Back to Page 1 for Art & Craft Ideas...

29 QUICKIE IDEAS FOR WARM WEATHER FUN!

1.  Play hopscotch.
2.  Jump rope. See Jump Rope ideas here on this site.
3.  Take an easel outside and have the kids finger-paint.
4.  Eat strawberry shortcake.
5.  Plant a flower garden.
6.  Have a picnic--or take your snack outside!
7.  Draw with sidewalk chalk.
8.  Read a book together outside. (Under a tree would be nice)
9.  Make a simple bird feeder. Seventeen Ideas here!
10. Play badminton or tennis. How about bocci ball or croquet?
11. Make a collage of all the things you'd like to do together this season.
12. Make personalized garden stones.
13. Start a butterfly garden.
14. Clean and spruce up outdoor toys. Wash them outside...
15. Run in the sprinkler on a hot day.
16. Have a 'Cleaning Party'! Have kids sign-up for what they want to do. When the job is done, 'Celebrate'!
17. Play tag. See outside games
18. Make fresh salsa. Serve with tortilla chips.
19. Make a wind chime or windsocks. See Category here for ideas!
20. Make and fly kites.
21. Each week, try at least one or two NEW outdoors games (Outdoor Games Here...and Outdoor Water Games Here...
22. Make some bubble solution---Blow some bubbles.
23. Eat some watermelon. Save the seeds and have a "seed spitting contest". (Of course each child uses their OWN seeds!) The furthest seed wins!
24. Begin playtime with a "lap" around the play area.
25. Make and fly paper airplanes.
26. Have a Theme Party.
27. Plan your 'summer-end event'!
28. Have an ice-cream social or set up an ice-cream bar!
29. If you don't already have one---Start an Earth-Day EVERY Day Club! Check out the Earth and Green Thread 

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MORE FUN OUTSIDE!
Offer activities that you normally do 'inside'---and take them 'outside'!
Of course you can always take out bubbles and chalk, written out games with rules, etc., but consider putting a few boxes together that contain...

•Sketch books with your choice of colored pencils, pastel chalk, markers for drawing pictures of trees, flowers, each other, etc.

•Embroidery floss and yarn for making friendship bracelets.

•Yarn loops and frames for making pot holders; kids can also use the loops to make ropes and belts.

•Beads and yarn/elastic for jewelry making.

•Bags for collecting nature items for later projects.

•Wire for where imagination goes: Sculptures, art, jewelry, etc.

•Long sheets of roll paper for murals.

•Books to read under a shady tree.

•Take a nature walk. When you get back , depending on the age of the child---have them WRITE AND/OR DRAW the things they saw or collected. And on and on..

TIP: If you are a parent, these are also good ideas to do with your kids!
TIP: WHEN YOU GO OUTSIDE---Always put some CHALK IN YOUR POCKET!!!

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• CHALK IDEAS

 1.  Have child lay on cement. Outline the body shape in an ACTION pose...fill in the body with realistic clothing and details.
2.  Playing a game with boundaries? Pull out the chalk to mark them on the concrete.
3.  Mark off broad jumps and leaps!
4.  Outline shoes. Who has the largest or smallest foot? 
5.  Hopscotch
6.  A group mural

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 RANDOM JUST FOR FUN IDEAS!

IDEA: Consider having a JUMP-ROPE MARATHON (DAY OR WEEK...) Keep track of numbers of jumps reached---and the kids try to beat their own highest number by the end of the day or week...

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ICE-CREAM EATING: No Hands Used!
Give each child a scoop or two of ice-cream in a bowl. Have them sit comfortably at a table ...
The fun is that they keep their hands behind their backs and eat the ice-cream with only their mouths! It's NOT a speed eating contest--Just silly fun!

BE SURE TO VIDEO TAPE AND TAKE PICTURES!
Do this at a family party and have Dad's participate

IDEA: I SCREAM FOR ICE-CREAM!  Pair this up with an ICE-CREAM SOCIAL Teach the kids: "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" Divide the group into teams (number of teams depends on number of youth) WHICH TEAM CAN SAY IT THE LOUDEST?  Have a third party judge ...

