During the last seven years, I have watched my son and his friends grow up in the world of Junior Golf. This amazing sport has brought out the best in these young men, and has taught them so many valuable life lessons. I am forever impressed, in particular to the following ten qualities that I have observed my son develop as a bi-product of the great game of golf.
1. Humility and Respect
Golf requires that you show courtesy to others and that you communicate with respect. In the Junior Golf tournaments across the country, it is well stated that good sportsmanship must be exhibited at all times and that all play is ended with an exchange of a hand shake.
2. Punctuality
When the tournament schedule states "Tee time is at 9:00," this means that you are to be on the tee box at 8:55. If you are late to the tee box, you are automatically disqualified, no questions asked. While this can be a tough lesson to learn, it is one that works brilliantly and has instilled in my son the importance of being on time for not only every tournament but every event in life.
3. Confession
Golf is a game of honor, and recognizing that a transgression has occurred and taking responsibility for the transgression is a part of the game. This one act instills integrity and fairness to all concerned.
4. Safety
Golf balls and clubs are very hard and dangerous instruments, and one of the first and foremost rules of golf is safety. My son has been instructed again and again to not take practice swings in the direction of another person, not to swing clubs when someone else is walking by, and never to hit into a group playing in front of him. These rules of safety have filtered into other aspects of his life, including biking, swimming, and safety in the home.
5. Quiet
Golf requires an amazing amount of concentration, and quiet is required at all times on the golf course. While this takes practice for young kids, it is a life skill that teaches constraint and respect for others.
6. Visioning
The night before and the morning of a tournament, my son sits quietly and mentally and visually plays the course. This skill is teaching him how to "see the end in mind," which is key to goal achievement.
7. Problem Solving
Rain, wind, trees, multiple sand traps, and deep rough can make for a challenging day of tournament play. These are a normal part of golf and can be an amazing opportunity for clever problem solving and personal growth.
8. Focus
Golf is a tough sport. It requires that you not only know the physics of hitting the ball (and what club to use when) but requires intense mental and emotional concentration. Silencing the inner critic after a "bad shot" is crucial to regaining clear focus, which is an advanced skill to learn but one that can take you very far in life.
9. Practice, Persistence, and Listening
In golf, instant success is very rare. My son has become a great golfer through daily practice, persistence, and through being open to listening to his mentors. In life, it is important to know that we rarely reach our goal in one "stroke." By practicing, making corrections along the way, being open to coaching, and being persistent, we can tackle most of life's tough challenges.
10. Graciousness
One of the most important life lessons my son has learned from golf is to be gracious and respectful to adults. At the end of each tournament, he and his competitors thank and shake the hands of the tournament chairmen and follow this up with a handwritten note of thanks
Selasa, 12 September 2017
Senin, 28 Agustus 2017
Wacky Water Games For Your Kids party
BUBBLE POOL
Set up a kiddie pool and fill with bubble solution. Supply kids with an assortment of bubble blowers. Stretched coat hangers are great for giant bubbles. Have each child stand in the middle of the bubble pool inside a hula hoop. Pull the hoop upward to create a mega-bubble with the child inside it!
COLD POTATO
Have players stand or sit in a circle outside. A water balloon is passed from player to player. However, the balloon is not passed around the circle as in traditional "hot potato". It is thrown across the circle from player to player. If a players fails to catch the balloon, or it breaks when he or she attempts to catch it, that player is out.
If a players intentionally throw the balloon hard to make it explode in another's hands, he or she is called "out". Older kids can spread farther apart if necessary. The game proceeds until there is one dry person left.
WATER LIMBO
Set up a water hose in a grassy area. Line kids up as in traditional limbo. An adult is in charge of the water hose, shooting a powerful stream of water for kids to limbo under. Adult starts with the hose high, then lowers the steam of water after each round. Losers, of course, get soaked!
MUSICAL SPRINKLER
Hook up a sprinkler to your water source, but don't turn it on yet. Instruct players to move around the sprinkler area, dancing, hopping, or striking funny poses. When the sprinkler is turned on, kids must freeze in position without moving until the sprinkler is turned off again. Bathing suits a "must" for this game.
WATER BALLOON VOLLEY
You'll need a bucket full of water balloons for this game. Divide kids into two teams and pair them up. Each pair gets a beach towel and each child holds two corners of the towel. One side begins by placing a water balloon in the center of their towel. The object is to toss the balloon from one pair of kids to another, with the opposing side catching the balloon in their towel.
This can be played with a net, or simply pace off a distance between opposing teams. Kids volley back and forth till someone misses and the balloon breaks. This gives the other team a point.
For small children, use a sheet or blanket instead of towels. Divide into two teams and have each child hold onto the edge of the one of the sheets. Volley until one of the teams misses.
WATER BRIGADE
Divide players into two or more teams of about 4-5 kids. Place empty buckets for each team about 25 paces away. Each team gets their own full bucket of water at the starting line. The object of the game is to transfer water from the starting line to the finish line bucket, with whichever means is available...
Traditional - Each player gets a small cup to transfer water from the starting line to the finish line bucket.
Variation - Each player gets one of these items - spoon, cup, bowl, pie plate, Tupperware container
Sponge version- Each player gets a sponge to suck up water at the starting line and squeeze it out into the finish line bucket.
BUCKET BRIGADE
Divide players into two teams and line them up from start to finish line. Players each have a bucket in hand. A kiddie pool or large bucket is available at the starting line. The player closest to the water source scoops up a bucketful and pours it into the next closest player's bucket. That player turns and does the same, and so on down the line.
The last player dumps whatever water is left into the finish line bucket. The first team to fill their bucket wins. Kids will get excited and try to go fast, spilling water on
themselves and each other. Good for a nice hot day.
SPONGE TAG
A twist on traditional tag, this game is played with a big soft sponge like the kind used to wash your car. The player who is "It" must use the wet sponge to tag another player, who then becomes the new "It". There will be no doubt about who is tagged because they'll be wearing a big wet splat mark on their back!
EXTERMINATOR
This is an outdoor party game, especially great for a hot day. Set off a game area and spread several beach towels on the ground in various locations. These are the anthills. One child is designated the "Exterminator" and is armed with a spray bottle of water. The other guests are ants. The Exterminator must get rid of the ants by spraying them with his bottle of insecticide. When a player is sprayed, they must lay on the ground with arms and legs in the air - like a dead bug!
The other players rescue the dead ants and bring them back to life by carrying them by the arms and legs to one of the anthills. (While an ant rescue is taking place, the Exterminator cannot spray any of the rescuers.) Once placed on an anthill, the dead ants come back to life and can rejoin the game. This game can go on for quite awhile!
ICE CUBE MELT
Divide players into two teams and line them up. The first player on each is given an ice cube. The child must rub the ice cube between his hands for as long as possible to try to make it melt. When he or she gets too cold, the ice cube is passed to the next child in line. The first team to melt the ice cube wins.
FABULOUS FROZEN FEET
Have kids sit along the edge of a kiddie pool filled with water. Each player has their own empty bucket or bowl beside them. Now dump a big pile of ice cubes into the pool. At the starting signal, players must pick up as many ice cubes as they can and put them into their own buckets. The catch is that they must use only their feet. The player who collects the most ice cubes within a designated time period is the winner.
WATER WAR
Arm kids with an arsenal of water weapons, such as squirt guns, squirt bottles, turkey basters, sponges, water balloons - anything that can hold and/or shoot water. Let them go wild!
Set up a kiddie pool and fill with bubble solution. Supply kids with an assortment of bubble blowers. Stretched coat hangers are great for giant bubbles. Have each child stand in the middle of the bubble pool inside a hula hoop. Pull the hoop upward to create a mega-bubble with the child inside it!
COLD POTATO
Have players stand or sit in a circle outside. A water balloon is passed from player to player. However, the balloon is not passed around the circle as in traditional "hot potato". It is thrown across the circle from player to player. If a players fails to catch the balloon, or it breaks when he or she attempts to catch it, that player is out.
If a players intentionally throw the balloon hard to make it explode in another's hands, he or she is called "out". Older kids can spread farther apart if necessary. The game proceeds until there is one dry person left.
WATER LIMBO
Set up a water hose in a grassy area. Line kids up as in traditional limbo. An adult is in charge of the water hose, shooting a powerful stream of water for kids to limbo under. Adult starts with the hose high, then lowers the steam of water after each round. Losers, of course, get soaked!
MUSICAL SPRINKLER
Hook up a sprinkler to your water source, but don't turn it on yet. Instruct players to move around the sprinkler area, dancing, hopping, or striking funny poses. When the sprinkler is turned on, kids must freeze in position without moving until the sprinkler is turned off again. Bathing suits a "must" for this game.
WATER BALLOON VOLLEY
You'll need a bucket full of water balloons for this game. Divide kids into two teams and pair them up. Each pair gets a beach towel and each child holds two corners of the towel. One side begins by placing a water balloon in the center of their towel. The object is to toss the balloon from one pair of kids to another, with the opposing side catching the balloon in their towel.
