Jan 20
I was asked to elaborate on my tweeter tip# 109 which I posted this morning. Here are step by step instructions on how to make some simple float toys.
You will need: a cork, thumbtacks, construction paper, clear plastic tape, scissors and markers.
- Cut a 1/2 inch deep slit in the side of the cork (an adult should do this)
- Draw a picture of a duck, swan or boat. Make sure to draw a tab at the bottom of the picture wide enough to slip in the slit of the cork.
- Cut out the picture. Cover both sides with tape to make it waterproof. Cut out the tape.
- Put the picture tab in the slit in the cork.
- Add a thumbtack on each side at the bottom of the cork to keep it balanced in the water. You might need to adjust or add more tacks to get it to float upright.
Make several float toys and have a race.
Tagged with: Activities • crafts • fun & games
Jan 15
I love art and love visiting museums something I inherited from my mother. As a child I remember sitting on the floor behind her as she was painting landscapes. Some of her paintings are now hanging in my house.
Until yesterday, I hesitated about going to see any of the local exhibits with my children. My daughter loves art. I am not concerned about her disrupting other museum goers. My son, well, that is a different story. Like most boys, he can sit and play on the computer for hours. The same goes for any game console he can get his hands on. Being quiet and staring at Art is not his definition of a “fun” day.
Yesterday I decided that the Rembrandt exhibit at the Nevada Museum of Art was one that I really did not wish to miss. I packed up the kids; each with their own notebook and digital cameras (gifts from their uncle). As soon as we arrived my son’s first comment was “when can we go home, I want to try this new game I borrowed from…”. My heart sank, this was not a good start, and we had not even set foot in the main hall.
And then … I had an epiphany. What if I made the visit a game?? I sat both of my kids down; told them we were going to hold an observation contest with a visit to the local bakery as a prize. The contest required them to examine each painting carefully and write down in their notebook if/and what animal they found. We all enjoyed our museum visit, did not interfere with other patrons and found out that Rembrandt had a great sense of humor.
The bakery visit was an enjoyable bonus to our day. We took our baked goods to the local park and while I was enjoying some time out of doors; the kids made the rounds taking pictures. I am so looking forward to the next exhibit.
Tagged with: Activities • summer activities • teaching boys • Toddler boys • vacation
Jan 10
For the first time this last Holiday Season school vacation drove all of us somehat stir crazy. The weather was colder than ever before and the wind kept us from be able to stay outside for any extended amount of time. The following tips were the result of this challenge. I hope you enjoy my tips and find them useful.
Tips 91 through 105:
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Set-up a play date pull out lincoln logs, legos or erector set – have each boy create a building project, rate, discuss & praise each
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Make your own New Year’s day poppers – using poster board, paper, confetti, yarn – instructions here http://tinyurl.com/yfvy2ow
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Create family traditions, a new holiday decoration, watch a movie or show, volunteer at a food closet…every year on the same day
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Teach about money, savings, value of things. Have him choose a desired goal & put together steps on how to achieve it – praise often
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Help learn organization habits -start with preparing for school the night before – setting out outfit, preparing backpack, lunch…
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Set-up a homework area with cubbies 4 papers, pencils, books, notebooks & hook 4 backpack – 1st place to go when home from school
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Have him help on laundry day – putting his clean & folded items away – reinforces a place for everything & everything in its place
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Get a special case or container for his favorite game. Make it bright & fun so it’s easily to find – help organize each piece in it
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Make a special place in the garage for his bicycle, sports equipment… – Paint it, decorate it 4 him so that he can feel ownership
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A few times a year go through his room, organize, clean & purge. Have him decide where 2 donate items, life long lesson in giving
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Ask him 4 help when reorganizing the kitchen or other common area getting him involved in organizing will help keep things in order
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Invest in a bookshelf & some containers, baskets… Together label each for it’s content & arrange – Ownership helps w/neatness
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Read non-fictional magazine or books together. Discuss details, subject, research to find out more details & discover truth…
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Make keep things/toys organized fun, use colors, make a realistic treasure chest or locker for his things, keep his likes in mind
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Got to the Museum to broaden his views and help with imagination – create a game of “Where is Waldo?” to help him examine art
Part seven in an undefined numbered series of tips. These tips are initially posted Monday through Saturday on Twitter around 8:30AM (Pacific Time). I welcome any suggestions, additions or comments. Please keep in mind all projects, crafts & ideas have to written in 140 characters or less.
Entertaining a boy Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 & Part 6
Tagged with: Activities • crafts • fun & games • Holiday • Reading • teaching boys • Toddler boys
