One of Aesop's Fables -- Today-Is-Fun Style
Fun and learning from an ancient source
ADDED June 29, 2010
Do you remember who Aesop was? He was a Greek who lived a long, long time ago, and he told simple stories that taught important lessons.For instance, the tortoise and the hare is one of Aesop's fables.
So is the boy who cried wolf. Do your kids know that story?
Here's another of Aesop's fables: the Crow and the Pitcher.
Once there was a very thirsty crow, who found a pitcher of water sitting on a table outside. The crow could see the water inside the pitcher, but he couldn't fit his beak inside. So . . . no drink for poor crow.
What could the crow do? He was too thirsty to keep flying around.. . .
Five-Minute Reading Break
Handy in the summer -- great any time!
ADDED June 28, 2010
Here's an easy tip that can be especially handy during the long, long, long days of summer break. It's the Five Minute Reading Break.
The idea is simple: when you and your kids are at home, take a five-minute break each hour and read. You can have the kids read where they are -- in the kitchen or living room -- or they can retire to their bedrooms for a brief break.
These five minutes are meant to help the kids relax and unwind. It's also meant to give you a break every so often.
And the break is only five minutes, so the kids will still feel that they're getting plenty of time to play and do fun summer activities.
Every morning, each kid can select a book from your family's shelves. This can be the book "they're working on" throughout the day. If it's a picture book, and the child finishes it before the day is done, then have them re-read it and look for new, interesting, and previously overlooked details.
At dinner, it'd be great for your family to each discuss the books that were read during the day. If you have a book that you're working on, discuss the interesting, kid-friendly aspects of that, too.
Under no circumstances should this seem like a punishment! We want kids to be pleased with reading, not punished by it! The reading break, therefore, shouldn't be presented as a chore, but rather a fun, positive moment -- or at least a "regular" part of any given hour.
Reading is fun and relaxing. Every hour!
Thank you to John-Morgan for the excellent photo above.. . .
The idea is simple: when you and your kids are at home, take a five-minute break each hour and read. You can have the kids read where they are -- in the kitchen or living room -- or they can retire to their bedrooms for a brief break.
These five minutes are meant to help the kids relax and unwind. It's also meant to give you a break every so often.
And the break is only five minutes, so the kids will still feel that they're getting plenty of time to play and do fun summer activities.
Every morning, each kid can select a book from your family's shelves. This can be the book "they're working on" throughout the day. If it's a picture book, and the child finishes it before the day is done, then have them re-read it and look for new, interesting, and previously overlooked details.
At dinner, it'd be great for your family to each discuss the books that were read during the day. If you have a book that you're working on, discuss the interesting, kid-friendly aspects of that, too.
Under no circumstances should this seem like a punishment! We want kids to be pleased with reading, not punished by it! The reading break, therefore, shouldn't be presented as a chore, but rather a fun, positive moment -- or at least a "regular" part of any given hour.
Reading is fun and relaxing. Every hour!
Thank you to John-Morgan for the excellent photo above.. . .
Litterless Living
Have some fun cleaning up your world!
ADDED June 25, 2010
Okay, I admit it. This isn't much of an activity. But it is indeed something to do -- and it certainly can be satisfying.
Believe it or not, people, today we are suggesting that you and the kids . . . pick up litter.
You read that right: picking up litter is just a good thing to do, and a good thing to be in the habit of doing.
My family lives in a big city (Los Angeles), and there is a lot of litter here. There is so much trash on our roads and sidewalks, I'm sorry to report, that I don't even see it much any more. I'm that used to trash and liter.
But that's not ideal, is it? What'd be better would be to live in a place with much less litter. And my family can help! So, of course, can yours.
So the idea here is to teach your kids to pick up one piece of litter per day. That's all. No one needs to be a hero and pick up tons of trash. But if everyone -- kids included -- throws away one pice of litter every day, the world would be a lot cleaner place, right?
