This category is filled with ideas for RED, WHITE & BLUE DAYS!  Crafts, Art, Games,  and more! (Red, White & Blue Food is on Page 2)
Consider some activities for themes of  Patriotic, Uncle Sam, USA Olympics, Flag Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Fireworks, Labor Day or the Last Week of School or Good Old USA Days!

CRAFT IDEAS...

STAR-STUDDED LEIS
Need:
Craft foam
Sharpened pencil Elastic cording
Red-and-white striped straws or drink stirrers
Time needed: About 1 Hour
1. Cut out craft foam stars and use a shapened pencil to poke a hole in the middle of each one.
2. String them onto a length of elastic cording, alternating the stars with sections of straw or drink stirrer. Knot and wear.

____________________

FELT AMERICAN FLAG
Materials:
Felt paper in red, white, and blue, white star stickers, dowel stick, glue, and scissors.
Give each child a large rectangle piece of white felt. Students (or the teacher) will cut out a blue square and 7 red strips. Glue onto white felt rectangle to resemble flag. Once dry, have students place white star stickers onto blue felt square. Glue the edge of the flag to the dowel stick and let dry (it may be best to use a glue gun). Let dry.

___________________

RIBBON STREAMERS
Kids will have fun at parades and other celebrations with these hand held ribbon streamers. With just a few strands of ribbon you can create an accessory that looks cool when kids run or dance with it.
What you'll need:
Paper towel roll tube
Tacky glue
Scissors
Roll of red ribbon
Roll of blue ribbon
Roll of white ribbon
Roll of striped red, white, and blue ribbon
Hole punch
Measuring tape, ruler, or yardstick
1.  Wrap the striped red, white, and blue ribbon around the paper towel tube, applying tacky glue under the ribbon as you work. You can wrap the ribbon at an angle or horizontally, whatever you prefer.
2.  After ribbon is applied and glue has dried, punch 9 holes in the bottom of the paper towel tube with the hole punch.
3.  Cut three strips of red ribbon that are 46 inches long. Cut three strips of blue ribbon that are 46 inches long. Cut three strips of white ribbon that are 46 inches long.
4. Tie a knot in the top of each strip of ribbon.
5. Pull each of the strips through the holes so the knot is on the inside
of the tube.
If you can't find striped red, white, and blue ribbon, you can wrap around individual strips of red, white, and blue ribbon.

________________________

AMERICAN FLAG WINDSOCK...
This project is a FUN way to decorate for any patriotic holiday, or to show your USA pride all year-round! American Flag Windsocks are easy to make and perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July.

• Remove cover and cut bottom off oatmeal box.
• Cover box with blue construction paper.
• Decorate box with stickers and glitter.
• Cut red and white crepe paper streamers, glue to bottom end of box.
• Punch four holes along the top end of the box.
• Cut two pieces of string about a foot long.
• Tie strings to the holes you have just punched, tie opposite ends of strings to holes on opposite side.
• Cut an additional longer piece of string. To hang windsock---tie this to the other two strings.

Hang windsock from porch, window or a tree!

 TIP: 'USA UNCLE SAM WINDSOCK'...All Windsocks can be decorated to any theme such as this photo example. For this windsock, it is suggested to start painting/decorating from the top and work your way down.

 ____________

POM POMS
1.  Cover toilet tissue tubes with red or blue construction paper and have children decorate them with silver star stickers.
2.  Cut red, white and blue crepe-paper streams --into long and narrow strips. Have children glue the strips to one end of their tubes to make pompoms for shaking.

________________

 DECORATE WITH RED-WHITE AND BLUE TWIRLERS! A fun craft and nice decoration

 Hang from a window frame, tree, ceiling or porch!
Materials:
Plastic coffee can lids (Lids come in a variety of colors), Marker, Scissors, String

 

•  To make one, use a nail to poke a hole in the center of a plastic coffee can lid.
• With a marker, draw a spiral that starts 3/8 inch from the hole (it keeps going around itself in circular pattern) and gradually extends to the rim---then cut along the line with scissors.
• Knot an end of a piece of string, thread the other end up through the hole in the center, and the twirler is ready to hang up and spin.
• To spin, grasp each one at the bottom, twirl it around and around until the string is wound tight, let go and enjoy.  (Source: FamilyFun-but have also seen on CafeMom)

______________

HEAD BAND
Cut stars out of red, white and blue construction paper.
Make a head band out of white construction paper (make it long enough to fit around the child's head).
Glue stars on the band.
Red, white and blue stickers can also be added.
Allow the glue to dry.
Place band around child's head to get the size right.
Staple the band to make a circle.

__________________

RED, WHITE, & BLUE WREATH
Materials:
Paper plate, white tissue paper, red tissue paper, blue tissue paper
silver streamers or ribbon, silver of white pipe cleaner, glue, stapler
Directions:
1.  Start by cutting out the center of a paper plate - discard the center. 2. Cut tissue into 6"x6" squares. Scrunch a piece of tissue up and dab it into the glue and place on the plate.
3.  Continue doing this and alternating colors until the plate rim is filled all the way up.
4.  Add a little sparkle by adding some silver streamers or ribbon here and there.
5.  Staple a pipe cleaner to the back of the wreath to make a hanger.

_________________

MAKE CELEBRATION FRISBEES
Materials:
Red plastic plates (two for each Frisbee)
Scissors
Steak Knife (optional)
Large Ziploc baggie
Red, white and blue or multi-colored sequins
Stapler
1. Cut out the center of two red plastic plates. 
(Create a slit in the plastic plates with a knife. Next have children cut the rest of the center out with a pair of scissors.)
2. Fill the large plastic bag with colored sequins. 
(The Frisbee works better if you don’t put in too many sequins.
3. Place the plastic bag filled with sequins in between the two plates.
4. Staple the two plates together around the edges with the plastic bag in between. 
(It helps to have one person hold the plastic bag on each end so it’s taut, while the other person staples the plates together.) 5. Trim the parts of the plastic bag that hang outside the edge of the plates.
6. Go outside and throw the new Frisbee! 

_____________ 

PATRIOTIC STAR
Materials:
Starfish (Real starfish)
Red Acrylic Paint
Blue Acrylic Paint
White Acrylic Paint
1) Paint red stripes on star fish leaving the upper left quadrant blank.
2) Paint blue in the upper left quadrant.
3) Allow to dry.
4) Paint small white stars in the blue painted section.

____________

RED, WHITE AND BLUE PONY BEADS!

 

 

 

 

TWO IDEAS TO Create your own FIREWORK PICTURES...
IDEA #1
Use dark construction paper, glue and different colors of glitter. These fireworks pictures are great decorations...
Supplies:
Black or very dark construction paper
Glitter
White glue
Old newspapers
A straw (optional)
1.  Work on old newspapers.
2.  Spread glue on the paper in geometric shapes. If the glue is soft enough, you can put a small blob of glue on the paper, and then blow some air through a straw to spread it into interesting shapes. You can experiment with the consistency of the glue and the angle of the straw.
3.  Sprinkle glitter onto the glue. Slide the excess glitter off your picture and back into the glitter container.

__________

IDEA #2 Bursts of PAINT that resemble FIREWORKS in the Sky...
Need:
Acrylic paint
Drinking straw
Paintbrush
Paper (or card stock)
Water
Time needed: 30 Minutes or Less...For each color: In a paper cup--dilute some acrylic paint with water to a runny consistency. Using a paintbrush, drip a few drops of paint onto a piece of paper or card stock (be sure to rinse the brush between colors). Hold  a drinking straw directly over each puddle of paint and blow gently to create a spectacular starburst effect.

__________________

RED, WHITE AND BLUE PUFFY ART
Materials:
Flour, Salt, Water, Red and blue food coloring, Empty squeeze bottles (mustard bottles work well), Cardboard
Directions:
1. Mix equal parts of flour, salt, and water to make the puffy paint.
2. Divide mixture into three different bowls and color one bowl of mixture blue, one bowl red, and leave the last one white.
3. Fill the mustard bottles with the mixture (one color per squeeze bottle).
4. Let the children squeeze the different colors onto the cardboard.
5. When they're dry, the design will be raised and will sparkle!

________________

RED, WHITE AND BLUE Q-TIP COLLAGE
Dip the end of a Q-tip in glue and glitter and have children glue them on a black piece of paper in the shape of a star - they look like fireworks!

________________

 

KIDS ALWAYS LOVE FACE PAINTING!

 

Pull out the red, white and blue paint. PAINT STARS OR A FLAG on the cheeks/face of the kids!

  ____________________

PAINTING WITH GRASS
1.  Gather red, and blue paint---take it outside and paint the grass blade tops!
2.  Set 'white' paper on the painted grass. These are lawn prints, but will resemble fireworks on the paper.
TIP: You can also use different colors for a non-thematic "quick" activity.
This is adapted from an idea by caregiver of autistic children.

_________________________

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE ABSTRACT COLLAGE
This actvity is especially good with young children!
1.  Put out pre-cut-shapes of the flag ---blue rectangles, red stripes, and sticky stars.
2.  Instruct the children to create anything they'd like... Some may look like the American flag and some may look like abstract collages---but all will be patriotic!

______________________

CHALK ONE UP IN RED, WHITE & BLUE!
Bring out the artistic side of your celebrants by setting out colored chalk and inviting them to draw a RED, WHITE & BLUE HOLIDAY SIDEWALK MURAL. They might try their hand at colorful fireworks, or as a team--create a giant American flag. The bigger kids can sketch the outline and work on the stars, while the younger ones can help with the stripes. If you have a sunny, dry month---your sidewalk show of patriotism could keep the spirit alive for weeks.

