With the current health crisis in our nation and in our world, many people are being forced to stay home to work and in many cases, children are also home from school in an effort to contain the COVID19. Last winter, I wrote the weekly newsletter, CONNECT THE DOTS, featured some boredom-busting ideas for rainy/snowy days that might be fun in this situation as well. You will find it below, in the hopes that there will be a nugget of fun tohelp you weather this situation, too.

First published in January 2019:

Whether it is a rainy day or an unexpected snowstorm, being stuck inside can leave kids (and adults) feeling a bit restless. While it rarely snows down here in the south, for some of you, it is a daily occurrence. We, on the other hand, have been experiencing so much rain that I feel that we all might need webbed feet soon. As a teacher, I vividly remember praying for sunny days so that the kids could get outdoors and run off some of that pent-up energy.

If it is just rain that is keeping you indoors (without thunder and lightning, of course), consider spending a little time outside anyway. Water itself is not harmful and can be lots of fun as long as you are prepared. Bundle up in raincoats and boots or grab an umbrella and go outside for an impromptu “rain dance”. Measure how much rain there has been with a rain gauge (like the one in you make in the Weather Watch box) or  take a few minutes to splash in the puddles on your driveway.

Of course, sometimes there are thunderstorms or it is just too cold, so the next time you are cooped up indoors due to rain or snow, why not try one of these fun activities.

5 Ways to Make the Best of a Rainy/Snowy Day

1. Micro Treasure Hunt - Give each child a tiny box or bag (Altoids tins are perfect for this) and let them go around the house filling their box with as many tiny objects as they can find. (Examples: paper clip, pea, button, tiny Lego, bead, barrette, pony-tail holder, etc.)

2. Make a fort - Grab a sheet or blanket form the linen closet and build an old-fashioned fort by draping it over a table or a couple of chairs. Let the kids bring in their favorite stuffed animals and books or pretend they are having a camp out in the woods.

3. Window clings - Give your child a wet sponge or small spray bottle and some vinyl clings or fun foam bathtub toys. Using a window or glass door (I like to use our storm door), let the kids spray a little water and press on the shapes.

4. Fashion Show - Put some adult old clothes in a box and let the kids pick out things to wear in a make-shift fashion show. Play some fun music and use a pretend microphone to MC the event.

5. Yarn maze treasure hunt - See if your child can get to the "treasure" on the other side of a hallway maze by unwinding a skein of yarn and taping it in a zigzag pattern from wall to wall down your hallway. Place the treasure—a favorite toy or a special treat—just beyond the maze's edge. See if your child can steal it without touching the yarn "laser beams." If your kid touches them, he has to start over. 

"I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny!"
-Dr. Seuss-

Rainy/snowy days are also great times to cook together or have a dance party, but you don't have to entertain the kids every single minute they are indoors. When the drops start dropping, or the snow is not stopping, don't despair. Providing even a few minutes of respite from the dreariness can transform the day into one that kids will enjoy and remember and help you keep your sanity in the process! 

Make the most of these days, working and playing as you are able, and don’t forget to wash your hands!!

Summer is here and that means many of you will be hitting the road for vacations with your family. Of course, you want the trip to go as smoothly as possible, but bickering in the car can be a real problem sometimes, not to mention the endless choruses of "How much farther is it?" and cries to be out of their carseat.

While I survived more than one long road trip with Wee Sing tapes playing constantly through the speakers, there are many more options available now. There are a ton of great podcasts for kids that offer stories and factual information to keep their mind busy (If you are an email subscriber, you can refer back to the Nov. 13 issue for some of my top favorites. ) I have also put together a Road Trip Playlist over on Spotify that includes a few of those tried and true Wee Sing songs, as well as a bunch of others.

With grandchildren traveling with us from time to time now, we are dipping back into our bag of tricks to keep them occupied, as well. Below are several ideas to help your survive the miles with a smile on your face. Best of all, very little preparation is needed and you can make all sorts of adaptations to individualize the activities for your particular family!

Here are a couple of things you might want to do before your trip to help things so more smoothly:

Activity Chain - After reading over the list of activities below, choose which ones would work best for your family Before leaving town, make a activity chain to attach to the front seat head rest. On each link of the paper chain, write one activity (or draw a picture of it). Hook the chain together, leaving the ones related to "screen time" for last. Attach the chain to the head rest with a pipe cleaner or piece of string, with the "screen time links" closest to the head rest. During your road trip, periodically take off a link and do the activity - you can do it as set intervals (every 30 minutes, every hour, etc.) or use your child's restlessness as a cue to choose another activity. (You might want to make 2 chains - one for the trip to your destination and another for the trip back home.)

Activity Bag - Just like the activity chain above, having an activity bag will not only serve as your own personal bag of tricks, but will be fun for your child. After writing the name of each activity on a slip of paper, drop it into a bag. Periodically during your road trip, let your child/children choose a new activity to keep them busy. As you

Here's a list of some of our very favorite, tried and true "car games":

Storytime - This is one of my favorite ideas, and is new to this list. My daughter actually came up with the idea last year when she was planning for her cross-country trip to visit us. A few weeks prior to leaving, she sent an email to relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, older cousins, etc.) asking them if they would please record themselves reading a children's book. Almost everyone has a smart phone these days, so it was very easy to do. I recorded myself reading the book on the Voice Memo app on my iPhone. Then I emailed it to her. She compiled all of the recordings in one Google Document and could play it as they drove, using the bluetooth on her car. Her young son was entertained for hours and continues to enjoy listening to the stories read by people he knows. You can even share the document with other members of your family so that they can entertain their children as well.

I Spy - Easy for all ages, this is always a good way to start. Person #1 looks around the vehicle and declares, “I spy something ___(color)____.” Each person takes turns guessing the object. We limit the selections to things that are inside the vehicle since those are the things that will be moving along with the kids. (You wouldn’t want to pick something on a sign that you quickly pass and no oje else would be able to find.)

Categories - Person #1 begins by naming a “Category” (for example: Farm animals, candy bars, etc.). Person #2 then names a specified number of 5 things that fit into that category. There is no winner or loser, but the kids don’t really care!  Another version is that Person #1 names the category, then everyone takes turn naming something that fits the category until you reach 10 items. Then the next person takes a turn naming the category, etc.

It is very easy to individualize this game so that everyone can play. With very young children, you can pick your categories carefully and lower the number of items. (example: Name 3 farm animals; Name 3 vehicles; Name 5 dinosaurs, etc.) Likewise, with older children, you can choose more difficult categories and designate a higher number of items.

Scattergories - This is a car-version twist on the boxed game, similar to the one listed above. You do need a paper and pencil for this version. In this game, person #1 comes up with a category and writes down a list of 10 items that fit the category. This list is kept secret. (If everyone has paper and pencil, you could all make a list at the same time and then take turns using the lists.) Person #1 names the category and the other participants take turns guessing items until all items on Person #1’s list have been named.

Alphabet Signs - This is an oldie, but goodie. I played it as a child and my grandkids are playing it now. It is so easy—-Beginning with “A”, simply go through the alphabet, calling out the letters as you see them on billboards and signs. Each person works on their own usually, but if you are worried about squabbles, you can team up to make it a family project. You’ll find yourself wishing for bar-b-que joints, exits and zoos to complete your list!!

Famous People - This game is best played with children that are a little bit older, but can be adapted for younger children as well. Person #1 names a famous person—first and last name. Person #2 names a famous person that begins with the first letter of the last name that Person #1 named. Example:  Person #1 names George Washington. Person #2 must name a person whose name begins with a “w”, such as Will Smith. Person #3 must then name a person whose first name begins with an “s”, such as Susan Sarandon, etc. 

