Cookie Cutter Coloring - so much fun

The results are not edible, but the fun is rather palatable

ADDED July 30, 2009

Length:  30 to 45 minutes

Parental Involvement:  Help with tracing

Kids Should Be Able to: Trace and color

My wife is an avid baker, and around Christmas she always makes a large batch of delicious sugar cookies.  Using her collection of cookie cutters, she makes all kinds of creative, edible treats.  But I did notice the other day that the cookie cutters were sitting idle in the middle of the summer, so we took them out and created a little fun of our own.

Starting with the cookie cutters, crayons and paper, we traced the shape and created some cookie inspired art all our own.  Of course you could add some stickers, glitter or other mixed media items to make your art work really pop.  For us though crayons worked just fine.

Try it today and the result of your labor just might be some real cookies to complement your art! (Hint, hint)

 

 

***UPDATE***  MommyinLA (here is a link to her twitter page) sent us these pictures of her boys enjoying some Cookie Cutter Coloring craft!  Thanks and keep the photos coming!  

 

 

 

 

 

Counting - Up and down

Backwards works just as good as forward.

ADDED July 29, 2009

My nephew was over for a few days. He is 18 months and we had a great time counting.  We counted cheerios, dogs and kites. When he would count something he would then say, "Now you", which meant my wife or I had to count whatever he just counted. 

Then we pretended we were rocket ships blasting off and I started counting backwards from ten.  This is where the confusion started.  I saw it in his eyes. Numbers only go one way, up?  So we took a walk and started counting things forward and then backward.  We saw a pod of four mailboxes and counted them forward, one, two, three and four, then counted them backwards four, three, two, one.  We saw three cats sunning themselves and counted them forward one, two three and then then backwards three, two, one. We also counted garbage cans, newspapers and a family on bikes.

It was very cool he picked up the concept quickly and it was good to cement the idea that numbers go up and they also go down.  Remember when you are counting with your little ones count up and then count down.  And when launching a rocket ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.

 

Photo by deepblue66 via Flickr, thanks to a creative commons license.

 

A fun thank you note.

Is it possible?

ADDED July 28, 2009

For many kids, there is nothing quite as dreaded as a thank you note.  (Though not a kid any longer, I have to admit that I, too, am not a big fan of writing thank you notes.)  Of course, I very much appreciate what I have been given, but thank you notes are not great fun to write.  For kids (and me), this kind of writing is an assignment that is, well, an assignment -- a required task needing a lot of flowery language and a chore that takes up time I could be doing other things such as playing a whole house game , making some race car paper or a Creature Craft .

Given this problem, I have come up with a solution to help us all.  TIF has a way to make thank you note writing fun.  By incorporating some folding, coloring and cutting, thank you notes can become a beautiful craft and not a boring chore. 

First, you need someone to receive the thank you note -- an aunt or grandparent will do nicely. 

Secondly, you should have some construction paper, scissors, and crayons on hand. 

Instructions:

Fold your paper edge to edge to form a triangle and fold again until you have a small triangle.

Next, cut some notches out of the triangle and along the V on the bottom.

Unfold your creation

Decorate your creation and write your thank you note

Send or give your note to a deserving person

And repeat!

Hopefully this idea will make the task of thank you notes more palatable and a lot more fun!  (For both kids, and -- um -- adults alike!)

 

 

 

 

Thank you to FEP for the awesome thank you note craft!

Four legged box animal.

Old-fashioned fun

ADDED July 27, 2009

We have detailed the many creative uses for boxes already (and those ideas can be found here).  We've also made some scary monster masks before Halloween.  As our in depth analysis of free cardboard box fun continues, we have yet to cover the rare and elusive four-legged box animal (or the four-legged box monster depending on your preference.)

 

The four-legged box animal showed up at my house unannounced and proceeded to cause laughter, giggles and a little jostling.  The fun was endless.  Two kids turned themselves into the animal, and one person acted as the trainer.  (I sure am glad that the trainer showed up, because taking care of a four-legged box animal is a lot of work.   They always are getting into trouble.)

Making a four-legged box animal is quite simple, we're glad to say.   All you need is large enough box.   Two of your kids to put the box over their heads, and the four legged box animal is created.  I suppose if you were inclined you could color and cut the box to spiff it up a little and make it more animal-like, but for the girls at my house the plain box worked just fine. 

Here at TIF, we always want to give kids tools to spark their imagination and create their own fun.  If you have a box, try it today and see what shows up at your house!  If it's not an animal it could be a Spaceship, a car, or even a box of bears.

The Anti-Nice Society

Yep, we're doing away with "nice"

ADDED July 24, 2009

 

Length:  Just an idea.  Takes no time, really.

Parental Involvement:  Switch around your vocabulary words.

Kids Should Be Able to:  Listen to your words and learn some new vocabulary.

 

"Nice" is a fine word to describe people.  In fact, we hope all people everywhere are very nice.  But to describe anything other than people, we are pretty much "anti-nice."