________________

QUEEN ANN'S LACE FLOWER ART
The finished products resemble brilliant fireworks displays
Materials: Several stalks of Queen Anne's Lace, red, yellow and white paint, dark paper.
1. Pour paint into shallow containers.
2. Have the children dip the Queen Anne's Lace blossoms into paint and lightly dab them on their papers.

____________________________________

THREE EASY ART TABLE ACTIVITIES
#1.  STARS & STRIPES SPONGE ART
Red and blue tempera paint, Sponges cut into stars and long strips, White construction paper
Let the children make sponge prints on the white paper with the red and blue paint.
_____________________
#2.  STAR COOKIE CUTTERS
Gather a few star-shaped cookie cutters and shallow bowls of red and blue tempera paint. Put out all materials for children to press the cookie cutters into the paint and then onto a piece of construction paper to make star shaped prints
____________________
#3.  TEAR PAPER ART
Have a flag as a guide for the kids to follow. Tearing strips of red, white and blue paper, have children glue them onto a large sheet of construction paper. Make sure they know what size they should be trying to tear for the stars, stripes, etc. This is a good idea for younger children but the older may also enjoy it. 

________________

PLAY DOUGH FUN
Make your favorite play dough recipe and add RED food coloring, jello or kool-aid to one portion, BLUE to another--- and leave SOME AS IS. (Make it with the children) Put dough out along with 'star shaped' cookie cutters and let children create! (Lots of Play Dough recipes here)

_____________________________

MAKE A TOGETHERNESS FLAG...
Materials Needed
Red, white and blue paint
Paintbrush
Paint Trays
Sheet of paper 2' x 3' or larger

1. On the large sheet of paper, draw lines for stripes and paint a blue square in the upper left corner.
2. Have the children fill in the bottom stripe by dipping their hands in the red paint and pressing them end to end within the lines of the stripe. Using the white paint, have them make a white stripe just above it the same way.
3. Continue until you have all 13 stripes filled with hand prints.
4. Have the children dip their fingertips in paint and make the "stars" in the blue square.
Extension Idea:
Have children make our country's very first flag in the same manner and discuss why it looks different from the flag we have today.

___________________________________

Back to top of page

GAMES WITH RED-WHITE-BLUE TWIST

U.S. FLAG RELAY RACE
Have the kids make small U.S. flags and place them in red, white, and blue sand pails with sand filler at the bottom. Turn this decoration into a game.
1.  Divide the kids into two teams and have them run, grab a flag, and quickly walk back to the team line.
2.  The next person must do the same. The team with all of the flags in hand the quickest wins!
3.  Be sure to have the kids take the flags home!

___________________________

RED-WHITE-BLUE EGG SPOON RELAY RACE
1.  Boil a dozen eggs and color some red and blue. (Be sure to keep some white!)
2.  Divide the kids into two teams, and provide each with a spoon and eggs.
3.  The kids balance a colored egg on their spoon and walk quickly from one end of the game area to the other and return.
4.  If the egg drops, the team member must begin again.
5.  The first team with all members completing the relay race wins!

_____________________

UNCLE SAM DRESS-UP RELAY RACE
Need:
Two sets of clothing consisting of: Uncle Sam's hat, a white beard, a blue jacket or shirt, red clip-on bow tie, and a bell.
1.  Separate players into two equal lines spaced approximately 6 feet apart.
2.  Place a set of clothing at the beginning of each line; then place a bell approximately 15 feet in front of each line.
3.  On 'go', the first player in line dresses up in the clothing; then MARCHES to the bell.
4.  When they reach the bell, they pick it up with their left hand, turn and face their teammates and then ring the bell.
5. They replace the bell and MARCH back to the front of their line--remove the clothing--and go to the end of their line.
6. The next player repeats the process; repeat until the last player finishes. The first team to finish is the winner.

______________________________________

***Click for a great variety of RELAY RACES and picnic games ...(Races, Relays, Balloon and Bean Bag Fun!) You may also like some PARACHUTE GAMES!

____________________________________

Check out the  RED, WHITE & BLUE JOKES on KidActivities.net

FUN IDEA → If you're having a party, as a warm-up game write down jokes on individual slips of paper. Half the kids/guests get the Question--and the other half get the Answer! Good fun with kids trying to find their Question and Answer match! 

__________________________________________________

SCIENCE IDEAS...

MILK FIREWORKS SCIENCE
This is a fun project but NOT a recipe for drinking!
You’ll Need
Whole milk (must be whole milk...project needs the fat!)
A baking pan
Food coloring
Liquid dishwashing soap
Directions
1. Pour the milk into the baking pan.
2. Drop several different colors of food coloring all around the milk.
3. Add a “squirt” or two of the dishwashing liquid, and watch the colors burst and swirl. The dishwashing liquid separates the fat from the other liquids in the milk. If the fireworks slow down, just add another squirt of dishwashing liquid.

______________________________ 

 RED, WHITE AND BLUE CARNATIONS

#1 Idea
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.
_______________________________

Idea #2 RED, WHITE & BLUE FLOWERS...
Kids will enjoy making these using white flowers such as daisies, mums and carnations.
1.  Pour water into a canning jar with several drops of red or blue food coloring.
2.  Place the flowers into the jar over night. Don't forget to set some of the white flowers aside to add to the bouquet.
3.  In the morning, place all of the flowers into a fresh vase of water and tie red, white and blue ribbon around the top of the jar.

 ____________________  

MENTOS ERUPTION -- Soda Geyser-- or just Diet Coke and Mentos

(Do this outside) This is a reaction between Mentos candy and cola. The experiment involves dropping several Mentos candies (usually 5–8) into a bottle of diet cola resulting in an eruption occurring because of rapidly expanding carbon dioxide bubbles on the surface of the Mentos.

I  tried this experiment with three of my grandsons (Ages 6, 8,11-see photo) They all loved it! We quickly put five mentos into the Coke. The reaction starts immediately-so be quick!

If you want an explanation:
There are various theories being debated as to the exact scientific explanation of the phenomenon, many scientists claim that it is a physical reaction and not a chemical one. Water molecules strongly attract each other, linking together to form a tight connection around each bubble of carbon dioxide gas in the soda. To form a new bubble, water molecules must push away from one another. It takes extra energy to break this surface tension. So, in other words, water resists the expansion of bubbles in the soda.

 

MUSIC/MOVEMENT...

THREE FLAG SONGS...
#1 Sung to tune of "Mary had a Little Lamb"
Our flag is red, white, & blue
red, white & blue
red,white & blue
Our flag is red, white, & blue
in the U.S.A.
Our flag has 50 stars,
50 stars, 50 stars,
Our flag has 50 stars, in the U.S.A.
Our flag has 13 stripes,
13 stripes, 13 stripes,
Our flag has 13 stripes,
in the U.S.A.
_______________________
#2 DOWN AT THE FLAGPOLE
"Down By the Station"
Down at the flagpole,
Early in the morning,
We will raise our flag,
The red, white, and blue.
We stand at attention,
It's something that we do.
We salute the colors,
The red, white, and blue.
_________________________
#3 THE RED WHITE AND BLUE
"When the Saints Come Marching In"
Oh, when the flag comes marching in,
Oh, when the flag comes marching in,
How I love to see its three colors,
The red, white, and blue

Back to top of page 

______________________

RED, WHITE AND BLUE PARADE AND BIKE IDEAS...

 

1.  Using crepe paper and streamers, have the kids DECORATE THEIR BIKES, scooters, wagons, and younger children’s strollers. You can also attach playing cards to the frame so they hit the spokes & sound like a wheel of fortune.
2.  Make musical instruments from ‘Recycled materials’. See  gads of instrument ideas on KidActivities.
3.  You could also take shoe boxes and have the children make “themed’ floats from them! These could be carried in the parade.
4.  Encourage children and staff to wear red, white and blue clothing!

 You now have all the makings for a great parade!!!

BEFORE THE EVENT:
Plan your parade route and then hand out fliers to alert your potential audience of the event--- which would be your neighborhood and parents. Invite all to watch!

EVENT:
You can parade around the school or center block, track or playground. Ride the decorated vehicles, wave banners and march, play the pre-made (and practiced on ) instruments, sing, and have a great time!!!

AFTER:
Consider having an ICE-CREAM SOCIAL!
You can also give out awards ...such as the Best Red, White and Blue Bicycle; Most Original Bicycle; Most Creatively Decorated Bicycle; Most Appealing to Spectators, Smallest, Most Covered, Most Unique, etc.
________________________________

ANOTHER IDEA with bikes...
You can also have a "SLOWEST BICYCLE RACE" with decorated bikes... See the Mixing Math and Fun Category (near the bottom of the category page.) Add this to ideas for a 'Red, White & Blue' program parade around the neighborhood!!! We did one with our families last year and it was great fun!!! We're in a quiet neighborhood---advertised for two weeks before---and had all the neighborhood out to watch us! Cassie/Mi.

To keep your lawn chair spectators happy, consider enlisting some of the following:
  •   Families carrying homemade banners pinned across a broomstick.
  •   Pets with red, white and blue ribbons in their leashes or collars.
  •   A parent and kid kazoo band.
  •   In-line skaters wearing red, white and blue T-shirts and helmets, of course.
  •   Bigger kids dribbling red, white and blue basketballs or soccer balls.
  •   A teenage DJ carrying a boom box playing patriotic songs.
  •   Bikes, strollers, wagons and wheelchairs sporting streamers and balloons.
  •   A minuteman marching band featuring kids playing oatmeal-container drums and paper-towel-roll fifes. Band students can chime in with their trumpets and clarinets, and even moms and dads can dust off their old instruments and join the fun.
  •   A clown (a parent dressed in costume) tossing penny candy to the crowd.
  •   Use tape, streamers, flags and balloons to transform a fleet of wagons into patriotic parade floats.

______________

TRIVIA...