To adapt this game for younger children: simply let them think of anyone that they know that begins with the named letter.  Or to simplify it even more, just name the first name—-the next person thinks of someone that begins with the last letter of the name: example: Person #1 says Susan, so Person #2 must think of a name that begins with “n” etc.

Twenty Questions - Based on the usual Twenty Questions game, Person #1 thinks of either a book or movie that they are sure everyone is familiar with. Other people take turns asking “yes” or “no” questions to give them clues until someone is able to guess the answer. Depending on how long the game has been going on, sometimes we just keep going until the answer is guessed, but if it seems too difficult, then limit the game to 20 questions and let someone else be the Leader.

I’m Thinking of . . . - This version 20 Questions works just the opposite. Person #1 thinks of an object and then gives one clue about the object. “I’m thinking of something that _____.” Each person then takes turns guessing the object. If it is not guessed after several tries, Person #1 adds to their clue. Example: Person #1 says “I’m thinking of something that is round.” Then, “I’m thinking of something that is round and bounces.” Then, I’m thinking of something that is round, bounces and we play games with.”, etc. This game can be adapted for all ages, as well by making the clues age-appropriate. 

ABC Animal-style - Starting with A, each person names an animal that begins with A. After each person has named one, move to letter B and move on through the alphabet. Sometimes we have to get really creative like “quick fox” for letter Q or something like that, but that just makes it all the more fun!

BINGO - This is fun and really easy for all ages. Every time you see a yellow vehicle, you say “bingo” and get one point. You can make up your own rules, but for our version, the vehicle must have a motor.  That means that a yellow bicycle doesn’t count, but a yellow motorcycle does! The first person to 20 points wins that round and you start over. If you happen to see a whole lot full of yellow vehicles, declare “bingo lot” and get an automatic 3 points rather than calling out each of the vehicles.

Treat Bags - A little bit of prep work is necessary for this, but it is minimal. Using several small lunch bags, drop a special treat in each one. The treats can be anything that works for your family, such as a non-messy snack, stickers, magnets and a small magnet board, dry-erase marker and board, etc. Depending on the length of your trip, plan to present a new bag at periodic intervals throughout the trip - perhaps as you cross a state line, or at each rest stop you take or something like that. You can pick up all sorts of things at your local Dollar Store, but even small toys from home become more special when they haven't seen them for a while. 

Have you tried any of these games yet with your family? Do you have a favorite game that I didn’t mention?

Don't forget that each Connections Box comes with a unique hand-made game that is perfect for travel. Each game is packaged in a drawstring bag, making it easy to pack in your tote bag or suitcase. While most of the games cannot be played IN the car, they are great for those times in your hotel room or even at the beach, that you need a fun little activity.

When I was a little girl, each of us kids had a school memory book in which to record some of our favorite memories from each year. It had a place for a school picture and a pocket to keep report cards, test scores and other small memorabilia.

Later, when I had children of my own, their grandmother gave them memory books as well. The format was exactly the same, but you can see in the following photo how many more things there were to keep when I was in school.

There are several commericially-made memory books available today that follow the same format as the one my daughter and I had, like this one and this one.

However, I decided to make my own memory books for my grandkids for a couple of reasons:

• I could personalize it as I wished

• I could use an 8.5”x11” format so that letters and papers would fit easier

I created interview pages for the first of school and the end of school that ask questions about their expectations and experiences. There is also a spot for a school picture or to draw a picture of themselves. One of my favorite features is the space for their signature - it is fun to watch how it changes through the years.

Here’s what you need:

• First Day of School Interview card (free download)

• School Year labels (free download)

• End of School Interview Card (available to email subscribers)

• manila or white envelopes, one for each year (I used 9x12 size)

• looseleaf binder (I used this leather-look binder from Target)

• white cardstock (You will need 12 pages for school + preschool years and 2 pages for the labels. I used 18 pages total.)

• glue or double-stick tape

• velcro dots (found at Dollar Tree)

• hole punch (A 3-hole punch is helpful, if you have one.)

• scissors

First, print the First Day of School cards on plain cardstock.

Print the End of School Interview Cards on the back. (Be sure that you have the paper turned the right direction so that it doesn’t print out upside down on the back.)

Punch holes to fit in your binder.

Trim the envelope opening down about an inch to fit in your binder.

Trim the flap so that it will not be caught in the holes punched.

Apply the velcro dots to the envelope flap and the envelope. (Don’t worry about the sticky-back showing through the hole - your label will cover it.)

Print and cut out the the envelope labels. There are several blank ones included in case you would like to add toddler years. Glue or tape one to each envelope flap.

Punch holes in the envelopes to fit in the binder.

Place all of the pages in order, with the corresponding envelope behind each page and secure in your binder.

If you want to embellish the pages with stickers or let your child color them each year, that would be so fun. I will probably use my Silhouette to add a name to the front of each one I make, I’ll leave the embellishing to my grandkids!!

Spring always makes me want to get out and work in the garden. While I definitely can’t boast about having a green thumb, there is something so satisfying about working the dirt, planting the seeds and watching things grow. In my part of the country, Spring is the perfect time of year to do just that - not too hot yet, and not too cold.

I generally stick with super hardy flowers and veggies, so that I can enjoy some degree of success, and my grandkids like to be a part of the process as well. The lessons learned by planting a garden are so valuable, even if it consists of only a pot or two on your patio. Our most recent newsletter explores several fun ways to get kids involved in gardening, and now I’d like to share a few of my favorite books.

The Tiny Seed, by Eric Carle - A classic story of the life cycle of a flower is told by the adventures of a tiny seed.

The Carrot Seed, by Ruth Krauss - Even though everyone tells him it won’t grow, this little boy is determined to care for his seed.

Sunflower House, by Eve Bunting - Sunflower seeds are sown in a circle, growing to make a house to play in. (I would love to grow one of these myself one day!)

If You Plant A Seed, by Kadir Nelson - A fuzzy rabbit and little mouse plant seeds and wait for them to grow.

Planting A Rainbow, by Lois Ehlert - Collages depict a mother and daughter as they plant seeds and bulbs and watch them grow.

We Are The Gardeners, by Joanna Gaines - I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this beautiful book about their family’s own garden adventures.

There are so many wonderful books about gardens that l couldn’t begin to list them all. If you purchase any or have favorites of your own, I’d love to hear about them!

Recently, our newsletter, Connect the Dots, has focused on children and technology. There was a discussion about the dangers of too much screen time (TV, phone, tablets, video games, etc.) and then more recently, the good things that can come about from the use of quality apps and adult supervision.

While I shared my 5 favorite apps for young children, I wanted to expand on that a bit by showing you exactly what is on my iPad. I worked with young children for many years and used my personal iPad during those latter years to reinforce some of the skills I was teaching. With young grandchildren of my own now, I still believe that active and creative play is the best way to teach young children. However, there are some great apps out there that reinforce skills and are just plain fun when used responsibly and with moderation.

So, here are the apps currently on MY iPad and brief descriptions of their features. (I’ve linked to the IOS downloads, although many are also available for Android systems.)

General apps for young children

Highlights Hidden Pictures - Great graphics that bring the magazine’s hidden pictures to an interactive game, and it’s free.

Name Play - One of my TOP 5, this is a great name reading and writing kit. (ages 4+)

HIghlights Puzzle Town - Highlights has produced a nice puzzle app for young children, and it’s free.

Opposites Adventure - This is a cute interactive app that features a story, painting, hidden objects, etc., that focus on opposites.

