Kids Creative Chaos

Whimsical Kid's Decor for the Nursery (Baby or Toddler Room)

2013-05-18T20:04:00.000-04:00

A lot of thought goes into designing a nursery. Many women dream about it and plan it long before the baby is even a twinkle in their eye. The rest have nine months to mull over it. So, what design elements should go into your nursery? The baby's room can be whimsical, sophisticated, or comfortably shabby chic. No matter the style, the design should be vibrant, inviting, and engaging to stimulate the baby's developing brain.

Toddler bed with rails and extra storage.

Chest of drawers with whimsical knobs.

Tent for toddler bed or stand alone playspace.

Whimsical character hanging picture frames.

Soothing green chair for reading nook.

Colorful window curtain in soothing shades.

Use bright, complementary colors for a fun and soothing environment. Differing hues of orange are perfect for the nursery. Orange is a warm soothing, spicy earthtone. Pair green and purple with a splash of orange for a pleasing triad color scheme.

When planning your design think about the psychological effect of colors. Orange is known to invoke feelings ranging from comfort to anger and hostility. Therefore, orange should not be placed on large surfaces such as walls or floors. Use an orange accent, like the drawer pulls and bed tent above, to give the room a punch of color. Paint the walls in a cool, light green or pastel lavender for a calming effect. Plop purple and orange throw pillows into a green chair to make a cozy, reading nook and accent your baby's room with whimsical character shapes to set a fun mood.

Find the furniture pictured above at www.fabrooms.de

How to Grow a Living Playscape: Willow Playhouse Cave for Kids

2013-05-16T21:00:00.001-04:00

Gardening with kids.

This post brought to you by Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

Building an outdoor playscape is just one of many fun garden projects you can do with your kids this summer. Last year, we wanted a playhouse. We shopped for various styles, but they were all very expensive. After a storm, many tree branches covered the yard, so we gathered several willow branches and stuck them in the ground. We cut a few skinny branches off the tree and wrapped them around the bigger branches forming a loose connection.

We added some Miracle-Gro to give our living willow playscape a boost. LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit is a great product to feed your plants. The kids generously watered the base of the branches. You don't need to have a green thumb to grow a Willow tree. Take a stem cutting or cut off a branch and stick it in soil. That's all you need to grow your own organic playhouse!

Our little gardeners anxiously awaited for Spring in hopes their playhouse had survived the winter. This is an easy project that keeps on giving year after year. Miracle-Gro has lots more fun ideas to try with your kids. Check them out:

I love the toyarium in the The Gro Project. It's a cute little fishbowl terrarium filled with toys and plants. Now, I am inspired to grow something fun inside the house too.

Our living willow playhouse looks more like a cave than house. The kids can crawl inside, and let their imaginations run wild. It is incredible to watch the miracle of rebirth. This winter it looked like a pile of sticks, now it is well on it's way to becoming the centerpiece in our secret garden. As the willow branches continue to grow, we'll keep you posted. So, far the living playscape is growing in nicely. It is the perfect place for sensory, outdoor play. Want more great ideas? Follow Miracle-Gro on Pinterest!

Homeschooling: What to do When Summer Break Drains the Brain? Sneak in Fun Learning Opportunities

2013-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

School is coming to a close, but learning shouldn't come to an end. We are just finishing up our first year of homeschooling. After all the hard work, I'd hate to see it slip away this summer. We've got plans to supplement with summer learning field trips, outdoor nature journaling, riding and music lessons, and 4H club. I'll also offer Friday day camps for friends of The Play Connection, Inc.

The beginning of every school year is filled with review from the previous year. Summer heat shouldn't melt our kids brains. Summer Camp programs are great for socialization, pe activities, and becoming one with nature. Opportunities to improve reading are everywhere. Playing the Alphabet Game on a long trip encourages billboard and street sign reading. Library trips offer a sneaky way to cool off, relax, and enjoy a new book. Do you read bedtime stories? Here's a fun summer reading list.

Busy summers lend themselves to lazy days near the poolside or under a favorite tree curled up with a good book. Funny, kids never seem to curl up with a good math problem.

Don't forget to practice math this summer. Leap ahead of the pack with daily lessons.

Do you practice math in the summer? Keeping track of allowances, shopping for items at the Dollar Tree, or having your child watch the clock for break time, chore time, and lunchtime are easy ways to implement mathematics into your lazy summer days. If you are worried about summer brain drain and the summer learning slide, you might like a more structured math program.

LeapAhead! is an easy, affordable, and flexible summer online math program. Keep your child engaged with math worksheets aligned with the common core standards. The program offers a fun math worksheet creator for members. I love the Challenge Math for gifted and talented students. The online summer math program is great for kids who need a little extra help too. This program works for both homeschoolers and brick and mortar students.

Let your computer act as a summer tutor while you enhance the online learning with fun math games and activities. You can make math a fun, summer activity too!

