Gold Slime!

We are already coming to  a close on Summer Reading Program, the last few weeks have practically vanished into thin air, but the fun still does not stop there.

Today's craft can be enjoyed by all, it can be put away and played with again later, it is gold slime! Please refrain from trying to eat it as it does not taste good and will upset your tummy!

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://fun-a-day.com/super-easy-gold-slime-recipe/. Enjoy!

Treasure Chest Experiment!

Ahoy there!

Today's craft is a fizzy science experiment that's fun to create and a blast to destruct!

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://fun-a-day.com/pirate-science-fun-exploding-treasure-chests/. Enjoy!

Ocean In a Bottle Experiment!

Good morning!

Have you been to the beach yet? Here is a fun experiment for you to do with your preschoolers today: make an ocean in a bottle!

Here is the link with full instructions: http://happyhooligans.ca/ocean-in-bottle/. The photo evidence is impressive, but watching the bubbles and waves move in person is definitely more fun. Enjoy!

Rain Sticks!

Today for our monthly Make-It & Take-It craft program, we made rain sticks! We were pretty musical for about two hours this morning.

Here is a link with detailed instructions from which I based the technique for this craft: http://www.nationalschoolsupply.com/blog/a-fun-spring-craft-idea-rain-sticks/.

Hint: it is much easier to draw on the tube after it has been filled with the foil and rice, and the kids may need to press down a little bit harder with the crayons to make the colors pop.

Have fun!

Sandpaper Art Activity!

Here is a fun and inexpensive activity to do with the kids!

This is basically a sandpaper painting craft, but there are three different methods to choose from (my favorite is the first one)! Plus, you can cut the sandpaper to be whatever sizes you want, that way you can frame them later (if you are into framing your child's artwork).

Here is the link with detailed photo instructions: http://www.kidsplaybox.com/art-activities-for-kids-sand-paper-art13169/. Have fun, see you next week!

Witch Fingers!

Do you have a stash of broken crayons taking up space in the house? Try re-purposing them with this fun craft using a witch fingers cookie pan. The crayons  look really cool when they melt together, and they are fun to color with when finished cooling! And my sources tell me that they can be found at Walmart or Michaels.

Here is the link with full instructions: http://creativeconnectionsforkids.com/2012/09/im-melting-witch-fingers/. I promise that this craft is in English this time!

Swatted Bug Painting!

Who wants to paint with a fly swatter instead of a paint brush or fingers and feet?!

This is the last bug related post as the summer reading program is officially over (as of this past Friday)!

So all you really needs here is some different colored paint, a fly swatter, and maybe bug stickers if finger painting bugs is too complex. Here is the link for detailed instructions: http://www.preschoolplaybook.com/search/label/bugs.

Enjoy!

Butterfly Footprints!

Today's craft is going to be butterfly footprints! Christina gave me this idea, and I really like messy crafts. Go team!

Here is the link for pictured instructions: http://www.mommypotamus.com/how-to-make-butterfly-footprint-art/. Enjoy!

Spoon Ants!

In case you missed it this past Wednesday morning, we had a drop-in craft program that involved making spoon ants! Ours looked very similar to these, only we used black spoons, black masking tape, black pipe cleaners, and small googly eyes!







Our instructions went as follows:

2 spoons

3 3-inch strips of black masking tape to hold the spoons together

3 pipe cleaners for legs 

2 googly eyes

Here is the link for the instructions that coincide with the picture above: http://www.survivingateacherssalary.com/ant-spoons-spring-bug-craft-for-kids/. Their method is a bit different, but both are basically the same. Enjoy!

Egg Carton Bumble Bee!

Here is another cute little craft to go along with our bug theme this summer! And here is the link for instructions: http://www.craftymorning.com/egg-carton-bumble-bee-craft-for-kids/.

Younger children will need help assembling and gluing pieces. Enjoy!

Slimy Slug Candy!

Today is the last day of the first week of Summer Reading Program! Already!

And with all of the creepy crawlers out and about, why not try making Slimy Slug Candies with the kids on a rainy day like this?

Here is the link with the recipe and photographed instructions: http://makingmemorieswithyourkids.com/2013/07/slimy-candy-slugs/.

Enjoy!

Another Ocean Theme: Hand-painted Crabs!

This week's craft is going to be all about hand-painting and gluing oceanic scenes!

Here is the link for inspiration and full instructions: http://steffenatelyblessed.blogspot.com/2012/03/ocean-lesson.html. Enjoy!

Fruity Pebbles Popsicles!

After doing some work in the children's garden this morning, a cold and sweet treat sounded phenomenal! Unfortunately, I did not plan ahead for such things. Shenanigans!

This is a pretty easy and equally quick treat to make with the kiddos today or any time this summer! Here's the link with instructions: http://www.wearenotmartha.com/2012/08/fruity-pebbles-greek-yogurt-popsicles/.

There are plenty of these recipes on the internet (Pinterest, so it seems) and if your child is allergic to the coloring in Fruity Pebbles, here is a safer and maybe yummier version: http://www.caramelpotatoes.com/2013/07/12/breakfast-popsicles/. It is essentially the same recipe, only they used actual fruit instead of fruity pebbles. Enjoy!

Moon Sand!

Since it seems like the weather is finally deciding to stay warmer, now is a good time to explore creating messy crafts outside again!

Why not try making Moon Sand with the kids? On all accounts, it feels like real sand, but is a bit easier to clean up. Plus, it is more cost effective than sandbox sand!

My inner child still loves playing in the dirt, even if it is fake dirt!

Here is the link with full instructions: http://lessonslearntjournal.com/d-i-y-moon-sand-or-cloud-dough/. Enjoy!

Aquatic I Spy Jars!

Get outside and play because today's craft is going to be under water themed!

Here is the link with full instructions and inspiration: http://adventure-in-a-box.com/underwater-i-spy-jars/.

I am personally a huge fan of crafts that are meant to be played with, so this was a very quick and easy decision for me. Enjoy!

Paper Cloud Mobile!

Make cloud mobiles with your kids!

Here is the link for full instructions: http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2013/05/07/weekday-crafternoon-diy-paper-cloud-mobile/. I am going to attempt to make my own today, so I will let you know how easy it was (or wasn't), and post pictures to prove it.

Enjoy!