CAN YOU NAME THE ORIGINAL 13 COLONIES? Have a quiz to see how many the kids can correctly name. You can also have the kids guess in pairs or teams! (You may also be interested in the 'Colonial Theme' for some great ideas)

ANSWER:
Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHO DESIGNED THE FIRST U.S. FLAG?
Betsy Ross --but the answer (according to the experts at the 'Betsy Ross house') is that it was possibly designed by Francis Hopkinson, a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The stars on the flag were in a circle so that no one colony would be viewed above another. It is reported that George Washington said, "Let the 13 stars in a circle stand as a new constellation in the heavens."

This is page 1, Go to Page 2 ~ Pariotic Red, White & Blue Food  

_____________________

You may also be interested in the 'Cherry Theme'...lots of good ideas that would work with some Red-White-and Blue' Summer Time Fun!

Back to top of page 

HAPPY RED. WHITE AND BLUE DAY!

________________

'Traveling Around the World' is a great theme for multicultural experiences as well as popular for classroom, day camp and childcare programs! Category resources available at this time are:
•CHINA   •FRANCE  •MEXICO  •USA-PATRIOTIC  •USA-COLONIAL  •All Multicultural Diversity Categories

____________________

LIST OF PRESIDENTS-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

01 Washington, George (1789-1797)
02 Adams, John (1797-1801)
03 Jefferson, Thomas (1801-1809)
04 Madison, James (1809-1817)
05 Monroe, James (1817-1825)
06 Adams, John Quincy (1825-1829)
07 Jackson, Andrew (1829-1837)
08 Van Buren, Martin (1837-1841)
09 Harrison, William Henry (1841)
10 Tyler, John (1841-1845)
11 Polk, James Knox (1845-1849)
12 Taylor, Zachary (1849-1850)
13 Fillmore, Millard (1850-1853)
14 Pierce, Franklin (1853-1857)
15 Buchanan, James (1857-1861)
16 Lincoln, Abraham (1861-1865)
17 Johnson, Andrew (1865-1869)
18 Grant, Ulysses S. (1869-1877)
19 Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1877-1881)
20 Garfield, James Abram (1881)
21 Arthur, Chester Alan (1881-1885)
22 Cleveland, Grover (1885-1889)
23 Harrison, Benjamin (1889-1893)
24 Cleveland, Grover (1893-1897)
25 McKinley, William (1897-1901)
26 Roosevelt, Theodore (1901-1909)
27 Taft, William Howard (1909-1913)
28 Wilson, Woodrow (1913-1921)
29 Harding, Warren Gamaliel (1921-1923)
30 Coolidge, Calvin (1923-1929)
31 Hoover, Herbert Clark (1929-1933)
32 Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1933-1945)
33 Truman, Harry (1945-1953)
34 Eisenhower, Dwight David (1953-1961)
35 Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1961-1963)
36 Johnson, Lyndon Baines (1963-1969)
37 Nixon, Richard Milhous (1969-1974)
38 Ford, Gerald Rudolph (1974-1977)
39 Carter, James Earl Jr. (1977-1981
40 Reagan, Ronald Wilson (1981-1989)
41 Bush, George Herbert Walker (1989-1993)
42 Clinton, William Jefferson (1993-2001)
43 Bush, George Walker (2001-2009)

44 Obama, Barack Hussein (2009-present)

_________________________

Idea:***PLAY A GAME OF HANGMAN USING THE NAMES OF PRESIDENTS!  USE THE ABOVE LIST OF NAMES...A great to learn and spell the Presidents' names!) 
__________________

WRITE TO THE CURRENT PRESIDENT:
    The White House
    1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
    Washington, DC 20500

_________________

How about planning a President’s Day celebration based on 'DAYS OF OLD'???!!!
It might be fun to have some COLONIAL GAMES AND TREATS. Visit KidActivities' two pages of a 'COLONIAL THEME'  for all kinds of great ideas! 

A few qick ideas...

• Have kids come dressed in colonial attire

• Have kids  write their names using a quill pen and parchment paper

• Have sack races using traditional burlap bags

• Play marbles or have a marbles tournament

• Make Apple Head or Corn Husk dolls

• Play “Scotch-Hoppers” or as we know it, Hop Scotch!

• Play Leap Frog

• If it is a windy day, fly some kites

• Spin tops

• Play Cat’s Cradle

• Play Tag

• Play Hide and Seek

_______________

For AUTHENTIC COLONIAL FOOD, here are some menu suggestions:

• Corn bread or muffins
• Bread with apple butter
• Baked beans
• Corn on the cob
• Roasted chicken or stew
• Molasses cookies
• Rock candy
• Old-fashioned stick candy
• Fruit pies and tarts
• Pumpkin bread

Some recipes are in the Colonial Theme...

____________________________

DOLLAR PICK UP TRICK

Even George Washington couldn't do this dollar pick-up trick! Tell the childen you'll give them each a dollar if they can pick it up from the floor. But there is a catch: They have to pick it up using your instructions. You'll have fun fooling them with this easy indoor game for kids.
What You'll Need a dollar bill and a wall

Step 1: Have children stand with their feet together and heels up against a wall.
Step 2: Put dollar bills on the floor 12 inches in front of their feet.
Step 3: Tell them to pick up the dollars without bending their knees or moving their feet.
It is impossible to do! Why? When you are standing against a wall, your center of gravity is over your feet. If you bend forward, you have to move your center of gravity forward to keep your balance. Since you can't move your feet during this trick, you're flat out of luck. But that's better than being flat on your face!
Source: Creativkidsathome.com 

  ______________________________ 

FIVE 'CHERRY TREE ART' IDEAS! (For George Washington and Presidents Day) Also check out the CHERRY THEME page for more art, crafts, games and food ideas!

#1 MESSY BUT FUN!

This is a given...Keep lots of water and paper towel nearby!

ARM, HAND & FINGER PAINTING!!! 
Paint each child's arm brown and hand and fingers green. Have them put it on construction paper to make a tree. Placing the green hand a few times on the paper--makes a nice tree. After, dip fingers in red paint to make cherries. Messy but the kids will love it!!! (Image/sample by KidActivities.net)

__________________________________

 
#2 POPCORN CHERRY BLOSSOMS FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY …
Put popped popcorn and pink powdered tempera paint in a baggie and shake. It makes great cherry blossoms for a spring art project or for President's Day. They look very real.
____________________________

 
#3 CHERRY TREES WITH TWIGS
Glue twigs on sheets of sturdy white paper to make trees. Have children attach small red circle sticker "cherries"... or use finger prints dipped into red finger paints. (You can also use the popped-popcorn as above image shows!)
_____________________________

#4 TP PAPER  CHERRY TREE...
Materials: Toilet paper roll, green & red construction paper, glue, hole punch, & stapler

• Cut a cloud-type shape out of green construction paper that is folded in half so you will get 2 pieces with the same shape (front & back of tree). Make sure that it is big enough to go around TP roll.
• Staple the top and sides of the tree together leaving the bottom open so it's like a pocket.
• Use hole punch to make cherries out of red paper.
• Put glue on the tree and have children put cherries on their tree while counting them.
• When dry stick TP roll in the "pocket" and staple to make it tight around the "trunk".

__________

 

#5 CONSTRUCTION PAPER HANDPRINT CHERRY TREE...visit freekidcrafts for directions.

_________________

ME & ABE --Also a great photo op
Here's a fun activity—

• Abe was 6'4" tall...On a large roll sheet of paper, have the children draw Abe at his exact height.
• 6’4” is pretty tall...especially when you add the stove pipe hat!
• When  complete, take a photograph of the kids standing in front of Abe! (either in groups or individually)
• Make a copy for each child or put  group photographs in this year’s scrap book...
  

_____________________

EIGHT IDEAS TO CELEBRATE PRESIDENT’S DAY!

 1. Decorate the room with red, white, and blue …For a ton of 'Red, White and Blue' Ideas CLICK HERE

2. Have kids dress in red, white, and blue.

3. Children might also have fun wearing white wigs or black hats. To make this paper bag powdered wig, visit freekidcrafts.

4. Play patriotic music throughout the day…

5. Read aloud some famous presidential speeches and, if you have older kids, have them recite them and perhaps even memorize a line or two.

6. Abe Lincoln was born in a log cabin. Make your own with Popsicle sticks, hot glue, and a marker. (Three other cabin ideas are below!)

7. Have a coin toss with pennies and quarters, the most famous presidential coins!

8. Make a MENU of 'presidential favorites'. There is a great list of Presidents’ Day recipes at CD Kitchen. (From Laura Bush’s hot chocolate to George Washington’s cake recipe)

_______________________

PRESIDENT'S DAY GAMES

TRUTH OR BLUFF: This is a fun President’s Day and Voting party game for older children…. If it’s played by a group of people who know each other well –– participants will have to be VERY good at telling tall tales!

• All that’s required for the game is a coin, and something to hide it under.
• The first player thinks of a story about themself to tell the group, and hides the coin.
• If the story is true, they hide the coin heads-up; if it’s untrue, they hide it tails-up.
• They tell their story to the other players, and they each decided whether the story was true or not.
• The player who told the story reveals the coin, and the people who guessed correctly get a point.
• The player with the most points after everyone has told a story wins!

_____________________

Presidents Day Game #2: HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR PRESIDENTS? This fun President’s Day game will test whether you know as much as you think you know about past American presidents. It is best suited to older children and adult players.

• Prior to the game, prepare answer sheets that have the names of 10-20 presidents listed down the left hand-side.
• On the right-hand side, have the same number of blank spaces down the page.
• The object of the game is to, in pairs if desired, correctly list the presidents in chronological order of when they were president.
• The person or pair with the most correct answers is the winner of this President’s Day game.
  Adapted from: pepperspollywogs.com

_____________________

FOR LINCOLNS’ BIRTHDAY...
Make a graph with 2 columns, heads and tails. Have the children choose HEADS OR TAILS and give each a penny and have them take turns tossing it. They can either record by coloring a square each time the penny lands on a tails or heads--- or put a check mark in their column. The first column that fills up is the winner. Children can even make a prediction as to which column will fill up first.

