Page 1 Updated March 2013

ART...

 

JELLY BEAN PAINTING

Materials: Jellybeans, paint, paper, tape, a box
 
Directions: Place a piece of paper in a box. Take the tape and roll a piece over on itself; place it on the back of the paper to keep the paper secure in the box...

Add small amounts of paint in each corner. Place a few jellybeans in the box and have the children move the box so that the jellybeans will roll through the paint and create an abstract design "work of art..." 
___________________
 
GLOSSY EGG DECORATIONS

Trace an 'Egg pattern template' onto white construction paper; have children cut them out. In four separate bowls divide a can of condensed milk; add a few drops of food coloring in each bowl--One color per bowl. Paint the eggs with the condensed milk paint. Let them dry.

When art is dry the eggs will have a glossy appearance. Use the eggs to decorate the room.
__________________

 
AN 'AFTER-EASTER' EGG SHELL COLLAGE...

Ask all you know to save the dyed shells from the Easter eggs! When Easter is over, you'll have the most important material for this project!

Need: Egg shells, Glue, paper, and water-color paint.
Glue shells onto a piece of paper. When the glue dries, paint over it with water colors...
________________
 
MAKE WRAPPING PAPER and More...

PAPER #1
Place Easter shaped cookie cutters in paint.
Cover a blank piece of paper with the cookie cutter shapes.
Is is it an art project or wrapping paper? Your choice!

Paper #2

Mix a variety of food coloring with water in a spray bottles.
With the variety of colors, Spray water on a large sheet of paper.

There are several ways the dried paper can be used.
   • Wrapping paper
   • Trace egg shaped templates to make decorations or cards.
   •  Background on an Easter or Spring time display board.

_________________
 
FOOTPRINT EASTER CARD

Make a print of each child's foot using yellow paint. With an orange marker, add an orange beak where the BALL OF THE FOOT is... Add brown stick feet where the toes are . Glue onto a piece of folded 8 1/2 x 11 paper or construction paper. Write "Happy Easter" on the front--with a message or poem on the inside.
________________

 

 PAINTING WITH "PEEPS"...

1. Cut out large "chick shapes" from white paper. Put tempera paint (white, yellow, orange, black) in containers and then use REAL candy "Peeps" to apply the paint---in a sponge like effect.

2. The head makes a good grip for the bottom when the chick's bottom is dipped in paint...

3. Extra fun! Have "Peeps" as a treat too! If you're concerned about younger children taking a bite during the painting, you can use vanilla pudding with food coloring to paint!
______________________
 
TWO PROJECTS IN ONE!
COLOR AN EASTER EGG AND MAKE WINDOW ART

  • Put a sheet of wax paper in the bottom of a good size box. Add a few spoonfuls of various colors of paint (child's choice of color) 
  • Place hard-boiled egg(s) in box and roll--the same way as in marble painting. It's a fun way to color eggs... and...
the paint results on the wax paper look like a stained glass picture! You can frame the wax paper in construction paper and hang it in a window.
_______________________
 
CRACKED EGG SHELL EASTER CARD 
    • Colored pieces of egg shells 
    • Pink Construction paper  
    • White cardstock or construction paper 
    • Glue 
    • Pencil 
    • Scissors 
    • Markers, crayons, and colored pencils

1. Draw the shape of an egg on the colored construction paper.
2. Put a coating of glue on the construction paper egg.
3. Glue pieces of crushed egg shells on the paper, keeping the colored side up and let it dry.
4. Take the construction paper and cut a piece of it twice the width of the egg and slightly taller than the egg.
5. Fold up the paper in half and paste the mosaic egg on front of it.
Write an Easter message on the card.
___________________
 

FACE PAINTING... PAINT A BUNNY FACE

  • Children love to have their faces painted. 
  • Here's an easy way to turn children into Peter Cottontail's helper: Draw an upside-down triangle on the child's nose with the brush from brown or black liquid eyeliner or face-paint.  Fill in completely. Rub a circle of rouge on each cheek. Paint three whiskers with the eyeliner or paint on each side of the face, starting from the nose and extending across the cheek. 
  • Allow to dry. 
  • This bunny face comes off in a flash using makeup remover pads or soap and water.
____________________

'TIE DYE' EASTER EGGS
Materials: Paint or Washable Markers, Coffee Filters, Spray Bottles

1. Cut coffee filters in the shape of Easter eggs and give each child a spray bottle with different colors of water in them.
2. Have the children spray the coffee filter until it's completely soaked. Dry...
3. You can also have children decorate egg shaped filters with markers and spray with regular water.
______________________

THUMB PRINT EASTER BASKETS
Materials: Picture of an Easter Basket, Paint, and children's thumbs.

Draw or down-load a simple picture of an empty Easter basket. Put a variety of paints in shallow dishes and let the kids dip there thumbs and make Easter eggs in the basket!
_____________________

CRAFTS...

BUNNY IN THE GRASS POT
Items Needed:
Grass seed, potting soil, pot or cup, wide craft stick, white paint, markers, pink felt, misc. craft items such as fishing line (whiskers) pipe cleaners, pom poms, press on eyes, or googly eyes.

1. Have children place the potting soil in the pot, and sprinkle with grass seed.
2. Place a little more soil to cover; water the soil.
3. Next have the children paint their craft sticks white; when they are dry, decorate them like bunnies. Cut the felt into ears, put on eyes, nose, and whiskers.
4. Insert the stick into the grass pot and place it in a sunny window.
5. In a few days your bunny will be sitting in the grass.

SECRET MESSAGE EASTER EGGS-A surprise Easter Gift!

    • Secret Message Easter Eggs are easy, different and lots of fun for children and adults alike. Start with one blown egg (CLICK HERE - (directions are towards the bottom of the page) to learn how. After having a clean, blown-out egg, brush with a thin coating of craft glue. Sprinkle with clear, silver, gold or colored glitter and allow the egg to dry.

    • Cut out a 2-inch-by-2-inch square of airmail or tracing paper. Write a small fortune, note, poem or promise to perform a certain task or chore on the paper and roll up tightly. Slip into the larger hole at the bottom of the egg. Cover the hole with a sparkly sequin, sticker or bead. The recipient cracks the egg to discover the message.

   • Can't bear to crack your creation? When you insert the message, leave a little bit of it exposed so it can be pulled out without destroying the egg.

EASTER EGG SUN CATCHERS
Materials:
Clear contact paper
Pastel-colored tissue paper
Scissors
1. Cut out two small, rectangular pieces of contact paper.
2. Have children tear the tissue paper into small bits.
3. Peel off the backing of one of the pieces of contact paper. Have children stick pieces of tissue paper to it.
4. When it is filled, cover it with the second piece of contact paper.
5. Smooth it out, and then cut it into the shape of an egg. (Make a template pattern of an egg to trace) Hang them in the window...

You can make sun catchers to fit any theme you like: Hearts for Valentine's Day, flowers for spring, etc.
___________________

 
RABBIT BAG
Need: White paper bag, tape, ribbon, wiggle eyes, and a pom pom
Directions: 
    • Take a paper bag (Preferably white). 
    • Tape the bag closed-- about one third of the way up. 
    • To make bunny ears, cut a slit down the middle of the bag to where you have it taped. 
    • Round the corners of the ears and poke 2 holes near the top of EACH ear. These are to put ribbon through to make the "inner ear". 
    • Decorate with 2 large pom poms for the cheeks and one for the nose. Use 2 large wiggle eyes. Use string or ribbon for the whiskers.
_________________

 

BUNNY OR CHICK JARS Try this craft from Making Friends  It can be adaptd to just about any animal or holday theme!

1. Remove the label from a clean baby food jar.  Fill the jar with pompoms to match your animal's face. Put the lid on and turn it upside down.
2. Glue on wiggle eyes.
3. Cut ears (or beak) out of foam and glue in place.
4. Add pompoms if desired.
5. For whiskers, cut pieces of craft lace and glue one end under pompom nose.
6. Cut a strip of craft foam 1/4" wide and glue around edge of lid. Original idea from Lisa  Anniston, Alabama

 
RABBIT MASK
Materials:
Paper plate,
Pink or black paper(a small quantity for the nose and ears)
Cardboard
Cotton balls

1. To make the ears, cut out oval shapes from the cardboard. 
2. Next, cut out the nose from the colored paper. You can also cut triangles of pink paper to make the inside of the bunny's ear.
3. Cut two holes in the paper plate for eyes.
4. Paste on the ears,(you can put straws behind the ears to make them stay upright) eyes and nose.
5. Cover the face with glue cotton balls--to make the bunny look soft.
Bunny mask is now complete!
___________________

RABBIT EARS
Materials: Constructions paper and straws 
    • Make rabbit-ear template shapes.
    • Have the children trace and cut them out of construction paper...(if children are young, pre-cut for them) 
    • Glue them to a paper head band. 
    • Add straws to the back of the ears so they will stay upright.
______________________

 
'LUNCH BAG' BIRD NEST

1. Take a small brown lunch sack and roll it from the top all the way down to make a perfect birds nest.
2. Have children collect twigs, grass, etc. from the outside and put in their nests. OR...
3. You can put in Easter grass and jelly beans with a pipe cleaner handle to use it as a small Easter basket.
_______________________

MINI EASTER BASKETS
Materials:
Margarine container
Hole punch
Pipe cleaners
Glue
Fabric, and ribbon (Other decorations as desired)
Easter grass and goodies

Directions: Wash and dry a margarine container.
1. Punch a hole on both sides of container - near the top.
2. Wrap 2 pipe cleaners around each other and insert each end into a hole and twist the ends together for the handle.
3. Decorate the "basket" as desired.
4. Glue fabric, tissue paper, or wrapping paper and ribbon to outside of container.
5. Decorate the handle with ribbon and a bow. Add some Easter grass and fill the basket with treats!
____________________

 
BERRY CONTAINER BASKET

  • Make a Easter basket from a plastic BERRY container...Weave pretty colored ribbon or yarn through the open spaces around the container and glue the ends together. 
  • Use pipe cleaners or heavy cardboard for the handles. 
  • Have the children put an egg that they colored themselves into the basket--along with some Easter grass and jelly beans.
______________________

BABY FOOD JAR BUNNY  (Different than above)

You'll Need: Baby food jar, glue, cotton balls, Wiggly Eyes, one big pom-pom, one small pom-pom, white or pink pipe cleaner,
Acrylic paint - white or pink

  1. Paint the jar lid with acrylic paint and let it dry while you make the rest of the bunny.
  2. Cover the baby food jar with cotton balls.
  3. On the cotton-ball covered jar-attach the eyes, small pom pom for the nose and the big one for the tail.
  4. Shape the pipe cleaner into bunny ears and hot glue the ears to the lid.
  5.Place one last piece of cotton in between the ears.
  6. For a small gift or party favor, fill the jar with jelly beans.
______________________

PAPER EASTER BUNNIES
Materials:
1 large white paper plate, 1 small white paper plate, white or pink construction paper, google eyes, 3 pink chenille stems, red or pink marker, 2 or 3 cotton balls, white glue, stapler

1. Staple the plates together, the small one as the head and the larger as the body.
2. Cut two large oval shaped ears from the construction paper.
3. Staple or glue them to the back of the small paper plate. Glue on the eyes and a small pink triangle makes the nose.
4. Cut the chenille stems in half and glue three to either side of the nose for whiskers.
5. Use the marker to draw on a mouth.
6. Attach two or three cotton balls to the back of the bunny to make a tail.
7. The children make want to add a hair bow or bow tie to dress up their bunny!

TIP: chenille stems can be difficult to secure with white glue, you can use a hole punch to insert the whiskers...
__________________

 
COFFEE FILTER EGG
Need: Coffee Filter, Food Coloring, Straws 
    • Cut the coffee filter into an oval, egg shape. 
    • Measure  about 1/4 cup of water into a container. Add a few drops of food coloring at a time into the water until you get the desired color. 
    • Repeat this for as many different colors you want. 
    • Once your colors are mixed, you can use the straw to add colors to your egg shape.

Dip a straw into the desired color. Cover the end of your straw with your finger so the colored water stays in it. Move the straw to your filter and hold it over the area you want colored. Remove your finger from the end of the straw and the colored water will run onto the egg! Repeat this for as many colors as you want to use.
When finished - dry the eggs...
_______________________

 
TWO EASTER HATS

#1 BONNET
You'll need: Poster Board, Tissue paper and other decorative items (buttons, lace, ribbon etc.)
  1. Cut a large circle from the poster board-about 18 inches in diameter.
  2. Cut another hole in the middle of the circle, big enough to fit around
the child's head. It should look like a donut.
  3. Next... Using craft glue or a glue gun, add decorations to the rim of the hat.
  4. Use a hole punch to add the ribbon tie.

#2 PAPER PLATE BONNET
You'll need: Paper plate, ribbon, hole punch, glue, supplies to decorate the hat such as lace, bows, ribbons, beads, costume jewelry, pipe cleaners, feathers, felt, crayons, poster paint
  1. Make two holes in the rim of the plate before decorating. The holes should be opposite one another.
  2. Lace 10" pieces of ribbon into the holes. When tied, these will secure the hat.
  3. Now have fun decorating the hats...
_____________________

EASTER EGG DOLL
Materials :
Blown out egg shell,(Direction Here) Paint, Paper cupcake liners, Wide ribbon, Cardboard tube, Tape or glue, Scissors
Paint the face of the doll in the in the blown out eggshell.
1. Fold the paper muffin cup in half -- to make the Easter bonnet for the doll.
2. Use the ribbon to tie the bonnet properly on the Easter egg face. You can also use glue or tape to attach the ribbon or yarn, to set the bonnet in its right position.
3. To make the body, take about 4 to 5 muffin cups and cut their centers.
4. Take the cardboard tube and use glue to place the cups upside down on it. To make the tiered skirt of the doll, let the muffin cups overlap the last one.
5. Glue the egg doll face on the topside of the cardboard tube to complete the Easter egg doll.