And of course, cleaning up other people's litter will teach kids not to litter themselves. Who wants to raise kids that litter?
Of course, we like fun and creativity. And anything that is done daily could become an annoying chore without a healthy dose of fun and creativity. So encourage the kids to throw the litter away in different ways each day: one day with gusto, one day silently, one day like a vampire, one day like an anaconda. you get the idea.
So please, everybody, pitch in!
We wish you a very fun -- and clean -- family weekend!
Believe it or not, people, today we are suggesting that you and the kids . . . pick up litter.
You read that right: picking up litter is just a good thing to do, and a good thing to be in the habit of doing.
My family lives in a big city (Los Angeles), and there is a lot of litter here. There is so much trash on our roads and sidewalks, I'm sorry to report, that I don't even see it much any more. I'm that used to trash and liter.
But that's not ideal, is it? What'd be better would be to live in a place with much less litter. And my family can help! So, of course, can yours.
So the idea here is to teach your kids to pick up one piece of litter per day. That's all. No one needs to be a hero and pick up tons of trash. But if everyone -- kids included -- throws away one pice of litter every day, the world would be a lot cleaner place, right?
And of course, cleaning up other people's litter will teach kids not to litter themselves. Who wants to raise kids that litter?
Of course, we like fun and creativity. And anything that is done daily could become an annoying chore without a healthy dose of fun and creativity. So encourage the kids to throw the litter away in different ways each day: one day with gusto, one day silently, one day like a vampire, one day like an anaconda. you get the idea.
So please, everybody, pitch in!
We wish you a very fun -- and clean -- family weekend!
Many thanks to mikebaird for the beautiful (?) litter photo above! . . .
Toys Stuck To Sheets
Think differently. As in vertically.
ADDED June 23, 2010
I'd like to thank my lovely wife for today's fun summer activity. It's so easy, it's so fun, and it's totally free! (Well, okay, you will need some Scotch tape, so I guess it's not totally free.)
My kids love to "set up" their toys. They love to spread their toys out and group similar toys together. Sometimes we call it "sections" or "lumberyards."
Recently, my wife took some old sheets and spread them out onto the floor. Then she had the boys choose some of their favorite toys to organize and arrange on the sheet. Then they all took some Scotch tape and taped each toy to the sheet.. . .
My kids love to "set up" their toys. They love to spread their toys out and group similar toys together. Sometimes we call it "sections" or "lumberyards."
Recently, my wife took some old sheets and spread them out onto the floor. Then she had the boys choose some of their favorite toys to organize and arrange on the sheet. Then they all took some Scotch tape and taped each toy to the sheet.. . .
Easy, Educational Fun With Adverbs
How Do You Say Goodbye to Dad (and maybe Mom)?
ADDED June 21, 2010
In our house -- and in houses across America -- summer is officially here. Well, the kids' summer break is here, that is.
Here at Today Is Fun, we are going to "up our game" a bit. This summer, we're going to suggest even better, more clever, easier, more educational, and -- of course -- more fun activities for families with young kids.
Today's activity is educational and fun . . . and it's something you guys can institute for the whole summer long.
During Summer break, my kids don't have to wake up quite as early, and our family isn't quite as frazzled trying to get ourselves organized and out the door for school. Everything for the kids can happen a bit later and more leisurely.
That's not the case for working parents, though (including me.) Work, as you may already know, doesn't really take summer off. Most Dads -- and many Moms -- still need to leave the house and head to work.
So to honor these noble members of the workforce, today's activity encourages the kids to say a special goodbye to them.. . .
America's Most Important National Holiday
That's right . . . Father's Day is this weekend!
ADDED June 18, 2010
Really, is there a better holiday than Father's Day? We don't think so.
(Well, we're a bit biased. And yes, Mother's Day is also a good one. And the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, et cetera.)