ABC Alphabet - By Photo Touch, this app reinforces letter recognition and phonics.

Endless Numbers - One of my TOP 5, this game uses quirky little monsters to reinforce

Sight Words and Phonics Reading - By 22Learn this app has colorful graphics to reinforce reading skills. (Ages 5+)numbers and counting.

Big GreenMonster - Kids LOVE this adaptation of the story written and read by Ed Emberley!

Starfall Learn To Read - This phonics based reading app is created by the folks at Starfall, an educational website. (Ages 5+)

Tiny Tap - I am new to Tiny Tap. This is a subscription based app that I was gifted. Games within the app are developed by educators around the world for young children ages 2-8.

Dinosaur Jigsaw - Just for fun, this app contains interactive dinosaur jigsaw puzzles. (ages 3+)

Kids Numbers and Math - This is a no frills app that reinforces number concepts. (ages 4+)

STEM apps for young children

Tynker, Jr. - Modeled after the Tynker app for older children, this is another great coding app for young children. (ages 5+)

Crazy Gears - One of my TOP 5, this fun game allows children to problem-solve as they learn basics of how machinery works. (There were lots of giggles in my house when we tried this one out together.) (ages 4+)

Daisy The Dinosaur - This is another coding app that I just downloaded. It is best for kids that can read a little bit, but with adult help younger children can use it, too. (Ages 5+)

Scratch, Jr. - (the icon may look different now) Another coding app developed by Tufts University, it allows kids to create their own stories from popular PBS Kids shops. (ages 5+)

Kidlo Coding - This pre-coding game introduces basic concepts of coding, sequences and looping to young children. (ages 4+)

Code Karts - One of my TOP 5, this beginning coding app teachers coding logic through the use of an interactive race track. SO fun! (ages 4+)

Alphabet/letter formation apps

Letter School - One of my TOP 5, this app makes letter and numeral formation fun with its interactive, multi-leveled approach to writing. You can start with your finger, and then move to using a stylus to mimic holding a pencil. It even includes different handwriting font styles to match what your school is using.

Wet, Dry, Try - Created by Handwriting Without Tears, children learn and practice correct formation habits for writing capitals, numbers, and lowercase letters.

ABC, 123 - Another fun writing, letter-learning app that includes games for letter recognition as well.

Toddler apps

Screen time for toddlers should be extremely limited, if used at all. Video chats with relatives (Facetime, etc.) can be fun and an occasional short game is all that they need. Here are a few games that can be used in very short segments of time.

TIny Hands - These bundles of apps feature sorting, matching and puzzles for the youngest children. (ages 2-4)

Preschool Games - Farm Animals - Learn the names of a variety of farm animals and their babies. (ages 2-4)

Highlights Shapes - Offered by Highlights, the bright graphics in this interactive app allow children to learn about shapes, sizes, color and color-mixing, as well as sorting. (ages 2-5)

Do you have favorite apps that I haven’t mentioned? I’d like to hear about them, so leave a comment below.

This big, wonderful world is full of all sorts of different people. One of the easiest ways to celebrate the diversity of our world with young children is to include books in our homes that represent a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

Below, you will find a list of books that do just that. Some are informational about different countries and cultures while others show a variety of differences in people and families through their illustrations and/or storyline. I have included links to Amazon for your convenience, but many can also be found at your local library or independent book store.

The Colors of Us , by Karen Katz and illustrated by - During a walk through the neighborhood, Lena begins to notice all the different shades of skin around her.

The Skin You Live In, by Michael Tyler and illustrated by David Lee Csicsko - This is a rhyming book that celebrates all the different skin colors.

It’s Okay To Be Different, by David Parr - Especially great for toddlers, this colorful books features all sorts of different children.

This Is How We Do It, by Matt Lamothe - Follow along to see what a day looks like for children from seven different countries.

Everybody Cooks Rice, by Norah Dooley and illustrated by Peter Thornton - In this story, no matter which country the family is from, they all cook rice. Recipes for the different dishes are included.

Over the Hills and Far Away, A Treasury Of Nursery Rhymes, edited by Elizabeth Hammill - A beautiful treasury of nursery rhymes from across the world.

Say Hello, by Rachel Isadora - Learn how to say “hello” in several different languages, along with Carmelita.

Everywhere Babies, by Susan Meyers and illustrated by Marla Frazee - Babies and mamas of every culture are celebrated just for being who they are.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon, by Patty Lovell and illustrated by David Catrow - My grandson loves this book about a tiny girl who learns to stand tall and walk proud, no matter what people say about her

Junkyard Wonders, by Patricia Polacco - For children with a longer attention span, this book explores the feelings a little girl encounters as a part of special class at school. (I love Patricia Polacco books and they almost always feature diverse cultures in some way.)

Charlie and Mouse, by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Emily Hughes - With several books in this series, illustrations include all sorts of children and families, while telling the story of brothers.

The Family Book, by Todd Parr - This colorful book celebrates families of all kinds.

Love Makes A Family, by Sophie Beer - Another book that pictures different types of family, it demonstrates that what's most important in each family's life is the love the family members share

Ordinary People Change the World Set, by Brad Meltzer - There is a whole series of books that can be bought individually or as a set. Each book tells the story of ordinary people that have become a hero in one way or another.

All The Ways To Be Smart, by - I just received this book in the mail and I LOVE it! (It takes a little bit longer to ship because it comes from overseas.) There are so many different ways to be smart other than just academics and this book celebrates them all.

Dinosaurs have been around a long time. What I really mean is that, even though they are extinct, their popularity among kids of all ages is still going strong! That is one reason we’ve created this latest Connections Box, RAWRR!. It is a great mix of fun and exploration and play, all while learning about those great, prehistoric beasts. As always, there is a book included in the box, but I’ve compiled a list of some of my other favorites that I wanted to share with you. Each is linked to Amazon, but most are also available at your local bookstore.

Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp - by Carol Diggory Shields and illustrated by Scott Nash; Find out what dinosaurs did for fun in this rhythmic romp through the Jurassic age.

Dinosaurumpus - by Tony Mitton and illustrated by Gay Parker-Rees; The delightful rhyme and whimsical illustrations will make children want to join in the dance while they learn about some of their favorite prehistoric pals

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? - by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague; Composed of familiar bedtime routines, where dinosaurs are substituted for humans, your child will enjoy this book before heading to sleep for the night.

Children’s Dinosaur Atlas - by John Malam and illustrated by Katrin Wiehle; This is an interactive atlas filled with maps and stickers and illustrations for your young dinosaur lover.

The Big Book of Dinosaurs - by DK Publishing ; Another beautiful book filled with facts about dinosaurs.

Boy, Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs! - by Kathleen Kudinski and illustrated by S. D. Schindler; This lively book explores how notios are constantly being revised as new information is obtained about dinosaurs.

The Lost Dinosaur Bone - by Mercer Mayer; This time, Little Critter helps to solve a mystery of the missing dinosaur bone.

Dinosaurs Before Dark - by Mary Pope Osborne ; The first in the Magic Treehouse series of books, this is a great read-aloud chapter book for younger kids and one that older children can read themselves.

While there are many more fun books about dinosaurs, these are some of my favorites. What about yours? Do you or your child have a favorite that I need to add to my library?

Do you have a few last minute gifts to take care of?? Below, you will find directions for five different gifts that children can make (with a little help) that are sure to be a hit with the recipients! (In some cases, I’ve linked to other blogs where complete or alternative directions can be found.) By the way, last week, we tried out the painted mugs and wooden spoons and they turned out so great!!!