This can be played with a net, or simply pace off a distance between opposing teams. Kids volley back and forth till someone misses and the balloon breaks. This gives the other team a point.
For small children, use a sheet or blanket instead of towels. Divide into two teams and have each child hold onto the edge of the one of the sheets. Volley until one of the teams misses.
WATER BRIGADE
Divide players into two or more teams of about 4-5 kids. Place empty buckets for each team about 25 paces away. Each team gets their own full bucket of water at the starting line. The object of the game is to transfer water from the starting line to the finish line bucket, with whichever means is available...
Traditional - Each player gets a small cup to transfer water from the starting line to the finish line bucket.
Variation - Each player gets one of these items - spoon, cup, bowl, pie plate, Tupperware container
Sponge version- Each player gets a sponge to suck up water at the starting line and squeeze it out into the finish line bucket.
BUCKET BRIGADE
Divide players into two teams and line them up from start to finish line. Players each have a bucket in hand. A kiddie pool or large bucket is available at the starting line. The player closest to the water source scoops up a bucketful and pours it into the next closest player's bucket. That player turns and does the same, and so on down the line.
The last player dumps whatever water is left into the finish line bucket. The first team to fill their bucket wins. Kids will get excited and try to go fast, spilling water on
themselves and each other. Good for a nice hot day.
SPONGE TAG
A twist on traditional tag, this game is played with a big soft sponge like the kind used to wash your car. The player who is "It" must use the wet sponge to tag another player, who then becomes the new "It". There will be no doubt about who is tagged because they'll be wearing a big wet splat mark on their back!
EXTERMINATOR
This is an outdoor party game, especially great for a hot day. Set off a game area and spread several beach towels on the ground in various locations. These are the anthills. One child is designated the "Exterminator" and is armed with a spray bottle of water. The other guests are ants. The Exterminator must get rid of the ants by spraying them with his bottle of insecticide. When a player is sprayed, they must lay on the ground with arms and legs in the air - like a dead bug!
The other players rescue the dead ants and bring them back to life by carrying them by the arms and legs to one of the anthills. (While an ant rescue is taking place, the Exterminator cannot spray any of the rescuers.) Once placed on an anthill, the dead ants come back to life and can rejoin the game. This game can go on for quite awhile!
ICE CUBE MELT
Divide players into two teams and line them up. The first player on each is given an ice cube. The child must rub the ice cube between his hands for as long as possible to try to make it melt. When he or she gets too cold, the ice cube is passed to the next child in line. The first team to melt the ice cube wins.
FABULOUS FROZEN FEET
Have kids sit along the edge of a kiddie pool filled with water. Each player has their own empty bucket or bowl beside them. Now dump a big pile of ice cubes into the pool. At the starting signal, players must pick up as many ice cubes as they can and put them into their own buckets. The catch is that they must use only their feet. The player who collects the most ice cubes within a designated time period is the winner.
WATER WAR
Arm kids with an arsenal of water weapons, such as squirt guns, squirt bottles, turkey basters, sponges, water balloons - anything that can hold and/or shoot water. Let them go wild!
Selasa, 08 Agustus 2017
Ten Classic Kids Party Games With a Twist
The most exciting part of a kids party is the party games, and why not start with the classics? We've all played musical chairs, pin-the-tail, and limbo. But have you played them like this? Learn how to give each classic child party game idea its own unique twist to fit your party theme.
BEAN BAG TOSS/FEED THE MONSTER
Draw a monster face on a piece of poster board or heavy cardboard and cut a hole in the box where the his mouth would be, large enough for the bean bags to be thrown through easily. Lean the monster face against a chair and place it 6-8 feet away (depending upon the abilities of the guests).
Everyone takes a turn tossing three items of "food" (use beanbags, cloth balls, rolled socks, or other small objects such as squeak toys for dogs) into the character's mouth. After each child's
turn, retrieve the "food" and hand it to the next child. Every time a child successfully "feeds" the monster, he gets a small prize such as a sticker or wrapped candy.
Twist: Use a character which relates to your party theme instead of a monster: T-Rex for Dinosaur party; Clown for a Circus party; Gorilla for a Jungle Party
DUCK DUCK GOOSE
Gather your guests to sit in a circle and let the party child begin as the "Goose." He/she walks around the circle tapping each child lightly on the head, saying "Duck" with each tap. At any time, the party child can choose the next person to be the Goose, by saying "Goose" when tapping that person on the head. That child gets up and chases the birthday child around the circle.
If the new Goose does not tag the birthday child before he/she makes it all the way around the circle and sits in the open spot, then the new Goose becomes "it." If the new Goose tags the birthday child, then the birthday child remains "it" for the next round and the game continues.
Twist: Buzz, Buzz, Sting for a Bug Party; Tick, Tick, Tock for a Pirate Party
GUESS HOW MANY?
Before the party, fill a jar with candy or small toys. Count them before you put them into the jar. As your guests arrive, have each one guess how many toys or candies they think are in the jar. Write down each person's guess. At the end of the party, the person who guesses the closest number is the winner and gets to take home the jar.
Twist: Small plastic insects for a Bug Party, black and orange jellybeans for a Halloween party; small plastic dinosaurs for a Dinosaur Party
HOT POTATO
Played like the classic Hot Potato game. Children sit in a circle and pass an item around while an adult leader plays music. The child holding the item when the music stops is out. Last player left not holding the item is the winner.
Twist: Pass a big hairy toy spider for a Halloween party; rubber snake for a Western Party; teddy bear for a Teddy Bear Party
Another Twist: Cold Potato - Kids throw a water balloon back and forth across the circle. The player holding it when it breaks is out. Last player left dry is the winner.
LIMBO
Two adults hold a pole, mop or broomstick at child's height. Start the music (Caribbean is best). Children must walk under the pole without touching it. After each round, the adults lower the pole an inch or two. When the pole gets very low, children may bend backward and shimmy under, or even crawl. If a player touches the pole, he is out.
Twist: Pirate Limbo - adults hold a play sword; Halloween Limbo - adults hold a witch's broom; Fairy Party - adults hold a magic wand
Another Twist: Water Limbo - Have an adult point a stream of water for kids to limbo under. Great for a pool party!
MEMORY
Place about 10 to 15 small items or toys such as a pencil, watch, comb, spoon, toy car, etc. on a tray and cover with a cloth. Have guests sit in a circle with the tray in the middle. Remove the cloth for 60 seconds while guests try to remember as many of the objects as possible. When time is up, replace the cloth.
Now, each person has to name an object on the tray. The first person to fail to name an object, repeats an object or names something not on the tray is out. The tray is then removed and some or all of the objects replaced, and the game re-started with the person following the one who is out. If the game is too easy for the group, add more objects or reduce the time.
Twist: Use whatever objects relate to your party theme: construction trucks for a Construction Party; make-up items for a Dress-Up Party
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Set up one fewer chair than the number of guests at your party. Start the music and have the children walk in a circle around the chairs, until you stop the music. When the music stops everyone tries to sit on a vacant chair. (Only one person per chair) The person who doesn't find a chair is out. One chair is taken away and the game continues until only one person (the winner)is left. This game can also be played with pillows or cardboard pictures placed on the floor for kids to jump on.
Twist: Musical Anthills for a Bug Party; Musical Islands for a Pirate Party; Musical Webs for a Spider Man Party
PIN THE TAIL ON THE DONKEY
When it's time to play the game, mount your poster on the wall and place a piece of tape on the back of each object the children will be pinning on the poster. Blindfold each child, spin them around, and point them toward the poster. The child who pins their object closest to the designated spot, is the winner!
Twist: Pin the nose on the clown; Pin the Tooth on the T-Rex; Pin the Spider on the web for a Bug Party; Pin the X on the treasure map for a Pirate Party
SIMON SAYS
Children stand in a group in front of the leader. The leader says, "Simon says, 'Do this,'" as she taps her head, claps her hands, turns around, etc. The children must follow the leader's actions, but only if she begins with "Simon says..." If the leader just says "Do this," the children must do nothing. If a child makes a mistake, he is out. The last child "in" is the winner.
Twist: Change "Simon Says" to a character relating to your party's theme: "Blackbeard Says" for a Pirate Party; "Spider Man Says" for a Spider Man Party; "Cinderella Says" for a Princess Party.
SPIN THE BOTTLE (for opening gifts)
Direct guests to sit in a circle holding the gift they brought. The birthday child spins a soda bottle and opens the gift of the party guest at whom the bottle is pointing when it stops. If it stops at a person that has already given a gift just go left until you find someone that hasn't had the gift they brought opened. A calm and quiet way to open gifts without all the pushing and shoving.
BEAN BAG TOSS/FEED THE MONSTER
Draw a monster face on a piece of poster board or heavy cardboard and cut a hole in the box where the his mouth would be, large enough for the bean bags to be thrown through easily. Lean the monster face against a chair and place it 6-8 feet away (depending upon the abilities of the guests).