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Things to do in Indy: Month of May 500 Activities for Kids

2013-05-13T15:53:00.000-04:00

In Indiana, the month of May is a time for celebrations. There are many Indy 500 activities for kids and families. You will also find lots of race theme things to do in indianapolis in May. Here are just a few fun things to do with kids in honor of the race.

The Play Connection Inc. took a field trip the museum.

A fun, homeschool field trip or summer camp activity is to go to the track in Speedway, tour the museum, and then take a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a bus tour.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers a fun kid's club for just $25 a year. Kids get special prizes and passes for special events.

The IMS Kid's Club has great race theme activities year around.

The speedway even offers a curriculum plan and field trip for fourth grade. Here are a few more things to do with kids and indy 500 activities:

Rookie Run for kids ages 3-12
Speedway Public Library offers race theme programs in the month of May
Kid's Day
Parade
Teen driving course at track

Nearby, Indy Parks boast the longest Soap Box Derby Track in the country, William Shaw Memorial Soap Box Derby Hill.

And if you are quick, there's the Indianapolis Children's Museum Hot Wheels for Real through May 27. The Museum also has a real Indy Car on display. We got lucky and got to attend a special design your own Hotwheel Car for FREE! We designed it, tested it, and designed the box just like the pros. There is a $12.50 additional fee, but it is worth it :)

Plan your own Indy 500 party theme for kids.

Indy 500 Centennial Celebration

Use Universal Design Elements to Decorate a Child's Room Perfect for Sensory Play Based Learning

2013-05-07T20:30:00.000-04:00

Universal Design elements give children multiple means of inclusion in group settings and aid in learning techniques.

Each child has a different learning style. Some children learn visually (visual), some learn by hands-on (kinesthetic), and some learn easily by lecture-style (aural).

A child's room based on universal design incorporating sensory play concepts can aid in the learning process and can give your child a bright future.

The smooth lines of this "rocking horse" chair help prevent injuries.

Olga Rocker

The concept of universal design, the brainchild of architect, Ronald Mace, began as a concept to design all products, spaces, and buildings to be both aesthetically pleasing and well functioning for everyone no matter their ability.

Some principles of universal design include:

Flexibility in use (The design complements a wide range of preferences and abilities.)

Simple and intuitive use (The design is easy to understand.)

Tolerance of error (The design minimizes hazards and unintended actions.)

Size and space for approach and use (Appropriate space for reach and manipulation whether right or left handed is incorporated in the layout and design.)

Low physical effort (Design can be used comfortably no matter your mobility/motor skills.)

Equitable use (The design is useful and marketable to people with varying abilities.)

Perceptible information (The design communicates information regardless of the user's sensory abilities.)

Stairway Bunk Bed Twin over Full in Honey with 4 Drawers Built in to the Steps and a Twin Trundle

This bunk bed may not allow for children of all abilities to sleep on top, but it is designed with a sleeping space for people of all abilities. The added element of a secret cubby for hide and seek, a reading nook, or just a private getaway space makes it perfect for sensory play. Children can climb to the top bunk and enjoy a spontaneous game of pretend Castle play.

Incorporate child size spatial elements to give your child a sense of security. A special place all their own is comforting and encourages imaginative play. Children learn by mimicking adults. Give them the necessary tools to explore. In a tent like this, the child becomes "big" which helps give their confidence a boost in contrast to the daily reminders of their diminutive size in oversized spaces and furniture designed for adults.

A plush, comfortable rug like this one makes a good place for creative play. The rug is tactile, thick, and soft. The visual sense is explored in the elemental colors and shapes that connect to form a castle.

When decorating your child's room, think of the five senses and add items that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sensitive to their sensory abilities.

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Easy Preschool Science: Make a Mini Terrarium in a Jar

2013-05-05T18:21:00.000-04:00

We went to a nature park and saw this cool mini terrarium in a jar. It's the perfect spring gardening activity for a preschool science lesson.

Preschool Science: How to make a terrarium in a jar.

Repurpose a large jar- applesauce jars work great! You'll need some pebbles, sand, topsoil, and herb seeds. This also makes a great gift in a jar for MOTHER'S DAY.

How to Make a Jar Terrarium

To make it extra special for Mommy, layer the items like a trifle jar. Place a handful of pebbles in the bottom of the jar, add 1/4 C. of sand, and then repeat. Now add a cup of topsoil. Leave about 4" of space at the top of your jar. Sprinkle your seeds on top, and lightly mist with a spray bottle. Try Sweet Basil, Oregano, Thyme, or Spearmint. Tie raffia ribbon around you jar and attach a gift tag for Mother's Day and care Instructions.

Check your plant's moisture level daily. Water every other day or as needed. When the plants reach the top of the jar, remove the lid.

This is a great project to do when homeschooling or working with preschoolers. Pair it with an ecosystem lesson, seed study, or sustainability curriculum.