Beaded Key chain

• Key chain ring

• Beads

• Wire or chenille stem (pipe cleaner)

1. Attach one end of the wire to the keychain ring, twisting securely so that it will not come unfastened.

2. Let your child add beads to the wire, using alphabet beads to spell a name, if desired.

3. Twist the end of the wire OVER the last bead, twist and insert back into the hole of the bead to secure it.

Windchime:

• Sturdy Stick (10-12” long)

• String or fishing line

• Assorted metal odds and ends (keys, washers, old spoons, etc.

1. Cut a piece of string or fishing line 18" long. Tie each end to each end of the stick.

2. Cut pieces of string 6-10” in length, one for each thing you will hang. They do NOT have to be the exact same length, but should be close so that they will clang together.

3. For each object, tie one end of the string to the object and the other to the stick.

Decorated golf balls:

You will need:

• Golf balls

• Permanent markers, such as Sharpies

Let your child use the markers to decorate each golf ball with pictures or encouraging words.

Marbled Mug:

You will need:

• Dishwasher-safe white mug

• 1-3 colors of fingernail polish

• Disposable bowl or container

• Straw or toothpick

• Water

• Paper towel or piece of wax paper

1. Be sure to do this craft in a well-ventilated area!!!!

2. Fill a small container with enough water to dip your cup without it getting into the cup.

3. Set your mug in the water to let the fingernail polish adhere to the mug, taking care not to let the water get INTO the cup.

4. Raise the mug up and let it drip the extra water or polish off before turning it upside down on a paper towel or wax paper. Let dry completely.

Painted wooden spoons:

(These can be done in the same manner as the cups above, using fingernail polish, or use this alternative method of painting the handles a solid color.)

You will need:

• Wooden spoons

• Acrylic paint (Martha Stewart paints are non-toxic)

• Foam paintbrush

• Area to dry your spoons (I used a large plastic take-out cup)

• Mod-Podge (small container)

• Painter’s tape

1. Apply tape around the handle to mark where you want the paint to stop. (Be sure that you do not paint into the spoon area.)

2. Use the paintbrush to apply paint to the handle of the brush, all the way to the tape.

3. Stand the brush upside down in a small container to let it dry for at least an hour

4. Apply a coat of Mod-Podge to the painted area only. (If you decide to use the fingernail polish as we did, no Mod-Podge coating is needed.)

5. Carefully remove the tape!

I’m also providing you with 2 options - one is super simple, so if you aren’t interested in constructing anything, scroll on down to the second option.

OPTION #1

Here’s what you need:

2 9”x12” pieces of corrugated cardboard (mine is from an old mailing box), 2 strips of cardboard 1/2” wide (I cut a piece in half), water bottle tops, scissors, marker, pencil and glue & tape (which are not pictured)

OPTIONAL: Free Pattern Download (click here)

1. After deciding what kind of picture you are going to use, arrange the bottle caps on the shape and trace around them onto one piece of the cardboard. (I decided on a snake for this one) If you would prefer, print out the free printables and glue one on the cardboard instead of creating your own drawing.

2. Outline your shape in marker and trace around the bottle caps in pencil.

3. Cut out the circles where the bottle caps will fit. (This is the hardest part of the whole thing. Mine were pretty jagged, etc., but still work just fine.)

4. Be sure the caps fit inside the holes.

5. I also outlined each hole since it seemed to help my cutouts look less jagged.

6. Glue the 2 strips to each side of the other sheet of cardboard. (This will form a slot that will allow you to easily slide the paper pieces in and out to change games.)

7. Stack the 2 pieces of cardboard on top of each other and secure with tape. If you want to be able to open the top, you can just secure it at the top, creating a hinge.

8. Slide a piece of blank paper into the slot. In each hole, write a letter or numeral, etc.

9. Use your marker to write the corresponding letters, numbers, shapes, etc on the bottle caps.

You can create new games simply by programming new sheets of paper with a different activity. Suggestions:

• capital letters to capital letters

• capital letters to lower-case letters

• numerals to numerals

• numerals to dots

• matching shapes

• matching colors

• numerals to addition or subtraction problems

• matching the letters of names

• blank paper with letters on the bottle caps to practice spelling words

OPTION #2

You will need: bottle caps, marker, patterns

1. Print out the provided patterns.

2. Program them by writing the letters, numerals, shapes, etc. that you want to use.

3. Instead of cutting holes, just let your child place the bottle cap on top of the matching circle.

Here is a variation of this same game made with smaller holes and used to match colored pom-poms. (You can see that someone even helped me color it!)



By now, you most likely are aware that the newest Connections Box is ready and in the SHOP! (Just click the tab above to see it.) The first shipment of Super Sleuth boxes has already been mailed and some have even been delivered!!!

For those of you who would like a bit more information about it:

Super Sleuth is a box designed around the theme of detectives and spies. There are all sorts of materials included in the box, so that you and your child can uncover clues and solve mysteries around the house. My 7-10 year-old self always LOVED peering around corners with a periscope and looking for a good adventure, and I know your kids will as well. In fact, kids that are are a bit older than our targeted ages (3-8 years) will enjoy this, too, since they will be able to do much of it on their own. The youngest children will need a bit of help with some of the activities, but we believe it will be well worth it for everyone!!

You can order Connection Boxes one at a time or you can choose a subscription - either half-year (3 boxes) or one-year (6 boxes), New boxes are introduced every other month so that there is plenty of time for you and your child to enjoy and complete one before a new one arrives. We've been very intentional about curating our boxes with a blend of one-time activities and games that can be played over and over. Many of them can even be enjoyed as a family game. You'll find something to read, something to make and something to learn in every single box!

One of the goals of each and every Connections Box is to encourage connections between adults and children through play. One of the ways we do that (besides working on each activity together), is through the journaling cards. I believe that sharing your experiences with your child is just as important as hearing about theirs! We even offer a keepsake binder for the safe-keeping of your activity and journaling cards. (It comes free with a one-year subscription) What a treasure it will be in the future for them to look back and see how they responded to questions and prompts and you, as well!

Summer is here and that means many of you will be hitting the road for vacations with your family. Of course, you want the trip to go as smoothly as possible, but bickering in the car can be a real problem sometimes, not to mention the endless choruses of "How much farther is it?". Rather than resorting to movies and tablets/iPads in the car for the entire trip, I'd like to offer another option to help your survive the miles with a smile on your face. Best of all, very little preparation is needed and you can make all sorts of adaptations to individualize the activities for your particular family!

What you see below is a repost from last summer, but I’ve updated it with a some new ideas. With grandchildren traveling with us from time to time now, we are dipping back into our bag of tricks to keep them occupied, as well.

Here are a couple of things you might want to do before your trip to help things so more smoothly:

Activity Chain - After reading over the list of activities below, choose which ones would work best for your family Before leaving town, make a activity chain to attach to the front seat head rest. On each link of the paper chain, write one activity (or draw a picture of it). Hook the chain together, leaving the ones related to "screen time" for last. Attach the chain to the head rest with a pipe cleaner or piece of string, with the "screen time links" closest to the head rest. During your road trip, periodically take off a link and do the activity - you can do it as set intervals (every 30 minutes, every hour, etc.) or use your child's restlessness as a cue to choose another activity. (You might want to make 2 chains - one for the trip to your destination and another for the trip back home.)

