MyJacketFlap Blogs

  • Login or Register for free to create your own customized page of blog posts from your favorite blogs. You can also add blogs by clicking the "Add to MyJacketFlap" links next to the blog name in each post.

Blog Posts by Tag

In the past 30 days

Blog Posts by Date

Click days in this calendar to see posts by day or month
new posts in all blogs
Viewing Blog: LEAP!, Most Recent at Top
Results 26 - 50 of 195
Visit This Blog | Login to Add to MyJacketFlap
Learn Explore and Play This is a site that I created for parents, teachers, nannies or anyone who spends time with kids. It's still new, but I'm hoping that it will give fun and inspiring ideas to encourage kids to LEAP and live.
Statistics for LEAP!

Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap: 1
26. My Christmas Elf


My Christmas Elf
Twinkle lights and stockings too,
Snow and cookies… Santa’s due!

He’ll be here soon with lots of toys
For all us good little girls and boys.

How does he know, who is who?
Where we live and what we do?

The Christmas Elves, sent from the Pole,
Decide who gets gifts… and who gets coal.

Each December Elves come to stay
At all our homes to watch us play,

Make sure we’re nice, that we don’t fight.
They report to Santa every night.

They tell him of the things they’ve seen,
Of all the homes, where they have been.

Then they return, these quiet Elves -
By daybreak they’re back on our shelves.

Sometimes you see them, sometimes not.
If your Elf is shy, he’ll hide a lot.

But he is watching every day
Until it’s time for Santa’s sleigh

To fly through the night. He comes himself!
To deliver toys and pick up each Elf.

On Christmas morning, I’m up at dawn.
Presents are there, but our Elf is gone.

Sleigh tracks sparkle in the snow,
I’m kind of sad to see Elf go.
But in the distance the sun’s a-glow
And I faintly hear a “Ho! Ho! Ho!”



This poem was inspired by Elf on the Shelf.

I just published it, for the first time, in my December issue of  A Surprise in the Mail.  Click here to see this issue of the newsletter.
Click here to watch me read the poem on my secret webpage!

0 Comments on My Christmas Elf as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
27. Christmas Tree Craft

From Parents 

I just stumbled across this little craft and thought it was adorable. The idea is not mine, though. I'm sharing it from Parents.com. Instructions are below.

"Using different-size circle punches, have the kids punch circles from different shades of green cardstock or scrapbook paper. Using a standard hole punch, have them make the "ornaments" from various bright colors of paper. Use glue stick to glue green circles together in a triangular shape (to resemble a Christmas tree). Glue small colored dots all over green circles as ornaments. Punch stars using a star punch for the tree topper; glue to the top of tree. Clip a clothespin to the bottom as the trunk."

If you make one, send me a pic!

0 Comments on Christmas Tree Craft as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
28. The Wonderful World of Pipe Cleaners

Pipe Cleaners... they can keep you busy for hours! I used to make bug antennae with them on a headband (a pretender's pretend-ears!), but here are some more creative ideas...

Letters from Make and Takes

Crown from Creative Jewish Mom



Fuzzy Worm from Small Fox

FInger Puppets from Craft Jr


Bouquet of Flowers! Also from Make and Takes
0 Comments on The Wonderful World of Pipe Cleaners as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
29. Carrie's Clusters: Episode 8


In this episode of Carrie's Clusters, I get LOTS of candy for Halloween, I (kind of) go on a sleepover, I have really cold feet... and more! Grab your copy of duck... duck... moose! and read along with me :)

0 Comments on Carrie's Clusters: Episode 8 as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
30. Advent Calendars!

This one's like mine at home! from: Make It Do
Today is the day before December first... so the countdown is on.
And we all know the best way to count down, is with advent calendars!

You can buy chocolate ones, decorative ones, or make your own. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you can look forward to your own festivities with a homemade advent calendar.
They will also help you learn about days, months, and how to wait patiently :)

All calendars below were found on Etsy.

Christmas Advent Calendar Kit from SewUnique55
Advent Calendar PRINTABLE from PolkadotPrintsStudio
DIY Advent Calendars from AMillionIdeas

0 Comments on Advent Calendars! as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
31. Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate!