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Featured U.K. Preschool and Craft Blogger: Jo from Le Baby Bakery with Dino Activity

2013-05-02T13:36:00.000-04:00

Today's featured blog is Le Baby Bakery. Jo is a U.K. preschool and craft blogger who blogs about life and crafts with two boisterous boys. She also makes baby and toddler clothes and accessories which she sells through her Facebook page.

The clothes are adorable! If you're in the U.K., hop over and take a look. Handmade kid's clothes make great birthday gifts! I love this coordinated outfit for a newborn baby boy.

Handmade Reversible Baby Clothing by Jo @ Le Baby Bakery.

I met Jo through Pin it! Preschool Scavenger Hunt on Pinterest. She recently won with the most repins. Jo does lots of preschool activities with her boys.

I love this activity. She printed a Letter "D" dino worksheet, and then attached magnets to colorful pom-poms, placed the sheet on a metal tray, and let the fun begin.

Letter "D" dinosaur theme lesson with magnetic pom-poms and tray from Le Baby Bakery.

Check out more fun ideas for preschoolers at Le Baby Bakery.

Here are some companion books to read with your project.

My First Dino Activity Book for 4-8 yrs.

Dino Science for Preschool Book.

Trace Cute Animals to Learn to Draw or use as Free Printable Coloring Sheet

2013-04-30T17:11:00.001-04:00

Hey Kids, want to learn how to draw cute animals? Print these free printable sheets to color or trace. Copying is the quickest way to learn to draw. Here's a simple bear, raccoon, and cheeky monkey traceable.

Traceable Animals to learn to draw or color. Click here for FREE PRINTABLE TRACEABLES.

We've got tons of coloring pages and free clipart printables. Hop over to our Mediafire host site more.

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Learn how to draw a monkey by tracing. Click here for FREE PRINTABLE MONKEY.

Why I Choose to Homeschool: Homeschooling with Online Classes through Connections Academy (INCA)

2013-04-29T14:30:00.000-04:00

Have you been considering homeschooling? Have you considered free online public school? It's completely free and totally easy! We struggled with the decision whether or not to homeschool. Then, I saw a commercial on t.v. for Connections Academy.

With Online Homeschool, there is plenty of time for field trips and extracurricular learning.
We visited an orchard and picked beautiful blue plums off the tree.

Why did I choose to homeschool? There are so many things about public brick and mortar school I detest and dread. I hated the mean-spirited shaming I witnessed from one avid church-goer when my son mentioned he didn't really go/like to go church. It's true, he went sometimes, but I left him home with Daddy a lot. (Daddy retired from church) This strikes me as ironic, because stereotypically many people believe "church people" or "religious extremists" homeschool.

I go to church when the whim strikes me. I'm a bleeding heart, stuck somewhere between hippies and devout Christians. I guess, the remark hurt my feelings too.

I hated the complaints from my daughter of how much she hated recess. "There is nothing to do, no one to play with, and the teachers won't let me sit on the blacktop" Ah... memories. In early elementary, I walked around the edge of the blacktop waiting for the teacher to blow the whistle.

I hated picking my son up nearly every other day after lunch, because he had something with milk or dairy in it. I had a note from the doctor, but apparently, state law requires milk must be placed on EVERY child's tray! I sent in alternative beverages, but "Mommy, I just took a little sip of chocolate milk!"

He'd have an asthmatic reaction, go to the nurse for his inhaler, and then... And then... poor nurse. Let's just say, it came out both ends.

Number one, the school bus! I hated leaving the safety of my kids to another person- someone I didn't know, no seatbelts on the bus, bullies on the bus, other dangerous drivers, etc. Just pulling into our neighborhood was a deathtrap. Waiting for the bus with the middle schoolers out too was traumatic for Mommy. Well, it didn't seem right to me; my kids were just newly 5 when they started school.

They begged to ride the bus. I let my son ride a few times. The neighbor child had some problems. He was sort of a bully, but he was also bullied by the older kids. The nice, old man bus driver had him sit up front with my little one. My son came home with lots of amazing new life lessons.

Then, the kid started causing trouble. The bus driver would pull over and wait it out. So, the bus was often late. No thank you, we started driving the kids to school permanently once my daughter hit all-day kindergarten. She's a handful. I can't imagine she'd stay in her seat without a seatbelt. I didn't think the sweet, old man needed the added stress.

I'd pick the kids up from school, have an after-school snack, try to squeeze in a little outdoor playtime, then it was time to make supper, get baths, do homework, and go to bed. Impossible.
I hated the homework! We'd be up late finishing projects for first and second grade!

My son is gifted. We looked forward to a special program at the school, but it didn't start until third grade. In the meantime, he was placed in a class with high ability learners. Even so, the teacher felt there were problems. He understood concepts in ways other second graders couldn't which led to arguments and frustrations. Since, we were planning to move, the teacher wondered if online school might work for him. This way, he could work at his own pace. I wasn't sold on the idea until...