(I don't know about you, but in the 8th grade I had an English teacher who constantly criticized the word "nice."  I thought she was kind of crazy.  But now that I'm older, I have to grudgingly admit that 8th grade English teachers are right.  "Nice" is a bit blah.)

When encouraging my kids or complimenting their successes, I have found that I use the words "cool" and "awesome" quite a bit.  I say them so much that I've begun to notice them.  And I'm starting to bore myself with my frequent use of those two words!

We are curious:  what words do you use to praise your kids?

Today's post is not so much an activity, but an idea.  The idea is to move past "nice," "cool," "awesome," and other bland words.

We've assembled an alphabetical list of words that mean "awesome" and "cool."  On weekends, I try to vary my selections from the list, just to have some variety.  I'd like to think that I'm also teaching my kids some better vocabulary words and that they just might incorporate some of these words into their own repertoire.

So, without further ado, here's a list of better-than-nice words.

amazing
brilliant
capital
cool
dandy
dazzling
dynamite
excellent
exceptional
fantastic
first class
glorious
grand
great
h
impressive
ingenious
j
k
lovely
magnificent
marvellous
nice
nifty
okay
outstanding
perfect
q
remarkable
splendid
super
terrific
tremendous
unbelievable
v
w
x
y
z

What do you think?  Do you like some (or all) of these words?  Can you help us find suitable words for the letters with none?

And oh, yes.  You might have noticed the word "nice" is up there on the list.  You might think I'm being a bit inconsistent, but I couldn't think of any other n-word that fit the bill.  So, okay, everyone once in a while, nice is fine.  And awesome.
 

Fun with C-Clamps

Also known as "fun with old blankets"

ADDED July 23, 2009

 

Length:  About 30 minutes.  (At my house, though, at least an hour!)

Parental Involvement:  Help the kids set up the "forts" with blankets and c-clamps.  Keep the kids away from the good linen.  And that's it!

Kids Should Be Able to:   Build simple "forts" with old blankets.

 

Today's idea is quite fun and easy, but it's not revolutionary or shockingly innovative.  Please don't ask for your money back.

Kids love taking everyday objects and making "forts" that they can crawl into.  They also enjoy creating "castles," "palaces," and "houses."  (My kids call their version a "gopher home," which I guess makes sense in a way.)

Today, we're encouraging you to make a really fun, really temporary "play structure" with your kids.  Here's what you'll need:

•  a couple old blankets  (we've found a minimum of two works best)
•  a place to hang them
•  maybe, some C-clamps

Drape the old blankets over some furniture to make a space into which kids can easily and comfortably crawl.  The simplest method is to put a blanket onto a table like a table cloth.  Voilá!  A quick fort for the kids!

Other methods that work nicely:  arranging the chairs from the dining room away from the table and covering them with the blankets, or even covering the couch with a blanket.  (If the arms of the couch are high enough, this will make a small space in the sitting area for the "fort.")

And, as the title here might suggest, C-clamps work very nicely for this activity.  For instance, we have used our C-clamps and "attached" the blankets to door jambs.  By dangling an old blanket from the top of the doorway, we make a "door" or "gate."  Or a curtain for a "theater."  We've also C-clamped a blanket to a bookshelf and to a headboard to create a rather attractive canopy.  C-clamps can really add to your options.  (And if you're just a little bit careful, they aren't going to hurt kids or furniture.)

This activity certainly works in the backyard (if you don't mind the blankets getting a little dirty.)  And it works brilliantly inside the house on a hot day -- it's a great way of beating the summer heat.

Please, please, though -- and I shouldn't have to say this again -- the blanket on my bed is not available to be taken outside and added to your fort!  Otherwise, have fun.
 

The Two-Minute Daily Diary Journal Record Book

Two minutes a day and you'll have a budding writer on your hands!

ADDED July 22, 2009

 

Length:  2 minutes a day.  Every day!

Parental Involvement:  Explain the concept and let your child do the rest.  Maybe gently remind and encourage during the week.

Kids Should Be Able to: Write down their thoughts.

 

During the months of summer, kids have some extra time, and their beleaguered parents scramble to keep the activities coming.

Well, here's a great way to fill some time -- and it's vaguely productive, too:  the Two-Minute Daily Diary Journal Record Book.

(You're certainly welcome to choose another name for this thing, other than the Two-Minute Daily Diary Journal Record Book.  We chose that name because we never really know what to call them and would welcome any suggestions.  A diary sounds like something Jan Brady would write and hide from the rest of the Bunch.  A journal sounds so advanced, like something a journalist would write.)

What's great about today's idea -- if you'll pardon some tooting of our own horns -- is that there are very few requirements.  Basically, your kid takes a piece of paper and writes whatever he or she wants for a total of two minutes.

The writing could be about their day or about something on their mind.  It could also be a story, a list of things your kid likes -- anything.

There are some rules, though, that we'd like to propose:

(1)  No writing in the journal for hours on end.  Two minutes.  Those words mean business.