_______________

GUESS HOW MANY 'JELLY BEANS' OR 'PEANUTS'...

President Jimmy Carter was a peanut Farmer… Ronald Reagan loved jelly beans so much he kept them in a dish at the Oval Office.
   •Fill a jar with jelly beans or peanuts.
   •On small slips of paper, have the children guess how many are in the jar.
   •Appropriate for any age.
   •The winner shares the jelly beans with the group!
   •With all of the nut allergies-jelly beans would be safer!

________________

TOSS COINS
Get a basket or hat---and have a contest throwing pennies into it. Who can get the most?
___
Or...put down three rings or hula hoop--mark each hoop with a different amount of points. Toss coins and add up the points!

____________________________

CRAFTS

LINCOLN'S BRACELET
Provide children with 3-6 pennies. Cut clear contact paper in half, enclosing the pennies. Adjust bracelet to slip on child's wrist.

________________

EASY LINCOLN'S HAT
Materials:
Pudding snack cup
Black acrylic paint
Black construction paper or felt
Glue
   • Paint the pudding snack cup black.
   • Cut a circle a size slightly bigger than the rim of your pudding cup from your black paper.
   • Flip over the pudding cup and glue onto the black circle
   • Cut a circle a size slightly bigger than the rim of your pudding cup from your black paper.
   • Flip over the pudding cup and glue onto the black circle

_________________________________

PRESIDENTS DAY PAPER WEIGHT 

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

1. First clean and dry the pennies.
2. Next glue pennies to the attractive side of the tile. Glue on the first layer and then in places--- glue two or three on top of each other. Glue will dry transparent. Pennies donot have to cover all edges as the tile underneath is nice looking.
3. When pennies are dry--- fit, cut, and glue felt to the bottom.
4. The tiles used were unfinished on the side, so we used permanent marker along the edge.
5. You can protect pennies with a coat of clear polish! (Sample and Image by KidActivities.net)

_______________________

THREE LINCOLN’S CABINS FOR PRESIDENTS DAY...

• Clean and dry milk cartons from school lunchroom---
• Staple top back together to form a peak for your cabin.
• Next cover all four sides with light brown construction paper using white school glue.
• Cut out two triangles to cover areas inset in the roof.
• Cut out a door and draw a square on another side.
• Glue small stick pretzels on all four sides.
• Glue a shiny penny with Lincoln facing out in the window square.
• Leave cut out door open. Don't cut door completely out.
• Measure to cut out a rectangle for the roof. You may glue it or staple the roof on and even add a chimney if you like.

________________
#2 AN EASIER CABIN (than the one above)
To celebrate Lincoln you can build log cabins with stick pretzels. Put glue all over a piece of construction paper and give the children as many pretzels as needed to build Abraham Lincoln's log cabin.

________________

#3 Pretzel Log Cabin

Materials:
Small empty milk carton
Pretzel sticks
Chocolate frosting or peanut butter
1 Rolo or other tubular shaped candy
1 square cracker
Scissors and Hot glue or tape

• Cut the top flap of the milk carton off and tape or hot glue it closed to form the roof.
• Spread chocolate frosting or peanut butter on one side of the milk carton then cover with pretzels. Repeat this step all over the milk carton until log cabin is complete.
• You may need to break the tips off of some of the pretzels to make then fit up the sides.
• Break a square cracker in half, then break one of the halves in half.
• Spread some frosting or peanut butter on the back of the first half. “Glue” it to the front of the cabin as the door.
• Repeat this step with a smaller broken piece for the window.
• Spread some frosting or peanut butter to the bottom of the Rolo and stick to the roof.
  

 _____________________

COIN RUBBINGS
A simple and fun President's Day activity is to do RUBBINGS of the face sides of coins by placing paper over the coin and rubbing it with a crayon.

________________________________

Check out snack ideas using cherries!   Many recipes are in the 'CHERRY THEME'! 

_________

OUR PRESIDENTS
by Winifred Sackville Stoner, Jr.

A mnemonic jingle to help remember the order of Presidents from George Washington to Woodrow Wilson...

George Washington, Adams and Jefferson three
First rulers of Uncle Sam's land of the free:
Then Madison, Monroe and Adams again
All clever and upright and good honest men;

The Jackson, Van Buren and Harrison first,
Tyler and Polk whose terms were so curst
By war with the Mexicans who lost in the fray -
Then Taylor and Fillmore and Pierce held their sway.

Buchanan and Lincoln, Johnson and Grant,
Then Hayes, martyred Garfield, despiser of cant,
Arthur and Cleveland, Harrison (Ben)
McKinley the martyr, beloved by all men;

Then most energetic and strenuous Teddy
And plump William Taft for a second term ready
When Wilson was placed in this nation's great chair
And promised to always rule wisely and fair.

__________

GEORGE WASHINGTON (Dramatized finger/body play for Pre-K and K)

A very old legend tells me (Have children point to themself)
George Washington cut down a cherry tree. (Do a chopping motion)
Because he would not tell a lie, (Shake head sideways)
When asked who did this terrible deed... (Say this in a deep voice with hands on hips)

He said, "Dear Father, it was I." (Point to self)
Although this story is only a legend... (Move head sideways)
It reminds me that George Washington
Was a brave & honest man!

_________

MY HAT HAS THREE CORNERS (For Pre-K/K)

My hat it has 3 corners. (Form a triangle above head)
Three corners has my hat.

If it did not have 3 corners...(Raise 3 fingers)
It would not be my hat. (Shake head sideways)

_________

You may also be interested in the 'Cherry Theme', Colonial Theme, and Patriotic Theme...They add great ideas to a President's Day/Week Theme!

____________________________

Art, Crafts, Games, Discussion, Snacks/Recipes, Facts & Tips

ART & CRAFTS... 

 

ARM, HAND & FINGER PAINTING!!!  MESSY BUT FUN!

This is a given...Keep lots of water and paper towel nearby!

Paint each child's arm brown and hand and fingers green. Have them put it on construction paper to make a tree. Placing the green hand a few times on the paper--makes a nice tree. After, dip fingers in red paint to make cherries. Messy but the kids will love it!!! Image by KidActivities.net 

 __________________________________

POPCORN CHERRY BLOSSOMS …
Put popped popcorn and pink powdered tempera paint in a baggie and shake. It makes great cherry blossoms for a spring art project or for President's Day. They look very real.
____________________________

 
CHERRY TREES WITH TWIGS
Glue twigs on sheets of sturdy white or light blue paper to make trees. You can use a variety of items for the cherries! Any of the following will work: small red circle sticker 'cherries'--fingers tips dipped into red finger paint--the popped-popcorn as above image shows-- or 'pinched and squished' tissue paper squares!

_____________________________

 

 CONSTRUCTION PAPER - HANDPRINT CHERRY TREE...visit freekidcrafts for directions.

_________________

TP PAPER  CHERRY TREE...
Materials: Toilet paper roll, green & red construction paper, glue, hole punch, & stapler

• Cut a cloud-type shape out of green construction paper that is folded in half so you will get 2 pieces with the same shape (front & back of tree). Make sure that it is big enough to go around TP roll.
• Staple the top and sides of the tree together leaving the bottom open so it's like a pocket.
• Use hole punch to make cherries out of red paper.
• Put glue on the tree and have children put cherries on their tree while counting them.
• When dry stick TP roll in the "pocket" and staple to make it tight around the "trunk".

____________

 MAKE CHERRY PLAY DOUGH -- NO COOK METHOD    

This is my favorite play dough because--it's fast--no cooking--easy ingredients and smells good---tastes bad. The original recipe calls for 1 cup of flour--however just having made it--we added  another two or three cups of flour. When making play dough, you can always add more flour if it is too wet and a little more hot water if it's too dry! My 4.5 and 6 year old grand-daughters thought it was the greatest thing ever! (Barb )
Need: 
2 1/2 c flour, sifted
1/2 c salt
3 T cooking oil
1 or 2 pkg Cherry flavored Kool-aid (unsweetened)
1 c very hot water
Mix together flour, salt, oil, and Kool-aid.
Add the cup of almost boiling water. Mix well.
Knead the mixture until it forms a soft dough.
Have fun!
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Your play dough will be the scent and color of the Kool-Aid!
*Any other unsweetened, powdered drink mix may be substituted.
*There may be colored hands but it washes off. (My own experiences have never produced colored hands--hower some have said theirs did.)

____________

CHERRY 'SCRATCH AND SNIFF' WATER COLORS
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon purple powdered unsweetened cherry drink mix
1 Tablespoon warm water
Several small containers

1. Mix the water and unsweetened drink mix together in a small bowl.

2. Pour blended mixture into containers. (Muffin tins or film canisters work well.) You can also mix other colors to use in your art.

Paint with ordinary paint brushes, cleaning the brush between colors. Allow artwork to dry overnight before scratching and sniffing.

____________

BRANCH CHERRY TREE

 

Gather branches that have fallen outside; let dry.
Cut out 2-inch squares of pink tissue, pinch tightly in the center to create blooms; affix them to branches with white glue.
Display in a tall container, such as a canning jar with the lid's center removed.
Source: marthastewart

____________

MAKE 'THUMB PRINT' CHERRIES
On finger-paint paper, draw or copy a lot of cherry stems.
Using red finger-paint- have children use their thumbs to fill the page with "red cherries"!
Add green leaves if desired...

______________

CHERRY KOOL-AID PAINT
2 packages unsweetened cherry Kool-aid
2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
3 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons oil
Mix dry ingredients together, then add wet ingredients. Paint.

