tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10611693775879828192024-03-05T16:01:59.070-05:00chicken babiesactivities, crafts, recipes, ideas, homeschooling, and other random stuff you might enjoyErinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.comBlogger257125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-36142250406645795782018-06-21T19:24:00.002-04:002018-06-21T19:46:20.838-04:00Summer Reading 5-in-a-Row GameEvery summer we try to encourage the kids to read with something fun. We've done <a href="https://www.chickenbabies.com/2010/05/summer-reading-charts.html" target="_blank">game boards</a>, a <a href="https://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/06/summer-reading-charts-2011.html" target="_blank">beach scene</a>, <a href="https://www.chickenbabies.com/2013/05/summer-reading-charts-2013.html" target="_blank">caterpillars</a>, <a href="https://www.chickenbabies.com/2015/06/summer-reading-scratch-off-boards.html" target="_blank">scratch-off boards</a>, <a href="https://www.chickenbabies.com/2012/06/summer-reading-chart-2012.html" target="_blank">balloon pop</a>, and a plinko board. This year we are playing a 5-in-a-row game.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpQCSFY0hJjxLNNb_0MsJdEULmebcVJonKsRCVA5xkLNsA2GuS8ETHnB6UtUZw8gHnfGm67Mq7-NcwF2Z4lYWk4tb03KU45g1m2vS0Dwul0tEeC_UxxNlFGVZPZjqF4yeVOOx3KN_JVc/s1600/IMG_2353+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpQCSFY0hJjxLNNb_0MsJdEULmebcVJonKsRCVA5xkLNsA2GuS8ETHnB6UtUZw8gHnfGm67Mq7-NcwF2Z4lYWk4tb03KU45g1m2vS0Dwul0tEeC_UxxNlFGVZPZjqF4yeVOOx3KN_JVc/s320/IMG_2353+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made a large grid. I assigned the kids each a color and cut out circles with my silhouette machine. On the back of each circle I attached a coupon and put the circles in an envelope for each child. I made a list of ways the kids could earn circles and filled in the grid with the corresponding words. My kids are big readers, so I chose the following:<br />
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Book<br />
church magazine<br />
Personal Progress/Faith in God/Duty to God<br />
Journal (5 pages, 2 for younger kids)<br />
Typing (2 hours)<br />
School Book<br />
Scriptures (2 hours)<br />
Khan Academy (2 hours)<br />
Non-Fiction<br />
Classic<br />
Writing/Art (2 hours)<br />
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You choose what you want to encourage your kids to do. My sister chose for each of her squares to be earned after 1 hour, and chose some different genres to put on the grid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLUCjol5t-qfqbg7POXJwKd5mU_zu_ojVjOsB2fFK_0HbtyNL8MgddSU2k3vTia5T5aLcj6RTlVc-OfQDmmzYYVs4FKq7h1XV4JDy3YDvSUD9jk9rPTqYLfF8cZnllqGZ26fnZt6Os2o/s1600/IMG_5003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLUCjol5t-qfqbg7POXJwKd5mU_zu_ojVjOsB2fFK_0HbtyNL8MgddSU2k3vTia5T5aLcj6RTlVc-OfQDmmzYYVs4FKq7h1XV4JDy3YDvSUD9jk9rPTqYLfF8cZnllqGZ26fnZt6Os2o/s400/IMG_5003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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After earning a circle, they pick it out of their envelope and take off the coupon. You can find my coupons here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/19Nl-WkvaejU33hRt2_F6IAFtd6x60kLS/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">summer reading coupons</a>. They then choose where to put the circle on the grid. When they get 5 circles in a row they get to choose a prize from the prize basket. Some of the coupons include a free circle and taking off a circle, so if someone is blocking you there is a way to remove it. However, if a circle does get removed I tell them they just put it back on a different square of the same type so that the other child doesn't lose that circle. I also say they must have a circle to put on that space if they are removing one - they can't just remove one to make their sibling upset.<br />
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I've told the kids that they can only reuse 1 circle in their row of 5 - so that to earn a prize they at least need to have 4 new circles, but that may change depending on how quickly they fill up the board and run out of room. I put a mark on their circles once they've been used in a row of 5 so I don't get confused which ones are new. I also write on what they did to get the circle so the kids don't have to look underneath to see what it was if they're looking to remove a circle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJtS3DygK3Ez3YTS2_c_lTzlr6Jp3Ps2Je8RnaWdD6NDp4BL_htG-xmZvHuTEQK41ywHkHESlHVd3wbE14HLk0_m3VZEkZWPp6y97db0KuJd3FuI9jDJRn5bFNi5RiM24rG4rqufNwe4/s1600/IMG_2354+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJtS3DygK3Ez3YTS2_c_lTzlr6Jp3Ps2Je8RnaWdD6NDp4BL_htG-xmZvHuTEQK41ywHkHESlHVd3wbE14HLk0_m3VZEkZWPp6y97db0KuJd3FuI9jDJRn5bFNi5RiM24rG4rqufNwe4/s400/IMG_2354+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since this is the first summer we've done something like this I have no idea how well it will work. So far the kids are loving it and reading lots. I guess we'll see if I need a new board half way through the summer!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-79370334921474930332016-04-29T10:35:00.001-04:002018-05-26T10:22:46.771-04:00Mother's Day Coupon BooksCoupon books are an easy present for kids to make and give their mothers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaEWbyoMzHH-4QeK_YRELGHKAaLprXaoyG31jOQPi6yZZq5LS8iM0Wqlmc3g4Bm4R4ApNGTM2si31q7QzPwh4YIPpXOgVWK63oBKsYjg2JVqatedWEdZvhrzm8N_UM1buffstiRwKvK8/s1600/mother%2527s+day+coupons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cute coupon books for Mother's day and great coupon ideas!" border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaEWbyoMzHH-4QeK_YRELGHKAaLprXaoyG31jOQPi6yZZq5LS8iM0Wqlmc3g4Bm4R4ApNGTM2si31q7QzPwh4YIPpXOgVWK63oBKsYjg2JVqatedWEdZvhrzm8N_UM1buffstiRwKvK8/s640/mother%2527s+day+coupons.jpg" title="cute coupon books for Mother's day and great coupon ideas!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*this post may contain affiliate links</span></i></div>
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I work with the girls at our church, and with mother's day coming up, I wanted to make a small gift with their girls that their moms would enjoy. We made these small coupon books and they were a hit!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aczq3_UE29I13JPZAZ5StcHR0t26CdWm6l6aINpKv9l9hSelwHh5cP53H3Pu8n_pHwIpB0DR7sy9sClyHF54v8mqyZWzbKjMh8k9OW0LKGjRqzF8gX88XkgC3Z41HhT68pABYNyjuoE/s1600/mother%2527s+day+coupons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cute coupon books for Mother's day and great coupon ideas!" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aczq3_UE29I13JPZAZ5StcHR0t26CdWm6l6aINpKv9l9hSelwHh5cP53H3Pu8n_pHwIpB0DR7sy9sClyHF54v8mqyZWzbKjMh8k9OW0LKGjRqzF8gX88XkgC3Z41HhT68pABYNyjuoE/s320/mother%2527s+day+coupons.jpg" title="cute coupon books for Mother's day and great coupon ideas!" width="247" /></a></div>
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To make your own, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjMHFDbUpnd0QtWHc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">print out the coupons</a> (or make your own) and cut apart the coupons along the lines. If you want to attach the coupon books with brads or ribbon, you can print on card stock. If you want to sew your books together, just use a nicer paper; not as thin as regular printer paper, and not as thick as card stock. I found some old nice resume paper that we've had for 15 years and never used. </div>
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Now take the thread off your sewing machine and run your coupons through on a setting that puts the stitches close together. Do it about 3/4 inch in from the side. This will create the perforation so the coupons can easily be pulled from the books. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6sS3SDDwEZqrhAt8R97IXl0jbCLtqc1EpjJsBf1XWng3i-4Wqjae1WZv5laOuZEE5TjrJWAwCVxnHtsDMx3xoxUqlK8JMSTXRgmbDrBOyBWXySZKXp_-9bPXi6-xBlcZmcLJGmtQgk8/s1600/sewing+coupons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="cute coupon books for Mother's day and great coupon ideas!" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6sS3SDDwEZqrhAt8R97IXl0jbCLtqc1EpjJsBf1XWng3i-4Wqjae1WZv5laOuZEE5TjrJWAwCVxnHtsDMx3xoxUqlK8JMSTXRgmbDrBOyBWXySZKXp_-9bPXi6-xBlcZmcLJGmtQgk8/s400/sewing+coupons.jpg" title="cute coupon books for Mother's day and great coupon ideas!" width="400" /></a></div>
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I put 8 coupons together for my books. I cut a piece of card stock that was 2 inches by 12 inches, folded it in half, and stuck the coupons inside. With the nicer thin paper, I was able to sew along the edge to make the book. With card stock, punch holes and string through ribbon or brads to make the books. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1TdCoO-MO_s24vqQk4qXW3s-2jla4lljRqxdmVx_k02BSFAxDV9ARLsB2Md1LFlSZupfn36FSIhkS2e9FUAWFbCWqq2kOms9oKLBx9b0galC_Z-gwTG_azDCoijUGRnDshugUultry4/s1600/coupon+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="cute coupon books for Mother's day and great coupon ideas!" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1TdCoO-MO_s24vqQk4qXW3s-2jla4lljRqxdmVx_k02BSFAxDV9ARLsB2Md1LFlSZupfn36FSIhkS2e9FUAWFbCWqq2kOms9oKLBx9b0galC_Z-gwTG_azDCoijUGRnDshugUultry4/s400/coupon+books.jpg" title="cute coupon books for Mother's day and great coupon ideas!" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now I've gotten coupons from my kids before, and sometimes they've been pretty lame, like "I'll do the dishes for you!" or "I'll make my bed!" And I'm thinking, "Wait a minute. I'm the mom. And if I ask you to do those things then you'll do them whether or not I have a coupon." So I asked some moms I know and came up with a list of coupon ideas that are not chores or expected responsibilities and might be things mom's would actually have fun using. Here is the list:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisADe1l6Bx6Iyh2jg22Nk7eEdgM1WF10qoxvHDOsJdW_PgetCCFmWhkXVDPr4AiPsyRsrW5utMc6XHUBHrTl4ZAs-UYpxAh06ZmOuSNhVIlgtwvNMqsTJLvBr8vo0tfuklCf3s1fQznak/s1600/coupoon+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="cute coupon books for Mother's day and great coupon ideas!" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisADe1l6Bx6Iyh2jg22Nk7eEdgM1WF10qoxvHDOsJdW_PgetCCFmWhkXVDPr4AiPsyRsrW5utMc6XHUBHrTl4ZAs-UYpxAh06ZmOuSNhVIlgtwvNMqsTJLvBr8vo0tfuklCf3s1fQznak/s400/coupoon+ideas.jpg" title="cute coupon books for Mother's day and great coupon ideas!" width="300" /></a></div>
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- breakfast in bed</div>
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- clean out the car</div>
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- make mom's bed for a week</div>
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- backrub or foot massage</div>
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- play with/brush mom's hair</div>
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- be in charge of meals and dishes for a day</div>
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- speak in a british accent for an hour </div>
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- babysit siblings</div>
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- day with no complaining/whining</div>
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- day of doing things before being asked</div>
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- an hour when the child sings everything instead of talking</div>
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- a day when the mom is always referred to as "your majesty"</div>
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- perform a song for your mom</div>
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- find the good in every situation all day long</div>
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- play games or read books with a sibling for 30 minutes</div>
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- tell mom a story you make up with her as the star</div>
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- make mom her favorite treat or meal</div>
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- for a whole day, all questions/problems/arguments go to dad first!</div>
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I told my daughter I wanted her to give me the british accent or singing one, and she said she wouldn't because I would probably try to redeem it when she was out with her friends. She knows me too well. </div>
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What coupon ideas would you add to the list?</div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-46364711929408360242016-04-11T15:53:00.001-04:002018-05-26T10:27:35.508-04:00Jungle Adventure Birthday PartyThis jungle adventure birthday party theme works for boys and girls, requires little money but lots of imagination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKAKu9eBgxTSiWGR4LMbEGdvfBhqp1LQG-3fDhhTWde3-lrJgTmhmiMLf6fvhAz_v3PYymtMDhgA3ftH8WSI5r3NprEgRnhH6NYrEeEM93RZBf0RVSSBKWZYxgCbLulCUMmsQ7lu8IBA/s1600/jungle+adventure+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKAKu9eBgxTSiWGR4LMbEGdvfBhqp1LQG-3fDhhTWde3-lrJgTmhmiMLf6fvhAz_v3PYymtMDhgA3ftH8WSI5r3NprEgRnhH6NYrEeEM93RZBf0RVSSBKWZYxgCbLulCUMmsQ7lu8IBA/s640/jungle+adventure+party.jpg" title="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*this post may contain affiliate links</span></i></div>
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When Christopher turned 8 years old, we threw him a jungle birthday party. He was very involved in choosing the theme and the games he wanted to play with his friends. The party took about an hour and a half including time for presents and cake. </div>
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I like to have an open-ended art activity going for the guests when they arrive that they can work on while we wait for everyone to get there. For this party I had the kids decorate their paper-plate jungle hats. I bought oval paper plates (they were Chinet platters) and paper bowls. I cut a hole in the platter (just so it would fit on the kids' heads better) and glued a bowl upside down on top. The kids colored with crayons and we used string to tie them on to the kids. You can also have the kids make fun jungle binoculars with cardboard tubes if you happen to have enough saved up. I didn't. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1whnCllInXJ-7KUY5i9LpLdzqg332Tf8k32ZrM5gDurLBeFs9UBC0tEcBJlXg0N3HqMqcJpR-6onhWGtYlPiCDxIsSoenDXDmAVvA1ki1wrse_KLH1AtiTsYyjB_3DdTqXlQaiCcMqM/s1600/jungle+hats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1whnCllInXJ-7KUY5i9LpLdzqg332Tf8k32ZrM5gDurLBeFs9UBC0tEcBJlXg0N3HqMqcJpR-6onhWGtYlPiCDxIsSoenDXDmAVvA1ki1wrse_KLH1AtiTsYyjB_3DdTqXlQaiCcMqM/s400/jungle+hats.jpg" title="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " width="400" /></a></div>
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Once everyone had arrived I handed out their jungle bags which they would use to collect items they found along their adventure. These were super easy to make and involved no sewing. I bought brown felt and some cording. First cut the brown felt into a rectangle about 8 inches wide and 21 inches long. Cut a piece of cording about 34 inches long. Fold the brown felt about 7 inches up to make a pouch (the top part will hang over the pouch) and hot glue the sides together. While the glue is still hot, stick the cording in between the felt folds so it is attached with the glue. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh362kU9hJRoSlxdTA6YbS_uS1ewGypO-TsATp6ZfIWFMNVbWteccMaCeChqiI2V5w-vhU7_QIGWDGXJq4-utb5SrvG8ik4500u1GOdQkh9QZIGQK4jx_ceRg2sGjM0L7HAVpMwbgN3M9w/s1600/jungle+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh362kU9hJRoSlxdTA6YbS_uS1ewGypO-TsATp6ZfIWFMNVbWteccMaCeChqiI2V5w-vhU7_QIGWDGXJq4-utb5SrvG8ik4500u1GOdQkh9QZIGQK4jx_ceRg2sGjM0L7HAVpMwbgN3M9w/s400/jungle+bag.jpg" title="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " width="300" /></a></div>
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When Christopher got his bag, he happened to find a treasure map in his!! (I had told him it was in there and he was supposed to pretend to be surprised when he found it). Everyone decided we should follow it to see what we would find. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa5ZxTtBALqJP2zXgWzVj6c-Z8XnsIVtnS0_UxtAB-Goc3qrT7QLhZNuX7E89BU2ScvlObYgMphOHpDatw1CJKeGGUhfZnPxHUgejsZPtRy-01CqmVVooIPjEyMH__tfvt05VwO3SrNQ/s1600/jungle+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa5ZxTtBALqJP2zXgWzVj6c-Z8XnsIVtnS0_UxtAB-Goc3qrT7QLhZNuX7E89BU2ScvlObYgMphOHpDatw1CJKeGGUhfZnPxHUgejsZPtRy-01CqmVVooIPjEyMH__tfvt05VwO3SrNQ/s400/jungle+map.jpg" title="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " width="400" /></a></div>
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The first picture on the map showed us traveling through jungle vines. The kids took turns going through the vines and avoiding the balloon snakes my daughter had made (which you can't really see in the pictures). After successfully traversing the vines they received a bag of red vines to put in their brown felt jungle bags. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpulzrGSjq6FMxIIPtxT00DHbN8avi6I4-lXMFA7nsQtSuIKRkJvkfQUIDW3QoPTHQRQh7iqVdUEfeWM9v8EO5n97ipQsGbkYLhUG_GBw6xaT_Ufg2jpgInNHyaWGZIUa42Mf8PkQDqN8/s1600/jungle+vines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpulzrGSjq6FMxIIPtxT00DHbN8avi6I4-lXMFA7nsQtSuIKRkJvkfQUIDW3QoPTHQRQh7iqVdUEfeWM9v8EO5n97ipQsGbkYLhUG_GBw6xaT_Ufg2jpgInNHyaWGZIUa42Mf8PkQDqN8/s400/jungle+vines.jpg" title="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " width="400" /></a></div>
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Next, the kids had to conquer some wild beasts. Christopher had colored some animal faces on paper plates. We strung them up with yarn across our family room. We armed each child with a pvc pipe dart gun and gave them a bag of marshmallows for ammunition (we let the marshmallows sit out for several hours to harden up a bit to make them easier to shoot and less squishy if they got stepped on). They lined up and shot at the targets. There was lots of cheering when they managed to hit a paper plate! Then the grandpas decided they should be wild animals and turned into moving targets. The kids loved that! After they defeated the wild animals, they got a bag of circus animal cookies to put in their jungle bags. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOz43L-ELebAkK0qG_bgMz9W9Tt8DIlXTcwO-pQoGc_FsI8aCD8qy6iuDcj4ImFtSUQ3Jkvr0-fOrTrhl4u3iqC8bVdEt_vqUbamenvDyE_CMWFm2axsGMDmdARt8C71mPYNshCBQeqdw/s1600/wild+animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOz43L-ELebAkK0qG_bgMz9W9Tt8DIlXTcwO-pQoGc_FsI8aCD8qy6iuDcj4ImFtSUQ3Jkvr0-fOrTrhl4u3iqC8bVdEt_vqUbamenvDyE_CMWFm2axsGMDmdARt8C71mPYNshCBQeqdw/s400/wild+animals.jpg" title="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " width="400" /></a></div>
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The next item on the map showed the kids crossing piranha river. Unfortunately for the kids the river was flooding! I took a blue bed sheet and folded it over a couple of times. My daughter made some balloon fish to stick in the "water". The kids lined up and all took a turn jumping across. After everyone jumped at the current width we made the river grow wider by unfolding the sheet. If a child touched the water, they were eliminated and sat down. Each time the water grew a bit more. The game was to see who could jump over it when it was really wide, but you could also play without eliminating the kids when they touched the sheet. After this game they got a bag of Swedish fish for their jungle bags. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPYDnv1SPZl_SMKIm7GlUNgfvWbvyVzAA27g_FSCF2Aqbik9WwyjeTulQK4h6ch_6biV8ySBPNgQMW0znYHSRkqtEaxZFHMGiS5eEUIm-JAT33cM9UsMI-Oz9RePYmrLW4q7qMHnjgvQ/s1600/flooded+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPYDnv1SPZl_SMKIm7GlUNgfvWbvyVzAA27g_FSCF2Aqbik9WwyjeTulQK4h6ch_6biV8ySBPNgQMW0znYHSRkqtEaxZFHMGiS5eEUIm-JAT33cM9UsMI-Oz9RePYmrLW4q7qMHnjgvQ/s400/flooded+river.jpg" title="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " width="400" /></a></div>
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On the map next was a bunch of Lego bricks. Strange, huh? But as I said, Christopher was heavily involved in planning and really wanted to build with his friends. So, we decided that the kids would come up with their own creations to help them get through the locked door that was blocking our way to the treasure. We got out a bucket of Lego bricks and the kids got to work. We gave them about 10 minutes and then they each got to get up and show people their creation and tell them what it did and how it would help us get to the treasure. The kids were very enthusiastic about this activity and loved showing off their inventions. They received a bag of candy bricks to add to their collection of things found in the jungle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAow2F1yyi6SHzu_-qE54wVpvLKJh15_5UQjofT0kcBbkxVHErGgwAkR-8tMzNAOjHcreTFahOTpmQwBuanRKVp5EMwtF1205t7vmGzP1jhCAIb9YfEGhtsu-COe9BaaCutOulQTAyGE/s1600/lego+creations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAow2F1yyi6SHzu_-qE54wVpvLKJh15_5UQjofT0kcBbkxVHErGgwAkR-8tMzNAOjHcreTFahOTpmQwBuanRKVp5EMwtF1205t7vmGzP1jhCAIb9YfEGhtsu-COe9BaaCutOulQTAyGE/s400/lego+creations.jpg" title="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " width="400" /></a></div>
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Lastly, we took our inventions to get into the treasure room. This last game was chosen by Christopher because he thought it was so fun when we did it at Joshua's <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2014/03/minecraft-party-for-my-9-year-old.html" target="_blank">Minecraft party</a> the year before. We stacked up foam blocks. Some of the blocks had a little picture of gold taped to it. The kids took turns picking off blocks until they found one with the gold picture. Then they got their bag of chocolate gold coins to put in their jungle bags. </div>
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The kids got more candy than I usually give out at parties, but I'm sure you could also come up with some non-candy things to represent each adventure if you'd rather not give out so many treats. I tried to make the treat bags small anyway. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfuN4UFjIntPjuFnX_mQd2z1MguS2OufPEasyb-Aadk3fGqaiyp0WH-UNoJtfk3Xzijj_EYYux0LS8bCw4yAbvaXKWjURReiH-GtF5J-WD4t6KwH3Q-QQtesDb0MDjrjVv2NjHLRaH38/s1600/jungle+goody+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfuN4UFjIntPjuFnX_mQd2z1MguS2OufPEasyb-Aadk3fGqaiyp0WH-UNoJtfk3Xzijj_EYYux0LS8bCw4yAbvaXKWjURReiH-GtF5J-WD4t6KwH3Q-QQtesDb0MDjrjVv2NjHLRaH38/s400/jungle+goody+bags.jpg" title="Great games for a jungle themed birthday party! Games are easy, cheap, and totally doable! perfect! great for boys and girls too. " width="400" /></a></div>
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We then went into the kitchen for cake and ice cream and presents. I made Christopher's cake 4 layers tall so I could make jungle trees on the side. The trees are made with Rolos for the trunks (glued together with frosting) I also used green Sixlets to help decorate. </div>
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The kids all went home with their jungle hats, pvc pipe dart guns, jungle bags filled with treats, and a balloon snake from the vine game. It was a fun party!</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1061169377587982819%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dOz2H41sVPo%2FVwv2TC-QlbI%2FAAAAAAAAEEk%2F8MBH89UEMsMwjWKhjd00XDrncghjh2SbQ%2Fs640%2Fjungle%252Bbirthday%252Bcollage.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=oKZhJLaR_8aE&description=Great%20games%20for%20a%20jungle%20themed%20birthday%20party!%20Games%20are%20easy%2C%20cheap%2C%20and%20totally%20doable!%20perfect!%20great%20for%20boys%20and%20girls%20too.%20" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 145px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5642px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1061169377587982819%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dOz2H41sVPo%2FVwv2TC-QlbI%2FAAAAAAAAEEk%2F8MBH89UEMsMwjWKhjd00XDrncghjh2SbQ%2Fs640%2Fjungle%252Bbirthday%252Bcollage.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=oKZhJLaR_8aE&description=Great%20games%20for%20a%20jungle%20themed%20birthday%20party!%20Games%20are%20easy%2C%20cheap%2C%20and%20totally%20doable!%20perfect!%20great%20for%20boys%20and%20girls%20too.%20" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 145px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5642px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1061169377587982819%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dOz2H41sVPo%2FVwv2TC-QlbI%2FAAAAAAAAEEk%2F8MBH89UEMsMwjWKhjd00XDrncghjh2SbQ%2Fs640%2Fjungle%252Bbirthday%252Bcollage.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=oKZhJLaR_8aE&description=Great%20games%20for%20a%20jungle%20themed%20birthday%20party!%20Games%20are%20easy%2C%20cheap%2C%20and%20totally%20doable!%20perfect!%20great%20for%20boys%20and%20girls%20too.%20" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 145px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5642px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1061169377587982819%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dOz2H41sVPo%2FVwv2TC-QlbI%2FAAAAAAAAEEk%2F8MBH89UEMsMwjWKhjd00XDrncghjh2SbQ%2Fs640%2Fjungle%252Bbirthday%252Bcollage.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=oKZhJLaR_8aE&description=Great%20games%20for%20a%20jungle%20themed%20birthday%20party!%20Games%20are%20easy%2C%20cheap%2C%20and%20totally%20doable!%20perfect!%20great%20for%20boys%20and%20girls%20too.%20" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 145px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5642px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-63905036958353270272016-03-20T13:47:00.004-04:002018-05-26T10:28:05.810-04:00Why Unfair is OkayIt's the time of year when parents try to think of creative ways to make sure each child gets the same number of easter eggs, but I'm going to tell you the benefits of letting things be unfair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWkh4_9qrczInaxse5zw8qUT3jk7WhJz_JCESXNXr-ue3SJgEYeas8cFevAo8HWmUYcr_-4r51EW72IFuzi33TgnIKJ-szl3gf8V1gaADubOKPFUjyhldHkDFIiuA1M-mlvqfCYLOKjk/s1600/unfair+okay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interesting thoughts about why it's okay to let things be unfair! Give kids practice thinking of others" border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWkh4_9qrczInaxse5zw8qUT3jk7WhJz_JCESXNXr-ue3SJgEYeas8cFevAo8HWmUYcr_-4r51EW72IFuzi33TgnIKJ-szl3gf8V1gaADubOKPFUjyhldHkDFIiuA1M-mlvqfCYLOKjk/s640/unfair+okay.jpg" title="Interesting thoughts about why it's okay to let things be unfair! Give kids practice thinking of others" width="640" /></a></div>
