here is a fun book to do with your kids (or let them do it themselves).
a "write-in, draw-in journal", KIDS MAKE IT BETTER asks its readers questions and gives them the space to fill in answers. questions like,
"how would you get people to stop fighting?"
"what would you do to help animals who have no place to sleep?"
"what would you do to get more people to share?"
it's a great thinking activity that is "others oriented" and perfect for summer; on a plane, in the car or sitting on the grass under a tree.
perfect earth day reading for young boys AND girls alike. this awesome book has projects FOR KIDS BY KIDS that help the environment.
to buy this book, see ACME LIBRARY on the right.
(this only works of you are on the acme sharing website)
(picture of my cat Amber.)Today we are all looking for ways to save money and I love this one. If you have a cat of any age, or especially if you have multiple cats, as I do, you will love this too. Cat toys are expensive but cats and kittens need to be able to entertain themselves so I am offering some tips today on how you can make lots of playthings from things you have around the house. #1. Make paper mice...fold a sheet of paper in half, and half again (computer paper is perfect).Cut or tear on fold lines into 4 pieces. Roll each quarter sheet of paper into a small tight wad or ball. Hold in the open palm of your hand and with the fingers of your other hand flick it across the room while saying "Get the mouse!" Flicking it is important because it gets the cats excited. Cats love to retrieve things and they love paper mice. (If you see your cat trying to chew up the mouse, take it away and say,"No!".) You will find yourself making a lot of these. Cats and kittens especially love to play with these under chair rungs in the kitchen or dining room.#2. Save paper towel or toilet tissue tubes...kittens love to pounce and wrestle with things. Be careful not to offer your fingers or toes for this purpose, because kittens have sharp teeth and claws. Cardboard tubes are perfect for wrestling. Rolled up socks are also good wrestling toys. You can also insert a paper mouse inside to make the tube more interesting.#3. A brown paper grocery bag...can be a wonderful place to hide. Open the bag and stand it up so that you can roll the top down an inch or so making a cuff. When you lay the bag on its side it will help hold it open for play. Toss a paper mouse inside and watch the fun. Kitty will run in and out and bat the mouse around.
#4. Kitty House or Kitty City(drawing at left)...You will need a cardboard box big enough for the cat to move around in. Tape one long flap closed. and one or two short flaps closed. The other long flap can be left loose and used as an awning. (Not shown in drawing) This should leave an opening big enough for the cat/kitten to jump in the box when it is laid on its side. Have an adult carve a door on the opposite side of the box just big enough for the cat to go in and out. The house now has a front door and a back door. Holes a little larger than paw-size can be carved on either end. If you have the space you can put a group of these houses together and watch as your cats go in and out with their toys and have great fu
ok, it is COOOOOLD out there. and in other parts of the country it is even colder. here is an easy and helpful activity to do this weekend to help those who need something to snuggle up with and get warm. there are 2 easy ways to do this one:
1.) with you kids, clean out your linen closet and bring all unused blankets to your local homeless shelter.
or
2.) with your kids, go to the fabric store, pick out some fleece, take it home and use the "project linus" guidelines to turn it into a no-sew blanket to be donated to their local chapter (see website www.projectlinus.org for locations)
here is the link for the blanket PDF
project linus, a nationwide nonprofit says, "it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
the lesson: it is too easy to take for granted something as obvious as a warm blanket. talk to you children about helping when and where we can. can they even imagine what it would be like to not have a blanket? a blanket is not only for getting cozy and good for fort building, but also for keeping us healthy and warm with a good night's sleep.
0 Comments on Project COZY as of 1/1/1900
i have the funniest nephew who loves to find "treasures" everywhere. i don't envy my sister-in-law having to clean out his pockets in the laundry room. while out for dinner last week, he collected straws, cocktail stirrers, tourist's maps and corks. he loves to make "art" with his finds and since they aren't really recycled since they have not yet been used, it's a new kind of project (see "ONE MAN'S TRASH" post below for making a recycle sculpture).
when i found TRASH FOR TEACHING it made me think of him immediately. i know he isn't the only kid who loves this, so here is more info: "Trash for Teaching collects clean and safe cast-off materials from manufacturing processes (that would otherwise become trash) and re-purposes them as educational resources. With those materials we provide a comprehensive arts education program in local school districts."