Activity Bag - Just like the activity chain above, having an activity bag will not only serve as your own personal bag of tricks, but will be fun for your child. After writing the name of each activity on a slip of paper, drop it into a bag. Periodically during your road trip, let your child/children choose a new activity to keep them busy. As you

Here's a list of some of our very favorite, tried and true "car games":

Storytime - This is one of my favorite ideas, and is new to this list. My daughter actually came up with the idea last year when she was planning for her cross-country trip to visit us. A few weeks prior to leaving, she sent an email to relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, older cousins, etc.) asking them if they would please record themselves reading a children's book. Almost everyone has a smart phone these days, so it was very easy to do. I recorded myself reading the book on the Voice Memo app on my iPhone. Then I emailed it to her. She compiled all of the recordings in one Google Document and could play it as they drove, using the bluetooth on her car. Her young son was entertained for hours and continues to enjoy listening to the stories read by people he knows. You can even share the document with other members of your family so that they can entertain their children as well.

I Spy - Easy for all ages, this is always a good way to start. Person #1 looks around the vehicle and declares, “I spy something ___(color)____.” Each person takes turns guessing the object. We limit the selections to things that are inside the vehicle since those are the things that will be moving along with the kids. (You wouldn’t want to pick something on a sign that you quickly pass and no oje else would be able to find.)

Categories - Person #1 begins by naming a “Category” (for example: Farm animals, candy bars, etc.). Person #2 then names a specified number of 5 things that fit into that category. There is no winner or loser, but the kids don’t really care!  Another version is that Person #1 names the category, then everyone takes turn naming something that fits the category until you reach 10 items. Then the next person takes a turn naming the category, etc.

It is very easy to individualize this game so that everyone can play. With very young children, you can pick your categories carefully and lower the number of items. (example: Name 3 farm animals; Name 3 vehicles; Name 5 dinosaurs, etc.) Likewise, with older children, you can choose more difficult categories and designate a higher number of items.

Scattergories - This is a car-version twist on the boxed game, similar to the one listed above. You do need a paper and pencil for this version. In this game, person #1 comes up with a category and writes down a list of 10 items that fit the category. This list is kept secret. (If everyone has paper and pencil, you could all make a list at the same time and then take turns using the lists.) Person #1 names the category and the other participants take turns guessing items until all items on Person #1’s list have been named.

Alphabet Signs - This is an oldie, but goodie. I played it as a child and my grandkids are playing it now. It is so easy—-Beginning with “A”, simply go through the alphabet, calling out the letters as you see them on billboards and signs. Each person works on their own usually, but if you are worried about squabbles, you can team up to make it a family project. You’ll find yourself wishing for bar-b-que joints, exits and zoos to complete your list!!

Famous People - This game is best played with children that are a little bit older, but can be adapted for younger children as well. Person #1 names a famous person—first and last name. Person #2 names a famous person that begins with the first letter of the last name that Person #1 named. Example:  Person #1 names George Washington. Person #2 must name a person whose name begins with a “w”, such as Will Smith. Person #3 must then name a person whose first name begins with an “s”, such as Susan Sarandon, etc. 

To adapt this game for younger children: simply let them think of anyone that they know that begins with the named letter.  Or to simplify it even more, just name the first name—-the next person thinks of someone that begins with the last letter of the name: example: Person #1 says Susan, so Person #2 must think of a name that begins with “n” etc.

Twenty Questions - Based on the usual Twenty Questions game, Person #1 thinks of either a book or movie that they are sure everyone is familiar with. Other people take turns asking “yes” or “no” questions to give them clues until someone is able to guess the answer. Depending on how long the game has been going on, sometimes we just keep going until the answer is guessed, but if it seems too difficult, then limit the game to 20 questions and let someone else be the Leader.

I’m Thinking of . . . - This version 20 Questions works just the opposite. Person #1 thinks of an object and then gives one clue about the object. “I’m thinking of something that _____.” Each person then takes turns guessing the object. If it is not guessed after several tries, Person #1 adds to their clue. Example: Person #1 says “I’m thinking of something that is round.” Then, “I’m thinking of something that is round and bounces.” Then, I’m thinking of something that is round, bounces and we play games with.”, etc. This game can be adapted for all ages, as well by making the clues age-appropriate. 

ABC Animal-style - Starting with A, each person names an animal that begins with A. After each person has named one, move to letter B and move on through the alphabet. Sometimes we have to get really creative like “quick fox” for letter Q or something like that, but that just makes it all the more fun!

BINGO - This is fun and really easy for all ages. Every time you see a yellow vehicle, you say “bingo” and get one point. You can make up your own rules, but for our version, the vehicle must have a motor.  That means that a yellow bicycle doesn’t count, but a yellow motorcycle does! The first person to 20 points wins that round and you start over. If you happen to see a whole lot full of yellow vehicles, declare “bingo lot” and get an automatic 3 points rather than calling out each of the vehicles.

Treat Bags - A little bit of prep work is necessary for this, but it is minimal. Using several small lunch bags, drop a special treat in each one. The treats can be anything that works for your family, such as a non-messy snack, stickers, magnets and a small magnet board, dry-erase marker and board, etc. Depending on the length of your trip, plan to present a new bag at periodic intervals throughout the trip - perhaps as you cross a state line, or at each rest stop you take or something like that. You can pick up all sorts of things at your local Dollar Store, but even small toys from home become more special when they haven't seen them for a while. 

Have you tried any of these games yet with your family? Do you have a favorite game that I didn’t mention?

Don't forget that each Connections Box comes with a unique hand-made game that is perfect for travel. Each game is packaged in a drawstring bag, making it easy to pack in your tote bag or suitcase. While the games cannot be played IN the car, they are great for those times in your hotel room or even at the beach, that you need a fun little activity.

Cutting Across Paper

Now that your child can snip, it is time to begin moving those scissors across the paper. This is trickier than you probably remember, but if you use the alligator technique, I've found that it makes it much more fun and successful. After marking the thumb hole with an “eye”, I like to draw “teeth” on the blades of my scissors to indicate the alligator’s mouth. 

Next, I hold the scissors in my own hand and tell them that I have a special alligator friend that likes to swim through the water. After placing the scissors on my own fingers, I slowly open and close his mouth (not completely closed) and explain that he swims very quietly as he opens his mouth. So it goes like this: (close scissors) chomp, (open scissors) swim. Repeat.

Give your child a sheet of paper and let their “alligator” swim/chomp all the way across the paper. (Remember that it is easiest if their scissors do not completely shut each time.) 

Cutting On Lines - Straight First, then Curved

Just like when they are learning to write, cutting along straight lines is easier than curved lines, so let’s begin there. Using that same alligator trick, draw a thick line across the paper. (Or you can put a piece of tape across the paper, as pictured.) Explain to your child that the line is the “river” and that when the alligator chomps OFF of the line, he tends to get a tummy ache. As long as they keep his nose on the line, and keep moving slowly, he will be able to move all the way across the paper without getting sick.

Repeat this same process with curved lines, and then with zig-zag lines and your child will be ready to cut most anything you put in front of them. 

Making It Fun!

There are all sorts of “scissor skill books” out there, that have straight, zig-zag and curved lines to practice on. And those are fine, but not at all necessary. You most likely have everything you need, in a never-ending supply, right inside your house!

Coupons - I don't know about your house, but here, every Tuesday, we receive flyers in our mail that contain coupons for a variety of stores and restaurants. Let your child cut them out for you! Coupons generally have bold, straight lines around them making them perfect for practicing those new-found skills. The paper on flyers is sometimes a little bit flimsy, but with practice, your child can become quite efficient at “coupon clipping”. If you don’t actually plan to use the coupons, consider taking a field trip to a local food pantry, where your child can make a difference by donating the coupons they have cut to those needing a bargain here and there. 

