So you think that kids may be doing a great variety of activities at other programs--but they just don't work at your site?

 

That Just Doesn't Work Here is a phrase that is all too common to avoid change. Other versions of this statement could be:

• The children in this program only want to_______

• My kids arent interested in anything else.

• It's different here.

•The older kids just want to sit and do nothing.

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Quality school-age programs are designed to meet the needs of  children. How can the activity in question be adjusted to meet those needs and interests? Consider the following statements. Can one of these be the reason That it Just Doesn't Work Here?

1. Same-old-same-old.

• Making a hanging skeleton at Halloween is fun if it's the first time, but is it still stimulating when you're in the fourth grade and you've made one every year?

2.  Not informing all the children of upcoming events, in a timely manner.

• Be sure all the children are aware of upcoming events.
• Advertise and inform in postings, newsletters, talks, in the daily schedule of events and information center.

3.  Failure to build excitement and anticipation! 

• Post and count down the days to the activity sign-up day. This builds anticipation.
• Staff needs to display enthusiasm for innovative endeavors to work.

4.  Not including the children in planning. Ask the kids what they want!

• Knowing what YOUR children like will ensure that they will want to attend your school-age program.
• Including children in planning also may encourage them to try new things.

 5.  Not getting to know YOUR kids!

• All children are unique. Building rapport with each child will help you plan a curriculum with their interests in mind. 
• Children may say that they only want to color, play outdoors or in the gym; however, getting to know them as individuals will help provide quality programming based on their individuality.

6. Failing to pre-plan.

• Pre-planning curriculum ensures that activities will be scheduled and facilitated as intended.
• Pre-planning allows for continuity with a variety of choices.
• Pre-planning lessens the likelihood of last-minute scrambling.
• Pre-planning allows staff time to organize materials and to have a say in what they do.

 7.  Not being ready before activities begin.

• Staff should understand the directions of the project.
• If an art or craft is involved, a pre-made sample is recommended. This sample is only a visual goal---which the children can adapt to their own personal vision.
• If possible, pre-test scientific experiments and cooking projects.
• All supplies and centers should be ready and set-up before any activity is scheduled to start.
• Not being ready causes:
  • Long transitions and waning enthusiasm.
  • Unnecessary stress.
  • Possibility of behavioral challenges due to waiting.

8.  An activity that is either too young for the older children or too challenging for the  younger child.

• Example: A game of Duck, Duck, Goose, would not appeal to most fifth graders.

9.  Activities or meetings that are held too long to sustain interest.

10. The #1 reason for a creative (or any) activity failing is the lack of consistent follow-through.

• If something such as a School-Age store is to be open the last Wednesday of each month, then it needs to be open on that scheduled day. 
• If a new and different Activity of the Week is to be scheduled each week, then that new activity must be on the agenda as promised. 
• If a club meeting is scheduled every Tuesday at 4:00…then that is when the club meeting is held.

Children lose faith and interest when planned events aren't held consistently. Nothing kills creative programming faster than failure to follow through with the proposed agenda. Consider then, how program structure may be leading to mistaken beliefs and assumptions such as: The children in this program only want to play in the gym or go outside! or...That Just Doesn't Work Here!

Barbara Shelby~Tip page published in school-age-note of the day, April 2007

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INTRODUCTION

MATH CENTERS
The following activities are fantastic for classrooms (Most are  great for home!) --however, in 'Afterschool' programs we strive to present academics differently than what is taught during the school day!  Math certainly fits into that category. Consider presenting math mixed with a whole lot of fun!

Who says learning and having a good time don't mix???

First, Create a Math Center...

• Math centers are small-group stations where youth work together on fun activities like puzzles, problems that use manipulatives (physical objects that help students visualize relationships and applications), and brainteasers.

• Kids can improve their ability to make and test predictions by outlining their hands and feet on graph paper and predicting whether their hand or foot has the greatest length and width.

• They can practice adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals as they try to determine how to use $65 to feed four people when ordering food from a restaurant menu. 9Or how to provide snack for the group!)

• Children with an interest in art might enjoy using pentominoes (sets of small squares) to form different shapes.

• Students will most likely show greater interest if they see the centers as a fun challenge rather than work. Through fun activities, math centers help bring academic content to life and encourage students to make real-world connections!
Find out what kids like to do and team that up with ways to incorporate math concepts and skills.

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GAMES TO PRACTICE ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION

BOWLING
Make a bowling set using ten cardboard tubes which can be knocked over with a soft ball. After each throw talk about the score: There were ten pins and we knocked over 6. There are 4 left standing up. 6 and 4 make 10.

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MAKE A TARGET GAME
Place three or four empty boxes in the floor. Label each box with a number between 1 and 5. Encourage children to help make up rules for the game. How many paper balls can you throw in a turn? How many does the winner of the game need to score altogether?

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HIDDEN OBJECTS GAME (for younger children)
This game is a good way of developing the skills children will need in doing addition 'in their head'. It helps child to imagine numbers of objects.
   • Place five small objects on a tray; buttons, coins, counters or pebbles, etc.
   • Show each child that there are five objects and count them together.
   •  Now cover the objects with a cloth and slide your hand under the cloth to remove one or two of the objects from the tray.
   • Show children how many objects you have removed and ask, How many things are left on the tray?
As children becomes more confident, start with a larger of objects on the tray. Once the tray is empty replace the objects a few at a time, again by putting your hand under the cover. After each addition ask your child to think how many objects are now on the tray.

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STUCK IN THE MUD! Dice Game for Ages 7 to Adult
Skills: Addition
Need: 5 dice, Paper and pencil
The aim of the game is to achieve the highest score. You can only score on a roll which does not include the numbers 2 and 5. Any dice which show a 2 or a 5 become “stuck in the mud”.

• Choose a player to start. Roll all 5 dice. If you have rolled any 2s or 5s, you do not score any points for this throw. If you have not rolled any 2s or 5s, add up the total of the dice and remember it.
• Set aside any 2s and 5s, and throw the remaining dice. Again, if you have rolled any 2s or 5s you fail to score this turn. Throws without 2s and 5s are added to your previous total.
• Continue in this way until all your dice are “stuck”. Write down your score, and pass the dice to the next player.
• Agree a number of rounds (five works well) and total up the score.
  Source: activityvillage.co

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SKITTLE GAME (Keeping track of points is math)

Materials needed: Container, 2-3 pkgs. of Skittle candies (depending on number of kids and tables playing), score sheet, paper and penci
   • Find a deep, clean, non-see-through container to pour in several bags of skittles.
   • Make a point chart on paper or blackboard for the different colored Skittles.
   • An example is purple 5 pts, green 10 pts, yellow 20 pts, orange 25 pts, and red 30 pts.
   • Divide into teams and have one person at a time from each team, draw out a Skittle.
   • The team is awarded the points for the color that is pulled out.
The drawer gets to eat the Skittle. The first team to reach 500 pts is the winner. Tip: You can use any kind of candy that has MANY COLORS...also a great transition activity or to get the group to quiet down!

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 WHAT ARE MY CHANCES? A Game for Two people...
Grades K-5
You'll need two coins, paper, and pencil to keep score.

Flip one coin. Every time it comes up heads, person 'A' gets 1 point. Every time it comes up tails, person 'B' gets 1 point. Flip it 50 times. Tally by 5's to make it easier to keep track of scores. The person with the most points wins. If one person has 10 points more than the other person does, score an extra 10 points. Does this happen very often? Why not?

Flip two coins. If the coins come up two tails or two heads, person 'A' scores 1 point. If it comes up heads and tails, person 'B' gets the point. After 50 flips, see who has more points. Do you think the game is fair? What if one person received 2 points for every double heads and the other person received 1 point for everything else. Is this fair?

Flip one coin. Then flip the other. If the second coin matches the first coin, person 'A' scores 1 point. If the second coin doesn't match the first coin, person 'B' gets 1 point. Try this 50 times. Is the result the same as in the previous game?
Understanding probability is essential in many areas of mathematics. Playing games that involve chance is one way to explore the laws of probability.

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PLAY BOARD GAMES THAT REQUIRE COUNTING
Any game in which children have to count numbers of squares to move their pieces will help them develop counting skills!

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BUZZ (Game)
The players start counting substituting buzz for the number seven and multiples of seven. If a player makes a mistake he must drop out or the whole group must start again.

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WHAT ARE THE COINS?
Grades 2-5
You'll need some coins ...
Ask child (children) the following questions:

1. I have three coins in my pocket. They are worth 7 cents. What do I have? (a nickel and 2 pennies) 

2. I have three coins in my pocket. They are worth 16 cents. What do I have? (a dime, a nickel, a penny) 

3. I have three coins in my pocket. They are worth 11 cents. What do I have? (2 nickels and 1 penny)

4. I have three coins in my pockets. They are worth 30 cents. What do I have? (3 dimes) 

5. I have six coins in my pocket. They are worth 30 cents. What could I have? (1 quarter and 5 pennies or 6 nickels). This problem has more than one answer. It is challenging for children to experience problems like this.

6. I have coins in my pocket, which have a value of 11 cents. How many coins could I have?

Tip: Give children a few coins to figure out the answers.
Use this activity to help children develop an understanding of patterns and variables (the unknown) to solve a problem. This is critical to understanding algebra.

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BEAT THAT! ......Dice Game for Ages: 5 to adult

1. Roll the dice and put them in order to make the highest number possible. If you roll a 4 and an 6, for example, your best answer would be 64.

2. Using 3 dice, a roll of 3, 5 and 2 should give you 532, and so on.

Write down your answer, pass the dice, and challenge the next player to “Beat That!” Play in rounds and assign a winner to each round. For a change, try making the smallest number possible! This is a great game for reinforcing the concept of place value. If you are playing with younger children, explain your reasoning out loud and encourage them to do the same
Source: activityvillage.co.uk/

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GREEDY

Skills: Number, Place value, Strategic thinking
Need: 2 dice (up to 7 dice for older players)
Paper and pencil for scoring
How to play:

Students stand, while you roll a die. Each time you roll the die, children add the number to the previous total, keeping a running score.  Students can sit down at any time during the game, accepting the total at that point as their final score. 

 Example: If a child sits down after three rolls of the die showing 4, 6, and 1, he or she has a score of 11. The game continues until someone rolls a 2. The children still standing lose ALL their points -- because they've been greedy! Out of the seated children –the ones with the highest score win!