*but you don't have to be a classroom to benefit. you can order your own box of treasures for T4T by going to their website.
click the link under PRODUCTS for JUNKIT and for $40 you will get a large box of treasure/ art supplies.
at least you won't have to worry about the secret stash of paperclips getting into the washing machine.
my kids eat the same lunch almost daily. peanut butter and jelly sandwich for one, and soynut butter and jelly for the other (who has a strict "no nut" policy at school, and yet, somehow they always let me in!).
making lunches is a deeply tedious task and one of my least favorite mom jobs.BUT since we're doing it anyway, here's a kooky idea...
what about a sandwich assembly line? a loaf of bread, a jar of PB, a jar of jelly, a butter knife and some ziplock bags. you and your kids can whip out a dozen sandwiches in no time flat.
take them to a shelter, a food bank or just hand them out on the street to those who look like they could use it. it is really fast and really fun and makes a really big difference to the people who are hungry.
the lesson: if we can help, it's our job to do so. this is the same lesson written here again and again but it's the lesson i really want my kids to own.
***added bonus: while you're at it make a few extras and stockplie for the week's lunch boxes.
By:
Meredith Alexander,
on 4/28/2009
Blog:
THE ACME SHARING COMPANY
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every spring BIG SUNDAY arrives and this year it is upon us may 3rd. this is a day where families everywhere volunteer to help a long list of organizations. similar to michelle obama's "call to service", this day asks you to just DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING to help out. anywhere.
i keep hearing schools talk about "100% participation" about different things from giving money to parking in the correct pick-up spot, BUT... what if we had a world where giving back had 100% participation? imagine what that would look like.
if you can't find anything near you, feel free to take ideas listed on this site and have your own "little sunday".
the lesson: true, our kids have homework and soccer and ballet and sunday school. our lives are FULL, but if we can expose them to helping and giving kinds of experiences, they will shine, grow and feel in ways that will reward not only the recipient of the help, but mostly your child. they will feel big and significant in the world. they can make a difference.
*** added bonus: i say SUNDAES for all participants of "big sunday"! of course, you'll have to organize the trip to ben and jerry's on your own.
the great american bake sale is an organization that helps you put on a (see if you can guess what i'm going to write next) bake sale!!! yay, you guessed right!
they send you a poster, give you the low down on sales, give you an email card to forward to friends and set up an account for you. sure, you could do all of this yourself, but somehow it seems so much more LEGIT.
TGABS (my acronym) gives all of the monies raised to a hunger relief organization in your neighborhood. this morning my son and his "girlfriend", charlotte, made a whopping $33. if i may go one step further, i would like to recommend baking rice krispies treats - they are the EASIEST thing on the planet to make. melt butter, add mini marshmallows, add cereal, stir and pour - THE END.
the lesson: basically it's "business school 101": make a product, market and advertise, sell and donate.
***added bonus: it's really fun, great to eat leftovers and who doesn't love sitting around begging people for a dollar.
in showing our kids how to treat others with kindness and respect, an easy target is grandparents. they will be overjoyed with almost anything (time together, a picture drawn, a hand of "go fish"). another fun activity is to have your children come up with a list of questions to ask the grandparents, "what was your favorite candy as a kid?", "what was the worst job you ever had?", what's the most embarrassing thing that happened to you when you were my age?"
if your kids don't have grandparents near by or at all, it is very easy (and deeply appreciated) to ADOPT A GRANDPARENT and brighten up a person's day. just google "adopt a grandparent" along with the city you live in, and you will find a long list of participating retirement homes.
the lesson: it is sometimes forgotten, but so invaluable to treat the older generations with the respect they have earned.