__________

USING FACE PAINT-- PAINT CUTE RED CHERRIES (adding a little brown stem and green leaf) on face and hands!

___________

MAKE EDIBLE CHERRY LIP GLOSS
Materials:
Cherry Flavored drink mix (Kool-Aid)
1 cup vegetable shortening
Food coloring
Small container such as a film container
1. Mix one packet of drink mix with shortening.
2. Add in a few drops of red food coloring that matches the flavor.
3. Pack in small container, such as a film container, and you have wonderful tasting and smelling lip gloss. Of course the lip gloss is edible should some accidentally be licked off.

___________

SPRAY CHERRY KOOL-AID
Sprinkle CHERRY Kool-aid crystals onto a piece of paper.
Have children spray water from a spray bottle onto the paper.

_________

PAINT WITH CHERRIES!
Cut  some juicy red cherries in half. After pitting...use the cherry as you would a paint brush and draw on paper!

__________

 

BERRY BASKET WEAVING

For each child, tie a long piece of yarn to a plastic berry basket. Have children weave the yarn in and out of the basket holes. If desired, they can also weave in item such as ribbon pieces, pipe cleaners or twine.

_________

GAMES

PLAY ACTIVE GAMES using red balloons or balls.(Call them cherries!)
See many balloon games in the Races, Relay, Balloon and Bean Bag Category. (Balloon games are towards the bottom of the page.)

_________

CHERRY AND WHIPPED CREAM FUN

A cherry pie eating contest would be expensive for a classroom or program--but how about a few cherries under a pile of whipped cream! Also great fun at home or a party!!!

Put two or three maraschino cherries on each plate and cover it with whipped Cream.  Children then use only their mouth to pick up and eat the cherries. The first child to do this wins!

______

PUT THE CHERRY ON THE SUNDAE!
Instead of Pin the Tail on the Donkey-play- Put the Cherry on the Ice-Cream Sundae.
Make a large picture of an ice-cream sundae. Also make a paper cherry for each player.
Proceed exactly as in playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey. One by one, blind fold the players as they try to 'top' the center of the sundae! The closest one wins.

__________

CHERRY-PIT SPITTING CONTEST!

How far can you launch a pit? Believe it or not...The Guinness World Record for competitive cherry-pit spitting is 93 feet 6.5 inches! Great fun for adults too!!!

 

This can be done two ways.
#1. Give each child a paper cup with their name written on it. As a snack, give them several cherries and save their pits in the cup. When the contest is later held--their alloted supply of pits is ready to go.
#2. Give each participant three or four cherries. One by one they eat the cherry and then spit the pit.

TIPS:
• Mark off the game area every 3 to 5 feet. This will make it easier to determine the winners. Pits can shoot an amazing distance! As an example--each year the city of Traverse City, Miching holds their Cherry Festivival. 'Pit Spitting' is one of the annual events. Men's pits usually travel an average of 55 feet, women's 35 feet and childrens' have flown 40 some feet.

• Pit Spitting is a practiced art. Allow children to practice before the event begins!

• Go over rules before the event begins!

____________

DISCUSSION...

Like so many goodies, cherries have entered our common language in an important way: beautiful and delicious! They've become synonymous with the best of the best.

When things are going good we often say, "Life is just a bowl of cherries"! And then when they are going badly, "This is the pits!"

There is also the phrase "______ is the the cherry on the cake!" 

____________

RECIPE IDEAS USING CHERRIES!

TWINKIE CHERRY DESSERT

Ingredients
1 box Twinkies
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 cup milk
1 can cherry pie filling
Whipped cream of Cool Whip

1. Cut Twinkies in half. Arrange in a single layer in bottom of pan or large glass bowl.
2. Mix pudding according to package directions. Pour pudding over Twinkies.
3. Spoon cherry pie filling over the pudding layer. Smooth the pie filling layer.
4. Top with Cool whip. Yumm!

NOTE: This dessert tasted just as fresh several days after it was made--as the day it was made! (Barb) Image by KidActivities.net

_____________

 
CHERRY-PINEAPPLE DUMP CAKE  Easy and good!
1 can (16 oz.) crushed pineapple
1 can (20 oz.) cherry pie filling (I use 2 cans)
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1/2 - 2/3 c. chopped nuts
1/2 c. butter
Grease 9x13 pan. Dump in pineapple with juice, spreading evenly. Pour cherry pie filling over pineapple, spreading evenly. Add dry cake mix evenly over fruit. Add nuts. Drizzle melted butter over top. Do not mix. Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Often when I make it I semi-drain the pineapple ...Barb

THE ABOVE DESSERT USING THREE INGREDIENTS!
2 cans cherry pie filling
1 Yellow cake mix
1/2 cup melted margarine

Layer the ingredients in a 13x9-inch baking pan in the order given. Bake at 350 degrees  about 40 minutes or until; topping is golden. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream/topping or ice-cream.

_________ 

 EASY CHERRY PIE

 Follow package directions on pre-made pie crust... then fill it with Cherry Pie filling!

______________

 

CHERRY TOPPED...NO-BAKE EASY CUPCAKE DESSERTS

Ingredients: 
1 Package Cupcake Papers/Holders
1 Loaf Pound Cake or sponge cake
1 Can Cherry pie filling
1 Can of Cool Whip type topping 
 
Cut cake into small cubes.
Place cubes at the bottom of each cupcake holder.
Plop a spoonful of cherries on top of the cubed cake pieces.
Keep chilled.
When ready to serve dab on whipped topping. (Image by KidActivities.net)

___________

EASY CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES (These are ohhhh so good!)

2 (10-ounce) jars maraschino cherries, with stems
1 (12-ounce) package milk or semisweet chocolate chips
Drain cherries; discard juice or use for another purpose.
Put cherries on paper towels to dry completely.
 
Put chocolate chips in a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted. (The chocolate can also be melted in the microwave.) Remove from heat.
 
Dip cherries into chocolate; swirl to coat completely. Place on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate until set
Makes 5 dozen.

If desired, dip some of the cherries in melted white chocolate chips instead.  Start with 1 minute then continue at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted.
Recipe Source: Cherry Marketing Institute.

____________________

ICE CUBE SHAPED CHERRY JELL-O

Make Cherry Jello using only 1/2 of the recipe directed amount of water.
Fill an ice cube tray with the Jello and refrigerate.
Carefully pop out each "cube" with a knife.

_____________

CHERRIES IN THE SNOW
1 large angel food cake
1 (16 oz.) tub whipped topping
1 can of cherry pie filling
1 9x13 inch (23x32.5 cm) pan

Scrape the light brown crust off the cake.
Tear the angel food cake into pieces and line the bottom of the pan. Place whipped topping on top of the cake pieces.
Use a spoon to place cherry pie filling on top of the whipped topping. Chill for a few hours.

_______

CHERRY BRIE TORTE
1 (15- to 16-ounce) wheel Brie
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/3 cup chopped dried tart cherries
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme)
Assorted crackers

Refrigerate Brie until chilled and firm; or freeze 30 minutes, or until firm. Cut Brie in half horizontally.
Combine butter, cherries, pecans and thyme in a small bowl; mix well. Evenly spread mixture on cut-side of one piece of the Brie. Top with the other piece, cut-side down. Lightly press together. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 to 2 hours. To serve, cut into serving size wedges and bring to room temperature. Serve with crackers.

_____________________________

CHERRY THUMBPRINT COOKIES
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 sticks butter or margarine
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
maraschino cherries

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the vanilla, butter, egg yolks and brown sugar until creamy. Add the flour and salt and mix well.
• Have the children roll the dough into 1" balls and place them on greased cookie sheets. Have the children make a thumbprint in each ball and then place a maraschino cherry in each thumbprint.
•  Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. (Makes about 3 dozen cookies)

_________

QUICK AND EASY IDEAS...

• Serve scoops of vanilla ice-cream with a spoonful (or two) of cherry-pie filling.

• Serve cherry-pie filling over vanilla pudding

• Don't foget wonderful fresh cherries

• Make Cherry Jell-O

• Cherry Ice-Cream

• Cherry Popsicles

• Cherry Yogurt

• Make Peanutbutter and Cherry JELLY/JAM SANDWICHES--cut with cute cookie-cutters if desired.

• Store-bought cherry pie

 __________

CHERRY BEVERAGES

CHERRY COKE SUPREME
Ingredients:
1 12 OZ Coke
1 T Cherry Grenadine
1 T Maraschino Cherry juice
1 Maraschino Cherry

Combine the first three ingredients by mixing slowly so as not to disturb the bubbles in the soda. Pour in tall glass over ice and top with Maraschino Cherry.

_________

CHERRY JELL-O SMOOTHIE
Small package of Cherry Jell-O
1/2 Cup milk
1 Cup cherry yogurt
1/2 cup fruit of choice (pitted cherries, banana, etc.)
1/2 cup ice cubes
Put all ingredients in blender and mix until smooth.

__________

CHERRY LIMEADE
1/2 cup lemon lime soda
Juice of 2 limes
1 tsp cherry juice
1 maraschino cherry

Squeeze lime juice into a tall glass.
Add soda and cherry juice and stir well.
Add a maraschino cherry on top!

__________

CHERRY LEMONADE for 12
2 cups hot water
1 1/2 cup sugar
8 cups cold water
1 cup fresh lemon juice
12 ounces maraschino cherries -- un-drained

In a large pitcher, combine hot water and sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved.
Add cold water, lemon juice and cherries with their juice.
Mix well. Serve over ice.

___________

'CHERRY JELL-O' MILKSHAKE

1 cup milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) Cherry Jello'  (For other times -any flavor is fine)
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened  
Directions:
Place milk and ice cream in blender. Add Jello. Blend 30 seconds.

__________

 A FEW CHERRY FACTS...