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MOUSE (Drawing and Counting)
Need: Paper, pencils, a pre-drawn mouse to follow.
The aim of the game is to be the first to complete a Mouse. Each roll of the die enables a particular body part to be drawn as follows:
     6 = body
     5 = nose
     4 = whiskers
     3 = eyes
     2 = ears
     1 = tail 

The body must be drawn before the other body parts are added to it, so players must therefore roll a 6 to start. Once the body has been drawn, the other parts of the mouse may be added in any order. If you roll a number which relates to a part you have already added, you miss your go and pass the die on.

Tip: Put a mouse print out or drawing in the middle of the table as a reminder for which body part relates to which number on the die. I've also played this drawing a person...body, head, arms, legs, etc. Just adapt the body parts to the die throws!

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MISCELLANEOUS MATH ACTIVITIES...

INTRODUCE MEASUREMENT ...

Offer measuring tapes, rulers, thermometers, balance scales, measuring cups, clocks, hour-glasses, and stand-on scales...Help children weigh and measure everything...Shoes, feet, living plants, table heights, how many minutes it takes to eat lunch, Pre-K/K---how long each child naps, etc. Record measurements, repeat often, and discuss what changes and what stays the same.

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COOKING

Applying math to a recipe during the actual cooking or baking allows children to make use of: sequencing, measuring, time, and portions. The best part of this activity is eating the results!

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GOOD FOR LINING UP KIDS!
When lining up at transition time, try using math problems!
Examples:
If you are 4 + 4 you may line up.
If you are 10-1 you may line up, etc.

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FIND A PARTNER!

Love this idea that was in school-age-note of the day 11/12/09...The next time you need children to find a partner, try this approach from Marlene Kliman and Martha Merson of Mixing in Math. You'll mix up social groups and get children involved in measuring at the same time.
 
Instead of asking children to line up in pairs, ask them to find a partner who has something in common with them, for instance:

• Find a partner with the same length index finger as yours.
• Find a partner with the same arm span as yours.
• Find a partner whose feet are as long as yours.

Children pair up with the first person they find who has the same measurement.
Anyone who can't find a partner joins the person or pair who comes closest.

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GUESS MY NUMBER
This is a another useful game for transition times. As children play the game they will practice thinking about the order of numbers. 

• Start the game by saying to children I am thinking of a number between 1 and 10. Explain that the aim of the game is to guess the mystery number by asking questions and that you will only answer 'yes' or 'no'. 
• Children soon learn that it is more useful to ask "Is the number bigger than 5?" then to ask 'Is it 7?" 
• Older children can progress to guessing mystery numbers up to 100, and then will start to ask questions such as :
  • 'Is it an odd number?'
  • 'Is the number a multiple of 10?' (example: 20, 30, 40)

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HOW WAS YOUR DAY?
Try this activity, from Marlene Kliman and Martha Merson of Mixing in Math, at circle time, pick-up time or whenever everyone gathers to talk about what they did during the day.

  • Ask everyone to rate the day on a scale from negative 5 to positive 5.
  • Explain that negative 5 is a really bad day, negative 4 is a little less bad, 0 is OK, and positive 5 is fantastic.
  • Rate it. Everyone gives a rating. Take turns explaining your ratings as you tell about the day.
Next time, ask the children to suggest what to rate: a food, an event such as a field trip, or a book everyone has read. For younger children, use a rating scale of positive numbers 1 through 10.

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HELP BUILD "MEASUREMENT SENSE"...
Try this activity, from Marlene Kliman and Martha Merson of Mixing in Math, when you're serving something that can be poured such as cereal, yogurt or juice.

Decide together on measurements for each serving size (for example, small is a quarter-cup, medium is a half-cup, large is three-quarters cup). 

• Will a half-cup of cereal fill me up?
• Will 1 cup of lemonade quench my thirst? Help kids build their "measurement sense" by asking them to use measuring cups to serve snacks.

A pair circulates with food and a measuring cup. They measure out the serving size that each child requests.  Switch roles next time, so everyone has a chance to measure.
When everyone has eaten, compare your serving sizes with "serving size" on the food packages. Is a medium serving about the same size? 

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APPLE TASTING AND CHARTING!
Bring in LARGE VARIETY of apples (During peek season there are many-many varieties of apples!) Have the children taste them and see which one they like the best. With older kids you can chart and tally the results. You can also do this with applesauce (flavored vs. unflavored and also taste test cider vs. apple juice.

  
APPLE GRAPH - Math for the young
Make a chart by putting a picture of three different colored apples at the top. Have each child's name written down the left hand margin. Pass out a slice of each type of apple and then have each child tell you which was his favorite (red, yellow or green)

•  Tally up the results and make a total at the bottom of each column.
• You can get the colored sticker labels from the stationery store for the children to use to put on the chart.
• If they like a red apple, they place their red circle sticker under the red, yellow circle sticker under the yellow apple, etc. They enjoy doing this because they get to use stickers---but they also get to taste a variety of apples!

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ESTIMATIONS--Not just fun but MATH and Science too!

GUESS THE NUMBER OF WHATEVER IN THE JAR ...
Have the kids write their name on a piece of paper along with their guess...Put the guesses in a closed envelope. Depending on what is being guessed--you can award prizes or the jar itself! In case of a tie--have two prizes--or enough in the jar for two. The winning child can also open the jar and share with the group! (I like that one the best!)
There can be variations of this. Examples:

• At Easter count the jelly beans/Easter candy...

• Black and orange jelly beans or candy corn at Halloween...

• Striped peppermint candy at Christmas

• Conversation heart" candies for Valentine

• Green Candy for St. Patrick's Day

• Small plastic insects for a Bug Theme

• Small plastic dinosaurs for a Dinosaur party/theme

• For Mexican Theme...Count the nachos! Take a large glass spaghetti jar or similar; carefully fill it with nachos. Keep count as you add them, and try not to break any! The winning child get to open the nachos for all to share..as well as get a prize.

• Sunflower or Fall Theme Party---guess the closest number of seeds in a live sunflower. The number can exceed 1000! Etc. 

Comment: I once had a lot of rubber snakes left from a previous Summer Day Camp. I stuffed them in a very large clear container and the child that guessed the closest number won the snakes for their day-camp homeroom.
I did this with something each summer and SAC year--the kids loved it!
Barb

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SLOW BICYCLE RACE... How slowly can you ride a bike without touching the ground?
Safety Rules... 

You must wear a helmet on your head when you are on a bike 

Both wheels of the bike must be on the ground at all times, so...

• NO Bunny hops 
• NO Wheelies
• NO flying through the air in general
• Stay in your team’s track
• Watch out for your classmates.

Each person will ride a bike through a track two times in a row. Make the track a rectangle about 20 feet (6 meters) long and 2 feet (60 centimeters) wide. You have to ride the bike through the track as slowly as you can. Use a stopwatch to time how long each ride takes:

• Start the timer when the bike’s back tire enters the track.
• Stop the timer when the bike’s back tire leaves the track or if the rider’s foot touches the ground
• Record the time of each ride on the Slow Bicycle Race Data Chart: Give each person two turns in a row and record everyone’s times.

To calculate how slow your team went-- you need to know:
  • How far your team went ....
  • How much time your team took to go that far.

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EVERYONE JUMP!
This game gets everyone moving and doing math at the same time!
Before you start, decide what the group will count by. For younger children, choose 1 or 2; for a mid-level challenge- choose 5 or 10; and for older children, choose 3, 7 or 11.
To play:

1. The whole group gets in a circle.

2. Start counting by the chosen number (for example, if counting by twos, the first child says 2, the next says 4, the next 6, and so on). Everyone jumps when someone says a number ending in 0 (10, 20, 30).

3. Keep counting and jumping until you reach or pass 100.
Next time you play, add more actions. For example, clap on an even number or stamp a foot on multiples of 3.
Source: Marlene Kliman and Martha Merson of Mixing in Math 7/21/2008 schoolagenotes.com

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TUMBLING TOWERS
This idea was in schoolage note of the day...I think it could really be fun!

There's something compelling about stacking things up to make the highest tower you can, before it all tumbles to the ground. Children of all ages can build their engineering and math skills with this activity from Marlene Kliman and Martha Merson of Mixing in Math as they figure out how to make a tall, stable tower.

First, gather plenty of blocks, recycled tubes or boxes, or other objects.

Next, engage children in making some predictions:

• What's the largest number of objects you can stack?
• How high can you build a tower?
• Can you make one as tall as you are?

Each child, pair, or small group begins stacking and counting. After a few trials, ask the group to talk over what shapes and sizes make for a good tower bottom. What shapes and sizes work well in the middle and top? For more ideas on ways to engage children in exploring engineering using free or low-cost materials, see mixinginmath.terc.edu

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MIXING PLAY AND MATH

When children need a quick exercise break during homework time or on a rainy day, play 'How Many in a Minute?' They'll get a boost of energy, a chance to stretch and a little math as well. This activity also comes from Marlene Kliman and Martha Merson of Mixing in Math.
To play:

 Choose an activity, such as jumping jacks, that everyone will do for a minute.

1. Ask children to predict: How many can you do in a minute?

2. Time a minute while everyone does the activity and keeps track.

3. Everyone compares predictions and results.

4. Try it again. Are predictions closer this time?
Source: mixinginmath.terc.edu.

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THE BIG MEASURE

This is a different type activity for the beginning and/or end of the year! Perhaps you can adapt it to fit your group---
As an extension, it could be started at the beginning of the year---and then updated at the end for comparison...
Instructions: As a special keepsake, create a book based on the MATH FACTS OF ENTIRE GROUP.

For starters, add up everyone's height. Write the final total on a left-hand page, then list everyone's height on the right-hand page. On following pages, let students choose other things to measure.
Some ideas:
Everyone's pet (or favorite stuffed animal), length of hair, favorite book, foot, hand, etc.

• The last page can be a long sheet of paper with everyone's signature written from one side to the other. First, ESTIMATE how long each signature will measure and how long the sheet will have to be! 

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TWO SPRINGTIME THEMED GAMES

BUNNY (or Chicken) BUZZ GAME
To Play:

• All players sit in a circle. Players take turns quickly counting off numbers in turn: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7...
• When the number seven is reached, that player must say, "I love the Easter Bunny", instead of seven. (You can also change it to a love spring chicks or butterflies or whatever that is associated with Spring!)
• When a child fails to do so and says seven, the child is out of the game.
• The game continues until only one player is left to be declared the winner.
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JELLY BEAN GAME
Required: Container, 2-3 pkgs. of JELLY BEANS (depending on number of kids and tables playing), score sheet, paper and pencil
Players: Small to large groups

• Find a deep, clean, non-see-through container to pour in several bags of JELLY BEANS.
• Make a point chart on paper or blackboard for the different colored jelly-beans. An example is purple 5 pts, green 10 pts, yellow 20 pts, orange 25 pts, and red 30 pts.
• Divide into teams and have one person at a time from each team, draw out a jelly-bean. The team is awarded the points for the color that is pulled out.
  The drawer gets to eat the jelly-bean. The first team to reach 500 pts is the winner.
  TIP:
  • You can use any kind of candy that has MANY COLORS (Skittles, etc.)
  • This is also a great transition activity or to get the group to quiet down!