The second lockdown at school. That's right, second. I shrugged off the first one. The second one was for the same reason, a bank robber near the school grounds and shots fired. I tried to get in the car line to pick up the kids, but the road was blocked by police cars. I called a friend, Angie, she arrived a few minutes prior to me. She was told to get out of her car and head to them gym for safety.

Yep, I was a mess.

BUT... I can't homeschool. I don't have the patience. I'm not disciplined enough. My kids need socialization. I don't want other people to think we're freaks.

WHATEVER.

It's just not like that anymore. I CAN (of course I can). We actually have LESS busy bookwork than regular school. The kids have online live lessons with their teachers and classmates. The teachers check in regularly with emails and phone calls. As a learning coach, I'm a big part of my kids academic experience, but I'm not the teacher.

Indiana Connections Academy, Free School Online!

We homeschool through INCA or Indiana Connections Academy. The supplies are completely free! This includes all textbooks, science supplies, art supplies, and companion DVD's & CDRom's for classes.

We take required state standardized tests with our class in an university classroom. There are school sponsored field trips and local group gatherings. We meet up with a local group of homeschoolers outside of INCA for recreation or SOCIALIZATION.

Yep, next to giving birth... homeschooling is the best idea I've ever had. I have more time to spend with my kids, hone my novel writing skills, and work as a freelancer.

In case you're wondering, my kids were offered the opportunity to attend regular school next year. They both declined with a resounding, "No way!"

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Free Facebook Header Spring Images and a Dandelion Make a Wish Poster for your Wall ~ Happy Spring!

2013-04-26T15:21:00.000-04:00

We love inspirational posters, don't you? Remember when you were a little kid and somebody you admired taught you about Dandelion parachutes? Maybe you called them pinwheels? Either way, wasn't it the coolest thing ever? Blow the seeds while you watch them fly away, make a wish, and wait for it to come true. Here's some FREE bling for your Facebook Header and cool wall posts to boot.

Dandelions - weed or a flower? It depends on your point of view!
Be happy, be positive, and make wishes come true.

You can print these pictures or post them to your Facebook wall. Speaking of Facebook, I made some seasonal Spring headers for your timeline wall. These are already sized to fit, just save them to your computer and you're all set.

Make a wish...

Dandelion Header for Facebook Page Timeline Wall. This works with Google+ too.

Free Spring wildflower header Google+ or Facebook.

First sign of Spring tree leaves and sky Image for header.

Creek photo image picture in Spring for header sized to fit Facebook. Right click and save to computer.

Loaf of Bread Coloring Page or The Letter "B"

2013-04-20T05:30:00.000-04:00

Yummy and B-eautiful = Bread. Here's a fun Letter "B" Coloring page or use the other cartoon picture as clipart.

"B" is for bread is a fun way to help preschoolers learn the alphabet. We've got other letters too! Click on the printable coloring pages for kids tabs above for more fun educational coloring sheets.

Loaf of Bread Coloring Sheet for the letter "B".

Bread Science Experiment

Baking Bread Clipart or Coloring Page.

Homeschool Science Project: Bread Making Investigation - How Does Matter Change?

2013-04-19T13:36:00.001-04:00

Looking for Science Curriculum ideas for elementary homeschooling? Have you ever investigated the MATTER of bread? In this homeschool science project you are required to experiment with bread making ingredients to study how matter can change.

After the experiment, make a loaf of bread and watch how yeast makes chemical changes. Find an Easy Artisan Bread Recipe on the internet like the one in this linky. We've included a link to our free printable worksheet: investigating the matter of bread. Instructions for the project are included in the worksheet.

Homeschool experiment with bread ingredients.
Print out worksheets from the link below.

Homeschool Science Worksheet:

Investigating the Matter of Bread

Free Bread Clip Art

What happens when you experiment with bread ingredients?
Get your safety glasses ready and find out.

April Showers? Color an Umbrella Craft for Kids

2013-04-17T22:21:00.002-04:00

April showers! Finally, after all the April snows, Mayhem was able to color her Yumbrella umbrella from Alex Toys. It took spring forever to... er sprung- and patient she ain't. Anywho...

Coloring an umbrella with permanent markers.

This cute umbrella craft comes with permanent markers. We used some of our own Sharpies too. She colored one triangle, got tired, and took a break for a week. Now she can color whenever she gets bored. The craft that keeps on giving!

You know, she'll be modeling this with her latest rubber galoshes. What am I saying? It's Mayhem, she'll probably wear ballet flats when she goes skipping in the rain.

Mayhem colors a lollipop on her Yumbrella.

The Umbrella is decorated with cute, yummy sweets.