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Kid's love this one!!! SUNBAKED S'MORES (Check out warm weather food ideas!)

1.  Have children place one graham cracker sheet in a foil pie plate; sprinkle with chocolate chips, and miniature marshmallows. Cover the pie plate with tin foil (shiny side up), and label tins for each child.
2.   Place outside in a sunny hot place, check after 10 minutes. They are done when the sun has melted the chocolate and marshmallow. Yummy!

IDEA #2 MAKE SOLAR OVENS…
Take a shoe box and line the inside with foil (shiny side showing). Then take a kabob skewer and put it through the long way. Put plastic wrap over the top and you have an oven. The most successful things you can cook are marshmallows and hot dogs. Just set outside on a sunny afternoon!!! The kids will find it great fun (Also, you get science and snack all in one). Pizza boxes also make excellant solar ovens.

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 MAKE A WATER BALLOON YO-YO...Materials: Balloons, Water, Rubber bands, Markers
First fill the balloon up with water ---but don't make the balloon stretch.
Next, blow the balloon up a little just so its half water and half air. Tie a knot to close the balloon. Take the rubber band and tie it on the end. If you want - decorate it with the markers. Have Fun!

 

 

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HAVE A PAPER-AIRPLANE DAY!
Create and decorate paper-airplanes. Come up with categories for the fun.
Example:
Who's can go the farthest? Straightest? Highest?
Can anyone fly it through a hula hoop? Do loops?
Make a 'bull's-eye' similar to what you would use for playing darts; can anyone hit the bulls eye...or the outer circles?

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MAKE A POTATO HEAD PLANT
1.  Cut off both ends of a potato.
2.  Stand the potato upright on one of the flat cut surfaces and scoop out a hole in the other end.
3.  Carve out a face on one side of the potato.
4.  Have the children place two cotton balls in the potato’s scooped-out top.
5.  Let them water the cotton balls and sprinkle them with grass or alfalfa seeds.
6.  Place in a sunny spot and watch his hair grow.

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RECYCLE! WACKY SHOES--OLD SHOES--FUN SHOES-- DECORATING SHOES!

Put out a variety of decorating items such as pom-poms, beads, jewels, pipe cleaners, etc. Have kids bring old shoes and watch creativity explode! Depending on the material of the shoes-use either a good white glue or hot glue. Photo from Carleton Place Public Library

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HAVE A BEACH PARTY!
In cold weather climates we often have "A Beach Party" Theme in January/February to boost our spirits--BUT don't forget about the theme during sunny weather AND and have it outside! (Great for a 'Good-Bye to Summer' Theme!)

• Play beach music and beach-ball volley ball; put umbrellas in the drinks, limbo dance, make ice-cream and leis! Check out the Outdoor Water Games Here...
  

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This one is always great for ouside summer fun-the klds never tire of it! MENTOS ERUPTION -- Soda Geyser-- or just Diet Coke and Mentos... 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 recently 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.

When Mentos are dropped into soda, the gellan gum and gum arabic of the candy dissolves and breaks the surface tension. This disturbs the water connection, so that it takes less work to expand and form new bubbles. Each Mentos candy has thousands of tiny pores over its surface. These tiny pores function as nucleation sites, perfect places for carbon dioxide bubbles to form. As soon as the Mentos enter the soda, bubbles form all over their surface. They quickly sink to the bottom, causing carbon dioxide to be released by the carbonated liquid with which they come into contact along the way. The sudden increase in pressure pushes all of the liquid up and out of the bottle.
From: wikipedia.org

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ALKA-SELTZER ROCKET ....is a model rocket fashioned from a 35mm film canister and propelled by the generation of gas from an effervescent liquid. It is often used in science classes to demonstrate principles of chemistry and physics to students.