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 SOME FUN READING WILL BOOST MATH!
#1 The Wishing Club: A Story about Fractions by Donna Jo Napoli. Grades 1-4 $16.99
A lively group of siblings wish upon a star and only “part” of what they wish is received. Author cleverly explains fractions as the character figure and how to make whole dreams come true.

#2 Math Fables Too - by Greg Tang; Grades pre-k to 2; $16.99
In his latest collection of rhymes, teacher hero Tang combines counting, addition, and basic facts about dolphins, koalas, and other nice creatures. A great read-aloud that is also good in a math and/or science center

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 RESEARCH: LAYING THE PATH TO MATH

Studies show that children who play with unit blocks in early childhood do better in algebra in middle school. But it’s important to note that the outcome of playing in the block area is NOT demonstrated until middle school!

Math standards during the early years will automatically focus on low level, rote skills: memorization, repetition, and adult views of math knowledge. What makes this most destructive is that young children are operating within Piaget’s preoperational stage, which means they cannot think logically. Thus, bureaucrats creating standards and assessment often include things that children this age simply cannot even do....

"Math knowledge and dispositions are not created in a vacuum. Math is about manipulating things: objects, shapes, concepts, and relationships; reproducing and documenting the world; and constructing, building, and estimating....Thus, we must provide a myriad of opportunities for young children to have direct, concrete experiences in the real world.

What is the value of discussing the speed of light if you don’t understand light?

• Seeing snow accumulate day after day is a real way to understanding increase in quantity.
• Carrying a large boulder teaches about mass.
• Swinging on a rope about force, angles, and speed.
• Field trips, extensive classroom projects, exploration in nature, extensive use of the playground, observing the weather, etc., must all be central to our math curricula."

These exerpts are from the article: "Math in Early Childhood," by Francis Wardle (www.ChildCareExchange.com)

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• Design a pre-cut person, hand, or heart shape. When children are caught being kind, take the design with their name and deed on the shape. 

• The shapes are taped together in a chain or patchwork style connecting the kids of the program or classroom.

This is a good project for the entire school---connecting one end of the school to the other! Check it out with the school to see if they'd like to join you!

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Establish specific days of the week that focus on kindness in different areas of children's lives-- such as:
    •'Kindness in the Classroom Day'...
    •'Good Manners Day' and 'Kindness at Home Day'...

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Create a special 'Kindness Section' in your school or center newspaper--where good news about acts of kindness are reported. If there's no school newspaper, create a classroom newspaper.

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 KINDNESS LESSON...
Trace each child's hand on a piece of paper. Ask children to think of different ways people can be kind to others. Write their ideas on each finger of the hand drawing. It can be completed as described or cut out, mounted and decorated. Can also be put on wall or bulletin board.

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A GIANT PAPER DOLL CHAIN
What You Need: Paper and paint or markers...
Cut out life-size cutouts of  children. Have them paint them. Put them together in a large paper doll chain with the heading "We are all Friends"...

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THE COMPLIMENT GAME
This game is good to play when you have a group of children, especially if they tend to have a lot of personality conflicts.

Break children into groups; give each child a piece of paper.
Ask them to tear it into pieces--one for each child in the group.
On each piece of paper they should write the child's name, and then list all of the positive characteristics they can think of about that child. Try to have them focus on personality traits and behaviors, not physical attributes.
 
When each child has completed their lists, they should put all of them into a box. An adult in the group can read aloud all of the positive comments about each child. The children are usually very surprised at how many great things are said about them.
If they would like, the children can keep their lists in a folder or notebook. Then, when they're feeling a little down about themselves, they can read about how wonderful other people think they are.

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THANKS FOR THE COMPLIMENT!
Need: Paper, markers, tape
Everyone gets a piece of paper taped to their back. (Make sure their name is at the top of the paper.) Each person is given a marker. Each person in the group must walk around the room and write a compliment or positive remark about that person on their back..... NO PEEKING!

When everyone has written something positive on each others back, everyone returns to their seat. With a smaller group, everyone exchanges papers without looking at their own. Each participant can take a turn at reading off the person's list to that person aloud. (Adjust for a larger group)

What a great self-esteem booster. It doesn't matter if the group knows each other well--- because you can say things like..."He seems friendly" etc. But this is a great activity to do with kids who have been in a group for a while.

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 PURCHASE, DOWNLOAD OR MAKE BOOKMARKS
 
When you "catch a child" in an act of kindness, give them one of the bookmarks! Children receiving the bookmark feel good and the other children will want to know how to get one. It presents an opportunity to discuss altruism and acts of kindness with your group. Special bookmarks may be downloaded on the Random Acts of Kindness web-site

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation...

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to "pass it on" to others. They provide free educational and community ideas, guidance, and other resources to kindness participants through the website.

BOOKMARKS AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD ARE:
1. Bookmarks showing 'ten great ideas' for doing kindness every day.
2. Ten (More) Ideas For Kindness.
3. 'Kindness Pass It On' ... a sheet of bookmarks that you can print out and give to whoever needs a fun reminder about doing kindness.

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RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS CLUB This is a club for third through eighth graders. The club is based on service learning and community service. Through this process, responsible youth will make the club successful.

  • The kids in the club brainstorm some service learning projects, and then implement their ideas.
 
   •  A contract must be signed as a promise of commitment.

  • The children deliver the items that the program produces to the people in need Example: pictures to senior homes, etc.
 
  • Participating children can receive special things for being in the club.  An idea is a badge similar to 'security badges' that staff wear, or a special certificate.
 
  • Also arrange special surprises. In October, one program had a local farm donate small pumpkins for all the students in the RAK Club. This demonstrates the receiving end of a random act of kindness!

  • Recognize the members of this club at a school assembly or event at the end of the school year.

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KINDNESS BULLETIN BOARD
Created by Toni in Missouri

1.  Youth brainstorm ideas for unexpected, kind things to do for people--people who would not expect children to do a favor/kindness for them.
2.  Each idea is put on a shape and put on the board.
3.  When a student completes a RAK, they sign their name on the act that is posted on the board.
4.  By the end of the year, hopefully all of the brainstormed acts will have at least one signature on them to signify that someone acted in that manner for someone.

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RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS from After-School program to Host building Staff

To increase RAK and morale between your program and host staff, consider an RAK for them.
    • One morning provide a surprise pastry, donut, cookies or fruit table in the lounge.
    • Have the children make cards to put on the teachers room doors announcing the random surprise!
 
One school contacted a local shop to come to the school and make all the teachers lattes/coffee drinks one morning. (This is also a great idea to surprise SAC staff!)
 
Have SAC children volunteer to carry teacher's books, boxes, etc. when needed without being asked by the teacher.
 
On a recognized Kindness day, put together some staff goodies for the staff lounge with a note saying, "Goodies to brighten your day. From  the students of  ______ " 
     • Chocolate Kisses to remind you that you are loved!  
     • Starbursts to give you a burst of energy on the days you're low! 
     • A Lifesaver for you in return for all the times you’ve rescued us!  
     • A "thank you" for all the laughs and Snickers you share!  
     • And most importantly, smiles to pass on!
     • Adapted from an idea on the RAK website

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Celebrate an annual SAY SOMETHING NICE DAY ! (Good for All Ages)

On your “Say Something Nice Day’ notice something you like about a person and tell them. This can be during a 'Kindness Day or Week'--or ANY time of the year!

Declare a day in your classroom, home or program that this is Say Something Nice Day. Each participant promises to approach one person that day and finish the sentence:
“One of the things I like about you is ________________.”
When you are back together at the end of the day, share your experiences.

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Tip: As Marcia Cousin of Ballard Elementary has said in her paper, 'Random Acts of Kindness for Kids'...
Most kids easily understand "act" and "kindness" but might be unfamiliar with "random". Helping them define and learn to use this word is crucial to understanding the phrase.

Explain Random Acts of Kindness. You can do this by reading or telling children Random Acts of Kindness stories to get them to fully understand the concept.

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 ACTS OF KINDNESS FOR ANIMALS...

•Make a birdbath from a plastic dish and put it in your yard or on the windowsill. Keep it filled with water.
 
•Maintain water bowls during cold months for both migrating and local birds. Make birdseed available as well.
 
•Notify authorities immediately about pets left in hot cars. You may save a life.
 
•Talk to younger children about why catching wild creatures such as frogs and turtles is not a good idea. Remind them that wild animals need to stay wild and free.
 
•Offer to wash your dog or a neighbor's dog.
 
•Make nutritional treats for dogs and cats, and give them to neighbors for their pets. Make extra for animal shelters.
 
•Hold a fundraiser and donate the proceeds to an animal shelter or wildlife fund

•Adopt a lion, tiger, whale, or other animal. Many zoos, aquariums, and animal sea habitats have adoption programs. In exchange for financial support, you get a photo and biography of your new adoptee.

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THIS IDEA WAS SENT IN by Ora Crenshaw...SPREAD KINDNESS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!

The students at Franklin Elementary in Little Rock, all made cards with 'original kind sayings'.
On February 14th the students and staff delivered the cards and small gift bags to neighbors surrounding our school. The students LOVE sharing with others!

We received very nice responses from the neighbors.
One parent drove by and told us: "This is really nice. This is the kind of activity that I want to see my child involved in."
He took pictures of us and he had a huge smile on his face. His daughter was a little embarrassed, but we were proud. Also a neighbor called expressing: "I've just had the nicest thing  happen to me. I received an Act of Kindness" card from elementary school children. It made my day."

This is only one of the community projects that we have been involved with this year. WE LOVE PAYING IT FORWARD!!! The staff started these activities realizing that when children learn to share, it can be contagious and encourage them toward becoming better human beings who ENJOY being kind to others.

Thank you Ora for sharing! Barb 

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  From Laura~  At the After Care Program I run, we have a RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS CHAIN. A link is addded every time a random act of kindness is witnessed (The loops are made out of construction paper).  We then send a coupon home that says  "Be proud of your child, they have performed a random act of kindness today!" The kids love it! Each year we try to beat the previous year. We hang the chain around the room.

 

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 KINDNESS FOR THANKSGIVING
Near Thanksgiving, make a huge turkey body out of construction paper and affix it to a wall.
(Or make a smaller body and put on card stock or construction paper)

Give kids multi-colored paper feathers (construction paper, and write something nice about other students or family members.
Collect the feathers and place on the turkey.