But there let there be no argument . . . this Sunday is Father's Day. Chances are good that you and your kids have already lined up some presents and festivities for the Dad in your house. If you haven't, or if you would like a couple more suggestions, we have them for you . . . . . .
This Father's Day: Go Ridiculous!
Dads like silly
ADDED June 17, 2010
We would not be suggesting this type of thing for Mother's Day. No way. But for Dads...
Guys like some pretty silly stuff. Dumb and Dumber. The Three Stooges.
Even if the Dad in your home is a bit more refined, he is to appreciate the occasional silly. Especially from his cute kids so . . . . . .
Guys like some pretty silly stuff. Dumb and Dumber. The Three Stooges.
Even if the Dad in your home is a bit more refined, he is to appreciate the occasional silly. Especially from his cute kids so . . . . . .
The Science of "Cushiony"
An easy and fun way to demonstrate a concept from physics
ADDED June 16, 2010
Today's idea shows off some very basic physics. And it's fun!
You'll need two regular-sized pieces of paper and a small plastic bag (such as a Ziploc sandwich bag.) Oh, and one of the kids small toys, too, such as an action figure, a doll, or a plastic animal.
Take one piece of paper and crumple it into a ball.. . .
You'll need two regular-sized pieces of paper and a small plastic bag (such as a Ziploc sandwich bag.) Oh, and one of the kids small toys, too, such as an action figure, a doll, or a plastic animal.
Take one piece of paper and crumple it into a ball.. . .
Positive Fictionalizing Fun
Make up nice stories for the people you see
ADDED June 15, 2010
Kids are often curious about the people they see in the world.
"Why is that lady talking so loudly on her phone?"
"What is that guy pushing on that cart?"
"Why is that man hurrying so much?"
Well, the answer is: I don't know. I don't know why those people are doing those things.. . .
"Why is that lady talking so loudly on her phone?"
"What is that guy pushing on that cart?"
"Why is that man hurrying so much?"
Well, the answer is: I don't know. I don't know why those people are doing those things.. . .
Terrific Times Tracing
Easy, educational art fun!
ADDED June 14, 2010
This one is very easy. It's also vaguely educational. And of course, it's fun!
My own mom taught me this in my childhood, so I have very fond memories of learning this. It's a trick for tracing pictures.
One way to trace a picture is to take a blank piece of paper, lay it on top of the picture, and try to peer through to the underlying image. This works okay, but sometimes it's quite difficult to see the image underneath the blank paper.. . .
The Grandparents' Game
Today is Fun for grandparents (and other family members)
ADDED June 11, 2010
A visit from grandparents is a very exciting occurrence in our house. The grandparents are delighted to see the kids and vice versa.
However, due to the gap between the ages, there is sometimes a small disconnect. The grandparents rest comfortably on the sofa while the children run around upstairs, trying to see who can dance the most like a dangerous alien.
My kids and I invented this game, and we think it's a nice way for family members of all generations to hang out. (If you don't have any relatives visiting in the near future, your immediate family can still play this game to great effect!)
It's easy to make this game. And the preparation itself is a great, fun activity for your children!
Before the grandparents arrive, tear up a blank piece of paper into four equal-sized pieces. These will become your cards.
On each card, write down something to do. A grandparent will choose a card at random and do the activity it describes!
(When our grandparents came over, the kids wanted turns to choose cards, too. This was great -- they were both participating and entertaining the senior members of our family!)
Need some ideas for activities to put on the cards? Use ours! Here are some of our favorites:. . .
However, due to the gap between the ages, there is sometimes a small disconnect. The grandparents rest comfortably on the sofa while the children run around upstairs, trying to see who can dance the most like a dangerous alien.
My kids and I invented this game, and we think it's a nice way for family members of all generations to hang out. (If you don't have any relatives visiting in the near future, your immediate family can still play this game to great effect!)
It's easy to make this game. And the preparation itself is a great, fun activity for your children!