1.  In the experiment, a film canister is filled with water and an effervescent tablet (commonly Alka-Seltzer) and tightly sealed.
2.  After a short time, the evolved carbon dioxide reaches sufficient pressure to cause the body of the canister to be launched into the air with a popping sound.
3.  The canister may be elaborated (or not) with paper fins to resemble more closely a real rocket.

Lessons based around the Alka-Seltzer rocket can focus on a number of principles. For example, the students are sometimes asked to experiment with the amounts of water and Alka-Seltzer to find the combination which propels the rocket the greatest distance.
Alternatively they may derive equations to calculate the speed and velocity of the rocket from the distance it travels.
Source: wikipedia.org

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IMPORTANT SUMMERTIME TIP

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

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

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

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Here's a 'cool' summer/warm weather COMMUNITY SERVICE idea! PENNIES FOR POPSICLES...
Collect pennies and then provide popsicles for a kids' homeless shelter. They'll love it!

 One group collected 19,447 pennies. A lot of popsicles!

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ADOPT A TREE! Find a special tree on your playground and explain that your kids can adopt that tree as your “pet” plant. Have a contest to name the tree. (This is a great way to use a graph!)

Take photos of your tree and encourage the children to draw pictures of it during different seasons.

• Ask children to hug your tree. What does it feel like? What does it smell like? Can you hear your tree?
• Measure the tree...  
• Read books, have picnics, or sing songs under your tree.

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MAKE A SOLAR CLOCK

Materials: Piece of 12" square cardboard, an empty thread sppol, a pencil, white glue

Glue the spool in the middle of the cardboard. Put the pencil in the hole in the spool. On a sunny day--Put the cardboard and pencil in a sunny spot at 8:00 a.m. Write the number 8 where the pencil shadow ends on the cardboard. Do the same at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 a.m., etc., until it gets dark. You now have a solar clock! OR...

LOOKING AT THE SUN...You should never look directly at the sun--but there's a safe way to see the sun's light. You'll need two index cards, and scissors. Poke a small hole in one index card so that sunlight can shine through it. Hold another card below the hole so that the sunlight shines on it!

Back to Page 1 for Art and Craft Ideas!

Also, be sure to check out the 'category list' on the left side of the page. There are loads of ideas and themes under 'Seasons' Spring and Summer!

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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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'SAND PLAY' ITEMS FOR OUTDOORS...

Bowls, Buckets, Cars & Trucks, Colander, Cookie Cutters, Funnels, Ladles, Magnifying Glass, Measuring Cups, Molds of different shapes, Muffin tins, Natural Materials: Seeds, shells, pebbles, sticks, Pails, Plastic animals, dishes, people--Rake, Rolling Pin, Scale, Scoops, Shovels, Sieve, Sifters, Spoons, Strainer

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SENSORY TABLE TIP  Yes, this is a 'Sand Theme' however-- along with the above-- You could add Beans, Seeds, Pasta, Rice, Ice cubes, Snow, Dirt and Worms, Packing Peanuts, Cotton Balls, Instant Potato Flakes, Oatmeal and Shaving Cream. Have mittens available if playing with snow and ice in the table or tubs.

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SAND ART AND CRAFTS...

SAND BOX PAINTING
Even if you don’t have a sandbox, this sand-painting craft is guaranteed to give your kids hours of warm weather fun.
You need:
Sandbox or large dishpans filled halfway with sand (fill a few pans to share)
Spray bottles filled with water
Food coloring
Small sand shovels
1.  Add 20 or more drops of food coloring to spray bottles to make colored water.
2.  At the sand area give children several bottles of colored water. As they spray, the sand will change color, creating a wonderful painting.
3.  If the kids want to ‘paint’ a new picture, direct them to mix under the top layer with their shovels. Be sure to protect clothing from the food color!

SAFETY NOTE: Most commercially sold play sand is actually powder from quarried quartz – a substance known by OSHA to cause lung disease. You can purchase safe sand from companies like SafeSand.com.
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SAND ART
1.  Give each child a piece of construction paper, and have them draw a picture or write words with the glue. Make sure that they do not put gobs of glue in any one spot.
2.  Before the glue dries, with the hand, pour/put sand onto the glue. Let it sit for a few minutes and then shake off the excess sand.
3.  It should dry flat for about a half an hour depending on how much glue was used.
TIP: This can also be done with colored sand--but for those on a budget--regular sand works just as well. 

