Have you ever tried to make a volcano erupt?  We had a Volcano kit that contained  directions to make a volcano erupt, er, rather– bubble up. After learning the basic directions, my kids preferred to mix their own concoctions using the same principals – baking soda, vinegar and water. Here’s their basic plan.  It occupies hours... [read more ]

Is your child learning the alphabet?  Keep things mixed up with a variety of activities like . . . the alphabet song magnetic letters – Fridge Phonics from Leap Frog is great Leap Frog’s Letter Factory video (recommended by a friend) alphabet board book spelling own name alphabet cookies, soup, snacks play dough alphabet shapes alphabet... [read more ]

Bugs are everywhere – give your kids a notebook, pencil and magnifying glass — if you have one.  They can make a science notebook on backyard bugs. *Tell them that scientists and writers both must be good observers.  They look closely at details and include those details in their notes. To do: Draw the bug. Write the name. Write a short... [read more ]

What can you do with a deck of cards? Lots.  Some of them even involve learning.  Here are a few I like. 2 – 5 year olds:  GO FISH – Learning your numbers takes practice.  Take out the 9, Ace, King, Queen, and Jesters.  Play like regular Go Fish but with numbers.  “Do you have a 5?”  (Deal 5-7 cards each player, remaining... [read more ]

To do: buy small spray bottles. Nothing fancy. Just plain spray bottles. *If your child is young, make sure his or her little hands can fit around it to squeeze. I’m sure your kids will make up their own fun.  Here are a few ideas to start . . . - spray water art on the sidewalk - water the plants - clean the house - target practice -... [read more ]