Everyone takes a turn tossing three items of "food" (use beanbags, cloth balls, rolled socks, or other small objects such as squeak toys for dogs) into the character's mouth. After each child's
turn, retrieve the "food" and hand it to the next child. Every time a child successfully "feeds" the monster, he gets a small prize such as a sticker or wrapped candy.
Twist: Use a character which relates to your party theme instead of a monster: T-Rex for Dinosaur party; Clown for a Circus party; Gorilla for a Jungle Party
DUCK DUCK GOOSE
Gather your guests to sit in a circle and let the party child begin as the "Goose." He/she walks around the circle tapping each child lightly on the head, saying "Duck" with each tap. At any time, the party child can choose the next person to be the Goose, by saying "Goose" when tapping that person on the head. That child gets up and chases the birthday child around the circle.
If the new Goose does not tag the birthday child before he/she makes it all the way around the circle and sits in the open spot, then the new Goose becomes "it." If the new Goose tags the birthday child, then the birthday child remains "it" for the next round and the game continues.
Twist: Buzz, Buzz, Sting for a Bug Party; Tick, Tick, Tock for a Pirate Party
GUESS HOW MANY?
Before the party, fill a jar with candy or small toys. Count them before you put them into the jar. As your guests arrive, have each one guess how many toys or candies they think are in the jar. Write down each person's guess. At the end of the party, the person who guesses the closest number is the winner and gets to take home the jar.
Twist: Small plastic insects for a Bug Party, black and orange jellybeans for a Halloween party; small plastic dinosaurs for a Dinosaur Party
HOT POTATO
Played like the classic Hot Potato game. Children sit in a circle and pass an item around while an adult leader plays music. The child holding the item when the music stops is out. Last player left not holding the item is the winner.
Twist: Pass a big hairy toy spider for a Halloween party; rubber snake for a Western Party; teddy bear for a Teddy Bear Party
Another Twist: Cold Potato - Kids throw a water balloon back and forth across the circle. The player holding it when it breaks is out. Last player left dry is the winner.
LIMBO
Two adults hold a pole, mop or broomstick at child's height. Start the music (Caribbean is best). Children must walk under the pole without touching it. After each round, the adults lower the pole an inch or two. When the pole gets very low, children may bend backward and shimmy under, or even crawl. If a player touches the pole, he is out.
Twist: Pirate Limbo - adults hold a play sword; Halloween Limbo - adults hold a witch's broom; Fairy Party - adults hold a magic wand
Another Twist: Water Limbo - Have an adult point a stream of water for kids to limbo under. Great for a pool party!
MEMORY
Place about 10 to 15 small items or toys such as a pencil, watch, comb, spoon, toy car, etc. on a tray and cover with a cloth. Have guests sit in a circle with the tray in the middle. Remove the cloth for 60 seconds while guests try to remember as many of the objects as possible. When time is up, replace the cloth.
Now, each person has to name an object on the tray. The first person to fail to name an object, repeats an object or names something not on the tray is out. The tray is then removed and some or all of the objects replaced, and the game re-started with the person following the one who is out. If the game is too easy for the group, add more objects or reduce the time.
Twist: Use whatever objects relate to your party theme: construction trucks for a Construction Party; make-up items for a Dress-Up Party
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Set up one fewer chair than the number of guests at your party. Start the music and have the children walk in a circle around the chairs, until you stop the music. When the music stops everyone tries to sit on a vacant chair. (Only one person per chair) The person who doesn't find a chair is out. One chair is taken away and the game continues until only one person (the winner)is left. This game can also be played with pillows or cardboard pictures placed on the floor for kids to jump on.
Twist: Musical Anthills for a Bug Party; Musical Islands for a Pirate Party; Musical Webs for a Spider Man Party
PIN THE TAIL ON THE DONKEY
When it's time to play the game, mount your poster on the wall and place a piece of tape on the back of each object the children will be pinning on the poster. Blindfold each child, spin them around, and point them toward the poster. The child who pins their object closest to the designated spot, is the winner!
Twist: Pin the nose on the clown; Pin the Tooth on the T-Rex; Pin the Spider on the web for a Bug Party; Pin the X on the treasure map for a Pirate Party
SIMON SAYS
Children stand in a group in front of the leader. The leader says, "Simon says, 'Do this,'" as she taps her head, claps her hands, turns around, etc. The children must follow the leader's actions, but only if she begins with "Simon says..." If the leader just says "Do this," the children must do nothing. If a child makes a mistake, he is out. The last child "in" is the winner.
Twist: Change "Simon Says" to a character relating to your party's theme: "Blackbeard Says" for a Pirate Party; "Spider Man Says" for a Spider Man Party; "Cinderella Says" for a Princess Party.
SPIN THE BOTTLE (for opening gifts)
Direct guests to sit in a circle holding the gift they brought. The birthday child spins a soda bottle and opens the gift of the party guest at whom the bottle is pointing when it stops. If it stops at a person that has already given a gift just go left until you find someone that hasn't had the gift they brought opened. A calm and quiet way to open gifts without all the pushing and shoving.
Selasa, 25 Juli 2017
Fun In The Kitchen - Age Appropriate Activities Your Children Can Do
1 Year Olds
o grab the rolling pin and let your toddler roll it across the floor
o wooden spoons are great for increasing your 1 year olds hand coordination (and they make great sounds too!)
o let your toddler play with the lids from your pots. It's like they have started their own little band!
2 Year Olds
o help mom wash fruits and vegetables.
o take a plastic juice container or pop container and fill it with rice or dried pasta, or even coins. Tape the top so your curious one is unable to get the lid off, and let them shake the container to make the loudest sounds. You can do several of these with varying amounts of rice, pasta, or coins and let them hear the difference.
o pretend mixing - get a small wire whisk and a plastic measuring cup and let your munchkin mix just like mommy or daddy.
o wipe the table - it's never to early to get help cleaning up. Have your little one wipe off the table. It may not be perfect, but it will make you both feel good knowing your child wants to help you.
3 Year Olds
o help you mix batter.
o pour measuring cup contents into a bowl.
o knead bread dough.
o practice shapes and colors - help your little one identify the shapes and colors of the ingredients you are using in your meal. This will make them feel completely involved in the meal preparation and more likely to eat the end product.
4 Year Olds
o choose a food at the store - take your child when you go grocery shopping. Let them pick one food each week (one they haven't tried before) and help them experiment with that food, using it a few times during the week in different meals. Start with fruits and veggies first since those seem to disappear from a child's diet at an early age.
o play the number game - make one meal a week with different numbers of foods. For example, make a lunch with a salami sandwich, carrots, and strawberries. Play a game and count...2 carrot sticks, 4 strawberries, 2 pieces of salami, 2 pieces of bread, and 1 slice of cheese.
o measure - let your child help you measure the amount you need for a recipe and start explaining fractions and let them see the different size measuring cups. It's never too early to start math skills.
o reading - read the recipe out loud to your child and walk through the step by step process. This really enforces the concept that in many life activities there are a series of steps to get to the end product.
5-6 Year Olds
o Let them prepare simple snacks by themselves - they will love to eat the fruits of their labor!
o Plan a snack schedule - get a calendar or a dry erase board and sit down with your child at the beginning of the week. Let him or her plan a daily healthy snack that he or she can make.
o Set the table - it doesn't have to look like Martha Stewart's house, but it gives your child a sense of responsibility.
7-10 Year Olds
o Read recipes - let your child read the entire recipe to you.
o Plan meals - sit down with your child and let him or her help you set the menu for the week, look through the recipes and help you make a grocery shopping list.
o Make meals - at this age, most children can make at least 1 dish to go with dinner. If you are making an easy meal, have him or her help you with the entire meal. They will be so pleased and will no doubt eat it up, knowing they helped make it.
o Do dishes - ah yes, this one might be a struggle because at this age your children know that doing dishes is a chore. However, if your child has been involved with the meal planning process and making the meal, he or she may clean up the dishes without a problem.
o grab the rolling pin and let your toddler roll it across the floor
o wooden spoons are great for increasing your 1 year olds hand coordination (and they make great sounds too!)
o let your toddler play with the lids from your pots. It's like they have started their own little band!
2 Year Olds
o help mom wash fruits and vegetables.
o take a plastic juice container or pop container and fill it with rice or dried pasta, or even coins. Tape the top so your curious one is unable to get the lid off, and let them shake the container to make the loudest sounds. You can do several of these with varying amounts of rice, pasta, or coins and let them hear the difference.
o pretend mixing - get a small wire whisk and a plastic measuring cup and let your munchkin mix just like mommy or daddy.
o wipe the table - it's never to early to get help cleaning up. Have your little one wipe off the table. It may not be perfect, but it will make you both feel good knowing your child wants to help you.
3 Year Olds
o help you mix batter.
o pour measuring cup contents into a bowl.
o knead bread dough.
o practice shapes and colors - help your little one identify the shapes and colors of the ingredients you are using in your meal. This will make them feel completely involved in the meal preparation and more likely to eat the end product.