Purple Tutu, Pink Leggings, and Combat Boots: She's back! What's She's Wearing Wednesday

2013-04-17T00:13:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't love a good purple, Target tutu with a pair of combat boots? Pink leggings and a fancy shirt (worn backward) tie it together. This pairing was planned to help the Daddy build the chicken coop/duck pen. "Cause, it's cold and I need pants and boots."

These don't look very heavy. I can help build a chicken coop and duck pen. I've got my boots!
(Okay, Jake's boots.)

Later, she added a pair of grippy work gloves. No diva can be without fancy work clothes, right? There's nothing quite like Mayhem fashion. We need to start our own kid's clothing line, don't you think? Maybe, she'll make the pages of J. Crew someday?

Oh! That's heavier than I thought.

"Mommy, Grandma doesn't know that I'm not a girly girl who likes to wear fancy clothes and keep clean." -Mayhem

I can do this!

Preschool and Sayings for Facebook? Follow Kids Creative Chaos :)

2013-04-16T15:17:00.001-04:00

We're trying to grow our Internet following. We are growing like weeds on Pinterest, but our Facebook page needs some love. We share lots of fun preschool ideas, activities, and quotes to share on your Facebook wall. Click on the Quotes tab above for images and sayings to share.

Follow Kids Creative Chaos on Facebook.

Please, hop over and join the conversations. I love to see your ideas. Feel free to share links to your blog posts on our wall too.

This reminds me of a sorority song, "Follow Us". We sang it during rush at Ball State University. Hmm... Did you ever sing that song or a similar version in church? It was taken from a John Denver song, "Follow Me".

It goes something like this:

Follow us where we go, what we say and what we do. (Yikes... that's creepy- never noticed.)
Make it part of you to be a Sigma Tri.
Follow us up and down all the way and all around.
Take our hands and say you'll follow too.

Oh my gosh, just found this Tri Sigma rap song on You Tube. My, how things have changed.

Back to the point- You can follow Kids Creative Chaos, on Facebook, Pinterest (Pin it! Online Preschool Scavenger Hunt), Twitter (@playconnection), and You Tube.

Make it part of your busy day too.
Follow us over here, over there, and everywhere.
Take our lead and be a follower too.

You know it's long been on my mind.
That's why I asked you to follow me today.
To try to find a way that you can help share what I say. :)

Thanks for following. We love our friends and followers. Feel free to start a conversation in the comment section following our posts.

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Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook Coloring Pages for Kids

2013-04-14T13:24:00.000-04:00

That silly Tinker Bell always so stubborn and jealous. It's a wonder Peter Pan stays her friend. I guess she's got too many endearing qualities. Who is the most famous pirate ever? No, not Jack Sparrow. It's Captain Hook, of course!

We've got coloring pages and activity sheets from the Movie. Click on the images for a free printable pdf version. If you aren't feeling it, just right click the image and save to your computer to print later. It won't be a perfect 8 x 11, but it will do!

Peter Pan Coloring and Activity Sheets.

Looking for more free printables?

Tinkerbell coloring pages.

Maybe some fun clip art or homeschool lesson worksheets

Peter Pan's Captain Hook Free Printable Activity Sheet.

Hey, What is the name of the Cartoon Chicken that...

2013-04-13T18:23:00.001-04:00

I heard you were wondering what is the name of that cartoon chicken in that funny cartoon show. You know, the silly, little, cute, tall, fat, cocky, cock-a-doodle-doo, rooster or hen? Well, I know the chicken cartoon you mean.

Chicken Cartoons to Trace and Draw

What's the name of the cartoon chicken that says, "I say, I say, I say boy"? Well, my friend, that chicken is a rooster.

His name is Foghorn Leghorn, and he's often referred to as the Looney Tunes Chicken. He appeared on the Bugs Bunny and Road Runner Show, Merry Melodies, and he even won an Oscar. Well, one of the cartoons he starred in won, "Walky Talky Hawky" in 1946. His buddy is a Rhode Island Red, aptly named, Red.

What's the name of the Superhero Chicken? He's also a rooster, and his name is Henry Cabot Henhouse III. He says, "Bawk for Super Chicken." He played on the "George of the Jungle" cartoon series. He drinks super sauce out of a martini glass to transform into a hero.

What's the name of that little chicken with big glasses on the Foghorn Leghorn Chicken Cartoon? His name is Egghead Jr. He first appeared in 1954 on "Little Boy Boo". His mother's name is Miss Prissy. Foghorn liked to say, "That boy, I say, that boy..." often in reference to the little chicken.

What is the name of the chicken in Chicken Little? Little Rooster, again. Chicken Little was his name, but they often called him "Ace". He had glasses too. This Disney cartoon came out in 2005.

Photo from Wikipedia for the movie soundtrack.

In 2006, Rob Paulsen played a silly chicken in the movie Barnyard.
His name was Peck. Again, a rooster.

Rock-A-Doodle.