***added bonus: actually the mystery of what your child will get out of this experience is pretty exciting - the unknown... and maybe a hard candy.
well, he's been in office for only a few hours, but why not have your child write to President Obama? seriously, what are you waiting for?
kidthing.com has created the "dear mr president project" where kids are invited to draw and/ or write to our new commander in chief. what a great chance for families to sit down and talk about our hopes and dreams for the future.
the mail in deadline is postmarked by january 27th (one week from today). don't forget to sign the submission form so that your child's letter is eligible for the "dear mr president project book" which will be available to purchase in early february.
the lesson: power is not only in the hands of adults, kids have to know that their voice counts. in a world where children mostly feel small, this can help them feel as though they are heard and can make a difference.
***added bonus: it's OBAMA, baby!!! what more bonus is there?
this is amazing.
when your child writes a letter to santa claus and drops it in a BELIEVE MAILBOX in any MACY'S store, a dollar will be donated to the make a wish foundation!!!!
letters must be in envelopes stamped and addressed to:
SANTA - AT THE NORTH POLE.
letters should include your children writing about WHY they believe in santa.
the lesson: including the wonder and magic of the holiday season into your traditions. and, of course, giving back - for free!
***added bonus: they were most likely going to write to him anyway, this is a great excuse to make it a special project and when they see his big red mailbox it keeps the hope alive and adds to the mystery and mythology all tied up with the spirit of christmas.
starting to decorate for the holidays? how about a KINDNESS CHAIN. great for wrapping around a tree or hanging from the dining room ceiling.
1.) cut strips of paper into 2" x 8.5" (basically a piece of construction paper sliced into 2" strips). use at least 2 different colors. depending on the holidays you celebrate, you can color coordinate (channukah = blue and white, xmas = green and red).
2.) grab your stapler and have a seat with your kids.
3.) ask them to write on each strip an act of kindness they have performed, you can write it for them if they aren't yet literate.
4.) bend the strip into a circle and secure with a staple. loop the following ones through the last one and keep going. see how long you can make it - you can even hold a length competition between siblings.
5.) when they are all out of loops, send them out into the world to do some more good deeds.
the lesson: showing them what the holiday spirit is really all about.
***added bonus: the money you can save on twinkle lights.
EXTRA CREDIT - if you use left over scraps of wrapping paper!!!
there are so many freakin' (forgive use of word freakin') things to remind our kids to do everyday. pick up your socks, put your dishes in the sink, brush your teeth, finish your homework, don't bite your brother (they say it's just a stage, here's hoping), pack your lunch, wash your hands, eat your vegetables. not necessarily in this order.
it is too easy to forget the simple simple important basics. "BE NICE", for example.
here's a new doohickey (forgive use of word doohickey) to do just that. the stringring company has made rings entwined with strings so as not to forget to be kind. you needn't purchase the silver version, just sit down at the kitchen table with your kids, a ball of twine and some hope.
"tying a string around your finger as a reminder is an ancient tradition thought to keep an idea from escaping - literally tying the idea to yourself. the string ring is a cue to remind yourself and those who notice it to be kind to one another, to do a kind act, say or even think something kind."
i hope it isn't UN kind to the stringring people to suggest that we make them the old fashioned way, hopefully they will see our intention of spreading kindness and KNOT get TIED up in the details.
for years i have been giving my grandparents cards on grandparent's day only to find that they had never heard of it and expected nothing special (until the year i forgot). now most calendars printed in the usa include this ode to the older gen. well, it is upon us this sunday, september 7th.
another chance for your kids to be exposed to demonstrating kindness and gratitude. a hand drawn picture is nice, a framed photo is better but my favorite idea is this one:
have your child journal a day in their life. it can be photos glued into a book, or a video diary a few times throughout the day or a story that they write sharing the highs and lows of their universe. whether the grandparents live down the block or around the world, they will eat this up with a spoon.
the unconditional love of a grandparent is pretty significant, fostering this relationship is so valuable (free babysitting is also an incentive). if your child has none, there are countless lonely geriatrics living in your city. to find one click here and feel free to brighten the day of a stranger by showing any gesture of kindness (cookies, cards, a hand of go fish or just a chat).