4 Year Olds
o choose a food at the store - take your child when you go grocery shopping. Let them pick one food each week (one they haven't tried before) and help them experiment with that food, using it a few times during the week in different meals. Start with fruits and veggies first since those seem to disappear from a child's diet at an early age.
o play the number game - make one meal a week with different numbers of foods. For example, make a lunch with a salami sandwich, carrots, and strawberries. Play a game and count...2 carrot sticks, 4 strawberries, 2 pieces of salami, 2 pieces of bread, and 1 slice of cheese.
o measure - let your child help you measure the amount you need for a recipe and start explaining fractions and let them see the different size measuring cups. It's never too early to start math skills.
o reading - read the recipe out loud to your child and walk through the step by step process. This really enforces the concept that in many life activities there are a series of steps to get to the end product.
5-6 Year Olds
o Let them prepare simple snacks by themselves - they will love to eat the fruits of their labor!
o Plan a snack schedule - get a calendar or a dry erase board and sit down with your child at the beginning of the week. Let him or her plan a daily healthy snack that he or she can make.
o Set the table - it doesn't have to look like Martha Stewart's house, but it gives your child a sense of responsibility.
7-10 Year Olds
o Read recipes - let your child read the entire recipe to you.
o Plan meals - sit down with your child and let him or her help you set the menu for the week, look through the recipes and help you make a grocery shopping list.
o Make meals - at this age, most children can make at least 1 dish to go with dinner. If you are making an easy meal, have him or her help you with the entire meal. They will be so pleased and will no doubt eat it up, knowing they helped make it.
o Do dishes - ah yes, this one might be a struggle because at this age your children know that doing dishes is a chore. However, if your child has been involved with the meal planning process and making the meal, he or she may clean up the dishes without a problem.
Rabu, 19 Juli 2017
Berbagai Keuntungan Bermain di Situs BandarQ Online
Jika Anda adalah penggemar permainan judi online, maka saat ini semakin
banyak pilihan permainan judi online yang bisa Anda temukan dengan mudah tak
terkecuali permainan BandarQ yang ditawarkan oleh beberapa situs
bandarq online. Permainan jenis ini sendiri adalah permainan
yang sudah dimodifikasi oleh para pemain Indonesia yang diadaptasi dari
permainan poker. Jenis permainan judi online ini dipilih sebagai salah satu
jenis permainan yang cukup diminati di antara beberapa pilihan permainan judi
online yang ada di Indonesia saat ini. Selain itu masih banyak lagi keuntungan
yang ditawarkan oleh permainan BandarQ yang juga bisa ditemukan di antara
beberapa situs di Indonesia seperti situs bandarasia.co
yang menawarkan beberapa pilihan permainan serupa seperti
DominoQQ, Bandarkiu dan Domino99.
Bonus-Bonus Menarik dan Fitur-Fitur Terbaik di Situs BandarQ
Dengan banyaknya situs-situs permainan judi online yang beredar saat ini, tentu banyak di antaranya situs bandarq onlineyang ada saat ini yang mencoba untuk bersaing dengan beberapa situs permainan BandarQ lainnya. Sehingga Anda pun juga akan menemukan banyak bonus-bonus menarik yang ditawarkan di antara beberapa situs permainan judi online BandarQ saat ini. Situs-situs tersebut menawarkan beberapa pilihan bonus yang lebih baik dari beberapa situs lainnya. Beberapa pilihan bonus seperti bonus cashback dan bonus referral sebesar 0,3% adalah beberapa contoh keuntungan yang bisa Anda dapatkan pada beberapa situs permainan BandarQ online termasuk di antaranya situs bandarasia.co yang juga dikenal sebagai salah satu situs yang menawarkan permainan yang cukup serupa.
Beberapa keuntungan lainnya juga bisa Anda temukan di antara beberapa situs bandarq online yang bisa diakses di Indonesia dengan mudah. Beberapa situs tersebut hanya akan menawarkan beberapa permainan terbaik yang sudah dimodifikasi untuk memberikan pilihan yang berbeda untuk permainan judi online. Sebagai contoh permainan judi online seperti BandarQ sendiri dikembangkan dari permainan domino yang dimodifikasi sedemikian rupa untuk memberikan variasi peraturan pada permainan ini. Yang bisa Anda lakukan untuk bisa memenangkan permainan yang ada di situs ini adalah dengan menjadi bandar yang biasanya akan digilir sesuai dengan pemain yang memiliki modal yang cukup besar yaitu sampai dengan 10 kali lipat dari taruhan yang dipasang. Dengan cara ini maka kemungkinan kemenangan yang dapat diraih oleh bandar tentu lebih besar dari para pemainnya. Untuk itu Anda juga harus memperhitungkan mekanisme permainan yang cukup menarik yang ditawarkan oleh masing-masing situs permainan termasuk salah satunya situs bandarasia.co.
Dengan banyaknya pilihan situs bandarq online yang bisa Anda temukan saat ini, rasanya Anda tidak akan kesulitan untuk mengakses salah satu situs BandarQ. Namun salah satu hal yang juga harus Anda perhatikan ketika tertarik untuk memilih salah satu situs yang menawarkan bonus-bonus yang menarik adalah untuk selalu memastikan bahwa situs tersebut adalah salah satu situs terpercaya yang bisa Anda temukan saat ini. Salah satu contoh situs yang menyediakan permainan BandarQ, Sakong, dan beberapa permainan baru lainnya yang juga dikenal sebagai situs yang terpercaya adalah situs bandarasia.co. Di sini Anda bisa menikmati sistem permainan yang cukup mudah yang ditawarkan oleh situs tersebut. Selain itu Anda juga mengakses situs tersebut dengan mudah karena situs itu sendiri masih belum terblokir oleh pemerintah Indonesia. Jika Anda masih belum yakin dengan pilihan situs Anda, maka situs tersebut di atas dapat menjadi pilihan sementara sampai Anda menemukan salah satu situs yang tepat.
Bonus-Bonus Menarik dan Fitur-Fitur Terbaik di Situs BandarQ
Dengan banyaknya situs-situs permainan judi online yang beredar saat ini, tentu banyak di antaranya situs bandarq onlineyang ada saat ini yang mencoba untuk bersaing dengan beberapa situs permainan BandarQ lainnya. Sehingga Anda pun juga akan menemukan banyak bonus-bonus menarik yang ditawarkan di antara beberapa situs permainan judi online BandarQ saat ini. Situs-situs tersebut menawarkan beberapa pilihan bonus yang lebih baik dari beberapa situs lainnya. Beberapa pilihan bonus seperti bonus cashback dan bonus referral sebesar 0,3% adalah beberapa contoh keuntungan yang bisa Anda dapatkan pada beberapa situs permainan BandarQ online termasuk di antaranya situs bandarasia.co yang juga dikenal sebagai salah satu situs yang menawarkan permainan yang cukup serupa.
Beberapa keuntungan lainnya juga bisa Anda temukan di antara beberapa situs bandarq online yang bisa diakses di Indonesia dengan mudah. Beberapa situs tersebut hanya akan menawarkan beberapa permainan terbaik yang sudah dimodifikasi untuk memberikan pilihan yang berbeda untuk permainan judi online. Sebagai contoh permainan judi online seperti BandarQ sendiri dikembangkan dari permainan domino yang dimodifikasi sedemikian rupa untuk memberikan variasi peraturan pada permainan ini. Yang bisa Anda lakukan untuk bisa memenangkan permainan yang ada di situs ini adalah dengan menjadi bandar yang biasanya akan digilir sesuai dengan pemain yang memiliki modal yang cukup besar yaitu sampai dengan 10 kali lipat dari taruhan yang dipasang. Dengan cara ini maka kemungkinan kemenangan yang dapat diraih oleh bandar tentu lebih besar dari para pemainnya. Untuk itu Anda juga harus memperhitungkan mekanisme permainan yang cukup menarik yang ditawarkan oleh masing-masing situs permainan termasuk salah satunya situs bandarasia.co.
Dengan banyaknya pilihan situs bandarq online yang bisa Anda temukan saat ini, rasanya Anda tidak akan kesulitan untuk mengakses salah satu situs BandarQ. Namun salah satu hal yang juga harus Anda perhatikan ketika tertarik untuk memilih salah satu situs yang menawarkan bonus-bonus yang menarik adalah untuk selalu memastikan bahwa situs tersebut adalah salah satu situs terpercaya yang bisa Anda temukan saat ini. Salah satu contoh situs yang menyediakan permainan BandarQ, Sakong, dan beberapa permainan baru lainnya yang juga dikenal sebagai situs yang terpercaya adalah situs bandarasia.co. Di sini Anda bisa menikmati sistem permainan yang cukup mudah yang ditawarkan oleh situs tersebut. Selain itu Anda juga mengakses situs tersebut dengan mudah karena situs itu sendiri masih belum terblokir oleh pemerintah Indonesia. Jika Anda masih belum yakin dengan pilihan situs Anda, maka situs tersebut di atas dapat menjadi pilihan sementara sampai Anda menemukan salah satu situs yang tepat.
Senin, 10 Juli 2017
Teaching Moments - Are You Frustrated With Public Schools?
Join a growing number of parents and teachers!