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I first experienced a public Easter Egg hunt when my three kids were 5, 3, and 1. My husband was working but I thought I could handle it on my own. The hunt started at 10am at our local YMCA. I signed us up and packed the kids in the car. Little did I know (this being my first community easter egg hunt) that when they said the hunt was at 10 they did not mean everyone arrive at 10. They meant the whistle would be blown at 10! (Newbie mistake) Right as we pulled into the parking lot we heard the whistle blow and saw the kids scatter everywhere. My 5 year old daughter started freaking out and I thought "oh no, this is going to be a disaster!" as I imagined the fits I would endure the rest of the day since she missed the hunt. We hurried out of the car (as much as you can when you have 3 kids to get out of car seats) and ran over but with the 3 year old holding my hand and the 1 year old on my hip, I couldn't do much to run around and help her find any missed eggs. I turned to her to apologize and just then a little angel of a girl came up to Maren and handed her a couple of her Easter Eggs. Maren turned to me with her face beaming and said "mom! she shared with me!" My daughter didn't complain that she only got two eggs, or that we missed the hunt. She beamed the whole way home because a stranger saw that she didn't get any eggs and shared with her.<br />
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This experience changed how I feel about always making things fair for our kids. Our kids need the opportunity to see another's need and share. And it will make them happier.<br />
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Now when we go to Easter egg hunts, I always remind my kids to look for someone who has fewer than they have. I don't make them share, but we talk about how they feel when someone shares with them, and how we feel when we share. They agree that they feel happy when this happens, but it's so hard to give away what you think is yours! If we start this when they are young, giving will become a habit. There's always the opportunity that someone will be selfish and greedy when you do egg hunts this way, but that's a trade off I'm okay with. These kids need to practice noticing others and their needs. And when they are looking out for people with less than them, they tend to be less jealous of those who have more.<br />
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Today we had another neighborhood hunt. My older two children are now too old to participate, but the 9 year old and I went (the 6 year old was off with grandparents). I was so proud of Christopher as I watched him recognize a boy who joined the hunt late (his parents must have made the same mistake I did that first time!) and saw him give the boy 3 of his eggs. And when he ended up winning 2 stuffed animals, I proudly watched him find a little girl who was sad and give her one of them. There were definitely kids today who had more eggs than Christopher collected, but he didn't focus on that. He came over to me with a huge dimpled smile and proudly told me how he had shared his eggs. That to me is definitely worth things being "unfair"!<br />
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What are your thoughts? Do you agree? How do you teach your kids to look out for others in need? I'd love to hear from you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqaWguNsxJG_4KDlGoqQ3x6InexxXT4ewu12qi0Ng5AxJMB3aMoGft3vybTpuNHDHNftzMWv1RDWgkX7Tn7vdqSOOynZxlcwkpkAhKg4PN97-Hqio_pgejpHFV8ae_EAoTfJSDvWPbnY/s1600/unfair+is+okay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Interesting thoughts about why it's okay to let things be unfair! Give kids practice thinking of others" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqaWguNsxJG_4KDlGoqQ3x6InexxXT4ewu12qi0Ng5AxJMB3aMoGft3vybTpuNHDHNftzMWv1RDWgkX7Tn7vdqSOOynZxlcwkpkAhKg4PN97-Hqio_pgejpHFV8ae_EAoTfJSDvWPbnY/s640/unfair+is+okay.jpg" title="Interesting thoughts about why it's okay to let things be unfair! Give kids practice thinking of others" width="392" /></a></div>
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-41101940392730935062015-11-30T08:07:00.002-05:002018-05-26T10:28:25.845-04:00Creative Christmas Cards - QuizEvery year we like to send out a letter with our christmas picture letting our friends and family know how life is going for us. And every year we try to come up with a creative way to do so.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaK3bQy0FlAApO58bQanAXKpO47dNZ4PVEcgRfe3U0VXFZgVTk6uJnZ6F7Ogr0T_Y_i1tJBki-8an-VRUb0JM29wjU3Ugd4NDPStX45vKSsQhBtPmw7YdGDGCOMZJLD1dBgyLFKeoIYs/s1600/creative+christmas+letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great ideas for creative and unique christmas cards! " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaK3bQy0FlAApO58bQanAXKpO47dNZ4PVEcgRfe3U0VXFZgVTk6uJnZ6F7Ogr0T_Y_i1tJBki-8an-VRUb0JM29wjU3Ugd4NDPStX45vKSsQhBtPmw7YdGDGCOMZJLD1dBgyLFKeoIYs/s320/creative+christmas+letters.jpg" title="Great ideas for creative and unique christmas cards! " width="320" /></a></div>
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So you know how there are all those quizzes running around the internet, such as "which Disney princess are you?" etc . . . We decided to do one for our family. It went something like this:<br />
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Which (enter last name) Family Member are you? Take the quiz to find out!<br />
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What would you do on a snow day?<br />
a) what's a snow day?<br />
b) sleep in<br />
c) organize your brothers into a performing group<br />
d) play the lead role in "Harry Potter- the opera"<br />
e) bundle up and go sledding<br />
f) dress up as a chicken<br />
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During lunchtime you are most likely to be:<br />
a) what's lunchtime?<br />
b) eating food off your children's plates<br />
c) trying to navigate the politics of the middle school lunchroom<br />
d) sitting with the 5th grade girls<br />
e) walking around and eating with your mouth open<br />
f) dressed as a ninja<br />
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What do you like to do during your free time?<br />
a) what's free time?<br />
b) blog, read, and pretend the house is already clean<br />
c) read and play on your iPod<br />
d) build things<br />
e) play games you invented in the basement<br />
f) pretend to be a power ranger<br />
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You laugh hardest when:<br />
a) people ask what you like to do in your free time<br />
b) your kids say funny things like "what's for dinner?"<br />
c) your mother dances in public<br />
d) your unsuspecting brothers fall for your evil plans<br />
e) you tell your own punny jokes<br />
f) people "pass gas"<br />
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We had about 8 questions on the front, and then on the back we told them who they were most like. It read something like this:<br />
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If you answered mostly "C":<br />
Congratulations! You are Maren - "the leader". You jut turned 12 years old and entered 6th grade. You have a strong desire to do what is right and act above your years. Some may call you bossy, while others would say you have emerging leadership skills. You are an excellent musician, excelling in your violin playing. You are also a very creative writer. Your room is always a mess but you are too busy with schoolwork and reading to clean it up.<br />
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If you answered mostly "F":<br />
Congratulations! You are Nathan - "The Hilarious". You turned 5 in September and started preschool in the fall. You love dressing up and create your own imaginative costumes. Everything you hold magically becomes a sword. You love drumming and pretending to play the electric guitar. You are incredibly cute but since you growl at people who tell you so (which is also kind of cute) they just call you "fierce". You make your family laugh a lot.<br />
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After all the explanations, we ended with:<br />
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No matter which one of us you are most like, all of us love all of you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<br />
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It was a good card.<br />
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Be sure to read our other <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2014/11/creative-christmas-letters.html" target="_blank"><span id="goog_522060479"></span>Creative Christmas Card ideas.<span id="goog_522060480"></span></a><br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, you can follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chicken.babies.blog/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/chickenbabies/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/erin_bylund" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://instagram.com/chickenbabies/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.<br />
<br />
You may also enjoy our other Christmas posts and gift lists:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2015/11/creative-stocking-stuffers-for-kids.html" target="_blank">Unique Christmas Stocking stuffers</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2014/11/best-toys-for-creative-education.html" target="_blank">Creative Toys for Creative Kids</a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-25062992361369563952015-11-23T10:39:00.000-05:002018-05-26T10:31:22.968-04:00Favorite Christmas Picture Books Some people like to wrap up Christmas books and let their kids open one each night to read together. I tried this once, and decided it was a terrible idea. Some books need reading more than once, and what if your favorite Christmas book sits in the pile unopened until Christmas Eve and you only get to read it aloud once during the Christmas season? Not going to work for this family. We lasted five days and then opened the rest and just read and read and read. Reading aloud Christmas books is one of my favorite holiday activities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisalZ2Yj_GRa77hgz_V1107JL6CP4PFspv2PjMMQnKZjV6qix0iVBpHqYLczjjm7ERq2QcWS_THanPCr-tD-Yw5Hgfyf-ENoOcWuff2FwpgQQCwvTusUXMaJzKC7k0uYttOs7Dy0SCqss/s1600/favorite+christmas+picture+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great list of books to read aloud with kids during the holiday season to help your family get in the Christmas spirit!" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisalZ2Yj_GRa77hgz_V1107JL6CP4PFspv2PjMMQnKZjV6qix0iVBpHqYLczjjm7ERq2QcWS_THanPCr-tD-Yw5Hgfyf-ENoOcWuff2FwpgQQCwvTusUXMaJzKC7k0uYttOs7Dy0SCqss/s1600/favorite+christmas+picture+books.jpg" title="Great list of books to read aloud with kids during the holiday season to help your family get in the Christmas spirit!" /></a></div>
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We have amassed quite the collection in the 13 years since I've had children. Here is a list of some of our favorites, both secular and religious. Unfortunately, Christmas books don't always stay in print, so as I went to recommend some of my favorites I found that you can now only buy them used! So some of our favorites are not on this list. I tried to only include ones that are still in print.<br />
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The Stable Where Jesus Was Born<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689853505" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"><br />
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Here Comes Santa Cat<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0803741006" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Mortimer's Christmas Manger<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416950494" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Olive, the Other Reindeer<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0811818071" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=150180605X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Who is Coming to Our House?<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399234101" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Animals Christmas Carol </div>
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The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0763678228" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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B Is for Bethlehem: A Christmas Alphabet<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0824956745" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Great Joy <img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0763649961" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas! <img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0394800796" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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The Nutcracker<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0060743867" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"><br />
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The Gift of the Magi<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0763635308" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Llama Llama Holiday Drama<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0670011614" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Merry Christmas, Stinky Face<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0439635764" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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How to Catch Santa<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553498398" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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The Jolly Christmas Postman<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316127159" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Snowmen at Christmas<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0803729952" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0385327218" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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The Little Drummer Boy<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140567437" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"><br />
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Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=053130051X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Polar Express 30th anniversary edition<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0544580141" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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Auntie Claus<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0544538722" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"></div>
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And I know at this time of year, people like to put together lists of holiday activities for advent calendar fun with the kids. This year I've decided to simplify:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-N9ZcQYsJCUecnTT3fDX8fPU3izLW3WmL9433uEooyYHQwcB1BcwVfJ6yg_qTUpxet9i7aVYO1UWmoPC_lUXM10KXFLP3PEcXm9csXc6AxsZjV9xogjusA1D-t1HbSD1PHnchJP6Dz-8/s1600/ultimate+list+of+advent+activities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Because what more do you need? Great list of books to read aloud with kids during the holiday season to help your family get in the Christmas spirit!" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-N9ZcQYsJCUecnTT3fDX8fPU3izLW3WmL9433uEooyYHQwcB1BcwVfJ6yg_qTUpxet9i7aVYO1UWmoPC_lUXM10KXFLP3PEcXm9csXc6AxsZjV9xogjusA1D-t1HbSD1PHnchJP6Dz-8/s1600/ultimate+list+of+advent+activities.jpg" title="Because what more do you need? Great list of books to read aloud with kids during the holiday season to help your family get in the Christmas spirit!" /></a></div>
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Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, you can follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chicken.babies.blog/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/chickenbabies/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/erin_bylund" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://instagram.com/chickenbabies/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.<br />
<br />
You may also enjoy our other Christmas posts and gift lists:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2015/11/creative-stocking-stuffers-for-kids.html" target="_blank">Unique Christmas Stocking stuffers</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2014/11/creative-christmas-letters.html" target="_blank">Creative Christmas Letter Ideas</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2014/11/best-toys-for-creative-education.html" target="_blank">Creative Toys for Creative Kids</a></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1061169377587982819%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2506299236136956395%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Qr9xWM2KHNY%2FVlMxwHn64qI%2FAAAAAAAAEAY%2FOA4Ko1hk5kI%2Fs1600%2Fultimate%252Blist%252Bof%252Badvent%252Bactivities.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=oKZhJLaR_8aE&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 118px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2141px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1061169377587982819%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2506299236136956395%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Qr9xWM2KHNY%2FVlMxwHn64qI%2FAAAAAAAAEAY%2FOA4Ko1hk5kI%2Fs1600%2Fultimate%252Blist%252Bof%252Badvent%252Bactivities.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=oKZhJLaR_8aE&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 118px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2141px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-55541102273366271852015-11-09T17:39:00.001-05:002018-05-26T10:33:24.610-04:00Creative Stocking Stuffers for KidsHere are some unique ideas for items to put in the kids' stockings this Christmas!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrFZxuU5yqfxgktmXAJX1_zpHfspgWyRwtvemCFCd4JJT1caKhTG03voGfBgx4kFuzmHftKw8N4fC2fXm8_pnLisOz6tMT7CWDh5lSZ8mA0fNcfu0bbwWn_7Y4iqBFHgu2q9R9VHBiKI/s1600/stocking+stuffers+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="such fun and creative ideas for kids' stockings! Not your usual list. " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrFZxuU5yqfxgktmXAJX1_zpHfspgWyRwtvemCFCd4JJT1caKhTG03voGfBgx4kFuzmHftKw8N4fC2fXm8_pnLisOz6tMT7CWDh5lSZ8mA0fNcfu0bbwWn_7Y4iqBFHgu2q9R9VHBiKI/s400/stocking+stuffers+2.jpg" title="such fun and creative ideas for kids' stockings! Not your usual list. " width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links</span></i><br />
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Avoid the trap of stuffing a stocking with more "stuff" (ie. junky little toys that will quickly be thrown in a landfill). Here are some ideas for toys, treats, and practical items that kids will love. I have commented on some of them to make my case for including them, but mostly it's just a list. I like to find things that kids will use and that take up plenty of space in the stocking so you don't have to buy so much stuffing stuff. (gift cards are nice, but they don't take up much space!)<br />
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Painter's Tape - my kids love using my blue tape to mark out all sorts of things while they're playing with Lego blocks and Playmobil. They mark out kingdom boundaries, lakes and rivers, and roads for their vehicles (you could even throw in some little cars with the tape!)<br />
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headlamp <img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003XVW83U" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"><u>or flashlights</u> - kids love flashlights, and headlamps are even better because they leave your hands free! Also works well as a reading lamp for book lovers.<br />
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tennis balls - Tennis balls are perfect for kids to throw around, hit with a bat, or bounce against the garage. They're bouncy but won't do to much damage. Also, they take up lots of space in a stocking.<br />
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Tape Measure - my kids love measuring things, and this sewing tape measure doesn't have the sharp edges of a normal metal one so I feel okay with them using it whenever they like.<br />
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Rubber Bands - I'm not sure what my kids do with them, but they are always wanting to play with them.<br />
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Post-it notes<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007QFATEO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"><br />
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back scratcher<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007S3HJ2Y" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">- have a child who loves to have their back scratched? Let them scratch it themselves, or just make it easier for someone else to scratch with a massage tool.<br />
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Stopwatch<u> or wristwatch with stopwatch</u> - a new watch is a great thing for a stocking, especially if it is a stop watch so kids can time themselves or their friends doing things.<br />
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<u>wallet</u><br />
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<u>tools </u>- hammer, screwdriver, etc . . . You be the judge of whether or not your kids are ready, but we've let our kids use a hammer to nail bits of scrap wood together and make their own creations starting when they're about 6 or 7. They love it! And it's fun to see the crazy stuff they come up with, like the hammer holder they gave Jason.<br />
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Kids Gardening Gloves - great for working out in the dirt!<br />
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<u>super hero cape</u> - make one yourself or buy one - either way they'll love it!<br />
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kid's swim goggles - either for swimming in the summer or just for dress up play.<br />
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<u>yarn</u> - a small ball of yarn or string is great for crafts or pretend play.<br />
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<u>slipper socks</u> - who says you can't stuff a stocking with stockings?<br />
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<u>sunglasses</u><br />
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<u>chapstick</u><br />
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<u>pocket knife</u> - again, you judge when they're ready and direct them how to use it safely.<br />
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compact umbrella<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DORZENY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"><br />
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Sunprint Kit<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0924886560" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"> - such a fun way to make art!<br />
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Model Magic<u> or play dough</u><img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004UE4A" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"> - these take up quite a bit of space and are great for creative play<br />
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<u>band aids</u> - kids love having their own bandaids to be in charge of, especially if they have their favorite character on them.<br />
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<u>jump rope</u><br />
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Lego minifigures<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0085Y3GCW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">- my kids have lots of Lego bricks and are always excited to see what mini figure they get when they open the package<br />
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Small Playmobil set<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00FJR0FOK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">- Lego and Playmobil are two of our favorite toy brands around here, and it's great to just add a little figure or set to their collections because I know they will be loved and played with.<br />
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<u>bicycle bell</u> (also could give them a basket, but that won't fit in a stocking)<br />
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Compass<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0009K4EEY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"><br />
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<u>whistle</u> - just make sure they know when and where they're allowed to blow it or you might regret such a purchase<br />
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<u>juggling scarves or balls</u><br />
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Cookie Cutters - for the budding baker, you can also include an <u>apron</u> and all sorts of fun supplies!<br />
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<u>dried fruit</u> - my kids love dried mango and we usually include a package or two in their stockings every year.<br />
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<u>mini boxes of cereal</u> - bonus, christmas morning breakfast is taken care of!<br />
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<u>Pez</u><br />
<u><br /></u><u>Chocolate Gold Coins</u><br />
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<u>combs, brushes, and other toiletries</u><br />
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<u>Belts, ties, scarves</u><br />
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<u>gloves, hats, and mittens</u><br />
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<u>gum</u><br />
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Magic Wand <img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001463LC8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"> - I don't know any child who doesn't like pretending they have a magic wand, and these light up ones are really fun<br />
<u><br /></u><u>Card Games</u> - some of our favorites are Sleeping Queens, Rat-A-Tat-Cat, and Set. Also, my boys love getting new Pokemon Cards<img alt="" border="0" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001DIJ48C" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">!<br />
