kids

7+ Fun, Quick and Inexpensive Father’s Day Gifts…with *two* free printables

/ Marjorie Sanpietro / Leave a comment

These gifts are perfect for your kids to give their Dad, Grandpa or any awesome men in their lives! I’m using this list at home for my boys to choose from.

1 – Craft a book for Dad about all the reasons they love him! You can make an adorable book out of paper lunch bags. You need 3 paper lunch bags (if you’d like a larger book, experiment with adding more bags), some string and a hole punch OR a stapler, stickers or other decorations and some extra paper (any color or design would be fine).

Flip the bags every other way and fold them in half together. Then either staple or hole punch along the spine. If you use a hole punch – you tie the book together with string. A great idea to hide the staples is to use washi tape. A pretty awesome feature of this  book is that you’ll have little pockets to tuck things in !

One thing you could do is use the extra paper to make pull out notes – use washi tape for pull tabs. They can decorate it anyway they would like but some great ideas include photos or drawings that show things they like to do with Dad. It could also include one of those cute “All About Dad” interviews! Some great questions are:

-What does Dad always say?

-What does Dad do at work?

-What does Dad do for fun?

-How old is your Dad? (this is especially funny when they are younger)

2. Make a sharpie mug! If their Dad is anything like my husband – he drinks a lot of coffee. This is a fairly easy craft and it will make him smile every time he sees it. You need some oil-based Sharpies which you can find here on Amazon but should be available in the craft supply aisle as well. You will also need a ceramic mug…it’s time to visit the Dollar Tree!

Have the kiddos draw or write on the mug, let it dry for 48 hrs and then bake it in the oven @ 250 degrees for 2 hrs. Start with a cold oven and let the mug cool before you remove it. This should set the sharpie and make it hand wash safe. I used the general directions from Feeling Nifty and bonus, she has a lot of great design ideas to get started and more detailed instructions to make sure that his mug turns out great!

3. Make a Scrabble tile key chain! Use E6000 glue (available here on Amazon or in the craft store) to attach the tiles that spell Dad, Papa or another short name (Mike, Joe, Tim, Tom, Ben, etc…) together vertically and put an eye screw in the top and attach to a keyring.

You could even add the kids’ pictures to the back or have them write their names with a Sharpie. If you do this, I recommend sealing the keychain with something that will make it at least water resistant like acrylic spray sealer.

4. Create a comic strip featuring Dad! There are tons of printable layouts on the web and I tried my hand at making something fun on Google Docs – it’s available for free here! Imagine Dad as a super hero or just make a visual reminder of an important time they have had together. If you use standard sized printing paper – you can frame it! For even better results, use card stock – it will hold up better with markers or other mediums. Have them sign their art! 

5. Write an acrostic poem – using Dad, Daddy, Father, Papa, Grandpa etc. Have the kids think of a word to describe him or if they are a little older have them write a line corresponding with each letter. You can search for lists of adjectives for each letter.  This could be handwritten or typed and would also be suitable for framing. I made a nice printable on Google Docs for this activity, too.

For example:

D – Dependable

A – Awesome

D – Dynamic

6. Make a gift that ROCKS! I have seen two adorable ideas that really stand out. One is rock art or arranging and you can find it here from Doodle and Stitch. The other is painting the rock to look like Dad and you can find a really great example from AlphaMom. Rock crafts are easy, accessible, and fun! Two other decorative ideas are a short quotation/meaningful word or a design showing a hobby that Dad likes. 

7. The Ultimate Classic – hand print and footprint gifts! Paint your kids’ hands, stamp them on paper (or canvas or cardboard or wood) and use a cute saying like “Hands down, you’re the best Dad ever”! I found quite a few blogs offering printables to get you started if you are not a fan of handwriting. 

Or paint a foot, steal a shoe and title it “Walking in Daddy’s Footsteps”! Frame it! I don’t think these gifts ever lose their sentimental value because those babies grow up and you wonder how their hands could have ever been that small.