Fact: Last year, our nation spent over $382 Billion on education. Over 99% was spent on developing "learning environments" - buildings, books, science labs, teachers, sports programs, etc. The other part of the equation – what children can do for their education - is almost entirely overlooked.
As concerned adults our focus must be on the other side of the equation – getting children to take more ownership of their education. We must give them the tools to “step up to the plate” and take positive action on their education?
The key is goal setting! But, wait a minute. Aren’t they already teaching that in school? Yes, but there is a significant difference between the way public and private schools teach these important life skills.
Why the difference between public and private school? Private schools:
1. Make goal setting and educational ownership a priority. 2. Integrate these principles into the student’s educational experience. 3. Students are taught that they are directly responsible for the quality of their education.
4. Goal setting and educational ownership are fundamental parts of their students’ and schools’ success.
Public schools:
1. Teach goal setting as a small part of a bigger program. 2. Are under enormous pressure to complete the bigger program in a specific time. 3. Goal setting and educational ownership are not integrated into the school’s curriculum. 4. Do not teach students how to specifically use goal setting in the classroom.
Did you say “that’s my school” to any of the above statements? Many parents cannot afford to send their children to private schools, but they still want them to have the necessary tools to succeed.
Your child will benefit greatly when they learn how to set and achieve goals and how to use these principles in school. When your child takes educational ownership they take personal responsibility to do something meaningful and positive to change their lives. Your child will learn that they play a significant role in their education and in their future. With educational ownership comes dignity and self-respect.
Will you be pushing your kids too fast? Certainly, you wish your kids could grow up at a slower pace than they have to today. You know they are being bombarded by negative influences from the Internet, the radio, TV, MTV, etc. However, you understand that your most important job is to teach them how to meet the world’s challenges. You want your children to grow up to be honest and caring, responsible, to take initiative, and to be respectful adults. You want them to develop a positive attitude, minimize their fears, and to be successful at whatever they choose to do. In short, you want it all for them and you are willing to sacrifice to help them.
Private schools make goal setting and educational ownership a priority for good reason. These are important keys to helping a child develop an “I’ll Make It Happen” attitude that will have a positive impact on their school participation, student achievement, character development, attendance, discipline issues, and test results.
When your child understands and implements the goal setting and educational ownership principles they will make better decisions, minimize excuses, take more responsibility, and embrace your efforts to help them succeed.
Fact: Last year, our nation spent over $382 Billion on education. Over 99% was spent on developing "learning environments" - buildings, books, science labs, teachers, sports programs, etc. The other part of the equation – what children can do for their education - is almost entirely overlooked.
As concerned adults our focus must be on the other side of the equation – getting children to take more ownership of their education. We must give them the tools to “step up to the plate” and take positive action on their education?
The key is goal setting! But, wait a minute. Aren’t they already teaching that in school? Yes, but there is a significant difference between the way public and private schools teach these important life skills.
Why the difference between public and private school? Private schools:
1. Make goal setting and educational ownership a priority. 2. Integrate these principles into the student’s educational experience. 3. Students are taught that they are directly responsible for the quality of their education.
4. Goal setting and educational ownership are fundamental parts of their students’ and schools’ success.
Public schools:
1. Teach goal setting as a small part of a bigger program. 2. Are under enormous pressure to complete the bigger program in a specific time. 3. Goal setting and educational ownership are not integrated into the school’s curriculum. 4. Do not teach students how to specifically use goal setting in the classroom.
Did you say “that’s my school” to any of the above statements? Many parents cannot afford to send their children to private schools, but they still want them to have the necessary tools to succeed.
Your child will benefit greatly when they learn how to set and achieve goals and how to use these principles in school. When your child takes educational ownership they take personal responsibility to do something meaningful and positive to change their lives. Your child will learn that they play a significant role in their education and in their future. With educational ownership comes dignity and self-respect.
Will you be pushing your kids too fast? Certainly, you wish your kids could grow up at a slower pace than they have to today. You know they are being bombarded by negative influences from the Internet, the radio, TV, MTV, etc. However, you understand that your most important job is to teach them how to meet the world’s challenges. You want your children to grow up to be honest and caring, responsible, to take initiative, and to be respectful adults. You want them to develop a positive attitude, minimize their fears, and to be successful at whatever they choose to do. In short, you want it all for them and you are willing to sacrifice to help them.
Private schools make goal setting and educational ownership a priority for good reason. These are important keys to helping a child develop an “I’ll Make It Happen” attitude that will have a positive impact on their school participation, student achievement, character development, attendance, discipline issues, and test results.
When your child understands and implements the goal setting and educational ownership principles they will make better decisions, minimize excuses, take more responsibility, and embrace your efforts to help them succeed.
Kamis, 29 Juni 2017
A Complete Guide For Parents To Choose The Best Toys For Their Children
Do you remember how it was when you where a child? What was your main activity? Was it working? Of course not. Your main activity was playing. You had no concerns. You needed toys and your parents where supposed to provide you with them. They had to find toys you wouldn't throw away and believe me, it wasn't easy for them.
Now you are a parent and you are in the same situation as your parents years ago. You're looking for toys that your child will like. That's why you must know how to choose the right toys. My parents made one common mistake: they would buy me toys that they considered wonderful. But usually, when they would give me the toy, I would either consider it too girlish or too boring. It wasn't fun for them to see how a toy they bought for me to play with would stay forgotten in my closet.
How to find out what's the right toy for your child?
Just watch your child closely to determine his preferred activities, skills level, preferred band(s) and movie(s), and so on. Based on these observations you can get a clue on what types of toys your child would prefer. For instance, if your child loves the movie Lord of the Rings, I bet that he'll also like Lord of the Rings toys...
Now don't just go into the first toy shop and buy the first Lord of the Rings toy you find. Observations aren't enough. There are some other very important factors you must consider. Adding them into the equation helps ensure you that your child will have lots of fun with the toy you'll choose to buy for him.
Here are the factors you must consider when choosing toys for your child:
o Child's age - This is very important. If you buy toys too advanced for your child's age, chances are that he might get injured. Toy manufacturers struggle to make their products as safe as possible, but if you don't follow their recommendations, your child may suffer. On the other hand, if you buy toys made for children with age under that of your child, he will consider them too boring. The best thing is to choose toys designed precisely for your child's age. Here are two articles that will help you choose toys for babies and toys for toddlers.
o Child's gender - This is exactly what I said above that my parents bought me toys that I considered to be girlish. I'm a boy, but the same is with girls too. Any detail that may make the toy look as for the other gender than that of your child will make the toy undesired.
o Toys your child's friends play with - When your child is playing with his friends, watch to find out if he manifests interest in any of his playmate's toys. If he does, then it's very likely that he would like to have a toy similar the one his friend has.
o Sometimes, a child tells his parents what toy he likes or wants, thus saving them from a lot of hard work. But don't count on this. Some children aren't very keen to talk with parents unless they really want a certain toy.
o Safety - This is the most important factor you must consider whenever you need to decide what toy you should buy for your child. Unfortunately, this is also the most overlooked one. Usually, parents forget to check if the toy they choose for their children are safe.
o Is the toy educational? - It's a good thing if the toys you choose for your child can help him develop new skills.
And please remember that the age difference between you and your child is of at least 20 years. The fact that you liked a toy when you were a child does not mean that your child will love it too. Children from different generations like different types of toys
Make sure you offer the toy to your child in the appropriate manner!
When you offer the toy to your child, don't do it in a "Here's your toy. Now go and play with it" manner. If you do it this way, that toy won't mean a thing to your child. Rather, try to make a game. Hide the toy somewhere where the child can easily find it, and encourage him to look for it. Laugh with your child, search for it together... And when the he finds the toy, don't just let him play by himself. Get involved in your child's play. Make that the fun of a lifetime. A parent is a child's first and best friend.
Now you are a parent and you are in the same situation as your parents years ago. You're looking for toys that your child will like. That's why you must know how to choose the right toys. My parents made one common mistake: they would buy me toys that they considered wonderful. But usually, when they would give me the toy, I would either consider it too girlish or too boring. It wasn't fun for them to see how a toy they bought for me to play with would stay forgotten in my closet.
How to find out what's the right toy for your child?
Just watch your child closely to determine his preferred activities, skills level, preferred band(s) and movie(s), and so on. Based on these observations you can get a clue on what types of toys your child would prefer. For instance, if your child loves the movie Lord of the Rings, I bet that he'll also like Lord of the Rings toys...
Now don't just go into the first toy shop and buy the first Lord of the Rings toy you find. Observations aren't enough. There are some other very important factors you must consider. Adding them into the equation helps ensure you that your child will have lots of fun with the toy you'll choose to buy for him.