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Orange - It's always been a tradition for us to have an orange in the toe of the stocking, but you could always do a nice Chocolate Orange instead. </div>
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What are your favorite things to stuff in a stocking?<br />
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-56154111002871444992015-10-30T12:58:00.000-04:002015-11-02T07:03:27.124-05:00Books to Teach GratitudeThanksgiving is a great time of year to help children focus on gratitude and teach them how to live a life full of it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8a4-xxVDiBChI-xBelRKltB9Tyfe0umy3JoWVvpXuRv1vtG-pTSeI_1IO93RLZdYrul_Mj7wgdWm2ywxVZ-6L6rDJt4BUmvZkLHOD66avF586lJVRnfJwvMw_YBMvOi7HiUJEHhRi8E/s1600/gratitude+books+for+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great list of books to read with your kids! Perfect for teaching about living with gratitude. " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8a4-xxVDiBChI-xBelRKltB9Tyfe0umy3JoWVvpXuRv1vtG-pTSeI_1IO93RLZdYrul_Mj7wgdWm2ywxVZ-6L6rDJt4BUmvZkLHOD66avF586lJVRnfJwvMw_YBMvOi7HiUJEHhRi8E/s320/gratitude+books+for+kids.jpg" title="Great list of books to read with your kids! Perfect for teaching about living with gratitude. " width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains affiliate links</span></i><br />
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It's easy to get caught up at this time of year on getting more stuff, especially as Christmas approaches. How can we help kids be happy with what they already have? The books I'm sharing are a great way to start discussions with your kids about living a life full of gratitude. People who are able to live this way are happier than those who are always looking at what they lack. And while these books are more about the feeling of gratitude than specifically about the Thanksgiving holiday, they are still very appropriate at this time of year, or any time of year!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439309107/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0439309107&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=KH3OMF3DWAZPWEQV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Quiltmaker's Gift</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0439309107" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Jeff Brumbeau<br />
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A greedy king learns true happiness thanks to a gifted Quiltmaker.<br />
This is a longer picture book, so give yourself time to read it aloud, but it's a great message and really resonates with kids. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442435607/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1442435607&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=PKM4WBTSY2BURTL6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sylvester and the Magic Pebble</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1442435607" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by William Steig<br />
Sylvester finds a magic pebble but accidentally turns himself into a rock. A great story about what really matters in life.<br />
This is a family favorite. I have read this book aloud at least a hundred times to my kids yet I still tear up at the end EVERY SINGLE TIME.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670878553/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0670878553&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=PSYHCGH6KLTYOMP5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joseph Had a Little Overcoat</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0670878553" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Simms Taback<br />
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Joseph has an overcoat that is getting old and worn. What should he do with it?<br />
A great story about making do with what you have. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140502890/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0140502890&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=Z7UILQIDXND5OKKA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Stonecutter: A Japanese Folk Tale</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140502890" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Gerald McDermott<br />
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This is a favorite of mine. A man becomes greedier and greedier only to find in the end that what he had in the beginning was enough. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374429855/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0374429855&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=G6W7JXIH56M6PDCJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hey, Al</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0374429855" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Arthur Yorinks<br />
Al is not happy, so when a mysterious bird invites him to an exotic island in the sky he goes with him, not realizing the dangers in paradise.<br />
A nice story about finding joy in your current life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689820089/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0689820089&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=5BP7PSQJ3UDSTAEM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Table Where Rich People Sit</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689820089" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Byrd Baylor<br />
A young girl is jealous of her rich friends but eventually is able to see the richness in the world around her.<br />
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Chapter books:</div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316038636/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316038636&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=OTUTJVTN6KM4V3DU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Where the Mountain Meets the Moon</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316038636" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Grace Lin<br />
Minli sets off on a quest to find out how she can change her poor family's fortune and discovers much about what brings happiness in life.<br />
LOVE THIS BOOK! You should read it aloud to your kids. They will love it too, and it's a great book about living with gratitude.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402797184/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1402797184&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=ZZKZDHUBUF2JGB2X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pollyanna</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1402797184" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Eleanor Porter</div>
You've most likely seen the movie, but the book is even better! (isn't it always?) I wish I could get my kids to play the glad game at times . . .<br />
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The next three books are all on the same theme and based on the same tale - be grateful for how things are now because they could always be worse:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374436363/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0374436363&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=L64DKH773U75BKQ6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It Could Always Be Worse: A Yiddish Folk Tale</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0374436363" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Margot Zemach<br />
The original tale of a poor man living in a small house with a large family. He asks the Rabbi for help and things go from bad to worse, but in the end finds peace.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0395629853/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0395629853&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=Q3IY3KKWV2EGHZIB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Too Much Noise </a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0395629853" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Ann McGovern<br />
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The too full house becomes a too noisy house in this telling of the tale. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0688070353/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0688070353&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=DQTBOAX7LX56NL3J" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Could Be Worse!"</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0688070353" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by James Stevenson<br />
A grandfather helps his grandkids see that life could always be worse. This book is not really related to the first two, but is a more humorous take on the phrase.<br />
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What would you add to this list? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ERCvdbij2WH3jcI9DJpDOXAlm8YCaNsGkJ6LmGel85NjLRQeTGL3BsUKSZFAt-jK0wCf6wxyQuXdC2Kjy9FLonkkHMwC8-ecz3GfzL22YpY1sJ08QhMKFU68Kyim7HCeKXHb6NTQ5_A/s1600/gratitude+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great list of books to read with your kids! Perfect for teaching about living with gratitude. " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ERCvdbij2WH3jcI9DJpDOXAlm8YCaNsGkJ6LmGel85NjLRQeTGL3BsUKSZFAt-jK0wCf6wxyQuXdC2Kjy9FLonkkHMwC8-ecz3GfzL22YpY1sJ08QhMKFU68Kyim7HCeKXHb6NTQ5_A/s640/gratitude+books.jpg" title="Great list of books to read with your kids! Perfect for teaching about living with gratitude. " width="416" /></a></div>
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<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-31531693414689152762015-09-24T13:50:00.000-04:002015-09-24T13:50:38.622-04:00Juggling and Circus Dramatic PlayKids love to pretend and put on a show, so they will love pretending to be jugglers at a circus!<br />
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Juggling is a tricky skill, but even young kids can learn some basics. For the most amount of fun, use small bean bags for juggling, or use scarves. Kids can practice tossing one beanbag from one hand to the other to start. Then add another if they would like a challenge. Older kids can try three. </div>
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As long as you have the bean bags out, the kids can practice other bean bag tricks. Challenge the kids to walk around with a bean bag on their head, elbow, or back. </div>
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Now that the kids have practiced some tricks, let them put on a show! To get your kids thinking and imagining, set out some fun circus items - a top hat for the ringmaster, materials to make animal masks and clown faces, a hula hoop and balls for animal tricks. You can also set up a circus tent. I've found that the best way to make tents is with sheer curtains. The light-weight fabric won't pull down whatever is being used to keep it up and lets light into the tent. I tie string to cabinet knobs or chairs and then use clothespins to attach the curtain panels. </div>
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My boys decided on different acts for their show, and then they made tickets. Kids just love tickets, don't they? I bought some tickets and went to their show. </div>
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First up were the jugglers of course. </div>
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Then there was a lion tamer. He had the lion jump through a fiery hoop and walk through the "tunnel of death" which was made from pillows propped up against our couch. Luckily the lion didn't eat anyone.</div>
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Next came the clown, who told some funny jokes to make us laugh. He also pretended to slip on a banana peel several times. </div>
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And of course there was the tight rope walker. Our tight rope was just a string on the ground. Luckily my kids are good at imagining, but I wish we had one of these slacklines because how fun would that be?</div>
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And the boys decided we definitely needed some carnival games at our circus. They came up with the games on their own and even some little prizes (aka toys they didn't want anymore). </div>
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Hope you enjoyed these ideas! Be sure to check out all the great dramatic play ideas over at <a href="http://happybrownhouse.com/dramatic-play-ideas-for-kids/">Happy Brown House.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKoYDh8b-KgBWmlCIVVzy2I58f7XWV4Kt3IxkndSUrqBcN4Xu2Z_TFJBmrmEE6Grny6p2PQIOvwOsWGoRGaPtzBa651z-9rSwizkquF1_xgLlfQkrj4x7KRwQb-BVQMZtukuNO1GHfNY/s1600/Dramatic+Play+Series.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKoYDh8b-KgBWmlCIVVzy2I58f7XWV4Kt3IxkndSUrqBcN4Xu2Z_TFJBmrmEE6Grny6p2PQIOvwOsWGoRGaPtzBa651z-9rSwizkquF1_xgLlfQkrj4x7KRwQb-BVQMZtukuNO1GHfNY/s400/Dramatic+Play+Series.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnW5tqB0TL5QT4SxUlrZrCJjsJ_7VymYHn9Vo5q1A08aYlSMqnF9N3qmzskp612eB58QQXEj_b1Xs1v2dvBrhpmGRTEQ0o8gBNWU7D_rVqxxAl1U9ys7CVwAlgt3t2dNpOWxATUE5jgM/s1600/back+to+school+countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="create a Back to School Countdown - give your kids advice and school supplies at the same time. clever!" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnW5tqB0TL5QT4SxUlrZrCJjsJ_7VymYHn9Vo5q1A08aYlSMqnF9N3qmzskp612eB58QQXEj_b1Xs1v2dvBrhpmGRTEQ0o8gBNWU7D_rVqxxAl1U9ys7CVwAlgt3t2dNpOWxATUE5jgM/s640/back+to+school+countdown.jpg" title="create a Back to School Countdown - give your kids advice and school supplies at the same time. clever!" width="424" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*This post may contain affiliate links</span></i></div>
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Occasionally when I talk to my kids they zone out for some reason. It could because my friendly advice just comes out as a long list of dos and don'ts that are hard to keep track of. In order to help my kids remember the things I would like them to remember as they head back to school, I came up with this back to school countdown. </div>
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Each day they would receive an item that is supposed to help them remember a piece of advice along with a note of explanation. Since we are a Christian family, a lot of what I had to say to them was concerned with remembering our values and the behavior God expects from us all. She loved finding something new outside her door each day! </div>
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Here are some ideas of things I've used over the past several years:</div>
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<u>Pencils</u> - you are writing the story of your life with the choices you make every day. Make it a good one!</div>
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<u>Erasers</u> - It's okay to make mistakes. Just erase and try again. </div>
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<u>Hand Sanitizer</u> - When you sin, remember that repentance makes you clean again.</div>
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<u>Kleenex</u> - Sometimes you will feel sad, and you can always turn to us and God for comfort.</div>
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<u>Markers or colored pencils</u> - The world is full of diversity. Appreciate the people around you for the things they contribute and find your own way to improve the world.</div>
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<u>Glue or Tape</u> - Stick to the things you know are right to help guide your choices.</div>
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<u>Chapstick</u> - Just like lip balm soothes chapped lips, prayer will be a balm to the wounded soul. When times get hard, pray. </div>
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<u>Lotion</u> - soften your heart. Be humble and teachable. </div>
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<u>Ruler </u>- measure your life by God's standards, not the world's. </div>
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<u>Highlighter</u> - focus on the positive, count your blessings</div>
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<u>Bookmark</u> - seek learning out of the best books!</div>
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<u>Scissors</u> - cut out the negative influences in your life</div>
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<u>Pencil Sharpener </u>- sharpen your skills by studying hard</div>
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<u>100 Grand</u> - Remember your worth is great</div>
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<u>Smarties</u> - We are all smart in different ways. </div>
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<u>Nerds</u> - study hard</div>
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<u>Snickers</u> - it's good to just laugh at yourself sometimes</div>
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<u>Life Savers</u> - prayer can be a life saver</div>
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<u>Hershey's Hugs and Kisses</u> - remember you are greatly loved</div>
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<u>M&Ms</u> - you are Marvelous and Magnificent!</div>
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<u>Now and Later</u> - the choices you make will effect you now and later</div>
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My letters of advice were lengthier than these snippets, but you get the gist of what I was saying with each item. </div>
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I didn't use all the ideas the same year, and some are more appropriate for older kids than younger. Choose the ideas you like and make a fun back to school countdown for your kids! You are already buying them new school supplies anyway, so this way you can at least give them some advice along with the supplies. And you can include as much or as little candy as you like. I always try to buy the fun size. </div>
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Another option is to bundle it all together in a pencil box and hand it out as a "Back To School Survival Kit". At church, I plan activities for girls aged 8-11 and that's what I did for them. They loved it! I attached<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjVlc5dTQ0aXNqam8/view?usp=sharing"> this cute handout </a>along with it so they could remember what each thing represented. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzM7Zt42gtPF7lEAjzATB6e5nRZMdHUk6ahYxOiUHo6hHhXB4S6NdOuW1dW81WQqg7tBuH-gIuBJqgi496tN7vlE3t4R6imxtKEMokedMQ8BnpbHJwpvqTbOhvIMCTvS3f1snSOqOI-s/s1600/survival+kit+for+back+to+school+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="create a Back to School survival kit- give your kids advice and school supplies at the same time. clever!" border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzM7Zt42gtPF7lEAjzATB6e5nRZMdHUk6ahYxOiUHo6hHhXB4S6NdOuW1dW81WQqg7tBuH-gIuBJqgi496tN7vlE3t4R6imxtKEMokedMQ8BnpbHJwpvqTbOhvIMCTvS3f1snSOqOI-s/s400/survival+kit+for+back+to+school+.jpg" title="create a Back to School survival kit - give your kids advice and school supplies at the same time. clever!" width="400" /></a></div>
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-79888836042045187852015-06-25T16:51:00.001-04:002015-06-25T22:45:54.726-04:00Using Bread Tags as Math ManipulativesMath can be made fun by using everyday objects as manipulatives.<br />
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Hey all! So do you ever just collect things for no reason and then think "what should I do with these?" Um, me neither? Oh fine. I do. And one thing I kept for no reason were these little plastic tags from packages of bread and rolls and things. I found that they make great, cheap math manipulatives.<br />
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So what can you do with them?<br />
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Sort! Give a pile to your preschooler and let them sort. Sort by color! Sort by size! Sort by shape! Sort by date on the tag! You get the idea.<br />
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Plus if you let them sort into a muffin tin, these make a very satisfying "plink!" noise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSqduvBawMEROcRvkFhXbTMmGKsgHYeMGvN6dNbKh90dFcekQRaE_Elj-xUWmkfJ_p_yxR0AP4WfJ4INkzfBE0bi0FAPDxjMtvbrWGensUvFFIlLDTNDsIxf6y4E0iHBv_XZiiH9fLy4/s1600/placing+in+muffin+tin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Make math fun by using bread tags as a cheap math manipulative!" border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSqduvBawMEROcRvkFhXbTMmGKsgHYeMGvN6dNbKh90dFcekQRaE_Elj-xUWmkfJ_p_yxR0AP4WfJ4INkzfBE0bi0FAPDxjMtvbrWGensUvFFIlLDTNDsIxf6y4E0iHBv_XZiiH9fLy4/s400/placing+in+muffin+tin.jpg" title="Make math fun by using bread tags as a cheap math manipulative!" width="400" /></a></div>
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And they can be used for fine motor work. Here I strung up a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F8TAQW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000F8TAQW&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=KZH6Q3ZM7MV62OIX" rel="no follow">shoelace</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000F8TAQW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> between two chairs and Nathan clipped them on. He decided to make a pattern too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HMLEM84XATnnfoDFyca32XuwG6Ie0hYm8VD7dliEI3WJQQvbBTmPtrD_uxY-3Fhp1Pw7vTQ9xCunh4zFGTHOIMyP6WXRuGgq-nFgQePWWUDLkTrbU0SWvX1RNW6V7TpnkKQsP_PXYi0/s1600/stringing+on+bread+tags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Make math fun by using bread tags as a cheap math manipulative!" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HMLEM84XATnnfoDFyca32XuwG6Ie0hYm8VD7dliEI3WJQQvbBTmPtrD_uxY-3Fhp1Pw7vTQ9xCunh4zFGTHOIMyP6WXRuGgq-nFgQePWWUDLkTrbU0SWvX1RNW6V7TpnkKQsP_PXYi0/s400/stringing+on+bread+tags.jpg" title="Make math fun by using bread tags as a cheap math manipulative!" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are also great for counting, adding, subtracting, making patterns etc . . .<br />
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So start collecting some plastic tags for a cheap math manipulative at home or in your classroom.<br />
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And be sure to explore the <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/search/label/math">other fun math games </a>we've done.<br />
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Some of our other favorite math manipulatives which we use on a regular basis (that are not free, haha):<br />
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This post is part of the <a href="http://www.schooltimesnippets.com/2015/05/math-made-fun-manipulatives.html">"Math Made Fun" series over on Schooltime Snippets</a>. Be sure to check out the other ways you can use everyday items for math!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjky9iS6VVu4vIEgTaYREy0VtduW0krc8bkP6XBLZZbAg9ce5tci1vAx3y_wpkMtninzRnp9_P7XVoa-xWUXR__XIudMFF6Q-tHhGkGjpPlD20jJxAk5dMbbjqhM9lUFtbsyPvWHMu2rw/s1600/math+manipulatives+button-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="math made fun" border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjky9iS6VVu4vIEgTaYREy0VtduW0krc8bkP6XBLZZbAg9ce5tci1vAx3y_wpkMtninzRnp9_P7XVoa-xWUXR__XIudMFF6Q-tHhGkGjpPlD20jJxAk5dMbbjqhM9lUFtbsyPvWHMu2rw/s320/math+manipulatives+button-2.jpg" title="math made fun" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-59071527048029069562015-06-01T11:06:00.004-04:002022-05-26T11:56:14.585-04:00Summer Reading Scratch-off BoardsKids love this fun scratch-off game that encourages summer reading!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYL3R2NKjdZdu4ttL9_FSGuRPvQr4vIMq1sCp2QfubqUz3gSElwkaV2yz6r5yoF8PFuh9O_IqTFhNqgt17TRYJo8NG3TdQ5Ll9sXLrmW1E_HLoxMPg5xSvdffLIUlEisYHPgqISxz5Cio/s1600/summer+reading+incentive.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great idea! Scratch off boards as a summer reading incentive. The kids scratch off a square to reveal a prize after they have read a book! So fun!" border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYL3R2NKjdZdu4ttL9_FSGuRPvQr4vIMq1sCp2QfubqUz3gSElwkaV2yz6r5yoF8PFuh9O_IqTFhNqgt17TRYJo8NG3TdQ5Ll9sXLrmW1E_HLoxMPg5xSvdffLIUlEisYHPgqISxz5Cio/s640/summer+reading+incentive.jpg" title="Great idea! Scratch off boards as a summer reading incentive. The kids scratch off a square to reveal a prize after they have read a book! So fun!" width="640" /></a></div>
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Every summer I like to do some kind of summer reading incentive at home. We also participate in the library's program, and maybe a bookstore program or two, but the kids always love the one we do at home.<br />
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This year I made myself laugh by coming up with a devious plan to ruin their fun. I was going to offer them a dime for every book they read OR they could trade it in for a chance at the "risk board", kind of like that "Let's Make a Deal" game show. The risk board would have some really cool fun stuff on it, but also some chores or punishments. I thought it was a hilarious plan. My 12 year old thought it sounded awful. I decided against it in the long run but instead came up with an idea for a scratch-off board which so far they have loved.<br />
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Every time they read a book (or two, depending on how long/hard the books are) they write the title on our<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjb0piNnl1aEVheWc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-L7wZ2mE8f67Twc7RI-wwcw"> summer reading book lists </a>and put the book away. That's an important step or we end up with books all over the house. Then they scratch off a square on our scratch-off boards and get whatever prize they reveal. The prizes I included were 25 cents, 50 cents, a dollar, ice cream (I keep drumsticks ice cream cones in our freezer for this prize), a prize from our prize basket (which contains candy, gum, bubbles, and other small things), or a free media day (where they can play on electronic devices or watch shows as long as they want once their morning work is done).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjtKbdvPRjjzwXP0p2i-_v_NhSudPUy9YksAjzXDmAF-B86rauF5Siq7eYIYcly5p7uEis1zJXfcr2vaN_WT6GEkna-yBWHwVlPq7Vb1E14bHl68AsVxyfW_sCBgGCgzfWxFnUjLPR60/s1600/scratching+off+board.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great idea! Scratch off boards as a summer reading incentive. The kids scratch off a square to reveal a prize after they have read a book! So fun!" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjtKbdvPRjjzwXP0p2i-_v_NhSudPUy9YksAjzXDmAF-B86rauF5Siq7eYIYcly5p7uEis1zJXfcr2vaN_WT6GEkna-yBWHwVlPq7Vb1E14bHl68AsVxyfW_sCBgGCgzfWxFnUjLPR60/s400/scratching+off+board.jpg" title="Great idea! Scratch off boards as a summer reading incentive. The kids scratch off a square to reveal a prize after they have read a book! So fun!" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's how to make your own Summer Reading Scratch-Off boards:<br />