Here’s the plus part – you can combine several of the above ideas!

For example:

  • write the acrostic poem over the hand prints
  • use the scrabble tiles as your first letters for embellishment on the acrostic poem
  •  put your poem on the back of the tiles for the key chain 
  • use the poem for the book or a part of it
  • draw the comic on the mug
  • write the poem on the mug 
  • make your own frame or add some pizzazz to a store bought one

…there are so many opportunities to customize and expand on these ideas!

PLUS – count on my oldest to think of something else! We used WeVideo to make a special project for his dad! It was fun AND free!

Marj

p.s. comment below and tell us what you did or what you are planning for next year!

A book review, revisited

/ Marjorie Sanpietro / Leave a comment
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

Tip: Read what the baby bird says/thinks in a squeaky, curious voice.

Originally published in 1960, this book contains a message important for today.

A baby bird falls out of his nest and is looking for his mother and he meets many animals. They are NOT his mother. Finally he meets a “thing” who is very different and does not communicate in the same way. There is a surprise twist which always gives me hope for humanity. Someone or something can be different from you on the outside and you may not communicate in the same way, but you will have the same values. I feel like this book is great for teaching open mindedness, acceptance, and respect for nature.

My mother read me this book frequently as a child always using a squeaky, curious voice for the baby bird. I have continued this tradition by reading it to both of my children. I have even caught my oldest reading it to my youngest – of course he was using the baby bird voice!

My oldest loves this book and when I brought it up to him, he said “Of course, I remember it! It’s amazing!”

(I originally posted this on a blog I was trying to start about a year ago and have decided to add and expand on it. The title is a link to Amazon – where the hardcover book is currently on sale for $3.82 – I was very pleasantly surprised!)

25 + Bored Jar Activities

/ Marjorie Sanpietro / Leave a comment

Everyone is panicking over what the kids are going to do this summer and while Pinterest is FULL of ideas like this – I thought I’d add my contribution.

Our Bored Jar – crazy stickers and some blue cardestock!

I wrote ideas that incorporate several areas of learning and will appeal to my target audience (school age kids). Most of my ideas can be done independently but some might require adult guidance. I’m planning to join the boys for many of the activities because I included things that will also appeal to me….shhhhh….it’s not cheating!

One thing that I recommend is that you have the materials handy for any activities you include. Many of the ideas I wrote can be done with practically anything you have around the house. The general idea is to write out or type a bunch of ideas – so that when the children say they are bored – you can send them to the jar.

The jar can be decorated and it doesn’t even have to be a jar!  Use a shoe box, a Ziploc bag, or a Tupperware container – it’s all up to you. I used a jar and some funny stickers I had around the house. Cut out the ideas and put them in the jar. If you’d like to reuse your ideas – you can attach them to card stock or craft sticks for added durability.

The mess I make when I cut things out…

Feel free to use some or all of my ideas from the list below for your “Bored Jar” – and if you’d like to share some of your ideas, email me. I created the original list in Google Docs and it is available to print here.

  • Draw your favorite animal in different color than you usually see it.
  • Design a tree house for you and your friends. 
  • Draw a self portrait using only squares.
  • Write a new story featuring your favorite character from a book or TV show.
  • Design your dream house in 3D – use legos, cardboard, recyclables or anything else you can think of!
  • Make a gift for someone.
  • Make a birdhouse or a yard decoration.   
  • Make an item for a fairy garden. 
  • Create a magic wand.
  • Hide a treasure and draw a map.
  • Design a spacecraft. 
  • Draw a  blueprint for a new machine.
  • If you made a robot, what would it do? Write, draw or build a model of your robot. 
  • Make a list of things that you are grateful for.
  • Write a thank you letter to someone who has helped you.
  • Ask an important question you have been thinking about.
  • Who do you admire? Write a letter telling them why.
  • Think about a play made from your favorite book. What would some props be?
  • Read a poem and then draw a picture about it.
  • Look at a famous piece of art. What does it make you feel?
  • Draw a picture of two animals combined together.
  • What do you want to do when you are older? Find out 5 facts about it.
  • If you were the president, what are three things you would do and why?
  • Make your own desert  island with clay, blocks, or recyclables.
  • Make a list of your 10 favorite toys, games, movies, or books.
  • Read about someone who is doing a job you’d like to do when you are older.
  • What are three things that help you when you are feeling sad?
  • Draw a picture of your family using only circles. 
  • Paint or draw or make a collage using your favorite color only.
  • Pick a historical event and share 5 new things you learned about it at dinner.