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DRY SAND PAINT

1 cup sand  and 1 T. powdered paint

Mix and put into a shaker.
Put glue design onto paper-Shake sand onto the glue

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SAND PLAY DOUGH #1
½ cup sand
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup boiling water
Mix ingredients together and knead.

#2 To make a similar recipe Cassie in Michigan uses:

2 Cups Sand
1 Cup Cornstarch
1 Cup Water

FYI:
• Play sand comes in a variety or colors. A 50lb bag of play sand is usually about $5.00.
• To use the entire 50 pounds, you'd need 24 boxes of cornstarch.
• It may not make perfect sand castles, but is fun to squeeze, squish, bury things, make hand prints & other shapes. Some have said their castles came out nicely! Let us know!

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SAND PLAY RECIPE #3
• 1 part white glue
• 2 parts flour
• 2 parts sand
• 2 parts water
Mix together to create a dough. You may need to add water or flour depending on the consistency.

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SAND PLAY DOUGH #4...

4 cups of play table sand
3 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup of water
Put all ingredients in a large container and mix well...

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SAND PLAY RECIPE #5
Add sand to quick set cement and follow the instructions for mixing the cement. Use this recipe when you have a mold or have created a pattern in the sand.

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HOMEMADE 'MOON' SAND (Way cheaper than buying it!)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
3 cups corn starch
6 cups play sand
Optional: Add package of Kool-aid if want it colored

Recipe for 1 batch...

1. First thoroughly mix together the sand,cornstarch and water. It will take a few minutes to get it smooth. Really work it in with your fingers...and then it's done!

2. You may need to add a bit more water--but be careful and add just a small amound at a time; it could get goopy.

3. When done--Place in an an airtight container. Next time, revive it with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Just sprinkle it over and work it in.

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A PIECE OF BEACH
Materials: Sandbox Sand, White Glue, Small Shells…
1.  Mix sand and glue until sand is syrupy.
2.  Pour the mixture into a bowl, plate, cup, etc.
3.  Push shells into the mixture to form a sculpture.
4.  Let this dry undisturbed; it may take a couple of days.
5.  When dry--the glue converts the sand to a plaster.

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MAKE SAND JARS

 

Need: Baby food jars or other jars, colored sand or sand and tempera paint

If not using purchased colored sand, combine the sand with the dry tmepera paint. Make a variety of colors. Salt also works for white.

Layer the different colors of sand into the jar. (Using small funnels to put the sand into the jars keep areas neat.) You can also use a straw or kabob stick to 'poke' through desired layers of sand to make designs

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OCEAN IN A BOTTLE USING SAND
Materials:
Bottles (Such as peanut butter jars, baby food jars, etc.)
Sand
Sea Creatures or _______
Pebbles
Water and salt
1. Put sand and small rocks in a bottle.
2. Add small plastic sea creatures and grass (seaweed)
3. Put in water and salt.
4. Tip: Super glue lids shut to keep secure. (Submitted by Cassie/Mi.)

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FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND...

Decide where to make your sand footprints. You can use a sandbox or a deep box filled with sand.  If you are at the beach-- the damp, hard-packed sand near the water's edge works best. If the sand is dry, add water to make sure that it is firm and will hold the shape.

1. To make the foot prints foot hard into  sand so the imprint is at least 1/2 inch deep.
2. Mix the plaster according to the instructions on the package until it is thick.
3. Fill the foot imprint with the plaster mixture, pouring slowly so the mold remains intact.
4. While the plaster is drying --cut  wire into 2 inch or 5 cm pieces.  Bend in the middle to create a hanger. As the plaster begins to harden, push the hanger into the plaster. (If you will be casting both of the child's feet--use wire that is about 6 inches long and shape each end of the wire into a "L" shape before you insert into the plaster.)