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Supplies:<br />
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foam brushes<br />
dark colored paint<br />
dish soap<br />
laminator, or contact paper, or packing tape<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjb0piNnl1aEVheWc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-L7wZ2mE8f67Twc7RI-wwcw">Summer Reading Scratch-Off Boards</a> (I have included the 4 different versions I used for my 4 kids plus a blank one you can fill in with your own prizes. The kids were pretty disappointed when they learned not all the boards were the same and they couldn't figure out where things were by looking at what their siblings had scratched off. Hahahahaha)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvG3_3FG6F2tN0rgDg5_00fSnI2YXu9elvBaAKshkzZDXjYxlUxhKpRJR9JaX0E_mMPV1gf0dm_UhORIr1ii1-G4p3OUEcKuMO1l5ixr_vfnoANl3b7NpF3yLXB4__kRpW5otvnHVRIjs/s1600/scratch+off+reading.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great idea! Scratch off boards as a summer reading incentive. The kids scratch off a square to reveal a prize after they have read a book! So fun!" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvG3_3FG6F2tN0rgDg5_00fSnI2YXu9elvBaAKshkzZDXjYxlUxhKpRJR9JaX0E_mMPV1gf0dm_UhORIr1ii1-G4p3OUEcKuMO1l5ixr_vfnoANl3b7NpF3yLXB4__kRpW5otvnHVRIjs/s400/scratch+off+reading.jpg" title="Great idea! Scratch off boards as a summer reading incentive. The kids scratch off a square to reveal a prize after they have read a book! So fun!" width="400" /></a></div>
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Instructions:<br />
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Print out your Scratch-Off Boards onto card stock. Now you need to cover the boxes with something clear and slippery. I first tried just covering the bottom part with Con-tact paper but found it wasn't great. I ended up running the whole page through my laminator (which I love) and it worked great. Plus I can reuse the boards! I've also read that some people just cover the spots with packing tape and that works.<br />
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Next mix up your scratch-off paint. You use 2 parts paint and one part dishwashing soap. I did not measure. I just put two dabs of paint on a paper plate and then guestimated a dab of soap that was half that size. It worked. Don't mix them together too vigorously or you will get lots of bubbles.<br />
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Then, using your foam brush, paint over your boxes and let them dry. Reapply as many coats as you need in order to hide the prize. If I had thought it through, I would have printed out the prize in lighter color ink instead of black so they were easier to cover up. If you handwrite them in with a pencil that will also be easier to cover. It took 3 coats of the blue and green paints to cover the prize, and about 7 of the pink paint. Seriously. It was painful. Use dark colored paint.<br />
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I had taken a penny and scratched around the boxes to make them look nice and neat since I was taking pictures for the blog, but really don't worry too much about staying perfectly in the lines. Kids won't care.<br />
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(Also, after I posted this, my sister improved the idea by saying she just uses different colored card stock, handwrites the prizes, and then only needs 1 coat of black paint/soap mixture to cover the prizes!! It makes much more sense this way. She's a genius!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUx_knPiCBCGwaBgWj6NLaRfL2GRSLTIcsQJrzhSZ6QNDwVwrnKi4Tc3xjpknku_Wp0hLMF7v0wu4zNN1XKME_j79fb3Q5a0Q1kUGVDWodyuh4rXdLH_hcNt9uVCOiyIUXUM73GOv8M0/s1600/reading+incentive+boards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great idea! Scratch off boards as a summer reading incentive. The kids scratch off a square to reveal a prize after they have read a book! So fun!" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUx_knPiCBCGwaBgWj6NLaRfL2GRSLTIcsQJrzhSZ6QNDwVwrnKi4Tc3xjpknku_Wp0hLMF7v0wu4zNN1XKME_j79fb3Q5a0Q1kUGVDWodyuh4rXdLH_hcNt9uVCOiyIUXUM73GOv8M0/s640/reading+incentive+boards.jpg" title="Great idea! Scratch off boards as a summer reading incentive. The kids scratch off a square to reveal a prize after they have read a book! So fun!" width="392" /></a></div>
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I hope you enjoyed this idea! I have lots of other <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/search/label/summer%20reading">summer reading incentive ideas</a> on the blog you might like looking at. And I'd love for you to <a href="http://madmimi.com/signups/122123/join">join my newsletter </a>or follow me on Pinterest. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1061169377587982819%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RRCUYSIDh4U%2FVWxS9AJEhBI%2FAAAAAAAAD6o%2F6iOUEFDTfZw%2Fs640%2Fa%252Bsummer%252Breading%252Bscratch%252Boff.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 169px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 72px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1061169377587982819%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-RRCUYSIDh4U%2FVWxS9AJEhBI%2FAAAAAAAAD6o%2F6iOUEFDTfZw%2Fs640%2Fa%252Bsummer%252Breading%252Bscratch%252Boff.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 169px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 72px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-46553319557390497092015-04-22T20:19:00.000-04:002015-04-22T20:19:45.791-04:00"How to Throw a Party" Tween Birthday PartyThis year for Maren's birthday, we decided to throw a "How to Throw a Party" party. The girls had a lot of fun with the activities!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOKTQuVlFOZr5s3F4PFuoCdBsnL1CIdvjfHZsFNVMdlpM1_0nEfpclcNuN-J2TbLrFgfQ66dfPqxTUq51uqpDodT37ShOFLPXJdEJiNHjsdeL8-SuZZaq9zLiiFLDRwTVN0J0-nhu8AE/s1600/A+Tween+Girl+Birthday+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Fun ideas for a tween girl birthday party! " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOKTQuVlFOZr5s3F4PFuoCdBsnL1CIdvjfHZsFNVMdlpM1_0nEfpclcNuN-J2TbLrFgfQ66dfPqxTUq51uqpDodT37ShOFLPXJdEJiNHjsdeL8-SuZZaq9zLiiFLDRwTVN0J0-nhu8AE/s1600/A+Tween+Girl+Birthday+party.jpg" height="640" title="Fun ideas for a tween girl birthday party! " width="398" /></a></div>
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I had originally planned on a three hour party, including lunch and time for just hanging out. But it turned out there were several events occurring I had forgotten about and we had to condense it into two hours. So I'm going to include the other ideas for the party that we had, even though we didn't get around to doing them all, but maybe you will.<br />
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I like to have an open-ended craft activity going when the kids arrive so that there's something to do while we wait for everyone to come. For this party the girls decorated their <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DU2G8K6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DU2G8K6&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=I3UN2BEL4EJNWN6L">party favor bags</a> with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FY2OCSK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FY2OCSK&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=KLZ5FAT53VAISKW2">markers</a> and<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003W0IER6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003W0IER6&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=5BORIF64B5LVW3EE"> foam sticke</a>rs.<br />
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Once all the girls were together, we ate lunch. We had turkey croissant sandwiches, raspberries, chips, and pink lemonade. We also sang to Maren and ate her birthday cake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifrXaWvajlXK_p9yAVyOuGsNnGHQrcENfZ_zjJgwJBpQAvaaTGo1gwWrzrsda-iO9ItE3dJayKYXkBT_x-hGcffYuUblkQmom6GQQunD5bOB31hKrBx5Bbh6Gbs9pvgTJx7hlKO6yJDI/s1600/maren's%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="tween girl birthday cake" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifrXaWvajlXK_p9yAVyOuGsNnGHQrcENfZ_zjJgwJBpQAvaaTGo1gwWrzrsda-iO9ItE3dJayKYXkBT_x-hGcffYuUblkQmom6GQQunD5bOB31hKrBx5Bbh6Gbs9pvgTJx7hlKO6yJDI/s1600/maren's%2Bcake.jpg" title="tween girl birthday cake" /></a></div>
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Now one activity I cut out because of time was having the girls decorate our house for the party. I was planning on putting them in pairs, handing them streamers, balloons, and painters tape, and letting them go crazy. I thought that would have been a fun start to the party, but alas, no time.<br />
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For our first activity, I taught the girls how to twist balloons. The girls LOVED this activity. I had blown up a lot of balloons before the party started (because this takes a lot of time) and showed the girls how to make a sword, a helmet, and a flower. I used a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591746744/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1591746744&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=KXIQCRR3SCUKGVQW">Klutz balloon twisting book f</a>or the project ideas. Unfortunately, the book is out of print, but buying it used is a good option just so you have the instructions. And you'll need some good quality twisting balloons - the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GTLDIS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000GTLDIS&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=PTNFURM3AMJNETFF">Qualetex 2x60 inch </a>are the best.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tj7JmSkIMGXBDq8JJX-9rW8_yaoJ4IgKzxsBijZKbnevcBIao8W5L4p06i280W4eM4VOq_KQDQhSp9Y_OeoFu-JuPL36y_9QEsZUQriXeWLyoRr_Vb1XGZQXOOGwxtVamF_255_igb4/s1600/making+helmets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="twisting balloons at a tween girl birthday party" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tj7JmSkIMGXBDq8JJX-9rW8_yaoJ4IgKzxsBijZKbnevcBIao8W5L4p06i280W4eM4VOq_KQDQhSp9Y_OeoFu-JuPL36y_9QEsZUQriXeWLyoRr_Vb1XGZQXOOGwxtVamF_255_igb4/s1600/making+helmets.jpg" height="266" title="twisting balloons at a tween girl birthday party" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making helmets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After we twisted balloons, we came back to the tables to make our party favors - wishing bracelets. The idea behind these is that you make a wish when you tie it around your wrist and then your wish will come true when it falls off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmfUEsIVCkk6jcArXWLm0JilPtxjpS8NZLVRWsKFN60JSM9T0zVmtWSY2k8niUTd21qdI5SYu59nofH30ePzQxgEL8WJbHwAuMqBpvF2TNAFpormsxMuyZR_szy84pMQ6UlcChKj7jts/s1600/making+bracelets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="making wish bracelets at a tween girl birthday party" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmfUEsIVCkk6jcArXWLm0JilPtxjpS8NZLVRWsKFN60JSM9T0zVmtWSY2k8niUTd21qdI5SYu59nofH30ePzQxgEL8WJbHwAuMqBpvF2TNAFpormsxMuyZR_szy84pMQ6UlcChKj7jts/s1600/making+bracelets.jpg" height="265" title="making wish bracelets at a tween girl birthday party" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next was the girls' favorite part of the party - cake decorating! I made 15 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006GNQ7C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0006GNQ7C&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=UYDVST2HW6OH2YO3">six-inch cakes </a> (just one layer) and frosted them. I had seen on other blogs the idea for glueing a glass plate to a glass candlestick holder from the dollar store to make a cute little cake stand. I could not find such things at our dollar store, and so instead I hot-glued a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2B2NGQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00A2B2NGQ&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=NQ6VI7P2AOHRUHAV">plastic plate</a> to a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006TST4Z4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006TST4Z4&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=K2OAVCFGCX4XQVN3">plastic bowl</a> to make cute little cake stands. They were not reusable, or perfectly sturdy, but they worked well enough and made the cakes seem a bit more special.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1QFJNkwg-PCunKRMl5cOiKmnLHZJUdHtl_OYpfyhYBAWXIpbXM9MhOJrNbyla88V9k8JWjaXmYg4jjlMFkKg0ebzdOiy7zTgxlRjPWpmLqS47iE8ou9UgRznd-UZeb6HZ3ZPwoaZGvk/s1600/cakes+ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="cakes ready to decorate at a tween girl's birthday party!" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1QFJNkwg-PCunKRMl5cOiKmnLHZJUdHtl_OYpfyhYBAWXIpbXM9MhOJrNbyla88V9k8JWjaXmYg4jjlMFkKg0ebzdOiy7zTgxlRjPWpmLqS47iE8ou9UgRznd-UZeb6HZ3ZPwoaZGvk/s1600/cakes+ready.jpg" height="265" title="cakes ready to decorate at a tween girl's birthday party!" width="400" /></a></div>
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To start, I showed the girls how to hold the bags and pipe with two different kinds of tips - the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FGVD8YI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FGVD8YI&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=L6XNK4F7RSD66SLD">straight tip and the star tip</a>. I showed them how to do stars and scallops. I had pre-filled a bunch of bags with colored frosting, closed tight with rubber bands, and let the girls go crazy. I also had a bunch of colored sixlets the girls used to decorate. They had a lot of fun decorating and I was quite impressed with their work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwMOB0xpK92uywi9wnP9gRiYHNSo4olctcI_b9SjEtCZRa0CawjK82_h1M_Eep5XTzXrgZ8GCeAIDHSvIcGOy7ZfbrhyphenhyphenmFa3QwXgLd9DbCjYPPFoa0ayklfOEbdUdYtEp0mkvpNvlJIM/s1600/cake+decorating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="decorating cakes at a tween girl birthday party" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwMOB0xpK92uywi9wnP9gRiYHNSo4olctcI_b9SjEtCZRa0CawjK82_h1M_Eep5XTzXrgZ8GCeAIDHSvIcGOy7ZfbrhyphenhyphenmFa3QwXgLd9DbCjYPPFoa0ayklfOEbdUdYtEp0mkvpNvlJIM/s1600/cake+decorating.jpg" height="265" title="decorating cakes at a tween girl birthday party" width="400" /></a></div>
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The other thing we were going to do but did not have time was to let the girls come up with games. We were going to divide them into teams, let them draw a slip of paper with a party theme written on it, and have a bunch of random supplies they could use to come up with a game to fit their theme. Then we were going to play the games they came up with. But there was no time.<br />
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Finally, the girls collected a party bag and went home. The party bags included 5 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FB9N66U/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00FB9N66U&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=QPAV5A3I654NOGWS">disposable frosting bags</a>, one of the piping tips (I just cut them off the bags and washed them real quick. They got to choose if they wanted a star or straight tip), a little bag of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NZGYJP8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00NZGYJP8&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=ULD7RJUR3JEMC5UG">colored sixlets</a>, some extra twisting balloons, their wish bracelet, some nerds (because Maren likes them), and then they took their cake home as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ9FQ0tlqKJvRvXDDBhkBsZ_8gRdxaZut9ZKiv3GkiwKoopN-TufvyosHRKepeHpuhVPDiQfhyphenhyphen1-z5r5jrXpTzNaBsWlTGEdAx7KP96J5t1qkqE3dTDql6JQhZaYGM88_KVAsAyiJ1ig/s1600/party+favors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="party favors at a tween girl birthday party" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ9FQ0tlqKJvRvXDDBhkBsZ_8gRdxaZut9ZKiv3GkiwKoopN-TufvyosHRKepeHpuhVPDiQfhyphenhyphen1-z5r5jrXpTzNaBsWlTGEdAx7KP96J5t1qkqE3dTDql6JQhZaYGM88_KVAsAyiJ1ig/s1600/party+favors.jpg" height="266" title="party favors at a tween girl birthday party" width="400" /></a></div>
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All in all it was a success! The girls had a lot of fun (and some even took up a hobby in balloon twisting).<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-71600251398227480882015-04-13T08:50:00.000-04:002015-04-27T08:55:52.131-04:00Booking Across the USA with George Ella LyonFor <a href="http://growingbookbybook.com/booking-across-the-usa/">Booking Across the USA</a> this year, bloggers are sharing a children's author from their chosen state and an activity to go along with it. For Kentucky, I chose George Ella Lyon.<br />
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George Ella Lyon grew up in the mountains of Kentucky. She writes for children and adults. She has a <a href="http://www.georgeellalyon.com/index.html">great website </a>you can visit to learn more about her and her works.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1A62vWvEvxiLTeTrd_TrA2h6egOukvYY_7AaiKIP9VqshAAR1ktyoPU7E2MxRndP61o8mn0LToK1o0pufmtMNgfq2x92uVaCzjMhA4F9o41LO6foQBAml7XUtQB2J2ENROYbdQ2NLVo/s1600/61qyd-QsBbL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fun water activities using "All the Water in the World" by George Ella Lyon" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1A62vWvEvxiLTeTrd_TrA2h6egOukvYY_7AaiKIP9VqshAAR1ktyoPU7E2MxRndP61o8mn0LToK1o0pufmtMNgfq2x92uVaCzjMhA4F9o41LO6foQBAml7XUtQB2J2ENROYbdQ2NLVo/s1600/61qyd-QsBbL.jpg" height="320" title="fun water activities using "All the Water in the World" by George Ella Lyon" width="306" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">*This post contains affiliate links</span><br />
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For our activity, we chose <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416971300/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416971300&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=PGOJXYZPJ7IU7OCD">All the Water in the World</a> by George Ella Lyon. This book is a great introduction to the water cycle for young elementary students.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtESMPWbIiccPWExxveNDYi3mCSpwnypnifxKb-Enl4nwuptVtzxe1n3UgJysPi4thTeu2Feg067x03fd-mTqvyYVutoVJRN9qcxk5L7-9dASci-AwcL1bYrUGIDKd7jJ5SAPQ2EqpH4/s1600/exploring+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fun water activities using "All the Water in the World" by George Ella Lyon" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtESMPWbIiccPWExxveNDYi3mCSpwnypnifxKb-Enl4nwuptVtzxe1n3UgJysPi4thTeu2Feg067x03fd-mTqvyYVutoVJRN9qcxk5L7-9dASci-AwcL1bYrUGIDKd7jJ5SAPQ2EqpH4/s1600/exploring+water.jpg" height="640" title="fun water activities using "All the Water in the World" by George Ella Lyon" width="363" /></a></div>
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After reading the book, it was time to talk about water in our lives. What did we use water for? We brainstormed and made a list of all the ways we use water each day - from brushing our teeth and boiling macaroni to watering our plants and making sure our pet rat has enough to drink.<br />
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Here are some questions to ask your kids about their water use:<br />
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What do you use water for? Make a list on the board.<br />
Where does your water come from? Explain the different ways people get water around the world.<br />
Does your water cost money? Talk about how water is treated and delivered to our homes.<br />
What happens if it doesn't rain where you live? Talk about droughts and desserts.<br />
What happens if your water is dirty? Talk about pollution and keeping our water clean.<br />
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After discussing how important water is in our lives, we did some experiments to further explore the water cycle.<br />
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We boiled water and watched the steam rise up into the air. We talked about the water vapor in the air around us and what humidity means.<br />
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Then we put a glass of ice water on the table and observed how beads of water were collecting on the outside of the glass. We talked about condensation and rain.<br />
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We also watched a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007I1Q4MM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007I1Q4MM&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=LRC4WI774CUVRUPS">Magic School Bus video</a> about the water cycle to further understand the things we had observed. They also have a great <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0590508334/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0590508334&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=MI2MMJD2A2XEGA6J">Magic School Bus book </a>for kids who want to read more.<br />
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Then we played with water!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iBrRt_IQU8DU1SpWAziGJiOfkgcPp06Cn4M6gPDHTJopv6ootcWyF6CetoOTypHFrkqDan0XR3jKPiseOm9fyB5Pqs11ODX-Fx5W96fxkO435mgJV3vCRzfSGRV0Dnm9ap1c3YXGxPM/s1600/watercoloring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fun water activities using "All the Water in the World" by George Ella Lyon" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iBrRt_IQU8DU1SpWAziGJiOfkgcPp06Cn4M6gPDHTJopv6ootcWyF6CetoOTypHFrkqDan0XR3jKPiseOm9fyB5Pqs11ODX-Fx5W96fxkO435mgJV3vCRzfSGRV0Dnm9ap1c3YXGxPM/s1600/watercoloring.jpg" title="fun water activities using "All the Water in the World" by George Ella Lyon" /></a></div>
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We painted with watercolors. The boys loved watching how the water moved the colors around and mixed them up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmduB3CeGiGwamfgNm0RxLIwMPoWBBCI6S_jR1dAJXZY3n8gsxkyFaHqthGTNyrzzwOaGrEasPPj70Cx8Z4nT3YKoJ-lRY6g6P34wEx4sc-rCqlN0Hh2FiXSbA28V-buRzeHDYypgOWA/s1600/sink+and+float.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="fun water activities using "All the Water in the World" by George Ella Lyon" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmduB3CeGiGwamfgNm0RxLIwMPoWBBCI6S_jR1dAJXZY3n8gsxkyFaHqthGTNyrzzwOaGrEasPPj70Cx8Z4nT3YKoJ-lRY6g6P34wEx4sc-rCqlN0Hh2FiXSbA28V-buRzeHDYypgOWA/s1600/sink+and+float.jpg" title="fun water activities using "All the Water in the World" by George Ella Lyon" /></a></div>
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We explored sink and float. The boys gathered items from around the house. Before putting an object in the water they would guess if it would sink or float. We made piles for both groups.<br />
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We talked about water displacement by dropping glass marbles in a cup and seeing the water rise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZOTJn4YdXf1hyphenhyphengFHRxT7zifqI60UocDi90Gl-PvwGklxbmCzULLnwBmo2pahnEyB-QHgsRomGYMW-b3_yM2-tQboCDIyk7EZypwtuoTqOid9j98ZiRshP8xTHGCjQNx5YaGmvo9A4os/s1600/made+a+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="fun water activities using "All the Water in the World" by George Ella Lyon" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZOTJn4YdXf1hyphenhyphengFHRxT7zifqI60UocDi90Gl-PvwGklxbmCzULLnwBmo2pahnEyB-QHgsRomGYMW-b3_yM2-tQboCDIyk7EZypwtuoTqOid9j98ZiRshP8xTHGCjQNx5YaGmvo9A4os/s1600/made+a+boat.jpg" title="fun water activities using "All the Water in the World" by George Ella Lyon" /></a></div>
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And we made boats out of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GIB3FQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001GIB3FQ&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=XZHIQD32BLCPIPZ3">air dry clay</a> to see if they would float. We talked about how boats can float because the water the boat pushes away weighs more than the boat. It took a couple tries to get the right shape boat so it would float.<br />
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We even got out our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XMH9AG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003XMH9AG&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=KFW26R36NWNY23VU">ice shaver</a> and had a shaved ice treat.<br />
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Other things we could have done but didn't:<br />
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- drop jelly beans (and/or other food) in water and watch them dissolve<br />
- explore how to make ice melt more quickly by using salt, a hair dryer, their hands, or chopping it into smaller bits<br />
- "paint" outside on the ground with water and watch the water evaporate!<br />
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Hooray for water!!<br />
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There are some other great books by this author too. A couple more favorites are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416950249/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416950249&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=XM35SXGMQILX7NP4" rel="no follow">The Pirate of Kindergarten</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416950249" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416924353/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1416924353&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=7FJMW5P43YTWOGLJ" rel="no follow">Trucks Roll!</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416924353" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Be sure to check out the rest of the posts about authors from each state over at <a href="http://growingbookbybook.com/booking-across-the-usa/">Growing Book by Book! </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkNu-NA3do2L7YznyVaxL9h39cGWoT575Aqa002Gtw5uO_eZaxZpxM6IGY-50TWsm9GJZM9tIVvJ5GMEx0EJnXPR98CNmaAqR7zTe7PV1BwF6ugrzUYHRIsy4KtfL-DMfISQA-ImzOmg/s1600/silly+story+game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great writing game for kids who need extra motivation! Can be used any time of the year!" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkNu-NA3do2L7YznyVaxL9h39cGWoT575Aqa002Gtw5uO_eZaxZpxM6IGY-50TWsm9GJZM9tIVvJ5GMEx0EJnXPR98CNmaAqR7zTe7PV1BwF6ugrzUYHRIsy4KtfL-DMfISQA-ImzOmg/s1600/silly+story+game.jpg" title="Great writing game for kids who need extra motivation! Can be used any time of the year!" width="457" /></a></div>