Before the grandparents arrive, tear up a blank piece of paper into four equal-sized pieces. These will become your cards.
On each card, write down something to do. A grandparent will choose a card at random and do the activity it describes!
(When our grandparents came over, the kids wanted turns to choose cards, too. This was great -- they were both participating and entertaining the senior members of our family!)
Need some ideas for activities to put on the cards? Use ours! Here are some of our favorites:. . .
Kid Analog Clock
A fine gadget for everyone in the family to enjoy!
ADDED June 09, 2010
I am not just a Dad; I am a guy. As such, I love gadgets.
I could spend the next hour extolling some of my many gadgets (my iPhone is like an additional beloved family member, much to my beautiful wife's chagrin.) But today, I will limit myself to praise only my very most favorite gadget: my kid analog clock. These are both very handy and very appealing -- and I highly recommend them for you, too!. . .
I could spend the next hour extolling some of my many gadgets (my iPhone is like an additional beloved family member, much to my beautiful wife's chagrin.) But today, I will limit myself to praise only my very most favorite gadget: my kid analog clock. These are both very handy and very appealing -- and I highly recommend them for you, too!. . .
Smooshed Together Letters
Kids like smooshing
ADDED June 08, 2010
Today's activity is just what the title says: smooshed together letters. And that's exactly what we'll be doing today: smooshing letters together.
This isn't just something ridiculous for kids to do. It's also artistic, creative, and engaging.
For starters, a lot of art and thought is put into making words and letters look interesting. Have your kids heard of calligraphy? And look at any billboard or magazine ad: a lot of people definitely try to make letters look interesting!
One way to make letters look interesting is to smoosh them together. Grab some paper and crrayons. Have your kids choose any word -- or perhaps a name. Your child should write this word or name and put the letters very, very close or smooshed together!
It helps to use all capital letters for this activity, but it's certainly not necessary.
Part of the fun here is too look at letters' lines and to combine them. In the word LIBRARY, for instance, it's easy to combine the bottom lines of the L and I and make them one. You could also try to extend that line right into the bottom of the B.. . .
This isn't just something ridiculous for kids to do. It's also artistic, creative, and engaging.
For starters, a lot of art and thought is put into making words and letters look interesting. Have your kids heard of calligraphy? And look at any billboard or magazine ad: a lot of people definitely try to make letters look interesting!
One way to make letters look interesting is to smoosh them together. Grab some paper and crrayons. Have your kids choose any word -- or perhaps a name. Your child should write this word or name and put the letters very, very close or smooshed together!
It helps to use all capital letters for this activity, but it's certainly not necessary.
Part of the fun here is too look at letters' lines and to combine them. In the word LIBRARY, for instance, it's easy to combine the bottom lines of the L and I and make them one. You could also try to extend that line right into the bottom of the B.. . .
The Closed Lumberyard
A fun way to get kids cooperating with each other!
ADDED June 07, 2010
The recently completed U.S. Census determined that the population of toys living in my house is approximately seventeen million.
The question, then, is: why do my kids fight over the same single toy? Why do they both insist on playing with the same one? We have so many other options for them!
Well, sorry to say, that's exactly what happens. My two boys often want the same item, which leads to discord and discontent. That's not what we're going for.
To solve this issue, I invented a very workable solution: the "closed lumberyard." If this kind of inter-kid squabbling ever occurs in your home, please read on! Today's suggestion requires more reading than most of our posts, but we think it's worth it!. . .
Rules of the Road
And the road is your house, by the way
ADDED June 04, 2010
There comes a point in any young child's life when they start noticing road signs -- and puzzling over their meaning.
"Why does that yellow sign show a car with some squiggles?"
"Why is the number 35 on that sign?"
And, "Weren't you supposed to stop at that red stop sign?". . .
"Why does that yellow sign show a car with some squiggles?"
"Why is the number 35 on that sign?"
And, "Weren't you supposed to stop at that red stop sign?". . .