 

_______________
 
EASTER PLACEMATS
Although one can shop for Easter placemats, self-made and personalized placemats can create an ambiance of warmth and hospitality.

Materials : 
• Cardboard/Card-stock paper or construction paper 
• Glue 
• Contact paper 
• Easter cards 
• Photos 
• Pictures

 
1. Take parts of Easter cards, photos or pictures and cut them into different shapes.
2. Using glue, paste the cut out pictures on the cardboard to create a collage.
3. Laminate the collage using contact paper.
4. Write an Easter greeting message to lend a personal touch to the placemat.

You could also make something like the above place mat at First Palette.

_______________

GIANT BALLOON EGG

• Inflate and tie a small balloon for each child. 
• Make a thin glue and water mixture, and have the children "paint" sections of the balloon and then lay squares of tissue paper down flat onto the glue. 
• The tissue should overlap and cover the entire balloon. Let it dry on wax paper, or hang to dry from the knotted end of the balloon over newspaper. 
• When the balloon is completely dry, use scissors to cut a small slit in the balloon neck. The balloon will deflate, leaving a beautiful, hollow tissue paper "egg". 
• For a  gift, these may be filled with lightweight candies, and then sealed with one more square of tissue.
______________

DECORATED EGGS
Need: Legg's eggs, a plastic Easter egg, or small blown up balloon; Masking tape, Glue, Brushes, and Colored tissue paper.

Directions: Put tape around the seam of Legg's eggs or plastic egg.
1. Brush slightly watered-down glue all over the egg.
2. Place different colored tissue paper pieces onto the glue.
3. Have children dip their fingers into some glue to sure all paper edges are down.

__________

EASTER THEMED SNACKS!

CHICKEN EASTER FEED
Make a bowl of Chicken Feed by tossing together crisp, crunchy shoestring potatoes, salted corn nuts, shelled sunflower seeds and pistachios, dried blueberries and unsweetened coconut flakes for a crunchy, nutty treat.
(Leave out whatever you don't like)
___________________

EASTER BASKET CUPCAKES

1. Prepare cupcakes and frost with cream cheese frosting, white or yellow colored frosting.
2. Create green Easter "grass" by placing shredded coconut and a few drops of liquid green food coloring in a re-sealable plastic bag.
3. Mix the food coloring into the coconut until it is evenly distributed and the coconut is green.
4. Sprinkle the coconut over the iced cupcakes.
5. Insert one end of a red licorice whip into the cupcake, then bend and insert the other end of the licorice into the opposite side of the cupcake to form a basket handle.
6. Top cupcake with a few jelly bean "eggs" and they're ready to serve.
___________________________

 

 

ANOTHER CUTE IDEA~ EASTER CHICK CUPCAKES

Make or purchase white frosted cucakes...Place coconut in resealable food-storage plastic bag. Add about 8 drops yellow liquid food color; seal bag and shake to mix. Frost cupcakes with white frosting. Top with yellow coconut. For eyes, add brown baking bits. Cut orange gumdrops to resemble beaks; place on cupcakes. Source: Betty Crocker.com

__________________

PEBBLES CEREAL EASTER NESTS
Makes 12 nests
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups miniature marshmallows
4 cups Post Fruity Pebbles or Trix cereal
Coconut flakes
Assorted candies

   • Microwave butter in large microwavable bowl on high for 30 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Microwave 1-1/2 minutes, stirring after 45 seconds. 
   • Add cereal; toss lightly to coat well. 
   • Press firmly into lightly greased muffin pans to form 12 nest; cool. 
   • Fill nest with coconut (you can tint coconut, if desired) and candies. 
   • Note: lightly spray your hands with no stick cooking spray to prevent cereal mixture from sticking and to make it easy to press the mixture into muffin pans.
__________________

 

TWO EDIBLE BUNNY SALADS
#1 Ingredients:
Pear halves
Raisins
Miniature marshmallows or cottage cheese
Lettuce
Apple slices or Almonds

  • Place a lettuce leaf on a plate. 
  • Put the pear half on lettuce for the body. 
  • Insert raisins for the eyes and nose. 
  • The ears are made from apples slices or almonds;a miniature marshmallow or cottage cheese become the bushy tail.   Source: amazingmoms.com

EASTER BUNNY SALAD #2

Lettuce
Cottage cheese
1 can of pear halves
Celery stick
Raisins
1 Red Grapes

1. Place leaves of lettuce on a salad plate.
2. Use Ice cream scoop and place cottage cheese on top of the lettuce.
3. Use 1 canned pear half and place on top of cottage cheese.
4. Use thin slices of celery for whiskers.
5. Place the raisins where the eyes should be.
6. Use a grape for the nose.
7. Cut the remaining pear in half to create the ears.
_________________

 
EASTER BIRD'S NESTS
1/3c. butterscotch morsels
1c.chow-mein noodles
Candy robin's eggs

1. Melt butterscotch morsels in a medium microwave safe bowl.
2. Add chow-mein noodles to melted morsels and mix.
3. Shape into a circle on wax paper. Use a large spoon  to make indention in center.
4. Let nests harden and then add jelly beans or chocolate eggs.

________

#2 CHOCOLATE BIRD NESTS

Make the above version, but instead of butterscotch chips, use chocolate chips! (Image by KidActivities.net)

 ___________

NEST SNACK IDEA #3 
Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan. Add 1 cup of brown sugar. Boil and stir for one minute. Add a 3 oz. can of chow mein noodles. Put the mixture in 12 paper baking cups in a muffin tin. Use your thumb to press noodles into the nest while still warm. DO NOT BAKE. Give children jelly bean eggs to put in their nests.

 

#4 COCONUT MACAROON NESTS

Ingredients:
 •16 ounces shredded coconut
 •1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
 •2 teaspoons vanilla extract
 •Jelly beans or candy Robin Eggs

Directions:
Mix first three ingredients together. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto generously greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes. Cool coconut macaroons slightly; remove to rack. Once cooled, place candy Robin Eggs or jelly beans on top of coconut 'nests'. This makes about 4 dozen coconut macaroons.

Tip: Parchment paper or a well greased pan works best to put on the cookie tray. Then make very small roughly round balls and place on the tray. Press your thumb in the middle to make the “nest”.  These spread out in the oven, so don’t press too hard or make them too big.

Cooking time is dependent on the size of your “nests”. Bigger nests requite more time in the oven.
Annie at "No Fuss" recommends about that tablespoon size will fit 3  mini egg candies...or one large Cadbury egg.

Watch in the oven with the light on till coconut tips are barely golden.  ♥ This idea and photo is  courtey of No Fuss Fabulous! 

__________________

PEANUT BUTTER RICE-KRISPY BUNNY CAKE
This recipe is from Jif Peanut Butter. The kids will love this for Easter!
Ingredients:
   • 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
   • 2-10oz packages of marshmallows
   • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
   • 10 cups crisp rice cereal
   • Non-stick cooking spray
   • Jelly beans, licorice gum drops, or decorative candy
   • Glaze (optional)
   • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
   • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
   • 2 tablespoons milk
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla
   • 2 1/2 cups sifted powder sugar
   • Makes 16 servings.

1. In large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows. Stir until completely melted and remove from heat.
2. Stir in peanut butter and mix well to incorporate.
3. Add rice crisp cereal and stir until well coated.
4. Press into two 9-inch pans, well coated with cooking spray and allow to cool.
5. Cut ears and bow tie from one cake. This is done by cutting two football shaped ears from the top and bottom of one cake layer, leaving a bow tie-shaped piece in the middle.
6. Position two ears at top of whole round cake and place bow tie under face.
7. Apply optional glaze, if desired. Decorate with jelly beans, marshmallows, licorice, and gum drops or any of your favorite cake decorations.

_______________

 RAW EGG ON TOAST (The egg is a peach half!)

 

Ingredients for one serving...
1 slice poundcake
1/2 peach
Reddi-Whip topping
Directions:
Put slice of pound cake on plate.
Place peach half on top-- round side up.
Add whip cream around peach and serve.
It looks like a raw egg on toast!

_______________

 THE EASTER BUNNY'S CARROT

 This snack only takes two steps:
1. First take  Wilton's Disposable 12 inch Decorating Bags (or something simiar) and fill them with whole wheat gold fish or your favorite orange colored cheese crackers.
2.  Gather the top and tie with green ric-rac, ribbon, or yarn.

These crackers are much more nutritious than jellybeans, but the effect is just as cute! This is idea is great as a gift to take home or to make up ahead and serve then at your program Spring/Easter celebration! Photo and idea is thanks to No Fuss Fabulous!

______________

 

 

PEEP NEST PANCAKES

Make pancakes...

In the center of the pancakes make a nest shape with whipped cream.
Place a marshmallow chicken peep, jelly eggs or melon balls in the middle of the nest.

When these were served, KidActivities poured a little warm syrup on the pancake before putting on the nest of whipped cream. Optional 'sprinkles' were also added. All thought they were not only fun but tasted great! ( Image by KidActivities.net)

___________

Click here for complete Easter Themed Art, Crafts, Snacks, Games, Jokes, Easter Egg Ideas and more...

____________________

  APPLE TURKEYS 

These are fun to make. The tail feathers can be  colored mini-marshmallows, gumdrops or ring cereal. The feet can be whatever you decide--such as gum drops or candy corn.  

Need: apples, large marshmallows, candy corn and colored toothpicks.

1. The apple is the body of the turkey.

2. Add colored mini-marshmallows or gum drops to 5 or 6 toothpicks; stick them in one end of the apple, like a fan.

3. Use a toothpick for the neck. Use a marshmallow for a head. Tiny raisin pieces make the eyes and a candy corn for the beak.

4. Use 3 yellow toothpicks for legs (in a triangular position so your turkey can stand up) (Sample and Photo by KidActivities) 

Personally, I like to eat the spice gum-drops! When you are making food crafts with children, make sure to have a  extra pieces for the kids to munch on!  NOTE: Because of the toothpicks-this 'Turkey' would be better to only use as a decoration with younger children... 

I've also tried this idea using a pear! Be sure the pear is very firm and not ripe. (The pears will ripen and become soft quickly.) I was able to only keep the 'Turkey' on the table about 3 days and then needed to discard it. Pear samples were made with gum-drops and colored mini marshmallows. (Barb)

________________________________________ 

ICE-CREAM CONE CORNUCOPIA
Put little cookies, raisins, nuts, M&M's, and pretzels into an ice cream cone (the ones that are pointed) to make a cornucopia snack. Use icing/frosting to hold them in.

______________________

Four Pumpkin recipes here... but be sure to also visit the PUMPKIN SNACKS AND RECIPES CATEGORY!  Great for Thanksgiving!!!

#1 NO COOK PUMPKIN PIE (Individual servings)

Give each child a cup. Into their cup put a large scoop of canned pumpkin, marshmallow crème, cool whip, and pumpkin pie spices. Children then mix and  spread it on graham crackers and eat. Idea of Dare-to-Disturb

_____________________

#2 NO BAKE PUMPKIN PIE
Individual recipe:
Small custard-sized ready to eat--pie crusts
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
1 tablespoon marshmallow creme
1 tablespoon prepared whipped topping
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together and pour into the crust. The recipe is then ready to eat; it may be refrigerated or frozen.

_________________________ 

#3 PUMPKIN DIP

4 c. powdered sugar
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese
1 can (30 oz.) pumpkin pie filling
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
Combine sugar and softened cream cheese until well blended. Beat in remaining ingredients. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator. This dip is good with gingersnaps

____________________________

#4 FROZEN PUMPKIN DESSERT
1 15 ounce. can pumpkin
1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 

Soften the ice cream. Combine pumpkin and other ingredients. Fold ice-cream with pumpkin mixture.  
Pour into a 9" by 13" pan. Top with chopped nuts. Freeze overnight. This can also be put together weeks ahead. 
Warm at room temperature slightly before serving so pieces will easily cut. Top with whipped cream if desired.

_______

CANDY CORN PUDDING
Ingredients:
1 small box of butterscotch instant pudding
1 small box of banana cream instant pudding
4 cups milk
Red food coloring
Yellow food coloring
1 container of whipped cream
Candy corn

1. Make  butterscotch pudding as directed on the box, using 2 cups of milk.After it's mixed, add 20 drops of red food coloring and 25 drops of yellow food coloring, stir and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Make banana cream pudding as directed, using the last two cups of milk.Add 20 drops of yellow food coloring and refrigerate until ready to use.

Use clear dessert containers OR small clear plastic cups... 

To assemble...
1. Put the yellow pudding at the bottom:
2. Then the orange:
3. And last, the coolwhip

______________

 

This one is also nice September through November! MAKE SOME SUPER EASY AND YUMMY ACORNS!

Ingredients:
Glazed donut holes
Choice of Nutella, chocolate frosting or peanut butter
Chocolate sprinkles, crushed toffee bits, or crushed nuts
Pretzel Sticks broken in halves

1. Dip an end of the Donut Hole into your choice of spread. ( Nutella, etc.) Only dip it half way!
2. Dip the frosted end into your 'sprinkle' choice. This is the top of the acorn.
3. Stick the pretzel stick into the top of the acorn. This is the stem.