• There are more than 1,000 types of cherries and are grown in 20 countries. Practically all cherries fall into just two categories--either sweet or sour. (P. avium -sweet cherries and P. cerasus-sour cherries) The number of cultivated cherry varieties worldwide is now estimated to be about 900 for sweet and 300 for sour.

• Cherries are from the Rose family and are related to plums, peaches, apricots, and almonds.

• Some types of cherries are:
    Bing
    Black
    Black Stone Cherry
    Chelan
    Choke Cherry
    Lapins
    Maraschino
    Morello
    Napoleon
    North Star
    Rainier
    Spanish Cherry
    Sweetheart
    Tieton

• Bing cherries are the best-known variety of a sweet cherry. Rainer cherries are sweet with a yellow or pinkish skin. They are milder and sweeter than the bing but are grown in limited quantities.
• The montgomery cherry is the best-known sour cherry, and is mostly used for pie filling or sauce.They are grown mainly in the eastern and midwestern states.

• Cherries are a good source of Vitamins A and C and potassium, and sour cherries are higher in Vitamin C and Beta carotene.

• Cherries have a very short growing season and can grow in most temperate latitudes. The peak season for cherries is in the summer.
In Australia they are usually at their peak around Christmas time...
In southern Europe in June...
In North America in June...
In south British Columbia (Canada) in July-mid August...
In the UK in mid July...

CHERRY TREES
In the United States, there are more than 1,000 different varieties of cherry trees, almost all of them blossoming over a three-week period in late May and early June. Of those 1,000, about ten varieties are produced commercially and are put to good use. Every tree produces about 7,000 cherries--which is about thirty pies each! In many parts of North America they are among the first tree fruits to ripen.

___________

CHERRY TIPS...

• Always buy completely ripe cherries. Unlike other stone fruits, cherries do not ripen off the tree.

• Look for cherries that are plump and brightly colored; avoid those with blemishes, or those which feel hard to the touch.

• Cherries are highly perishable: Their shelf life is about four days in the refrigerator. Use them promptly, or they will rot.

• Cherries can be frozen; this is a good way to preserve both the fruit and its juice. Do not defrost cherries before using them to cook or bake, or you risk losing some of their succulent juice.
 
• As with many plants in the Rosaceae family (including the apricot and the Japanese plum), cherry leaves are poisonous and should not be eaten.

• Cherry juice stains hands, table linens and clothing.
For stained hands, rub lemon juice over the affected areas and rinse well with warm water. For fabric, apply a commercial brand of stain remover directly to the stained portion of the material, follow directions and repeat as necessary.

___________ 

 

Updated January 2013

A great theme for November, Thanksgiving, President's Day, and Patriotic Holidays!

This first page of this category has Colonial themed ideas and activities. Games, Food, Crafts, Literacy,  Discussion, and more! 
Page two is brief history and information on Colonial daily life, school, food, and clothing. Be sure to check out page 2--the gathered data is not only informative but will help you in making the most of a Colonial Theme!

________________

THE THIRTEEN COLONIES

NEW ENGLAND: 

Province of New Hampshire, later New Hampshire
Province of Massachusetts Bay, later Massachusetts and Maine
Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, later Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Connecticut Colony, later Connecticut 

MIDDLE COLONIES:

Province of New York, later New York and Vermont
Province of New Jersey, later New Jersey
Province of Pennsylvania, later Pennsylvania
Delaware Colony later Delaware

SOUTHERN COLONIES:

Province of Maryland, later Maryland
Colony and Dominion of Virginia, later Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia
Province of North Carolina, later North Carolina and Tennessee
Province of South Carolina, later South Carolina
Province of Georgia, later Georgia

In early times cities were commonly known as provinces and after 1776 they became known to as states.

_________

 COLONIAL FOOD IDEAS...

•Ginger Cake
•Pumpkin Pie
•Succotash
•Stewed Pompion (Pumpkin)
•Johnny Cakes (Recipe below)
•Hobnob Cookies and Applejack Cookies (Recipe below)
•Corn bread or muffins
•Bread with apple butter
•Baked beans
•Corn on the cob
•Roasted chicken or stew
•Rock candy
•Old-fashioned stick candy
•Fruit pies and tarts

_________

SOME RECIPES FOR THE ABOVE...

JOHNNY CAKES
During colonial times, Johnny cakes were likely to appear at any meal. Many think that the original name was "Journey Cakes", because they were so often taken along on a journey, since they could be stuffed into a traveler's pockets. Try them hot or cold, with butter and syrup.

Ingredients:
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup milk

Mix the cornmeal and salt.
Add the boiling water, stirring until smooth.
Add the milk. Stir well.
Grease a heavy, 12-inch frying pan. Set over medium-low heat.
Drop teaspoons of the batter onto the pan. Cook until golden, about five minutes. Turn the cakes carefully with a metal spatula.
Cook the other side five minutes.
Serve the  cakes hot with butter and maple syrup. Makes 12-15 cakes. Source: Colonialcooking

____________

COOKIES FROM EARLY NEW ENGLAND
Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup shortening (margarine)
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

For HOBNOB COOKIES, add 1 tsp. vanilla and 1/2 tsp cup raisins.
For APPLEJACKS, add 1 cup chopped unpeeled apples.

Cream together sugar and shortening.
Add egg (and vanilla if you are making Hobnobs). Beat well.
Mix dry ingredients together in another bowl.
Add slowly to sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
Stir in raisins or apples.
Grease cookie sheet.
Form into small balls, or drop in the shape of balls on the greased sheet, 3 inches apart.
Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

_____________

PRESERVED FOOD
Most of the food required by a farm family was produced on their own farm in season and had to be preserved for future use. Summer and fall were the busiest times for food preservation: the abundance of these seasons supplied the long winter and spring. The wife use methods derived from tradition, experience, periodicals, and recipe books.

Proper storage, drying, pickling, and smoking were the methods used. Some produce, such as corn, beans, and apples were dried in large quantities and used as a barter item a local stores

EXAMPLE: MAKE DRIED APPLES

 

Needed: 
Apple corer,Apples, String, Paring knife or vegetable peeler
 
Using the apple corer, core the apples.
Peel the apples and cut them into slices with the hole in the middle.
Pass a length of string through the apple rings.
Hang the apples up to dry. This will take about three weeks.

When they are dry, try storing them in paper bags until spring and use them in a recipe. Before using them, soak the dried apples in warm water until they are soft and use them as you would fresh apples in pies or sauce.

__________

MAKE HOMEMADE BUTTER

Need:
Baby food jars
A bowl of ice
Small bowl to put the butter in the ice
Spoon to press butter on the bowl
Measuring spoon

1. Put 2 tablespoons whipping cream in each baby food jar.Put lid on tightly and shake as long as can.

2. Remove lid and pour off excess liquid.

3. Spoon butter into the smaller bowl and set this bowl in the bowl of ice.

4. As butter chills, continue to press it again the side of the bowl to get rid of any remaining liquid.

5. When ready…enjoy on some good bread or rolls!
    Tip:To speed up the process you can add a marble to the jar when shaking it.

______________

CRANBERRIES...

CRANBERRY DRINK
The Wampanoag Indians called the cranberry "sasemin" and made a juice from it which they sweetened with maple syrup or honey.

CRANBERRY APPLE CRISP
3 cups apple slices, 2 cups whole fresh or frozen cranberrries, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/3 cup butter or margarine, 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Toss together apple slices, cranberries, and honey.  Make topping in a separate bowl.  Mix butter, rolled oats, flour and sugar until crumbly.  Stir in nuts and vanilla.  Place the apple/cranberry mixture in a 11 3/4″ x 7 1/2 inch dish. Put on topping. Bake at 350 about 50 minutes or until fruit is tender. If mixture gets too dry pour a little hot water over it.
Source: One-writer's-way
Original Source: The Good Land; Native American and Early Colonial Food by Patricia B. Mitchell

Native American and Colonial America also used cranberries as a curative for cuts and arrow wounds. The mashed fruit was placed on open wounds to draw out the poison that we call bacteria.

Additionally cranberries were also used as a dye for blankets and rugs.  The berry grows as far South as parts of Northern Carolina and West Virginia and was regarded by the Delaware tribe in New Jersey as a symbol of peace.

____________

 APPLE BUTTER

Ingredients: 4lbs. apples, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cloves (ground)Core and quarter unpeeled apples; chop  or put in blender with water and vinegar.
Cook in a saucepan over low heat until the mixture gets thick and turns brown.
Stir occasionally. This will take 2-3 hours (1/4 of that time in a microwave oven).
Add sugar and spices and cook for 1/2 hour more.
Refrigerate, then spread on toast or muffins.

#2 COLONIAL APPLE BUTTER
6 pounds of tart apples
6 cups apple cider or juice
3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Core and quarter apples; cook with cider in a large heavy saucepan until soft, about 30 minutes. Press through a food mill. Boil gently 30 minutes; stir often. Stir in sugar and spices. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Boil gently stirring often until desired thickness about 1 hour. Pour into hot 1/2 pint jars adjust lids. Process in boiling water bath 10 minutes. (Start counting time after water returns to a boil.) Makes 8 half-pints.

___________

STEAMED PUMPKIN PUDDING

6 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
11/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup mashed cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin
1/2 cup buttermilk

Cream butter and sugar together until light. Beat in eggs. Stir together flour, salt, soda cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix pumpkin and buttermilk; add to creamed mixture alternately with dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Spoon into greased and floured 6 1/2 cup ring mold. Cover tightly with foil. Bake 350 for one hour. Let stand 10 minutes. Unmold. Serve with whipped cream. Serves 12 to 16.