Do you think this will help keep the kids occupied this summer? Comment below with your ideas!

Making Large Paper Mache Dinosaurs – pt. 2

/ Marjorie Sanpietro / Leave a comment
My husband says it looks like a dinosaur right now…a zombie dinosaur 🤣.

Alright, Scotch brand masking tape for general purpose for the win!

I continued using larger pieces of paper scrunched and otherwise manipulated to add more body.

I focused on the sides and head when I added shape. I also wrapped the legs with more paper to bulk them up.

It would be pretty funny to have a dinosaur with teeny tiny legs.

If you are as crazy as me and want to attempt this –

1. Use large pieces of masking tape to attach all of your paper and do not go bargain masking tape shopping for this large of a project

2. Do not worry about perfection – think of it as impressionism or giving the general idea of something at this point. You are going to add more layers and can add detail later.

He is about a third of the way covered at this point with another coat of  paper and glue.

It helps smooth out all of his “insides”. We added his feet with tape which the mastermind behind this madness drew and cut out.

The stegosaurus is almost the same size as my large dog…

The madness will continue…

The next step will be continuing to seal in his insides so he’ll be less zombie-like and we’ll be adding spikes and plates.

I’ve already asked the mastermind what color we’ll be painting him and he is considering grey.

Does anyone know if stegosauruses were grey?

Also, a triceratops has been added to the dino wish list. 🤦‍♀️

A serious question – what does one do with large paper mache dinosaurs when they are completed?

Comment below if you have any ideas!

The Family’s Favorite Podcasts

/ Marjorie Sanpietro / Leave a comment
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

We typically listen to a rotation of 3 podcasts at bedtime that both my kids agree on (they are 6 and 11). I’m going to provide a review of each and you’ll also get their opinions.

Wow in the World – hosted by Mindy and Guy Raz with appearances by a giant pigeon named Reggie and produced by NPR.

Guy Raz plays the neighbor on the straight and narrow while Mindy lives in a gingerbread castle and sells burgers made out of bugs occasionally.

There is a lot of comedy but it’s such a “smart” podcast. They focus on many different science disciplines and explain current scientific studies to kids. For example, they discussed genetics while on a time machine journey to find the first human being with blue eyes.

They just wrapped up their 4th season but they also added a shorter show that they release several more times a week – Two Whats and a Wow that has a gameshow-like format.  Full episodes air on Mondays.

Wow in the World is their favorite podcast – but I sometimes think it’s not bedtime appropriate because it is very high energy. I get lots of pushback when I try to suggest something a little more peaceful and they go to sleep fairly well with it – so it stays in the rotation.

I’m excited to keep listening to this show – they have other resources available on their website and have a membership program with exclusive content. A book is being released on June 30th titled Wow in the World: Two Whats?! and a Wow! Think & Tinker Playbook: Activities and Games for Curious Kids which is the #1 New Release in Children’s Science on Amazon. You can find other places where the book is available on the Tinkercast website here.

The Kids Say –

11 yr old:  “It’s a great podcast especially if you want to learn about science, some episodes that have gross jokes might not be great for bedtime. Overall, it’s a great podcast!”

6 yr old: “It’s a good show to listen to at night time. My favorite part is that it kind of inspired me about other things.”