Image by Kid Activities. NOTE: These were made by M and B ~7 and 5 years old. TIP: We used two kinds of donuts; a box from the bakery and Entemann's. The bakery donuts were too soft to easily work with. The sample image uses Nutella with a combination of chocolage sprinkles and finely chopped pecans. They tasted even better after being in the refrigerator awhile! (Good the next day too-when covered)

__________

THANKSGIVING SNACK MIX WITH A MESSAGE... This is great to serve as a snack or to tie up prettily in a baggie with raffia and a note explaining the symbolism of the ingredients!

If you're going to put this out in a bowl for children or guests to munch on---write the symbolic ingredients on a card and place it near the treat for all to see!

Ingredients:
2 cups Bugles corn snacks (horn of plenty)
1 cup candy corn (corn that pilgrims ate at the first Thanksgiving)
1 cup dried fruit (a sweet harvest)
2 cups pretzels (arms folded in thanks)
1 cup nuts or sunflower seeds (a bountiful harvest)
Recipe makes 8 servings

__________

 PARTY MIX #1... One easy way to provide Thanksgiving party food for kids (or adults)  is to create a huge bowl full of snack mix. Start with a box or two of your favorite snack cereal Add candy corn, raisins, small marshmallows, small pretzels, chocolate chips and other treats to the mix.

THANKSGIVING  PARTY MIX #2

Ingredients:
1 6-oz bag original flavor Chex Party Mix
2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup candy corn
1/2 cup whole salted almonds
1/2 cup chopped dried apples 
In a large bowl, mix one 6-oz bag original flavor Chex Party Mix, 2 cups Wheat Chex cereal, 1 cup candy corn, 1/2 cup whole salted almonds and 1/2 cup chopped dried apples.

____________

AUTUMN 'PUMPKIN PIE' POPCORN AND RAISIN MIX

1 bag low-fat microwave popcorn
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup California Raisins
1 (5-ounce) package glazed pecans
Butter-flavored non-stick cooking spray
 
1. Microwave popcorn according to package directions and empty into a large bowl. Remove all unpopped kernels.
2. Stir sugar and pumpkin pie spice together in a small bowl.
3. Spray popcorn liberally with cooking spray and toss to coat evenly. Add raisins and pecans.
4. Sprinkle with sugar and spice mixture and toss until popcorn is well coated.
Makes 12 (1-cup) servings.

__________

You may also like the SNACK MIX RECIPES Category...! Lots of ideas there!!!

_______________

POPCORN PUMPKINS (Visit the Popcorn Snacks and Recipes  page for loads of Popcorn snack ideas! Popcorn is always nice in Autumn) 

1. Microwave and melt 1/4 c. margarine/butter and  10 1/2 oz. of mini marshmallows for 1-2 min.

2. Stir in a 4 serving size orange Jell-O; after it is combined, pour it over 3 qts of popped popcorn (12 cups)

3. Grease/butter hands and form the popcorn into pumpkin-shaped balls.

4. Complete pumpkin with a green spearmint for the top stem.

________

'FRIENDSHIP' FRUIT SALAD for a classroom or childcare program... 
Ask each child to bring in a piece of fresh fruit or a can of fruit. Have them chop the fruit with a plastic knife. Mix all together in a big bowl and serve. May top with miniature marshmallows and/or  add some dry vanilla pudding (or cool-whip) and shredded coconut to the fruit to make it special.
The extra cans of fruit left over can be donated to a local food pantry.

_____________________________

 APPETIZER CENTERPIECE

To stabilize the turkey body, slice a piece of melon from the bottom.  Alternate cheese cubes and grapes onto long tooth picks. Put the (feathers) fruit and cheese skewers near the back of the melon. At the sides, insert red and yellow pepper strips. Insert a small pear in the front of the melon for the head. Complete the decorations using read and yellow pepper pieces and additional cheese!

____________

ANOTHER FUN APPETIZER IDEA!  BREAD BOWL and DIP TURKEY

Ingredients: Round loaf of bread--scooped out in one piece or cubes--your choice, favorite bread dip (such as spinach dip), cut up veggies, long tooth picks and skewers

OK get ready for this one! The scooped out bread bowl with the dip in it-- is the body of the turkey. Place the scooped out bread and put it where the turkey's head would go. Next thread veggies on the really long toothpicks or skewers...those are the tail feathers! Improvise with veggie bits for the wattle and eye...If platter is large enough, surround this guy with additional veggie dippers. Love this one!

________________

How cute are these?!

Pilgrims "Reeses Peanut Butter Cup" Hats... Attach hat tops with frosting. Cookie base can be made using ginger snaps,  striped round cookies or small sugar cookies. An orange chicklet is used for the buckel.

 

PILGRIM HATS #2 using Marshmallows 

 24 round chocolate striped cookies, 12 ounce pack of chocolate chips,  24 marshmallows,  Tube yellow frosting (Makes 24)

1. Set the chocolate-striped cookies stripes down on a wax-paper-covered tray, spacing them well apart.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
3. One at a time, stick a wooden toothpick into a marshmallow, dip the marshmallow into the melted chocolate, and promptly center it atop a cookie.
4. Using a second toothpick to lightly hold down the marshmallow, carefully pull out the first toothpick. Chill the hats until the chocolate sets, then pipe a yellow decorators' frosting buckle on the front of each hat.

 ___________________

Turkey Cookies by Pillsbury ... Candy corn feathers are attached using chocolate frosting. The eyes are small baking bits with a dab or dark frosting in the center. Orange tube frosting is squiggled on for the beak and feet! This decorating would also be adorable on top of cupcakes! The candy corn would adhere nicely to the frosting...

_________________________

FUN TURKEY SANDWICH
Use a large turkey shaped cookie cutter to cut out turkey shapes from wheat bread. Spread the whole shape with peanut butter. Use a raisin for and eye, a slice of a red gummy worm for the wattle, and fruit loops for the tail feathers.

______________________

PEANUT BUTTER TURKEY TREATS (A little different than above)
1. Using a large, turkey-shaped cookie cutter, cut cookie shapes out of toast.
2. Spread toast turkeys with peanut butter.
3. Add corn candies for feathers.
4. Add raisins for eyes.

_____________________

MINI CORNUCOPIAS 
Make mini cornucopias using bugles and Trix cereal for snack.

The kids can create their own by adding some peanut butter inside the bugle and then adding a few pieces of the trix. They come out cute and the kids love them! 

_________________________

BOUNTIFUL COOKIES
Both an activity and snack in one! Yummy for all ages!

Bake or purchase sugar cookies that are cut out in Thanksgiving shapes. (Turkeys, pilgrim hats, pumpkins, etc.)
Place containers of "autumn" colored frosting, sprinkles, candy corn, and other decorations on the table. Children decorate as desired!

___________________

OREO TURKEY

To make one turkey, you need two Double Stuff Oreo cookies, candy corn and a chocolate covered raisin (Raisinettes)...

Open one of the Oreos. The side with the filling is the base of the turkey. (Eat the other part!) Take the other cookie and stand it upright in the filling. Stick pieces of candy corn in the filling of the upright cookie for feathers and place the raisin in front of the body for the turkey's head.

________________
OREO TURKEY (Version #2)

Oreo cookie, Candy Corn, Hershey Kiss--
OPTIONAL: Green icing (or white with green food coloring)
Red icing or small piece of red licorice.

1. Divide the Oreo into two pieces without breaking the cookies.
2. Place four or five pieces of candy corn around the top of the Oreo cookie that has the icing.
3. Place the flat part of the Kiss in the icing at the bottom of the Oreo.
OPTIONAL IDEAS:
Add green icing to the other half of the Oreo so the Turkey will look like it is standing up.
Add a touch of red icing or a small string of red licorice to make the waddle. Eyes can be added using small pieces of icing.

_______________________

CORN CAKES

A fun snack using Jiffy cornbread mix....
Make dollar-sized corn pancakes from the mix; fry them on an electric skillet or griddle.

Top mini-cakes with butter and other toppings the children can bring in--such as jelly, jam, honey, etc. (or the program supply toppings)

____________________

TURKEY GLOVE
Need: plastic gloves (deli kind)
Popped Popcorn (Made into popcorn balls if able to)
Candy corn or Reeses pieces.
  • Fill the fingers with candy corn and the thumb with popcorn. 
  • Place the ball in the palm of the bag. 
  • Glue an eye on and then twist the bag. 
  • Place cardboard feet on bottom. 
  • Don't forget the little red waddle over the nose/beak.

____________________

CRANBERRY SAUCE...  This one is for you at home--so simple and very good! The kids also like this one...
1 can whole cranberries (not jellied)
1 can mandarin oranges (drained)
1 cup walnuts
1 cup pecans (Adjust amount of both nuts to suit your taste)

In a medium size bowl, gently fold together cranberries, mandarin oranges, walnuts, and pecans. Serve cold.

_____________

APPLE DIPS & SPREADS

APPLE CARAMEL DIP #1 
Caramel apple dip
1 bag Kraft caramels
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 stick butter or margarine
1 bag apples
Unwrap caramels. Combine caramels, butter and milk. Melt together in microwave. Stir occasionally while melting. Slice apples. Dip into warm caramel. Keeps well in refrigerator and just needs to be heated again when serving.

_____________________

CARMEL APPLE SPREAD #2 
8 oz Cream cheese, softened
1/2 c Brown sugar
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Caramel Flavoring
Apple slices…
Blend all ingredients with mixer. Serve with apple slices. Tastes like caramel apples, but doesn’t stick to your your teeth

_____________

APPLE CREAM CHEESE CARMEL DIP #3
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix together and chill.
Option: Mold Mixture into a ball and roll the ball in broken Heath candy pieces.

_________

SPREAD #4
1 jar of Carmel sauce (Mrs. Richardson's is good) 
1/2 cup of Sour Cream
Heath Bar pieces
Mix all together...

__________________

APPLE SPREAD  #5 
Ingredients:
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
1/4 c. mayonnaise
Dash of sugar
1 c. chopped apple with peel
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. chopped pecans
Directions:
Mix together the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well blended. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.

____________________ 

APPLE CHEESE SPREAD #6
8 oz. package softened cream cheese
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 cup diced apple (unpeeled)
1/3 chopped walnuts
2 Tbl. Milk
½ tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

• Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy in a small mixing bowl.
• Beat in the remaining ingredients until well blended.
• Refrigerate, covered, for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to blend.
• The spread will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week if covered. Use spread on bagels, crackers or waffles.
  Makes 2 cups.

_____________________

HOT & COLD BEVERAGES

 PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
4 servings, about 1 cup each
1 qt. (4 cups) milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Butterscotch Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, softened
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1. PLACE all ingredients in large pitcher with tight-fitting lid; cover. Shake vigorously 1 minute or until well blended.
2. POUR evenly into 4 glasses. Serve immediately. (Mixture thickens as it stands. Thin with additional milk, if desired.)From Kraft Food Website

_____________

PUMPKIN BOWL PUNCH
Thouroughly clean out and scrape the sides of a pumpkin. 
Fill with vanilla ice cream and ginger ale. (Or your favorite Autumn punch recipe)

_________________  

 PUMPKIN SPICE HOT COCOA - Wonderful for November evenings!

6 cups of milk
6 packets of powdered hot chocolate OR ½ lb. of dark chocolate bits
1 1/2 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
Lots of whipped cream
Cinnamon

Heat milk to almost boiling. Place hot chocolate mix into mugs and thoroughly mix in ¼ T of pumpkin pie spice in each cup. Pour in hot milk and stir well. Load on the whip cream. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Recipe and photo thanks to No Fuss Fabulous Serves 6

_________________________

   ZESTY PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup vanilla yogurt
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
4 ice cubes
Directions:
Combine ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately with drinking straws.

_______________

 APPLE CIDER served warm or cool is the perfect beverage for a Thanksgiving gathering. To fill the room with a delicious aroma, fill a crock-pot with apple cider. Add 2 or three cinnamon sticks.
Optional: Add 1/2 cup of maple syrup or orange juice. Simmer on low. Mmmmm, I can already smell it!

 

   _____________________

 Other Thanksgiving Activity, Game, and Snack Links...

• Everything Thanksgiving!
• Thanksgiving Games
• Thanksgiving Snacks and Goodies
• Thanksgiving Arts, Crafts, Miscellaneous
• Autumn/Fall Games
• Autumn Pumpkin Theme
• Pumpkin Snacks and Recipes
• Popcorn Snacks and Recipes (Nice for Autumn!)
• Snack Mix Recipes
• Easy Candy Recipes
• Colonial Theme

_____________________________

 

TURKEY CALLING CONTEST

  • Host a turkey calling contest, complete with lots of squawking, flapping, wattle shaking, and pecking. Give participants a prize with fun distinctions:
 • "Loudest turkey", "Most authentic", "Most likely to be spared", "Cutest turkey", etc. This activity can also be turned into a relay race with the group split into two teams. Loud, but fun! (Ages 4-Adult)

______________________ 

THANKSGIVING WORD FIND
Take a Thanksgiving related word such as: Thanksgiving, Mayflower, Cornucopia, etc. and find as many little words as possible within before the timer runs out.
Example: Cornucopia Words: corn, pin, no, arc, car, nip, cop, cup, on, or, rap...
Example: Mayflower Words: May, flower, flow, flare, lay, low, fear, ear, owe, fly, rye, wear, row...

__________

TURKEY LEFTOVERS

1. All children stand in pairs holding hands and facing each other.
2. A third child-called the 'turkey' stands between each pair. The turkey is in the 'barnyard (between the two facing children)
3. One child is NOT with a pair and in the 'barnyard'. This 'free' turkey is roaming.
4. At a signal,(such as Gobble, Gobble, Gobble) all turkeys leave their barnyard and run for safety to another barnyard. One turkey will be left over and not be able to find a barnyard to enter.
5. Depending on the number of players-continue until all (or many) have had time to be a left-over turkey!