When the plaster should form and harden in about 45 minutes. Gently lift the shape from the sand; clean the sand from it.
Allow the foot print to dry for at least one hour-- or follow instructions on plaster mix for drying time.
When dry it's ready to decorate as desired. Example: Paint it and then glue on beads, etc.

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MAKE A SAND SCOOP...

Cut off the bottom of a milk jug and put it aside for another activity. Glue the lids onto the tops of the jugs to make scoops. Have children decorate the scoops with colored glue and permanent markers.

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SQUIGGLE SAND & GLUE DESIGNS
1.  Give each child a piece of wax paper.
2.  Have them make squiggles and different designs with the glue. Then sprinkle the glue with colored sand.
3.  After the glue has dried (overnight) peel the design off of the waxed paper.
4.  Hang the creations around the room

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SAND THEMED SNACKS...

ANTS IN THE SAND
2 Graham crackers
Chocolate sprinkles
1.  Place graham crackers in a plastic sandwich bag and crush with a rolling pin.
2.  Add a few chocolate sprinkles to make ants, then seal the bag.
3.  Give the bag to the kids to take outside to eat; they can also pour it into a small bowl and eat at the table (Using their fingers, of course.)

Variations:
Add raisins (Call them beetles)
Red Hots candy (ladybugs)
Mini chocolate chips (spider eggs).
1 Serving

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SAND CUPS #1 - Kids love them!

Ingredients:
2 c Cold Milk
1 pk Jello pudding mix (4 serve)
8 oz cool whip, thawed
12 oz Vanilla wafers, crushed
8 7oz clear plastic cups
Choice of Mini umbrellas, gummy bears, worms, star fish, etc.

1. Pour milk into large bowl.
2. Add pudding mix. Beat with a whisk until well blended, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Let stand 5 minutes.
4. Stir in topping
5. Place 1 tablespoon crushed cookies into each cup. Fill cups 3/4 full with pudding mix. Top with remaining cookies.
6. Refrigerate for one hour.
7. Before serving- decorate with some of the above...
8. Makes 8 servings.

If you're making a batch of Sand Cups and feeling creative--serve it from a  child's new sand pail and scoop it out with the shovel!

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ANT HILL-- Make  edible ant hills in cups!
Use clear plastic punch cups to see the layers.
1. For the 'dirt" layer--first put chocolate pudding into the cup.
2. Crush graham crackers in a plastic Ziploc bag and pour the crumbs into the cup for the anthill "sand".
3. Add chocolate chips or raisins for the "ants".

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SAND CUPS #2

Low on time???
Try this version from Kraft Canada using purchased pudding cups! How easy can it get!

Ingredients for one serving...
1 Honey Maid Graham Cracker/Wafer
1  Jell-O Ready-to-Eat Vanilla Pudding Snack Cup (can also use chocolage pudding cups) 
3 Teddy Grahams
Ring-shaped hard candies or cereal
1 worm-shaped chewy fruit snack (optional) 

• Crush graham wafer; sprinkle over pudding snack.
• Top with remaining ingredients.
• Garnish with paper umbrella.
• Recipe and photo credit Kraft Canada

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 SCIENCE...

LOOK AT SAND (Inside or Outside)
1. Put a few pinches of sand onto white construction paper.
2. Instruct children see what the sand looks like using a magnifying glass.
3. Note the difference between grains of sand. (Size of grains Colors and Light reflection)

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GARDENING EXPERIMENT: SOIL VS. SAND

Materials: Sand, gardening soil, egg carton, seeds
Grow a garden in an egg carton. fill one side with sand and the other side with soil. Bury a seed in each cup for a side-by-side comparison. Which seeds started growing first...and which grew the fastest, strongest and tallest?

