LITERACY... POEMS...SONGS...

 
FOUR IDEAS FOR PROGRAM COOKBOOKS...

IDEA # 1
Have the children write or dictate their own recipes for a Thanksgiving feast. Write each recipe on a large index card and ask them to illustrate their recipes. Then mount the recipe cards below the pictures.

IDEA # 2 (Similar to #1) 
Give each child a clip-art decorated page and have them write or dictate their favorite recipe (from their perspective) and compile all into a "center cook book". You will come out with a very humorous book! 

 IDEA #3
You could also put the recipes together and make a "Class  Book" to display at your parents' center.

 IDEA #4
Ask each child to bring a favorite "real" Thanksgiving Family recipe from home. Compile all and make a cookbook for each family!

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TURKEY DAY WISH...
This would be really cute for your November Newsletter (October if you live in Canada) or posted at your 'Info Center'. It could also be said at your Turkey-Day table!!! 

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your Turkey be plump...
May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious,
May your pies take the prize...
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.

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FIVE LITLE TURKEYS #1

5 little turkeys were standing by a door...
One saw some corn, and then there were four.
Run, Run, Run far away. Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day!
 
4 little turkeys flew up in a tree...
One fell down and then there were three.
Run, Run, Run far away. Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day!
 
3 little turkeys gobbled as they do...
A dog chased one and then there were two.
Run, Run, Run far away. Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day!
 
2 little turkeys strutting in the sun...
The wind came along and then there was one.
Run, Run, Run far away. Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day!

1 little turkey saw a farmer come; He ran far away and then there were NONE!

FIVE LITTLE TURKEYS #2

Five little turkeys standing at the door,
One waddled off, and then there were four.

Four little turkeys sitting near a tree,
One waddled off,and then there were three.

Three little turkeys with nothing to do,
One waddled off, and then there were two.

Two little turkeys in the morning sun,
One waddled off, and then there was one.

One little turkey better run away,
For soon it will be Thanksgiving Day.

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THE TURKEY

The turkey is a funny bird
Its head goes bobble-bobble...

And all he knows is just one word...
And that is GOBBLE-GOBBLE!

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Love this idea from lilteacher... DISGUISED TURKEYS! 

Children took home a copy of a plain turkey. The fun was to disguise the turkey in a creative manner! If you're concerned that parents in your program are in the mist of time-challenge constraints--form groups of 2 to 4 children to come up with their own version of a "Disguised Turkey"!  Create a wonderful display with their vision!

Put names of the 'Turkey" under the creations. Example: Gramma Turkey, Santa Turkey, Superman, etc.

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ALBUQUERQUE TURKEY SONG 
(Sung to tune of: My Darlin Clementine)

Albuquerque is a turkey
And he's feathered and he's fine...
And he wobbles and he gobbles
And he's absolutely mine!

He's the best pet you can get yet
Better than a dog or cat
He's my Albuquerque turkey
And I'm awfully proud of that!

And my Albuquerque turkey
Is so happy in his bed-
'Cause for our Thanks-giving Dinner...
We have spaghetti innnnn-stead

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Instead of the Hokey Pokey Dance--do THE TURKEY JERKY

You put your right wing in, you put your right wing out,
You put your right wing in, and you gobble all about.
You do the turkey jerky and you turn yourself around,
That's what it's all about.
Next would be:
Left wing
Drumsticks
Head
Tail feathers
Turkey body

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LYRICS TO 'OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS'...

Over the river and through the wood
To Grandfather's house we go.
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the wood --
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the wood
To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring,
Ting-a-ling-ling!
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and through the wood,
Trot fast, my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground
Like a hunting hound,
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river and through the wood,
And straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go
Extremely slow --
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the wood --
Now Grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurray for the pumpkin pie!

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TURKEY QUIZ & DISCUSSION--HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW?

 

The turkey is one of the most famous birds in North America.  In fact, Benjamin Franklin wanted to make the wild turkey, not the Bald Eagle, the national bird of the United States!

1. What is a male turkey called?
2. What is  female turkey called?
3. What is a baby turkey called?
4. Where will you find the turkey's wattle?
5. What is a Gizzard?
6. Where and what are the turkey's caruncles?
7. Where is the turkey's snood?
8. How big are wild turkeys? (How tall and average weight)
9. How many babies do turkeys have?

CHECK YOUR ANSWERS...

1. A male turkey is called a Tom or a Gobbler.

2. A female turkey is called a hen.

3. A poult is a baby turkey.(A chick)
When the  poults hatch, they flock with their mother all year including the winter).
After the turkey begins to grow--A young male turkey is called a "jake" and a young female is called a "jenney."

4. A Wattle is the flap of skin under the turkey's chin. It turns bright red when the turkey is upset or during courtship.