(2)  Doodling and other forms of drawing are allowed, even encouraged.

(3)  Grammar and spelling should not be a consideration.  Self-expression is what matters here.  (This one was very difficult for me to type.  We are  very much pro-proper spelling and grammar, especially for kids.  But this activity -- just this one -- can sacrifice "correct" for just writing words on paper.)

(4)  No special "journal" or pad of paper is required.  Trying to find the perfect book or journal is a reason to delay writing.  We want your kids to jump right in and get going.  Your kids can write on the back of envelopes, as far as we're concerned, and keep these collected in a large manila envelope.  Truly, any blank paper will work for this daily activity.

(5)  It should be done every single day -- but as a fun activity, not as a chore.

(6)  None of these rules are written in the stone.  You guys may break any one of them, if you think that would be better.

This activity is meant to teach kids that the act of writing should never be extremely difficult or anxiety-inducing.  It's just a way of getting thoughts down on paper -- and should be almost as carefree as thinking.  With this exercise, we hope that writing anything -- in school or out of it -- will be easier for your kids.

This activity is also meant to help kids express themselves and record their thoughts.  At the end of the summer, your child will have a collection of two minute writings.  Your kid can review everything they've written with you then, if they're so inclined.

Get your kids writing -- and having fun while they do it.  It'll only take two minutes!

We'd like to acknowledge that large parts of this idea were inspired by Julia Cameron from her book The Artist's Way.  It's a very good book with tips on being creative; it and could benefit kids and parents alike.  Thank you, Julia!

 

Thanks also to barnaby for the diary photo up top, and to lecates for the darling girl writing down her thoughts in a Daily Diary Journal Record Book!

Paper Bag Monster Masks

Very easy and fun. If you don't get too scared.

ADDED July 21, 2009

 

Length:  30 to 45 minutes

Parental Involvement:  Cut holes for scary eyes and mouth.

Kids Should Be Able to: Do some basic decorating.  Enjoy scary monsters.

 

Halloween is still a ways off, right?  We've still got a few months, do we not?  Therefore, Today is Fun should not be posting activities that entail monsters and masks, don't you agree?  That type of scary stuff should be relegated to the week before Halloween.

I wish someone would please sit my kids down and read the preceding paragraph to them.  Because my children are simply enchanted by monsters.  When they are not talking about monstrosities, my kids are acting like them.

So in honor of my little monsters, today we present a time-honored, classic activity:  paper-bag masks.

(As diligent recyclers, we're trying to bring our own canvas bags with us to supermarkets.  Inevitably, though, we wind up with one or two paper grocery bags, and that's okay.  Especially when they take on a new life as kids' masks.)

Making such a mask is quite simple, we're glad to say.   All your kid needs to do is flip a brown paper bag upside down and wear it as a head- and upper-torso- covering.

Of course, eyes and a mouth will need to be cut out, and an adul should probably be in charge of the scissors.  (Cutting a hole out of the middle of a paper bag is a bit tricky, especially for kids.  A sharp pair of scissors works better than a dull, safety pair.)  Though you are the designated cutter, please discuss with the artist-in-charge as to what kind of eyes and mouth need to be cut.  Your kid could draw the outlines for you.  (And if your kids like monsters the way mine do, they'll want to draw squinty and angry, "bad" monster eyes!)

Make the eyes and mouth large enough so that the mask-wearer feels comfortable and not claustrophobic!  You may also need to cut large holes on the sides of the bag for arms to stick out.

Apart from the scissors-work, the kids are in charge of decorating their masks.  (Please don't use the word "decorating" in front of my kids, though.  Monsters don't decorate.)  For decorating the mask, you guys might want to use:

•  crayons, markers,
•  felt
•  string
•  glitter
•  stickers

You guys could also make some very odd creatures by using saved toilet paper tubes (horns, anyone?) or egg cartons (scaly bumps?).

Because we at Today is Fun are pro-reading, here are two of my boys' favorite monster books that they've practically memorized.  (This one has a lot of pictures and words in it.  It's good for older kids and for hours of poring over.  This other one is simple and fun for younger kids, too.)

 

This craft is easy, a lot of fun, and — if you live in my house — kind of scary.  Just don't count of these masks lasting until Halloween!

Race Car Paper

Because your kids draw it, they get to rule the road!

ADDED July 19, 2009

 

 

Length: 20 minutes to an hour or two

Parental Involvement:  Explain the idea. Help line up the pages and possibly help tape the paper together.

Kids Should Be Able to: Do some basic drawing.  Be imaginative!

 

Boys love race cars and trucks, right?  My kids certainly do.  (You better keep your eyes open when you visit my house -- there's always a danger of being smacked by a speeding toy car or truck.  Please be careful.)

At our house, we have some plastic tracks for our fleet of toy vehicles, but there are two problems with toy roads and tracks.  First, toy tracks get very expensive very quickly.  To have a sizable track for your kids' cars to use, you've got to spend at least fifty dollars, and possibly much more.  That's not so fun.  Secondly, kids tire of driving on the same old tracks.  Variety is more fun.

