Indoor Bean Garden

Play Equipment:

Dried Beans
Bowl with Water
Paper towel (or Kleenex if you are out like I was)
Ziplock baggy
Straw (optional)
Tape

The kiddies have been very excited about gardening this year, and often remind me when it's time to tend to our modest little garden. This is the first year we started everything by seed, and we have enjoyed it so much more! So satisfying to see something sprout from the dirt (other than weeds). So when I found this activity on Learning Activities for Children (look for other great gardening activities), I knew we had to try it!

1. Dip paper towel in bowl of water and place in baggy (do not wring the water out).

2. Grab a few beans and place on top of wet paper towel.

3. Trap air inside. We used a straw to blow air in, just more fun, not necessary.

4. Close baggy.

5. Tape bag to sunny window and watch your garden grow!

Head on over to Ramblings of a Crazy Woman for more fun ideas.

Summer Prep Idea #2

Thanks to my sister, I have another action plan for summer. Pick a theme for each day of the week! Here are a few ideas:

1. Library Day

2. Arts & Crafts Day

3. Water Day (swimming pool, sprinklers)

4. Friend Day

5. Park Day (visit a new park each week)

6. Cooking Day

7. Gardening Day

The possibilities are endless. I'm going to resist structuring and scheduling, but having a vague idea of the day's events when I wake up might be a good thing.

Summer Activity Calendar

School days coming to a close? Don't panic, just be prepared. I found an activity calendar at PBS Kids that is sure to entertain and educate.

Butterfly Craft

Play Equipment:

Lightweight Paper (like xerox printer paper)

Scissors

Crayons

Hole Puncher

Pipe Cleaner






My kindergartner just came home with this butterfly craft, such a great idea!

1. Print out a butterfly (found a good one here)

2. Color

3. Cut out

4. Hole punch two holes

5. Thread pipe cleaner through holes (with both ends on the back side of the butterfly)

6. Place on child's finger and twist pipe cleaner.

7. Move hand up and down to make butterfly fly!

Mother's Day Cards

Still looking for a homemade Mother's day card? Let's Explore has a fun idea (for the inside of the card as well). My mom and mother-in-law will be getting these beauties!

Oatmeal Painting

My children are not big fans of oatmeal, a fact I take full responsibility for. So for this activity, I had an alternative motive. Not only did it sound fun to paint with oatmeal, but I also hoped a few sticky fingers would get licked, and then they would associate oatmeal with fun and want it every morning for breakfast. A bit optimistic, I realize. Moving on:

1. Make oatmeal according to the suggested directions.

2. Add more water until you have reached a desired consistency.

3. Divide into bowls (applesauce containers are perfect).

4. Add food coloring to each bowl.

5. Give each child a plate and spoon.

6. Paint!




Even my baby got into the action! I had 2 out of 3 taste test and only one wardrobe change. I'm going to call it a success. If you want more fun ideas, head on over to the Friday Showcase on The Ramblings of a Crazy Woman.