5. A Gizzard is  part of a bird's stomach that contains tiny stones.  It helps them grind up food for digestion.
 
6. The caruncle is the growth of skin that dangle from the turkey's chin--the throat region. It turns bright red when the turkey is upset or during courtship.
 
7. The snood is the growth of skin that droops over the gobbler's bill. (The flap of skin that hangs over the turkey's beak) It turns bright red when the turkey is upset or during courtship.

8. Wild turkeys are about 3 to 4 feet tall.
The male turkey weighs between 16 and 24 pounds and the female is smaller and only weighs between eight and 10 pounds.

9. A turkey hen lays an average of eight to 17 eggs. She lays them one at a time in a nest built on the ground. After several weeks when all the eggs have been laid, she begins to sit on them to incubate, or keep them warm. After 28 days the eggs are ready to hatch.

OTHER FUN FACTS...
Wild turkeys can run fast---up to 25 miles per hour. They can also fly up to 50 miles per hour. In the right conditions (still and quiet), a turkey's gobble caan be heard up to one mile away!

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Check out the Category with Thanksgiving Jokes!

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TURKEY-FEST! HAVE A PROGRAM  THANKSGIVING POTLUCK BUFFET

1.) Weeks ahead---Post and hand-out a save-the date. Invite parents to attend and have them sign up to bring in foods traditional to Thanksgiving such as:
Turkey, sweet potatoes, vegetables, applesauce, pies, fruits, etc.

2.) Estimate the amounts you will need and put out a sign-up sheet with how much you'll need.

Example-
Pies:                                      Salads     
1. ____________              1.__________________

2. ____________              2. __________________ 

3. ____________              3. __________________

4. ___________

5. _____________

 
3.) Parents then sign up for their choice. Be sure to tell them to bring their contribution ready to go and serve!
Have the center provide juice, water, sturdy plates, napkins and utensils.

4.) Time is short for us all; however, there are so many good food stores that make excellent turkey breast, chicken pieces, potatoes, fruit, etc. Tell families their contribution does not need to be home-made!

5.) For the feast, have children make THEMED-PLACE MATS and decorations the weeks before the event! Give all a role in the fun celebration!

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TURKEY TALES...

 • I KNOW AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A PIE... by Alison Jackson, Judith Byron Schachner (Illustrator)
Great twist of the classic - I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. I know an old lady who swallowed a pie, a Thanksgiving pie, which was really too dry. And with that the feast begins! After the pie the old lady swallows a whole squash, all of the salad, and the entire turkey! As Mother and Father watch in shock, the two children are delighted to see the old lady growing fatter and fatter. And, in the end, the old lady makes a surprising and humorous contribution to the holiday festivities.

• IN NOVEMBER...by Cynthia Rylant, Jill Kastner (Illustrator)
In November, the air grows cold and the earth and all of its creatures prepare for winter. Animals seek food and shelter. And people gather together to celebrate their blessings with family and friends. This book is a great resource to share at Thanksgiving time, as it honors family traditions of this seasonal month.

• THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING... by Natasha Wing, Tammie Lyon (Illustrator)
A creative spin on the Clement C. Moore classic, The Night Before Thanksgiving is a warm, whimsical celebration of everyone's favorite fun-filled, family-filled, food-filled holiday! Follow along as the feast is prepared, cousins are greeted, and thanks are given, all with an extra helping of holiday fun.

• SOMETIMES IT'S TURKEY-SOMETIMES IT'S FEATHERS..by Lorna Balian, Humbug Books, 1994

• GRACIAS THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY, by Joy Cowley, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda, Scholastic Press, 1998

THE TURKEY SAVES THE DAY, by Shelagh Canning, Illistrated by Doug Cushman, Troll Assoociates, Inc., 1997

NON-FICTION...

• ALL ABOUT TURKEYS, by Jim Arnosky, Scholastic Press, 1998

• WILD TURKEYS, by Dorthy Hinshaw Patent, Photographs by Wiliam Munoz, Lerner Publications Co, 1999

All books are at Library, bookstores, and Amazon.com

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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!)

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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...

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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'!

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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

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 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.

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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!

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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!

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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

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 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.

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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'.

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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 ________"

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

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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

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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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...

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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.

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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???

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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...

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

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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!
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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...

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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

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

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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!

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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…

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 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!

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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.

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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

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Jokes at page bottom...

ICEMAN SNOWMAN Make Inside and Keep Outside...

Fill three balloons with water (one big, one medium, and one small). Let freeze overnight. Peel the balloon off and stack the balls--using salt between to help them melt and stick together. Have kids clothe him, put a carrot nose, stick arms, etc.

