read a news story about the football locker room at Notre Dame.  Over the door from the locker room to the playing field is a banner reading, "Play like a champion."  As the football players leave to go play in the game, each jumps up to touch the banner.  This gesture is meant to inspire each team member and to focus everybody on the common goal.

And that got us thinking...

What sign would parents like their kids to tap each day?  What message would parents want their children to bear in mind?

We had some ideas:

• Eat your vegetables.
• Dirty laundry goes in the clothes hamper and not on the floor.
• The capital of the great state of North Dakota is Bismarck.

Well, sure.  Each of those messages could be helpful in its own way.  But is any one of those important enough to keep in mind as the day goes on?  Is there a message there that should get gently tapped as your team leaves the house?  No offense to our readers in North Dakota, but probably not.

And then we thought of this:  Help Somebody Today.

We think that's a pretty good one. Maybe we're dreamers, but a sign like that might encourage sharing in the classroom, offering assistance to teachers, and even reduce bullying.  That kind of sign might remind people that getting ahead isn't what life is all about.  Looking out for one's own interests is good to do, but so is helping others.

We've made two signs that you can print and hang up over the exit to your house.  Both say "Help Somebody Today.  (One your kids can color in themselves, the other is simple black-and-white, ready to hang without coloring.  But really, wouldn't a little coloring be a good thing?)

Of course, we'd be happy and understanding if you wanted to hang a sign with a different message.  Especially if you live in North Dakota.

Help somebody today!

We were focused on the color of Mom and Dad's shirts

ADDED May 11, 2009

A simple, fun way to keep the kids happy during traffic jams and long rides home.

What color shirt is Mom (or Dad or Grandma) wearing right now?

It works!  Check it out here.

Moms are great, period.

ADDED May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day, everybody.

Moms are the best.  Moms rock!  Moms keep their family going, through thick and through thin, through cloudy days and sunny ones, through runny noses and clear.

We wouldn't be here without you.  Thank you, and Happy Mother's Day!

Get those imaginations going!

ADDED May 08, 2009

For today's print 'n' play activity, we will all be creating a comic strip.

This comic strip is a very simple way to tell a story. Here, we're using pictures in four frames.  The beauty of comic strips is they can be anything your kids' imagination can dream up. (And if the story their imaginations dream up requires more than four frames, print out more sheets!)  As you probably know, some comics have words and others don't, so this can be a fun activity that you do with kids of almost any age.

To start, show your kid a few comics from the newpaper (if you get one) or share this classic Charlie Brown comic. 

Explain how the story has a beginning, middle and end and then let their imaginations run wild.  Let them know that anybody can be a character in their comic: a teacher, a favorite stuffed animal, a family pet or even a little brother.  The best part is anything can happen in the story: people can fly, rocks can talk and cows can play the cello.

Email a photo of your kids comic to info@todayisfun.com and we will post it in our art gallery.  And if you can train a cow to play the cello, please send pictures of that, too.

(click to download)

Thanks to Charles m. Schulz for the comic inspiration!

Now with extra tickling levels!

ADDED May 07, 2009

We like video games at my house -- in moderation.  They are not something that we do daily, but are rather more of a weekend activity.  One evening, when my kids wanted to play just one more level, I told them, "Off to bed!  And when you get in bed, you can play a game with ninety-nine levels called, 'You Can't Win.'" 

On the surface, a game called "You Can't Win" might sound intimidating or even discouraging, but my brave kids were ready to play.  They wanted to see exactly why they wouldn't be able to win!  I said, "To play, you must have your teeth brushed, your pajamas on, and you must be in bed with your head on the pillow!"  (Sorry, but with these rules, I'm very strict.)

So together, my kids and I made up some silly levels as if we were playing a real-life video game. The first level we played was called "Tickle Torture," and it required everyone to withstand one minute of sustained tickling.  Level Two was "Bear Hug," and as the name says, everyone had to endure a bear hug (combined with tickling) for one minute.  Level Three we called, "The Pillow Sandwich."  This one involved being gently squeezed between two pillows (and simultaneously being tickled).  I have found that most levels seem to somehow involve tickling one way or another, but the kids were up for the challenge.

It has been great fun for us all to make up levels, and the kids really enjoy trying to win (they always do.)  If your kids get too riled up playing this real-life video game, well, play it well before bed.  Tucker them out and then give them plenty of time to wind down.

Tonight, our family is doing level forty-eight, "Pillow From The Sky."  I'll let you know how it goes.  (And whether it involves a lot of tickling.)

Thanks to tm22 for the bear hug photo!

Typing can be big fun for kids

ADDED May 06, 2009

A big part of being a kid is emulating your parents. It’s fun to act like Mom or Dad, and there are some learning aspects to this mimicry, too.