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THE GOOD ELF! (A Winter RAK Activity)

  1. Challenge children to do random acts of kindness for others for one day.
 2. Advertise, post info, and make a big deal about the day!.
 3. Tell youth that they are not to reveal that they have done these nice things and if someone should ask them, "Did you put away the dishes...or games..or whatever..."? They reply, "Must have been a good elf".

This activity helps children realize we don't always have to be recognized when we do something for someone else. If playing with preschoolers or kindergarteners, you may want to send a note home explaining how parents can help.
I can't remember where I first saw this, but we do it every year! Cassie/Mi.

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100 ACTS OF KINDNESS
Adapted from L. Davis & C. Adams, Iowa

Celebrate the 100th day of school! (In the States, this is usually in February)

Make a large poster in the shape of the number 100 to hang in your classroom/program area. SEVERAL WEEKS before the 100th day of school, discuss acts of kindness toward others. Based on the number of youth in your group, two to three weeks before the big day, announce open season on acts of kindness. Encourage the children to recognize acts of kindness by others.
 
Each time kids see a classmate or friend engage in an act of kindness, they will tell staff and then put a sticker and their friend's name on the poster. The students can NOT name themselves, only others.
 
It should be easy to reach the goal of 100 acts of kindness. A profound difference in behavior, relationships, and outlook will be noticed.

• ANOTHER NICE KINDNESS FOR 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL...
Collect 100 hugs. Keep track on them on a chart.

Go to Page 2 for more Kindness Ideas and Display Boards...

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This page includes seven 'Kindness Display Boards'...as well as Ideas and Tips for 'Adult Acts of Kindness'.  'Slogans and Quotes' suitable for making posters and boards are at the top of page 1...

   On a wall, have children/staff make a HUGE GUMBALL MACHINE. Children's names combined with their act of 'kindness' are recorded on large gumballs and then placed on the gumball globe. When the machine is filled- celebrate with the group for achieving your goal!

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Great idea! Your own version of a GRAFFITI WALL!  The 180 Ways to Be Kind  photograph is courtesy of Classroom Display Blog  Put up a large sheet of paper and title. Challenge children to come up with '180 ways' to be kind to each other, teachers, parents, friends, siblings and community in general! (180 is just an idea-it could be 175, 200, etc.) If you have an after-school program, consider opening it to the entire school! 

Additionally, the '100th Day of School' falls about the same time in February as 'Random Acts of Kindness Week'! Consider combining the Graffiti Wall with 100 ways to be kind and celebrate both!

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"WALL OF LOVE" DISPLAY WALL

The staff at Colchester Institute Library (UK) put together this "Wall of Lurve" (You can call it Wall of 'Kindness'  'Friendship', or  '______'.)  The  library staff provided a display for students and staff to write messages. Around 150 pink hearts were displayed on the Wall at the entrance to the library.

This is something that could easily be adapted to a class or after-school program!  The hearts could  be filled with Acts of Kindness November's World Kindness Day and Week as well as February's Random Acts of Kindness Week! A really nice idea to cover Valentine's Day, Friendship Month and Kindness Week all in one!

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'KINDNESS RECIPE FOR A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!' (or...'OST YEAR', 'SAC YEAR', etc.) Just copy the sample image! This would also be wonderful ANY time of the year with the caption 'Recipe for Kindness!'

Source: Clayton County Public Schools by Deanna Rogers

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WIN BOOKS through ACTS OF KINDNESS!

Tim Anders (Dr. Hope) and Alpine Publishing Inc., is offering FREE award winning, bilingual (English and Spanish) children's books by Tim Anders. An ENTIRE elementary school class, group, or organization can win  books through an "Act of Kindness" contest.

Children are encouraged to perform acts of kindness for their community, individuals and each other. This  contest hopes to inspire elementary school children and their parents to help those in need--as well as teach compassion and love for others.

For more info about the "Act of Kindness" contest books, please visit laughingday!

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ACTS OF KINDNESS IDEAS FOR ADULTS...

The best example to children in the meaning of kindness and altruism -- is for adults in their lives to demonstrate generosity of spirit, good deeds and acts of service...

•Stop negative comments by changing the subject when someone starts talking in a negative, bad way.

•When you meet someone, learn their name and one personal thing about them. This shows people 'we care'.

•When you have good service somewhere, write a letter to the company and that person's manager, telling them about their outstanding employee.

•Put something you no longer need on craigslist.com for free.
 
•Put change in a vending machine.

•Listen to someone who needs to talk. Just listen to them.

•Do something nice for someone when they are ill --wash their dishes, cook a meal or tidy up their house.

•Buy a phone card and give it to a homeless shelter for them to give to someone.

•Bake cookies and take them to someone who is homebound.

•Leave a book you have already finished somewhere for someone else to read. Leave a note in it for them to pass it on.

•Buy a meal for a homeless person.

•Send a card to someone in the military overseas.

•Locate a family that is struggling financially and buy each member several small gifts then have it delivered while you remain anonymous.

•If you're tall and see someone trying to get something on a super market/store shelf--that is out of reach--get it for them.

•When shooping--let someone go ahead of you in the checkout line.

•Compliment a stranger, especially if they seem as if they're having a bad day...

Read to a child.....Make a wish come true.....Rake someone's yard.....Smile at a stranger.....Be a courteous driver.....Help Special Olympics.....Sing a song.....Pick up litter.....Train Seeing Eye dogs.....Tutor immigrants......Be a pen pal.....Hold a door open.....Change a tire.....Adopt-a-Highway.....Organize a neighborhood watch.....Teach peer mediation.....Tell a joke.....Sub for Santa.....Start a community garden......Be a Crisis-Line volunteer......Send a thank you note.....Give clothes at a shelter.....Tend abused children.....Wash a car.....Visit a lemonade stand.....Plant a tree.....Recycle.....Visit a sick neighbor.....Give a tip.....Volunteer.

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WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING by Mary Rita Schilke Korzan  ......children are always learning from the adults around them...(Maybe good for a newsletter or just a reminder to ourself?)

• WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

• When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

•When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

• When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.

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DOING NICE THINGS--Something to think about...

When you incorporate 'Random Acts of Kindness and Community Service' into your programs, homes, and classrooms, consider not basing the activity where children receive individual PRIZES AS AN INCENTIVE. However, do set goals and celebrate as a group (family) when goals are acheived!

We want children to do nice things--because it is helpful to others and feels good! Don't offer bribes, or bargain for good works. For example: "If you do this---I'll give you____". These practices don't build character, or a sense of program/family community.

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'Community Service and Acts of Kindness' go hand in hand. You may also be interested in the Community Service Ideas (Many kindness activities there) and Bully Category

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SHARE YOUR IDEAS...♥ What are some things you are doing in your home or in your school, classroom, center, or program? Let us know via the contact page--and your 'Acts of Kindness' will be entered on this page! Thank you for sharing...

Back to Page 1...

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You are welcome to scroll through the entire category,or click on individual pages as you like...

Menu

• Crafts for crafts or that are great for Gifts
• Children's Crafts that Smell Good! 
• Gifts from a Child's Heart 
• Food Based Gifts
• Creative Ways to Wrap Gifts
• Windsocks and Windchimes
•  Make Bookmarks
• Easy Candy

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This category contains a wonderful variety of crafts that would also make great gifts! Some can be made independently...Some will require a little help. You'll find these projects are adaptable to most seasons.

CRAFT GIFTS

YARN VASE
Materials:
A glass bottle
Yarn
Craft glue
A toothpick
1. Cover about 1" of the bottom of the bottle with glue.

2. Wind the yarn around the bottle, tight but not too tight. You can use different colors of yarn to make stripes on your vase.

3. When the glued area is completely covered, push the rows of yarn closer together. Tuck in the beginning of the yarn with a toothpick, add a little more glue there and press down for a minute.

4. Keep repeating steps 1, 2, and 3 until the whole bottle is covered with yarn. Glue will dry clear.

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PAINTED GLASS VASE
Recycle a jar into a pretty gift vase or pencil holder...
Materials:
Clean, empty jar
Acrylic or liquid tempera paints
Paintbrushes or cotton swabs
White glue
Clear glaze (available at craft stores)

• To make the paints stick to the glass, first mix the colors with some glue. Keep the paint thick so it won't run.
• Use brushes or cotton swabs to paint a design on the jar.
• To erase a mistake, use a paper towel to wipe off the paint before it hardens.
• LET THE PAINT DRY, then seal the finished design with a coat of glaze.
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CERAMIC HOT PAD
Paint children’s’ hands and place them on a 6x6 ceramic wall tile (You can usually get them donated through a home repair store). Write the child's name at the bottom. After 24 hours, put a sealer on the tile.

 

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ALTOID TINS make wonderful containers! (Gifts too!)

Need:
Empty, clean Altoid mint tins (other brands will do), acrylic paint, Paint brushes or sponges.
Decorative options: Ribbon, buttons, craft foam shapes, pom-poms, photos, magazine cut-outs, glitter glue, feathers...the possibilities are endless!

•  First paint the tins using acrylic paint. After the paint is dry, it's time to decorate. You can use a glue-gun, glue dots, craft glue or even sticky backed craft foam! It's that easy!
• Fill your new tins with barrettes, paper clips, earrings, postage stamps, lost buttons or make a mini-sewing kit for traveling.

 
It wouldn't cost much to turn it into a SEWING KIT as a gift...

 

 

From: Leslie S. /Minnesota
It works nicely as a SMALL FIRST AID KIT for the car!

  Paint the tin white--when dry add the large red cross in the center Fill it with some "FIRST AID SUPPLIES".
I used sticky-backed red craft foam to make the cross, so no glue was necessary. Then, I filled the tin with Tylenol type tablets, disinfectant wipe and a couple bandages.

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JAR CANDLES

• Save the stubs of candles. When you have several saved, melt them together in a double boiler.
• Color the wax by adding bits of crayon to the mixture.
• Pour the wax into glass jelly or mason jars-- or metal cans.
• Use cotton yarn for wicks, or you can purchase a roll of wick at a craft store.
• Decorate the outside of the candle holder with acrylic paints.

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MAKE SOME BEADS (Two Recipes)

• When making the dough, tint the water with food coloring. (Use the 'Baked Art Dough' recipe below)
• Have children roll the dough into bead shapes.
• Insert a large nail through each shape before baking.
• When the shapes have cooled---remove the nails and have children string the beads to make necklaces.

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BAKED ART DOUGH
Good for making gifts! In a bowl, mix together 2 cups flour and ½ cup salt. Stir in ¾ cup water. Knead the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, until it is smooth and pliable. If the dough is too dry, add a few drops water. If it is too sticky, add a small amount of flour. Have children mold the dough into shapes and press in decorations when desired.