Here are the factors you must consider when choosing toys for your child:
o Child's age - This is very important. If you buy toys too advanced for your child's age, chances are that he might get injured. Toy manufacturers struggle to make their products as safe as possible, but if you don't follow their recommendations, your child may suffer. On the other hand, if you buy toys made for children with age under that of your child, he will consider them too boring. The best thing is to choose toys designed precisely for your child's age. Here are two articles that will help you choose toys for babies and toys for toddlers.
o Child's gender - This is exactly what I said above that my parents bought me toys that I considered to be girlish. I'm a boy, but the same is with girls too. Any detail that may make the toy look as for the other gender than that of your child will make the toy undesired.
o Toys your child's friends play with - When your child is playing with his friends, watch to find out if he manifests interest in any of his playmate's toys. If he does, then it's very likely that he would like to have a toy similar the one his friend has.
o Sometimes, a child tells his parents what toy he likes or wants, thus saving them from a lot of hard work. But don't count on this. Some children aren't very keen to talk with parents unless they really want a certain toy.
o Safety - This is the most important factor you must consider whenever you need to decide what toy you should buy for your child. Unfortunately, this is also the most overlooked one. Usually, parents forget to check if the toy they choose for their children are safe.
o Is the toy educational? - It's a good thing if the toys you choose for your child can help him develop new skills.
And please remember that the age difference between you and your child is of at least 20 years. The fact that you liked a toy when you were a child does not mean that your child will love it too. Children from different generations like different types of toys
Make sure you offer the toy to your child in the appropriate manner!
When you offer the toy to your child, don't do it in a "Here's your toy. Now go and play with it" manner. If you do it this way, that toy won't mean a thing to your child. Rather, try to make a game. Hide the toy somewhere where the child can easily find it, and encourage him to look for it. Laugh with your child, search for it together... And when the he finds the toy, don't just let him play by himself. Get involved in your child's play. Make that the fun of a lifetime. A parent is a child's first and best friend.
Rabu, 07 Juni 2017
Summer Fun - 8 Weeks of Creative Fun For Kids
Summertime. The kids are out of school and they have the long lazy days of July and August ahead. They could spend their days in front of the TV or they could be using their imaginations to create projects that are a reflection of their own unique talents.
Does it matter what kids do on their summer vacation? After all, they are in school 10 months of the year and most do take some art classes. Don't they get enough art lessons in school?
Creative and artistic are not the same thing. Creativity is an approach to life. Creative thinkers know that problems have many different solutions. When they encounter an obstacle, they find a way around rather than giving up. They have to be willing to take risks as they learn new skills. These are important life skills that need to be encouraged in children.
Crafts and creative projects give children the opportunity to learn and practice these skills. Even if they follow a project guide exactly, they will still to make decisions about shades of colours and where to place items. Once they are familiar with the project, most children will want to make it again. That is when they get really creative. First the colours change, then the shapes, and suddenly it is a new project from their own imagination.
Creative projects encourage children to find the resources to make what they want, rather than opening up a box that has all the supplies in one place. The first project in the weekly project list (see below) uses an old knee-hi or pair of pantyhose. What if none are available? Should the children wait until someone else finds all the 'right' materials. No, have them start thinking about what they could substitute. Would an old sock work? How about a dish cloth? It is fun to sit back and watch children solve their own problems.
These Summer Projects encourage children to work with a wide variety of materials. One of the best things about summer projects is that they can be done outside. Less mess to clean up!
Summer Projects
Week 1 - Hairy Heads (old knee hi or cut off panty hose, grass seed, dirt, 2 small elastics, and decorations)
Put 2 tsp of grass seed in the bottom of toe of the panty hose. Add 1-2 cups of dirt. Make sure the seeds stay in the top of the head, otherwise you'll have hair sprouting from under the eyes. Use the small elastic to pinch off a nose about half way up the head. Use the second elastic to tie off the bottom. Decorate by pasting on eyes, mouth, ears, or what ever else intrigues the kids. Use paper, felt, colored plastic, markers, pipe cleaners, any materials you have on hand.
Keep the Hairy Head in a small dish with water in the bottom. The 'hair' should sprout in less than a week. Kids can style the hair with elastics, clips and scissors. (Warning: My daughter decided to cut her own hair after giving her Hairy Head a trim!)
Week 2 - Fabric Paint on T-shirts (plain shirts, fabric paint, card board, brushes, and sponges)
Have the kids start with an old T-shirt or piece of fabric in the beginning. Put a piece of cardboard under the first layer of fabric to make sure there is no leaking. Some fabric paint comes in squeeze bottles which is good for lines, or they can use a paint brush or sponge. Designs from handprints are interesting and make a great present for grandma. If they need pattern ideas, use the pictures in a child's coloring book for line drawings.
Week 3 - Pet Rocks (rocks, acrylic paint, glue, brushes)
Collect a lots of rocks. Be sure there are different sizes and shapes. Start by choosing the rocks that will make up the pet (head, ears, maybe a nose, body, arms and legs). Paint the entire rock, top and bottom in one color. When the first coat of paint dries, start adding the details, eyes, whiskers, fur. When everything is dry, glue the pieces together.
If the kids get tired of the pet, it can become a door stop, book end, garden ornament, or paper weight.
Week 4 - Make your own Fossils (clay, items to imprint - leaves, coins, bugs)
Make a rock or plaque shape from the clay or use the dough recipe (included below). Use water to make a smooth surface. Make imprints with different objects. Try leaves, coins, shells, or even a small toy. When it dries, rub on a bit shoe polish and acrylic sealer to make it last for months and months. Bury them in sand or dirt and have a expedition to dig up fossils like an archeologist. Combine with a treasure hunt (week 8), and use as clues to a treasure.
Dough Recipe (1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp oil, 2 tsp cream of tartar) mix all ingredients in a pot and stir over medium heat. Mixture will be soupy with lumps, suddenly it will form into a ball. Remove from heat, and knead on a non-stick surface. Useful for many types of projects. Store in fridge, or allow creations to air dry.
Week 5 - Start a Journal (notebook and pen or pencil)
Find a interesting blank note book and have the kids write in it each day. A great time to start a journal is on the first day of a trip. Then, there will be lots of new things to write about and it can become a habit.
Adults can help ideas for topics. Ask is the first thing the child can remember? Was there a birthday that was his or her favorite? What does he or she like about their best friend? What is the best thing they have ever done? Keep a list of these questions on the last page of the journal for quiet days.
Week 6 - Rain Sticks (long tubes from gift wrap or paper towel, strips of cardboard, paper, tape, seeds or rice)
Cut out two 4 inch circles out of the paper (trace a cereal bowl for the shape). Put one over the end of the tube, and fold the sides down, and tape around the tube. Make sure the cardboard strips are narrower than the tube (about 1 inch wide should work). Fold them back and forth like a fan. Put the strips into the tube. The first one should fall to the bottom of the tube. Keep adding strips until they reach the top of the tube. Pour in 1/4 cup of rice and 2 tbsp of seeds (dried peas, popcorn, or lentils). Tape the other circle over the open end of the tube and tape in place. Decorate the tube with markers, paints or by glueing on paper or ribbon.
Week 7 - Memory Board (Matt board, exacto knife, photos and objects)
While on vacation, take photos and have the kids collect objects to remind them of their trip (shells from the seashore, ticket stubs from a fair, pine cones from a walk in a forest, brochure from a hotel or attraction). When the photos are developed, have the kids select 2-3 to have enlarged into 5x7 or 8x10. The photos should be a mix of sizes. Get a large piece of matt board (Art Supply stores, or framing shops). Have the kids try different arrangements of photos and objects until they decide on the one they like best. Trace lightly in pencil where each of the objects is placed. An adult should use an craft knife to cut out the holes for the photos (slightly smaller than the pictures). Tape the photos on from the back, and glue the objects on from the front. If you have a frame the same size, but it in a frame with a cardboard backing (no glass on front) or just hang it on the wall without a frame. The kids have all their mementoes in one place.
Week 8 - Treasure Hunt
There are many different ways to plan a treasure hunt. For younger children, an adult can hide clues in different locations. Each clue can lead the child to the next clue (picture of shovel and pail would lead to a clue hidden in the sand box). The final clue would lead to the treasure (plate of cookies, invitation to go to the water slides, movie pass, lemonade). For older children, the clues could be riddles they need to solve. Or have one of the kids make a treasure map (or list of directions) that would lead to the treasure. In the beginning, limit the number of clues to the age of the child ( 7year old could follow seven clues to the treasure).
Does it matter what kids do on their summer vacation? After all, they are in school 10 months of the year and most do take some art classes. Don't they get enough art lessons in school?
Creative and artistic are not the same thing. Creativity is an approach to life. Creative thinkers know that problems have many different solutions. When they encounter an obstacle, they find a way around rather than giving up. They have to be willing to take risks as they learn new skills. These are important life skills that need to be encouraged in children.
Crafts and creative projects give children the opportunity to learn and practice these skills. Even if they follow a project guide exactly, they will still to make decisions about shades of colours and where to place items. Once they are familiar with the project, most children will want to make it again. That is when they get really creative. First the colours change, then the shapes, and suddenly it is a new project from their own imagination.
Creative projects encourage children to find the resources to make what they want, rather than opening up a box that has all the supplies in one place. The first project in the weekly project list (see below) uses an old knee-hi or pair of pantyhose. What if none are available? Should the children wait until someone else finds all the 'right' materials. No, have them start thinking about what they could substitute. Would an old sock work? How about a dish cloth? It is fun to sit back and watch children solve their own problems.