Old magazines/catalogs - I know that magazines aren’t quite a prevalent as they once were, but I still receive some catalogs from time to time that are perfect for this activity. My favorite one for cutting comes from the Postal Service and shows the most up-to-date stamps available. Your child can practice cutting across the page and even cutting on the lines surrounding various photos, stamps or coupons. You can even let them glue the items on a piece of paper for some added fine motor work.

Junk Mail - Again, this is stuff that usually ends up in my recycling bin anyway, so why not let your little cut it up first?! They can glue things they cut out to index cards or small pieces of paper to make new mail for their loved ones. The old envelopes can even be used for the “mail” they’ve made.

Yarn/string - Cutting yarn and string only involves snipping, but because it is so flexible, it is a bit more difficult than snipping paper. They can clip pieces just for fun, to be used in an art project or even to leave outdoors for a bird to use in their nest.

Once your child has mastered cutting on straight and curved lines, you can expect them to be able to cut out more complex shapes as well. It takes lots of practice to be really accurate in cutting, and some children are much more interested in this sort of thing than others. That is completely natural. But, giving them some fun ways to practice can only help!

In our last post, we explored the different types of scissors available for young children and talked about setting up some safety guidelines so that you can be more comfortable with your child using scissors at home. Now, let's delve into the how-to's.

Positioning Scissors On Your Hand-What Goes Where?

You've done it for so long that it seems like second nature to you, but for a young child who is just learning to cut, getting the scissors on their hand the right way can be the hardest part of the whole process!

You and I both intuitively know that your thumb goes in the small hole, but that is not quite as obvious to a child. And since the scissors will open and shut either way, it probably doesn't seem like such a big deal to them.  But, when it comes to performance and cutting accuracy, it really is a big deal, so let's take a few minutes to teach them the correct way to hold scissors.

1.  Show the child the scissors and point out to them that one hole is smaller than the other hole. That one is for the thumb and their other fingers go underneath.

2. Then, hand them the scissors by holding the blades and extending it to them the way you would a hand shake. In this position, they automatically reach for the scissors with the right fingers going in the correct holes. Reinforce with words--to put their thumb in the little hole and the rest of their fingers underneath, helping them as needed.

3. Practice that a few times, then let them try picking the scissors up from the table on their own and positioning them correctly. Be sure to always remind them that the "thumb goes on top". 

4. Repeat this process as often as needed and certainly at the beginning of every cutting session for a little while.

One of the most common mistakes children make even after getting their fingers in the correct holes, is that they turn their hand upside down when the begin to cut -- with the thumb under the paper. This is very awkward and makes accurate cutting much more difficult. One of my favorite and most successful cutting tricks is to draw an eye on the top of the thumb hole. This not only shows them where to place their thumb, but comes in very handy when those scissors "become an alligator", snipping their way across a river. Keeping the eye ON TOP helps the alligator to see where he is going and the hand in the correct position.

Snipping Comes First

As with all learning, cutting with scissors is also developmental. After  positioning scissors on their hand, your child is ready to begin cutting. Getting used to the open and shut movement of the blades takes some practice, so those spring-assisted scissors are really help, especially for very young children. Before learning to cut on a line or even randomly cutting across a sheet of paper, they need lots of practice to gain control of that movement and snipping is the perfect way to practice. Since it is a two-handed activity, there are many things to think about and to coordinate in the simple act of snipping, so practic, practice, practice.

Thin paper, like printer paper or newspaper might seem like the natural choice for ease of cutting, but it is actually more difficult to cut since it is so flimsy. Choosing a slightly heavier paper, such as construction paper, cardstock or the cover from a magazine is much easier for a child to hold and cut.

You will probably notice that your child grimaces or tries to use all their strength at first, thinking that will help with the cutting. After all, to them it looks like you are performing some sort of act of super-human strength by breaking that paper into pieces!!

You will need to demonstrate to them that the scissors will do the hard part, all they have to do is open and shut them. Then let them try, with some hand-over-hand help at first, if needed. 

Here are some fun ways for your child to practice snipping:

* Strips of paper - Provide strips of paper and let them cut it into tiny pieces

* Play-doh - Help them roll a long, skinny snake of play-doh, then cut it into tiny pieces.  Kids LOVE to do this over and over again and it is great because they can practice snipping with a totally different texture. (We used the play-doh spaghetti maker to make these snakes.)

* Make grass - Cut a sheet of green paper into half lengthwise. (This will give you 2 sets of grass.) Let them snip across one of the long edges of the strip, creating a fringed "grass" effect. Glue it onto another sheet of paper and use crayons to add a sun, flowers, etc.

* Paper haircut - Draw a face on a sheet of paper with long, straight pieces of hair. Cut it out, cutting down the hair to create strands as shown above. Let your child use their scissors to snip the hair, giving them a haircut. My grandson LOVES this and will do as many faces as I will draw.  :-)

* Party flags - Using brightly colored paper, let your child snip across the short edges of each sheet of paper. Tape the opposite end of each page to a piece of ribbon or string, creating a party banner. You can even add letters or words to each piece of paper! (Check out the banner we made at the top of this page!)

If you child is like most children, they love cutting. It can get a little bit messy from time to time, with little snips being scattered about on the floor, but it is easily cleaned up and worth it to strengthen those little muscles.

Does the thought of helping your child learn to cut with scissors send shivers down your spine?

Do you envision them taking the “distressed clothing” trend to a whole new level? 

Teaching a child to use scissors can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be scary. And, it can be lots of fun for both of you. After years of working with young children, I have come up with a few tips to make the process easier—and safer— for both of you.

Scissor safety comes first!

1.  I recommend that you figure out what your ground rules are for using any new materials, especially scissors, before introducing them to your child. Don't wait until the need for intervention arises. Thinking it through ahead of time will let you be prepared to handle any situation much better. Things to think about are: where to use them, with how much supervision, when to use them, and what can be cut. For example: Your scissors might be stored in a drawer that is not accessible to children and can only be used with mom or dad supervising. Or, perhaps you are comfortable having them within reach, as long as an adult is present to oversee the activity. 

2.  Go over those rules with your child, being sure they understand them. Rather than drill them on these rules, make it exciting - as if it is something that is reserved for very responsible children, and because they are now old enough and responsible, you want them to learn about scissors. (Children will most often rise to meet our expectations.) Repeat the rules whenever necessary as they are learning to use scissors. Remind them where to put them away, who needs to be present, etc.

3.  Teach your child the proper way to carry scissors. Most scissors for young children have rounded points, but it is a good idea to get into the habit of walking with the “point” down, regardless, and to never run with scissors in their hands. Let your child tell you why it is important to hold them that way, so that you can be sure they understand.

4.  Teach your child that we only cut paper. Never books. Never skin. Never hair. And never clothing. They will be curious, for sure, but most will adhere to the rules if you explain that cutting other things ruins them and we have people available who are specially trained to cut hair. (And if you run into one of "those situations", try to stay calm and handle it without completely losing your cool.)

    * When my oldest daughter was 3 and her baby sister was taking a nap, I decided to work on some sewing while she watched a movie on TV in the adjoining room. I noticed that she had moved just out of my line of sight, but I was busy and didn't go check. After a few minutes, I called out to her, and when she didn't respond right away, I went to see what she was up to. Immediately, I noticed a lock of hair in one hand (with more on the floor) and her baby sister's fingernail scissors in the other. When she looked up at me, there was a huge gap in the middle of her thick blonde bangs. I don't remember my reaction exactly, but I remember thinking how irresponsible of me to leave them where she could reach them, and being so thankful they weren't full-size scissors!  Jana was an extremely responsible, easy toddler for the most part, but I had never talked to her about cutting only paper. This just serves as a reminder that we should never take that sort of thing for granted--even wonderfully well-behaved children are curious and it only takes a few minutes to teach safety rules!