We're proud to announce an awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping solution to both those problems:  Race Track Paper.

It's so easy, too.  Today, why not take a bunch of blank paper and have your kids draw their own tracks?  We put the paper on the floor along with some crayons . . . and off the kids go!

This activity, making Race Track Paper, is also very creative.  Kids can draw all sorts of curvy or straight roads.  They can create bridges, tunnels, dead ends, one way streets -- whatever they want.  And along the route, they can draw houses, horses, forests, fairies -- anything!

We have the kids draw the roads on one piece of paper and then link it up to the roads on another page.  We scotch tape them together because everything can get scatter once the Matchbox or Hotwheels hit the crayoned road.

Creative, inexpensive and fun!  This activity is great, but in my house, it's still dangerous when the toy cars are in motion.  Let's just say my boys aren't too concerned with the safety of pedestrians who get in the way.
 

Weekend Reading: Timothy and the Strong Pajamas

A fun and engaging 'Pay It Forward' tale for kids

ADDED July 18, 2009

Timothy is a boy who has some favorite pajamas.  He just really likes a certain pair. 

But uh-oh!  His favorite pajamas have been worn so much that they are getting a bit ragged.  And uh-oh:  Timothy accidentally rips a great tear in his beloved pair of pajamas!

Don't worry, everybody.  Timothy's mom is on hand to save the day (as sometimes only a mom can.)  She gets out her needle and thread for some repair work.  She fixes Timothy's pajamas, and they become extra, super strong!

The pajamas are now so strong, in fact, that they make Timothy capable of some amazingly strong feats.  He is able to use this new-found strength to help some people and animals in trouble:  an elephant falling off a clip, a group of sailors on a sinking ship, and more.

Timothy and the Strong Pajamas makes for a funny and exciting read for families with older pre-schoolers and kids up to third graders.  My kids and I like this book because a lot of "stuff" happens in it.  There's never a dull moment.

Oh, and as always, there are some twists and turns.  We never want to spoil any surprises, but in the end, Timothy and his pajamas just might need a little help themselves.  Timothy discovers when you are helpful, you get helped, too.

(Maybe we've revealed too much!)

Have a great weekend, everyone.  And why not spend some of your Saturday and Sunday reading with your kids? 

A Stool Is A Good Thing

Give your kids a leg up!

ADDED July 17, 2009

When it comes to learning, we at TIF feel that there is no substitution for firsthand observation.  You might be cooking, fixing a broken sprinkler, brushing your teeth, or putting away clothes -- but all of these activities are opportunities for your child to learn.  And a nice stool gives kids the height they need to see.

Here is a list of ten things you can do with your kids this weekend that would be educational.  And a stool will help.

1. When you make your coffee or tea Saturday morning, explain the process to your kids.
2. As you pay your bills, explain how a checking account works.
3. When you look in your tool chest for a screwdriver, explain what a "Flathead" and a "Phillips" are.
4. Demonstrate the process involved in making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
5. Teach them how to sort clothes while you do laundry.
6. Making popcorn on the stove is always a fun thing to watch and talk about
7. Watering Mommy's flower bed is great fun.  Talk about different flowers together.
8. Have you tested your smoke alarms in the last decade?  (You might need a stool for this one, too.)
9. Teach your kids how to floss.
10.  Make a refreshing summer smoothie with a bunch of fruits.

As parents, it is our job to encourage curiosity and spend a nice quantity of time with our kids.  Every moment of every day is a chance to learn.  (And this is why we say, "a stool is a good thing!"

 

Thanks to 68001867@N00 for the photo

Today Is Fun featured at the "Good 'N' Crazy" Blog

ADDED July 17, 2009

 

This past week we were very honored to be featured on one of our favorite "Mom blogs."  At GoodNCrazy, Carissa Rogers writes of her escapades with her husband and three kids in a way that is both philosophical and hilarious.  She has a dry sense of humor that keeps us coming back for more.

 

We were grateful for the opportunity to share some of our mid-summer kids' activities on Carissa's site.    (And as we mentioned on her blog, a life that is "good and crazy" is a great goal for families of kids to have!) 

 

Thank you, Carissa!

The Summer Activity Belt

Batman's child would own one

ADDED July 16, 2009

Here at TIF, we try to be a few of the "Founding Fathers of Free."  Our readers trust us daily to provide activities for their kids that are not only entertaining but completely cost free.  Today is no exception:  we have an activity that not only costs nothing but that might just save your sanity later this summer.  Today we present: "The Summer Activity Belt."

It does not take a PhD in child entertainment to make a "The Summer Activity Belt."  Instead, you need just some imagination and a belt.

In our house, we re-purposed a belt from an old Halloween costume.  This old belt had some holes in it which were perfect for hanging and attaching things to.  If you choose to purchase a belt like ours -- and we don't suggest it because we like free -- the Army surplus store in your area is a cheap place to start.

