Finally the first day of Spring has come and gone and the warm weather, I'm sure, is on its way...soon! There are many fun things to do outside, when the weather permits, but one thing I think of when I think of springtime, is beautiful, planted flowers! Planting flowers can be a great activity for you and your youngsters of all ages. Mid-March is a perfect time to start planting (or at least thinking about) your perfect flower garden. On ehow.com, it goes over some of the fundamentals of planting a flower bed. Here are some of their suggestions:
Annual flowers generally suit planting in late winter or early spring, depending on their hardiness, your location and the flower species. For example, cold-hardy annuals will tolerate planting in the middle of March.
If you have young perennial flower plants, the ideal time to get them into the ground is early spring, not fall....Perennial means they keep producing flowers for at least two years until the plant dies, so you don't need to dig up the spent flowers at the end of summer.
While planting flowers there are many lessons to be taught. You can allow your child to pick out the flower, help them identify the color, how many petals it has, the color of the pollen (all of these can be found on the seed package); help them understand how to care for the flower--it needs sunlight and water; have them draw a picture of what their plant looks like everyday...I'm sure this will be a great lesson in patience, as we adults know that it takes a while!!!
This rainbow fish craft is so fun! I really like that it helps the book come to life for the kids. There are also so many different ways you can modify it, so use what you have!
MATERIALS:
template of the fish (or you can draw your own)
1/2 inch or so bits of various colored tissue paper or construction paper (we used tissue paper in the photo above, but you can also use construction paper cute into squares)
small amount of tinfoil
thin strips of various colored tissue paper or construction paper
one big blue piece of tissue or construction paper OR a blue marker or crayon
glue
scissors
INSTRUCTIONS:
print rainbow fish template (or draw the outline of a fish on a piece of paper) Rainbow Fish Template
color the head in blue, or glue on a piece of tissue or construction paper. It doesn't have to be perfect as we're going to cut out the fish at the end.
glue strips of various colored tissue or construction paper on the fins and tail (see photo).
glue 1/2 inch (ish) squares of tissue paper or construction paper onto the body.
glue a few strips and 1/2 inch squares of tinfoil over the fish (or just glue on one square scale to show Rainbow Fish after he shared).
Cut out along the lines (if you used tissue paper you'll be able to see the lines through it... if you used construction paper, just estimate where the lines are). This step will require adult assistance for younger children.
Cut out the mouth and eye and glue them onto the head. (you can color them in with markers if you wish.)
Enjoy! Don't forgot about Help Me Grow's Second Annual Family Event! It Saturday April 30th from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at UVU Center Stage, 800 W University Parkway, Orem. You can register at www.untiedwayuc.org Questions? Call 801-691-5322
Everyone loves a great party! Do you know anyone that is having a baby soon? If so, you should throw them a baby shower! The following links have great baby shower ideas for everything from themes to invitations to games. It can be hard to come up with all of the ideas on your own, so why not borrow some from the links below?!
Wow! Was the weather great today in Utah county! It is definitely starting to feel a little bit like spring these days...and that means the kids can finally go out doors! It's time to bring out the outdoor crafts and get creative!! On marthastewart.com, there is a recipe/instructions for homemade sidewalk chalk. What child does not enjoy a piece of sidewalk chalk?
Cardboard tube (saved from center of paper towels, toilet paper, wrapping papers, tinfoil, etc.)
Scissors
Duct tape
Freezer paper
32-ounce plastic containers (saved yogurt containers work great)
Tempera paint in a variety of colors
1 cup water
Mixing spoon
1 1/2 cups Plaster of Paris
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack
Tip: Silicone baking trays also make great chalk molds, and come in fun shapes such as stars and hearts.
Sidewalk Chalk How-To
1. If necessary, cut cardboard tube to about 5 1/2-inch lengths (the size of half a paper towel tube). Other sizes can be used as well. Use duct tape to tape off one side of each tube.
2. Insert a sheet of freezer paper, cut to size (with paper inside the tube).
3. In a plastic container, mix 2 to 4 tablespoons (depending on color desired) of paint into the cup of water. Continue mixing while slowly adding the Plaster of Paris to the water, until completely combined. The mixture should be about the texture of frosting.
4. Fill prepared tube with mixture, assisting with a rubber spatula. Tap tube on work surface to release air bubbles.
5. The plaster will set in about a half hour, and can be removed from tube after about one hour (check for hardness by gently squeezing tube). Once chalk is removed from tube, place on a cooling rack and let dry completely (at least 24 hours) before using.
Most of the supplies needed for this project will be things around your home already. This craft will be something that you can involve your children with and something that they will love the end effect. Happy crafting!