__________

SUCCOTASH

2 cups fresh or frozen baby Lima beans
2 ounces salt pork
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Dash pepper
2 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn
1/3 cup light cream
1 tablespoon all purpose flour

In saucepan combine beans, pork, water, salt, sugar and pepper. Cover; simmer until beans are almost tender. Stir in corn. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender. Remove salt pork. Blend cream slowly into flour. Stir into vegetables. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Serves 6.
_____________

COLONIAL LITERACY and DISCUSSION ACTIVITIES...

1. Have kids  write their names using a QUILL PEN and parchment paper.

MAKE A QUILL PEN (Good only for older youth)
Materials: Large goose, swan or turkey feathers from a craft store, pen knife, washable ink
 
Cut 1/4 inch off the back of the quill. Next cut approximately 1/2 inch off the front, forming a point. Adjust as necessary to get a suitable writing point. Pour some washable ink into a container and test out the new pens. Most will find writing with the new pen a challenge!

________

2. START A DIARY/JOURNAL...like Noah Webster did!
Noah Webster wrote in his diary almost every day during his entire life.  The following are excerpts from his diary.

Share them with your group and instruct kids to start their own! They don't need to write much. Just go with it and have fun. It'll be a nice memento in years to come...

NOAH WEBSTER'S DIARY EXAMPLE...
 
•1784, August 10. Had fun reading books and playing the flute.
•1784, September 29. Rode to West Division with Mrs. Fish to buy peaches. Returned and
had dinner at Mr. Pratt's. We ate Sea-Turtle.
•1784, October 25. Came up with the idea to have a dance tomorrow.
•1784, October 26. Many people attended the dance. It was very fun!
•1784, October 27. Very tired from the dance.
•1784, December 1. Walked to West Division to celebrate Thanksgiving.
•1784, December 2. Spent Thanksgiving at my father's, as usual, with my brother
Charles and sisters

WHO WAS NOAH WEBSTER?
Noah Webster (October 16, 1758 - May 28, 1843) was an American lexicographer, textbook pioneer, English spelling reformer, political writer, editor, and prolific author. He has been called the "Father of American Scholarship and Education." His blue-backed speller books taught five generations of children in the United States how to spell and read, and made elementary education more secular and less religious. In the U.S. his name became synonymous with "dictionary," especially the modern Merriam-Webster dictionary that was first published in 1828 as An American Dictionary of the English Language. Source: Wikipedia

_______

3. Colonial children, like children today, also told nursery rhymes and Tongue Twisters. Click here for KidActivities Super Tongue Twisters and Tongue Twister Games!

4. Children also enjoyed singing and playing games such as "London Bridge is Falling Down" and "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.

____________

5. TALK ABOUT CHORES and CONTRAST COLONIAL TIMES TO TODAY! (Information on page 2-about family life will help in this)

Some of the things kids did back then may be just like chores that kids do today. Unlike today, many of the kids in Colonial times did not get paid or get an allowance for doing chores, but had to work like everyone else in the house to "earn their keep." In other words, they worked in order to eat, have a nice place to sleep, and help their families.

See how many of these activities your kids do to help at home...

1. Help mom with the laundry
 
2. Gather the eggs the chickens laid; gather acorns to feed the pigs; scatter food to feed the chickens; milk the cows
 
3. Work with mother in the kitchen garden or scare away birds from eating seeds planted in father's fields
 
4. Babysit or help  take care of younger children in the house
 
5. Fetch water for cooking, cleaning dishes, washing faces, and doing laundry
 
6. Bring in fire wood to cook, do laundry and keep the home warm

7. Help mom cook, preserve foods for winter... or turn vegetables kept in the root cellar (under ground cold storage room) to keep them from going bad
 
8. Visit the sick; children were told to visit sick family members and neighbors to bring them good cheer and news from the outside world as well as bring them treats or things needed to help them feel better

9. Walk to the market or store to trade items for the family; deliver goods the family sells to the store-- or buy things needed for the home

10. Sew items for the family such as-- fixing (darning) holes in socks; carding (like brushing hair) wool from the sheep to be spun into thread; weaving narrow tape (strong threads for tying on clothing and other goods); knitting

10. And Yuck...how about this one! Emptying the chamber pots (no indoor bathrooms)
 
Some youth might also start to learn the family business at a very young age.
Example: blacksmith, tinsmith,  miller, or working with a doctor or a store clerk. If family knew someone in town who could teach some of these things, children may be sent to live with them and learn the activity as their apprentice.

______________

GAMES, PLAY, FUN...

Colonial life was filled with work, but it wasn't always hard or boring. Early Americans knew how to turn work into fun by singing or telling stories, having contests, or working together in spinning or quilting bees. Some liked to dance to fiddle and fife music.  They enjoyed the time they spent playing games.

Colonial often played outdoor games that didn't require toys. Many of our games today have changed very little over the centuries, and these activities give a sense of how old some of today's pastimes are.

KIDS LIKED TO ... (Directions are below for most games)
•Play Tag  
•Hide and Seek
•Marbles  
•Leap Frog
•Blind Man's Bluff
•Jack Straws 
•Play Jackstones (Jacks)
•Play 'Scotch-Hoppers' or as we know it, Hop Scotch

They also liked to...
•Fly kites
•Spin tops
•Play with string and make a Jacob's Ladder/Cat's Cradle
•Jump Rope (See Jump Rope Category) 
•Blow bubbles
•Play on a see-saw and swing
•Some children had rocking horses and used a bow and arrow...

The following games are from KidActivities 'Outdoor Games Category'

TRADITIONAL TAG GAME

It's best played with lots of places to hide. The person who is the counter (or seeker) stands next to a designated tree and closes their eyes while counting to ______.  The rest of the players run and hide.  When the seeker is done counting, they call out "Ready or Not, Here I come!" and begin searching for everyone else.  The goal for those hiding is to get back and touch the tree before being tagged.  Those who are tagged before touching the tree are also "It" and join the seeker.  The last one to reach the tree or be tagged is the seeker for the next game.

___________ 
  "T" TAG
This game is played like traditional tag.
The number of children playing, will determine the number of "ITS" you have--which would normally be from 1 to 3.
Every ______ minutes, change your "It".

When children get tagged, they must remain still and put their arms out in a "T" position.
They are released from this 'Frozen T' position when another child runs under their arms.

_______
ELBOW TAG
Divide children into pairs leaving one child who is "It" and one child who will be the first to be chased.
Have each group of partners link elbows-- and all of the pairs form a large circle, allowing 10 feet of space between each pair.

"It" runs after the other "not joined by the elbow" child inside the circle-----as in a traditional game of tag.
If the child being chased needs a break--he or she can run to a pair of children and link elbows with one of them.
The child in the pair who WAS NOT linked by the chased child ---is now "It's" new target and must break away quickly to avoid being tagged by "It."

___________
HOP SCOTCH
Equipment: Pavement, stones, chalk
Draw the layout with the chalk - From bottom to top---
3 single squares, 1 double square, 2 single squares, 1 double square, 1 single square.
Number the squares.

The two basic rules of hop scotch are:
1) One foot in each square only.
2) Hop over the square with the rock in it.
Use a rock to throw into the first square.
Hop on one foot over the square with the rock in it.
Land with two feet on the double squares.
On the second turn, throw the rock into the second square, and so forth.
The tricky part is staying on one foot when the rock is in one of the side-by-side squares.

If you have a side walk--you can also play by marking two side walk squares with an "X" going from corner to corner in each square.
The part of the "X" portion closest to you (at the very bottom) would be #1...
#2 would be above that to the right
#3 is to the left of 2---and #4 goes in the top portion of the "X"
Mark the square above the same--with #5, 6, 7, and 8...Proceed to play as above.

_____________

BLIND MAN BLUFF 
This game does not really have an object, but it is fun.
One person puts on a blindfold while the others spin him around a few times.
The blindfolded person is led around the yard in winding circles, etc. --- until they get to their destination point.
The blindfolded person then gets to guess where he is and then has his blindfold removed to reveal his location.

______________

PLAY JACKSTONES (JACKS)
The game the colonists called jackstones is known today as jacks. You can buy a set, which includes six 6-pointed metal jacks. Or you can be like colonial children and use six small stones, pumpkin seeds or any other small objects that are all the same size.

A set will include a small, bouncy ball, but any small ball with a good bounce will do. Or, like colonial children, use a round, smooth stone. If you use a stone, toss it the air rather than try to bounce it.

GENERAL RULES for Jacks
There are more than 100 different jacks games, but most follow these basic rules.

1. Two or more people can play, indoors or out.

2. To start: a player tosses the ball in the air, scatters the jacks, and catches the ball on one bounce.
The player wants the jacks to land pretty close together, but not so close that they're hard to pick up one at a time. Even if the player doesn't like the way they landed, they must play the jacks as they lie.

3. During play, the player must pick up the jacks and catch the ball on one bounce with the same hand.

4. When picking up jacks, the player can touch only the ones they are picking up. If player moves or touches others, their turn is over.

5. On any play, each player has only one try. If they makes a mistake, it's the next player's turn.

6. If a player makes a mistake and loses their turn, on the next turn they go back to the beginning of theplay in which they made the mistake.

PLAY ONE THROUGH SIXES (also called Onesies, Twosies)
Note: Remember that to start, the first player tosses the ball, scatters the jacks, and catches the ball on one bounce. The ball can bounce only once; if a stone is used, the stone is tossed in the air and must be
caught before it lands.

TO PLAY...
•For ones (onesies):
Player 1 tosses the ball again, picks up one jack, then catches the ball on
one bounce with the same hand. Player 1 then puts the jack in the other hand and repeatsthe play, again picking up one jack. Player 1 continues until all six jacks have been picked up,one at a time.

•For twos (twosies):
Player 1 bounces the ball, picks up two jacks, catches the ball on one bounce in the same hand, then puts the jacks in the other hand. Player 1 continues until he/she has picked up all six jacks, two at a time.