 ____________________

WHERE IS MR. TURKEY?
   • Instead of saying "warmer or cooler" you gobble!
   • One player is the hunter and the others are helpers.
   • The hunter leaves the room.
   • The helpers hide a small toy turkey or a turkey cut-out, or laminated drawing, etc.
   • The hunter returns with a mission to find the turkey. Helpers give clues by "gobbling" like turkeys.
   • If the hunter is not close, the helpers gobble very quietly. As the hunter gets closer, the helpers gobble more and more loudly until Mr. Turkey is found!
   • With a larger program this could be a 'choice' game or play with different groups at different times. (While the program is going on with choices of activities, kids could sign-up on pre-made sheet for their game time and group!)
   • Also good at the last half hour of a Center program when the numbers of children are lower and everything is cleaned up
 
__________________ 

TURKEY WALK (good for Pre-K to Gr.2)
Play music of your choice and encourage the children to move like...
    • BIG turkeys
    • Little turkeys
    • Tired turkeys
    • Happy turkeys
    • Scared turkeys
    • Etc.
    Make it more interesting by choosing music based on the movement you'd like to elicit.

 ________________________

TURKEY HUNT
Hunt quietly; you don't want to scare the turkeys...

On a dozen or more  index cards, draw or paste a picture of a turkey. The amount of cards you will have depends on the number of children you have--and how many groups they will be divided into. Each group should consist of about 12 hunters (children) and 12 cards.

1. To play, everyone leaves the room except the leader. The leader hides the cards around the room. Hunters return and begin the hunt.
2. As each turkey is found, it is brought back to the leader who corrals them in a separate pile for each hunter. When all the turkeys have been found, the hunter with the most turkeys is the winner and becomes the leader for the next round.

  • This can be done in groups and groups work together!
  • Each group would have a leader.
  • Hide the  turkey cards and then all hunters find cards that have been hid.
  • The top finder in each Team-becomes the new leader for that Team.
Tip:
Let children make the cards before the Holiday. They'll find lots of magazine pictures and can color some as well!

 _________________________

CORNUCOPIA GAME...  

Players sit on chairs forming a circle. There should be one more player than there are chairs. The player without a chair is the leader.
The leader points to each of the other players to give them a name, such as "Cranberry, Corn, Apple, Turkey," anything related to Thanksgiving.

1. After names are chosen, the leader calls out two names,
"Turkey and potato."
2. Those two players must quickly switch places. The leader keeps calling at a quick pace, until suddenly she says "The cornucopia has tipped over!"
3. Everyone, including the leader, then scrambles for a new place. 4. The player with out a seat is the new leader.
More Info: The leader may give the same name to more than one person.
This game can be confusing at first, but it is fun! Source: AmazingMoms.com
_______________________ 

TURKEY TROT GAME

Required: A Turkey Mascots
You can make a mascot by taping a colored-paper turkey head to one end of a football. You can also simply stuff a brown bag with crumpled newspaper and draw on a face with colored markers.
 
Directions:
1. In this wacky outdoor contest, team players join up with their elbows linked, and each team is handed a turkey mascot.
2. On cue, the pairs try to make their way to the finish line at the far end of the playing field.

_____________________

 

PASS THE CORN GAME (Ages 4 - 10)
Divide the children into two teams (or as many as you need) and have them form two lines. You will need a cob of dried Indian corn for each team.
 
1. At the signal "go", the corncob is to be passed from child to child. The catch is that they can use any part of their bodies, except their hands.
2. If the corn touches the ground at any time, it must go back to the beginning of the line again.
3. Whichever team manages to get the corn to the end of the line first wins the game.
4. The corn can also be used in a relay, with the kids putting the corn between their knees, and racing "crab" style".

_________________________ 

TURKEY STRUT (For younger children)

1. Use pieces of masking tape to make turkey footprints all over the floor.
2. Start playing music.
3. Have children pretend to be turkeys and strut around the room.
4.When you stop the music, have the turkeys find footprints to stand on (one turkey to a footprint).
5. When you start the music again, have the turkeys continue strutting around the room.

_______________________________
THANKSGIVING DINNER GAME: This is good one to remember at line-waiting transition times.

Players sit in a circle (or stand in a line because of waiting...) The first player starts by saying, "At Thanksgiving dinner I like to eat turkey". The next player must repeat "At Thanksgiving dinner I like to eat turkey..." and add another dish. This continues all the way around the circle or down the line-- with each student reciting the dishes in the exact order they have been given and then adding a new one. If a student makes a mistake they slide out of the circle or move to the front of the line and the game continues. The person left who can perfectly recite the Thanksgiving menu wins.

Instead of saying... At Thankgiving dinner, I like...you could say:

First player:I'm going to Thanksgiving dinner and I'm having turkey.

Second player: I'm going to Thanksgiving dinner and having turkey and sweep potatoes. etc.

 _________________________

TWENTY QUESTIONS THANKSGIVING STYLE

1. Choose someone or something related to Thanksgiving.
2. One player says "I am thinking of a person, place or thing"
3. The other players try to guess what it is by asking no more than twenty questions which can be answered "yes," "no," or "I don't know."

Suggestion: Make a flip chart with numbers from 1 to 20--so each time a question is asked --the number is flipped. This can also be played with other holidays/themes/seasons!

You could also keep score by making 20 paper turkey feathers. Each time a question is asked, a feather is removed from the pile. 

_____________________________________ 

Turn every day games into Thanksgiving Games!

   • INSTEAD of Duck, Duck, Goose...play DUCK, DUCK, TURKEY!
   • Play "PIN the WATTLE on the Turkey" instead of Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
   • Instead of Simon says-play the TURKEY SAYS...
   • Use Candy Corn to play Bingo

____________________________

THANKERCHIEF

Arrange the children/players in a circle. Pass around a "thankerchief" (handkerchief) around as everyone recites this poem:

Thankerchief, thankerchief, around you go --
Where you'll stop, nobody knows.
But when you do, someone must say,
What they are thankful for this day.

The player holding the "thankerchief" when the poem ends, must
say aloud, one thing for which they are thankful. This continues until everyone has had a turn.

___________

THANKSGIVING JOKE AND PUNCH LINE ... Great for connecting and for an ice-breaker! (Get Thanksgiving Jokes here)

1. Set-up: Write a joke on one card and a punch line on another. Be sure to mix the cards up. The number of different jokes depends on the size of the group.
2. Give each person a card. Explain that they may have a joke or a punch line on the card.
3. On a given signal, they are to walk around the group trying to find the other part of their joke/punch line. When they find their other half, you may ask them to get to know their new partner by asking things like favorite holiday or Thanksgiving Dessert, etc...
When this is done, everyone can return to a circle and, with their partner, tell their joke.

________________

 If you haven't checked out the FALL/AUTUMN GAMES-do so now. There are more than 40 games using pumpkins, gourds and leaves that would be great for Thanksgiving!  An  example is:

PIE EATER TAG GAME!
Good for October to December because of apple and pumpkin pies!

• Split the students into two different groups; one is apple pie and the other group is pumpkin pie.
• Have one student be the pie eater, who will be standing on the center line. The pie eater can only move from side to side on the center line.
• All the students say to the pie eater, "Pie eater, pie eater are you hungry?" The pie eater responds with a 'yes or no' answer.
• If the answer is no, the pies (students) ask again.
• If the answer is yes, then the pies ask again, "What kind of pie would you like?"
• The pie eater then says apple or pumpkin and that pie tries to make it to the other side.
• If the pie is tagged, then they become a pie eater.

____________

You may also be interested in...

• Everything Thanksgiving!
• Thanksgiving Games
• Thanksgiving Snacks and Goodies
• Thanksgiving Arts, Crafts, Miscellaneous
• Autumn/Fall Games
• Autumn Pumpkin Theme
• Pumpkin Snacks and Recipes
• Popcorn Snacks and Recipes (Nice for Autumn!)
• Colonial Theme

  _________________________________

 

More than 65 ideas for all ages! Pre-K thru School-Age! More art/crafts and poems and songs on  Page 2 !

____________________

MAKE TISSUE PAPER JACK-O-LANTERNS

1. For each project, bend a wire coat hanger into a circular shape. You could also have each child bring a pre-shaped hanger from home.

2. Lay the hangers on a large sheet of orange tissue paper. Trace the hanger with glue--so that the glue runs onto the tissue paper.

3. Top each hanger with a second sheet of tissue paper. Allow the glue to dry and then use scissor to remove the excess paper--creating an orange circle.
Have children use paper scraps, markers, scissors and glue to add facial features to their Jack-o-lanterns.

4. Last, wrap the hooks of the hangers with green crepe paper streamers, securing the paper with tape to create a stem.

You can make smaller jack-o-lanterns by shaping a smaller circle and hook out of sturdy wire.

______________

HALLOWEEN TEA LIGHTS/Votive Candles #1

Material:
Tissue paper or streamers in Halloween colors
Scissors
Liquid starch
Small galss jar
Paintbrushes

Tear the tissue paper/streamers into tiny pieces.
Paint the liquid starch onto the jar; arrange pieces of paper so they completely cover the jar.
Add another coat of liquid starch on top.
Place the jar on something such as aluminum foil to dry.
Drop in a votive candle and let the mood-lighting begin!

__________

  VOTIVE CANDLES #2

 

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.

 ________

TEA LIGHTS #3

Materials:
Canning jar, baby food jar or drinking glass
Orange and Black Paint (acrylic enamel or glass paint)
Sea Sponge, Votive or tea light candle, Paint Brush

1. Using the sea sponge, paint the jar by patting orange paint over the entire outside surface. A regular sponge will work but the effect will not be the same as the sea sponge.
2. Allow paint to dry; be sure to follow paint the manufacturer's instructions- if heat setting the paint is required.
3. Practice drawing a few faces on paper until you create a design you like and then  paint a face on the jar with black paint 4. Insert a tea light or votive candle into the glass jar or glass.

___________

  SCARY WITCHES HANDS/FINGERS

POPCORN GHOSTS
Material: cardboard ghost shapes, popped popcorn, glue with small container from which to dip popcorn, hole punch, string or thread, black construction paper eyes and mouth shapes

1. Cut shapes of ghosts from cardboard. Cereal box cardboard works well.
2. Make a hole at the top of the ghost. Put string or yarn in the hole for hanging.
3. have kids dip each piece of popped corn in glue and stick onto one of the ghost-shape sides. Completely cover the cardboard.
4. When the glue is dry, cover the other side of the cardboard.
5. Cut eye and mouth shapes from the black paper and glue on ghost.

Either hang the ghosts from the ceiling or bring in a small branch from outside. These would make great ornaments for a Halloween tree!

____________

MAKE BONEY KNOCKER HANGINGS

First make Play Clay (Recipes from Play Dough Category)

3/4 cp salt (175ml)
3/3 cup water (175 ml)
1 tsp. (ml) vegetable oil
2 cups (500 ml) flour
Large mixing bowl
1. Mix the salt, water, and vegetable oil in bowl.
2. Add the flour a little at a time--amd mix until it forms a ball.
3. Knead the ball of dough for about 10 minutes,
4. Store the clay in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

TO MAKE...

 

Materials: Play clay, drinking straws, pencils, paintbrushes, black and white acrylic paint, black shoe laces or elasticized thread

1. Work on a flour-dusted work surface a handful of clay for each child.
2. Knead the clay until it is warm and pliable.
3. Roll the clay into 3/4" (2cm) thick tubes--and then divide them into small bone sized pieces.
4. Shape the pieces to look like bones by rolling the middle to be thinned than the ends of the piece.
5. Press a pencil into each end of the roll to form indentations (see image)
6. Use a spatula to place the bones on a cookie sheet for drying.
7. Push a straw top into one end of the bone and pull it out to make a hole for threading the string through.
8. Allow 48 hours to dry--and then paint the dry bones with a light coat of white-gray acrylic paint.
9. Thread black string through the bones.. Tie each bone in place to form a string of bones to hang from a door or ceiling. (Image -but not project-from Todaysparent)

____________ 

MAKE A SHRUNKEN APPLE HEAD

 • Choose the largest, firmest apples you can find. The apples shrink a lot when they dry so you want to be sure that they are big enough to begin with. Firm apples will be easier to carve and will dry out much better.

 

• The first step in making your shrunken apple heads is to peel the apples. You can core them if you would like, although it is not necessary. Next, brush a mixture of lemon juice and salt onto the peeled apple. The lemon juice and salt mixture will help to keeping the apples from turning as brown as usually when they dry.

• Next, you will want to take a paring knife and carve out the basic features of a face from one side of the apple. Don't go into too much detail since when the apple dries any small details will be lost. Focus on creating large features like the eye sockets, a nose and a mouth. Example: To make a shrunken apple for a witch's head you would most likely carve a large nose, two deep holes for the eye sockets and a sneering hole for the mouth. Keep the shapes that you carve simple and larger than you think you need them to be since they will shrink as they dry.

  • Place the carved apples somewhere dry and out of the way. Turn them every couple of days in within about 2 weeks they will have shriveled up into ghoulish little faces. You can speed up the drying time if you would like by setting them on a cookie sheet in the oven on the lowest setting or by using a food dehydrator, although it will still take some time for them to dry and shrivel.

• YOU CAN MAKE A BODY by putting the heads on small bottles (shampoo, dish soap etc.) Make a dress out of a piece of fabric. You can even use a small paper clip to make glasses.

___________

EGG CARTON SPIDERS
Materials:
Cardboard egg carton
Pipe cleaners
Poster paint
Elastic thread
Something to poke small holes

1. Cut the egg cups out of a cardboard egg carton.
2. Cut pipe cleaners into 3 inch sections.
3. To make each spider, poke four pipe cleaners through each cup sideways. Bend the ends to look like eight spider legs.
4. Paint the spiders black or in any  creative way you want!
5. After the paint has dried, attach a length of elastic thread to the middle of each spider.
6. Hold the thread and bounce the spider up and down as you take it for a walk!