Have your child attach anything to it that they might find entertaining on a walk or outing this summer. Think of things to keep them occupied in any situation or items that would be useful on an adventure.  My son -- I should mention he is the inventor of the "The Summer Activity Belt" -- chooses to carry in his belt: a pair of sunglasses, a pedometer, a house key, a library card, and (not pictured) a moleskin notebook and a wallet. The belt could just as easily carry a pencil, some Lego figures, a magnifying glass, binoculars, or a book. The great thing about "The Summer Activity Belt" is that it can carry items as varied as your children's interests, and they are solely responsible for making sure it is chocked full of activities that they find interesting.

 

 

We think you'll find that "The Summer Activity Belt" makes a bold fashion statement and can go a long ways toward keeping your kids entertained.  Make one today!

Fill'er up

Can a trip to the gas station be fun?

ADDED July 15, 2009

When it comes to getting gas, there are two kinds of people.  First there are people who make a special trip to the gas station if they are low on gas.  These I call, "Planners."  Then there are those (like me) who drive until they need gas.  These people I call, "Opportunists."  Most of the time, when I arrive at the gas station, the fumes in the tank are the only thing keeping the car running and refueling is more like an emergency than a fun, teachable moment.

Understanding that a gas station is not a place for a child to be running around, we have created a few learning activities that can safely occur at a gas station. This is a fun opportunity to teach math in ways that kids can easily understand (and with all the speculation in the fossil fuel market, that's a good skill to have.)

Have your kids guess how much the fill-up is going to cost.  Depending on how old your kids are, you can give them different bits of information to aid their guessing.  Let them know that the car has a twenty gallon fuel tank, that the tank is practically empty, and that gas is $3.00 a gallon.  So to formulate a guess, your child would need to use multiplication. (And 20 gallons at $3.00 a gallon is $60.00. So any thing around $60.00 would be a good guess in my book.)  Your kids can sit in the car and look out the window while the fill up is happening.  And yes, they can revise their guesses!

Another fun thing we do on longer road trips is have everybody guess how many times we will need to fill up the car in order to make it to our destination.  I thought my kids might have a hard time with this math, but with a few hints and some encouragement, they were able to figure out this complicated math problem.  Here is how I explained it: if the car has a twenty gallon fuel tank, and we get twenty miles to the gallon, we need to use multiplication to figure out the the range of the car. (That is, 20 x 25= 500 miles.)  If it is eight hundred miles to our destination, how many fill ups will we need to get there?  There you have it:  an easy way to bring a practical math application into kids' lives.

With kids that are a little older and more responsible in a busy gas station, let them help with the fill up.  Younger kids can pull the lever that pops open the gas tank door.  I will let them chose the grade of gas we are going to buy.  And tearing off the receipt is always a big hit (as is putting down the radio antenna for a car wash.)

With a little creativity, become an "Opportunist for Learning" while fuel pumping, and make sure that at the gas station, "Today is fun!"

 

Thanks to davidclow for the photo!

Hi, Larraby!

A fun way to introduce a bunch of kids

ADDED July 14, 2009

 

My kids -- like many children -- are a little shy when meeting other kids, and I've found one way to break the ice is to call everyone by the wrong name.  While I am not a fan of the "Dumb Dad," for this I will make an exception.

Here is what I do:  I make up the most absurd names and introduce the kids with them. I will say, "Hi, Hortense and Vernon, nice to meet you.  This is Larraby and Gertude."  Kids being kids, everyone immediately corrects me, and I will then go around the group again and say each person's correct name.

Next, I introduce them again, but this time I jumble up everyone's name.  I call the girls the boys' names and vice versa.  I'll even introduce the dog using one of the parents' names.  At this point, the kids are having fun -- and insistent on pointing out my many mistakes.  I ask the kids to see if they can go around the group saying the correct names. 

Soon, the ice is all broken and names are all known!  And luckily, everyone is usually quite forgiving of my bumbling attempts.  (Also, my middle name is in fact, Larraby.)

TIF Book of World Records

Get some record holders in your own home

ADDED July 13, 2009

 

We all have heard of the Guinness Book of World Records.  At the moment, it is a very popular book at my house, featuring such important entries as the furthest distance an egg has been thrown, the fattest cat, and the longest time spent ironing (this last record was definitely not achieved at my house).  The Guinness Book contains information sure to entertain any child (and guaranteed to make a good impression during one of the many power lunches I am required to attend while promoting todayisfun.com.)

The Guinness Book of World Records got me thinking that summer is here.  What a perfect season in which to achieve some of our own records!  We are not going to try our hand at competitive eating, miniature horse husbandry, or sword swallowing, but we just might see how many times we can catch a ball without dropping it (our record is 177 consecutive catches), how many times we can ride our bikes around the block in 5 minutes (the neighborhood record is 3 times), or whether it is possible to hug your father while eating a peanut butter sandwich (record not yet attempted).