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INSIDE SNOWMAN...
In the winter gather snow in a LARGE shallow baking pan. Make a smaller version of a snowman and decorate it just as you would an outdoor snowman (Eyes, arms, nose, and Buttons on body, etc.)
Place the snowman on a table where the children can watch it melt through out the day.
A nice hands-on sensory-science project. Your children will really like i!!! 
 
..........I did this with two of my grandchildren. I went out on the deck and rolled three snowballs and brought them into the kitchen. I placed the snowman on a large foil tray in the sink. They enjoyed guessing and watching which parts would melt first. Most of the body remained after 5 hours---but the snowman did loose his buttons, carrot nose and eyes! Barb

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FIVE LITTLE SNOWMEN FINGER PLAY

Five little snowmen
Round and fat.
Each one wore a funny hat.

Out came the sun
And melted one,
And that -was- that.

Count down to one.

Extension Idea:
1. Have 5 children hold a snowman card and 1 child hold a sun card.
2. As the group recites the poem, the sun taps a snowman on the head-which  causes the snowman to melt.
3.THAT child then turns snowman card over to reveal melted snowman picture. (Sample of snowman props by Lilteacher)

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Something for your Winter Newsletter--- or print (all done up) with clip-art -and post at your Info/Family Center...
I LEARNED ALL ABOUT LIFE FROM A SNOWMAN...

    • It's okay if you're a little bottom heavy.

    • Hold your ground, even when the heat is on.

    • Wearing white is always appropriate.

    • Winter is the best of the four seasons.

    • It takes a few extra rolls to make a good midsection.

    • There's nothing better than a foul weather friend.

    • The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul.

    • We're all made up of mostly water.

    • You know you've made it when they write a song about you.

    • Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!

    • Don't get too much sun.

    • It's embarrassing when you can't look down and see your feet.

    • It's fun to hang out in your front yard.

    • Always put your best foot forward.

    • There's no stopping you once you're on a roll.

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 READING TO BUILD A SNOWMAN! This is a great COOPERATIVE PROGRAM PROJECT where the group focuses on reading for an entire winter month!

Put up a very large snowman shape on a bulletin board or wall. Add a hat, nose, mouth and eyes.

Draw and cut-out a supply of snowball shapes (you may want to make a sheet of balls and then photo- copy).

When children read a book--they will write in the title as well as their name. The snowball will then be placed on the snowman shape. 

• Books read should be at or above their reading level. 
• If working with a mixed age group, allow older youth to receive credit for reading to younger children.
• You may also award younger children 'snowballs' for making 'picture' books and stories 
• (Design the activity to meet the needs of your group.

Fill in the snowman shape with the snowballs as the children read their books. If the snowman is filled in and meets the goal, celebrate with a treat. (Maybe the Ice-cream Snowman in the Snowman Snack section? 

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SNOWMAN SONGS AND POEMS...

I'M A LITTLE SNOWMAN
Sung to  I'm A Little Teapot

I'm a Little Snowman
Short and fat...
Here is my broomstick
And here is my hat...
When it's cold and icy I do stay-
And when it's sunny- I melt away.

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#2 I'M A LITTLE SNOWMAN
To tune of I'm a Little Tea Pot

I'm a Little Snowman
I'm A Little Snowman,
Short and fat,
Here is my scarf
And here is my hat.
When the sun comes out,
I melt away.
But when it's cold, I'm here to stay!

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#3 BUILD A LITTLE SNOWMAN
Sung to I'm A Little Teapot

Build a little snowman starting with it's feet...
Pack on lots of snow and make him nice and neat.
 
Then you roll a big 'round ball, put it right on top...
But  the sun may come out and make your snowman hot. 

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#4 YOU ARE MY SNOWMAN
Sung to: You Are My Sunshine

You are my snowman,
My only snowman.
You make me happy,
On days of gray.
And when the sun's out,
You'll hear us all shout.
Please don't take our snowman away!

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FROSTY SNOWMAN IDEAS...

Read the book Frosty the Snowman...

•Watch the Frosty video/DVD

•Sing Frosty the Snowman (lyrics below) 

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Lyrics to 'FROSTY THE SNOWMAN'...

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
and two eyes made out of coal

Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale they say
He was made of snow but the children
know how he came to life one day

There must have been some magic in that
old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
he began to dance aroundO Frosty the snowman
was alive as he could be
And the children say he could laugh
and play just the same as you and me

Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

Frosty the snowman knew
the sun was hot that day
So he said
"Let's run and
we'll have some fun
now before I melt away

" Down to the village
with a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there all
around the square saying
Catch me if you can

He led them down the streets of town
right to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when
he heard him holler "Stop!"

For Frosty the snow man
had to hurry on his way
But he waved goodbye saying
"Don't you cryI'll be back again some day

" Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpetty thump thump
thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

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