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June 1
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Shelley Miles
June Activites, Spelling Bee, Games
JUNE 1 - National Go Barefoot Day, Say Something Nice Day, Flip a Coin Day
It's warm it's sunny. Take off those shoes and wiggle your toes! Try this easy barefoot art project. Lay down large sheets of poster board, or a path of butcher paper. Lay out some trays of tempura paint. Dip your child's feet in the paint and then create a walking, dancing art masterpiece. The big kids like this one too! And after, a quick cooling rinse with the hose.
We're always so excited when our kids finally learn how to speak - and then the truth hits us. The very skills that allow them to listen, store and repeat words, turns them into perfect recorders, playing back everything we say. They are perfect mimics, and will happily repeat everything you say. Everything!
So, instead of wishing you could take back that word that your child is repeating 100 times in front of everyone you know, use today to say something nice to those you meet. Say something nice about your friends, family and your children and your children will model your behaviour. If your kids are old enough to write, have them write down one thing they admire about each of their friends or classmates. Have the kids share what they've written with each other. It will likely be a treasure to keep forever.
Flipping a coin is a fun way to decide who goes first in a game. It's also a great way to introduce your child to the concept of probability. Keep track of what happens when you flip the coin 3 times. What about 10 times. What about 100 times? Instead of using a quarter, make a personalized "coin" Glue a picture on each side of the poker chip. Then there will be no questions about heads or tails!
June 2
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Shelley Miles
Recipes, Crafts, June Activities
June 2 - National Running Day, National Tailors Day, National Rocky Road Day, Helen Oxenbury Birthday
Happy birthday Helen Oxenbury ! It's hard to know which of her beautifully illustrated board books to choose. Some favorites include Tickle, Tickle (Big Board Books) ,Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
National Tailor's Day is a good time to get sewing. Even if you aren't a whiz with the sewing machine, knowing how to fix a rip, sew on a button or put in a hem are skills that come in very handy. Getting the basics of sewing down can begin very young. Toddlers and preschoolers will love sewing cards. Kindergartners are ready to begin some easy hand -sewing.
Home-made Sewing Cards
Materials
- Cardboard Magazine pictures or photos
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Long shoe laces
How to
- Glue a picture on to the cardboard.
- Cut out a shape that generally follows the pictures
- Punch holes near the edge of the cardboard approximately 1" apart
- Now your child can thread the shoe lace in and out of the holes
Mmmm - a perfect day for Easy Mix-In Rocky Road Ice Cream.
Ingredients
- Slightly softened chocolate ice cream
- Tiny marshmallows or larger ones cut into small pieces.
- Choloate chips
- Almond slivers
Just mix it all up and enjoy!
June 3
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Shelley Miles
June activities, Parenting, Sports
June 3 - Sports America Kid's Month
It's time to go out and PLAY!
Summer is a great time to try out new sports and grow skills in familiar sports. Here are some great tips from to keep it fun, and keep kids moving!
- For preschoolers - just focus on learning physical skills - throwing, kicking running. Don't worry about the rules just yet.
- Let kids experiment while they are trying out new skills. Resist the urge to make them do it perfectly. Let it feel like play, not work.
- Encourage kids to play impromptu sports games with their friends after school or on the weekends in addition to any organized sports they might be involved with.
- Praise your kids for their good effort. Don't spend time going over their performance or their mistakes. This will just make them feel that they are constantly being judged.
- Kids have to sit and pay attention all day at school. Don't get angry with them for daydreaming in the outfield!
- After a game, ask kids questions like, "What was the best part of the game?" and "Did you have fun?"
- Encourage kids to try out a variety of sports, and let them decide which ones they like. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!
Early summer is the deadline for fall signup for many sports programs like AYSO or Pop Warner . Check the programs near you so you don't miss important deadlines!
June 4
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Shelley Miles
June activities, Donut
June 4- National Donut Day
Whether you prefer donuts or doughnuts, these fried treats are delicious. According to Wikipedia , the history of the donut is disputed. Some say they were introduced by Dutch settlers. It is also claimed that the ring shaped donut was invented by a 16 year old American, Hansen Gregory. Where-ever they came from, they are a delicious treat, with scrumptious variations enjoyed all over the world. Head out to the local donut shop to celebrate! My personal favorite is jelly!
June 5
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Shelley Miles
Art, Authors, June Activities, Outdoors
JUNE 5 - Drawing Day, Pencil Day, National Trails Day, Richard Scarry's Birthday
Using a pencil to create a piece of art is a wonderful way for kids to express themselves. And the process of observation, or free form expression is as important as the results. In fact, studies show that people that doodle while taking notes, retain 29% more information than non-doodlers. Here is a fun Drawing lesson for kids at home. The step by step instructions show how to make cartoon characters using numbers and the letters of the alphabet!
Go take a hike! There is so much to see along a beautiful hiking trail. Plants and rivers, animals, waterfalls - and a great sense of adventure. Trails.com offers a wonderful resource for finding kid-friendly hiking trails near you. Check it out! trails.com
Happy Birthday Richard Scarry! Here are some favorites
Richard Scarry's Biggest Word Book Ever!
