Need another fun summer activity? Make your own goop, gak, flubber! It's slimy fun that gives kids math, science, and sensory play. Talk about learning fun, right? Goop Recipe (This is my favorite recipe, adapted from Education.com. However, if you prefer a non-Borax recipe, try this cornstarch Goop recipe on Scholastic.) Elmer's Glue Food Coloring Borax Water 1. Pour 8 oz. of white … [Read more...]
Family Summer University (Game Show Family Fun!)
written by Dr. Harley Rotbart, pediatrician and author of No Regrets Parenting. Bob Stewart, the legendary “father” of TV game show classics such as “The Price is Right,” “To Tell the Truth,” “Password,” “The $10,000 Pyramid,” and countless others died on May 4, 2012. In his memory, I fondly recall Rotbart University, now renamed Family Summer University (FSU) and ready for your enrollment. It … [Read more...]
Do It Yourself Summer Camp Ideas
An at home, do-it-yourself DIY summer camp can be an inexpensive and fun way to help your children grow intellectually, artistically, socially and spiritually over the summer. Think of the goals you have for your children this summer. This summer, I want my children to _________________ . (Fill in the blank.) Would a summer camp at home help meet your goals? DIY Summer Camp Now … [Read more...]
Viva Boredom! Let Your Kids Get Bored
Bethe Almeras, aka. The Grass Stain Guru, tweeted me today, "I look forward to today's kids getting bored! They are so over-scheduled & adult-led. Viva boredom! :o" Thank you, Bethe, for my blog post title because today I want to elaborate on the benefits of boredom and why it should be a summer goal. Encouraging Boredom 1. No television. 2. No video games either. That should about do … [Read more...]
Start Your Summer Artist’s Date with Inspiration
IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR ARTISTS’ DATES with Kids guest post by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich I loved Melissa’s summer artist's date post so much, I was just full to bursting with new ideas and old memories. And my mind immediately went...all over the place. I don’t know if anyone out there is at all like me, but sometimes I tend to be too much of “an ideas gal”, and can overwhelm myself with … [Read more...]
Artist Dates with Kids
In her book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron recommends artist dates with yourself. And I say, why not take an artist date with your child or your kids? She writes, “An artist date is a block of time, . . . committed to nurturing your creative consciousness, your inner artist. . . a play date that you preplan . . . you do not take anyone on this artist date.” On her website she says, "The Artist … [Read more...]
Motivating Kids to Read During the Summer
Get your kids reading this summer! As a teacher, mom, and book nerd, I’m always reading something – for me or for someone slightly younger. Click here for my book recommendations by age and topic. 1. My favorite “get your child to read trick” is (drum roll please . . . ) let them read in bed. Make it easy and fun by giving them a headlamp! Even my four year old “reads” in bed. 2. Sign … [Read more...]