These Summer Projects encourage children to work with a wide variety of materials. One of the best things about summer projects is that they can be done outside. Less mess to clean up!
Summer Projects
Week 1 - Hairy Heads (old knee hi or cut off panty hose, grass seed, dirt, 2 small elastics, and decorations)
Put 2 tsp of grass seed in the bottom of toe of the panty hose. Add 1-2 cups of dirt. Make sure the seeds stay in the top of the head, otherwise you'll have hair sprouting from under the eyes. Use the small elastic to pinch off a nose about half way up the head. Use the second elastic to tie off the bottom. Decorate by pasting on eyes, mouth, ears, or what ever else intrigues the kids. Use paper, felt, colored plastic, markers, pipe cleaners, any materials you have on hand.
Keep the Hairy Head in a small dish with water in the bottom. The 'hair' should sprout in less than a week. Kids can style the hair with elastics, clips and scissors. (Warning: My daughter decided to cut her own hair after giving her Hairy Head a trim!)
Week 2 - Fabric Paint on T-shirts (plain shirts, fabric paint, card board, brushes, and sponges)
Have the kids start with an old T-shirt or piece of fabric in the beginning. Put a piece of cardboard under the first layer of fabric to make sure there is no leaking. Some fabric paint comes in squeeze bottles which is good for lines, or they can use a paint brush or sponge. Designs from handprints are interesting and make a great present for grandma. If they need pattern ideas, use the pictures in a child's coloring book for line drawings.
Week 3 - Pet Rocks (rocks, acrylic paint, glue, brushes)
Collect a lots of rocks. Be sure there are different sizes and shapes. Start by choosing the rocks that will make up the pet (head, ears, maybe a nose, body, arms and legs). Paint the entire rock, top and bottom in one color. When the first coat of paint dries, start adding the details, eyes, whiskers, fur. When everything is dry, glue the pieces together.
If the kids get tired of the pet, it can become a door stop, book end, garden ornament, or paper weight.
Week 4 - Make your own Fossils (clay, items to imprint - leaves, coins, bugs)
Make a rock or plaque shape from the clay or use the dough recipe (included below). Use water to make a smooth surface. Make imprints with different objects. Try leaves, coins, shells, or even a small toy. When it dries, rub on a bit shoe polish and acrylic sealer to make it last for months and months. Bury them in sand or dirt and have a expedition to dig up fossils like an archeologist. Combine with a treasure hunt (week 8), and use as clues to a treasure.
Dough Recipe (1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp oil, 2 tsp cream of tartar) mix all ingredients in a pot and stir over medium heat. Mixture will be soupy with lumps, suddenly it will form into a ball. Remove from heat, and knead on a non-stick surface. Useful for many types of projects. Store in fridge, or allow creations to air dry.
Week 5 - Start a Journal (notebook and pen or pencil)
Find a interesting blank note book and have the kids write in it each day. A great time to start a journal is on the first day of a trip. Then, there will be lots of new things to write about and it can become a habit.
Adults can help ideas for topics. Ask is the first thing the child can remember? Was there a birthday that was his or her favorite? What does he or she like about their best friend? What is the best thing they have ever done? Keep a list of these questions on the last page of the journal for quiet days.
Week 6 - Rain Sticks (long tubes from gift wrap or paper towel, strips of cardboard, paper, tape, seeds or rice)
Cut out two 4 inch circles out of the paper (trace a cereal bowl for the shape). Put one over the end of the tube, and fold the sides down, and tape around the tube. Make sure the cardboard strips are narrower than the tube (about 1 inch wide should work). Fold them back and forth like a fan. Put the strips into the tube. The first one should fall to the bottom of the tube. Keep adding strips until they reach the top of the tube. Pour in 1/4 cup of rice and 2 tbsp of seeds (dried peas, popcorn, or lentils). Tape the other circle over the open end of the tube and tape in place. Decorate the tube with markers, paints or by glueing on paper or ribbon.
Week 7 - Memory Board (Matt board, exacto knife, photos and objects)
While on vacation, take photos and have the kids collect objects to remind them of their trip (shells from the seashore, ticket stubs from a fair, pine cones from a walk in a forest, brochure from a hotel or attraction). When the photos are developed, have the kids select 2-3 to have enlarged into 5x7 or 8x10. The photos should be a mix of sizes. Get a large piece of matt board (Art Supply stores, or framing shops). Have the kids try different arrangements of photos and objects until they decide on the one they like best. Trace lightly in pencil where each of the objects is placed. An adult should use an craft knife to cut out the holes for the photos (slightly smaller than the pictures). Tape the photos on from the back, and glue the objects on from the front. If you have a frame the same size, but it in a frame with a cardboard backing (no glass on front) or just hang it on the wall without a frame. The kids have all their mementoes in one place.
Week 8 - Treasure Hunt
There are many different ways to plan a treasure hunt. For younger children, an adult can hide clues in different locations. Each clue can lead the child to the next clue (picture of shovel and pail would lead to a clue hidden in the sand box). The final clue would lead to the treasure (plate of cookies, invitation to go to the water slides, movie pass, lemonade). For older children, the clues could be riddles they need to solve. Or have one of the kids make a treasure map (or list of directions) that would lead to the treasure. In the beginning, limit the number of clues to the age of the child ( 7year old could follow seven clues to the treasure).
Minggu, 28 Mei 2017
How to Make a Model Volcano and Other Fun Kids Party Special Effects
Kids love magic tricks and special effects because they surprise and delight with the unexpected. Here's a collection of easy yet impressive special effects to try at your next kids party.
But beware... kids are naturally inquisitive, and will want to know how you achieved your spectacular results. Keep it mysterious, and you'll be the hit of the party crowd!
Erupting Volcano
Start by lining a box lid (edges should be about 2 inches high) with foil or use a large metal pan. Fill with wet sand. Place an empty soup can in the center and press the sand around the can to form your volcano mountain. For the best effect, completely conceal the can. Spoon 1/4 cup baking soda into the can and place the box on a surface protected with a plastic tablecloth or newspapers.
To erupt the volcano, pour a portion of the activation solution into the can. When this is added to the baking soda, it will make flowing "lava". Let your party guests take turns adding a bit of solution to the can to cause further eruptions.
Activation Solution - 1 cup water, 3/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup dishwashing liquid, 10 drops of red food coloring and 10 drops of yellow food coloring.
Volcano Cake
Make a bundt cake and frost it in chocolate frosting. Decorate with palm trees and small plastic dinosaurs: Before serving, take a pint of chocolate ice cream and place over the hole in the center of the cake. Pour strawberry syrup over it for volcano lava. Serve and enjoy!
Variation: Frost the cake white and use vanilla ice cream for a different look.
Spinning Vortex
Take two empty 2-liter bottles and fill one about one third with water. Put the bottle openings together, with the empty bottle upside down on top of the full one. Place a 3/8 inch metal washer in the opening between the two bottles and duct tape them together carefully.
When you're ready to make a vortex, reverse the bottles so the full one is on top. Swirl the top bottle in a circular motion until a spinning vortex begins to form in the water. It will continue until all the water has funneled through the washer and into the bottom bottle. Just reverse the bottles to create another vortex.
Party Punch with Pizzazz
Mix up a batch of one of the following party punches:
Smoldering Swamp Water
Mix equal parts Ice Cool Arctic Green Apple flavor Kool-Aid with ginger ale, or try any green beverage such as 7-UP.
Bubbling Love Potion
Mix equal parts cherry Kool-Aid & ginger ale for a colorful and fizzy love potion drink.
Here's where the fun starts...
Place a piece of dry ice in a sealed plastic container. Punch or cut holes in the container lid. Before serving drop the container into the punch bowl for a very cool effect!
Important: Always use caution when handling dry ice! Use tongs or heavy gloves so it does not touch bare skin as burn will result. Do not put the dry ice directly in the punch; it should NOT be ingested.
Frozen Hand
Fill an unpowdered surgical glove with water. Add green food coloring for a creepier look. Securely twist tie the end and hang from a shelf in the freezer. Once frozen, cut off the glove and float hand in your punch bowl for a nice "touch"!
Slime
Take a cup of water and add to it 1 Tbs. of borax (available in the laundry section of the grocery store). Stir until completely dissolved. Take 1/4 cup of white glue and 1/4 cup of water and mix thoroughly. In a ziploc bag, add equal parts of the borax solution to equal parts of the glue solution. A half cup of each will make a cup of slime. Add a couple drops of green food coloring. Seal bag and knead the mixture.
Fake Blood
Karo brand corn syrup
Red and blue food coloring
Milk
Add some red food coloring to the corn syrup, then just a drop or two of blue to get a more realistic dark color. Milk will make the blood appear more opaque and more realistic.
But beware... kids are naturally inquisitive, and will want to know how you achieved your spectacular results. Keep it mysterious, and you'll be the hit of the party crowd!