___________

COFFEE FILTER PUMPKINS
 
Using white coffee filters and a eye dropper...take red and yellow food coloring. Drop on the two colors to make orange.
For jack-o-lantern features, older children can cut and paste construction paper eyes, nose, mouth.
For young children, add features using permanent marker before they begin.

___________

BLOW ART MONSTERS
Sqirt of paint on a plain piece of black (optional) paper.
Cut a fat straw in half and have kids blow the paint. It will cause the paint to spread. Most will be roundish formations with pointy and squiggled edges.
After the paint dries, glue or paint on eyes and facial features.
Add other decoration of choice.

MONSTER BLOW ART will be similar to this image taken from the Art Category. (Contributed by Mona Kawra at Display Photos)-- however, add details to look more 'monsterish'... 

___________

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE... by Maurice Sendak
Good for Halloween Time! Read the book...discuss it...and then challenge  children to come up with their own "Wild Things" Magical Monsters.

Put put a variety of paper plates, strips of paper, construction paper, markers, paints, yarn, Easter grass, Egg Carton bumps, etc. Let the fun begin!

___________ 

GHOST POPS

All you need is tootsie or blow pops, Kleenex, orange or purple colored yarn and a black marker.
Take your sucker and put a Kleenex over it.
Next tie the yarn on the sucker and make a face using the black marker. You're done.

This craft has been made by most every child at one time or another. You can take it up a notch by making it A GHOST TREAT NECKLACE! Just cut the yarn longer and wear..

________

TINY PUMPKINS
Supplies: Acorns, orange paint and green paint
 
Lay acorns on a sheet of newspaper.
Paint the bottom of the acorns with orange paint.
Let orange paint dry. To make pumpkin stems, paint the top of the acorns green.
Allow to dry thoroughly.
___________

CONDENSED MILK FINGER PAINT PUMPKINS
Materials:
Fingerpaint paper, orange food coloring, condensed milk

Draw a pumpkin shape on fingerpaint paper.
Mix the orange food coloring with the condensed milk.
Have children get creative and finger paint the pumpkin on their paper.
The finished results of this is great. The condensed mild gies the paint a shiny texture.
____________

SPOOKY SPIDERS
Supplies: black construction paper, cotton balls or cotton stuffing, black pipe cleaners, small bowl or saucer, stapler
Directions:
Using black construction paper, trace around a small bowl or saucer. (Cut out two circles per spider.)
Place stuffing or cotton balls on first circle.
Lay second circle on top of cotton stuffing and staple half-way around.
Insert 3-4" pipe cleaners on each side, then staple the second half of the circles together.
Bend pipe cleaners to make the "legs" of the spider.

_________ 

PLASTIC BAG GHOSTS

Materials:
White plastic trash bags
Black marker
Balloons
String
Scissors
Masking tape
Directions:
Blow up/inflate the balloons and cover each one with a trash bag. With the string, gather and tie each bag under the balloon to make a head. Using  markers, draw a spooky face on the trash bag. Be  creative and make your face scary or funny! 

Attach a piece of string to the top of your ghosts and display them  around your program room, yard or house. You can also use helium to have them 'float'.

 

________

 

 

GLOWING GHOSTS
Materials:
Round, white balloons, cheesecloth cut to lengths of about a yard, and glow sticks. This sample used green, 4-inch glow sticks, found in party supply stores or on-line.

1. Activate a glow stick and insert it into a balloon.

2. Position the knot at the top of the balloon, and use an indelible black marker to draw the eyes and a mouth.

3. Drape the cheesecloth over the balloon, cut a small hole and push the knot through the fabric. Secure with string and hang in the breeze. Source: Readers Digest

YOU COULD ALSO... tie small glow sticks to string attached to helium balloons and let them sail over your house for spooky lights in the sky. Make sure to tie off the strings to something solid so they don 't get away!

___________

MAKE A PUMPKIN PAPER CHAIN
Take a strip of orange construction paper about 3 inches wide
fold into an accordion about 3 inches square.
When all folded-- cut the shape of a pumpkin leaving the side with the fold NOT cut.
When you open you will have a chain of pumpkins.

__________

MAKING 'TREAT BAGS' for a party goodies...
Supplies: Small brown paper bags, Halloween stickers, markers, treats (candy, pencils, erasers, bubble gum, etc.)
 
Decorate paper bags in Halloween theme using  art supplies.
Put treats inside bags.
Fold the top of the bag down and tape shut with a Halloween sticker.

#2 Idea...TRICK OR TREAT BAG

All you'll need is 1 white gift bag that is big enough to fit all the collected Halloween goodies. (Check out a dollar store; they usually have them)
Put out an assortment of decorations such as: shapes cut out from orange and black construction paper, markers, stickers, yarn, etc.

________

MACARONI SKELETON

• Need: Black construction paper (approximately 6" x 11.5")
• Glue that will dry clear
• Lima beans (head, thorax, hips)
• Short, small macaroni in a tube (spine)
• Thin twisted macaroni (arms, legs)
• Elbow noodles (ribs)
• Small shells (joints)
• Spaghetti (fingers, toes)
• Black permanent marker

Directions:
1. Build a sample skeleton for the children to copy from. Review the key features with them.
2. Guide children to  build their skeleton working from the head down (i.e., head, neck/trunk, ribs, etc.), gluing the macaroni and beans to the paper as they go.
3. When they glue and macaroni has set, have them draw a smile and eyes on the "head".
TIPS:
As preparation for this project, study the human skeleton. Talk about symmetry between the two sides of the body, and how many ribs, fingers and toes we have. (Also good at Halloween!)
Source: Kaboose.com

_______________

Q-TIP SKELETONS
Basic Directions
Materials for each basic project:1 sheet black construction paper, 5 full length Q-tips, 6 Q-tips cut in half, white glue
 
Make a skeleton head
Glue and place Q-tips in the following order...
•Place one whole swab vertically from the neck down (forms spine)
•Five half swabs on either side of the spine make the ribs...
•Two more whole swabs then make the legs, with the other half swabs for the feet.
•Add the other two whole swabs for the arms.

Challenge kids to design their own creative skeletons!
Having the skeletons engaged in movement (As the two images show) make a fun project! Cut off cotton tips and various lengths and create! Images Sources: crafts-for-all-seasons and busybeekids

 

___________

CHEESE CLOTH GHOST
Material:
Cheese cloth
Liqid starch... or... 2 cups white glue (I personally prefer the starch-Barb)
16 oz plastic cups
 
1. If using glue, dilute the white glue with 1/2 to 3/4 cups of water. (You should use about 3 parts glue to one part water) If using liquid starch-just use as is and dip. 
2. Have children dip a piece of cheese cloth into the liquid starch or diluted glue-- and then drape the wet cheese cloth over the 16 oz cups. 
3. The "ghosts" should dry for about two days.
4. Carefully remove the cup from the hardened cheese cloth. Children can decorate their ghosts. 
5. Hang the completed ghosts from the ceiling.

You can also make larger versions by draping cheesse cloth over a blown-up balloon. When dry--carefully pull cloth of off balloon and glue on eyes. Slip a string through the top and float from the ceiling!
______________________________

PUFFY PAINT COBWEBS

Mix equal parts of flour, salt, and water in a large bowl. 

Pour the mixture into squeeze bottles.

Give each child a black paper plate or a piece of black construction paper. 

Have children squeeze the white puffy paint onto the black paper. 

There are also three other puffy paint recipes in the Painting Recipes Category!

When the paint dries, it will look like glittery cobwebs. You can add a plastic or black pom-pom spider to the art.

___________

SPOOKY SPIDERWEB MARBLE PAINTING...Nice to hang and display...
 
1.  Give children BLACK construction paper and WHITE thick tempera paint in shallow dishes.
2.  Put paper in a box with sides at least 2" high.
3. Either put a small puddle of paint in the center and corners of the paper and drop a marble or two in the box...OR dip a marble in the the dish of white paint and use a spoon to scoop it out and onto the paper.
3. Hold the box tilting it gently back and forth as the marble moves across. If using the 'dipping the marble method' and there is no more paint, dip the marble again.
4. Continue until children see a white spider web!

___________ 

HALLOWEEN/AUTUMN CANDLE HOLDERS...

 Anchor pillar candles in a bed of candy corn or black and orange jelly beans for seasonal touches. Mix in with fall follage, ghourds and pumpkins! This can also be done on a smaller level using baby food jar and tea lights. Set the tea lights on a bed of candy corn.

You can also place small votive candle holders in larger holders. Next  fill the outer votives with freshly squeezed BLOOD (2 teaspoons corn syrup mixed with 3 teaspoons water and several drops red food coloring). Center smaller votives in this...

____________

HALLOWEEN OPEN ART TABLE
Just set out Halloween themed materials, and see what the kids come up with!

Choose from:
Black, orange, and yellow construction paper, cardboard pumpkin-pattern templates, pieces of foam/felt, markers, glitter, seasonal stickers, yarn, large and small paper plates, crafts sticks, thick orange, black, and white tempera paint in shallow dishes, shallow boxes and lids, orange and black pom-poms, pasta shapes, scissors, and glue, etc. Nature treasures from outdoors could also be provided--such as straw, twigs, and seeds.

 ____________

HAUNTED GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Who says gingerbread houses are only for Christmas?
 
Ingredients: Graham crackers, store bought or homemade frosting (try to find orange and black or pre-dye), Halloween candy and sprinkles (candy corn, black licorice, orange, purple and black variety) Make bats, ghosts, tombstones, and other ghouls out of icing, fondant, or gum paste.

 

Build your gingerbread house cute or spooky. Anything that's a little off-kilter or asymmetrical works great!

PUTTING THE HOUSE TOGETHER...
Help kids assemble their house using frosting to glue the graham crackers together into a house. Do this by placing one graham cracker flat on the table, squeeze a little frosting around all edges. (You may need an extra pair of hands.)
Place one cracker on each side standing up. It now looks like a box without a top.

Carefully squeeze more frosting on all outside corners from top to bottom and around the bottom of the box. Let it stand for a short while to let frosting harden a little. This will make working with the roof a little easier.
 
Now squeeze frosting on two of the top edges of the box and place the last two graham crackers in a V shape on as the roof. It looks like a triangle on a box now from the side. It may overhang if you can get the frosting to hold for you.
Squeeze frosting along the top of the roof where crackers join. Let stand again until frosting hardens a little.

Squeeze/put small amounts or frosting on candy. Place candy on the house to decorate. You can use the frosting to add things like doors and windows. Just use your imagination.
Embellish with Halloween craft items.
Image by "EdibleArt" on Flickr.com

AN EASIER GINGERBREAD HOUSE...

Need: Single serving milk cartons, empty and washed
White frosting/icing store bought or recipe
Graham Cracker Squares
Decorations, candies, sprinkles or other Halloween treats
 
Prepare white icing/frosting if you are not using store bought.
Each person should have their own single serving milk carton.
Place your carton on a sheet of waxed paper on top of heavy cardboard or a paper plate.
Attach graham cracker squares to sides of carton by spreading icing/frosting on carton and pressing cracker firmly onto carton.

Do the same for the roof using two graham cracker squares. For area between sides and roof - cut a graham cracker in half on diagonal to form a triangle and attach the same way.

Once you have your sides and roof attached use icing/frosting to attach decorations and candies to your house. You can pipe icing/frosting into the cracks with a cake decorator or with a plastic bag filled with icing/frosting.

Use your imagination to create windows and doors with different shaped and colored candies. Add other elements as you wish.

_________

GHOST DECORATIONS
Materials:
White paper napkins or tissues
Yarn or string
Black paper or a black felt-tip pen
Glue

1. Start with the ghost's head, by making a ball with one napkin or tissue.
2. Place the ball in the center of an opened-out napkin tissue, and then close your hand tightly around the "head".
3. Tie a piece of yarn around the napkin / tissue under the "head". Be sure that the length of yarn is long enough to hang the ghost.
4) To make the eyes, cut out 2 small triangles of black paper and glue them on the ghosts head or  draw them with the felt-tip pen) to make the eyes. You can also add a mouth and a nose...
5. Hang the small ghosts around the room.

__________

FOOTPRINT GHOST (Feet in Paint)
Materials: black construction paper,  black marker, white poster paint, a large ice cream bucket lid or flat container, sponge paintbrush, and  bare FEET!

1. To make the footprint ghost, put a piece of dark paper down on the floor. Spread white paint in a thin layer on the ice cream lid or flat container.
2. Have children put their foot in it. Make sure the entire bottom of their foot is covered in paint.

3. Use the sponge paintbrush to spread more paint on the child's foot if you need to.
Have  child step on the dark paper. Again, make sure that the entire foot makes a mark on the paper.
4. After paint dries, have kids put two eyes and a mouth on the ghost with a black marker.

If you fold the construction paper in half beforehand, you can make wonderful
Halloween cards...

__________

FOOTPRINT BATS
 Material:
Construction paper in Halloween 'bat' colors

Trace child's foot on three pieces of paper the same color.
Cut them out.
With one footprint, cut off the toes in a curved shape.
Next glue the other two footprints on each side of the footprint with no toes.
When dry--glue two googly eyes or white paper circles (eyes) on the bats head.
To hang bats up, either use clothespins or glue magnets on the back and display them on a refrigerator.

