from the archives: july 4th round-up

 

*newspaper pom-poms

*repurposed art mobile

*spin art fireworks

*fireworks bunting

*fireworks painting

 

monday round up

Make: tin can stilts

I remember walking on tin can stilts in Kindergarten. I loved them! You can involve your kiddo in the making by having them art up some paper to cover the cans. They can also choose the roping and you can discuss the cans themselves. Once they begin to use them, children will learn about balance, cause and effect, and work their large motor skills. Tin can stilts...they're not just toys.

Read: Pigs in the Mud in the Middle of the Road by Lynn Plourde

This is a super fun read aloud book with a refrain that children can quickly pick up on. After you read it, your kiddos can make mud pies (or even dirt cups)!

Listen: Lynn Plourde reads "Pigs in the Mud..."

Discuss: Everyday Story: Inquiry Through Art

Years and years ago I hung out with a frustrated three year old as he struggled to draw a pig. Rather than show him how, I sat down and we talked abotu hwat a pig looked like. We found illustrated versions of pigs to compare and contrast and we made a list of features a pig would have. When he finished with his pig, a pig that HE created, I think I was more excited than he was. Children are brilliant and even more so when given the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and what better way than to inquire through art and creative play?

From the Archives: art through a straw

Kiddos love straws, LOVE them. They also love paint and making art. This is such a great combo and if you use a kid friendly non-toxic form (or make your own using food color and/or kool-aid) it won't be such a bad thing if they suck on their straw instead of blowing. This activity is also good practice for teaching children the difference.

from the archives: mother's day

Here are seven fun and easy projects for your kiddos to make for Mother's Day!

*wallet-sized watercolors

*woven pendants

*thumbprint brooch

*beaded garden bling

*yarn wrapped planter

*gluten-free clay pendant

*washi taped vases

from the archives and Earth Day friendly: nature bracelets

Here are some new updated photos from a project first posted back in 2007! Nature walk bracelets are great for Earth Day. Just make sure you and your children use only natural bits found on the ground unless you are picking from your own garden. We used an empty berry container to house our discoveries. Have a good time!

More Fun from the Archives: Cinco de Mayo Piñatas

Get thee some tissue paper, crepe paper, and paper lunch bags and have some fun! Detailed instructions (sans pics) can be found here, all the way back to 2007!

four projects for st. patrick's day!

from the wayback machine...

Rainbow Rice Salad
Hearts to Shamrocks
Shaving Cream Fun
Savory Potato Muffins

Holiday Countdown: Make, Play, Share, Eat...

Here is a dilly of a round up of holiday friendly projects for you and your tots. All you need to do is switch up the colors to make 'em your kind of festive. Enjoy!Make scented dough to play with and to share.Bake up some pie crust cookies with jam!Make cards and ornaments with Tin Foil Festive!Make sock creatures and snow people!Snack on sandwich bread tunrovers.Get ooey with marshmallow puffs a la dilly-do!...and for those of you in warmer climates, wip up some faux snow to play with!