Don’t you just love fall?  The blue sky.  The colorful leaves.  The brisk air.  Aaaah. Fall is the perfect time to adopt a tree and learn about the seasons. Bring paper, pencil and a collection basket for leaves.  Now, take a fall walk.  Gather leaves, observe the blue sky and feel the cool air on your skin. Ask your child to pick his... [read more ]

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 ]

Writers and scientists observe.  Watch.  Learn.  Describe.  Experiment with . . Help your child be both scientist and writer while enjoying the playfulness of bubbles. Best bubble solution (tested by Imagination Soup writers) Homemade bubbles: 1 cup water 2 Tablespoons dish soap Store bought bubbles might include several different brands. ... [read more ]

Remember the Mary Poppins song?  “Let’s Go Fly a Kite?” In Colorado where we live, we end up running a kite more than flying a kite.  Still, my kids love the running.  I love the wearing out. There’s something so symbolic about the kite flying, the wind blowing, the freedom, the delight . . . It’s good for the soul. If... [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 ]

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 ]

Never underestimate the mesmerizing power of dirt.  It can provide hours o’ fun.  Messy fun, that is. Your kids can . . . dig to China. dig for gold. bury toy dinosaurs and play “paleontologist.” make mud pies. make a matchbook car race track. make a mess!!! SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Digging to China", url: "http://imaginationsoup.net/2009/05/dig-shovel-toys-dirt-water/"... [read more ]