_________

FOOTPRINT WITCHES

Trace and cut feet out of black paper. The toes are the bottom of the witches dress and the heel is the head. Glue this to a sheet of construction paper for the background.
Glue on Q-tips for arm and legs.
Draw a face... and add a pointed witch's hat.

__________

HALLOWEEN PAINTED HANDPRINTS
Create Halloween art projects that parents can keep to remember their child's little hands!

HANDPRINT GHOSTS
Paint child's hand with white tempera paint.
Have
child place their hand (with fingers close together and pointing down) on a sheet of black paper. Do this once or several times to have scary ghosts floating through the air. When  paint dries, add eyes and a mouth using black permanent marker, google eyes or bits of black paper.

HANDPRINT BAT
Paint both hands black with washable paint.  Have child put their thumbs together with the fingers spread out. Carefully place them on the paper. (For a younger child you may want to do one hand at a time.)

HANDPRINT SPIDER
1. Have children make a fist. Paint the palm side of the fist paint black and have child stamp their painted fist onto a piece of white paper.
2. Open the fist up. Paint all the fingers black but NOT the thumbs!
3. To make the legs--have child put their finger prints on either side of the fist print.

Variation: Paint the spiders individually; laminate them or make them using fun foam. Cut out the spiders--tape a string to the back-- and hang them from the string.
Idea and image: cereschildcare...

_____________

HANDPRINT SPIDER AND GHOST TOGETHER...

 

Use a full sheet of orange paper.
Paint one white, upside-down handprint for a ghost. When dry-using a black marker-add two black eyes and mouth.

Make two black handprints palm to palm (no thumbs) to make a spider. When the spider is dry-- paint two white dots for eyes. When eys are dry- make two black dots inside the white dots for eyeballs.

Make a black line up to the top of the paper to form a web coming down to the spider.
Optional: Write 'Trick or Treat!'

________________

COOKIE MONSTERPIECE...

A craft and snack in one!
Have a table set up with plenty of sugar cookies cut out in different Halloween shapes. Put out a variety of frosting, candy corn, chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc. Great for pre-school through grade school. Photo Source: pinchmyself

__________________

Lots more on Page 2 of Art & Crafts!

• Also...be sure to check out Halloween Snacks-many are artsy/crafty!
• Easy Costumes and Make Up
• Halloween Decorating (Check here for fun home craft ideas)
• Decorating a Mad Science Lab
• Purple People Eater Theme
• Halloween Games (More than 60!)
• Autumn/Fall Pumpkin Theme

_____________

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.

________________________ 

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.

______________

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?

_______________

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.

_______________ 

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

________________

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!

______________

 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.

_____________________

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!

___________________

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.

_______________

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.

_______________

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/

____________

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!

_______________

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!

_______

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.

_________

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!

______________

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.

_____________

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.

________________________

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)

_____________

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.

_______________

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? 

______________ 

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!

_____________

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

________________

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.

____________

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

__________

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

__________

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.

____________ 

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! 

_______________ 

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.
  __________________

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!

 _____________

 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

_________________

 

 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)

___________________________

 

MAKE TRAVELING FUN!!! TIPS, GAMES, BOOKS, IDEAS...

BETTER FAMILY VACATIONS
Everyone dreams of a perfect family vacation. There will be a lot of together time with family members enjoying themselves. Everyone will find time to relax and unwind, and everyone will come back refreshed. Yet anyone who has ever taken a family vacation has discovered that they're far from perfect and that you never know what to expect! If you plan carefully, however, you can create better family vacations in which everyone comes home with fond memories.
Try it...Read TIPS for all parents and also with children 9 to 15 at the bottom of the page!)

___________ 

TRAVELING GAMES-ACTIVITIES 

 1. WHAT CAN YOU TAKE TO KEEP KIDS BUSY?

This is what Cassie in Michigan does when traveling in the car, plane or train with her grandchildren!
 
I give my grandchildren things like pipe cleaners, stickers and paper, aluminum foil (they mold it into whatever they want), scotch tape and post-it-notes, band aids (by the time you get somewhere they may be wearing the entire box--and that's OK if it keeps them happy! With this--you won't later find melted crayons on your back seat! 

2. Depending on the age of your children-- you can add:

• Books to read as well as age appropriate activity books, comic books and sticker books
• Threading sets (pictures with yarn)
• Magnetic Travel-size games such as Monopoly, Sorry, Battleships, Chess, Backgammon, Checkers, and Chinese Checkers
• Travel-size Magna- Doodle and Etch-a-Sketch
• Small Lego sets in Ziploc bag to store the pieces  
• Travel Desk sets
• Wipe of easels (white-board) with board markers
• Miniature worlds: little houses, etc. with figures, hand-sized playsets
• Small magnetic puzzles 
• Small wind-up toys
• Decks of Cards such a "Go-Fish" and regular...
• Miniature cars--sold in portable sets
• Small sets of plastic figures such as dinosaurs and animals
• Yarn and string for finger knitting and making Cat's Cradle, etc.
• Blank Paper for Tic Tac Toe and Hangman
• Hand-held toys with the sound turned off
• DVD players-and favorite movies
• CD players
• Handheld electronic games
• A map to mark follow and mark off--how about a compass too!
• And of course...favorite snacks!!!

The aluminum foil that Cassie suggests is great! Kids can mold it into anything they want! Challenge them to come up with something really creative such as crowns, animal shapes, masks, jewelry, a headband and more...

_____________

 

3. AN ACTIVITY SET  MADE TO TRAVEL... along the same lines--game and activity sets have been made and packaged for travel.  Fun travel games are great for keeping kids occupied on long trips. You can put your own travel box (such as above ideas) -- or purchases a kit such as shown--this one includes travel games for kids of all ages; checkers, car bingo, solitaire games, tangrams, doodle board, license plate games, and more.

4. DON'T FORGET THE BOOKS!  Check out the Book List on our Summer Reading page AND on this page. There is an excellent list of books for kids and teens to read during 'ROAD TRIPS'!

_________________

5. "MAKE OF CAR" SCAVENER HUNT

Materials: List of cars, pencil and lots of time, time, time...
Players: Small to medium groups

Here's a game for the kids to play on that next long car ride. It's a car scavenger hunt and here's a list to get you started.
Print this list and have players mark off which cars they have spotted.
If there are several players, take turns as to who marks off the next car that you pass or that passes you--or make a copy for each child!

• Accord
• Aerostar
• Alero
• Astro
• Audi
• Aurora
• Blazer
• BMW
• Bonneville
• Camaro
• Camry
• Caprice
• Caravan Caravel
• Cavalier
• Celebrity
• Cherokee
• Cirrus
• Civic
• Concord
• Contour
• Corolla
• Corsica
• Cougar
• Dakota
• Denali Escort
• Excursion
• Excursion
• Expedition
• Explorer
• Galant
• Grand Prix
• Hummer
• Infiniti
• Interpid
• Intregue
• Jimmy
• Kia Laredo
• Lexus
• Lincoln
• Lumina
• Mazda
• Mercedes
• Montana
• Monte Carlo
• Mustang
• Mystique
• Navigator
• Park Avenue
• Pathfinder
• PT Cruiser
• Probe
• Ram
• Ranger
• Sable
• Safari
• Saturn
• Silhouette
• Silverado
• Suburban
• Sunbird
• Sunfire
• Tahoe
• Taurus
• Tempo
• Tracer
• Tracker
• Transport
• Towncar
• Venture
• Villager
• Volkswagen
• Voyager
• Windstar

___________________

 6.  PLAY 'COLORED CAR' GAME

Have kids look for cars of a certain color. Be sure to play along with them too. You can time the game so that the person who has spotted the most cars of a certain color wins.

___________________

7. A - Z BACK-SEAT TRAVELS: A way to keep kids occupied while LONG TRIP traveling...

 Need:
1 small notebook
1 large zipper- seal plastic bag
A pen or pencil
Crayon or markers
 
What to do:
1. Before you go on the trip, write name, the place you are going to, and the date that you are leaving on the cover of the notebook.
 
2. At the top of each page, write one letter of the alphabet, beginning with A and ending with Z.
 
3. Place the notebook, pencil, and crayons in the plastic bag and take them on the trip with you.
 
4. As you travel, look for special landmarks or things and write their name next to the appropriate letter. For example, lake would be written on the "page with "L" at the top.
 
5. Draw a picture of that item on the page, and color the picture with the crayons.

You can use blank pages at the end of the book as a travel diary, detailing everything you saw and did on the trip.

Kids will have a full book of vacation memories!

__________________________________

8. HOW FAR AWAY IS THAT ________?
Pick an object in the distance and have everyone guess how far away it is. Set your odometer and clock it!

_______________

9. PLAY 'RYHME THAT WORD'!

• Think of words.
• Children take turns seeing how many “real” rhyming words they can think of.
• When one word is worn out, choose another word. Remind the kids to use “nice” words only!
• Example: Rhyme words with “time”...
  Chime, climb, crime, dime, grime, I’m, lime, mime, prime rhyme, thyme, slime, bedtime, centime, daytime, enzyme, lifetime, mealtime, meantime, nighttime, pastime, ragtime, sometime, springtime, sublime, maritime, overtime, pantomime, paradigm

____________________

 10. SINGING CAN BE FUN on long car rides. Turn off the DVD'S, CD's and radio --and pick a few of your children's favorite songs and sing them. Try to get the kids involved, taking turns singing the songs in your funniest voices.

For 1 cent to $10.76-- Amazon.com has "ALL-AMERICAN CAR-I-OKE". Yes, karaoke for the car! It'a a kit including a book of 15 great family sing-along tunes and activities galore, an accompanying CD of music, and three booklets of lyrics for the back seat and the way-back.

_________ 

11. THREE NOUNS

1. Think up three nouns.
2. Everyone takes turns creating a sentence with those three nouns. 3. Alternate the noun-giver and sentence-makers.
         An example for the nouns: Orange, dog, store
         "The DOG is happy because
          ORANGE colored chew bones
          are stocked at the STORE."

Note from Barb: An orange that you 'eat' is a noun...however, it's used above as an adjective. This can also be an interesting way to review 'part of speech'.

_____________________

12. How about putting together a "TRAVELING SCAVENGER HUNT"?  Will you be traveling in the city, on a highway, or in the country? Adjust your list to the places your trip will take you...then...make identical lists for each player. (You join in too!) The first to spot the item gets to cross it off of the list!

 Ideas:

• Maple tree
• 3 kids in the back seat of a car 
• flasing red light
• Person on a bike
• Lady walking and wearing a hat
• Dog 
• Seafood restaurant,
• Coney Island Restaurant,
• Stuffed animal or doll in a back-seat car window
• Motorcycle
• Man with white hair driving a car
• Trailer being pulled behind a car
• Church with a steeple, etc.
• Rail road tracks, etc.
• A lake, river, stream or pond
• A sign that says "Welcome to the State of ________"

________________

13. Get ready for your trip by making LITTER BAGS FOR THE CAR!

________________

14. LEARN TO SING THE ABC'S BACKWARDS!  Who can do it first?!!
Why? Just for the fun of it!
Have cards with the alphabet and point to the letters starting with "Z" and go from there...
Z Y X W V U T S R Q P O N M L K J I H G F E D C B A

__________________

15. This one will keep the kids quiet for awhile! CHOCOLATE FACE
Have the kids place a piece of chocolate candy in their mouth--- and see how long it takes to melt! No sucking and chewing it! The one to keep the chocolate in their mouth the longest is the winner.
________________

SOME OLDIES BUT GOODIES!

#16. 20 QUESTIONS 
One person picks something to be, such as a famous person or an animal, and then the rest of the passengers ask 'yes or no questions' until someone guesses who the person has chosen to be.
______________

17. I'M GOING ON A TRIP (OR PICNIC OR WHATEVER)... This game is good for one play-- until they learn the trick

The leader (lets say Sarah) starts by saying, "I'm going on a trip and I'm bringing a sun hat." Each person in turn responds with an appropriate traveling item. "I'm going on a trip and I'm bringing _____." Leader confirms by saying "Yes, you can bring ____" or "No, you can't bring that" or something similar.

The Trick:
The first letter of the item they bring must match the first letter of their first name. So Leslie can also bring lotion or lipstick. Paul can bring pants.
Note: This is one of the easier trick games to figure out, so be sure to remind players not to tell the secret. Don't give hints. Kids love figuring this stuff out on their own.

_____________

18. ROCK PAPER SCISSORS…

"Rock" is a fist..."Paper" is a flat hand...and "Scissors" are the pointer and middle fingers making snipping motions. Partners shake their fists three times---and then show their chosen motion on the count of three. Winning hands are decided as follows:

Rock breaks/dulls scissors... Scissors cuts paper... Paper covers rock.

Play three or 5 times...and see who has the most wins. This is also a good method to see who goes "first" in games.
____________
 

19. I SPY

One person says "I spy with my little eye, something that is _______ (name a color)". Then others try to guess what the object is and the one who guesses it takes the next turn.

With older kids instead of this 'I Spy' -- Play 'I'M THINKING OF': The leader looks about the area and says, "I'm thinking of something that is the color_________. Say what the color it is. Children guess what they think it may be. Winner is the next leader. It's the same game as 'I Spy'--buy not with the younger child's title...

________________

20. 'GUESS THE NUMBER' GAME

The leader picks a number within a range and players try to guess the number. Example: Leader says, "I'm thinking of a number between one and 50". Leader can say "higher or lower-- as the children guess. Correct number guess is the next leader.

________________

21. WHO CAN?
Can your kids...

• Roll their tongue (85% of people can). 
• Wiggle their ears; wiggle their nose.
• Show they are double jointed.
• Touch their ear with their elbow (I don't think anyone can!).
• Whistle (can they whistle by blowing both in and out?).
• Twiddle thumbs (try to do it in both directions at same time!).
• Rub their stomach and pat head at same time.
• Make owl hoots with clasped hands.
• Make a popping sound with hand tapping their puckered large "O" shaped mouth.