What is the name of the chicken in Rock-a-doodle? The movie came out in 2004. His name is Chantecler. His name refers to a breed of chicken originating in Canada.

In the 2000 movie, Chicken Run the Rooster's name is Rocky. Hey, hey, hey... the girl got a star. The hen in this one is named Ginger. In the end, they want to know which came first, the chicken or the egg, so they can start a chicken farm.

There is a new cartoon the kids watch on Netflix, "Chicken Town". The rooster is named, Zino. Polly (the landlord) is always after his chickens.

The French cartoon, Chicken Town is on Netflix. Picture from Animation Magazine.

Real Baby Chicks Picture

What do you call a baby chicken? Adult male chickens are known as roosters or cocks and females are called hens. Cock-a-doodle-doo! However, in baby chicks under 1 year old, females are called pullets, and males are sometimes referred to as cockerels. If you are purchasing one at a feed store, straight-run means they haven't been sexed so you can have boys or girls. Sex-link means the chicken is from two different breeds of parents. The male and female chicks show different feather colors at birth, so they are easier to identify.

Baby Huey is not a chicken.

Which brings me to my favorite chicken! But wait, he's a baby duck or duckling. He first starred in "Quack-a-doodle-doo" in 1949. Huh? I always thought he was a big chicken. Anyway, his name is Baby Huey. You know the one... so silly, so duh-y.

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Plan an Indy 500 Race Theme for a Kid's Birthday Party or Special School Activity

2013-04-12T20:02:00.000-04:00

The Play Connection, Inc. (my alter ego) does lots of fun preschool activities that are great for a birthday party or for kid's outdoor pe games. Due to the proximity of Indianapolis, an Indy 500 racing theme is always popular in May. Plan one for a fun field day at school.

Use recycled household items as props.

Ideas on how to plan an Indy 500 Race Birthday Party:

Purchase inexpensive, large, black buckets to use in a pit stop race game.
Recycle a milk jug, paint it black with spray paint or acrylics, and use duct tape or paint to spell out G-A-S.
Turn a milk crate upside down to use as a Winner's Circle.
Hang a race banner (we got ours at the Dollar Tree).
Make9 colored race flags for a realistic race experience.

Trick out your cardboard car with paper plate wheels or fancy, cardboard fan wheels.

Wondering 'what do the flags mean or stand for in the Indy 500 race'?

Green means go! Of course, you already knew that! Just like shouting "Green Light", the green flag is waved to signal the start of the race. It is also used to for restarts after a caution flag.
Yellow flag signals caution for a hazard. It could be an accident, debris, rain, maybe a silly goose got loose on the track. The pace car hops on the track to lead the other cars in safety. When we play Red Light, Green Light, we use yellow to signal walk very slowly.
Red flag STOP! Do not pass go, do not collect $100 dollars. A red light means freeze in your tracks. It is for accident or rain conditions. Head straight to the pits or stay parked. No repairs, tire changes, or gassing up allowed. In other words, no fair cheating!
Red flag with a yellow "x" means the pits are closed to all vehicles.
Black flag means a penalty to a car on the track. Don't break the rules! It's also used for mechanical failures.
Black flag with a white "x" black-flag penalty. Your car isn't keeping score anymore.
Blue flag or blue flag with yellow diagonal stripe Get out of the way, slow poke, a faster driver is about to pass. We use a blue light in our game to signal to turn around and walk backward toward the finish line.
White flag the end is near! It's the FINAL lap.
Checkered flag Hooray! We have a winner. This flag means the race is over.

For our race car game of Red Light, Green Light, we purchased dowel rods and squares of fabric from Joann's Fabrics. To attach, rub glue on the dowel, wrap one end of fabric around the dowel, and staple as close to the stick as possible.

Lay out aluminum foil, tissue paper, paper plates, and colored duct tape. Let the kid's diy imagination run wild.

On your mark, get set, go! Mark off a track with chalk, tape, or use cornstarch paint in the grass. Get your flags ready to wave. Have parents or helpers use a stopwatch to track each child's time. No need to compete against others. Race around several times for your best lap. Now the fun begins!

On your mark, get set, let the games begin!

How to play pretend Pit Stop

Get parents and teachers involved with the fun. Before the game begins designate a pit crew for each "driver". During a caution flag, have everyone pull into the pits. One member of the crew must run around the car 4 times checking pretending to check tires. Another crew member will take the pre-filled milk "Gas" jug (water) and pour it into the black bucket. Then, the crew members must use a funnel to re-fill the jug. Have the driver time the crew for even more giggles. When all the water is gone, the drivers can take off again.

Measure the water in the jugs to see which pit crew wins a prize. Just pour it back into the buckets, and see which one retained the most water (gas).

Hot Air Balloon Glow at the Indy 500

A game of Red Light, Green Light is fun around the track too.