p.s. chances are, your kids are back in school this week and another project is just not on your agenda. maybe you will get lucky and have parents with calendars printed overseas.
it's getting pretty whiny around here. these last weeks of summer can really ride your last nerve. let's make them meaningful before that school bell rings.
here is a super cute "at home craft/ recycle/ be kind to animals" type of project.
the video link below is step by step instructions for building a birdhouse from a milk carton. it's not the newest idea on the block, but it will keep kids entertained. why not add to the fun by getting a hold of some binoculars and keeping a journal of all the visitors your house attracts. budding photographers can get in on the act as well.
as with ALL acme sharing projects, you can spend as much or as little time on it depending on the age and attention span of your offspring.
the lesson: helping nature helps us all.
***added bonus: the sweet tweets coming in from the window make a happier home.
another chance to show appreciation, this time toward people in real danger, risking their lives for our freedom.
this weekend is armed forces day, and although i feel impossibly lucky that the closest i have come to a battleground is the Barneys warehouse sale, this is a perfect opportunity to teach our kids how to show gratitude and thanks to VERY VERY DEEPLY deserving soldiers.
the men and women on the front lines are always happy to get mail. the websites below can help walk you through the making of a care package or they can simply tell you the best way to send a letter.
the lesson: i feel like a broken record, but we all know repetition is good for a developing mind. once more, with feeling, let's show our kids how to appreciate others and honor them.
***added bonus: you may walk away feeling like, in a teeny tiny small way, you, too, have served your country.
here is a basic how to and what to for sending anything to the armed forces.
april fool's is coming up and who likes pranks more than kids? well, nobody. you can probably hear, all the way at your house, how hard my son laughs at "america's funniest home videos". but instead of filming the baby eating dog food, here's an idea for some good clean fun (with no damaging photographic evidence).
your child can author their own joke book. they can write their favorites or make up a few, color in some pages, staple and voila! instant first edition. we all know plenty of people who could use some laughs. how about giving it to someone who is sick? or anyone in a senior center? or the frowny-downy dry cleaner in your neighborhood?
the lesson: spreading smiles is contagious - and it doesn't cost anything to be nice (or funny).
***added bonus: knock knock. who's spending time with their kids that requires silliness?
are you ready for the most basic, meaningful and fabulous project?
your child draws or paints an 8 x 11 piece of paper. it must be 2D to lay flat for shipping purposes. they (or you) must write FOR MY FRIEND, LOVE, "your child's name". it's that simple. it can be as elaborate or basic as time permits, or interest holds. pack up the art, a self addressed stamped envelope and photo of the artist (optional). Art2Heart will hand deliver it to an orphan living in India. that child will then reciprocate the gesture!
the lesson: this is the world's simplest giving project. it's almost embarrassingly easy. in fact, if your family hasn't yet begun the journey of philanthropy - this is the perfect place to start. when your child receives their picture in return, sit back and watch. this is the part where you can see them GET it. it all falls into place and the world becomes a small and wonderful place where they feel as though they have made a difference. because they have.
here's a link: Art2Heart
if your house is anything like mine, there is PLENTY to do. so why is it that "i'm bored" has ever been said aloud? when your kids have the gall to say it, here's a new one: give them a bottle of glue, a stapler and send them in the direction of the recycle bin. you may need to step in and help with a low temp glue gun. but a milk carton and an empty container of sour cream together with the sunday paper and an egg carton can make for some pretty fabulous modern art.
the lesson: talk to your kids about the resources on earth and how one day they will not always all be available. recycling and reusing is a way they can help conserve. this might not feel like giving back, but it is. it really is.
***added bonus, the blue bins won't be so heavy to push to the street on trash day.
when your child wants to have a slumber party, this is the answer. yes, it will be a LATE night, and yes, they will be CRANKY in the morning, but this party is worth it. have the guests bring (in lieu of gifts) a pair of new pajamas. your child can then donate the lot to the pajama program. kids in need, living in group homes, get new jammies and books to make their bedtimes feel as cozy and safe as ours do.
the lesson: let your children know that some kids have to sleep in their jeans since they have very few things to wear. they don't have a stack of books from which to choose each night.