How about you? Can you???

______________________________

TIP: If a child is starting to become a challenge, put him/her in charge of a game or go first. It often will change the behavior.

________________

MORE IDEAS...

22. WHAT AM I COUNTING?
Have one person start counting aloud an object in everyone's view: Windows, white shirts, shoes, etc. Who can guess what the person is counting?

____________

23. CATEGORIES
Choose a category such as animals, vehicles, countries or food. Each person is to name something that belongs to that group. Challenge players to work in A to Z order: ant, bee, cow. Or, you can name items like hammer, saw, level and the child responds with "tools."

One more option is to have each word begin with the last letter of the previous word: Japan, Netherlands, Somalia, etc.

__________

24. PLAY 'SIMON SAYS' WITH 'VISUAL MISCUE'
Play this game just like any "Simon Says" but add visual directions that are totally wrong! Example: Simon Says touch your nose while touching your cheek! This game helps children focus on the spoken word rather than being overly influenced by visual...

___________

25. SHOULDER CHALLENGE
A potato chip or cracker is placed on shoulder, while standing. The challenge is to remove the chip with tongue!

________

26. DON'T FORGET ABOUT MAD LIBS. They're great to do with the kids as a group! Just shout out to them, 'Give me a noun---or adjective, etc. When complete, read the 'Mad Lib' story aloud with much enthusiasm. The children love it!
____ 

27. I CAN'T STAND _____! (For Older kids)  Have each player in turn describe a food that they cannot stand to eat. Encourage as much detail as possible so that the other car members are disgusted by the food, too...

________

28. When you have some down time-waiting...
Start off with what makes you happy ---and then take turns calling out things such as: Sunny days make me happy; Sunshine makes me happy; Warm cookies make me happy; Saturday mornings make me happy; Friday nights makes me happy;Going to the movies makes me happy...Pizza…..Going on vacation...Blue skies...Summer time, etc.
When done in a light-hearted manner, the children will join in and share! You'll be amazed how the atmosphere can change--as well as realizing it doesn't have to be a trip to Disney World to do it!
I actually did this with my three grandsons (ages 4, 6, 9) while waiting for their Dad in the car not too long ago! Within a few seconds, the atmosphere in the car really lightened up and they were each sharing! Barb

__________

30. Take along a supply of JOKES, KNOCK-KNOCK JOKES, TONGUE TWISTERS, and RIDDLES/TRICK QUESTIONS ...Just copy and paste from our pages. (Tip: When you copy KidActivities pages, the letters will be light blue on your paper--just use your 'computer color font choices' to make the letters black.)
___________ 

29. STARING CONTEST...
No laughing, no poking, no nodding, noblinking--just staring into the eyes of your opponent to see who flinches first
_________

GOOD 'ROAD TRIP' SONGS...

"99 BOTTLES OF BEER"
is a traditional song in the United States and Canada. It is popular to sing on long trips, as it has a very repetitive format which is easy to memorize, and can take a long time to sing. If the 'Beer' lyric bothers you--substitute the word 'milk'  or 'pop' (meaning soft drink/soda)

The lyrics are simple:

Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall, Ninety-nine bottles of beer.
Take one down, pass it around, Ninety-eight bottles of beer on the wall.

The same verse is repeated, each time with one less bottle. The song is completed when the singer or singers reach zero.

____________

THE ANTS GO MARCHING ONE BY ONE...

The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching one by one,
The little one stops to suck his thumb
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching two by two, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching two by two,
The little one stops to tie his shoe
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ants go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching three by three, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching three by three,
The little one stops to climb a tree
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ants go marching four by four, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching four by four, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching four by four,
The little one stops to shut the door
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ants go marching five by five, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching five by five, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching five by five,
The little one stops to take a dive
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ants go marching six by six, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching six by six, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching six by six,
The little one stops to pick up sticks
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ants go marching seven by seven, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching seven by seven, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching seven by seven,
The little one stops to pray to heaven
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ants go marching eight by eight, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching eight by eight, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching eight by eight,
The little one stops to shut the gate
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ants go marching nine by nine, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching nine by nine, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching nine by nine,
The little one stops to check the time
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The ants go marching ten by ten, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching ten by ten, hurrah, hurrah
The ants go marching ten by ten,
The little one stops to say "THE END"
And they all go marching down to the ground
To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

__________________

FOR KIDS & TEENS...
GOOD 'ROAD TRIP' READS!!!

• The Daring Book for Girls
Andrea J. Buchanan

• The Dangerous Book for Boys
Conn Iggulden
Equal parts droll and gorgeous nostalgia book and heartfelt plea for a renewed sense of adventure in the lives of boys and men

• The Everything Kids' Travel Activity Book: Games to Play, Songs to Sing, Fun Stuff to Do - Guaranteed to Keep You Busy the Whole Ride! (Everything Kids Series) Erik A. Hanson

• RandMcNally Kids' Road Atlas (Backseat Books) Kristy McGowan
Rand McNally's Backseat Books® series is your source for fighting those boredom blues. Kids' Road Atlas features real road maps, great travel games, state-by-state puzzles, state facts (including the nickname, capital, flower, tree, and bird), an index, and much, much more. An answer key is also included...

• The Everything Kids' States Book: Wind Your Way Across Our Great Nation (Everything Kids Series) Brian Thornton

• Where's Waldo? The Ultimate Travel Collection (Waldo) Martin Hanford.
The essential travel companion! Now Waldo can wander everywhere his fans do, thanks to a compact bind-up of five classic adventures. Waldo seekers young and old won’t want to hit the road without this paperback compilation of his world-famous excursions.

• Frommer's National Parks with Kids (Park Guides) Kurt Repanshek
Millions of families visit the national parks annually.
We sent our author out to hit the trails and campsites to figure out how to beat the crowds and enjoy an unspoiled family experience of nature.

• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
This Newbery Honor book is a dramatic, heart-stopping story of a boy who, following a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness must learn to survive with only a hatchet and his own wits. Ages 12-up. ...

• This is Texas by Miroslav Sasek
Following the runaway bestsellers This is New York and This is Paris, Universe is pleased to reissue another title from M. Sasek's beloved and nostalgic children's travel series.

• A Kid's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Revised and Updated Edition Inc Harcourt
For children on school trips or traveling with their families, here is kid-friendly information about popular monuments, museums, exhibits, shopping, sporting events--and even day trips outside the immediate metropolitan area. Originally published in 1989, this handy guide now features completely updated text and photographs, along with the puzzles, games, and wonderful tidbits

• Road Trip Trivia: A Big Book of Backseat Brainteasers (Klutz)
It is a truth universally acknowledged that backseat occupants on a trip of any duration are in serious peril of dying of boredom. Just ask them. Klutz has addressed this crisis before with gratifying success.

• Ballpark: The Story of America's Baseball Fields by Lynn Curlee
Grade 3-5…In this succinct and thoughtful overview, Curlee traces developments in the game from the mid-1800s to the construction of landmark arenas. The early 1900s saw the building of intimate playing fields such as Boston's Fenway Park and Chicago's Wrigley Field. Yankee Stadium, "the House that Ruth built…"

• Lady Liberty: A Biography by Doreen Rappaport
A powerfully moving, authentic portrait of the Statue of Liberty, told through the eyes of those who created her and illustrated in glorious detail.

• The Complete Book of Travel Games (The Complete Book Series)
School Specialty Publishing-- Everyone can enjoy their next trip with The Complete Book of Travel Games!

• Rand McNally Schoolhouse Intermediate Geography And Map Activities (Rand McNally Schoolhouse) Rand McNally and Company Action and adventure accompany geographers on their journey around the world with this fantastic activity book.

• Rand McNally Schoolhouse Beginner Geography & Map Activities
Rand McNally--- Big, bright illustrations make finding information fun and easy for young geographers. Schoolhouse's Beginner Geography…

___________________

 HAPPY TRAVELING!

TIPS FOR ALL PARENTS...
• Adjust your expectations for family vacations. Instead of thinking of them as time to relax, think of them as family time where you may need to work a bit to bring the family together. (You can always take time off for yourself to unwind at another time.)

• Get everyone's input on possible family vacations and activities. Your getaways will be more successful if everyone is involved in the planning from early on. Make sure the kids have a good say in what is planned, where you go, and the activities you want to do (and want to avoid). You may even need to plan one favorite activity per person so that everyone gets the chance to do something he or she really wants and the rest of the family can get to know that family member better.

• If you're divorced, be careful not to get your children caught in the cross hairs of competing vacations. Some kids think it's too much to go on two vacations (one with dad's family and another with mom's family) because it keeps them away from their friends too long. Balance your children's needs along with your own.

• Be realistic about budgets. Family vacations can get expensive rather quickly. If your kids want spending money, let them know their budget before you go.

• If you have kids in two different age groups (such as a preschooler and a young adolescent), find activities that both enjoy, such as swimming or water parks. Also let each child choose an activity he or she really wants to do and have the whole family go along and enjoy that activity.

• Consider vacations with different goals. One year have a vacation that's about relaxing and being together. Another time have a vacation that's more adventuresome, where you're exploring a national park or a major city. Another time, consider taking a family service trip during which your family volunteers and helps others. 

• Whenever you take a family vacation, remember to expect the unexpected, have a sense of humor, and be open to surprise and discovery. This will help you keep your balance and your sanity!

This article is from ParentFurther to find simple, practical, and proven ways to help your kids succeed visit their website! It's a great site to both visit and subscribe!

____________

FOR PARENTS OF KIDS 6-9...

Pack a traveling bag with activities that kids can do while traveling and on vacation. Include blank tablets, washable markers, puzzle and activity books, playing cards, handheld video games, books to read, and so on.
 
Consider putting away several new activities (such as a new card game, puzzle, or board game) and wrapping it like a present. When kids get bored, bring out a present for them to open and discover!

Be intentional about playing together as a family while you're on vacation. The best part of a family vacation is being together and having fun together.

__________

FOR PARENTS WITH YOUTH 10-15...
 
Encourage your teenager to bring a friend. This often will raise your teenager's enthusiasm level greatly.
 
You may need to rethink and redefine a family vacation for this age group. Don't be surprised if your teenager is more enthusiastic about taking a trip to see a favorite music group, go to an amusement park, or visit a first-class water park.
 
Consider taking two or three shorter vacations instead of one longer vacation. Sometimes teenagers are more agreeable to short getaways (so they don't miss much time with their friends) than long ones.
From Parent Further

_________________

__________

 

PAGES...

•All Three Water Themed Pages...

•Page 1: Art, Crafts, Science, Miscellaneous, Snacks and Book List

•Page 2: Discussion Topics-Bodies of Water, Water Use, Water Trivia 

•Page 3: Outdoor Water Themed Games and Fun

 

ART & CRAFTS

KOOL-AID PAINTING
Sprinkle unsweetened Kool-Aid on a piece a paper. Have the children move a piece of ice over the Kool-Aid. Watch as the Kool-Aid turns to liquid and makes a yummy smelling picture.

_______________

MORE KOOL-AID ART

1.  Sprinkle Kool-aid crystals onto a piece of paper.
2.  Have children spray water from a spray bottle onto the paper.
3.  Use different colored kool-aid mix.
4.  For added adventure, you may choose to take children out into the rain with a piece of paper that has Kool-aid on it.

__________

BLEEDING ART

Materials: Paper, tissue paper, spray bottles, water
Cut tissue paper into desired shapes.
Fill bottles with water.
1. Have children place tissue paper on other paper and spray with water.
2. Remove tissue paper to see how it bled and created designs on the construction paper.

_______

SPLATTER ART with Daubers (Bingo Markers)

• Give children a piece of paper and a small bowl of water.
• Set out some different colors of dauber pens.
• Children take daubers and dip the tip into the water. Then slightly smash pen onto the paper.
• The water will splatter the paint out.
• Repeat with other colors of pens.
• Splatters will create interesting designs on the paper.

_________

FLOATING ART
Cut construction paper into desired shapes (Can be seasonal or holiday shapes.)

• Fill a plastic dishpan with water.
• Have the children help grate various colors of chalk into powder.
• Let each child choose 2 or 3 colors of chalk and sprinkle the powder on top of the water.
• Next have children float a sheet of paper on top of the water to absorb the chalk design.
• Hang the shapes on a line or lay flat to dry.
  For variation use India ink on top of the water instead of chalk.
  Swirl to make a design, then lay the paper on the water's surface to absorb the design.

 ___________

OCEAN IN A BOTTLE...

Materials: A clean, empty two-liter plastic bottle with a cap, clear vegetable oil, water, a funnel, blue food coloring, shells and sea creatures (available from craft stores- be sure to use lightweight items that float), one teaspoon of glitter, white craft glue and a hot glue gun (to be used ONLY by staff or supervised by staff at all times). 

• Fill bottle halfway with water.
• Add a few drops of blue food coloring and swirl around to mix.
• Add glitter and sea creatures/shells and then fill bottle the rest of the way with vegetable oil using a funnel.
• Make sure that cap and rim are dry--- and then apply white glue around the rim and seal cap.
• Use a layer of hot glue around the outside edge of the cap for additional protection from leakage.
• Turn the bottle on its side to create a wave in this ocean habitat! From Kids domain website.

___________

OCEAN TREASURE IN A BOTTLE

Ocean Treasure"--add coins and beads!
TIP: If you have trouble getting the entire label off - you may want to place a label over the 'old laaber' and write the "childrens' names" and "Ocean in a Bottle".