Now, what kind of scissors should you use?

There are many different types of scissors out there for young children, and while most are very inexpensive, I definitely recommend sticking with a quality pair from a reputable maker. Working with sub-par scissors is a lesson in frustration for anyone that tries to use them and our goal is for our children to be successful and not frustrated.

If you are planning to purchase a new pair of scissors, please don't get the kind pictured above. These plastic scissors do not cut well in most cases and because they tend to bend easily, the gap between the blades gets larger, making it impossible to cut accurately.

My favorite brand of scissors is Fiskars and they have a variety of styles that are perfect for beginning cutters, however, you may find another brand that works well for you. One of the nice thing about all of the Fiskars scissors below is that they work well for either left- or right-handed children.

Let's look at the types of scissors:

Starter scissors are perfect for the youngest children who are just learning to cut. While almost all children have the strength and dexterity to close scissors, toddlers and other beginning cutters often have difficulty opening the scissors. Of course, it takes both, so scissors with a spring action are great to get used to this action. 

This pair of spring-loaded scissors is for the youngest of children. Instead of putting thumb and fingers in holes to operate, they grip them with their whole hands, which is perfect for toddlers, and it doesn't matter which side is facing up.

I really love this next pair of scissors. Made by Fiskars, not only is it spring-assisted, but it has a small tab that can be moved to keep the scissors from closing completely. This is an important to skill to learn when moving your scissors forward across a piece of paper and one that many children struggle with at first. By putting the block in place while they are learning, they are able to cut, but the paper does not get caught in the blades since they do not completely close. Once they become more proficient, simply swing the block out of the way. (I recently found a great pair of these "starter scissors" at Dollar Tree - not Fiskars brand, but they work very well.) 

Preschool Scissors are just like those for older children, except that they have a blunt tip. There are a couple of different styles, but they all work basically the same. Scissors that have an extra hole for the pointer fingers are especially comfortable and make it easier to learn which fingers go in which hole.

Those without the extra hole, but still have a blunt tip are also available. These feel great to use because of the molded fit.

Elementary Scissors are generally a bit sleeker and have a pointed tip. 

With all the choices out there, you are sure to be able to find a great pair that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. In the next post, we will begin by teaching your child how to place the scissors on their hands correctly (I have a few tricks) and how to start the process of actually cutting paper with a few helpful hints that will make it more fun for your young cutter and less stressful for you!

School is almost out in our school district, which means that summer vacation is just around the corner.  In many cases, along with it, goes the regular schedule that you worked so hard to establish during the school year. Knowing that you've got a couple of months ahead of you with lots of time to fill, you may be dreaming of that idyllic summer where the kids all get along, you spent time outdoors and fill each day with memory-making moments. Getting there, however, is sometimes a bit tricky.

Whether you work outside your home or spend your days surrounded by your children, I find that most people make plans for their free time in one of two ways:

* You are so excited about the relaxed schedule of summer that you envision days on end of sleeping late, watching TV in your jammies, an occasional play-date or two and lazing by the pool. 

OR

* You have already made a summer bucket list with more activities than there are days to execute them. You want to go, go, go and fill every day with memory-making moments with your children.

BUT, sometime in the middle of the summer (if you are lucky to make it that long), the excitement fades and both you and your children are left looking for more. You hear "I'm bored!" till you want to scream, but you've got nothing up your sleeve.

Or perhaps you are so tired of flitting from place to place and just crave some down-time at home. What started as a fun, relaxing time together turns into crazy chaos.

We at Dot To Dot Connections are here to help!! For a limited time, in addition to our regular July shipment, we are offering a Summer 2-Box Special!! With this special deal, you will have the opportunity to select two boxes from our current selections. Both boxes will be shipped to you the first week of June so that you can keep the kids busy all summer. We even have add-on packs to provide enough consumable materials for an additional child to join in on the fun.  How cool is that?!?!?!

These boxes are curated for children ages 3-8 years old and many of the materials can be used over and over again. There are even some fun games that are packaged in drawstring bags that are perfect for travel. 

Email subscribers and Instagram followers will receive  a discount code that can used for this Summer Special. (Offer is good until midnight on May31.) 

Go ahead! Act fast! Limited boxes are available, and when they are gone, they will not be re-stocked. 

Now that you and your child have become curious about birds and attracting them to your yard, you will probably want to add a few feeders of your own. Our latest Connections Box, For The Birds, gives you a chance to make a couple of different types of feeders, but there are many other types of feeders that you can easily make at home without spending much money at all!

Paper Tube Feeder- Many types of birds love peanuts and using peanut butter is a great way to make a simple feeder.

You will need: a paper tube (from a roll of paper towels or toilet paper), hole punch, peanut butter, birdseed, 12" of yarn or string. 

Punch a hole in each end of the tube. Tie the yard/string to each end of the tube. Spread peanut butter all over the tube, then roll the tube in birdseed. (The bird seed will stick to the peanut butter.) This is messy, but oh so fun! Hang the feeder from a branch or bush and watch the birds come. 

Pine Cone Feeder - Just like the Paper Tube Feeder above, only use a pine cone instead of a paper tube.

Tie the yarn/string to the top of the cone, then spread the peanut butter and roll in birdseed. 

Plastic Cup Jelly Feeder - Some birds, like Orioles and Hummingbirds, really enjoy sweet treats like a jelly feeder.

For this feeder, you will need: plastic cup (like a red solo cup), scissors, hole punch, (3) 12" lengths of yarn/string, a few tablespoons of jelly (use a dark jelly such as grape jelly). Cut the cup so that it is only about 2-3" tall. Punch 3 holes evenly spaced around the top of the cup. Tie one piece of yarn/string through each hole. Pull all of the strings up and tie together at their ends.

Spoon a few tablespoons of jelly into the cup and hand it in a spot where you can watch the birds enjoy their treat.

**Because ants are also attracted to sweet treats, I deter them by placing a small bit of petroleum jelly at the top of the string so that the ants can't crawl past it, but it won't get in the way of the birds. I do this with all of my hummingbird feeders as well.

Egg Carton Feeder - What could be easier than using an old egg carton to fashion a bird feeder? In fact, you can make 2 feeders from one egg carton! 

You will need: egg carton, scissors, (2) 12" lengths of yarn/string, bird seed.  Cut the top off of an egg carton. (If it is a large egg carton, you may want to cut it in half, as well so that there are only 6 sections in each half.)

Poke a small hole in each corner of the carton. Take one of the yarn pieces and tie it through one of the holes, then stretch it across the egg carton and tie it in the opposite hole.  Repeat with the other piece of yarn. Fill the sections with birdseed and hang in a tree or bush. 

Water Bottle Feeder - Using just an empty water bottle, you can make a more traditional bird feeder, but adults will need to help with the cutting.

You will need: empty water bottle, xacto knife or box-cutter,stick (6-8" long), 12" length of string, bead, birdseed.  Adult: Cut a small "x" on one side of the bottle near the bottom. Cut out a triangle shape just above the "x". Repeat on the opposite side of the bottle.

Cut a small hole in the center ot the lid (I used a hot shish-k-bob stick and it went right in.) Child: Push the stick through the x on one side of the bottle,  straight through to the other side of the bottle, so that there is a perch on each side of the bottle. Tie a loop in one end of the string. Poke the other end of the string in the hole of the lid and tie a bead to the underside to keep it from pulling out of the hole. (If you don't have a bead, you can tie a large knot or glue in place.)