Richard Scarry's What Do People Do All Day
Richard Scarry's Best First Book Ever!
Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Shelley Miles
Games, June Activities, Movies
JUNE 6 Drive-In Movie Day, Rose Month, National Yo Yo Day
Parents used to pack the kids into the car in their pajamas with pillows and blankets and snacks and head for the drive-in movies. - with their giant outdoor screens under the stars. Believe it or not, there are still a number of active drives-ins around, with the biggest number still operating in California. Enjoy a romantic, nostalgic evening under the stars - and much less expensive than a night at the local cineplex. Find one here
This year, my roses are particulary gorgeous. It must be all the rain we had. Fresh roses are beautiful, but they can also be enjoyed once they’ve dried out. Mix air-dried intact rose blooms and petals together with some dried leaves and place in a bowl or basket for potpourri. You can also sew the mixture into a piece of fabric for a lovely, scented drawer sachet. For a more intense fragrance, add a few drops of essential rose oil to the dried flowers.
National YoYo day is celebrated on Donald Duncan's birthday. According to Beverly Hernandez, of about.com they are the second oldest toy in history, next to the doll. Yoyo-ing is fun - and there is lots of cool science that makes it all work. Learn a little science - and then let your inner yo yo! Yoyo Science
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Shelley Miles
songs, Fingerplays, June Activities
June 9-Donald Duck’s Birthday
Donald Duck was created on this day in 1934. Celebrate with your child by pretending to be ducks: waddle, quack, and flap your wings. Or grab a bag of bread and head to a pond to feed some real, live ducks. For more fun, sing and act out the following song:
Five Little Ducks
Five little ducks, went out to play (hold up five fingers)
Over the hills and far away. (hold side of hand to forehead as if scanning horizon)
When the mother duck went "quack, quack, quack," (touch four fingers to thumb to show beak opening and closing)
Four little ducks came waddling back. (flap elbows close to body)
(Count down until . . .)
No little ducks went out to play Over the hills and far away.
When the father duck went "quack, quack, quack,”
Five little ducks came waddling back.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Shelley Miles
June Activities, Potty Training
JUNE 7 - Potty Training Awareness Month
Getting rid of diapers is a day that every parent looks forward to. But after all the stories we've heard from friends, it's the PROCESS that everyone worries about. Relax - chances are your child won't still be in diapers when they head off to college. Dr. Sears shares strategies and tips that will ease the transition. Toilet Training Tips
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Shelley Miles
Pets, June Activities, Parenting
June 8 - Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, Best Friends Day
Consider adopting a cat from the shelter. You may be bringing home a new best friend. A cat is a lovable, charming pet that offers endless fun and entertainment and shelters are filled with cats that would love a good home.
Here are 10 tips from the ASPCA to help your new addition fit into your home.
- Like dogs, cats need to be fed good, nutritious food regularly, at least once a day.
- Cats also need plenty of cool, clean, fresh water. Adult cats do NOT need milk, which might make them fat and give them diarrhea.
- Keep your cat inside your home with you. But keep him in a separate room from birds and fish, which cats will attack. Also keep him away from house plants, which cats may destroy. Certain plants are also poisonous to cats.
- Do NOT automatically have your cat declawed. Declawing has been compared to removing your fingernails. To prevent your cat from scratching or tearing your furniture, trim his claws regularly and provide him with a small rug or scratching post. Verbal scolding can also work wonders.
- Unlike dogs, cats do NOT need to go outside. Cats are almost always naturally housebroken and will use a litter box even at an early age. Allowed outside alone. cats often get lost or hurt and sometimes get killed.
- Make sure your cat always wears identification, even if you never let him outside.
- Unlike most dogs, cats do NOT need to be bathed. A healthy cat keeps himself clean and well groomed.
- Make sure your cat gets good veterinary care, including all necessary examinations and shots.
- Have your cat spayed or neutered once the animal reaches maturity (usually after six or seven months of age). Your cat will enjoy a longer, healthier life, there'll be fewer strays on the streets and you'll be spared the hassles of a cat in heat.
- Give your cat plenty of love and affection. Though cats are more independent than dogs, they thrive on your companionship.
Consider TWO cats. Two are company for each other - and two will bring more love into your life!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 by Shelley Miles
June Activities, Superman
June 10 - Superman Week, Ballpoint Pen Day, Maurice Sendak's Birthday
Author and illustrator Maurice Sendak was born in New York in 1928. He began illustrating comics while still in high school. He illustrated his first children’s book “The Wonderful Farm” in 1951. He has written and/or illustrated more than 90 books. Cuddle up with your child, and join Max at the wild rumpus while you read Where the Wild Things Are We will miss you Maurice Sendak.
Head to Metropolis, Illinois, the birthplace of the creator’s of Superman. Superman made his appearance in Action Comics in 1938. The man of steel has been keeping the world a little safer every since
Even though the ball-point pen was invented in 1888, it didn’t see it’s first real success until it was introduced at Gimbel’s epartment store in 1945. On the first day 10,000 pens were sold. Find a ball-point pen you aren’t too attached too. Take it apart with your child, and show them how all the parts work together. Then, put it back together and create some ballpoint pen art to treasure.
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