Wondering How to Get Rid of Pimples in Kids or Adults? When does Acne start?

2013-04-11T08:57:00.000-04:00

Why do you get acne? When does acne start? Children can start seeing signs of acne as early as eight years old. As kids approach puberty sweat glands become more active. It is crucial for kids to maintain proper hygiene during the hormonal years. Greasy hair and sweat can cause breakouts and pimples. So, you're wondering how to get rid of pimples?

Acne or pimple breakouts can occur as early as eight years old, depending when puberty starts.

Getting rid of acne is difficult, but there are some inexpensive methods you can try at home. Of course, alcohol and witch hazel can dry up pimples, but these methods often leave redness behind. Here is a homemade remedy that helps to dry up the pimple and remove the redness.

Homemade Acne Scrub Facial Mask Recipe:
1 Ripe Tomato (chopped and mashed), 1 tsp. Lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. Instant Oatmeal or Old Fashioned Rolled Oats.

Blend ingredients until combined into a thick paste. If necessary, add more oats to thicken. Let dry, then pat off with a soft cloth dipped in warm water. When dry, dab a drop of pure honey onto blemish with a cotton swab.

Looking for more home remedies? Try How to get rid of pimples fast.

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Looking for Free Printables? Have you heard about the site Free Printable Online?

2013-04-11T04:30:00.000-04:00

Oh, how we love free things to print out. I know you do too. You must meet, Jenny at Free Printable Online. Jenny knows free printables. If you're looking for games and activities for kids, you'll find worksheets perfect for homeschool and preschool lessons. There are coupons and clipart to print out too.

Customizable Christmas Tree Card from Free Printable Online.

You can customize Christmas and holiday cards and invitations right on the website. In the printable craft category, you can print tons of cute origami activities. There's even a section dedicated to music with sheet music you can print out to play the piano.

Here's a sample preschool worksheet printable.

The site is super easy to navigate. Printable categories are clearly listed in the sidebar including: invitations, cards, worksheets, lessons, calendars, coupons, calendars, music, games, crafts, activities, and quotes and sayings. There's even a category listing the most recent printables added to the site.

We printed templates from Free Printable Online for a paper craft.

The kids and I printed out the printable activity templates and made paper silhouette art with the animal templates. We cut out the animal templates, traced them onto colored construction paper, and pasted them onto our background. Mayhem loved customizing the animal templates, so the mouse was scaled for the cat.

Mayhem made a catosaur and mouseosaurus with the free printable templates.

Tag, you're it! Hop over and create something wonderful with your little ones. It makes preschool paper projects easy. There is so much to print out!

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How to Make a Rooster or Chicken Hat Band Mask or What She's Not Wearing Wednesday

2013-04-10T18:40:00.002-04:00

Chickens: Rooster, Hen, Pullet, Cockerel or Cock. Whatever you call them, we're on a kick. Our baby chicks are six-weeks-old, and we adopted three duckling companions for them. We're still waiting to see if they turn out to be girls or boys.

The waiting is the hardest part! In the meantime, we are crafting chickens. We've made a chicken hat/ mask for the littles. It's an easy craft for preschool kids. Pair it with The Little Red Hen for a fun companion class lesson. Hopefully, they'll be happy to wear their new cap. You could even perform a little chicken play skit.

Baby ducks, four weeks old.

Mayhem was not in the mood to wear a chicken hat. So, this post is what she's not wearing. Shh... I'll tell you what she is wearing. She marched upstairs and found a pair of hand-me-down khaki shorts which she paired with last year's favorite rainbow striped dress. This year, it is more like a polo shirt. Maybe she'll be back to her DIVA self next week. In the meantime, hope you enjoy crafting construction paper chicken hats with the kids.

Chicken hat for Little Red Hen play skit.

Cut two, two inch strips down the length of the construction paper. Measure one strip band to child's head. Glue ends together. Now fold the other strip in half to form the chicken's beak. Bend in half until ends meet, glue together, and attach beak to hat band strip. Cut out the comb and wattle as pictured (Check back tomorrow for template). Paste wattle to beak, draw two black circles for nose holes. We cut out two paper "chicken combs" and glued to a piece of cardboard to make the comb stand tall. Score a slit in each end of the comb and slide into hat band. Ta da!

You've got a preschool chicken costume in less than 15 minutes! Here's an idea for a kid's flower hat band or did you ever wonder how to make a chef's hat for kids? Or maybe a Phineas Birthday Party Hat for kids...

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Cooking with Kids: Jake's Indiana Corny Corn Muffin Recipe

2013-04-09T10:24:00.000-04:00

Ever had Corn Muffins with pieces of corn inside? In Kentucky and Indiana it is a pretty common recipe. For Jake's Homeschool Social Studies project, he created a recipe using a few of Indiana's most common "natural" resources. Corn, of course is a number one crop. The Grandpa tried his hand at making maple syrup this year, so it found it's way into the mixing bowl too. Oh- and eggs are a natural resource anywhere.