• Place the decorated shapes on a baking sheet and bake them at 300 degrees F for about 4 hours, or until hard.
• If desired, when shapes are cool and dry, spray the painted or unpainted shapes with a clear fixative—in an area away from youth.

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JEWELRY CLAY
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup cornstarch
Warm water

• Mix dry ingredients together.
• Gradually add warm water until the mixture can be kneaded into shapes. An adult shouild supervise so the mix doesn't become too watery.
• Form beads by breaking the dough into little balls and rolling it to the desired shape.
• Pierce the balls with toothpicks. Allow the balls to dry.
• When dry, paint and string the beads.

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MAKE JEWELRY OUT OF PUZZLE PIECES

Take a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, or several pieces glued together, paint it and decorate it with beads, glitter, sequins, etc., Glue a jewelry pin on the back.  

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FLOWER POT PENCILS
Materials:
Pencil
Hair scrunchies
Craft foam leaves
Scissors
Hole punch
Clay pot
Black beans
Remember those fluffy scrunchies from the 80's and 90's (the material on an elastic band) that so many of us used to make our pony-tails? Collect all you can for this fun spring/summer craft or gift.

• For each flower, wrap 1 or 2 COLORFUL HAIR SCRUNCHIES around the top of a pencil.
• Cut out a pair of green craft foam leaves (You can pre-make a template for children to trace)
• Lightly etch leaf vein lines in the foam with the tip of a toothpick. Using a hole punch, make a hole in the base of each leaf.
• Put the finished flowers in a clay pot filled with dried black beans (Tape over the pot hole if beans fall through) 

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PENNY PAPER WEIGHT

Materials:
Cleaned and shiny pennies
Elmers Glue
Small tiles ( I used about 3”x 3” – you can also use the top side of jar lids)
Felt pieces for bottom
For a SAC program, I picked up discontinued tiles (see if you can get them donated--the store gave me about 100 for no charge!)

1. First clean and dry the pennies. (This step can be a 'science project'!) 
2. Next glue pennies to the attractive side of the tile. Glue on the first layer and then in places--- glue two or three on top of each other. Glue will dry transparent. Pennies do not have to cover all edges as the tile underneath is nice looking.
3. When pennies are dry--- fit, cut, and glue felt to the bottom.
4. The tiles used were unfinished on the side, so we used permanent marker along the edge.
5. You can protect pennies with a coat of clear polish!

The same idea can be done using stones! (Image/idea by KidActivities)

RIVER STONE PAPER WEIGHT (See directions in Stones, Rocks and Pebbles Category)

 

 

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TISSUE BOX GIFTS
Directions call for "un-opened facial tissue box".
1.  Take the box and glue pasta shapes all over it--except the opening at the top.
2. IF KIDS WANT, give them a couple days to cover the box completely with the pasta shapes--(they'll do a nicer job if they also have time to do other things too.) Use uncooked pasta shapes of macaroni, wagon wheels, bow ties, and cork-screws...
3.  When the glue has dried, spray paint the boxes gold (away from the kids)...

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Make a TERRERIUM OR SEASIDE SCENE inside a small to medium glass vase.

• Use pebbles, green moss, fall foliage, twigs, small pieces of wood or stone for the EARTH TERRARUIM.
• Or use beach sand, shells, small pieces of driftwood, the small discarded shell of a crab, etc., for a  SEA SCENE.
  TIP: Put small glass vases in your wish list! I imagine that your parents have quite a few vases in their cupboards that they could donate--I get a couple every year with gifts of flowers.

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CRAFT STICK TREASURE BOX
Materials:
1 package of large or small craft sticks
White craft glue
Buttons or beads
Paint brush
Wax paper
Optional: Acrylic paint, Glitter glue, Craft jewels

• Lay several craft sticks on the wax paper, next to each other and touching. Be sure to line them up evenly.
• Use two more craft sticks and glue on top of the others, one at each end, to hold the rest together. They will look similar to a fence or log raft.

  

• Use two more craft sticks --and glue ends of stick-- to the ends of the sticks that are already in place, so that they create a square.
• Keep repeating this alternating process to build up the sides as high as you would like.

 

Make the lid by repeating steps 1 & 2 above. Let everything dry completely.
You can leave your box plain or paint it. You can also add a shiny effect by painting on a layer of glitter glue over white paint. Glue a bead or stacked matching buttons to the center of the finished lid as a handle.
You can further embellish your jewelry box by decorating it with craft jewels.
Adapted from: artistshelpingchildren.org

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SILOUETTE GIFT

Materials:

2 Pieces of White Construction Paper
1 Piece of Black Construction Paper
Pencil
Glue
Tape
Scissors
Flashlight or Lamp with the Shade Removed

•  Tape a piece of white construction paper onto a wall.
• Have the person sit sideways in front of the paper; have someone use the light to cast a shadow of the profile on the paper.
• Trace the profile.
• Trace the profile onto the black paper and cut it out.
• Glue the profile onto the other white paper.

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• 

VOTIVE CANDLES

Materials:
Baby food jars or jam jars
Scraps of tissue paper
Diluted paste or glue
Votive candles

 Clean the jars well and let dry. You can use small jars...but check the size of the votive candle to make sure it will fit.

• Have the children  brush glue onto the jar and place different colors of tissue paper over the glue, overlapping so the entire jar is covered on the outside. When brushing the tissue with glue be sure to do so gently so it doesn't tear. If it tear, remove or leave wrinkled.
• The glue will appear to be white but will dry clear and when a candle is lit inside will give off a pretty color and design.
  Great for gift time!
    ♥ Mother’s Day: Use Mom’s favorite colors 
    ♥ Christmas: Use red and green 
    ♥ Valentine's Day: Use pink & red and so forth...

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ROCK ART are great gifts for people. They can be used as paper weights, decorations for indoor gardens or masterpieces to be shown throughout the home.
1. Gather various shapes and sizes of rocks found at parks or along beaches or in your own background. All sizes and shapes are perfect for rock art.
2. Clean the rocks and air dry.
3. Gather various art supplies. (Markers, paints, crayons, glue, fabric...)
4. Decorate.

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CRAYON COVERED ROCK PAPERWEIGHT...

Makes a nice gift!
Materials:
Zip--close plastic bag,
Wooden or rubber mallet
Smooth, flat rocks about the size of your fist
Aluminum foil or an old pie tin
Felt scraps
Scissors
White glue

• Choose crayons in three or four light or bright colors. Dark crayons will make the color on the rock look muddy.
• Peel the crayons, put them in the zip-to-close bag, and seal it.
• Place the bag on a hard surface such as a floor or sidewalk. Using the mallet, pound the crayons into small pieces.
• Place the rock in the pie tin or on a sheet of aluminum foil in the hot sun. Sprinkle it with the crayon pieces.
• When the crayon pieces have melted, but before they reach the point that they run off the rock, take the rock out of the sun to cool.
• The crayon will quickly harden and form a colorful and waxy coat over the rock.
• Cut a piece of felt to glue to the bottom of the rock to keep it from scratching the table.

The sample photograph is courtesy of World Preschool Mom. The rock was made by a four year old boy; it was colored after being in the oven for about ten minutes. With this method as Deneal states, place the rock on a sheet of foil (with a hot pad or towel under the foil) before decorating with crayons. The hotter the rock, the more runny the wax will be. (Use caution and supervision with this method.)

TIPS:

• IF WEATHER ISN'T HOT--- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the rocks on a foil covered cookie sheet and put them in the oven for the children. Keep an eye on them because the crayon melts quickly. It will re-harden within seconds of taking it out of the oven.
• To do outside---this project needs a hot, direct sun..
• If you're unhappy with the color of a crayon-coated rock--Reheat the rock and allow the crayon to melt to the point where most of it drips off the rock and onto the foil under it. Cover the rock with a new selection of crayon bits and see if you get a swirl of color you like better. Remember to avoid dark colors.
• ......A goal is to get it looking like a tie-dyed rock! The distinct lines of color can be very beautiful. Because the rocks can be easily redone, remember not to place the completed ones that you like in a sunny window or direct, hot sunlight because they will re-melt.

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NO ROCKS???
Try sprinkling crayon bits on the indented end of a metal lid from a frozen juice can. After crayon has melted and dried, attach a piece of sticky-back magnet to the back of the lid and put the colorful crayon magnet on the refrigerator. 

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CANCELLED ROCKS
(These make nice paperweights)
Materials
Cancelled stamps from your mail; small colorful pictures from seed catalogs and magazines may be used instead of stamps.
White glue (the kind that dries clear)
Clear shellac, varnish, or fingernail polish
Smooth surfaced rocks

• Wash, rinse, and dry rocks.
• Carefully peel off stamps from envelopes. It’s O.K. if some tear.
• On dry rock, spread a thin layer of glue
• Arrange stamps (or small pictures) on rock, OVERLAPPING, until all rock sides showing are covered. Let dry.
• Coat with thin layer of shellac or varnish, or fingernail polish.
  NOTE: You can also coat the finished rock with a thin layer of white glue. It will dry clear, but it will not be waterproof!

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POPSICLE STICK PENCIL HOLDER
If this is a gift, make it in the person's favorite colors.
Materials: Approximately 22 Popsicle sticks, container, paint (Optional)

• Take the paper label off the container.
• Line up a Popsicle stick, straight up and down, so that the bottom of the stick is just touching the bottom of the container and the top of the stick goes just over the top of the container.
• Glue in place. Glue another Popsicle stick next to the first one-- then repeat until you have glued on Popsicle sticks all the way around.
• Leave natural or paint the Popsicle sticks; use any color except green if you'll be painting on green leaves.
• Let paint dry.
• Paint flowers or decorated as desired.

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PLACE MATS AND COASTERS
Artwork can be transformed into useful place mats or coasters for children and family.

• Use existing artwork or have children design something special. For place mats, have children draw, paint or color a picture on a large piece of paper, then laminate it or cover it with clear contact paper.
• For coasters, children could trace templates on colored paper and laminate. Don't forget to sign and date the back!

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NAPKIN RINGS

• For each napkin ring you will need a chenille stem and several colorful beads.
• Have children twist the ends of each chenille stem so that a 2-inch circle is made to hold the napkin.
• Thread colorful beads on each end of the chenille.
• Cut off the extra chenille stem as needed; have children experiment with bending and twisting the ends of the chenille stems

  

  as the beads are added.

INTERESTED IN MAKING TP TUBES AND YARN NAPKIN RINGS? Visit the Christmas Craft Category--near bottom of Page 4 for directions. They're not only for the Holidays-but can be made in any color for any season!