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Christopher hates writing. His fine motor skills are not great, spelling does not come naturally to him, and rules for capitalizing and punctuating keep slipping his mind. So whenever it's time for writing there are lots of tears.<br />
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Except when we play this simple game.<br />
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To play, you will need some easter eggs which have been prepared with numbers inside them. You will also need paper and a couple of pencils. Players take turns picking eggs then adding that many words to the collaborative story.<br />
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I went first. I drew the number 8. I wrote "Once upon a time, in a dark forest, ". Now it was Christopher's turn. He opened up the number 4. He added the words "a dragon slept in". (I knew it would be a dragon. He always writes about dragons.) I opened up an egg and found the number 8. (How come I keep getting big numbers?) I wrote "a pile of dirty laundry. Suddenly a loud "<br />
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"Mom!" he yelled. "That was supposed to be a cave! Not a pile of laundry!"<br />
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And that's one of the reasons this game is so fun for him. He loves when I add silly things or when he has the chance to add silly things.<br />
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While we are writing, I am helping him remember when to capitalize, where to add punctuation, and how to spell. It is great practice for him, but he doesn't see it as writing practice. He sees it as playing a fun game with his mom, making this the perfect way for him to learn.<br />
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<u>Tips for using this game with your children or in your classroom:</u><br />
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1. Play for a set number of turns or a set number of minutes so there's a clear stopping point. You can always come back and finish the story the next day.<br />
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2. Use mostly small numbers for beginning writers so they don't get overwhelmed trying to think of 12 words to write. Bigger numbers work well for older kids.<br />
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3. Play with more than 2 people, making the story even more fun. Use smaller numbers so everyone gets plenty of turns to add to the story.<br />
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4. Use different colored pencils for each person so it's easy to see at a glance who added what parts of the story.<br />
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5. If you don't have plastic Easter eggs lying around, instead roll <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007LYKX0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007LYKX0&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=Y74UQHWKNBNTITKK">dice</a> (affiliate link) to determine the number of words written.<br />
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6. Have the children draw pictures of their favorite part when done writing to further develop fine motor skills.<br />
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I hope you have fun writing your own silly stories!!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-66954576734784903582015-03-18T11:53:00.001-04:002015-03-18T11:59:31.708-04:00The Chore Olympic GamesThis is a fun way to teach kids how to do chores around the house.<br />
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This activity works great to teach kids how to do chores and let them practice in a fun way. You can have kids compete against each other, or your family could invite another family to compete, or it can be used with a church youth group. I used this with the activity day girls in my church (ages 8-11).<br />
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To begin your chorelympics, divide the kids into teams. Let them come up with their team name and color a flag. Play some music and have them march into the room and take their seats.<br />
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With any of these chores, some kids will need instruction and practice before competing. You can either do training right before the event or have a separate training time.<br />
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Here are some ideas for events:<br />
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<u>1. Sweeping</u> - Spread bits of paper around the room. Make a square out of tape on the floor. When you say "go" the kids will start to sweep their pieces of paper toward their square. First team to sweep their area clean wins.<br />
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<u>2. Sock Matching</u> - set out one laundry basket for each team. Spread single socks around the room. When you say "go" the kids try to match and fold the socks and get them in their basket. The team with the most matched and folded socks in their basket wins.<br />
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<u>3. Table Washing</u> - teach the kids how to scoop crumbs into their hand while washing a table instead of pushing them onto the floor in this game. Spread bits of paper on a table. Give a child a dry rag. Start a timer and see how quickly they can wipe all the bits of paper into their hand. Add penalty seconds for each piece of paper that falls on the floor. You can either have the team choose one child to participate or let each child have a turn and combine their scores for the final score. Whichever team has the lowest score wins!<br />
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<u>4. Towel Folding</u> - This can be a more creative competition. Choose music all the kids will know (I used "let it go") and give the teams a few minutes to work out their routines. The idea is to fold the towels while dancing. The girls had lots of fun with this one! They were tossing towels in the air and catching them while spinning and being very graceful. Kids will be judged based on how neatly the towels are folded and on their dance routine, just for fun. I let the kids who were uncomfortable dancing sit this one out and just cheer on their team.<br />
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<u>5. Toy Sorting</u> - You will need buckets and lots of toys on the ground. Assign each team a toy category (such as cars, dolls, blocks, etc . . .) then see which team can pick up their items and fill up their basket first. Or you can have one team go at a time and do all the categories, and just time how quickly they get things picked up. Add penalty seconds for things put in wrong baskets.<br />
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<u>6. Bed Making</u> - You will probably need to be home for this game. Teach the kids how to make the bed nicely, then see which team can do the best job in the shortest time. Bonus points for artful pillow arranging.<br />
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<u>7. Table Setting</u> - Teach the kids how to set a table. Set this up as a relay race. Each team has a box with items needed in it. (You will probably want to use plastic dinnerware). When the whistle blows, the first player grabs out the placemat, runs to put it on the table, then runs back and tags the next player who runs over to the table with the plate, and so on. Which team can get their place set first?<br />
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This list is longer than what we did at activity days. I only got through 3 activities in the hour, but the girls had lots of fun. At the end they each received a gold medal made from a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DS52YS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005DS52YS&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=VZOHYCIOOMHNGVKW">candy necklace</a> with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHTKOO4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CHTKOO4&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=K63X6YYQQNFGYPYF">chocolate gold coin</a> taped on.<br />
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You can make up games for chores you have your kids do around the house, such as mirror washing, toilet cleaning, mopping, etc . . . Once the Chorelympics are done you can continue the fun each chore day by checking their work and giving them a Chorelympic score and see which child rates the highest, or give your whole family a score and track your progress as a family to see if you can improve your house cleaning score from the week before. <br />
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<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-14560298280465679652015-03-16T22:21:00.005-04:002021-10-27T12:33:19.845-04:00Murder Mystery Party for TweensThis Murder Mystery birthday party was a lot of fun for my 10 year old and his guests.<br />
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On Monday we realized we finally had a free weekend to throw that birthday party for Joshua that was 3 months overdue. On Tuesday I invited the guests. On Wednesday I had an inkling of an idea. On Thursday I tweaked it. On Friday I planned and cleaned and shopped and videotaped. And Friday night we had a fun party that I hope I can describe well enough that someone else can use the idea too. </div>
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Since this was a last minute party, I did not send out invitations, and the kids actually had no idea what type of party this was going to be. On Thursday I emailed the parents to ask their kids to come dressed up as any type of character they would like to be, but they didn't know why. When they arrived, the Butler (aka Jason) welcomed them to Mr. Negg's home.<br />
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Decorations were very sparse. On the front table I had a black tablecloth with a picture of Mr. Negg (probably one of my favorite pictures of Nathan ever because it's hilarious) along with some papers which we handed to the guests as they arrived. And then we had black balloons hanging up in some places and that was pretty much it. </div>
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There was an obituary for Mr. Negg on the front of the page of the paper:</div>
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"Mr. Beeta Negg, born 1965, was a famed chicken trainer and circus performer. He learned to love chickens while growing up on his family's farm. He could never bring himself to eat them though, and became a vegetarian at an early age.<br />
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One day he discovered that by feeding his chickens marshmallows he could train them to do whatever he asked. Soon people were coming from all over the world to watch him and his trained chickens.<br />
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At age 17, Beeta opened the world's first Chicken Circus. The chickens would perform amazing death defying stunts. Soon other circuses wanted to add chickens to their performances and Mr. Negg opened up the now world famous Negg School for Chickens. His trained chickens were highly sought after and performed in cuicruses all over the world.<br />
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Mr. Negg was found dead in his home late Monday night. He is survived by the 10 trained chickens which currently reside with him and one son, who has been missing for some time now.<br />
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The world will miss this eggcentric chicken farmer." <br />
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And on the back it explained what they were doing here and gave them space to work out who their character was: </div>
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"Early yesterday morning you received a phone call. Mr. Beeta Negg, the eggcentric chicken trainer, had unexpectedly passed away. What was even more surprising was that you were named as a beneficiary in his will! (That means he has left you something, such as money or his old belongings.) You were invited to come to his house for dinner and a meeting with Mr. Negg's lawyer to hear the will be read. What could Mr. Negg have left for you?<br />
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Fill out your character's story below:<br />
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My name:<br />
Age:<br />
Occupation:<br />
Where I live:<br />
How I know Beeta Negg:"</div>
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The kids did a great job coming up with their characters. They discussed who they were during dinner. Since the kids didn't know what to expect when they dressed up, we had all sorts of funny characters. We had a zebra who said she knew Mr. Negg from biting him once at a circus. We had a private detective who said he was hired to find Mr. Negg's missing son. We also had the Joker who said he had killed Mr. Negg (although he later changed his tune).<br />
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During dinner I also introduced the guests to the house staff. I played the part of the lawyer, my husband played the part of the Butler, my 12 year old daughter played the part of "assistant chicken keeper", my 8 year old son played the part of a policeman, and my 5 year old was a servant. It was nice to be able to involve my other kids in the party. Maren carried around "Bob", Mr. Negg's favorite chicken during the party. It was this Folkmanis Rooster Puppet (have I ever told you how much I love puppets?), and she would make him peck her as if the chicken didn't like her. Hmmmm . . . I wonder why?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to get a good picture of all the kids dressed up as their parts, so this will have to do.</td></tr>
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We took about 45 minutes to create characters, eat dinner, eat cake, and open presents. Joshua opened the presents while his friends ate cake. I told him he could eat cake later if he didn't have time to finish. I was kind of rushing the kids because I had absolutely no idea how long this party was going to take.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua was dressed as a super spy named Samuel Keen Diggory. </td></tr>
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After dinner, the guests were invited into the drawing room to hear the will be read. I had prepared envelopes to hold the different parts of the will. I pretended to open up the will and read "Welcome. I would like for everyone to enjoy a piece of my favorite treat before reading the rest of the will." The servant (aka Nathan) then passed around a silver tray with little robin's eggs in candy cups for everyone to take a piece. After everyone had eaten the candy, I said "now Mr. Negg asks that we watch this video." I then opened "envelope 1", pulled out a dvd, and turned it on. Nathan helped make this video, and it cracks me up every time. You can tell when he's trying to remember exactly what I said and when he's just improvising:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QGmFbITuVqw" width="517" youtube-src-id="QGmFbITuVqw"></iframe><br /><br />
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I clarified to the kids what the video had said: "So Mr. Negg is convinced one of you killed him so he has poisoned all of us and we have to figure out who did it before we can get the antidote." I then gave the kids each a little notebook and pencil to write down notes on, as well as a list of questions they might want to ask the people in the room to help them get started. The questions were:<br />
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"How did Mr. Negg die? (the policeman answers this one)<br />
How was the Negg School for Chickens doing financially? (lawyer and/or assistant chicken keeper answers)<br />
Did Mr. Negg have any enemies? (Butler answers)<br />
What were you doing the night Mr. Negg died? (all can answer)<br />
Who receives the most money in the will?" (lawyer answers)<br />
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Before the party I had given scripts to the house staff so they were prepared to answer these questions. Rather than type them all up again in this post, you can<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjZ1N0Rk9YU3c1SEE/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-iKpDt04hZrGKpYcpocztng"> access the document here</a>.<br />
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As lawyer, I was able to help guide the children's questions if they got stuck. It was funny because even though they had a list of questions in front of them, there were still times when no one could think of anything to ask. I'd have to say "look at the paper!"<br />
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But the kids finally did figure out that (spoiler alert!) the Negg School for Chickens was not doing well as circuses were no longer interested in chicken performers. Mara, the assistant chicken keeper, was trying to convince Mr. Negg to sell the chickens as food, but Mr. Negg wouldn't hear of it. So Mara slipped a piece of chicken into Mr. Negg's ice cream which he had before bed every night, convinced that if he tasted how delicious chicken was he would change his mind. But unfortunately Mr. Negg liked to swallow his ice cream really fast and didn't notice the chicken, which had a small bone in it, which became lodged in his throat and killed him. Mara performed a very dramatic confession and apology. The poor unfortunate girl was carted off by the police and the rest of the beneficiaries were left to figure out where the antidote was.<br />
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After the kids had solved the mystery of "who killed Mr. Negg", I opened up the envelope which was supposed to be the antidote. BUT it was not the antidote! It contained two pieces of paper with the letters "A" and "N", as well as a coded clue which would lead to another clue, etc . . . That tricky Mr. Negg was not making this easy for us! I told the kids we had better hurry because we only had about 30 minutes before the poison killed us all!<br />
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Joshua's only request for this party was that we have no competitive games. He doesn't like them. The idea of us all working through games together for a common goal is how this whole murder mystery idea got started in the first place. Each time they found a new clue, they also found two letters which would end up spelling a word. The games played were:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBWemguWKAhU0bpvWvpI95HurYK1ZbcZ0Zt_UcS3-zdho89VC5k0CLKj290vkgKnx2nIoIIdCkokN5uY1A25MMofCy3wYNwKqNXsFDkabQCzBP958uAaMeE2JbWatkaiPmgOObWf5JTU/s1600/decoding.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBWemguWKAhU0bpvWvpI95HurYK1ZbcZ0Zt_UcS3-zdho89VC5k0CLKj290vkgKnx2nIoIIdCkokN5uY1A25MMofCy3wYNwKqNXsFDkabQCzBP958uAaMeE2JbWatkaiPmgOObWf5JTU/s1600/decoding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1st - the kids had to figure out a coded message. It ended up reading "the chickens got loose in the basement".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaUvPCNd7qhyJTF8BhCTufGly-YJQtg-I-AV-H4uBx9n-LlOt_W9_8htsRwktUpy50w5s5Z_C9Ng6xPOJK7JS73LDsuMxR4w8VILzc869imh7J_-7YqT9uVnLVoqmflcZ4h_uViKU5Bs/s1600/puzzling.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaUvPCNd7qhyJTF8BhCTufGly-YJQtg-I-AV-H4uBx9n-LlOt_W9_8htsRwktUpy50w5s5Z_C9Ng6xPOJK7JS73LDsuMxR4w8VILzc869imh7J_-7YqT9uVnLVoqmflcZ4h_uViKU5Bs/s1600/puzzling.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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2nd - they all ran to the basement and started hunting for easter eggs. Inside the easter eggs they found two more letters, "S" and "L", as well as puzzle pieces. The puzzle showed a picture of toys, so the kids ran up to the toy room where they found another envelope.<br />
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3rd - this envelope had the letter "O" and told them that two of their players had just lost their voices due to the poison. They had to do charades to get their friends to say "Why did the chicken cross the road." This was actually very funny. Jason and I were shaking our heads. The kids had managed to figure out that the phrase had 7 words, that the first 2 were "Why did" and then they figured out "chicken" and they still couldn't get it. Then some of the kids were saying "Why did the chicken dance? Why did the chicken . . .?" Hah. So funny. Finally someone figured out "road", and then Jason had to say "kids. come on. why did the chicken blank blank road? you can do this". And then someone got it. Yikes. We'll chalk it up to the excitement of the party. I told them the answer to the question was "because they were hungry" and we all went into the kitchen to find the next envelope.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAeaY8klgEWDfHWsed5clBSH9AWF-6nj6GwyaoMo_VLb-FtCxkmWV-Fz-54HBG2OEwXUazmNqBc2M0yFDwP-jQjYnV3Owhx5Oj3E671SGCG16mmjFZjjVH-AiAzWqp32VV1e3GGBACro/s1600/feeding+the+chickens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAeaY8klgEWDfHWsed5clBSH9AWF-6nj6GwyaoMo_VLb-FtCxkmWV-Fz-54HBG2OEwXUazmNqBc2M0yFDwP-jQjYnV3Owhx5Oj3E671SGCG16mmjFZjjVH-AiAzWqp32VV1e3GGBACro/s1600/feeding+the+chickens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4th - The next envelope had the letter "L" and told them that one of their friends had just lost use of their legs from the poison. That player was going to have to kneel and hold a bucket on their head while everyone else threw marshmallows into the bucket. We had to get 50 marshmallows in the bucket in 60 seconds to pass this test. The kids had to do it twice before they got the right amount. There was a lot of laughing with this game. (tip: leave the mini marshmallows out for a while to harden before the party. Then you won't have a sticky mess on your hands if people step on them). The kids could go and collect the marshmallows if they ran out but had to go back behind the line before they could throw them again.<br />
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5th - The last envelope had the letters "O" and "B" and told the players that they all just lost the use of their arms and hands. Their last task was to clean up the hen house of all the feathers. I had spread craft feathers all over the room. Some kids used their toes and some kids used their mouths (yes, really!) to pick up the feathers and put them in the bucket. There was no time limit, but we were running out of time before the poison killed us at this point. I had wished I had told the kids we had 45 minutes instead of 30 to complete all these tasks! But luckily the kids got it done pretty quickly and we still had 5 minutes to figure out the letters and find the antidote.<br />
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The kids figured out that the letters spelled the word "BALLOONS" and they raced to find the balloons hanging up in the house. I pointed out that they didn't need to pop all the balloons, just shake them and find the one with the antidote. (Before the party I had stuck some Mike and Ike's in a plastic bag and put the bag in a balloon.) They found the balloon, popped it, and everyone was saved from the poison with two minutes to spare - except for the butler because it turned out I put in one too few candies. Oops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i75HBExppHrv2NjDhKJ4Zd4Jl1KHD32P6a9BEEte9sKMx9DHgVrvIPoJJkoNm5ngp1sN1r4c1VQ3-eImKf9iQ1OZr08EgliErVDSmApHWc6kc6lb7GSRzoiCQJFcWLb-l3h5gYW9INo/s1600/antidote+time.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i75HBExppHrv2NjDhKJ4Zd4Jl1KHD32P6a9BEEte9sKMx9DHgVrvIPoJJkoNm5ngp1sN1r4c1VQ3-eImKf9iQ1OZr08EgliErVDSmApHWc6kc6lb7GSRzoiCQJFcWLb-l3h5gYW9INo/s1600/antidote+time.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Phew. What a party, right? But wait, it's not done!! (seriously you guys, I asked myself several times while frantically planning this thing "why am I doing this?")<br />
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After we were all safe, we went back to the drawing room to finish reading the will. Mr. Negg split the bulk of his estate between the Butler (who turned out to be his long lost son, see the script) and his favorite chicken Bob. But everyone else received $275. I handed out play money and announced that Bob and the Butler had gone through the estate and picked out some things neither of them wanted which would now be auctioned off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKxOBT5I3oMeWkizyiZRKDZ2xND0WOGjtxDTuc-HGGWEy6_DDoaiAZBTdUsISq0xosxaj7XSrfX3NZm1V_wjpOReL_zWXc0NFJNhr7gB85mNX6KQ8CcOxGb1Qxlg_Ct4NSzRf1NLvB2w/s1600/show+the+money.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKxOBT5I3oMeWkizyiZRKDZ2xND0WOGjtxDTuc-HGGWEy6_DDoaiAZBTdUsISq0xosxaj7XSrfX3NZm1V_wjpOReL_zWXc0NFJNhr7gB85mNX6KQ8CcOxGb1Qxlg_Ct4NSzRf1NLvB2w/s1600/show+the+money.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yay! Money!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This was probably the kids' favorite part of the evening. I had about 18 items, mostly from the dollar store or target dollar aisle. I had written down a list of the items for my reference and put them all in a box. I pulled them out one at a time and started bidding at 5 or 10 dollars. The kids were supposed to go up in increments of 5 or greater. This was tricky for the kids because they didn't know if they should spend all their money at the beginning or wait until the end. The things at the beginning went for pretty cheap because the kids were saving their money for something better. I told the kids that pretty much everything was just something small and not to expect big prizes but just spend their money already!<br />
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For fun I had a few joke items thrown in. Item number 4 was a pair of Mr. Negg's favorite socks (which I had hid some extra play money in). 4 items were hidden in bags and the kids had to bid on them sight unseen, although I did give them clues such as "These items belonged to Mrs. Negg" (it was candy jewelry). One child ended up buying a bag of "items found in Mr. Negg's personal quarters" for $200. It contained 2 bandaids, a roll of toilet paper, soap from a hotel, and a crazy straw. Everyone got a good laugh about that, and the boy was a good sport. I gave him some chocolate coins later because I felt bad he spent so much of his money on it.<br />