_____________________

 A fun alternative to chalk!

SIDE WALK PAINT

You will need equal portions of water and corn starch. Mix well.

• Add a drop of your favorite food coloring!
• Paint this wonderful concoction on the sidewalk. Give it a few minutes to dry and you'll have a wonderful work of ART! It washes off easily with a pail of water or hose.  (Cornstarch Paint in cupcake tins photo from Craft Addict) 

__________

SWIMMING FISH... (A craft and science in one!)

1. Fill a large plastic soft drink bottle about one quarter full with water.
2. Add a few drops of blue food coloring and a very small drop of liquid detergent.
3. Pour in a small amount of clean sand or aquarium gravel. Blow up two small balloons, release most of the air, then tie the ends closed. Push the balloons into the bottle and screw the cap on tightly. When you have finished, you will have a fish tank with two bobbing "fish" inside.
4. The fish will swim in the water by holding the bottle sideways and rocking it back and forth. You may just discover that each child will want one of their own.

_________ 

Have the kids help pour the warm water into each jar. Add one of the elements to each jar, and cover it tightly.

Have children predict what will happen when you shake each jar. Shake them one at a time. What happens in each instance? Which of the elements dissolve in water and which ones sink to the bottom? The children may want to bring in other nature items/substances to continue this experiment.

__________

WATER DROPS ON A PENNY

One drop at a time, use a medicine dropper to drop water onto a penny. How many drops will the penny hold before the water spills? The amount may be a surprise!
_________

SINK OR FLOAT
Gather different items such as a variety of cans, coins, pencil, etc. and a large bowl of water. Small aquariums are good for this. Clear plastic tubs also work.

Have the children make predictions of what they think will happen. Will it sink or will it float? Have the children take turns dropping each individual item and discussing the results...
________

WATERMELON SINK OR FLOAT? (SCIENCE & SNACK COMBINED!)
Fill a bin or aquarium or tub half full with water. Place everyday items near the bin. Get the kids to guess which items would sink and which ones would float.

WHEN COMPLETE...cup up and serve the watermelon for snack!
A watermelon will float because its mass is less than the mass of water it displaces. This is due primarily because the inside of melon is hollow. It is mostly air, which has a much lower mass than water.
____________

WATER EVAPORATION
Fill two jars with the same amount of water and mark the level of the water on the outside of the jars. Put a lid on one of the jars. Put the jars in a sunny place for a few days. Discuss with children what happened. Have children note that there is more water gone from the jar without lid and that inside the jar with the lid they can see tiny drops of water.

Ask questions such as...
What happened to the water in the jar with no lid? (The water went into the air. It evaporated.)
What happened to the water in the jar with a lid? (The water stayed in the jar, Because of the lid, the water wasn't able to escape or evaporate.)

__________

Make some SALT WATER...
Leave it in a warm place for a few days.
Questions to ask: What happens when salt dissolves in water? What happens to the standing salt water after a few days ? Why?

_______

Nice for Pre-K/K...COLORED ICE CUBES...This is a nice visual experience of COLOR CHANGES.

Make red, yellow and blue ice cubes using food coloring and water. Place one red and one yellow ice cube in a ziplock baggie, one red and one blue ice cube in a ziplock baggie, and one yellow and one blue ice cube in a ziplock baggie. Place them in the science area. As the colored ice cubes melt they create new colors.

_______________________________

 
CARNATION SCIENCE
Here is a great little "science" project that will amaze younger children.
1.  Get a white carnation.
2.  Leave it out of water to 1 - 2 hours until it starts to wilt a bit.
3.  Cut 1" from the stem.
4.  Place carnation in red-colored (or other color) water made by adding red food coloring to water. Cover 6" of stem with water. Observe what happens to the carnation.

_____________

RED WHITE AND BLUE CARNATIONS...
Make tie-dyed looking red, white and blue carnations. These flowers look great for any red-white & blue theme!.
You’ll Need:
2 glasses
Water
Red and blue food coloring
White carnations
Green thread
1.  Pour water into a glass of water. Add 7 to 8 drops of red food coloring to the glass.
2.  Pour water into another glass and add 7 to 8 drops of blue food coloring to the glass.
3.  Cut the stem of a white carnation lengthwise. This will make the carnation stem into two thin stems.
4.  Set the two glasses of colored water together. Put half of the stem of the carnation into the red water and the other half into the blue water.
5.  Let the carnation sit for a few hours. The carnation will begin to change gradually into red and blue.
6.  Take the flower out of the mixture in just a few hours before the colors can change the white carnation entirely. You want it so that some of the white is still on the carnation.
7.  Wrap the stems together with green thread and place the carnation into a clear vase of water. Make several flowers and show off your beautiful red, white and blue flowers in a vase.

____________

OSMOTIC CELERY

Cut the bottom of celery stalks and set them in glasses of tinted water; the longer the stalks are in water, the deeper the color will be. (Wait a day or two) The stalks will absorb the color. These will also be 'safe for children to eat! (Gage the amount of mixture to about 10 drops of color to 1/4 cups water.)

_____________
SNACKS/COOKING

MAKE 'HEALTHY' SNOW CONES

Frozen Water Treat!
To make each cone, place crushed ice in a paper cup. Mix one part unsweetened frozen apple or orange juice concentrate with one part water. Pour the diluted concentrate over the ice.

GENERAL GUIDE TO 'JUICE SNOW CONES' (Good for Home)

•Freeze orange juice (or any other flavored juice) in ice cube trays. When frozen put frozen juice cubes in a plastic bag to store.
•Put three to six of these cubes at a time in a blender.
•Pulse the blender -on then off, on then off, until cubes have a snowy consistency. Pile into a cup to serve.
TIP: If you blend the entire batch at once, it will keep its carnival consistency stored in a container in the freezer. Kids can serve themselves. Adding a little water makes it “slush". Even kids who don't care for orange juice like it this way!

______________

How about making some good old fashioned lemonade?!
CLASSIC LEMONADE
This lemonade is quick and easy and refreshing on a hot summer day. Pour a large pitcher and garnish with fresh raspberries, cranberries or slices of lemon.
10 lemons
3 cups water
2 cups sugar
4 cups crushed ice
Cut 1/2 OF ONE LEMON into thin slices and set aside. Juice a(Squeeze) the remaining 9 1/2 lemons and pour into a glass pitcher or punch bowl. Stir in the water and sugar until dissolved. Pour in the crushed ice and float the lemon slices on top.
About 6 glasses

You could also use a 'lemonade mix' to make lemonade.

TASTE TEST Extension Idea:
1. Make lemonade a couple ways...Regular and Pink Lemonade (frozen) mix from a can--Home made lemonade and powdered mix lemonade.
2. Have children taste each-and vote/graph which they like best...

_______

MORE WATER THEMED SNACKS...

• Don't forget WATERMELON!!!
• How about making 'SUN TEA-ICE TEA? (Recipe below) 
• You could also make JELL-O (It starts out liquid and turns solid...science and snack in one!
• Make Kool-Aid Popsicles

_____

SUN TEA  

1 gal. cold water
6 tea bags

Place cold water in large, clear, glass jar.
Add tea bags. Cover top.
Put in sun tea is desired strengh.
Remove tea bags and drink over ice.Add sugar, lemon, mint as desired.

Tip-Since water is not boiled, keep refrigerated and drink tea within one to two days.

___________

MISCELLANEOUS 'WATER THEMED' IDEAS...

THINGS TO ADD TO A 'WATER TABLE'...

  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Funnels and Colanders
  • Buckets/Plastic Containers
  • Eyedroppers
  • Sponges
  • Bath Toys/Boats/Plastic Animals
  • Ladles and Whisks

What to do with the above:

1. Compare the sizes of containers by filling one with water--then PREDICTING whether another will hold more or less. Test predictions.

2. Supply a variety of SPONGES. Which will hold the most water?

3. WHISK UP BUBBLES!
Add bubble bath to a tub or sensory table. Have children whisk away and play with the resulting bubbles!

___________

HAVE A CAR WASH... If you have older kids...how about organizing a car wash? This could  be a 'fund raiser for a community service, school, or  child-care program'!

EXTENSION IDEA...Set up a 'lemonade and ice cold water stand'! Sell the cool beverages while people are waiting for their cars to be washed!

__________

DON'T FORGET THE BUBBLES!

Supply children with bubble mix and bubble wands to make them.

 

MAKE YOUR OWN BUBBLE MIX
Ingredients:
2 tblsp dish soap
9 oz water
1 tblsp glycerin
For best results, let it rest over-night...

________

WET FASHION SHOW (Good for a party, field or water day!)
What you need: 
  • 1 bucket per team full of water 
  • Lots of newspaper 
  • A few black bags to collect all the wet paper when the groups are done. 
  • A willing adult/teen for each group (The kids will LOVE this!)
Using only wet newspaper, have your own crazy fashion show by dressing up your teacher/caregiver/parent! (you could also 'dress up' kids within each group...)
Be sure that all the newspaper is cleaned up before the next group arrives. (This idea is taken from our Outdoor Water Fun Category.)

___________ 

TIP: COLLECT 'FREE WATER PLAY' SQUIRT BOTTLES

Save all those liquid dishwashing & ketchup/catsup plastic containers.
When empty, clean them up and make great "squirt each other" bottles! Marvelous for water fun!  Put these on your wish list to parents to get a large supply!

___________

TOY WASH!
Required:
Children in swim suits
Washable toys, water
Small buckets
Sponge and bubbles
Instead of a car wash…have a toy wash!

• On a hot day ---take all washable toys outside and let children have fun washing them.
• Children cool off...and YOU get clean toys!!! 
  Great for End of the School/Day Care, or Summer Camp!!!

__________

Note:

If you combine some of the above 'Water Themed Ideas' with activities from the 'Outdoor Water Games and Fun' page-you'll have an amazing 'Wet and Wild Water Theme' for a day, week or longer! 

___________

BOOKS ON WATER (Available at the library and on Amazon.com)

• All the Water in the World
by George Ella Lyon and Katherine Tillotson

• Hydro's Adventure Through the Water Cycle
by Randi S. Goodrich, Michael S. Goodrich

• Our Earth: Saving Water (Our Earth (Children's Press))
by Peggy Hock

• The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About The Water Cycle
by Pat Relf

• Saving Water (Green Kids)
by Neil Morris

• Water
by Frank Asch

• Science With Water (Science Activities)
by Helen Edom

• A Drop Of Water
by Walter Wick

• One Well: The Story of Water on Earth (CitizenKid)
by Rochelle Strauss and Rosemary Woods

• Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean (Let's-Read-and-Find... Science 2)
by Arthur Dorros

• Why Should I Save Water?
by Jen Green and Mike Gordon

• The Secret of Water
by Masaru Emoto 

__________

 

KIDS, HEAT AND WATER NEEDS!

How much water do kids need when playing outside? WHEN IT'S HOT OUTSIDE... and kids are playing sports—or even just actively playing—head off problems by making sure they drink fluids before, during and after activity.

As a guideline, encourage at least 4 ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes, or whenever there’s a break or time-out. Tip: One ounce equals about one "gulp."  So kids need a minimum of 4 GULPS OF WATER EVERY 20 MINUTES!

In high temperatures, kids don’t sweat as much as adults do, so it’s harder for them to cool off. This makes them more at risk for dehydration and heat exhaustion.

__________

WATER THEMED PAGES...

•All Three Water Themed Pages...

•Page 1: Art, Crafts, Science, Miscellaneous, Snacks and Book List

•Page 2: Discussion Topics-Bodies of Water, Water Use, Water Trivia 

•Page 3: Outdoor Water Themed Games and Fun

 ________________________

 

 

• Ten tiny tin trains toot ten times.

• Seven Santas sang silly songs.

• Santa's seven sleighs slid sideways

• Tiny Tim trims tall trees with tinsel.

• Santa's sleigh slides on slick snow.

• Bobby brings bright bells.

• Silly smelly snowman slips and slides

• How many deer would a reindeer reign if a reindeer could reign deer?

• Running reindeer romp 'round red wreaths.

• Santa Clause's cloak closes tightly.

• Santa sang seven songs.

• Kris Kringle climbs Christmas chimneys

• Chilly chipper children cheerfully chant.

• Rudolph runs rings 'round Rover

• Eleven elves licked eleven little licorice lollipops.

• Santa's sack sags slightly.

• Santas Sleigh Glides In The Sky.

• Santa stuffs Stephie's striped stocking.

• There's chimney soot on Santa's suit.

• Comet cuddles cute Christmas kittens carefully.

• Kris Kringle clapped crisply.

• Santa's Short Suit Shrunk.

• Eight elves eagerly ate everything.

• Crazy kids clamor  candy canes and Christmas cookies.

___________

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH TONGUE TWISTERS?!

 Short tongue Twisters are great for linguistic fun and games and they serve a practical purpose in practicing pronunciation. The following games are fun and the twisters themselves are great to use for Drama Club exercises and at transition times of "waiting in lines"! Try some with your kids...Try at home too! Could also be great fun in the car... 

 

TONGUE TWISTER ACTIVITIES

What can you do with tongue twister beside say them???

• Illustrate various tongue twisters...
• Write a book of tongue twisters...
• Have a tongue twister contest between groups in your program...
• Have kids write twisters that will stump other groups...

___________

TONGUE TWISTER BEE: Get twisted without getting tongue-tied.

• Try some of the above Twisters.
• The first person says the tongue twister once. The next person has to say it twice, the third person three times and so on.
• Keep going until someone's tongue gets twisted.

_________________

***IDEA: Try to say the tongue twisters with tongues stuck under the lower lip, or stuck out!!!  TAKE TURNS SAYING EACH  OF THE ABOVE THREE TIMES!