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BOOKMARKS make a great for a gift to someone you love. (Visit Bookmark Category for many ideas) 
BOOKMARKS #1
Cut the front of appropriate greeting cards into 2 inch wide strips. Punch a hole at the top of each strip and attach a yarn tassel. Children can decorate the backs of the strips with markers and crayons if desired...
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BOOKMARKS #2
Make fun bookmarks with construction paper, markers, paints, and stickers. You can also use glitter, sequins, lace, doilies, buttons, and any other odds and ends you have left over form other projects. 

• Cut strips from construction paper, painting the construction paper will make it sturdier, or you can visit the local library or office supply to have them laminated for longer lasting use.
• To complete the bookmark, attach a tassel make from strands of yarn.

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STATIONARY
Decorate several sheets of paper and envelopes to give as stationery. Use glue and glitter, crayons, markers or paint for borders; or cut out pieces of sponge, dip them into paint and make stamps on the paper.

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FLOWER AND LEAF PRESS Note Cards or Pictures

Materials needed:
Old phone book
Collection of colorful leaves
Grasses, flowers, herbs
Craft glue
Plain note cards/postcards/watercolor paper.

• Take a nature walk on a clear, dry day. Collect any attractive flowers, leaves, grasses, and herbs.
• Separate each stalk or blossom. Place each one separately between the pages of the phone book, spacing them well apart from each other.
• Place the phone book in a cool, dry place for a week to ten days. Your leaves will then be totally dry and ready for use.
• Carefully apply craft glue, just a dab, to the back of the dried leaf or flower.
• Center it on a note card for a single design or place several as a collage on a sheet of watercolor paper, which can later be framed.
• Your leaf press can be used over and over again. Flowers can be stored in them for several months. A
• They're also nice for journals and bookmarks...

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DID YOU KNOW?
In Victorian times people planted decorative gardens and often preserved their herbs and flowers in a leaf press. Certain flowers were thought to have specific qualities:

• Rosemary for remembrance
• Roses for undying love
• Lavender for devotion
• Oak leaves for strength
• A note card that used the fragrant language of flowers conveyed more than words.

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LAYERED PASTA JARS
Collect an assortment of jars. Have children fill the jars in layers with a variety of shapes and colors of pasta. The jars make pretty decorations for kitchens, etc. Nice to give as a gift...

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THREE GIFT IDEAS FOR DAD, GRAMPA, UNCLE, ETC...
 
PLASTER PAPER WEIGHT
Materials:
Plaster of Paris,
Assorted nuts, bolts, etc.
Felt
Glue
Silver spray paint

• Mix up the Plaster of Paris according to package directions.
• Give each child about 1 cup of the mixture and have them form it into a lump with a flat bottom.
• Quickly before it hardens have them stick the nuts, bolts, etc. all over the lump.
• Leave it to harden overnight and then spray with silver paint.
• Last, cut out a piece of felt and glue it on the bottom.
  

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CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK (A gift for Dad)
Materials:
Block of wood 
Child's Photo 
Modge Podge

• Glue child's photo on the block of wood using the podge type effect.
• On the back of the wood have a card printed with 'A Chip Off The Old Block'.

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COIN HOLDER
Have children mold pieces of dough into small bowl shapes. Decorate the bowls by pressing colored pasta pieces and dried beans into the shape. Bake the bowls with decorations in place.
You can use the  recipe above...

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WIND CHIMES MAKE WONDERFUL GIFTS. For Windsock and Wind Chime ideas... Click Here

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PENCIL HOLDER FROM A YOUNG CHILD
Materials:
Tin can
Paper
Paint
Glue
Note.
Have each child paint or finger-paint a design on paper. When dry, cut the paper to fit around the tin can. (Make sure there are no sharp edges left on the can.) After reading the following note aloud to the children, have each sign his/her copy and tuck it into their can.

NOTE to tuck in can:
This little can, made of tin,
Was washed and saved to use again.
I added paint, I added glue,
And made a present just for you.
It's for your pencils or your pens.
You can show it to your friends.
It's not empty, for you can see
It's filled with love to you from me.

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MAKE A PERSONALIZED T-SHIRT for Mom or Dad
Mom's could be a sleep shirt!

• Idea: Paint the bottom of the children's feet using fabric paint and have them step on the shirt to make footprints. Once the footprints are dry, use black fabric paint and write, "My kids walk all over me".
  OR...
• When painting a shirt for someone...Keep the recipient's hobbies and interests in mind. For example, if he/she is an avid fisherman, why not make him/her a related shirt? You can make or buy fish-shaped stamps or sponges, dip them in fabric paint, and press a print on the shirt.

Since this could be costly--you could ask children that want to make a shirt-- to bring one in. If "new" it needs to first be washed.

ABOUT PAINTING ON FABRICS...

• Painting on fabric is done with a special acrylic paint that sets in the heat (Fabric paint) --by ironing or in an oven at 302F.
• You can also make your own fabric paint by mixing acrylic paint with a mixer.
• Apply the paint with a brush or stencil brush. The fabric SHOULD BE PRE-WASHED TO REMOVE SIZING/Starch so that the paint doesn't 'slip'.
• Avoid  slightly fluffy fabrics when using a paintbrush, it makes the task harder.
• When the shirt is painted and dry--be sure to iron it to set the paint before it is worn. If the paint is not "set" it may come off when washed. TO PAINT A T-SHIRT… After washing and drying the garment, you should iron it and lay it out flat. Slip a thin piece of card board inside to stop the paint from staining the back of the t-shirt. It could be impossible to get rid of paint stains on clothes; work carefully and cover up the surfaces not meant to be painted to protect them as you're working._

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REFRIGERATOR MAGNETS... Take small wooden shapes; paint them or decorate them with other supplies. Glue a small magnet strip on the back.

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PAINT A POT...

Paint pictures or designs onto a plain clay flower pot. Give just the pot or fill it with some goodies. These are also nice painted to a Theme...such as Halloween...and then filled with candy corn or ____ for a center piece.

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Make Scarves: This is a craft that requires only the fleece fabric & a good pair of scissors! The pictures are not mine but shows you exactly what I'm talking about.Our students made warm scarves by buying lengths of micro-fleece and simply cutting them into strips. The end was then cut into fringe. The fleece does NOT unravel so does not need any sewing.

 

It is available in unlimited colors and prints. All you need is approximately 8 to 10 inches wide by 3-5 feet in length (shorter or longer depending upon your preference). You can knot fringe pieces together, two by two, so that all of the fringes are knotted. If desired, slide beads (as in photo) onto the fringe and tie another knot, for added embellishment. (No name submitted)

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DECOUPAGE COOKIE PLATES...The sample image made by KidActivities.net uses winter 'Holiday' wrapping paper--however, the drawing or gift wrap used can be geared to any time of the year! It would be wonderful gift for Mother's Day, Easter, Valentines Day, or Thanksgiving!

You need:
Clear glass plates, plain white paper, pencil, scissors, crayons or markers, Modge Podge

1. Trace around a plate. Cut out the circle.
2. Make a colorful drawing on the paper circle.
3. Brush Mod Podge onto the back of the plate.
4. Press the picture onto the back of the plate.
5. Press out any wrinkles.
6. Let the plate dry. Apply another coat of Modge Podge if desired.

If you're an adult and making on this for a gift-fill this plate with cookies you have made! Cover with colored cellophane and ribbon.

NOTE: Krylon spray was also used on the back of the plate for added protection. If you do this, allow time for any chemical odor to diffuse.

 

NAPKIN DECORATED TILES...

Good for ANY season or ANY holiday!

Materials:
Approx. 6"x6" tiles
Holiday paper napkins
Modge Podge (A water-based glue, finish and sealer)
Brush
Felt (Peel-off sticky back felt was used on sample)
Krylon type fixative finish (optional)

1. Brush modge podge generously on the tile. (The cocktail napkins and the tiles were the exact size as each other; no trimming was necessary)
2. Gently lay/apply the napkin over the tile. When napkin adheres to tile--carefully apply one or two more coats over the napkin covered tile.
To ensure longevity, Krylon spray was used over each tile.
3. Cut felt piece to fit. If 'peel off' is used--just peel and place on bottom of tile. If regular felt used--glue to bottom.
These can now be used as a decoration or coaster. (I tested the 'completed tile' by placing a hot cup of tea on it. There was no change in the finish) Image by KidActivities.net

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 Be sure to check out  Gift Wrapping Ideas ---it could be another fun activity and extend the gift making project!

Back to top of page

Other pages in this Category of Crafts that are great for Gifts are:

• Children's Crafts that Smell Good! (Sachets, Salts, Scrubs, etc.)
• Gifts from a Child's Heart
• Food Based Gifts
• Creative Ways to Wrap Gifts
• Bookmarks
• Easy Candy

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Click here for pg. 2

CREATIVE means... Original, resourceful, imaginative, inspired, artistic, inventive, ingenious, innovative, productive, having vision, freshness, novel, unique.... Do you have any ideas that suit the word "creative"? 

If there is something you've done or do--that is a bit different or fun-- would you share with us? Send it via the 'contact page'. All contact information will be held in confidence and not shared. You will be given full credit for any and all ideas!

Below are some activities from about the site--to get you going...

Thank-you.
Barb Shelby

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OPEN YOUR PROGRAM TO NEW EATING EXPERIENCES!

Choose 1 day a month to try a different type of food. Go through cookbooks with the kids and put together a shopping list of international foods aisle items.... Or, go to the produce department to find fruits and vegetables from other countries to try.
You also can go through the newspaper’s local restaurant review section with your kids and choose an ethnic restaurant where you can pick up specialties to try...

As the children try the new food, talk about how they are the same or different from what they usually eat. What are the different tastes? What are the different ingredients?

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PLAN A HEALTHY HEART DAY! (Read this, it's fun!)

Celebrate a “healthy” heart with fun, aerobic activities that get children up and moving. You may want to set up several skill stations; this is an idea adapted from Celebration Games: Physical Activities for Every Month (2006 Human Kinetics).

STATIONS CAN INCLUDE:

• Step Aerobics Station:  Set up four or five step aerobic steppers and music.
• Healthy Heart Station: Demonstrate several aerobic exercises and have children perform three aerobic exercises of their choice at this station (ie. jumping jacks, jumping rope, jogging in place)
• Cholesterol Game:  Pictures of both high and low cholesterol foods are taped down. Children throw beanbags underhand from a throw line at low cholesterol foods.
• Blood Pressure: Make a sign that says “normal blood pressure 120/80” and tape down pictures of things that can raise blood pressure such as smoking, unhealthy foods, lack of exercise and stress. Children THROW BEANBAGS UNDERHAND from a throw line at the things that will raise blood pressure. (You can put point values on targets and total points)
• A healthy, yummy snack table at culmination of activity.

