Like it or not, it's the beginning of winter. Some of us have snow and others don't. Snowflakes are one of the tiniest miracles and a perfect opportunity to introduce science into your lesson plan. Everyone knows that each snowflake is different, but do you know how they are made? Here are some ideas for your homeschool lesson plan. Books About Snowflakes Kenneth Libbrecht has numerous books about snowflakes and their beauty. I highly recommend The Secret Life of a Snowflake: An Up-Close Look at the Art and Science of Snowflakes and Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes. Image credit and link sources: Amazon These books easily explain the formation of ice crystals into snowflakes, not to mention they are full of beautiful images. The books will even help you learn which … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Color and Create with Your Kids!
Ah, the power of the great box of crayons and the ordinary act of coloring! Is there anything better than watching your children doodle and create. Coloring is not just a way to occupy the kiddos but also a great way to teach valuable lessons and so much more. Here’s what I have come up with as my top benefits to coloring: Unleash Creativity Whether it is a blank piece of paper or a coloring page, it’s a chance to get the creative juices flowing! An opportunity to see what you can make with your kids or to challenge them to create on their own. There're no rules. No limits. Only a piece of paper as a starting point and then you choose your direction. Your kids will eventually even learn that they can map out a plan as they decide colors and the order. Teach Valuable … [Read more...]
3 Amazing Benefits of Cooking with Kids!
Yes, it’s true! Sometimes cooking with our kids can require time, patience, and some extra clean up effort. But experts agree that the extra effort is well worth it. The benefits are countless. Recently I was reminded how fun cooking can be when my kids and I attended a photo shoot for Cuisinart. The shoot was focused on the amazing Griddler! After the shoot, we were fortunate enough to keep the Panini maker and had so much fun coming up with creative delicious panini recipes. One more memorable than the other – the kids even got a little competitive. As we sat around the table that night, we came up with a list of amazing benefits derived from a day in the kitchen as a family. Family Bonding Opportunity All children love attention and cooking together requires a little … [Read more...]
Easter Craft: Easy Easter Decorations
Easter crafts that your children can make CAN become an actual decoration in your house, not just a keepsake. Using an old gift bag and tissue paper, we created two really cute wall hangings. SUPPLIES NEEDED: Gift bag (old or new) Tissue paper (old or new - it is going to get crumpled) Glue Construction paper Old cardboard or foam board Tape Scissors PREPARING YOUR CRAFT SUPPLIES: The crucial key to a successful craft with your children is to have the supplies all ready. Your children will lose interest quickly if they have to sit still and watch Mommy do a bunch of gathering and sorting. Trace a circle from a plate for the chick decoration. I suggest using yellow paper to keep the chick all one color. Draw a decorated egg on construction paper. … [Read more...]