This summer if you are in need of some quick entertainment, see how far, long or frequently they can do something.  It's fast, fun and free.  Use our competitions listed above as a starting point, and then create some of your own records!

Let us know what records your kids break, and we'll can send you an official TIF Book of World Records certificate (suitable for framing).  We are always available at info@todayisfun.com.

Alas, there is a record for most Brussels Sprouts eaten in one minute (24).  But my kids are not the record holders . . . not even close.

Weekend Reading: Turtle's Penguin Day

A young turtle gets very excited by reading a book!

ADDED July 11, 2009

 

Little Turtle's dad reads him a new book one evening before bed, and Little Turtle loves it!  The book is all about penguins.

Little Turtle is so enchanted with the penguins, in fact, that he decides to become one.  The next day, he wears penguin-ish clothes and brings the book to school for sharing.

Some people who see him are a bit shocked by a turtle dressing up as a penguin, while others are excited by the switch.

We don't want to give away the ending -- there are some twists and turns, as we always like to say -- but it all works out nicely in the end.

This is a fun book for pre-schoolers, and in our house, we've all enjoyed reading it out loud.  We're also going to investigate other books by the same author, Valeri Gorbachev.  (We have high hopes.)

We're not usually the types to use this kind of language, but the story here is quite darling and rather sweet.  (Good luck finding more occurrences of those words on our site!)

What could be better than a summer Saturday spent reading?  (A Saturday spent reading while dressed up as a penguin?)

 

 

Emerge

A coloring activity that will make the fun come out. And come forth. And just generally emanate.

ADDED July 10, 2009

 

Length: About 20 minutes

Parental Involvement:  Explain the idea.

Kids Should Be Able to:  Follow directions.  Create art!

 

Here is a fun art activity that comes with a free, bonus vocabulary word.  That word is "emerge."  Do your kids know it?

("Emerge" means 'come out of' or 'come into view.' We like when a smile emerges from a frown, for instance.)

For this activity, you will need the following:

(1)  a nice box of crayons
(2)  some blank paper, and,
(3)  a paper clip or two.

Now, the activity we're describing here is nothing groundbreaking, we hate to inform you.  I did it myself when I was a kid.  But we're hoping that reading this post is helpful to you one way or another.  We hope you can use it to keep your little ones busy.

Take a relatively light colored crayon and rub its tip on a blank piece of paper, creating a big blob of color.  It will look like this.

 

Next, take the black crayon and color on top of the color.  The idea is to blot out the color with the black.  It's easily done, and it will look like this.

 

 

 

Finally -- and here's the real fun and magic -- have your kids take a paper clip and bend it so one end is protruding.  With that protruding tip, they can scratch some letters or drawings into the black blob of crayon.  The results will be quite exciting, because art will . . . emerge! Voilá!

If your family is in the mood to try some new crayons, here is a passel of them that we recommend.  And here are some paper clips. 

Please leave a comment below to let us know how the emerging goes in your house!

Facial Expression Exercises

No gym or personal trainer necessary!

ADDED July 09, 2009

 

 

Length: About 10 minutes

Parental Involvement:  Encourage silly exercising.

Kids Should Be Able to:  Control their faces, sort of.  Have fun!

 

As you undoubtedly know, we here at Today is Fun are in favor of kids getting exercise.  As far as we're concerned, children have way too much energy -- and exercise can help handle that.  Any activity that helps young ones get some energy out is good by us.

Not every child is always thrilled to do fifteen push-ups or ninety-nine sit-ups.  So today we present an exercise routine for those kids.  This is also a fun exercise warm-up, if you're trying to get your kids to indeed move on and do fifteen push-ups.  Today we'll be exercising an occasionally overlooked body part:  our faces. 

Get ready, and here we go:

The silent big yell.  For this facial exercise, everybody opens their mouths as big and as wide as they can, as if they're letting out a gigantic scream.  Stretch those lips wide, people!  And here's the tricky part (especially if you're one of my two boys):  you're not supposed to actually yell.  It's called silent scream for a reason.  (And that reason is my wife doesn't really enjoy loud noises.  Do you?)

Oooh!  This one is pretty self-explanatory:  have your kids stretch their lips forward, bug their eyes out, and say "ooh!"  Feel the stretch!

Closed for business.  Have the kids scrunch their faces "closed."   Eyes and mouth shut.  Eyebrows down.  And the whole shebang sort of contracted into itself.

What's going on up there?  And by "up there," we mean right over your child's head.  They should roll their heads way, way back, to get a nice stretch of their neck.  

Ridiculously frightening monster.  Have the kids make a monster face.  Teeth should be bared, noses twisted, lips tight.  This one can be cute and funny for parents to see!  (It can also be frightening, I suppose.)

Don't pop the balloon.  The balloon in this instance would be your little one's face.  Have them puff up their mouth and cheeks full of air.  (We've noticed that kids' eyes often get big during this one, too.)

This smile is too big for my face!  Have your kids make the biggest smile they can.  It's nice to see children smiling, of course, and it will also get their cheeks nicely stretched out.