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Other items I auctioned included a can of sprite, colored pencils, glow sticks, strawberry nesquik, chapstick, fun pencils, and small candies. Once the auction was over, the kids continued to trade things with each other and some started collecting the pretend money to take home.<br />
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In addition to whatever auction items they had won, the kids each took home a bottle of extra antidote to help cure any leftover symptoms of the poison. I found these cute little bottles at the dollar store and made some <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjOXhXdHVIVlJ0NUU/view?usp=sharing">printable labels</a> and filled them with Mike and Ikes. Empty pill bottles would have worked well too, but I didn't have any nor did I have time to order them. (a lot of people have emailed and asked for the "antidote" label file because apparently the one I linked is blurry. I am sorry but I can't find the original file on my computer!! I must have deleted it.)<br />
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To review, there were 4 parts of the party:<br />
1- create characters, dinner, cake, presents (about 45 minutes)<br />
2 - figure out who killed Mr. Negg (about 20 minutes)<br />
3 - find the antidote (about 30 minutes, but I wish I had given them 45)<br />
4 - the auction (about 30 minutes)<br />
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So yes, I went a little overboard, especially given my time restraints, but it was a really fun party and one that the guests talked about much after.<br />
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I hope someone else uses these ideas too, so that my work is able to benefit someone else! Let me know if you end up throwing your own murder mystery party!<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1061169377587982819%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1456029828046567965%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-zyqijh_c-v0%252FVQd_sBbwPiI%252FAAAAAAAADwQ%252F45OjNiw1Y7k%252Fs1600%252Fantidote.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7218px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1061169377587982819%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1456029828046567965%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-zyqijh_c-v0%252FVQd_sBbwPiI%252FAAAAAAAADwQ%252F45OjNiw1Y7k%252Fs1600%252Fantidote.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7218px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-85296067386609368192015-01-20T14:15:00.003-05:002016-01-20T13:33:51.706-05:00Valentine's Day Kindness CountdownThis Kindness Countdown is a fun way to bring a little more love into your home this Valentine's Day!<br />
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Even though Valentine's Day is more about romantic love, in our home we like to focus on family love during the month of February. Each year I try to find some way to motivate the kids to show extra love to their siblings, and this year I thought we'd do a Kindness Countdown.<br />
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I had so many different ideas for how to do the countdown and I couldn't decide which I liked best, so I made four. You can choose your favorite. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4us6UUxyc5u_5xY9RyqTWFhfCZao5vF7Yr8vEUJs6cgt7b6ZcJnMG2mbe4mbm57Rgak9unPqnwP6wv7g3znHRQnbOxz6iAI3RI8RMqfHG9cfviCqEU17cFtJKxps4SQ6ya9rkACpQ_Rg/s1600/envelope+kindness+countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="love these ideas to help kids spread kindness in February!" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4us6UUxyc5u_5xY9RyqTWFhfCZao5vF7Yr8vEUJs6cgt7b6ZcJnMG2mbe4mbm57Rgak9unPqnwP6wv7g3znHRQnbOxz6iAI3RI8RMqfHG9cfviCqEU17cFtJKxps4SQ6ya9rkACpQ_Rg/s1600/envelope+kindness+countdown.jpg" title="love these ideas to help kids spread kindness in February!" width="400" /></a></div>
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I like the envelopes and the little packages because it's a surprise what the assignment will be for the day. I tell the kids that these are like Secret Missions. Kids love secret missions. Each morning they are to choose one package, open it, and complete what is written on the heart. Once completed, they can eat the Hershey Kiss inside the package. They can then take the heart and tape it up by our <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2013/01/love-at-home-sign-and-activity.html">"Love at Home"</a> sign. This will be a way to show how many good things they've been doing for each other. I also have extra hearts they can tape up if they want to do extra good deeds each day.<br />
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For the secret missions, I tried to think of things I'd like to see my kids do for each other. Also, if someone is having a hard time with a sibling, I will write on the heart for them to do something specifically for that sibling, such as "Make Joshua's Bed". Just substitute a name each time I wrote "someone". It's easier to love each other when we serve each other.<br />
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Here are some secret kindness mission ideas:<br />
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1. make a bed<br />
2. clear someone's dishes for them<br />
3. put away some toys<br />
4. give someone a hug<br />
5. let someone else have the first turn<br />
6. hold the door open for someone<br />
7. write a nice note for someone<br />
8. read a book to someone<br />
9. play a game with someone (and let them win)<br />
10. leave one of these kisses on someone's pillow (I put 2 kisses in this package)<br />
11. help someone get breakfast<br />
12. draw a picture for someone<br />
13. help someone clean their room<br />
14. tell someone what you like about them<br />
15. call your grandparents to tell them you love them<br />
16. write a thank you note to daddy<br />
17. write a thank you note to mommy<br />
18. put away someone's laundry<br />
19. hide notes of love in someone's room<br />
20. clear the dishwasher unasked<br />
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(Here is the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjZFFSVXdNZXJ3YTQ/view?usp=sharing">PDF of the hearts</a> I used with my kids with some blank ones to add your own)<br />
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All of these are ones they can do in the home, but you could expand it to include kindness outside the home as well. What ideas would you add?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30YMslttDKR53-aYLU7m7okW1XWjd5aiGm3CRmiix1hHVYnheAzsCQF8o2AsSE3EH0TQjeQcz9Daw6e2iKjG0ZQNmzyE9dTF8UxaVEbwgQfwltIfJtmvxeFdrx1-Jn3U1Yr9YS6iulQQ/s1600/kindness+envelopes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="love these ideas to help kids spread kindness in February!" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30YMslttDKR53-aYLU7m7okW1XWjd5aiGm3CRmiix1hHVYnheAzsCQF8o2AsSE3EH0TQjeQcz9Daw6e2iKjG0ZQNmzyE9dTF8UxaVEbwgQfwltIfJtmvxeFdrx1-Jn3U1Yr9YS6iulQQ/s1600/kindness+envelopes.jpg" title="love these ideas to help kids spread kindness in February!" width="380" /></a></div>
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I think the envelopes are my favorite method of delivery. All I used was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050PHLWK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0050PHLWK&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=SGIZEY5YFPMQH7NZ" rel="no follow">felt</a>, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001689XCQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001689XCQ&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=5SF4KU7MDL24FD2P" rel="no follow">glue gun</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001689XCQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B3I3CZI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B3I3CZI&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=T7CHDNRO7Z5HNIID" rel="no follow">button</a>. And they are reusable, so that's good. I cut a piece of felt into a long rectangle, glued it to make a pocket, rounded the top, cut a slit where I wanted a button, and used a little dab of hot glue to adhere the button. No sewing involved.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkpdeXwDOvWSog85nQK6iVAT6SskQ9r4F-83AllqJYukymQ9liFpapIaYE8oGFAuxFpjXJsJMthc277cE_fAH5wNq7SV0kOLZJ8H8_vemlE09o2LPDbHm-69OcHsWME2rSlraBZOPJs0/s1600/little+packages+countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="love these ideas to help kids spread kindness in February!" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkpdeXwDOvWSog85nQK6iVAT6SskQ9r4F-83AllqJYukymQ9liFpapIaYE8oGFAuxFpjXJsJMthc277cE_fAH5wNq7SV0kOLZJ8H8_vemlE09o2LPDbHm-69OcHsWME2rSlraBZOPJs0/s1600/little+packages+countdown.jpg" title="love these ideas to help kids spread kindness in February!" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the paper packages, I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035LXTYU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0035LXTYU&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=ONZNPKB4ZJWIMKIM" rel="no follow">double sided tape</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0035LXTYU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to make a loop of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LIG984/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009LIG984&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=CAMUYOB474N4MLIB" rel="no follow">cute paper</a>, flattened one end and sealed with double sided tape, filled it with the kiss and heart and sealed the other side with double sided tape. They'll have to tear it to open it, so . . . not reusable.<br />
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For the roses, I took two kisses, wrapped them in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BNGOHU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004BNGOHU&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=OYR47QYV4WW335FF" rel="no follow">red cellophane</a>, stuck in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UJ0Z10/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UJ0Z10&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=EAKHQH4SHOYS6NJQ" rel="no follow">small skewer</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000UJ0Z10" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and wrapped it with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FR07HP4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FR07HP4&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=BKZFR6AFVDUHTL6H" rel="no follow">floral tape</a>. Then I tied on some curly ribbon and slid the heart up onto the ribbon. The kids who don't get this one will protest since each of these has two kisses and the other packages only have one. I'll just have to eat the second kiss each day to make things fair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGx2fNl9kyKMjfezmsYPBYBy-HdG_HWL10GabhJestRVhsrlYapZO6vEIjTOJv3rQk9Y82Xg5NxfH3TjrQ45n3J12nFcynn53-XTD9e8wcQ6t0LumGVsx19Kcmur7P43Z_XfdDpnNEPU/s1600/picture+frame+countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="so cute! love these ideas to help kids spread kindness in February!" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGx2fNl9kyKMjfezmsYPBYBy-HdG_HWL10GabhJestRVhsrlYapZO6vEIjTOJv3rQk9Y82Xg5NxfH3TjrQ45n3J12nFcynn53-XTD9e8wcQ6t0LumGVsx19Kcmur7P43Z_XfdDpnNEPU/s1600/picture+frame+countdown.jpg" title="so cute! love these ideas to help kids spread kindness in February!" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had an old broken picture frame I used for the last countdown calendar. I tied/hot glued 3 pieces of twine across the frame and used little clothespins to attach the hearts and kisses. It's cute, but the kids might think it disappointing that the secret missions aren't very secret. I guess I could've folded the hearts so they couldn't see what was inside. Next time . . .<br />
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Which is your favorite?<br />
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Here are some more ideas for focusing on family love during February:<br />
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<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2013/01/love-at-home-sign-and-activity.html">"Love at Home" sign and activity</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/01/filling-our-home-with-love.html">Filling our Home with Love</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/02/love-bug.html">The Love Bug</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2012/01/special-valentines-day-breakfast.html">Special Valentine's Day Breakfast</a><br />
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And be sure to check out my Valentine's Day board on Pinterest for more great ideas!<br />
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<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="200" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="http://www.pinterest.com/chickenbabies/valentines/">Follow Chicken Babies's board Valentines on Pinterest.</a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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This post is part of <a href="http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2015/01/100-acts-of-kindness-challenge-2015.html">100 Acts of Kindness Challenge</a> from <a href="http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2015/01/100-acts-of-kindness-challenge-2015.html">Toddler Approved</a> and <a href="http://www.coffeecupsandcrayons.com/100-acts-kindness-challenge/">Coffee Cups and Crayons</a>! Head over to check out more great ideas for spreading kindness!<br />
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-55934825243343768352015-01-07T11:09:00.004-05:002015-01-07T11:13:52.777-05:00Indoor Play - Following the LeaderI don't know about you, but I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to cold weather. I just want to hibernate under a blanket with a book and stay warm. However my kids need to get out some energy! Today I'm sharing some fun ways to get your children moving indoors so they're not bouncing off the walls (without permission).<br />
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Young kids love playing follow the leader - especially if mommy is playing too! When I played this with my boys there was much giggling because they could make mommy do whatever they wanted! (Now do you have that "following the leader" song stuck in your head from Disney's "Peter Pan" movie? I do.)</div>
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Classic Follow the Leader </h3>
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Everyone playing stands in a line. Whoever is in front moves around the room in whatever way they like - skipping, jumping, hopping, crawling, etc . . . Everyone in line behind them copies their movements. Change leaders after a designated amount of time. (usually shorter is better - like after 2 minutes). </div>
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Animal Variation</h3>
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This is played like classic, except the leader pretends to be an animal of their choice. When the teacher/parent gives a signal, the leader switches to a new animal. Let each child lead as 3 or 4 animals before switching leaders. You can discuss ideas before you start playing to avoid children not knowing what to do, or the parent/teacher can announce the animal the leader should move like each time, which would work well for the younger kids. Some good animals to use would be: elephant, monkey, lion, frog, bear, horse, rat, bird, etc . .<br />
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"What are you stepping in?" Variation</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3JKDrnggoAYUslcQg4PHIP9vlCqTXh2gEYhgKbzwDBbFyklsHnyQROgEGlBvfN9xrmq5i0RVHEFwMKB5m_WesGmkvuJVWqdXbbIlPjAj30krRvRg176QlbdG0D5CWvKjY5dQvBoF1x0/s1600/pretend+swimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3JKDrnggoAYUslcQg4PHIP9vlCqTXh2gEYhgKbzwDBbFyklsHnyQROgEGlBvfN9xrmq5i0RVHEFwMKB5m_WesGmkvuJVWqdXbbIlPjAj30krRvRg176QlbdG0D5CWvKjY5dQvBoF1x0/s1600/pretend+swimming.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher about to dive into the swimming pool he's pretending to walk through</td></tr>
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I couldn't come up with a good name for this variation. What I'm trying to say is that the leader pretends to be moving on or through different types of ground, ie. walking on sand, grass, water, mud, glue, snow, hot lava, peanut butter, ice cream, egg shells, etc . . . Whatever the children can imagine. As with the animal variation, discuss ideas before play begins, and give the leader suggestions if they're unable to come up with an idea of their own. Kids love imagining what they're moving through, but don't be surprised if the group doesn't stay in a line. It's fine to just let them all move individually as they would imagine. The leader can be the one to choose what they're moving through.<br />
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Train/Snake Variation</h3>
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Have the kids put their hands on one another's shoulders. The person in front is the "Train Conductor" or the Snake's head. Let them lead the kids around the room for a while, then switch.<br />
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Mirror Variation</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ha! Christopher's face in this one just makes me laugh</td></tr>
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This is not played in a line, but is still a "Follow the Leader" type game. Each person needs a partner (or it can be done in a group of 3, but 2 works best). One child is the leader, the other pretends to be their mirror reflection. Facing each other, the leader slowly moves his body - lifting an arm, moving a leg, turning a head, or even making silly faces while the child who is the mirror copies. To explain the game to Nathan, I reminded him of the scene in "Muppets Most Wanted" where Kermit is pretending to be Constantine's reflection in a mirror so he won't discover him. We love that movie! Make sure the children know to move slowly so the mirror child can keep up. After a while, switch who leads and who mirrors. This game is too difficult for toddlers, but preschoolers love it. Nathan (5) needed help moving slowly, so I went first and modeled how. This was good for helping him learn to control his body. </div>
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Bean Bag Variation</h3>
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To make "follow the leader" more challenging for older kids, give everyone in the line a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MECK02/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000MECK02&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=MATO6UCBGMYXAXJ2" rel="no follow">Bean Bag</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000MECK02" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (or small stuffed animal) to put on their head. As they follow the leader they have to try and keep it balanced on their head, or elbow, or back, or shoulder, etc . . . The kids really liked this version! They wanted whoever dropped their bean bag to be "out", but I told them this time we were just playing for fun. If they wanted to play that way later, it was fine by me. </div>
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Obstacle Course Variation</h3>
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If you're playing follow the leader in a large space you can set up a sort of obstacle course for the line of kids. We put out an old board to walk on like a balance beam, chairs to move around, used a table to crawl under, and a pillow to hop over. If the leader is old enough, they can be the one to design the obstacle course. For younger kids, just put out some different options, show how they can be used, and let the child lead. They may just want to hop over the pillow over and over and over again. And that's okay. As with other variations, set a specific time limit for each leaders' turn to avoid shouts of unfairness in turn time. If you have the resources, there are some fun movement toys that would be great for an obstacle course. These are some I have my eye on: a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009IMAS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00009IMAS&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=PG4DXOC2GGA5WOTI" rel="no follow">tunnel</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00009IMAS" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to crawl through, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032VMJ1C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0032VMJ1C&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=IJS5O2VXFY6WO3UP" rel="no follow">Curve-A-Beam</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0032VMJ1C" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to balance on, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANIVRG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ANIVRG&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=AGYWVCDCYQTCNBBA" rel="no follow">Gonge Riverstones</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000ANIVRG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to walk across, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007CEK53E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007CEK53E&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=4GAZLN5SPT2KQYIJ" rel="no follow">Activity Cones</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007CEK53E" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to run around, and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FKSOV0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002FKSOV0&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=FK3DV6QVQAPGZ6GT" rel="no follow">Tumbling Mat</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002FKSOV0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to roll on. The kids would have so much fun with those! (or at least I would)<br />
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Freeze Dance Variation</h3>
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Play "Follow the Leader" to music. Instead of playing in a line, have the leader out in front facing the group. The parent (or leader if the kids are older) can be in charge of pausing the music to make everyone "freeze" occasionally. Watching kids try to dance like the leader child is dancing is pretty funny. And mommy dancing in front of all the kids is even funnier. Good times. </div>
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I hope this post has given you some ideas of ways to keep your children active indoors! This post is part of the <a href="http://www.stillplayingschool.com/2015/01/active-fun-games-indoor-kids-gross-motor.html">Gross Motor Activities from A to Z blog hop</a>. Our letter is "F", for Following the Leader.<br />
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Not only can you find 26 great ideas for indoor play, but you have a chance to with a parachute play pack from the series sponsor, <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/" rel="no follow">Discount School Supply</a> Enter to win below:<br />
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<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-15600248037248281572014-12-03T13:39:00.003-05:002018-05-26T10:45:13.353-04:00Favorite Series Books for Early Readers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a teacher and a parent, I'm always on the look out for good books. These beginning chapter book series are some of my kids' favorites!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this post contains affiliate links</span></i><br />
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There's a magical moment in a child's life when reading clicks! Suddenly they just get it, and their reading takes off. This can happen anywhere between Kindergarten and Third grade. This is the time when kids love reading easy chapter books and especially love reading stories about favorite characters. Series are very popular at this age. Kids don't seem to mind that plot elements are incredibly similar and predictable. In fact, that's what makes them so great for young kids. The predictability factor helps in their fluency and builds confidence.<br />
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If you're like me, you love giving books as gifts. These series books are some of my children's favorites (and I've read them too). Any one or set of these books would make a great gift for birthday or holiday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TZeC0zfsSQfdBJlTDcTG1WDf4viVo7ZOsQwpf46bvdsdm3eVza9ijY99g_MxgTxXds5qP_zuLU_BPYKqlMJw0zt67QyThqqBsBHsyD_JsCfxLFnRWSIMG-jlYfAuMCHN3q6O5H-xP5E/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TZeC0zfsSQfdBJlTDcTG1WDf4viVo7ZOsQwpf46bvdsdm3eVza9ijY99g_MxgTxXds5qP_zuLU_BPYKqlMJw0zt67QyThqqBsBHsyD_JsCfxLFnRWSIMG-jlYfAuMCHN3q6O5H-xP5E/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" width="160" /></a></div>
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<b>Mercy Watson</b><br />
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What can I say about this porcine wonder? I love the Mercy Watson books. They have great colorful pictures and silly stories. The large text and lots of pictures make it very accessible to early readers. The hardbound books and chapters make children feel grown up for reading chapter books. We love these!</div>
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<b>Captain Awesome</b></div>
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This is a fun new series for early readers. The print is large and there are lots of pictures. The stories are clever and funny. And with a name like "Captain Awesome" you know it's going to be good. </div>
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<b>My Weirder School</b></div>
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This is a newer series and one that my kids love! Even Maren who is way beyond this level enjoys reading them. </div>
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<b>Judy Moody</b></div>
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Judy has been a favorite around here for a long time. She's spunky and kids will relate to her moodiness. But she also is able to figure out how to get around her moods which is great for the kids to read about. </div>
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<b>Stink</b></div>
My boys (and girl) have enjoyed reading about Judy's younger brother Stink. The words are big and the chapters short which make for good reading for young kids.<br />