Divide the children into groups and disperse them evenly among the stations. Place them in a numerical order and have them keep this order for all stations. Set the number of tries for each turn and announce when it is time to rotate to the next station. Leave ample space between stations and advise children not to stand in the throwing areas. Adapted and expanded upon from: School-age Note of the Day- 2/5/07 schoolagenotes.com     

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HEART BEATS...

Can you find or borrow one or two good quality stethoscopes?
Show children how to use the stethoscopes to listen to their heart beat. Show them how to tap out the rhythm of their heart: lub-dub-lub-dub.

If young---Ask children if they can think of any way to change how fast their hearts are beating.
For all kids---Have them jog in place for several minutes, then have them recheck the rhythm beats of their hearts.

Extended Activity:
Are any of your parents or friends a nurse or doctor? Ask him/her to visit your group and bring in a stethoscope. Have the visitor talk to the kids about keeping their hearts strong and healthy. (With exercise, good food and sleep!)

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START A BOOK" of RECORDS~ Your own Guinness Book of Records!!!
This one is a winner! Keep your own SAC book of records and have the kids try to set records for things such as:

• Most jumping jacks

• Jumps in jump roping

• Running laps in gym

• Running laps outside

• Most crafts made for the month or year

• Longest handstand

• Most books read, puzzles completed, etc.

• Anything else that you can think of.

Example for "Book of Records"...
ALL IN ONE! Group Activity: Stand in a circle holding hands. One person is in the middle. That person in the middle calls in some one--one at a time. The goal is to see how many people you can fit in the middle---without breaking hands. Use this yearly to see if each new year can beat previous years!

• When kids seem to be tired of this activity give them a new record to break and a fun reward if they set a new record!
• Be sure to make this a yearly ongoing event---NEW records can be set each year!!! 
• TIP: Remember--with something like this--CONSISTENCY is the key!

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TWO BEGINNING OF THE YEAR IDEAS! Creative Fun from the 'Back to School' Category'!!!

#1 BUILDING NEW FRIENDSHIPS Bulletin Board

I do an opening week activity that also takes care of a bulletin board for the first month or so. I cut several block shapes (like cement blocks) out of brightly colored paper. On each, I write a declarative statement.

     • I love broccoli. I have broken a bone. I went ice-skating this summer. I have been in another country. I have met someone famous. Be creative with your statements!

Sometime during the first few days, I pass them around and students sign all blocks that apply to them. I sign them also, then circulate them through the rest of the teaching staff, the administrators, the cafeteria workers, custodians, crossing guards, playground aides, etc. It usually takes  about a week to get them all back.

I then "build" a wall with them on a bulletin board under a banner I made on the computer that says "Building New Friendships."

Whenever visitors come into our classroom, I ask them to sign the appropriate blocks, also. This is really a conversation starter and helps the kids find common areas of interest with people they might not have thought of otherwise. Idea of Tami Knight on 'Classroom Displays and Bulletin Boards' by Barbara Colvin

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#2 GREAT IDEA! BACK TO SCHOOL MEMORY GAME AND PUZZLES

1. On one of the first days of school-- take each child's picture.
2. Make double prints and laminate each photograph.
3. Make a Memory Game out of the pictures of the kids. (The children would play the game of Memory just like the regular game)

After a few weeks, save one copy of photos for your program 'Memory Book' or if this is for a classroom--give to parents!
Cut the other set of photographs and make a personal puzzle for each child. Submitted by Ilene/California

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WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THE RECYCLED MATERIAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS THE CHILDREN MAKE? There are MORE than 23 instruments that you can make in the Homemade Musical Instruments Category.  

DON'T JUST MAKE an instrument from recycled items. Take it further; how about starting a program Green Band?

• Invite children to join the MUSICAL GROUP playing/singing/making noise!
  OR...

HAVE A MARCHING BAND & PERFORM!!!
Practice, practice, practice….......Too noisy--practice outside!!! 
Then put on a show for a school assembly, a few of the classrooms and/or a Parents’ Night! You can also take the group "on the road" and entertain an assisted living facility or other community groups.

• Directions for making instruments and considerations in putting a band-group together are in the Homemade Musical Instruments Category.

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Celebrate an annual SAY SOMETHING NICE DAY! (All Ages)

On “Say Something Nice Day’ notice something you like about a person and tell them. Declare a day in your program that this is Say Something Nice Day. Each participant promises to approach one person that day and finish the sentence:
“One of the things I like about you is ________________.”
When you are back together at the end of the day, share your experiences.

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CREATE A SUPER HERO!

The city of Metropolis, Ill., honors its most-famous resident, Superman, from June 12-15. The Superman character has been a part of pop culture for more than 60 years. Talk with the children in your program about Superman and other super heros. (This can be any time of the year! It doesn't have to be in June.)

For a fun activity, have the children in your program come up with a superhero they can be.

• What superpower or powers will they have?
• How will they design their costumes?
• What will be their superhero name?
• Why are they fun to read about and watch?
• How are they different from us?
• Depending on the age of the children in your program, you can have the children write paragraphs about their creation, draw pictures, create comic strips or a combination.
• For more fun, BE PREPARED TO SHARE with the children the superhero you've created for YOURSELF!  Source: school-age-note-of-the-day June 11, 2008

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CELEBRATE DIVERSITY WITH AN ECLECTIC FOOD FEAST!

Help youth in your program appreciate diversity. Celebrate with an eclectic dinner featuring cuisine from different countries or geographical regions. Serve Puerto Rican rice-and-beans, Boston clam chowder, a Chinese stir-fry, and peach pie ...The variations on this theme are endless, and the dinner doesn't need to be time-consuming.

You can achieve almost the same effect by stopping for TAKEOUT from Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, and your local pizza parlor (Italian or Greek).

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A very large program in Montclair, N.J. (38 staff and 225 childen attending daily) offers a PAJAMA CLUB!

• On Friday nights, staff members operate a pajama club for all students and their siblings-- 3 years of age and older. The pajama club offers parents a night out from 7:00 pm–10:00 pm -- twice a month for a charge of $12 per child, paid in advance.
• Children are encouraged to come dressed in their pajamas for stories, art, and music.
• Every month, the club “travels” to a different country and explores it together.
• Local restaurants have begun to offer discounts for families whose children participate in the club.

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HAVE THE CHILDREN IN YOUR PROGRAM MET FLAT STANLEY?

 By participating in a Flat Stanley project, children can enhance their literacy skills, make new friends and learn more about the world. This project, inspired by Jeff Brown's book Flat Stanley, involves children creating their own paper Flat Stanleys to be sent on a journey.

Children can take their new paper friend to their home, to the homes of friends and relatives and to local points of interest. Children can then write about the travels and experiences of their Flat Stanley in a journal.

The program can be extended by swapping Flat Stanleys with another program or having children mail their Flat Stanley and journal to visit a friend or relative in another city/state for a few days. Flat Stanley should be accompanied by a letter introducing the project. (You can also now connect digitally with a Flat Stanley App)

You can learn more about the Flat Stanley project and find a Flat Stanley template on The Official Flat Stanley Project website  

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The following are three ideas by Christine Holtz - winner of the 2008 AfterSchoolPRO Quest for Excellence Award. Christine has worked in afterschool for more than 16 years and is a School Age Program Assistant - Target Level at Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix, AZ.

#1 PROJECT- BUILD A DOLL HOUSE WOODWORKING PROJECT...
The children made BLUE-PRINTS ALLTHE WAY DOWN TO THE LANDSCAPING, and determining the kind and amount of materials needed. This required the children to come together to problem solve, debate, and compromise on different aspects of the plan. Then the construction phase started.
Children learned quickly that they needed to measure and calculate in order for their home to be accurate. Through this one project alone, children learned logical sequence, valuable communication skills, math, and teamwork.

#2 JOB CENTER

• Here children apply for PROGRAM JOBS such as tour guides: Kids assist in orientation of incoming families.
• Zoo Keeper: Children maintain program pets.
• Community Leader: Children make calls to set up community projects and office assistant... 
• These are only a few. After  children apply, the oldest interview applicants and fill the positions.
  This is a great ongoing activity demonstrating REAL LIFE SKILLS they will soon encounter as young adults joining the workforce.

#3 Another innovative idea developed due to the extreme summer heat in Arizona and the limitation of the children to enjoy the great outdoors. This was no challenge to Christine. She brought the outside in with an overnight camping area in the Drama Center. The children’s imaginations soared when tents went up, sleeping bags went down, and a paper fireplace was created. Their imagination led to surrounding the camp with rocks and caves and a fishing hole.

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CAN YOU ADAPT ANY OF THIS IN YOUR PROGRAM?
We are an after-school program in a museum, so we probably differ from many programs, but we do offer a number of special programming activities, including having the kids share and display their own collections in the museum (Pokemon cards, rocks, dolls, t-shirts, etc...)

It's a GREAT WAY for kids to understand the importance of capturing part of the legacy of their childhood and learning why museums collect and preserve objects.

We also have Sleep Overs in the museum based on  thematic subjects such as dinosaurs, whales, mammals, Adirondack mountains, immigration, Women's history, etc... We run educational activities for kids and their chaperons until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. (Art & crafts, museum education programs with lots of objects & artifacts to examine & explore, free time in the museum and usually a music or story telling program to close the evening.) Then campers bed down in the exhibit gallery and when they awake, we provide breakfast and a scavenger hunt through the museum before they go home at 9:00 a.m.

Our kids often make their own MINI MOVIES about particular exhibits. We are a natural history museum that also features the social history of NY State. Kids often don't see the relevance of history to their lives, so we charge the kids with making a movie about a particular period, as evidenced in a museum exhibit. Examples might include: Harlem in the 1920's, Ellis Island, Native Peoples of NY State, whales or other animal-related exhibits, etc. The kids have to conduct some research to gain background knowledge before writing scripts, creating story boards, assembling costumes, rehearsing and practicing camera work, etc. They suddenly become "experts" on a particular subject and often ask to interview curators, scientists, historians or other experts so that they can "get it right" for their films! (Stephanie Miller, Director of Youth Services, New York State Museum)

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DO YOU INCLUDE CLUBS IN YOUR PROGRAM? Take any 'Kid Activities' Theme-and turn it into a club!
Why Should You?