We think these exercises actually do fee like exercises, and the muscles in your face really will feel like they've been put to the test.

These expressions work nicely in the car -- kids can't be too antsy or bored when doing silent big yells, or scrunching their faces closed.  They definitely pass the time for kids .  .  and you can't really do push-ups in the car, anyway.

Guess the Picture

Your kid draws. You admire. Everybody wins.

ADDED July 08, 2009

 

Length: About 30 minutes

Parental Involvement:  Explain the idea, admire the artwork.

Kids Should Be Able to:  Draw reasonably well.

 

Your child will largely be "in charge" of this one.  You get to go along for the ride. 

(This activity definitely doesn't require full-time supervision or participation, so you can have a couple of minutes here and there to send an email or to get dinner ready.)

First, have your child choose a book with pictures in it.  Next, they should select one of the pictures in the book -- without telling you which they've chosen.  (You should take your leave from the room at this point.)

Now it is your young artist's task to draw the picture they've chosen.  They should try to keep it pretty faithful to the original version.  Once the drawing is completed, the artist should call you back into the room.  You now must find the image in the book that matches your kid's art.

We really hope that you can find the right image, for the sake of everyone involved.  Make your best effort at finding the correct picture!

And definitely discuss the experience with your kid.  "Oh, I knew that it was the frilled lizard that you drew, because of the beige-brown you used, and because of the curved shapes you drew around the head."

When you review the drawing together, you can help your kid identify the important visual cues used to get a point across in any depiction.  You know, when you're drawing something, you don't have to draw every line, every tiny detail.  Real artists pick and choose what aspects they need to represent in order to convey the idea.

Once you've successfully passed "round one," have your child choose another picture to draw.  Or . . . you take a turn, and sketch a picture from the book for your kid to find.  Or, make the activity a bit trickier for older kids by choosing a book that contains only photos or maps.

Have fun (and we hope we're not accidentally training any counterfeiters here.)

(The book used for the frilly lizard images here was Scholastic Children's Encyclopedia.)

How Long to the Next Stanchion?

And really, what is a stanchion anyway?

ADDED July 07, 2009

 

Length: This can last for 30 minutes or so, on a road trip

Parental Involvement:  Explain what a stanchion is.  And participate in this game -- it just might make the car trip go more quickly for you, too.

Kids Should Be Able to:  Identify a structure in the distance.  Make very rough time estimates.  Be a good sport after guessing correctly or incorrectly.

 

Here's a handy tip for your next road trip with the kids, be it on a family vacation or on a drive home from school.  This car activity is particularly helpful for passing the time when there is a lot of time to pass!

A stanchion (rhymes with mansion) is not a word you hear every day, we admit, but it is a good one.  A stanchion is basically an upright pole, post, or structure that supports something else.  You know those velvet ropes they use to corral people into a line at the bank?  Well, they're supported by stanchions.  Power lines along the side of the road are also stanchions, holding up the electrical wires.

Explain 'stanchion' to your little ones.  Their minds are sponges for new words!

Next, here's the on-the-road activity: As you're driving down the highway, you spot a landmark way in the distance.  It could be a stanchion, such as an electric pole or telephone pole, a bridge, an overpass, a billboard, etc.  You point the landmark out to everybody in the car, and say "How long do you think it will take us to get to pass that thing?"  You can offer your guess, and other travelers can offer theirs.  For instance, "I think it will take three minutes." 

In our family, it's okay for more than one person to guess the same amount of time.  Usually, the kids agree with their mom and I'm the only one with a different guess. That's fine with me, as it adds excitement and drama and . . . helps pass the time!

I try to give exciting updates as we go, such as  "It's 3:14 and you guys think we're going to pass that stanchion at 3:18!  It looks like you might be right!"  or "Uh oh, I thought we'd be at that bridge by 11:21, but we're almost at it and it's only 11:19!"

A fun, road-trip game.  And also, your kids learn the word "stanchion" at no extra charge!

 

(Many thanks to Al Pavangkanan for the excellent, road trip stanchion photo.)

Way Too Much For Daddy To Do

A good way of having fun and tiring loved ones out

ADDED July 05, 2009

 

Length: About 30 to 45 minutes of kids drawing, setting up, and practicing.  15 minutes of kids supervising their poor dad.

Parental Involvement: Mom explains the concept.  Maybe helps hang up the signs.  Dad does whatever he is told.

Kids Should Be Able to: Have ideas for simple activities.  Some drawing and/or writing.

Here's an easy activity that will provide your little ones with some fun and excitement.  For this one, you'll need some art supplies . . . and the absence of one or more beloved family members.  (For demonstration purposes today, we'll be using Daddy as the example absent person.)

The activity, then, is to make way too much for poor Daddy to do.