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Make one of the above 'SAND DOUGH RECIPES'...  ARTS & CRAFTS.  Anything starting out liquid and becoming solid is science...this includes all play dough and much of cooking...(Recipes also found in Play Dough Category)

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BURY METAL...FIND IT WITH MAGNETS
Hide metal objects in dry sand to see if the magnet can find them. After, extend the activity by adding water to the sand. Will the magnet still find the metal objects? Next, put the magnets in tubs/pails of water. Will the magnet attract the metal?

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 GAMES

 

•  NUMBERS IN THE SAND
  Required: Sand Play area, Numbered tags and prizes
  Players: Small to medium groups.

Play this game at a sandy area like a volleyball court or large sandbox. The object of the game is to hide small tags or slips of paper that have been labeled, in the sand. There are two options for labeling the slips of paper.

One would be using a point system by labeling the tags 2 points, 5 points, and/or 10 points.

Bury the tags with the higher points deeper in the sand, so that it takes a little bit more effort to find them.
A point system would work better for a small group. For each player you should make and bury about 5-8 tags.
The other option rather than the point system for labeling tags is winning a prize.

Purchase various prizes for the group to win from small items like candy pieces, bags of chips and cracker snacks, to large items that might have even been donated. Have each number on the tags represent a different prize.
By Bob Brickner at funattic.com

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SIFTING FOR GOLD
Have children pretend to be gold miners.
Paint very small rocks, gold.
Hide them in the sand.
Give children small sifters to sift through the sand looking for gold.

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DINOSAUR BONES
What child wouldn’t like searching for dinosaur bones?
    1. Save old chicken bones.
    2. Clean in hot soapy water.
    3. Hide the bones in the sand.
    4. Give children small brushes to brush through the sand searching for bones.

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PASS THE SAND
Need Containers, Paper Plates and Sand

Divide the group into two (or more) teams and line them up.

Have the first person in each line grab a handful of sand from a container. They must pass the sand to the next player, who passes it to the next, and so on down the line.

When the sand reaches the last player, he/she pours what is left of it on a plate. The team with the most sand wins the game. (You may have to weigh the sand on a food scale if it's close.)

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SAND BUILDING CONTEST

 

1. Form groups of 3 or 4 children to a team.
2. Set up a time limit and challenge youth to create a castle or village.
3. Creations can be judged based on:  teamwork, creativity, largest, smallest, tallest structures, most unique, originality, style, etc.

Suggestions: If possible, offer a variety of sand-types.

Extension Ideas: The challenge can also be for kids to build their sculptures on the current theme--such as Medieval, Country around the worlds, Sports, etc. Have children create stories to go along with their creations.

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Don't forget about TAKING OUT THE SMALL CARS AND TRUCKS! Encourage children to build roads, hills, and bridges. This can be an organized activity where childrens' creativity is challenged! Can they add a small Lego or Lincoln Log village, action figures and other props?

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There may also be some ideas in the STONES, ROCKS, AND PEBBLES THEME (Geology) that you could combine with Sand Ideas...

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Jumping rope is still a favorite on most playgrounds. Whether alone or in a group, jumping rope challenges both coordination and stamina. It's also a unique part of our cultural heritage. Historically it was first a game primarily for boys. Males usually did not use rhymes. Instead they spent their time on trick jumps: crossovers, double jumping, and peppers.

Migration of Americans from farms to towns and cities led to girls taking over this unique pastime of jump roping. One theory for this is that girls now had more time to play than they had back on the farm, and more friends to play with. On smooth city streets they put together dozens of games and hundreds of rhymes that make up modern jump rope lore.

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JUMP ROPE RHYMES

A SAILOR WENT TO SEA, sea, sea.
To see what he could see, see, see.
But all that he could see, see, see.
Was the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea.

***************
COCA-COLA went to town
Pepsi cola shot him down
Dr. Pepper fixed him up and
changed him into Bubble up!

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DOWN BY THE RIVER, down by the sea,
Johnny broke a bottle and blamed it on me.
I told ma, ma told pa,
Johnny got a spanking so ha ha ha.
How many spankings did Johnny get?
1, 2, 3.... (Keep counting until the jumper messes up).