Erupting Volcano
Start by lining a box lid (edges should be about 2 inches high) with foil or use a large metal pan. Fill with wet sand. Place an empty soup can in the center and press the sand around the can to form your volcano mountain. For the best effect, completely conceal the can. Spoon 1/4 cup baking soda into the can and place the box on a surface protected with a plastic tablecloth or newspapers.
To erupt the volcano, pour a portion of the activation solution into the can. When this is added to the baking soda, it will make flowing "lava". Let your party guests take turns adding a bit of solution to the can to cause further eruptions.
Activation Solution - 1 cup water, 3/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup dishwashing liquid, 10 drops of red food coloring and 10 drops of yellow food coloring.
Volcano Cake
Make a bundt cake and frost it in chocolate frosting. Decorate with palm trees and small plastic dinosaurs: Before serving, take a pint of chocolate ice cream and place over the hole in the center of the cake. Pour strawberry syrup over it for volcano lava. Serve and enjoy!
Variation: Frost the cake white and use vanilla ice cream for a different look.
Spinning Vortex
Take two empty 2-liter bottles and fill one about one third with water. Put the bottle openings together, with the empty bottle upside down on top of the full one. Place a 3/8 inch metal washer in the opening between the two bottles and duct tape them together carefully.
When you're ready to make a vortex, reverse the bottles so the full one is on top. Swirl the top bottle in a circular motion until a spinning vortex begins to form in the water. It will continue until all the water has funneled through the washer and into the bottom bottle. Just reverse the bottles to create another vortex.
Party Punch with Pizzazz
Mix up a batch of one of the following party punches:
Smoldering Swamp Water
Mix equal parts Ice Cool Arctic Green Apple flavor Kool-Aid with ginger ale, or try any green beverage such as 7-UP.
Bubbling Love Potion
Mix equal parts cherry Kool-Aid & ginger ale for a colorful and fizzy love potion drink.
Here's where the fun starts...
Place a piece of dry ice in a sealed plastic container. Punch or cut holes in the container lid. Before serving drop the container into the punch bowl for a very cool effect!
Important: Always use caution when handling dry ice! Use tongs or heavy gloves so it does not touch bare skin as burn will result. Do not put the dry ice directly in the punch; it should NOT be ingested.
Frozen Hand
Fill an unpowdered surgical glove with water. Add green food coloring for a creepier look. Securely twist tie the end and hang from a shelf in the freezer. Once frozen, cut off the glove and float hand in your punch bowl for a nice "touch"!
Slime
Take a cup of water and add to it 1 Tbs. of borax (available in the laundry section of the grocery store). Stir until completely dissolved. Take 1/4 cup of white glue and 1/4 cup of water and mix thoroughly. In a ziploc bag, add equal parts of the borax solution to equal parts of the glue solution. A half cup of each will make a cup of slime. Add a couple drops of green food coloring. Seal bag and knead the mixture.
Fake Blood
Karo brand corn syrup
Red and blue food coloring
Milk
Add some red food coloring to the corn syrup, then just a drop or two of blue to get a more realistic dark color. Milk will make the blood appear more opaque and more realistic.
Sabtu, 11 Maret 2017
Personal Protection Skills for Children?
I don't believe that ANY "physical" maneuvers or "techniques" are really worth teaching children. An EIGHT year old vs. a GROWN adult who is most likely a violent psychopath with a HISTORY of violent criminal behavior?
I can't see it.
Instead, emphasize the following:
1. RUNNING at the FIRST sign of trouble. IMMEDIATELY and in a "zig zag" pattern and using the environment as a "hedge".
2. SCREAMING as LOUDLY and HYSTERICALLY as possible.
3. Wriggle, twist, turn, jump......ANYTHING to make the potential victim HARD to hold and control...THEN 1 & 2!
4. RUN towards any source of HELP and SAFETY.
5. ONLY two potential "physical" maneuvers even worth considering - jabbing, clawing and scratching at the eyes with either one or both hands in a CONTINUOUS VIOLENT manner and BITING. ANYTHING carried: Knapsack, book bag, school books should be TOSSED at the LEGS! Anything to make the trip, maneuver to dodge, stumble ANYTHING that will SLOW him DOWN!
7. Carrying a HI decibel safety whistle(FOX is a good one) on a WRIST strap NOT around the neck AND a small hi powered LED light also on the wrist.
8. EMPHASIZE ESCAPE! If dragged to a vehicle(almost always the perp's MO) seize the KEYS(from the ignition) at the first opportunity and TOSS THEM, either out a window or into the back seat(the farthest, longest, hardest place for the perp to attempt to retrieve them).
9. If forced into a trunk, pull, yank, kick or BATTER out a tail light and shove anything through the hole that will ATTRACT someone's ATTENTION!
10. NEVER, EVER, EVER GO ANYWHERE WITH A STRANGER! Fight, scream, run ON THE SPOT! This goes for ANY abduction! NEVER GO WITH YOUR ABDUCTOR! NEVER!
11. Awareness. But DON'T use "scare" tactics with a kid.
12. TIME is of the ESSENCE! Increase the TIME that the perp is in PUBLIC VIEW and you'll go a LONG way in FORCING him to abandon the attack and FLEE. DRAW ATTENTION in ANY WAY possible to the scene IMMEDIATELY! NEVER give in a GO with an abductor. WHENEVER POSSIBLE MARK HIM! Try to remember EVERYTHING about the assailant, his vehicle, etc.
13. DO EVERYTHING to make oneself a HARD TARGET! Attackers what VICTIMS that are easily dominated, controlled and done so in as SHORT an amount of time as possible. MORE TIME. MORE EXPOSURE, MORE CHANCE OF GETTING CAUGHT!
14. Once again, DISTANCE as far and fast as possible is YOUR ALLY!
Hope this helps!
Copyright 2003 thetruthaboutselfdefense.com©
Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. He is continually improving himself through his studies. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. Below is a list of some of Carl's ranks and honors.
Shinan (Founder)Tekkenryu jujutsu
Ryokudan (6th degree)Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
Godan (5th degree)Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)
Sandan (3rd degree)Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada
Nidan (2nd degree)Judo under Masafumi Suzuki
Shodan (1st degree)Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree)Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree)Daitoryu Aikijujutsu
Instructors Certificate-Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson
I can't see it.
Instead, emphasize the following:
1. RUNNING at the FIRST sign of trouble. IMMEDIATELY and in a "zig zag" pattern and using the environment as a "hedge".
2. SCREAMING as LOUDLY and HYSTERICALLY as possible.
3. Wriggle, twist, turn, jump......ANYTHING to make the potential victim HARD to hold and control...THEN 1 & 2!
4. RUN towards any source of HELP and SAFETY.
5. ONLY two potential "physical" maneuvers even worth considering - jabbing, clawing and scratching at the eyes with either one or both hands in a CONTINUOUS VIOLENT manner and BITING. ANYTHING carried: Knapsack, book bag, school books should be TOSSED at the LEGS! Anything to make the trip, maneuver to dodge, stumble ANYTHING that will SLOW him DOWN!
7. Carrying a HI decibel safety whistle(FOX is a good one) on a WRIST strap NOT around the neck AND a small hi powered LED light also on the wrist.
8. EMPHASIZE ESCAPE! If dragged to a vehicle(almost always the perp's MO) seize the KEYS(from the ignition) at the first opportunity and TOSS THEM, either out a window or into the back seat(the farthest, longest, hardest place for the perp to attempt to retrieve them).
9. If forced into a trunk, pull, yank, kick or BATTER out a tail light and shove anything through the hole that will ATTRACT someone's ATTENTION!
10. NEVER, EVER, EVER GO ANYWHERE WITH A STRANGER! Fight, scream, run ON THE SPOT! This goes for ANY abduction! NEVER GO WITH YOUR ABDUCTOR! NEVER!
11. Awareness. But DON'T use "scare" tactics with a kid.
12. TIME is of the ESSENCE! Increase the TIME that the perp is in PUBLIC VIEW and you'll go a LONG way in FORCING him to abandon the attack and FLEE. DRAW ATTENTION in ANY WAY possible to the scene IMMEDIATELY! NEVER give in a GO with an abductor. WHENEVER POSSIBLE MARK HIM! Try to remember EVERYTHING about the assailant, his vehicle, etc.
13. DO EVERYTHING to make oneself a HARD TARGET! Attackers what VICTIMS that are easily dominated, controlled and done so in as SHORT an amount of time as possible. MORE TIME. MORE EXPOSURE, MORE CHANCE OF GETTING CAUGHT!
14. Once again, DISTANCE as far and fast as possible is YOUR ALLY!
Hope this helps!
Copyright 2003 thetruthaboutselfdefense.com©
Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. He is continually improving himself through his studies. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. Below is a list of some of Carl's ranks and honors.
Shinan (Founder)Tekkenryu jujutsu
Ryokudan (6th degree)Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
Godan (5th degree)Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)
Sandan (3rd degree)Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada
Nidan (2nd degree)Judo under Masafumi Suzuki
Shodan (1st degree)Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree)Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree)Daitoryu Aikijujutsu
Instructors Certificate-Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson
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