Reading the Gigglebelly "official" instructions on Familyfun.com reminded me of the silly fun I had playing it when I was younger. I know my kids are going to crack up when we play this easy game with cousins...and maybe it even counts as a counting lesson?
HOW TO PLAY:
1. Have one player lie down on his back. The next player lies down with his head resting on the first player's belly and the next player lies down with her head on the second player's belly. Arrange all the players until everyone is zigzagged around the lawn or floor, each with his or her head on someone else's belly (if possible, make the line into a loop so that the last player can put her head on the first player's belly).
2. Then, the first player shouts, loud and clear, "Ha!" The second player responds with a vigorous, "Ha, ha!" then the third player chimes in, "Ha, ha, ha!" Continue until all players have shouted out their "Ha's" or (more likely) have dissolved into uncontrollable laughter, with heads bouncing on the bellies of giggling friends, uncles, cousins or grandmothers.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
15 Minutes : Play It : Gigglebelly
Friday, November 14, 2008
15 Minutes : Make It : Apple Taste Test
Image via Flickr
During the fall, you can find a variety of apples at your local grocery store. Buy a selection of apples in different sizes, colors and varieties, and have a taste test. It's perfect for teaching your child about color, size and taste - plus it's a healthy, nutritious snack!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
15 Minutes : Play It : Fall Song
Fingerplay songs are perfect for babies and young toddlers. I'm always amazed at how fast my little girl can imitate the actions. Here's a fun one for fall.
Fall winds begin to blow(purse lips to blow)
Colored leaves fall fast and slow(flutter hands down)
Whirling, twirling all around(turn yourself around)
And at last, they touch the ground(touch the floor).
(Song found here.)
Image from pachd.
1 Hour : Play It : Waves In A Bottle
Use a clean dry bottle with flat sides. Fill one-third of the way with WHITE VINEGAR; add several drops of blue FOOD COLORING. Fill the rest of the way with a light-colored COOKING OIL like canola. Screw the cap on tightly, and then rock the bottle back and forth to watch the waves. Oil droplets are lighter than those of the vinegar, so they float to the surface and stay there. The two never mix, even when you tilt the bottle.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
15 Minutes : Make It : Pumpkin Soup Tureen
image via kitchenlink.comFriday, November 7, 2008
15 Minutes : Make It : Alien Egg
Alien Egg
Ever peel an egg without using you fingers? Place a raw EGG in a jar, and add enough WHITE VINEGAR to cover it; screw on the lid, and put it in the refrigerator. The next day, pour out the liquid, cover with fresh vinegar, and place it back in the fridge. On the third day, remove the egg; its shell will have dissolved, and it will be plump and rubbery It'll also be translucent -- roll it gently from side to side, and you'll see the yolk bumping around. The acid in the vinegar eats through the shell; the egg is plump because it gradually absorbs the liquid through the membranes.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
15 Minutes : Make It : Candy Art
15 Minutes : Know It : Setting The Table
The holidays are just around the corner. Now is a perfect time to teach your child(ren) about table etiquette because in a few weeks they will be able to apply it.
Start out with the basics like how to properly set a table for a formal event. Years ago I came across a template on Martha Stewart's website. I have used it many many times for both teaching young children and also adults. I think it's just adorable. Download it here
Put your kids to the test by letting them arrange the setting on their own at first, I'm sure there will be a few extra spoons and forks they won't know what to do with. Then you can show them the correct way. Be sure to practice first yourself...you may actually learn something too!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
15 Minutes : Know It : Election Day
Today is an important day for this country. Today we find out who the next President of the United States will be for the next 4 years. Over the last several months I'm sure your child(ren) has noticed you watching the news or debates, listening to talk radio, or any comments you've made to your spouse, friends or neighbors.
They probably want to know more and you may be surprised with what they already know or feel. This is a great time to teach your child about the Elections and how important it is to vote.
For Younger Children
If your kids are small try using simple ways of teaching that are easy to understand. For example, practice voting at home. Vote on tacos vs. hamburgers and then tally up the results. Ask them to share their reasoning for their choices.
Older Children
Explain a little bit about each candidate. Try to be neutral with your comments so they can have the chance to create their own opinion.
Weekly Reader has a great interactive website that can teach your child more about the elections through games, quizzes and activities. Visit it HERE. Or print off a Presidential word search HERE.
Try not to make negative comments about the candidates in front of your children. It is more important to demonstrate the importance of voting rather than the particular candidate you want to win.
Remember, the best way to teach is through example, so be sure to get out there and VOTE!
For more tips on teaching your children about the election I recommend this article.
Monday, November 3, 2008
15 Minutes : Read It : In November
1 Hour : Make It : Bird Feeder Wreath
Saturday, November 1, 2008
1 Hour : Make It : Pumpkin Pancakes and Apple Spice Syrup
The first time I ever tried pumpkin pancakes I was in college and I've been hooked ever since.
Go on, try them for yourself. You'll see what I mean.
Pumpkin Pancakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
recipe via allrecipes.com
And for those of you that are not too hot on the make-it-from-scratch recipe, here is a short-cut just for you:
Simplified Recipe:
2 1/2 Cup Aunt Jemima Original Pancake Mix (or any pancake mix)
3 TBS brown sugar
2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon
1 egg, 1 3/4 cup milk
2 TBS vegetable oil
2 TBS vinegar
1 cup pumpkin puree.
Continue following directions as listed above.
What are pumpkin pancakes without Apple Spice syrup:
Apple Spice Syrup
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 tbsp corn starch (heaped)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 TBSP lemon juice
2 cups apple cider (not juice)
1/4 c. butter
Mix dry ingredients, then add apple cider and lemon juice. Bring to a boil for 1 minute, turn to low and add butter.
Enjoy!
1 Hour : Make It : Leaf Alphabet
Friday, October 31, 2008
1 Hour : Read It : Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Magic
The Bad-Table-Manners cure involves a pig named Lester, and, in no time, a mysterious powder sprinkled in the ears cures a Thought-You-Saiders epidemic. The Waddler-I-Doers find plenty to do when Mrs. Piggle Wiggle turns a rainy day into a unforgettable top-secret indoor treasure hunt!
Just as the title implies, most of the cures in Mrs. Piggle’s Magic involve some sort of magic (whether an unusual pig or a magic powder or something called ignorance tonic). Although somewhat unlike the first book, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, in which children are cured by slightly more believable methods, this book is great fun, wonderfully imaginative, and not to be missed by fans of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and her unusual childhood cures.So, pull up a chair, sit next to nice, toasty fire and read Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Magic to your kids. You all will be engulfed in her fun, and who knows, your own kids might even be cured of their misbehavior.