***************
ICE CREAM SODA, cherry on the top,
who's your boyfriend/girlfriend I forgot?
A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H (and so on until the person stops jumping) You take the letter he/she lands on and think of a name of someone you know that begins with the letter.

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TEDDY BEAR, Teddy Bear, turn around, Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground-- Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, show your shoe-Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, that will do!--Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, go upstairs--Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, say your prayers--Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn out the lights-Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, say good-night!
The children jump rope while they sing this rhyme, they act out the actions as the words come up in the rhyme. An example: when they say go upstairs, the child pretends to climb the stairs.

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CINDERELLA (#1)

Cinderella went upstairs to kiss a 'fella --made a mistake and kissed a snake--how many doctors did it take? (count until someone messes up)

CINDERELLA (#2)
Cinderella, dressed in yella
went downtown to meet a fella
on the way her girdle busted,
How many people were disgusted?
10, 20, 30, 40, 50...
Until someone misses.

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#1 I Like Coffee--With a partner...

I LIKE COFFEE, I like tea, I like (name of next person in line) to jump in with me." Then the two jump together, the second person saying the rhyme. When the rhyme is done, the first person runs out, and the new person comes in and jumps with the second person. OR...

# 2 I Like Coffee--Jump Alone...
I LIKE COFFEE, I like tea--I like the boys--And the boys like me--
Yes—No-- Maybe so—Yes—No-- Maybe so …etc.. (the answer is revealed when the child misses. )

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I HAD A LITTLE PUPPY
His name was Tiny Tim
I put him in the bathtub, to see if he could swim
He drank all the water, he ate a bar of soap
The next thing you know he had a bubble in his throat.
In came the doctor, (person jumps in)
In came the nurse,( person jumps in)
In came the lady with the alligator purse (person jumps in)
Out went the doctor (person jumps out)
Out went the nurse (person jumps out)
Out went the lady with the alligator purse (person jumps out)
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PEEL A BANANA:
Verse: The two holding the rope chant:

"Peel a banana upside down; see if you can touch the ground.” (the jumper tries to touch the ground without being tripped by the rope),” If you spell your name correct, you will get another chance . . ." The jumper then spells her name, including saying "capital" for uppercase letters of her name. If the jumper trips or messes up the spelling, it's another jumper's turn.

***************
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE--Huckleberry pie--who's gonna be your lucky guy?
a, b, c, d, e, f, g etc.. Until the jumper misses.

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DOWN IN THE VALLEY where the green grass grows,
There sat (jumper) pretty as a rose.
Up came (a boy in the class, particularly one the jumper likes) and kissed her on the cheek,
How many kisses did she get this week? Count until jumper misses.

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MISS MARY MACK, Mack, Mack
All dressed in black, black, black
With silver buttons, buttons, buttons
All down her back, back, back
She asked her mother, mother, mother
For fifty cents, cents, cents
To see the elephant, elephant, elephant
Jump the fence, fence, fence.
They jumped so high, high, high
They touched the sky, sky, sky
And didn't come back, back, back
Till the fourth of July, July, July

Or, add to the end the following lines:
He jumped so high, high, high
He touched the sky, sky, sky
And he never came back, back, back
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A HORSE, A FLEA AND THREE BLIND MICE
sat on a curbstone shooting dice.
The horse, he slipped and fell on the flea.
The flea said "Whoops, there's a horse on me."
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RED HOT PEPPER
in the pot.
Gotta get over
what the leaders got. 10. 20. 30. 40 ..... ( Speed rope up until jumper misses)

Keep track of who has what score- then see who has the highest count.
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SCHOOL

Participants jump in the rope one at a time. They jump the number of times depending on what grade they are in. All participants start at Kindergarten followed by grades 1, 2, 3 ...

For Kindergarten they run through the rope without jumping, first grade they jump once, and so on... If they miss as they are jumping, they have to start over at Kindergarten.
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GRADE SCHOOL Decide how many will jump in! Participants jump in one at a time until everyone is in the rope.