Candy Manor Peppermint Hot Chocolate from Ezra Pound Cake
Okay everyone, it's almost December!
My grandma used to put up one Christmas decoration a day - but we have to wait a few more days until December 1st... So what's another way to start getting into the Holiday Spirit?

*Peppermint HoChocolate!
Put on the tea kettle (you may need help with this).
While the water boils, add some milk and hot chocolate powder to your favourite mug and mix it with... A CandCane!

Once the water is boiled, ask for help pouring it into your cup and then stir it with your candy cane.
It's delicious :)


*Click on the pictures' links if you want to try fancier recipes!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate from A LIttle Loveliness
0 Comments on Easy Peppermint Hot Chocolate! as of 11/27/2011 5:28:00 PM
Add a Comment
32. Thanksgiving Activities

Word Search from The Party FAQ
Maze from All Kids Network
Crossword from Kaboose
Coloring Page! Coloring Pages for Kids

Cut, Paste and Color a Turkey! Coloring Pages for Kids

0 Comments on Thanksgiving Activities as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
33. Thanksgiving Decorations that Kids Can Make!

Want to help decorate the house for Thanksgiving this year? That's nice of you! Here are a few easy ideas for homemade decorations that you can do for this weekend.

Hand-Painted Turkey from Kids Crafty Creations
1. Paint the palm of you hand and your thumb brown, and paint the rest of your fingers any other colours you want!
2. Then put your painted hand flat on a piece of paper.
3. Wash your hands.
4. Go back and paint on the details of the turkey (beak, feet... this person even glued on googly eyes!)

Gobble! Gobble! Gobble!


Paper Bag Turkey from Kaboose

Click here for easy instructions on how to make this pretty paper bag turkey.  You can put it by the door to welcome your guests!







Pumpkin Place Setting from About.com




About.com will walk you through how to make this cool pumpkin setting. Or if you don't have enough time, you can always attach the names to small pumpkins you have left over from halloween!
Another Pumpkin Place Setting, from Sayville Patch

0 Comments on Thanksgiving Decorations that Kids Can Make! as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
34. What colour is your Snore?

This is my Snore!

What does yours look like?

MyBackwards Snore

Iwas reading in bed one afternoon, when I heard a little sneeze.
“Blessyou,” I said, without looking up.  Andsomeone answered, “Please.”

Perplexed,I put my bookmark in, and said, “Hello? Who’s there?”
Amuffled, little voice piped up, “Goodbye! Who’s under where?”

“Underwear!”I giggled, as I knelt down on the floor.
Andunderneath my messy bed, I found a bright blue Snore!

(Ifyou’ve never seen a Snore before, they looklike balls of fluff.
Notmuch to ‘em – they’d fly away with a teeny, windy puff.)

Again,my Snore did a tickled sneeze, which blewhim back a bit.
“Poorguy!” I gently picked him up, and then? He threw a fit!

“Putme up this instant! I’m healthy! Don’t you see?
Allmixed up and straightened out. Wide awake, asleep!”

Well,my Snore was sick! That much was clear. Hewas backwards… just not right!
Heshould have been asleep all day and then awake all night.

Buthere he was… not making sense, and obviously upset.
0 Comments on What colour is your Snore? as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
35. Carrie's Clusters: Episode 5 AND 6

I got a little behind, reading my poetry book, duck... duck... moose! I'm supposed to read 5 poems per episode but I skipped last week...
But today is a perfect day (rainy and gray) to snuggle in bed and read my children's poetry, so I decided to read 10 poems! Twice the rhymes and twice the fun :)

0 Comments on Carrie's Clusters: Episode 5 AND 6 as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
36. SuperHero Magic Powers! RAWR!

Halloween may be over, but that doesn't mean daydreaming and imagination stops!

Image from: Jason Nazar's Blog

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

If you said "Other" write it in the comments section. The power with the most votes? I'll write a poem about it!

0 Comments on SuperHero Magic Powers! RAWR! as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
37. I'd Rather Be a Friend than a Bully

Step One.
Take a smooth, clean piece of paper.