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<b>Kung Pow Chicken</b><br />
Do I even need to say anything? Doesn't the title speak for itself? Crime fighting ninja chickens. Yup. That's a winner in this family.<br />
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<b>Galaxy Zack</b><br />
A new series I haven't yet read, but my kids have enjoyed. Sorry for the lame review. I hear they're good. </div>
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<b style="font-family: times;">Magic Tree House books</b></div>
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Magic Tree House are classic books for a reason. One thing I especially love about them is the positive brother/sister relationship portrayed. We need more books where kids are kind and polite to each other! Jack and Annie go on fun adventures and the kids learn things. Maren and Joshua used to go around yelling "Mt. Vesuvius" after they read the "Vacation under a Volcano" book and that always made me laugh. There are also "research guides" you can buy that have more information about each topic. My kids have liked those as well. </div>
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<b>The Rainbow Magic Fairies</b><br />
There are a million of these books (well, not really, but it seems like it.) Maren LOVED reading every single one of them. They are very predictable, but that helps make reading them easier.<br />
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<b>Secrets of Droon</b></div>
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This is the series Christopher is currently interested in. Maren read and liked them too. They are fun early reader fantasy books for kids who like that sort of thing. </div>
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<b>A to Z Mysteries</b></div>
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There's something about mysteries at this age - kids just love them. This series about three friends solving mysteries is great. There are other series by the same author and in the same format that my kids have liked - The calendar mysteries, and the the capitol mysteries come to mind. </div>
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<b>Clementine</b></div>
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This funny little girl has spunk. Maren loved reading about her adventures. </div>
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<b>Andrew Lost</b><br />
These books are great for kids who love science. Each book takes Andrew on a new science adventure, discovering new things. They are similar in difficulty to the Magic Tree House books.<br />
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<b>Cam Jansen</b></div>
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These books will always hold a special place in my heart. This was the first series Maren devoured as a child and she used to love to pretend she had a photographic memory like Cam. She'd close her eyes and tell me to quiz her about what was in the room. It was extremely cute. Kids love these mysteries and how Cam is able to solve them. </div>
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<b>The Littles</b></div>
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Fun stories about little people living in your walls! These are great classic books my kids have loved. </div>
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<b>Beast Quest</b><br />
Joshua and Christopher have both loved these books. Honestly, I was surprised because parts are scary and my kids don't do scary very well. There's another series about the same land I've stayed away from because I've read reviews that they were gory, but these ones are good. The idea is that there are several beasts around the land who are being controlled through magic collars and a boy goes on a quest to free them from the collars and save the land. </div>
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<b>Bailey School Kids</b><br />
These are popular with the kids. Any stories about school actually seem to do well, and a school where the teachers may be magical or mythical beings? Definitely high interest there.<br />
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<b>Flat Stanley</b></div>
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Everyone loves Flat Stanley! These books are classics and a great place to start for kids beginning chapter books. Christopher and I started reading these together last year, and he liked them so much he wanted to just read them on his own rather than wait for me to read them with him. I call that a win!</div>
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<b>Zack Files</b></div>
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This is one of the series I have not read any of, but my kids like them. </div>
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<b>Junie B. Jones</b></div>
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I know, I know. Some people CAN'T STAND Junie B., and I get that. But personally I just love her. She makes me laugh. Just as long as none of my children try to behave like Junie. Maren loved these books, but she didn't read them on her own. We read them aloud to her, and it was a great bonding experience. We laughed together, but we were also able to talk about what wrong choices Junie B. was making and what she should've done. Christopher can't get past the first chapter of these books. He has a hard time with suspense caused by kids doing wrong things. He gets too nervous for them and the consequences. So clearly, not for everyone, but it was Maren's favorite so I included them. Just be warned. </div>
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<b>Notebook of Doom</b></div>
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The titles of these books are very appealing to my boys. Doom! Aghh! Christopher says they are good.<br />
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<b>Encyclopedia Brown</b></div>
There was a time when Joshua devoured every Encyclopedia Brown book he could find. Again, it's that mystery thing. These are great books for kids on the older end.<br />
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There are LOTS of series out there for the beginning-to-read-chapter-book child, and it can be hard to sort through them all. I hope this list of our favorites has helped as you try to find books that will be your child's favorites. What ones that you loved would you add to the list?</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-84715367416320494742014-11-17T13:05:00.001-05:002015-11-30T08:09:26.430-05:00Creative Christmas LettersWe write a creative Christmas letter to go out with our picture every year to let our family and friends know what's going on in our lives. Here are some ideas to help your Christmas letters stand out.<br />
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My mom is a very creative lady and every Christmas when we were growing up she would send out a cute Christmas letter to accompany our picture in a Christmas card. I have continued the tradition because I guess I just like to make life more complicated. . . . well actually I enjoy it. I enjoy thinking of a clever/cheesy/ridiculous way to share what's been going on in our lives.<br />
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Here are a bunch of creative ideas to help you write your Christmas card letter this year: </h3>
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<b>1. Write a letter to santa</b><br />
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Write a letter for Santa asking for things that will help in your families activities from the year. For example "Dear Santa, This year Maren would really love a new violin; she's wearing hers out with all the performances and practicing!"<br />
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<b>2. Write a haiku for each child</b><br />
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Seriously. I know it sounds ridiculous, but that's part of the fun of writing Cheesy Christmas letters. A Haiku (in case you don't remember from school) has a line of 5 syllables, then a line of 7 syllables, then a line of 5 syllables. And they're kind of fun to write. For example:<br />
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Joshua's Haiku:<br />
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piano playing<br />
early morn' trumpet blowing<br />
where are my earplugs?<br />
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<b>3. <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/12/unique-christmas-cards-dictionary.html">Dictionary</a></b><br />
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We did this one a few years ago and people really liked it. Check out this<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/12/unique-christmas-cards-dictionary.html"> post about our family dictionary. </a><br />
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<b>4. Newspaper</b><br />
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Make your family letter like a newspaper, with different sections for sports, education, politics, the Arts, and classifieds. A very fun way to present a card.<br />
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<b>5. <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2012/12/unique-christmas-cards-doll-family.html">Doll family</a></b><br />
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Pretend your family is being packaged as a doll family. What sort of accessories would you come with? Check out our <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2012/12/unique-christmas-cards-doll-family.html">Doll Family Christmas Letter</a> from a few years ago.<br />
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<b>6. <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/11/unique-christmas-cards-cancelled.html">Cancelled Christmas letter</a></b><br />
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This was probably the easiest letter to write. We listed all the reasons our family was too busy to write a Christmas letter that year, and let people know it was cancelled. People really enjoyed it. Read the full <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/11/unique-christmas-cards-cancelled.html">Cancelled Christmas letter</a> in this old post.<br />
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<b>7. <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/11/unique-christmas-cards-candidates.html">Candidates</a></b><br />
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During an election year, you can present your family as political candidates up for election. Check out our <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/11/unique-christmas-cards-candidates.html">Candidates Christmas letter</a> post from several years back.<br />
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<b>8. <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/11/cheesy-christmas-cards-recipe.html">Recipe</a></b><br />
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What makes up your family? Write a recipe for each of your family members. Read more about this idea in our<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/11/cheesy-christmas-cards-recipe.html"> Recipe Christmas Card</a> blog post from a few years ago.<br />
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<b>9. Top 10 list</b><br />
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What are the top 10 things that happened to your family this year? Write about what's going on.<br />
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<b>10. Multiple choice quiz</b><br />
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See how well your friends and family have been following your lives. Write up a clever multiple choice quiz just for fun. For example:<br />
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Christopher has recently started:<br />
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a. piano lessons<br />
b. chewing with his mouth closed<br />
c. reading voraciously<br />
d. basketball<br />
e. all of the above except b<br />
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<b>11. Poetry form</b><br />
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Some of you might be clever enough to pull this off. I am not a great poet, but maybe I'll make Jason write one someday. I have a poetic family though. One year my brother Greg wrote a great poem for a family Christmas letter that makes me laugh. Here is a snippet of the beginning and end:<br />
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It's that time of year when the Smith's get together<br />
And rattle their brains for the new Christmas letter<br />
Marty said "Let's do a cross-word puzzle"<br />
The rest said "That's stupid" and put on his muzzle<br />
Fighting ensued until Liz bellowed "Stuff it,<br />
We'll tell all our tales in trite rhyming couplets."<br />
The stanza's aren't good, they're not worth five pence<br />
They reek with abuse of artistic license<br />
Read on for enlightenment all about us<br />
Verbatim veracity of all last year's stuff.<br />
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(here there was a stanza on each of the family members)<br />
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Well that's about it for the Smith Family update<br />
We hope this bad poem doesn't ruin your holiday<br />
Have a good year, and please keep in touch<br />
And feel good inside 'cause we love you so . . .<br />
. . . next year we'll just send you a stupid crossword puzzle.<br />
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<b>12. A Crossword puzzle</b><br />
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Of course, right? Give clues and let people fill in a crossword puzzle, because Marty's idea wasn't <i>that </i>stupid.<br />
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<b>13. Family Holiday Songbook</b><br />
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One year when I was in college my mom called me and told me I was responsible for creating new words to a Christmas song for their Christmas letter that year. Each child was supposed to do their own. They compiled them in a "Smith Family Songbook" and mailed it out to friends. Crazy, huh? And actually, my youngest brother John got out of doing one and my mom just did it for him, because that's what happens when you're the baby of the family. I'd share mine as an example, but it's just a bit too embarrassing.<br />
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<b>14. Police photos</b><br />
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Make a wanted poster. What "criminal activities" has your family been up to? For example:<br />
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Wanted: Nathan (5), for excessive laughing and cuteness, snitching fruit snacks, and reading above his age level. Take precaution when apprehending - suspect has fierce ninja moves and carries lots of swordlike objects.<br />
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<b>15. Superhero Family</b><br />
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What super powers does your family have? What's the name of your Super Team? What heroic things have you done this year? What evil have you conquered? There's lots of possibilities with this one.<br />
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<b>16. Year By The Numbers</b><br />
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Write a list of numbers and why they represent your family this year. For example:<br />
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2 - children at public school this year<br />
5 - the number of teeth Christopher has lost<br />
150 - the number of books Maren read this summer<br />
etc . . .<br />
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<b>17. Write it from the baby's/child's/pet's/neighbor's point of view</b><br />
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How would your baby/child/pet/neighbor describe your year?<br />
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<b>18. <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2015/11/creative-christmas-cards-quiz.html" target="_blank">"Which Family Member are You?" Quiz</a></b><br />
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This one invited our friends and family to discover which one of us they were most like by answering some questions. Read more about our <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2015/11/creative-christmas-cards-quiz.html" target="_blank">Creative Christmas Quiz</a>.<br />
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That's all for now. I will add more as I think of them. I haven't put in the Christmas Letter I'm doing this year because I want it to be a surprise . . .<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-35892911348773744092014-11-13T06:00:00.000-05:002015-11-19T13:34:46.674-05:00Best Toys for Creative EducationThese toys are sure to inspire children's imagination and encourage their creativity!<br />
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When we talk about "learning toys" we usually think of things that teach kids about science or reading or math, but these imaginative and creative toys are an equally important part of education. Creativity is so important for our children. Creative children are able to approach a problem from different angles to find the best solution. We need creative thinkers who put old things together in new ways to solve problems. Unfortunately our public schools emphasize memorizing facts to answer questions on tests. It's up to us as parents to give our children opportunities at home to learn creativity. Check out this article called <a href="http://www.parenting.com/article/creative-play" target="_blank">Why Creative Education is Important for Kids</a> for more about this important topic.<br />
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Creativity is learned through play. We need to protect their playtime and provide them with the right kind of toys. Look for toys that can be played with in more than one way, toys that encourage role playing, and toys that allow kids to make their own unique creations.<br />
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Here are links to some of our family's favorite creative toys on Amazon. These are affiliate links, so if you purchase through them a small amount will go to the blog without any extra cost to you. Amazon just pays me for referrals, but sometimes you can find better deals elsewhere so go ahead and shop around. I just give you the links so you can better see what I'm talking about.<br />
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<h3>
Blocks</h3>
Every child needs a good set of blocks! Or two or three!<br />
Our favorites:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXRvKS3IehxqMl9Xq8lUYBiy01owsmmvHsDtxnIqLxCHGJjkILMAqdK5BOI3tdRZusx0LytI1uS623hXUHM6Pmq5gvsorP67qI6BFoxzfO0PslwGgprBOttC9ND4SjCjFlh5upWimdHA/s1600/blocks+for+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXRvKS3IehxqMl9Xq8lUYBiy01owsmmvHsDtxnIqLxCHGJjkILMAqdK5BOI3tdRZusx0LytI1uS623hXUHM6Pmq5gvsorP67qI6BFoxzfO0PslwGgprBOttC9ND4SjCjFlh5upWimdHA/s400/blocks+for+kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CBSNRY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000CBSNRY&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=KFHSBFWXAZ3PEXGN" rel="no follow">Magna-Tiles® Clear Colors 100 Piece Set</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CBSNRY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Expensive, but worth it! We love love love our Magna-tiles!</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008W72D/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00008W72D&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=WITFLBUSK7KGI3NU" rel="no follow">Melissa and Doug 60-Piece Standard Unit Blocks</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00008W72D" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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My kids love these wood blocks. We have two sets. They can be stored in the wood box they come in. My kids build zoos and castles and ninja hideaways. Great blocks!<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A12YBW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000A12YBW&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=SC2EPQFUORIMBEVR" rel="no follow">Melissa and Doug Deluxe Jumbo Cardboard Blocks (40 pc)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000A12YBW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Well, we don't actually have these, but Grandma does, and the kids love playing with them! She has a bunch of sets and the kids will build houses and towers and knock them down. So fun!<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002V7YBNC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002V7YBNC&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=YTPYB6K6TXRPOE4I" rel="no follow">MindWare KEVA Contraptions</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002V7YBNC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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We received this as a gift and the kids love building ramps for the balls to go down! Very fun set of blocks. </div>
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Dolls and Such</h3>
By dolls I just mean "toys that have people for kids to act out life with", so don't think dolls are just for girls! My 3 boys all love acting out scenes with dolls (they just don't call them dolls). Here are some of our favorite "toys with people for acting out life":<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ADVR3S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003ADVR3S&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=ZWKFMXK4VPSHUZOO" rel="no follow">KidKraft Chelsea Doll Cottage with Furniture</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003ADVR3S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Maren loved her dollhouse. It's still in our attic because she just couldn't get rid of it. Occasionally we'll get it down and play with it. The boys play with it too when Maren's not looking. The dollhouse she had is no longer made (she's getting so old!) but this one looks good too. </div>
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2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007RDZFPI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007RDZFPI&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=KH3WU4GAHG4PPIQK" rel="no follow">Playmobil Police Station</a><br />
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I love Playmobil toys! I always wanted some when I was little and I've bought my kids a bunch. Yes, the little pieces can be annoying, but the details are so fun! This is another product where you should check the official playmobil website before buying to make sure you are getting a good deal. It's hard to know if the price has been inflated because it's a retired set. My boys love the pirates and dragon castles and Maren loved all the fairytale sets.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GSN5A94/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00GSN5A94&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=E4BEJZU7DSIY6ZFV" rel="no follow">Duplo Lego Farm</a></div>
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I love Lego Duplo Bricks too. This is a toy that could go in the block category or the doll category. My kids love building with them, but then they also love playing with the Lego people too. You can read my post on <a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2014/11/lego-and-lego-duplo-blocks-reviewed.html" target="_blank">Why Every Child Needs Lego Bricks</a> for more suggestions on great sets to buy!</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQHYWK4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CQHYWK4&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=4IDKFZQP2UGSMQ6C" rel="no follow">Fisher-Price Little People Fun Sounds Farm</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CQHYWK4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
Doesn't every kid need a Little People Farm? The design has changed over the years but this was always a favorite toy of my toddlers.<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQYR110/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BQYR110&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=LV5GR4MMO5R5AJRE" rel="no follow">Imaginext City Center</a><br />
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We have lots of Imaginext! I mean LOTS! We have 2 castles, a fire station, a space station, helicopters, cars, etc . . . I am partial to the old sets because I think they were better made, and you can still find them on ebay or at yard sales, but the new sets are good too.<br />
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Dramatic Play</h3>
Role playing is one way kids make sense of the world around them. They act out what they've seen the people around them do. Role playing can also be used to teach kids how to respond in situations. These toys are great for encouraging kids creativity.<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IPGXVA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002IPGXVA&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=UBHUYONIILYPB2G7" rel="no follow">Melissa and Doug Stamp and Sort Mailbox</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002IPGXVA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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My son Joshua purchased this for himself one year and the kids have had lots of fun with it! They set up collection and delivery schedules and write mail to each other. A great buy for dramatic play!</div>
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2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009IWLGTK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009IWLGTK&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=AM3TUH4ZRL4SM2VC" rel="no follow">Imaginarium Adventure Costume Trunk Set Viking, Pirate, King, Knight and Wizard</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009IWLGTK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Imaginarium makes great dress up clothes! But apparently they're a Toys 'R Us thing so you can't buy many of them on Amazon. I linked up to this dress up set so you could see what I was talking about but you could probably get a better deal at the Toys 'R Us website. They make foam shields and swords that my boys love also, and Nathan has this really neat two sided knight/king costume with a cape that is pretty great.</div>