Fill the bottle with birdseed, up to the triangular holes. Hang for a tree or bush. 

When I was a little girl, my brothers and I would spend hours watching birds from their bedroom window. Their windows overlooked the small side yard that was surrounded by bushes and trees, creating a bird haven. We had a family bird book that came with small vinyl records of bird songs in the back, so we would open the windows and play those records in hopes of attracting more birds. In addition, we usually sprinkled birdseed liberally on the ground outside the window. And you know what?? It worked! Cardinals and blue jays, sparrows, thrashers and more came to check out the food and the songs. We learned to recognize each bird not only by the way it looked, but by its unique song, as well. 

Our newest Connections Box, For The Birds, gives children a chance to read about, learn about and enjoy birds. As usual, all the materials you need for 10 different activities are included in the box! (Photos of the materials are included in the box description so that you can see all the amazing stuff you're going to get.)You and your child will have the opportunity to observe birds, feed birds and play games about birds and you won't have to go buy a thing! In fact, the box will be delivered right to your doorstep, free of charge!!! You can't beat that!!!

One of my favorites are the tiny hummingbirds that come to my yard from time to time. Over the years, I have filled my hummingbird feeders with red-colored nectar, hoping to attract them with their favorite color. However, in recent years, we have learned that the artificial red dye does more harm than good. You can buy commercially prepared hummingbird nectar that does not have dyes or you can make your own. Here is a super simple recipe to use when you feeders run dry:

Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water (ex: 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water). Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat, cover and let cool before filling your feeder. You can store the nectar in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week.                   

 ****Because ants are also attracted to sweet treats, I deter them by placing a small bit of petroleum jelly at the hook of the feeder so that the ants can't crawl past it, yet it won't be in the way of the birds.

We adults often get so wrapped up in our "to do lists" that we take for granted the beauty that we can see, and even hear, around us. Encourage your kids to stop, look and listen. Birds sing, they protect their territory, they attract mates, they hunt for food. This behavior is fascinating to watch. Make sure the children in your life notice these things. I love birds, and I hope that by the time you finish these activities, you and your child will become bird-lovers as well! 

I definitely believe that children need time to be outdoors every single day, if possible. They need opportunities to explore and discover without everything minute being scheduled. Having the freedom to run and play and climb outdoors not only helps their gross motor skills, but it has many other health benefits as well. With families busier than ever, it feels impossible to take the time to go to the park or take special outdoor field trips, and that is OK! Did you know that your own backyard has everything your child needs, and can be the greatest adventure of all?!  The key is to give your child time to just play...run, play, and explore.

If you want to take outdoor time a step further, there are some really simple things you can do to create a play space that begs to be discovered! Several years ago, my husband and I decided to create a dedicated area where we could enjoy our hammock and fire pit. Our backyard is not that big, but there was an area behind our storage building where grass had a hard time growing. This was the perfect spot to bring in gravel and create that area. Little did we know that a couple of years later, it would be a favorite play area for our grandchildren!

Last fall, hoping to give them more options for imaginary play in that area, I created a small “mud kitchen” from a few things that were destined for our trash pile. It has held up very well and the kids enjoy it so much, but we have had some heavy storms recently, so it was time for a clean-up/update.  

I have found that the “sink” collects water during every rain.

Dollar Tree came to the rescue again, in the form of another oil change pan. I use a couple of binder clips around the rim when it is inverted over the the sink to water from accumulating. That way, hopefully we can avoid a mosquito breeding ground this summer!

On my last antique-ing trip with my buddies, I found this old wall telephone. I had to barter a bit with an eccentric dealer, but in the end, I was able to bring it home with me.

Just for fun, I painted the receiver, and Ron hung it on the fence for me this weekend. After all, every kitchen needs a phone! And take a look at these cute miniature utensils I found at Dollar Tree!!

My favorite addition to the space was once again made possible by my sweet husband, who didn’t roll his eyes too much when I told him what I wanted.

I found these old plastic school chairs for $1 a few months ago and had saved a small pallet left from some delivery, with this very project in mind.

Ron drilled out the bolts that attached the seats to the legs and mounted them on the pallet with new bolts to make a vehicle.

The headlights are stick-on reflectors found next to the garage sale signs at Lowe’s with a couple of nails added for security.

I took a little trip to Lowe's to explore their PVC aisle and came home with the fixing's for the steering wheel. I painted it and Ron installed it for me so now we are set to drive!! Vroom, vroom!!

Last but, not least, on a recent trip to Dollar Tree, I found these cute mini cooking utensils. How perfect are these for the space?!?!

Here's a last look at the space now - limbs to build with, tic-tac-toe stones, a vehicle to "drive", a road set for toy cars and a fully equipped mud kitchen.

After removing the seats from the chairs, I was left with two of these. Ron used them as tiny sawhorses when cutting some wood, and they could make little tables, but I don’t really have a need for tables right now. I can’t stand the idea of just letting them go, so I need your help. What could I use them for in this play space? Make a seat and use it like a "horse"? Leave your suggestions in a comment below!

Over the past couple of weeks, we have covered a lot of information regarding teaching children the alphabet. Along the way, I have shared some activities to help you work with your child and hope that you have found a few things that both of you enjoy. In this last post of the series, I wanted to share a few of my favorite alphabet books, as well as some commercially available games/toys, as well. There are affiliate links to Amazon included with some of them, which means that I will receive a small portion of the cost if you should decide to purchase, but many of these items are also available in locations online, as well as local stores. 

Books:

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin  - Still one of my favorite alphabet books, and children love it as well. If you haven’t already heard it, be sure to listen to Ray Charles reading the book right here!

Eating The Alphabet by Lois Ehlert - While focusing on capital and lower-case letters, children are introduced to fruit and vegetables from around the world.

It Begins With An A  by Stephanie Calmenson - This book is filled with rhyming riddles that highlight an object that begins with each letter.

My Awesome Alphabet Book  by Dawn Machell- One of my grandson’s very favorite books, the pages are cut into the shape of the letter and each one is filled with words that begin with that letter.

Games and Toys:

Letter Construction Set by Learning Resources - I highlighted this toy recently on Instagram. Similar to the wooden shapes from Handwriting Without Tears, this set includes straight snd curved pieces of various sizes, as well as cards that illustrate how to use them to construct each letter, both capital and lower-case. The hands-on nature of actually building the letters is a great way to enhance the learning of letters in a meaningful way.

Fridge Phonics by Leap Frog - This fun set can be found at many retail stores, as well as online. Each letter has a song that highlights its sound when it is placed in the school bus. My grandkids love it!

Alphabet Magnets by Melissa and Doug - This set of wooden magnets is colorful and includes both capital and lower-case letters. 

Alphabet Magnets by EduKid Toys (available at Walmart) - Bright and sturdy, these solid color magnets has both capital and lower-case letter and is another great set for the refrigerator or for use on cookie sheets for a mobile option.

Boggle Junior by Hasbro - This is a great toy that will grow with a child from the time he is able to match letters, to the time he can spell simple words. Your child can look at the picture and its label and match the letters, or you can flip the cover up over the word and let them spell it themselves before checking their answer.

Alphabet Stamps - Whether just free play stamping the paper, or using them for spelling specific words, these are fun to keep on hand. Wouldn’t spelling homework be more fun if you could use stamps instead of writing?

Alphabet Floor Puzzles - Available in many different stores (I've linked to one we own), these are great for both learning and reviewing the alphabet.