***added bonus, in the morning, serve muffins instead of cake or cupcakes to ensure sleepy little party goers don't have an overtired sugar rush meltdown. also a pillowcase decorating craft is a fun nighttime activity. the cases can act as a "bag" for the donated PJ's. after throwing this shindig, you will be off the hook for play dates for a looooong time.
Louis Sachar's The Boy Who Lost His Face
is an intriguing book, that's mostly a look at peer pressure, but also considers friendship and responsibility.
David Ballinger is desperate to be part of the popular crowd to which his best friend since second grade, Scott Simpson, now belongs. He goes along with Scott, Roger and Randy when they decide to play a cruel stunt on an old lady, Mrs Bayfield. The boys have decided to steal her snake-headed walking stick, but they don't stop there; one tips her backwards in her chair, another pours lemonade in her face; they also trample her flowers and break a window with the lemonade jug. David stands and watches, but doesn't participate. Then, as he's about to leave, he makes a rude gesture at Mrs Bayfield who appears to put a curse on him.
Soon afterwards David starts to feel very guilty about what the boys have done. He soon comes to believe that the old lady is a witch and that the curse she put on him is affecting his life when things start to go wrong, such as when he breaks a window and nearly injures his baby sister with his baseball. Things get progressively worse - his adoring younger brother Ricky, suddenly hates him and he walks into his Spanish class with his fly undone. The last straw, though, comes when David's trousers fall down just as he's talking to the girl of his dreams about going on a date. Convinced that this can't just be bad luck, he rushes off to see Mrs Bayfield who tells him to bring back her walking stick. He thinks that she will remove the curse if he does so. But things don't turn out quite the way that David expects.
I thoroughly enjoy reading The Boy Who Lost His Face - I've actually lost count of how many times I've read it, but it's probably at least six. And even though I know what happens and how it ends, I still enjoy the suspense of Sachar's repetition of "Little did he know that one day his own face would be hanging on her wall." Somehow that remains spooky and slightly unnerving, even on re-reading. I love all of Sachar's books that I've read; his sense of humour and playfulness are always very apparent, and his themes are never conveyed in a heavy-handed manner. I was surprised to discover this morning, a reference to it being a frequently challenged book.
What do you think of this book, and in particular, what are your thoughts on the Epilogue ?
Just a quick reminder that the discussion of Louis Sachar's The Boy Who Lost His Face has now started. Feel free to pop over and participate if you've read it.
Just a quick reminder that on July 3rd, the Scholar's Blog Discussion Group will begin discussion Louis Sachar's The Boy Who Lost His Face - everyone who's read is welcome to participate (and yes, this is the second non-fantasy novel in a row, but we'll make up for that properly in August and September by discussing the final Harry Potter book.)
Oh, this is great stuff. Cat towers and other toys are so expensive.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheryl
Cheryl
As an owner of two cats I must agree. But,like children, you find the cats would rather play with the packaging. LOL.
They love it. We have a whole cat city in our family room. We are entertained every morning as we drink our morning coffee. If you rearrange them a bit each day they are excited about the new arrangement and really have a field day.
0:-)Shari
Shari,
You are amazing.... Always creating... I love it.
;-)
Dixie
When I had a cat we made it a wood cat tree. A cheap way (FREE)to get carpet to cover the tree is to visit your local carpet store. Ask for the old carpet squares or remnants.
Happy Valentines Day,
J. Aday Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Children's Author
www.jadaykennedy.com
Here's one cats might like, but humans won't.
Years ago I had a cat was fascinated watching me use SOS pads to scrub the dirt off of pots. Whenever I wasn't home she would steal and hide the pads - in my bed! When I climbed in my feet would discover the wet things between the sheets.
Janet
Yuck! I can't recommend that one. I suggest using an old sugar bowl with cober to keep your steel wool pads away from kitty.
Shari
J. Aday Kennedy
You are very talented! That is a wonderful suggestion. Often places like wallpaper stores and carpet stores will let you have their samples for free. Great for craft projects.
Thanks.
0:-) Shari