Jake's Indiana Corny Corn Muffins Recipe.

It's easy with Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix and Frozen Corn.

You will need:

1 Pkg. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

1 Egg

1/3 C. Milk

1/4 C. Grandpa’s Homemade Maple Syrup

1 C. Corn

Muffin pan and Paper

How to make Corn Muffins, Indiana Style:

Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.

Mix the ingredients together.

Batter will be lumpy,

Spoon into muffin cups, fill ¾ full.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool for 5-10 minutes.

Enjoy.

Learn How to Draw: Trace The Pictures of a Cartoon Chicken, Chicken Hawk, and Duck Clipart Printables

2013-04-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Looking for a Chicken Cartoon? Save these traceable images to your computer to print, or click on the pictures for a free printable pdf version. You can learn how to draw a chicken, duck, or other birds by practicing! Trace these pictures or print them out as chicken coloring sheets. We've just become the proud parents of six baby Wyandotte chicks. You'll find lots of chicken art ideas. Just type "Chicken" in the sidebar browse us search bar.

Chicken Joke and Clip Art Cartoon

Cartoon Chicken Picture Traceable.

Real Red Barn Chicken Coop

Traceable Cartoon Chicken Images.

Can you freeze eggs?

Cartoon Duck Traceable Pattern.

Homeschooling Art Lesson: Folk Art Chicken Quilt Squares

Draw and Color a Cartoon Chicken.

Farm Fresh Raspberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Trace a baby chicken hawk clip art.

Make a Big Red Barn for your chickens

Free Printable "Call of Duty" Coloring Pages for Teens?

2013-04-06T01:00:00.000-04:00

There aren't any official Call of Duty Coloring Pages for Teens. You can make your own on those make your own coloring pages websites. See, "Call of Duty" isn't rated "E" for everyone, not even "Teen". So, unless you're over 17, you shouldn't be playing. That's right, it's rated M17 (Mature Audiences). Are you mature and like to color? Maybe...

Special Forces Jeep Vehicle Coloring Sheet for Teens.

I tested out a few for Black Hawk Helicopters, Special Forces Vehicles, and Army Soldiers. Here are my results. What do you think?

Black Hawk Helicopters Coloring Pages for Teenage Boys.

There is my disclaimer and lack of endorsement. If you're older than 17, and still want to color here's an idea, print images from callofduty.com, trace the hardlines on a light table, and learn how to draw your own coloring pages. The best way to achieve a skill in a particular style is by copying. For best results, turn the image upside down while you trace. This will help avoid mistakes as you focus on the contour lines and not the image itself.

Image of Black Hawk Helicopter to color.

How to make a Call of Duty coloring page sheet for teens. Go here to turn your picture into a coloring page. Here's my result after cropping and trying to size for the printer.

Call of Duty Coloring Sheet for Teens. Yep, the Uncle did the character modeling for Black Ops.

Want to meet a real Call of Duty artist? He's the Uncle. Encourage your children to copy, trace, and draw their favorite cartoon characters. Who knows where it may lead.

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Futuristic Activities for Kids: Fly to the Moon Lesson Plans and Companion Games

2013-04-05T01:11:00.000-04:00

Looking for new ideas for a children's Home school or VBS Futuristic Outer Space or Moon lesson? These futuristic activities for kids are fun and educational. We've included a few Outdoor games for pe activities too.

Astronaut Backdrop for Photo Booth Op. Outer Space theme VBS fun for school fundraiser too.

Easy Rocket Craft for Kids

This is our space station or rocket control panel for VBS made from recycled items. Designed by Jessica Barnes.

Science Kids offers a neat Living on the Moon lesson plan. For younger children you can pair it with our Night by the light of the moon activity for preschool, or why not build your own Moon habitat like this one at Nasa Space Place Kids.

The science of voice travel through space. The cup telephone.

Field Trip to Outer Space at Challenger Learning Center

Space Station backdrop for pretend play. Great for School Skit or play on Outer Space. Built by St. John's Episcopal Church volunteers. Used in Futuristic Space Age VBS program.

Nasa Kids
Build your own rocket powered by bubbles or Space Astronaut online coloring pages

That's me and Mayhem working on the space station or rocket ship control boards. Dryer vents make great futuristic communication devices. The chairs were in the church office. Retro turns space age.

From DLTKkids.com
Orbiting Space Paper plate craft with printable templates including UFO, Space Shuttle, Alien, and Astronaut.

From Nasa.gov
Visit a Futuristic Lunar Settlement in this Moonbase Alpha online game from Nasa.

From National Geographic Kids
The first moon landing video.
Moon Quiz from National Geographic Kids.

Indoor/Outdoor Games for Children
Blast Off Astronaut Circle Game
Robot Scavenger Hunt
Defying Gravity

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