Kids these day see their parents on their computers quite a bit. Of course, much of this is checking todayisfun.com, we understand.

One way for very young kids to start learning about computers is to do something very simple. In Microsoft Word or google docs, you can open a new document and change the font size to something really large. Then your child can practice typing different letters on the keyboard.

We did this when my older son was first learning his letters, and he had a great time. He said, “Now I’m going to do a lot of B’s, now I’m going to do a lot of L’s.” Then he would say, “See? Just like Daddy.”

Small game, big fun

ADDED May 05, 2009

Here's a great game when you're waiting and your kids need some entertainment.   Our Mini Hot or Cold game is played like the classic "I Spy" game, but on a smaller scale that is much more suited for a car ride, waiting room, or  night at the opera. 

To play, you will need only a few willing players and a magazine or picture book.   This item will be what you use to "spy with your little eye."  One person starts by selecting something in the book and says, "on this page I spy with my little eye". The other players look at the page and guess what thing the person might have chosen. 

One rule we added is:  after a guess is made, the "chooser" needs to tell the other players if the guess was either hot or cold. (To check out our "run around the room with the help of hot and cold" game, click here.)

Mini Hot or Cold saved the day for us last the week when we were stuck in traffic.  The kids found a Lego catalog and played Mini Hot or Cold endlessly until we've got home. They had a great time but I did lose the Hot or Cold air conditioning battle with my beautiful wife.

You may have heard that great things come in small packages.  Well, we believe you'll have some big fun with Mini Hot or Cold!

Get a leg up while you guys are waiting

ADDED May 04, 2009

If you find yourself waiting today -- in the doctor's office or at a restaurant -- try this very simple, fun drawing and counting game.  It is called "Caterpillar Count," and to play you need paper, a pencil, and some willing kids who like to count.

First, draw a rather large caterpillar body on a piece of paper (perfect drawing is not necessary, you'll be relieved to konw.)  Next start drawing legs -- as many as you can.  Draw at least ten legs, but do one hundred if your little one can count that high.  (Drawing small boots on your caterpillar is not necessary, but we've heard that caterpillars are fond of footwear.)

Then have your kids count the legs. Simple DIY fun!

When the counting is complete, flip the page over and draw two or three more caterpillars with 40 to 50 legs each.  Ask your kid to count those legs.  You can then have a little math lesson by adding the number of legs together.  Simple DIY math!

If you have kids who are a bit older, tell them to draw a caterpillar and then see how many legs they can do before the waiting is done. This is a fun, adaptable activity that is sure to please all and make waits go by a lot quicker.

(And take a moment to be grateful that your family isn't comprised of caterpillars.  We have enough trouble keeping track of two shoes per child in this house -- I don't know what we'd do if we had a 100+ kid!  We'd always be late for school, that's for sure.)

Big thanks to tiswango for the photo!

We were talking about fun with kids' hair

ADDED May 04, 2009

Really?   Kids' hair?

Yep.  We were.  Check it out here.

A fun tale of itty bitty triumphing over big and bad!

ADDED May 02, 2009

In the coming months we'll be recommending some great books for kids, and a number of them will be by prolific, excellent Ed Emberley.  Mr. Emberley is always fun and creative (two very admirable characteristics, don't you think?) and he's been doing the kid-book-thing for quite some time.  Ed Emberley is great with colors and shapes, and getting the reader to look at those things a little differently.

Today we'd like to recommend Bye-Bye, Big Bad Bullybug!, an terrific book for parents to read aloud to their kids.  There aren't a lot of words, but there's plenty to explore and discuss. 

In this story, a group of little itty bitty bugs are visited by the big bad bullybug who is, appropriately enough, quite big and bad.  He's ready to rough up the innocent itty bitty bugs.  The itty bitty bugs, however, are rather plucky and wry in the face of the brutish bullybug.  (Kind of like we'd all like to have been in childhood when picked on by bullies.) 

We don't want to give away any of the plot's twists and turns, but in the end, things work out pretty well.  Let's just say that there is a happy ending.  And that a little teamwork leads to some itty bitty empowerment.

All in all, Bye-Bye, Big Bad Bullybug!  is a very worthwhile, fun book.  Pick it up from Amazon here.  And while you're at it, check out another of Emberley's amusing masterpieces, Go Away, Big Green Monster!

Have fun reading with your kids.   And don't let the Big Bad Bullybugs or Big Green Monsters get you down!

We're not kidding. This is a great magic trick for younger kids to perform.

ADDED May 01, 2009

This is very, very simple and very, very fun.  My son could do this trick at age four, and he was extremely delighted with himself.  He had performed "real magic!"  (And truly:  he did astound and perplex some audience members with this one.)

Here's what you do: