I read this idea in my FamilyFun magazine: Tape a "lesson" to the back of the front seat (ie. so the kids can see it). The picture in the magazine had a money sheet listing coins and what they were worth. I could adapt this idea to put up words we're working on, math problems, or shapes and colors. I would even try putting up copies of my favorite art pieces. Something to look at, something to think about, a little change from the "Alphabet game".
Monday, February 23, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
15 Minutes : Play It : Alphabet Cards
My daughter and I are loving playing with her new alphabet card set from eeBoo. We've used them for flashcards, memory, rummy, and even old maid. Click here to get your own set.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
15 Minutes : Make It : Musical Instruments
image via Martha Stewar Kids magazine 2004Here are some ideas of instruments that can come from your junk drawers and pantries at home:
Tambourine (pictured above): plated, beans or rice, tape
mini guitar: match box & rubber bands
kazoo: tissue paper, rubber bands , paper towel tube - poke hole near top
drums: any can
banjo: shoe box - cut out hole, rubber bands
Monday, February 16, 2009
15 Minutes : Make It : Valentine's Day Coloring
image via janbrett.comMy kids aren't quite finished with Valentine's Day, so today we're coloring loving pictures from Jan Brett.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
15 Minutes : Read It : I Will Kiss You
image via bn.comI Will Kiss You (Lots & Lots & Lots) is a charming, funny love message from a mother to her child. The pictures are darling, and my kids love the sweet silliness: "I will kiss you when you play your drum, while you're chewing bubblegum." Excellent for bedtime or cuddle-time.
Friday, February 13, 2009
15 Minutes : Make It : Pretty Valentines
Need pretty valentines? I thought this one was a lovely choice for teachers, grandparents, or anyone your little one loves. Here is a whole page, including the pink one above, of blue and pink mini-cards and gift tags.
(from Alice Cantrell)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
1 Hour : Make It : Tweet Valentines
I just printed out these darling bird cards for my kindergartener to use for her class valentines. Besides the novelty of being "handmade", these cards will also give her practice cutting and writing. Her teacher can thank me later.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
1 Hour : Make It : Valentine's Breakfast
image via nordic treasure toursAs a kid my favorite memories of Valentine's day are of the breakfast my mom would cook up every year. Although the menu has changed, I still try to make Valentine's morning special for my kids and it just might be working . . . they've been asking me for weeks when we get to have breakfast with balloons.
We hope your Valentine celebrations are fun and festive. Let us know what your favorite traditions are! Check below for some of our favorite ideas.
The table: I try and create as much of a valentine theme as possible. Some years that means cute paper plates and other years it's my favorite pink and cream dishes. I'm also a sucker for M&Ms themed candies so they usually decorate the table too.
The presents: In elementary school my dad started giving his girls valentine presents (still does) and they were usually wrapped at our place setting in the morning. It always made me feel so special and loved and I wanted to carry it on for all my kids. They each find a little pink and red wrapped something waiting for them at the table.
The decor: Balloons are an absolute necessity at our home for Valentine's day. I usually sneak out the night before and get enough helium balloons to tie to the back of each chair.
The food: The valentine breakfast all started when my mom found a recipe for Cherry Coffee Cake and we never let her forget it, even to this day. Since I was the only one in my little family who could stomach that much sugar of a morning (and I hate eating a whole cake) we have varied our menu from year to year. The only stipulation is that it must have some resembles to the color or theme of the holiday.
This year we'll include:
Pink yogurt smoothies
Heart Whole Wheat Waffles (recipe below)
Strawberry syrup and whipped cream (because my kids requested it)
Bacon (because my oldest considers it to be in the "pink" family)
And possibly hard boiled eggs in my Danish egg cups (because they're cute)
Whole Wheat Blender Waffles
In Blender:
Blend on high for 3 min
Add:
Blend for 2 min
Add:
Blend till smooth and bake!
The table: I try and create as much of a valentine theme as possible. Some years that means cute paper plates and other years it's my favorite pink and cream dishes. I'm also a sucker for M&Ms themed candies so they usually decorate the table too.
The presents: In elementary school my dad started giving his girls valentine presents (still does) and they were usually wrapped at our place setting in the morning. It always made me feel so special and loved and I wanted to carry it on for all my kids. They each find a little pink and red wrapped something waiting for them at the table.
The decor: Balloons are an absolute necessity at our home for Valentine's day. I usually sneak out the night before and get enough helium balloons to tie to the back of each chair.
The food: The valentine breakfast all started when my mom found a recipe for Cherry Coffee Cake and we never let her forget it, even to this day. Since I was the only one in my little family who could stomach that much sugar of a morning (and I hate eating a whole cake) we have varied our menu from year to year. The only stipulation is that it must have some resembles to the color or theme of the holiday.
This year we'll include:
Pink yogurt smoothies
Heart Whole Wheat Waffles (recipe below)
Strawberry syrup and whipped cream (because my kids requested it)
Bacon (because my oldest considers it to be in the "pink" family)
And possibly hard boiled eggs in my Danish egg cups (because they're cute)
Whole Wheat Blender Waffles
In Blender:
1 C whole wheat kernels (not flour)
1 C milk
Blend on high for 3 min
Add:
1/2 C milk
Blend for 2 min
Add:
1 egg
½ C oil
2 tsp sugar
¾ tsp salt
3 tsp baking powder
Blend till smooth and bake!
15 minutes : Play It : Valentines Traditions
What does your family do to celebrate Valentines? Traditions are very important in bringing families closer.
Here's a cute one. And it's not too late to start.
Place a box of chocolate out where everyone can see along with a pen and strips on paper next to it. As you take a chocolate you have to write one "love note" to a family member and place it in the box. You can't read the notes until Valentine....something that would be so fun to do around the dinner table.
Enjoy!!
idea via ourscoop.blogspot.com
Here's a cute one. And it's not too late to start.
Place a box of chocolate out where everyone can see along with a pen and strips on paper next to it. As you take a chocolate you have to write one "love note" to a family member and place it in the box. You can't read the notes until Valentine....something that would be so fun to do around the dinner table.
Enjoy!!
idea via ourscoop.blogspot.com
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
RedRoko's Etsy Store
We're still working out some of the bugs (e.g. the banner), but want to invite all our friends to our new Etsy store.
Available for purchase is the Valentine's Day kit from our recent giveaway. And keep checking...we have big plans for more products you can enjoy with your children.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
15 Minute : Know It : Necco Sweathearts
Valentine's Day is right around the corner which means the consumption of little NECCO Sweethearts is rising quickly. Did you know every year NECCO introduces 10 new Sweethearts phrases that relate to current American trends and culture?
Check out NECCO's website for all kinds of fun facts and activities to do with your kids. There's everything from virtual plant tours, recipes, fun trivia and even games.
Perhaps knowing a little more about these popular candies will making the experience of eating them just a little bit sweeter.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Valentine's Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to the winner of this month's giveaway...Caroline Andersen.
Be sure to check RedRoko daily to try for other giveaways, and for great activities you can do with your kids.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
First RedRoko Giveaway!
RedRoko is having its first ever Valentine Giveaway!
Up for grabs is this adorable valentine card kit that you and your kids can make together.Everything you need for 30 valentines is included in the box.
Interested in winning? Please leave us a comment.
*Leave your name and comment on this post anytime until Midnight PST, Sunday, Feburary 1st.
*Duplicate comments and comments without a name will be ignored.
*Winner will be picked at random and announced Monday morning.
*Winners should email redroko{at}gmail{dot}com within one week of the giveaway closing or a new winner will be chosen.
Monday, January 26, 2009
15 Minutes : Read It : Dragon Dance
image via bn.comWe love this book for its simple overview of Chinese New Year traditions. It also has instructions in the back for a darling dragon hand puppet. We'll be making some tonight.
Gung Hay Fat Choy! I hope your Chinese New Year Celebrations were a success!
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