Exploring Art and Artists

Exploring Art and Artists with kids can be a great exercise in creativity, and a wonderful way to introduce a variety of art techniques. Here are a few posts from our wonderful contributing writers — all about Art! Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Votive Holders on Inner Child Fun Helen Frankenthaler Inspired Abstract Paintings on Dilly-Dali […]

A Visit to the Art Museum

Several weeks ago, my husband and I decided to take the boys on an outing to the local art museum.  An art museum has a completely different culture and set of rules than a children’s discovery museum and I’ll admit, I had concerns about whether or not they would behave appropriately during this new experience.  […]

Suminagashi Art for Kids

Exploring art and artists is a great way to incorporate art into your children’s learning. There are so many fun techniques and interesting artists to learn about! Today we are sharing a fantastic video on exploring the ancient Japanese technique of Suminagashi.  Can’t see this video? You can also watch it here. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JBGDKV2pIw]   You can […]

5 Ideas for Process Art

Have you ever heard the phrase “it’s the process not the product?” That perfectly sums up process based art! Instead of focusing on every child making the same cookie cutter craft project, each child is able to manipulate art materials to create what they want. I’m sharing 5 ideas for process art that range from […]

Around the Web: Birds

This week we shared a fun and creative way to make hanging shape bird feeders as well as the benefits of letting your child use real tools to build a bird feeder. But we don’t want to stop there! Here are even more inspiring links about birds.  1. Go on a frugal field trip and […]

Hanging Shape Bird Feeders

Spruce up your yard, help the birds, and get your kids involved! This simple project will have you cooking up some fun and creative bird feeders with your kids.  Even though winter still has its hold on the temperature, spring has started to show here in the Pacific NW and I am LOVING it!  Yesterday […]

Building Bird Feeders with Real Tools

Building bird feeders with your kids isn’t only doing something nice for the birds. It’s also great for your kids! You can encourage a great sense of capability by trusting them to use real tools to get the project done.  I have many warm childhood memories of spending time in my Grandpa’s workshop. He and […]

Watch Baby Wrens Leave The Nest

Nature provides many opportunities for learning and this week we will be learning all about our feathered friends. Chances are, no matter where you live, you can experience the wonders of birds first hand. You might even be able to spot the exciting first flight of a baby bird, like this one! Can’t see this […]

Around the Web: Colors

There are so many fantastic color activities around the web, and finding them this week has made me happy! It’s hard not to smile (and look forward to spring) when you are checking out so many bright and colorful ideas. Enjoy! 1. Purple Crayon Mural via Inner Child Fun- This is a fun activity to go […]

5 Books About Colors

I’ve asked the contributors here at Inner Child Learning for their recommendations on books about colors. Here are five of our favorites!   1. How Do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors?– We love this series of books by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague! Follow along as you discover how dinosaurs learn their colors using items around the […]

Learning in an Instant: Color Word Hopscotch

Combine sight word practice with big fun by playing a quick game of color words hopscotch! This simple activity will get your kids active while they learn the color words. This is easy to set up and can easily be played inside or out. If it’s a pretty day, get outside and draw the hopscotch […]

Learning Color Words with CandyLand

Ever wish you could get more educational value from board games you already have on-hand? Here’s a quick and easy way to make CandyLand, a childhood classic from Hasbro, even more educational for your kids while sneaking in some sight word learning too! To give this game a fun and educational twist, I decided to […]

Bilingual Colors Song

This week is all about learning color words and to kick off the week we are sharing a bilingual color words video with a song!  Can’t see this video? You can also watch it here. Angelique Felix believes in the magic of play. You can find out more about Angelique by visiting here. You can also […]

Felted Sweater Sweetheart Garland

This simple project takes only minutes to make with your kids but makes a big impact on your Valentine’s holiday decor!  You need: Felted Sweater bits and pieces A sewing machine with thread Scissors  Directions: Have your kids cut out circles and hearts from the felted sweater bits.  There is no right or wrong size, […]

Learning in an Instant: Writing Letters

A quick and easy way to learn more about being a good friend (while sneaking in some fun writing practice) is to write a friend a letter.   Is your child not ready to write a full letter? Have them draw their friend a picture instead!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Teaching Friendship Skills Through Social Stories

What is a Social Story? A social story is an individualized short story that describes a social situation and reinforces a desired skill, task, or behavior. Social stories use succinct sentences that are usually accompanied by a simple photograph or illustration. They are easily memorized and intended to be read aloud over and over again. […]

A Friendship Song for Kids

February is a wonderful time to focus on friendship, and this week we are going to give you several ideas! We’d like to start the fun by sharing a sweet bilingual friendship song for kids.  Can’t see this video? You can watch it here. Angelique Felix believes in the magic of play. You can find out […]

Sun Ornament Craft

Are you craving the return of the sun and longer days? This sun ornament craft from Inner Child Fun is a great way to bring a little more sunshine into your home. It’s also a fantastic boredom buster activity with a beautiful end product!  Can’t see this video? You can view it here. What are […]