September Craft and Books

Good September books:

Fall Leaves by Martha Rustad
Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro
Fall Leaves Change Color by Kathleen Weidner
Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins


Falling Leaves Project:
You will need one sandwich size zipper type plastic bag
various colors of construction paper
glue or tape scissors
leaf punch (optional)
Using the picture (bottom of these directions) and your plastic bag as a size guide, cut one strip of brown construction paper two inches wide and the width of the bag as the ground. Glue or tape on the bag.
Cut two one inch strips to be the tree trunks and glue onto each side of the bag. (Make the sides taper a big to give a realistic look).
Cut a 2 inch strip to go across the top of the bag and glue or tape overhanging the very top of the bag by a half inch.
By cutting fall colored construction paper into half inch squares (or using a leaf punch) make lots of pieces and glue them to the brown strip at the top of the bag. Over lap them and mix the colors too! (If the kids are able they can also draw leaves and cut them out).
Add a few more leaves on the "ground" as well as some tufts of grass or animals if desired. Fall themed stickers are helpful here too.
Cut one large square of light blue paper to cover the entire bag and glue or tape that to the BACK of the bag to look like sky.
Fill the bag with more leaves and then close the bag securely.
Tip the bag upside down to get all the leaves to the top. Then turn right side up and give it a shake. Watch all the leaves fall.

August 2012 Product Recalls

Here's the list. Check your purchases!

Are You Making Wise Choices About Fast Food?

If you are like me, you find yourself thinking about drive through meals for the kids when you have tons of errands to run. Well, this article I found will help you make smarter decisions about fast foods.

Time For Breakfast

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day since it fuels your empty body with the necessary energy to get it all going. For kids headed off to a long day at daycare or school, breakfast can mean the difference between learning or inattention. As important as it is, there is little time in the morning for cooking. We often turn to a quick bowl of cereal so here's some criteria for picking out a healthy one. Copy down the numbers and take it with you the next time you shop and see what you can find.

August 2012 Art Activity

I am having fun reading The Happy Hippopotami by Bill Martin Jr. to my grandkids this week. Can you imagine hippos on the beach?



Texture Rubbings

The kids can make a wonderful picture out of texture rubbings. Use lightweight paper, such as copy paper. Cut a standard 8 1/2 x 11 sheet into fourths. Using crayons, lay the paper on any object with an interesting texture and rub away! You can use shades within a color family or choose lots of different colors. Layer each one with a piece of card stock. When you get a few finished, arrange them to make a large picture or wall hanging. Use objects from nature like tree bark, leaves or sea shells. Use kitchen tools such as strainers or slotted spoons. Don't forget to use chairs backs or plates with raised decorations. You will find textures everywhere. Have fun!

All About Insect Bites and Stings

Is summer driving you buggy? All joking aside, insects can cause you and the kids in your life lots of problems. Here is a informative article that gives you the facts about bites, stings, allergic reactions and repellents.

Timeout!

Do you use timeout as a displine tool? Lots of adults do. Here are some things to consider to use it effectively.

Have a Sweet But Healthy Breakfast

Does that sound impossible? I thought so too, but here are some great recipes for guilt free breakfasts for kids that have a real sweet tooth!

Is It Bad Behavior or Hyperactivity?

As a teacher, I was asked that question often by parents. This helpful article helps you identify the difference.

June 2012 Safety Recalls

Here's the list for June. Check it out.

Top 5 Healthy Habits For Children

Teaching healthy habits to children starts them down the road of independence. But which ones are the most important for them to learn and practice regularly? Check out this list.

Infant Sleep Positioners Pose Suffocation Risk

Parents and caregivers often opt for those adorable bedding items and sleep positioners for infants. After reading this article, you will change your mind.