So let's say that Dad is out of the house, returning at some later time.  Your kids' task is to create many, many assignments for him to perform upon his return.   Tear some blank pieces of paper into quarters, and help your kids write (or draw) a chore for Daddy to do.  For example, on one piece of paper, you could have, "Spin around in a circle."  On another piece of paper:  "Jump up and down six times."  Other ideas:

Touch your nose.

Bark like a dog.

Clap your hands behind your back.

And so on.

The idea here is get the kids' minds going and coming up with as many different, unusual and funny things for dear old Dad to do.  Shoot to have at least ten different things to do.  Have the kids tape the pieces of paper up in different rooms of the house.

When Dad returns, the kids should grab his hand and lead him from sign to sign.  The children should make sure that their Dad performs each activity satisfactorily.

While of course Dad is being put upon for this activity, the good news is that it will inevitably add to the kids' eagerness and excitement for his return to the home.  The kids will boisterously welcome their father back . . . so he can get busy doing their bidding.  (Oh, and more good news:  once the kids have hung up all the signs, they definitely need to test everything out themselves.  This could lead to them getting some energy out, too.)

We have had excellent results with this one.  My kids' mom, the "victim" of our first go 'round, was a very good sport.  She counted to 100, did ten jumping jacks, and even rolled on the rug.  Somebody, though, taped up a sign that said, "I love you, Mommy," and though that technically isn't a chore, a demand, or an activity, and therefore not supposed to be part of the game, it made her quite, quite happy.  There were big hugs all around.

Have fun tiring Dad -- or Mom, or some other special loved one. And if any of the kids are doing this activity for me, I sincerely hope one of the signs says, "go to bed early!"

 

(Many thanks to Mike and Kelly Schellhouse for the exhausted, beleagured father photo above!)

A Picture of Freedom

Some quick activities to make the 4th special

ADDED July 03, 2009

 John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail about the celebration of American Independence: "It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

He was right; the Fourth of July is a time to celebrate all that makes America great.  Today we suggest you and your kids take the suggestions from Mr. Adams (a key player in Founding Fathers tag) and do each in your home.  We suggest you "solemnize" the day with:

Pomp and parade.  Fourth of July parades are great fun (and they're also free.)  If there's not one happening in your area . . . have your own!  Have the kids dress in red, white, and blue.  Have them march and wave flags.  A little patriotic music would probably help things, too.

 

Shows.  Encourage the little stars in your home to put on a show featuring American History.  They should use puppets or costumes.  If they want, they can use the "History of the Fourth of July" as a starting place, and explain that to their audience.

 

Games.  This doesn't need any explanation.  Family games are fun.  Use the holiday to take some out and play!

Sports.  Badminton, horseshoes, croquet or blind man's bluff are all classic, old-timey, games, that are fun for kids and parents alike.

Guns.    This was a good idea in 1776.  Not so much now.

Bells.  Do you have any bells in the house?  Sleigh bells from Christmas or bicycle bells are fair game.  Explain to your kids that in olden days, people would ring church bells as a way of letting everyone in the vicinity know about big news.  Bells were rung, for instance, after the Declaration of Independence was signed. If you have a bell handy, let the kids ring it.  America's two hundred and thirty-third birthday is big news!

Bonfires.  We think a barbecue would be a modern day equivalent.  A beach bonfire would work, too.

Illuminations.  Of course, fireworks shows are fun and free so if your kids can stay up, visit a local fireworks show.

And President Adams didn't say this explicitly, but of course, the Fourth is a great holiday to spend with people you love!  So do it!

Have a great Fourth -- from TIF!

 

 

 

Hooray for American Power Breakfast Trio

Three breakfasts -- all patriotic!

ADDED July 02, 2009

This Saturday, if you are not going to a pancake breakfast at the Rotary Club, make one of our Power Breakfasts for your little Patriot.  We took some tips from grocery-store cooking magazines, and we have come to this conclusion: all 4th of July food must feature blueberries, strawberries, and something must be white (and it all must be delicious.)  This is not a problem, because blueberries and strawberries are on our list of "Power Foods" that help kids grow big and strong. If you missed the "Power List" here is the link.

A beautiful stack of Patriotic sweetness

You Can't Beat the Red, White, and Blue

An easy and fun Fourth of July activity

ADDED July 01, 2009

 

This one is so easy and so much of a "no-brainer" that we hope you don't angrily storm off or demand your money back.

But sometimes, a simple concept is good!  And how's this for simplicity:  you give your kids some red, white, and blue construction paper and ask them to create a Fourth of July decoration.  Have them cut shapes out with scissors.  Have some glue handy, too.

That's it!  That's all you need to do for this one.

The underlying idea here is that red, white, and blue are America's colors.  If your kids make a decoration with those three colors, it is bound to be patriotic and festive.  You can't really beat red, white and blue!

Here are some quick variations:

 

This easy activity well get everyone into the Fourth of July spirit.  Naturally, we recommend you hang up all the created decorations before the big day.

Oh, I suppose there is one design with red, white and blue that would look a bit wrong for the Fourth of July.

Happy 233rd Birthday, America!