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWI0BWM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00KWI0BWM&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=IKX5RREFLFT3OH56" rel="no follow">Folkmanis Funky Chicken Hand Puppet</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00KWI0BWM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Folkmanis makes great puppets. I don't have this chicken puppet . . . yet . . . but I do have a lot of others. We have a knight puppet, a princess, a three headed dragon, a monkey, a swan, a mouse, a big furry dog, a monkey, a rabbit and did I mention I like puppets? You can buy a puppet theatre or make one yourself. Kids love making up and performing their plays. </div>
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009O1J0C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0009O1J0C&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=L7U6MVT7J5RSDOGY" rel="no follow">Learning Resources Teaching Cash Register</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0009O1J0C" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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This is a great prop for role playing snack shop or store (and teaching about money)!</div>
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5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004A2QTRC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004A2QTRC&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=AQS5ITGAIMD3AZBZ" rel="no follow">KidKraft Vintage Kitchen - White</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004A2QTRC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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My little boy loves pretending to make me food and I love pretending to eat it. We don't have this specific kitchen (we got ours at IKEA) but this looks like a good one too. We especially like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C7S70W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004C7S70W&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=YQMD4VEOPGE6AZ6T" rel="no follow">Melissa and Doug Felt Food - Sandwich Set</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004C7S70W" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to go with it. So much pretend fun to have!<br />
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<h3>
Art Supplies</h3>
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Giving kids opportunity to create and explore art is an important part of childhood. These are some of our favorite art essentials.<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JCS5JA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002JCS5JA&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=2VV4V5PQMEBJAN4P" rel="no follow">Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002JCS5JA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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We have the easel from IKEA, but this is a good one too if you don't have an IKEA close to you. My kids love drawing on our easel, writing messages to each other and using it as a prop in pretend play.<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009Z7E8FC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009Z7E8FC&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=JQPJFKQLERWPT3IO" rel="no follow">Play-Doh Sweet Shoppe Frosting Fun Bakery Playset</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009Z7E8FC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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We love playing with Play-Doh! We have a bucket full of cookie cutters, knives, and toys to play with. </div>
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004W3Y4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004W3Y4&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=GTFZ5J2O76KO3WCL" rel="no follow">Do A Dot Art Marker Rainbow, 6-pack</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004W3Y4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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These Dot Paint markers are a great way for toddlers and preschoolers to paint without too much mess. You can also buy painting books to go with them, such as this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K3X4LE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000K3X4LE&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=RGDZ36XTEXMRNVOM" rel="no follow">Colorful Critters Do-A-Dot Art Creative Activity Book</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000K3X4LE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GKU1QC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GKU1QC&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=U335FUYATDCQXUGA" rel="no follow">ALEX Toys - Craft, Giant Art Jar, 170N</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000GKU1QC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Sometimes you just need to give kids a bunch of supplies and let them go at it, with no end product in mind. Just let them create for the joy of it.<br />
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Puzzles</h3>
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Puzzles require creative thinking and problem solving skills. Start kids doing puzzles when they're young and encourage them to keep trying when things get hard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5N4DJ1kgSfldfsMwTcd8PaNLa0xphyphenhyphenZKFCNIkev4iOOt-JBwNC6v-JuQT900UD903UtL_ZL7YkK9mC0xc3BR2DNu5TdX7dSJ0LKwJ7QjC19eSmNwLrursfFTZ9syI-5zo7vd5PSh3ko/s1600/puzzles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5N4DJ1kgSfldfsMwTcd8PaNLa0xphyphenhyphenZKFCNIkev4iOOt-JBwNC6v-JuQT900UD903UtL_ZL7YkK9mC0xc3BR2DNu5TdX7dSJ0LKwJ7QjC19eSmNwLrursfFTZ9syI-5zo7vd5PSh3ko/s400/puzzles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EK59H0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000EK59H0&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=FU3CNMIRSKLMTQNA" rel="no follow">Melissa and Doug First Shapes Jumbo</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000EK59H0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Puzzles with large knobs are great for babies and toddlers. Find puzzles with simple shapes and familiar animals to start with.<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00146G706/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00146G706&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=MIGBHP5QTTJNS6NX" rel="no follow">Melissa and Doug Wooden Bear Family Dress-Up Puzzle</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00146G706" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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My kids always enjoyed these mix and match puzzles when they were little.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ROJJCS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006ROJJCS&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=5CSWSJ7KVBA7FINA" rel="no follow">Jungle Juniors 24 Piece Floor Puzzle</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B006ROJJCS" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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These big floor puzzles are great for groups of kids to do together on the floor. My 4 year old liked to do them by himself too. </div>
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016282U6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0016282U6&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=5LHLD2ZBP4FLIRFK" rel="no follow">Ravensburger Animal Kingdom - 35 Piece Puzzle</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0016282U6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Ravensburger makes great quality puzzles! We have been lucky to find several at yard sales. The kids do the puzzles over and over again. I love that they have these simple 35 piece puzzles for little kids. We also have several of the 60 to 200 piece puzzles and they are all great! And look! They even have a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DF06SZ8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DF06SZ8&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=TXXHXPAYHQ2KZVUU" rel="no follow">Disney Frozen Puzzle </a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DF06SZ8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />!<br />
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<br />Musical Instruments</h3>
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Just like it's good to have a bunch of different art supplies around for the kids to explore, it's good to have lots of different musical instruments around for the kids. They will discover how different instruments sound together, and you might just need earplugs. Here are some great musical toys:<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIHCB2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000KIHCB2&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=GPXVXICLLSHFBSMQ" rel="no follow">Hohner Kids Toddler Music Band</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000KIHCB2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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This set has a xylophone, drum, and shakers. Great for toddlers!<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005RF5C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005RF5C&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=ADEC6AACEUDNCGNE" rel="no follow">Melissa and Doug Band in a Box</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005RF5C" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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For older kids, this set includes a tambourine, triangle, cymbals, maracas, and wood block. My kids have played with this set for years!!<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OJT13G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003OJT13G&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=OY23VGCY4DCZ6YIL" rel="no follow">Rhythm Band 13 Note Chromatic Handbells</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003OJT13G" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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This is a great set of bells for a budding musician. My kids love playing with the bells.<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VX1GI8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003VX1GI8&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=Z3TL46SEQ4EKJJJC" rel="no follow">Casio SA-76 44 Key Mini Keyboard, Orange</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003VX1GI8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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What kid doesn't love pounding on a keyboard? We are lucky enough to have a real piano, but this is a good alternative for something smaller.<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0739079883/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0739079883&linkCode=as2&tag=chickenbabies-20&linkId=JY3MCFN3KSRATMWI" rel="no follow">Alfred's Kid's Guitar Course, Complete Starter Pack: Everything You Need to Play Today!</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chickenbabies-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0739079883" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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We surprised Joshua with this guitar last year and he has loved it (he had just turned 9)! Great for older musicians.</div>
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I hope this list has given you some ideas of great gifts for encouraging creativity in your kids.<br />
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What are your favorite creative toys?</h3>
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This post is part of the KBN gift guide. Hop over to <a href="http://www.whatdowedoallday.com/gift-guides-for-kids">What Do We Do All Day</a> to see the different gift lists.<br />
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-22402458500674915812014-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:002014-11-04T06:00:05.894-05:00Kids' Favorite Cookies: SnickerdoodlesThere's something about Autumn that makes me crave cinnamon, and these snickerdoodle cookies are just perfect for this time of year!<br />
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This recipe makes chewy and delicious snickerdoodle cookies that kids love. One girl told me that she usually didn't like snickerdoodle cookies, but she loved these. I may not know how to make dinner, but boy am I good at cookies. My husband teases me because I always have supplies on hand to make 10 different kinds of cookies but when it comes to making dinner I always have to run to the store for ingredients. Or we eat cold cereal and pancakes. Which I'm fine with. And we had last night.<br />
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Snickerdoodles:<br />
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1/2 cup shortening<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
1 1/2 cups sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
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2 3/4 cups flour<br />
1 tsp. cream of tartar<br />
1 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
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Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cream shortening, butter, sugar and eggs thoroughly. Stir in dry ingredients. Roll dough into balls the size of small walnuts (or use a cookie scoop, which is what I do). Roll in mixture of 2 Tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. (These cookies puff up at first, then flatten out.)<br />
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Hope you enjoy them!<br />
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<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-84775124661484529872014-10-20T15:43:00.003-04:002022-11-06T13:18:08.854-05:00Halloween Candy Math with Free PrintablesThese math activities are suitable for kids in preschool through 3rd grade and will make for an engaging lesson!<br />
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There are a few things I love about November 1st -<br />
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1. I can openly admit I'm listening to Christmas music without being labeled "Crazy Christmas Lady".<br />
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2. I don't have to feed the kids because they just eat candy the whole day.<br />
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3. We get to use all that Halloween candy as manipulatives for some fun math activities and exploration!<br />
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Every year we take our piles of candy and sort through them, separating and categorizing. We also do some weighing with our scale (which the kids LOVE), estimating, graphing, and word problem solving.<br />
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This year I have typed up some worksheets to make it easier for me and you! Feel free to print and use as many as you need. These could be used in your homeschool or in your classroom in a small center. If you are using in a classroom, you can bring in some of your own candy (or your kids) to have the kids sort through and graph. After the kids have all taken a turn at the halloween candy center you could send them home with one. (If you are in a school setting, I made a peanut free version of the candy graph, just in case you can't bring in snickers or reese's peanut butter cups.)<br />
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To download the pages, click on the word link above the picture. If you just click on the picture, it won't take you to the download page. I'm still working on figuring out PDF previews.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0m7Hm-IHARjaG1keFZldzlxLVE&authuser=0" target="_blank">Weighing Activities</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFngeCG5buBCWfGR8CBdHvFtw-XVVLhzlf5yTYCVjWauqTYhNHv9S2jFXL8LGo6IHtukRrdPqojWtIvmp8gef2XP5RtYS-xYy7YG9nKC-tN57LhCpQdom3Au4GvmStYXl2UywPWX6ahcM/s1600/Candy+Math+Weighing.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFngeCG5buBCWfGR8CBdHvFtw-XVVLhzlf5yTYCVjWauqTYhNHv9S2jFXL8LGo6IHtukRrdPqojWtIvmp8gef2XP5RtYS-xYy7YG9nKC-tN57LhCpQdom3Au4GvmStYXl2UywPWX6ahcM/s1600/Candy+Math+Weighing.png" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0m7Hm-IHARjdkJ6b1NNSG5WWnM&authuser=0" target="_blank">Graphing Activity</a><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjNDdTeVRjbHZlRWc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-gnqM7hliWp83jy2tB95abA" target="_blank">Easier Graphing Activity</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzEF2rGcLkM5D3grmt72GJTk7AfdUlqmYbuvZ37yPB2GV5tSP5-eiuPwdmCLtHTtxauE3P9jwKzrf6yfD84PKu6Qj3F31RQ6DidTJFOJvK2961iOad5GAO9R84lqT5o38dqvdMgO1RGg/s1600/easy+candy+graph.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzEF2rGcLkM5D3grmt72GJTk7AfdUlqmYbuvZ37yPB2GV5tSP5-eiuPwdmCLtHTtxauE3P9jwKzrf6yfD84PKu6Qj3F31RQ6DidTJFOJvK2961iOad5GAO9R84lqT5o38dqvdMgO1RGg/s1600/easy+candy+graph.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0m7Hm-IHARjUV9tYUtIRHFsOUU&authuser=0" target="_blank">Peanut Free Graphing Activity</a><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjNXQxdEh0OWFnZHc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-xyMKipv05CFOdiA_pR1KCA" target="_blank">Estimating and Graphing an M&Ms fun pack</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqKUxzljRm4r4BVIdPgaT0v1wVci9gqWmGioka2YaKQDEU-_Qy7Y9iiexQ19YsKpdciHBCM0xUqaVVoRL2Ud0wXXlF36SUaPMaygt0LefYP-JG-ynPO17rgv1d3oNa7Rs1bWb60YWa-o/s1600/Halloween+m&ms+math.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqKUxzljRm4r4BVIdPgaT0v1wVci9gqWmGioka2YaKQDEU-_Qy7Y9iiexQ19YsKpdciHBCM0xUqaVVoRL2Ud0wXXlF36SUaPMaygt0LefYP-JG-ynPO17rgv1d3oNa7Rs1bWb60YWa-o/s1600/Halloween+m&ms+math.png" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjUzF3eVZtM29sN0k/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-bjDaPmgN_B6H_o98wqCOUA" target="_blank">Favorite Candy Venn Diagram</a><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjXzFWaWxIVjFseVE/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-pCWth2giNCR3Oz4qVXS9hQ" target="_blank">Halloween Candy Word Problems</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oAWIHF6CmbOO5u2zr05M-aCX__J957Xnr50F8XKYciqi-mzOAD9I6uLgkc6sB27lp91EmoEUEN6Kmag28z3S4J2w6tASr_94yojoIq2YmmOr3WEe7IIL9QSSnBcmUmU-u3F0-BGcsec/s1600/Untitled.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oAWIHF6CmbOO5u2zr05M-aCX__J957Xnr50F8XKYciqi-mzOAD9I6uLgkc6sB27lp91EmoEUEN6Kmag28z3S4J2w6tASr_94yojoIq2YmmOr3WEe7IIL9QSSnBcmUmU-u3F0-BGcsec/s1600/Untitled.png" width="249" /></a><br />
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I hope you enjoy using these in your homeschool or classroom! Be sure to check out our other Halloween school ideas on the blog and follow on Pinterest, Facebook, and email for more great ideas!<br />
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<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2014/10/mummy-math.html" target="_blank">Mummy Math</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2014/10/halloween-book-activity.html" target="_blank">"Frank was a Monster who wanted to Dance" book activity</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2013/10/roll-monster.html" target="_blank">Roll a Monster Art Activity</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/10/candy-corn-math-place-values.html" target="_blank">Candy Corn Math Place Values</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2014/10/top-10-halloween-party-games.html" target="_blank">And lots of fun Halloween Games!</a><br />
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<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01088563877584991228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1061169377587982819.post-54475486802364433092014-10-13T21:33:00.005-04:002022-01-19T17:19:04.815-05:00Mummy MathThis Halloween math game is a simple and fun way to practice math facts with children in the early elementary grades.<br />
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I have a confession - I've been a lazy homeschooler lately. It's just been me and Christopher and Nathan at home. Christopher's in 2nd grade. I've already done 2nd grade twice. I'm just cruising through things. But then the other day Christopher saw a picture of some of the fun school activities I had done with Maren and Joshua when they were his age and he figured that he was missing out on something. He asked when we were going to do something fun for school and made me feel a bit guilty. Sigh. Fine.<br />
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This game I call "Mummy Math" because I like the alliteration, but you could adapt it for reading too. <br />
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I cut out a mummy shape and then wrapped it in it's mummy clothes. Christopher's been working on his multiplication up through x5s, so I wrote numbers 2-5 on each piece of the mummy's wrapping strips on the left side, and on the right side I wrote the numbers 2-10.<br />
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To play the game, Christopher would pull back one flap of the mummy wrap on the left side, and then one on the right side, and multiply the two numbers together. If he got it right, he went again. His goal was to get the whole mummy unwrapped (because I had put a couple of jelly beans underneath the paper).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjKZnEMgvxGmCMWppzwUI7nIwtT0mmeqh3kX_zZG40J2eE3o_fxPoryxVpABFt_e8ou9l0ke-jwKxzWXp2l9amZnhl8hB5d8x4cn8EOW24YsVcC90fhWseDvZw7bpmmF9Xk0t53XVENE/s1600/mummy+math.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjKZnEMgvxGmCMWppzwUI7nIwtT0mmeqh3kX_zZG40J2eE3o_fxPoryxVpABFt_e8ou9l0ke-jwKxzWXp2l9amZnhl8hB5d8x4cn8EOW24YsVcC90fhWseDvZw7bpmmF9Xk0t53XVENE/s1600/mummy+math.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nathan (preschool) also wanted to play, so I made a new mummy wrapping for him. This wrapping had a beginning sound on the left side and a word ending such as "at" or "ot" on the left side. Some of the words did not make sense when he smooshed the beginnings and ends together, but that's okay. He was just practicing sounding out words and laughed when we made a nonsense word.<br />
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Nathan also wanted to color in his mummy.<br />
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To play at your home or school, download the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjYTBuUDZBTHdoRVE/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-cz0Caou3OrihxRDdfrRn-Q" target="_blank">mummy template</a>, print it on cardstock and cut it out. The kids can decorate their mummy if they like. Print out the wrappings template onto regular printer paper. I find the regular paper stays wrapped around the mummy a bit better than cardstock.<br />
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(And for some reason when you click the link, you may not be able to see the preview of both pages but both should be in the same document when you download it to your computer. I'm not a computer genius but I'm trying my best. Hopefully it will work for those who want to use it.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRD_mwiCes7Iy1jMRoKqsB1qR0p3nzTleX3oj5ZZMx9KS457M1gxL20OLsOrkCZPnma-i2UAUtoSS-WKECkOd9-NZugwUPj2YyWY2pkqPzWA1r46UDcmQnmS3DjRwOrEuhxi1j7e8NUto/s1600/mummy+outline.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="247" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0m7Hm-IHARjYTBuUDZBTHdoRVE/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-cz0Caou3OrihxRDdfrRn-Q" target="_blank">click here for mummy outline and mummy wrapping</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2Z0m5DMnWTb2hKOTDPfmAURppS8p-2Lal1LQrHhMiF3sJnNiAjiT4mYdQiu7Gr2lHTPeRNyFVJtxB73jWl4DJpalJvIj7Vp4KuyIooFuwqz2LaqnfnQryHPR9GA09hQjPA8Tkt-hdi4/s1600/mummy+wrapping.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2Z0m5DMnWTb2hKOTDPfmAURppS8p-2Lal1LQrHhMiF3sJnNiAjiT4mYdQiu7Gr2lHTPeRNyFVJtxB73jWl4DJpalJvIj7Vp4KuyIooFuwqz2LaqnfnQryHPR9GA09hQjPA8Tkt-hdi4/s1600/mummy+wrapping.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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You can cut around the outside of the mummy wrapping and then have the kids cut on the dotted lines to make the linen. (Fine motor skills practice! Yay!) You can either write in the numbers/letters yourself or let the kids do it based on your instructions.<br />
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As a motivator (instead of sugar) you could cut out several mummies and write a joke on each one. Then once the child has answered the problems and unwrapped the mummy they could trade mummies for a new joke to uncover. Just a thought.<br />
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Other ways to use this idea:<br />
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- have the kids apply the same operation to every number they open (ie. always multiply by 4, add 3, subtract 1 . . .)<br />
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- have the kids tell you what number they would have to add to "make 10" (i.e., if they open the number 7, they would tell you 3)<br />
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- as a matching game - write the same sight words on both sides of the page then have the child to find the matching words. If they find them they keep them open. If they don't make a match they wrap them back over the mummy. This could be a way to play this game with another person.<br />
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- matching number words to numbers, or color words to colors<br />
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I hope you find this idea useful for your Halloween School activities! Be sure to check out other ways we make learning fun around this time of year:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyCSVomZdKRNvMLO1d9lc9Ql3L5Ea4-pKtpI9OHsS2pucp7401uOgbgLhpFR4v0scmzwvx-j3youMAwb9HUtRS7ZwZ1_KS3mdudgqZfElQGoTcp_7hzCS5NbPSpEEmPTnEzkv0Ebsti0/s1600/bounce+in+bucket+game.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyCSVomZdKRNvMLO1d9lc9Ql3L5Ea4-pKtpI9OHsS2pucp7401uOgbgLhpFR4v0scmzwvx-j3youMAwb9HUtRS7ZwZ1_KS3mdudgqZfElQGoTcp_7hzCS5NbPSpEEmPTnEzkv0Ebsti0/s1600/bounce+in+bucket+game.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2014/10/halloween-book-activity.html" target="_blank">Halloween Book Activities</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFpjTdEjdybqKK86Di7MQW3IZ3fsfYsh4zjqOPxSbK689FAXRWHArXLK9YjS5V4em9wYqRF8pWa5l7SOxD66MUQWZrNUFPA3bsd29HxqZ1JIVxMGX6CsotqpP__EOt8uodk-85riI4fI/s1600/throwing+the+candy+corn.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFpjTdEjdybqKK86Di7MQW3IZ3fsfYsh4zjqOPxSbK689FAXRWHArXLK9YjS5V4em9wYqRF8pWa5l7SOxD66MUQWZrNUFPA3bsd29HxqZ1JIVxMGX6CsotqpP__EOt8uodk-85riI4fI/s1600/throwing+the+candy+corn.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.chickenbabies.com/2011/10/candy-corn-math-place-values.html" target="_blank">Candy Corn Math</a><br />
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