What If World – hosted by Mr. Eric, and self produced by Eric and Karen O’Keefe – brings you to a world of imagination inhabited by wizards, dragons and anything else kids from all over the world suggest.

Meet the president- Fred The Dog, who has sometimes been a zombie.  What if World is in its third season. Mr. Eric incorporates important life concepts such as tolerance, kindness, and honesty. Episodes are released on Mondays.

My boys both like this podcast but I feel it is more appropriate for my youngest. He has sent in a couple of suggestions and while they did not make it in the show – he has received a personal reply both times. I like the focus on imagination and I have fun listening to the voices. This is very good for bedtime. What If World can be found here if you’d like to visit and find out more.

The Kids Say –

11 yr old: “What if World is just a great overall podcast, great for listening, especially with a lot of imagination. I just really like all of it.”

6yr old: “I like everything about it, almost.”

Story Pirates – produced by Gimlet Media, it is both a serial type story and features submissions by kids that have been turned into “sketch comedy and song”. Currently in its third season, the story pirates are in space meeting aliens and have recently been the subjects of an intergalactic reality TV show.

They often have special guest appearances by well known actors and actresses. The podcast has produced three books and offers a Creator Club with exclusive content. The kids like this podcast and we definitely listen when new episodes are released on Thursdays. Visit the Story Pirates here to find out more!

The Kids Say –

11 yr old: “Story Pirates is very fun and I like how they do kids stories but sometimes the continuing story is hard to follow.”

6 yr old: “Same for me.”

Other podcasts we have tried out: The Two Princes (features two princes who travel together to break the curse that affects both their lands), Circle Round (stories adapted from other cultures and retold), Science Adventure Stories for Kids (featuring Simon – the mindful frog).

Comment below if you have any podcast favorites that you think we should try!

Making Large Paper Mache Dinosaurs – pt.1

/ Marjorie Sanpietro / Leave a comment

My 6 year old is a very creative kid and when he decided that we needed to make were some BIG dinosaurs – my brain went right to paper mache for this project because it’s inexpensive and these dinosaurs don’t need to weigh 100lbs each.

I was really impressed when I suggested it to him, because he knew exactly what I was talking about and related it to a display he had seen at school. He decided that he’d like us to make a stegosaurus first AND THEN if that worked out, we could try a T-rex. 

To begin with, I needed some reference material. We looked at a couple of his dinosaur books so I could get a general shape for this stegosaurus. I drew and cut the torso pieces out. I created the head and tail pieces separately so that I could try to position them a little different from the rest of the body – realism counts when you’re making dinosaurs, y’all.

The boys helped me out by tracing my first pieces onto other cardboard – you need at least two of everything to give it some volume because we’re going for 3D! They also helped by making some plates, spikes, and feet for the stegosaurus to be used later. 

To continue building the shape, I connected the top of the stegosaurus more narrowly than at the bottom. I attached the main pieces by adding strips of cardboard of the correct width along the sides and held the whole thing together with masking tape, slightly angling the head and tail. Before I closed Mr. Stegosaurus completely up, I stuffed him with recycled newspaper to give him some mass for better stability.

Here’s Mr. Dinosaur in our living room – hanging out waiting to be permanently sealed up – you can see the tape starting to have some problems.

I’m not sure what was going on with the masking tape – maybe it was too cheap for the job? We put the stegosaurus aside for a few days but the situation became critical when it didn’t seem to be staying together anymore. 

It was definitely time for some good old fashioned glue and paper. I typically use an approximate 50/50 mixture of water and PVA glue. We tore up scrap paper and pasted it on the frame of Mr. Stegosaurus – sealing up all the seams and making any last minute adjustments.

Next we started bulking up the body. I used paper towel rolls to begin forming the legs and then larger pieces of paper scrunched and otherwise manipulated to add more body.

At this point – we were using the same crappy masking tape and I got frustrated – so it’s been sitting for about a week now. I did go buy some better masking tape. We’ll see how it goes…to be continued.

Comment below if you’re excited to know how this project turns out!