•For threes (threesies):
Player 1 bounces the ball, picks up three jacks, catches the ball on one bounce in the same hand. He/she then puts the jacks in the other hand and repeats the play to pick up the remaining three jacks.

•For fours (foursies):
Player 1 picks up four jacks on one toss, then two on the next toss.

•For fives (fivesies): Player 1 picks up five jacks at once, then one jack on the next toss.

•For sixes (sixies):
Player 1 picks up all six jacks at once and catches the ball on one bounce
with the same hand.

TO WIN:
A player who goes from ones through sixes without an error is a winner, but this player canbe tied if another player also has a perfect round. Remember, when a player loses a turn, he/she starts the next turn at the beginning of the mistake. If the error was made on threes, for example, the player starts over at the beginning of threesies. To see a few other variations of Jacks-visit Games for Small Groups. Jacks is #40 page bottom.

________ 
LEAP FROG GAME
1.  If you are playing in a group with more than three players, you start by lining up in single file.
2.  The first person in the line takes a few steps forwards and then bends over to make the first frog.
3.  The next person in the line then leaps the first frog, carries on for a few steps and then bends over to make the second frog.
4.  The third person in the line then has to run and leap frogs one and two and then bends over to make the third frog.
5.  This carries on until all the players have jumped.
This can be played with one line or in Teams.

If you are playing with 2 or three children to a line--introduce a MATH component to the 'Leap Frog' and MEASURE HOW FAR each child jumps!

_______
HIDE AND SEEK
First you pick someone to be 'It' (the person who seeks).
While standing at a 'base', 'It' turns around and counts with their eyes closed. The rest of the players hide. (A number count is predetermined by the players) 

When that number is reached, "It" says "Ready or Not, Here I Come" and rushes to find everyone. 
Players try to get to base without being tagged or else they are the new "It".  If the person who is "It" doesn't get someone in three tries he gets to pick a child to be it!

__________

Most colonial CARD GAMES were made for adults and were not considered games for kids. If the children played with cards it was as many kids do today, stacking them into a "house" of cards.

MAKE CARD TOWERS
Get out a deck or cards (or several) and use them to build a tower. Lean one card against another, creating a triangle with the table top or floor.
Create a second triangle a couple inches to the left or right of your first one, and connect the two with a card laying flat over top.
See how tall you can make your tower.  This can be done as an individual, a team, or as a competition.

___________

OTHER ACTIVITIES...

COLONIAL PUZZLES
Can you believe that jigsaw puzzles have been around since the 1760's? A man named John Spilsbury, an engraver and mapmaker in London, attached maps of England to thin pieces of mahogany wood and then carefully cut around the shapes of the counties.
Around the same time in France, a man working for the King made a similar game and thus the puzzle was born. These map puzzles or "dissected maps" were soon put to use with American Colonial children to teach them the way each county looked and what counties were next to each other. It was not until 1840 that puzzles began to have "snap-in" or interlocking pieces like most of our puzzles do today.

Map puzzles were the most popular puzzle, but by 1787 puzzles with pictures of different kings were also made. What would Mr. Spilsbury think of all the different types of puzzles we have today?

_________

MAKE AN APPLE POMADOR BALL... (These are now traditionally made with oranges, however, apples were used in Colonial Days)
A Pomador Ball was a large apple with cloves in it to give it a nice smell.
Materials: Large apple, box of cloves, cinnamon, a plastic net bag, ribbon or yarn

1. Use a fork to make many little holes in the skin of an apple.

2. Insert a clove into each of the holes. Do this until the entire apple is covered with the cloves.

3. Put the apple into a bowl and pour some cinnamon on it.  Set the ball in a cool place for a few days.

4. To hang the ball cut the ends off the net and leave it so it is about 10 inches long.

5. Slip the ball into the net. Tie a bow with the yarn at the top and the bottom of the net.

6. Cut an 18-inch piece of yarn. Tie a knot forming a 6-inch loop.

7. At the top of the pomander ball tie --the remaining string from the loop into a knot and then hang.
Source Thinkquest

______________

MAKE CORNMEAL DOUGH

2 cups cornmeal
1 cup salt
Tempera paint for color
Water

Mix cornmeal, salt and paint  with enough water to make a play dough texture.

NOTE: A comment from Michele Ridgeway was made on Kid Activities face book page... It comes out just like wet cornmeal and salt would-- not very doughy at all.  The children liked patting it on trays and squishing it around and it smells really nice. I didn't add any color to it, as we're talking about harvest and native americans in our classroom. I'm going to put it out again tomorrow. Children helped to make it-- as the recipe is pretty simple. Thanks (Thank you Michele!)

____________

BEES (Not 'insect bees' but where small groups of people work together!)

When colonial families faced a hard task, they made the work lighter and more enjoyable by working together.
They held flaxing bees, quilting bees and corn husking bees. (A Colonial Quilt Activity - to simulate a Bee - is below) 
One family would host the 'bee' and everyone would work together and tell stories or sing songs. In the evening, after the work was done, the host family would serve a big meal and the children would play.

 MAKE A COLONIAL QUILT...

For colonial women, quilting was not just the creation of a needed household item. Quilts were a thrifty use of material leftovers, a form of decoration and an expression of pride. In Colonial day, when every piece of cloth was brought from Europe at an opulent cost, each scrap left from the cutting of clothing was worth as much as its equivalent to the garment itself. Thus the "Crazy Patch," quilt was invented.

Each piece of cloth was fit together so that not a strand of the valuable material was wasted. It mainly consisted of silks, ribbons, wool, and velvets. It not only was the humblest of all bed-coverings, but it served the purpose of keeping the family warm on those cold winter nights. Ladies exchanged intricately designed patterns, each with its own name such as Crow's Foot, Chinese Puzzle, Love-Knot, and Sunflower.  Groups of women would gather together for several days in quilting bees, working together to make one beautiful quilt.

CARD STOCK QUILT... 

You need:
8"x8" pieces of white oaktag, crayons or markers for decorating your squares, yarn 

Your squares should represent yourself. Draw your favorite food... write your name in calligraphy...draw a picture of a colonial craft item or someone using the craft item.
When the square are done,  punch holes along the edges and then use yarn to tie the squares together. Source: ColonialFair (ColonialFair's page has been removed from the internet)

___________

CHILDREN OF COLONIAL TIMES ALSO USED 'NATURAL MATERIALS' FOR FUN!

•CORN COBS...Cobs were cut into pieces and used as building blocks

•SHELLS...Were used as dishes for dolls or used in hopscotch

•DANDLIONS/WILD FLOWERS were used to make necklaces and bracelets...

Remove dandelions from the lawn. Pick those with long, thick stems.
Attach them by tying one stem in a knot high up near the flower of another dandelion, and so on until reaching the desired length.
TIP: Remind children that their new necklaces/crowns are made of weeds and will wilt in a day or two, but they can always make a fresh one. 

•WALNUTS were halved and then gilded and hung on Christmas trees

•FRUIT PITS were used as counters in games

•GOURDS were hollowed out and then blown through to make noise

•PRESSED FLOWERS were used for designs or pictures

FLOWER LEAF PRESS NOTE CARDS OR PICTURES

Type of Activity: Nature Art
Materials needed:
Old phone book, Collection of colorful leaves, grasses, flowers, herbs,
Craft glue, Plain note cards/postcards/watercolor paper.

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

 •KNIVES...most boys owned a pocketknife. It was used to make toys and to work around the house. The name 'jack knife' came about by saying Jack's knife

•APPLES...  APPLE DOLLS are folk dolls originating from early rural America when settlers made dolls from whatever was at hand. Apple dolls are made by carving a face in an apple and drying it. Due to the different effects drying produces, no two dolls are alike

MAKE SHRUNKEN APPLE HEADS...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.

 ____________

SILHOUETTES

Silhouettes are a type of shadow picture. They have been made for centuries and became very popular during the life time of George Washington. Before cameras which make photographs were invented, the only way you could have a picture of a person was to have a painting or sketch made of that person. If you weren't able to paint a portrait yourself or unable to pay for an expensive portrait to be made, you could have a cheaper version made for you, namely a silhouette.

A silhouette traced the outline of a person's profile. Though it didn't show you the color of a person's hair or eyes, it did give you a reminder of how the shape of the person's face appeared.Since silhouettes required little skill as the shadow of a person was shown on a canvas and the outline painted in, they were inexpensive to have made. Beyond a painted version, others trained in making silhouettes could cut out the profile of a person using black paper and then glue the black shape onto white paper. These artisans could look at a person and from the shape of their face, they could cut a silhouette without tracing it first.

Some simple machines (like a pantograph which uses two pencils attached by grids which move at the same time) were used to make copies of a silhouette or change their size. These copies were often made of famous people and could be given out to their many admirers. Source: ushistory.org 

 _________

 
MAKE YOUR OWN SILHOUETTE

VERSION #1

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

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

VERSION #2 MAKE YOUR OWN SILHOUETTE!
To make a shadow picture of your friends and family, attach a black piece of construction paper to a hard surface like a door or a wall. Have your subject (the person) sit in a chair in front of the paper and place a light on the other side of the person so that the subject's shadow will appear on the paper. Trace the shadow of the person on the paper with a piece of white chalk. Remove the paper from the wall and carefully cut along the chalk line. Attach the cut out to a piece of white paper. (Glue the chalk-line side down, so if you made any stray marks they won't appear on the finished side.) You now have a finished silhouette!

You can also use a pencil to trace the shadow on a white piece of paper. After tracing, color in the outline with a black crayon or marker.

___________

ARE YOU HAVING A COLONIAL THEME IN YOUR SCHOOL, CLASSROOM OR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM? Have children come in COLONIAL ATTIRE...

Go to page 2... Ideas and information on Colonial Dress are at the bottom of the page...

 _______________