• Community spirit grows as mixed-ages interact

• Children interact with those they may not know

• Social skills & creativity are nurtured

• Older help the younger

• Younger learn from the older

• New skills are learned; learning is integrated

 • Mixed-ages are supported

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STAR FISH CLUB "LEARNING EXPERIENCE, INCENTIVES AND MORE"!!!  (From Tasha Palmer, California)

 I called this the STAR FISH CLUB; my theme for the year was Oceans of Fun! Basically,  I  created a poster with 84 questions the children needed to answer/research/do.The students could answer as many as they wanted to. None of the questions were theme based--but random. I used some of the questions from the website, but I also incorporated character education and various languages, math skills, etc. - Knowing how many of my students struggled with telling time or multiplication (from the previous year) I included that topic as well.

 I would create worksheets and put on the board "Question 17---See Ms. Tasha for a worksheet on telling time." ... I had grade level sheets so I could make it harder for my upper grades than lower grades. During homework time if a child had no homework or finished their homework, they would have time to work on the questions.

Students were entered into the HALL OF FAME for answering one question. There were special prizes for MEETING MILESTONES such as 24 or 48 questions. At the end of the school year, I had a SPECIAL DINNER for the families of those students who completed the awards.

Throughout the year, I would have SPECIAL DAYS for "Hall of Famers" as an added incentive and to keep the kids motivated. It was so much fun!

The kids really got into it and so did their parents. My students learned so much and really enhanced some of the skills. Their teachers were excited and willingly stayed after school to help research some of it.
...what was even better was the kids didn't see it as more homework but as FUN! From Tasha Palmer in California I adapted this idea from a school teacher in Oregon. (See website: www2.redmond.k12.or.us/mccall/renz/masteryclub.htm)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON STAR FISH CLUB QUESTIONS:

    • As for tracking the answers the children gave-I created a system in which the students wrote their answer on a sheet of lined paper to include their full name and what number they are answering.

    • I wouldn't accept any papers without this information.

    • I also had a box next to the board that the students submitted their work. Each morning I would go through the questions, check them, write comments, and on a star chart next to the child's name (which they can't get their name on the chart until they answered the first question) I would write what number they have completed. They were then able to always see which ones they have completed and also how many they have completed.

    • I would then have one of my students pass they answers back in the PM with my comments.

    • The box was left out during the day so at anytime the students could turn them in. They knew I would not be returning them until the next day. It really only took about 10 minutes in the morning as not all of the students were doing it. I did this with 125 students ages 1st - 5th grade.

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CLAYMATION MOVIES My name is Erika Thiel, I am the 4-H Program Coordinator in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Over the past four years I have been able to offer an Art & Technology program where we make claymation movies and also do image manipulation – the list goes on and on.

At any rate, I utilize Image blender and Video Blender programs from Tech4Learning (ages range from K-12). Tech4Learning provides the software and site licenses for multiple computers AND lesson plans; the software doesn’t come free but I feel it has paid for itself with the amount of resources they provide. In addition, the lesson plans address National Education standards. For more information click here. 

 

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 DOES YOUR PROGRAM HAVE A SWAT TEAM? SWAT stands for students who assist teachers.

SWAT members help students, staff, and parents before and after school and during special events. Students receive training in matters such as courteous greetings, assisting others, and maintaining a safe environment. One school (Deer Park Elementary in Texas) believes this is instrumental in helping promote an atmosphere that is orderly and friendly in their school. This is different than the school safety team. SWAT is something your program could provide and then have members offer their services for school functions.

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CHECK OUT THE ACTIVITIES OF ONE JR. HIGH AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM!

WILSON JR. HIGH AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Council Bluffs Community School District

CLUBS:
 
1. A BLAST FROM THE PAST!
Students work with peers in small groups to create web pages, display boards, performances, and compositions related to historical events/people. Teams of students present their project at a local competition and have the opportunity to go on to regional and national competitions. They also explore careers related to the area of history. Research, literacy, team work, problem solving are skills that are honed in this club.
 

2. SOLAR CAR...
Teams of students create model solar cars, culminating in a race in May. The program focuses on math, science and technology. Grand prize winners receive a trophy, gift certificate to "Discover" and are featured in a local newspaper story.
 

3. WEB CLUB...
Students receive training in website development, digital design, digital photography, interviewing skills and writing. Students create a CD and their own personal web site, and they interview information technology professionals in the community.
 

4. OUTDOOR ADVENTURE...
Students meet once per week and also on two Saturdays to focus on environmental issues and how they relate to students' lives. Students hike, climb ropes, learns how to survive in the wild, and explore careers related to the environment, sports and physical education. Literacy, team work, health sciences, environmental sciences are all skills acquired in the club.
 

5. REEL TO REEL...
Students work in teams to create digital video documentaries. They learn how to create a story board and interview people, use a digital camcorder and create a CD. They tour TV stations and have speakers come in a talk about careers in communication and technology fields.
 

6. EVENING PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
PIZZA AND PAGES...
Parents and students attend weekly evening sessions to discuss selected books. Dinner and baby sitting are provided. Participants keep the books at the end of the program

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TRANSITION BOARD: Have a ______(Blank) of the Day--Each and Every Day!

 

It's fun to have a daily program or classroom feature where there is a "_______ (blank) of the Day! "
This could be a doodle, riddle, trick question, joke, definition of a word or quote.

Brains crave variety and incorporating activities such as this, will certainly go towards some cognitive variety!

Each month or week, change out "What the _____of the Day" will be!  As written above, it could be the puzzle, a word definition, riddle, trick question, or quote. Great for all school ages to high school! Just put the _______on a black board or white board near the room entrance. By the end of the day---discuss guesses and answers.

....if you're taking the time to look at the sample board to the left--the answers are: Period in History, Reading between the lines, Long underwear, Eggs over easy, I understand, Down town, Paradise or Pair of dice!

It's fun to see how many more ideas of your own that you and the kids can come up with! Board by BShelby-KidActivities

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GUESS THE PERSON, ANIMAL OR THING! (This could be  a version of "Have a  ______ of the Day!"

1. Using a picture of an animal, children's character or personality, cover the entire picture with puzzle pieces to hide identifying features.
 
2. Take one piece off at a time; children guess who/what is underneath.

3. This can be done as a group game, individual or team play. It could also be set up in a special daily spot--with guesses being made as removed pieces reveal who/what it is!

4. Depending on how you play this-points can be added or subtracted. The most points of course going to the individual or team who correctly guesses with the least amount of puzzle pieces removed!

Be sure to check out the Transition/Sponge activities and games...More than 75 ideas!!! Don't make kids sit/stand and wait. Have fun whenever you  have some "down time"...

See page 2 for more ideas!

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Click here for pg. 1

 

 This is a fun 'Community" idea for the month of April!

'EARTH DAY' GROCERIES PROJECT
Four Simple Steps

 

1. Borrow. Contact a local grocery store that uses large paper grocery bags. See if the manager will let you "borrow" enough bags so that each student in your school can decorate one. Let the manager know about the project and its environmental education message, of course! Grocers usually get these bags in "bundles" of 500.
 
2. Decorate. Have students at school decorate the bags with pictures of the earth, environmental messages, the name of your school, etc. Be creative! DO NOT allow students to write their last names on any bags.
 
3. Deliver. A couple of days before Earth Day you and/or your students return the decorated bags to the grocery store - with many thanks to the manager! The store then distributes these bags (full of groceries) to happy and amazed shoppers on Earth Day.
 
4. Report. Fill out the Report Form on the project web site with a count of how many bags your school made. Please, only one report per school. All reports will be posted on the Earth Day Groceries site

You do not need to sign up or register, just have a great time with the project! For more information, check the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on the above website link.

Another Idea: If you can't use paper bags, you can have students decorate individual fliers, or even bookmarks, which can be handed out to shoppers or inserted in their shopping bags. These will be counted in the project tally, so do send in your report!
This is a great idea, even if you do it on your own!

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SURVIVOR READER! (Good Idea for Reading Club or Book Club!)
Who are the ultimate readers in your class/program? And what are they willing to do to prove it? Will they eat fried worms (gummy candy) ala How to Eat Fried Worms (Thomas Rockwell)? Can they climb a beanstalk (rope ladder) like Jack? Will they drink Freckle Juice (Judy Blume)?

Search titles to create a challenge to tax even your boldest readers.
You can also create a booklist of "survivor" titles such as Hatchet (Gary Paulsen), A Girl Named Disaster (Nancy Farmer), My Side of the Mountain (Jean Craighead George) along with a competition to see who survives reading all the survivor books. Adapted from: nea.org

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NAME FUN...Good for about grade 3 to adult--some younger children 'may' enjoy a couple!

WHAT WOULD YOUR NAME BE IF YOU USED...

(Examples shown...)

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: First pet & current family car (Pixie PT Cruiser)

2. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: Favorite color & favorite animal (Red Chimpanze) 

3. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: Middle name, city where you were born
(Jean Detroit)

4. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: the first 3 letters of your last name and first 2 letters of your first name
(She Ba)

5. SUPERHERO NAME: 'The' plus 2nd favorite color and  favorite drink
(The Brown Sweet Tea)

6. NASCAR NAME: The first names of your grandfathers
(Joseph Anthony)

7. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: Your 5th grade teacher's last name, a major city that starts with the same letter
(Celestine Chicago)

8. SPY NAME: your favorite season/holiday and flower
(Autumn Daisy)

9. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit plus article of clothing you're wearing right now and add 'ie' or 'y'
(Watermellon Soxy)

10. HIPPY NAME: What you ate for breakfast plus your favorite tree
(Muffin Red Maple)

11. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: 'The' and Your favorite hobby/craft and favorite weather element plus the word 'Tour'
(The Designing Blue Sky Tour)

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Have a PURPLE PEOPLE EATER Theme...

A fun theme to celebrate with kids! Be sure to visit it for art, crafts, and literacy ideas. Good for Classrooms, after school and childcare programs...Also would make a fun family event!

Additionally, check out all the themes featured in left side category list of this site...

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EACH MONTH-CELEBRATE 'BONZA BOTTLER DAY'!

What is it??? It's a day just to have a reason to celebrate. We all need a day to just be silly and have fun--so celebrate!!! 
This happens each month when the day and date are the same number!
Example: January 1, February 2, March 3, April 4, May 5, etc.

Bonza Bottler Day is a favorite with many school classrooms and programs because it provides a break in routine for the students and teachers. It has been celebrated since August 8 (8-8) 1985!

When the number of the year also coincides with the number of the day and month (October 10, 2010, there is reason to have a bigger celebration (more food, more friends and more decorations).This is called a 'Bodacious Bonza Bottler Day'. As the official website  states, "Bodacious means extraordinary, impressively great in size, or enormous" Consider making this a monthly event the kids can look forward to!

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This is Page 2... Back to Page 1 for Creative SchoolAge Care Program (OST) Ideas

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