It’s amazing how much learning actually takes place during pretend play. The first time I discovered that my son could add and subtract efficiently, without prior lessons and without prompting, was while playing grocery store. I was astonished as he added up my total! Thanks to several rainy days, we’ve recently had a great deal […]
Kid Craft — Simple Leather Bracelets
June 29, 2013 by
As part of the Michaels Passport to Imagination program, the kids and I thought it would be fun to try one of the take-home projects they have outlined in the passport! This one is inspired by South Africa to make leather bracelets, and they are fun and easy to make!! I love how the passport […]
Around the Web: Sidewalk Chalk
June 23, 2013 by
There are so many ways to learn and play with sidewalk chalk. It’s great for play prompts, open-ended play, and educational activities. This makes it a must-have in the summer, and we know you’ve been stocking up! Are you looking for creative ways to use your stash? If so, you’ll want to stockpile these 10 […]
2013 Unplugged Summer Pact
June 9, 2013 by
I’m so excited to share that I have just signed the Unplugged Summer Pact, sponsored by our friends at Michael’s®. What I love about this pact is that instead of going completely screen-free, the pact calls for 2 hours of dedicated screen-free time every day this Summer, and 2 hours a day is definitely do-able! […]
Homemade Grape-Scented Galaxy Play Dough
March 7, 2013 by
Need a quick boredom buster that will keep the kids entertained for a good long while? Try making a batch of homemade grape scented play dough, then add some glitter for “galaxy dough”!! Clara adores anything shiny and sparkly, so this was a HUGE hit for her! I hardly ever use glitter in crafts (it gets EVERYWHERE), […]
5 Ideas for Process Art
March 6, 2013 by
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 […]
50 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained During a Blizzard
February 8, 2013 by
Keeping kids entertained during a blizzard can be quite challenging, especially if they have lots of extra energy to burn. Here are 50 of our favorite indoor activities for while the blizzard is going on, before you head outdoors for some fun in the snow! Added bonus — you probably have everything you need for […]
Around the Web: Boredom Busters
February 3, 2013 by
Need more boredom busters? We’ve got some ideas! These 6 links from around the web should provide hours of entertainment! 1. Check out these 20 Boredom Busters for Rainy Days, Sick Days, and Duvet Days via Make Do and Friend 2. Make Your Own Sponge Blocks via Inner Child Fun 3. This cardboard plane and […]
Learning in an Instant: Balloon Bop
February 1, 2013 by
Give a kid a balloon and you’ll instantly cure any sign of boredom. Have you ever noticed that balloon play always leads to a game of balloon bop? You know, where you have to keep the balloon in the air by skillfully and energetically bopping it repeatedly? Just the process of this balloon bop play […]
TV Free Boredom Busters
January 30, 2013 by
“It rains 9 months of the year in Seattle.” Yes. It really does rain that much. Boredom is a guarantee each and every winter. Here in the Seattle area, it is pretty easy to settle into a movie marathon for a good 6 months. The best defense is a good arsenal of quick and easy […]
Sun Ornament Craft
January 28, 2013 by
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 […]
Recycle Craft: Play Dough Cars
September 12, 2012 by
You know those colorful caps that twist off of apple sauce or baby food pouches?? It seems a certain someone was guilty of holding onto them for a wee bit too long in the hopes that they would one day be used for some recycling crafty goodness. Ahem. Anyhoo, when the kids declared that they […]
Planking in the Park
September 10, 2012 by
Are the kids bored? Are you looking for something fun to do? Need a little excitement?? Try planking! Planking, in case you didn’t already know, is the act of finding a ridiculous place to lay completely flat on your face while someone else takes a photo. It’s totally addicting! We planked on the tennis court. […]
DIY Cardboard Construction Play Set
August 10, 2012 by
Do your kids love to play with large cardboard boxes? Do you wish you had more room to store them? Want to create a play set that allows them to build and rebuild imaginative play structures?? Then this project is for you! To make your own cardboard construction play set, you will need a large […]
Sunday Snapshot: Dollar Store Boredom Buster
August 5, 2012 by
We found the cutest cardboard dollhouses at our local dollar store. I added some paper clips to make stands for the dolls, and the girls loved putting these together to make their own little town! The cardboard itself is not very sturdy (it’s about as thick as cereal box cardboard), but it has managed to […]
Make Your Own Sponge Blocks
August 2, 2012 by
Do you have quiet time at your house? Looking for a little activity to keep the kids entertained, but also quiet?? This little activity for the kids is so simple, but my girls enjoyed playing with these sponge blocks for a good part of the day! Added bonus — very quiet! While we were making […]
How to Make Sponge Bombs
July 23, 2011 by
Here is a quick and easy tutorial to show how to make sponge bombs! Sponge Bombs are a great alternative to water balloons. There are no messy balloon bits to clean up, and the sponge bombs can be used again and again. These sponge bombs are great for active playtime fun all Summer long! How […]