First grade babies,
Second grade tots,
Third grade angels,
Fourth grade snots,
Fifth grade peaches,
Sixth grade plums,
All the rest are dirty bums!
Optional:  Do hot pepper (the rope turners turn the rope as fast as they can)

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ALL TOGETHER--

As they enter the rope, repeat
"ALL, ALL , ALL ..." until the last person is in the rope.
Say the chant and then the participants will exit on their birthday month.
“ALL, ALL, ALL, ALL ...”
“All in together, any kind of weather
I see a teacher looking out the window
Ding, dong a fire bell
January, February, March ...”

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SPANISH DANCER, turn around, (jumper turns around )
Spanish dancer, touch the ground. (jumper touches the ground)

Spanish dancer, do a high kick, (jumper does a high kick)
Spanish dancer, get out of town quick! (jumper exits and the next jumper begins )
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DUTCH GIRL
(Act out the different things as you're jumping rope)

I'm a little Dutch girl dressed in blue,
Here are the things I like to do:

Salute to the captain (salute)
Bow to the queen  (bow)
Turn my back on the submarine (turn around and face the other direction)
I can do the tap dance (dance)
I can do the splits (jump up high with legs apart)
I can do the hokey pokey (turn yourself around)
Just like this!

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JUMP ROPE ACTIVITIES/GAMES...

YOUNG CHILDREN can also enjoy jump rope games.
Starting at age 4, children can begin to learn. Start by having them jump over a stationary rope on the ground--- or an adult or another child can wiggle the rope and they can hop over the wiggling snake!

 Move on to swinging the rope back and forth slowly while they learn to jump over it; then once they get the hang of things, move on to swinging it overhead. If you don't have another adult or older child to help you swing the rope, you can hold one end of the rope and tie the other to a fence, chair, or play-scape.

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Idea: Consider having a JUMP-ROPE MARATHON (DAY OR WEEK...)
Keep track of numbers of jumps reached---and the kids try to beat their OWN highest number by the end of the day or week...

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JUMP ROPE WATER SPLASH!
Will Use: Jump ropes, plastic cups, and water

• Give each child a plastic or paper cup full of water.
• While two players twirl a large jump rope, jumpers one by one are to attempt three consecutive jumps.
• They are to do this while holding onto their cup of water and trying to do let any water spill. The child that has the most water left is the winner.
• You can keep playing until only one person has water left in their cup. (When you play games like this-make sure kids have their bathing suits on--let parents know that it will be "Water-Play Day!)
  From: funattic.com

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JUMP ROPE RELAY

Need one jump rope per Team...Divide group into several small groups. The first player of each group runs to their jump rope-which is placed  about 30 feet in front of each group. They then do five jumps and return to the group. The first group/team to finish is the winner.

Extension Play...Jump backwards-five times; Jump five times on your left leg (or right leg); Jump rope and say the multiplication table of fives. Do this until you get to fifty--say one number each time you jump.

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Idea: INTRODUCE DOUBLE DUTCH TO YOUR GROUP! START A CLUB OR TEAM!
GRADES 4th-6th AND HIGHER!

 

• Children in this grade level will begin to enjoy jumping double Dutch. Double Dutch uses two people holding each side of the rope, but the trick is they use two ropes instead of one.
• Those who are swinging the rope would swing the rope in their left hand to the left and the rope in his right hand to the right. The on looking children then jump the double ropes.
• As participants become more skilled, the person jumping usually does tricks that may involve gymnastics or break dancing and can also incorporate fancy foot movements.

Young people do this for fitness and it is competed at world level. Double Dutch competitions are categorized as compulsory, free style and speed rope.

Check out you tube! There is no way any kids will think that jumping rope is for younger children once they realize the skill and sportmanship needed! Click on other group videos while there!

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DO YOU HAVE A PARACHUTE? This isn't jumping rope-but something you can do with jump ropes!

SNAKES (OR WORMS) on a parachute...
Place four to six skipping ropes on the chute. By shaking the chute, the children try to shake them off. See Parchute Category for other game ideas...

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