Mini-Nature Collection
Enjoy our beautiful world . . . and bring a little home with you
ADDED June 03, 2010
Today's activity will get you and the kids outside, breathing fresh air and appreciating the beauty of nature. How does that sound?
My two boys always benefit from a good walk around the block. It always seems to put them in good moods and it also helps mellow out their energetic rambunctiousness.
However, my kids aren't always eager to go on the walk. There is often another thing they'd rather do (such as anything that involves energetic rambunctiousness.) To sell them on the walk, I advertise it as a nature walk. . . .
My two boys always benefit from a good walk around the block. It always seems to put them in good moods and it also helps mellow out their energetic rambunctiousness.
However, my kids aren't always eager to go on the walk. There is often another thing they'd rather do (such as anything that involves energetic rambunctiousness.) To sell them on the walk, I advertise it as a nature walk. . . .
Fun Creating Secure Internet Passwords with Children
Really, it is fun. Quirky, yes, but fun!
ADDED June 02, 2010
How many websites have you visited where you've needed to create a password?
These days, a lot of websites want you to create very difficult to guess passwords -- with lots of numbers, symbols, and letters. But how are you supposed to remember those long, crazy passwords? Unless you happen to be a robot?
Well, one way to remember numbers is to turn them into letters. And that's the starting place for our fun kids' activity today.
Grab some blank paper, some crayons, and some willing children. Write a zero on the piece of paper, and ask the kids, "What letter does it look like?"
(The answer, of course, is an O.)
Now write the number one. What does that letter look like? (We think it's either a lower-case L or a capital I.)
The idea here today is for you and your kids to write different words using numbers in place of similar-looking letters. Can the kids write their names with some numbers? Can the kids figure out a word to write using all numbers?
Before you guys start, here are our ideas for more number-letters:
3 looks like a backwards E to us.
4 is a capital H missing one of its legs. (Have a look at the image up above to see what I mean.)
5 looks like an S who wanted its top to be bit more rigid.. . .
These days, a lot of websites want you to create very difficult to guess passwords -- with lots of numbers, symbols, and letters. But how are you supposed to remember those long, crazy passwords? Unless you happen to be a robot?
Well, one way to remember numbers is to turn them into letters. And that's the starting place for our fun kids' activity today.
Grab some blank paper, some crayons, and some willing children. Write a zero on the piece of paper, and ask the kids, "What letter does it look like?"
(The answer, of course, is an O.)
Now write the number one. What does that letter look like? (We think it's either a lower-case L or a capital I.)
The idea here today is for you and your kids to write different words using numbers in place of similar-looking letters. Can the kids write their names with some numbers? Can the kids figure out a word to write using all numbers?
Before you guys start, here are our ideas for more number-letters:
3 looks like a backwards E to us.
4 is a capital H missing one of its legs. (Have a look at the image up above to see what I mean.)
5 looks like an S who wanted its top to be bit more rigid.. . .
All the Balls in the House
That's right, all of them!
ADDED June 01, 2010
Among us parents, I'd like to share a little secret: today's game can really help tire your kids out. Use as necessary.
And, as a bonus, it's really fun for kids, too.
It's something of a "silly sport."
In soccer, the object is to get one ball into the goal.
In basketball, the object is to get one ball into the basket.
In hockey, the object is to get one puck into the . . . well, you get the idea.
In today's silly sport, though, your kids will score only when they get all the balls in the house into the goal.
First, gather all the balls in your house. By all balls, I mean just that: baseballs, footballs, basketballs, tennis balls, soccer balls -- all are needed. (Ideally you'll find at least six balls to use. And if you feel that you guys have too many balls for ths activity, well, of course you're allowed to pare the number down a bit.)
Choose a place in the backyard to be the goal, and point that out to all the players. You don't need expensive, regulation goal posts, of course. The space between two patio chairs will work fine.. . .