Step Two.
Crumple it. Stomp on it. Squish it. But don't rip it.

Step Three.
Open up your paper and see the damage you've done. Say you're sorry and try to smooth it out back to normal.


Can you do it? Nope. This is what bullying does to kids - it makes scars that can't be taken away.

Wouldn't you rather make friends?

Image from: Metroparents
Image from: She Knows Parenting
   
Image from: Paul W. Reeves



0 Comments on I'd Rather Be a Friend than a Bully as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
38. Candy Craze Time Out

Are you going a little bananas from all that Halloween candy?!
Why don't you sit down and take a little breather.

Listen to this!

It's my latest episode of my Podcast.

0 Comments on Candy Craze Time Out as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
39. Have a Hootie Halloween!

This is my most recent poem. It was originally published in my newsletter, A Surprise in the Mail!

0 Comments on Have a Hootie Halloween! as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
40. Be Safe on Halloween Night!

Costumes

Make sure your costume doesn't drag on the ground and trip you!

Image from: Mommy Poppins


Image from: Parents

Face paint is better than masks because masks are hard to see  through and breathe through. (But wash your makeup off before you go to bed!)

Image from: Kaboodle

Image from: Ask a Mum?


If you're carrying sword or weapon, make sure it's

0 Comments on Be Safe on Halloween Night! as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
41. Quote of the Day


0 Comments on Quote of the Day as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
42. Easy Halloween Treats that Kids can Help Make

Okay, I'll admit it... Halloween isn't just about the bags of candy. There are a ton of other ways to fill your tum with delicious, spooky goodies. If you're having a party, or just want to eat orange and black food all day, here are some ideas to get you started.
(click on the titles to see the recipes)


SUPERMOM has amazing Halloween food ideas.


Image from: Westward Blogs





Worms in Dirt
image from: 0 Comments on Easy Halloween Treats that Kids can Help Make as of 1/1/1900 Add a Comment
43. Halloween at Etsy.com

I have got to give a Happy Halloween shout-out to some of my favourite Etsy stores...


Everything is Mini! I can't even believe how much I love this!





Need wings for your Halloween costume? You're going to need to come here. 




Special Mentions to:

Raggamuffin, for her candy corn hat!  


Mammamia23 for her reusable trick-or-treat bags.
Add a Comment
44. Halloween Lights!

Michael Jackson's Thriller!

LINK: http://youtu.be/GUAV_1jBJB4

Not quite as scary for the little ones as his  original music video!

0 Comments on Halloween Lights! as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
45. Happy Birthday, Mary Blair

  I don't know if you noticed the Google Search image today, but it caught my attention... So I clicked on it and discovered that today it's the 100th birthday of Disney artist, Mary Blair.

None of her artwork ever hit the screen, but browsing through her watercolor and gouache paintings, you can see that her vision influenced many classic Disney movies.








Recognize any scenes? I know I do!



0 Comments on Happy Birthday, Mary Blair as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
46. Halloween Decorations - Fun and Easy for Kids!

Carving pumpkins? Of course! But what else can you do to get your house Halloween ready?
Below are simple, homemade ideas that all ages can help to make.


LINK
Halloween Window Silhouettes!
Silhouettes of scary shapes are great in your windows! 
Here are the cut outs for a bat, a creepy hand,  a crow, and a spider. Just cut out of black construction paper. Purple is also an (unexpected) Halloween-y colour!





                                                                                                              


Vampire Balloon Bat                                                                              Click here for the instructions!








0 Comments on Halloween Decorations - Fun and Easy for Kids! as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
47. Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes for Kids

2 more weeks until Halloween! YAY!
I love Halloween - everything about it. The candy, dressing up, the candy, the spooky, dark decorations, walking door-to-door to get candy, carving pumpkins. And the candy ... SO FUN!

But sometime it's stressful if you can't find a costume that you like. So. I will try to help you out with a few ideas - some easy, some unique and some both! But they are all easy, homemade Halloween costumes!


Be Super Mario!



Be a Loofa!
From: http://www.mrsloveslife.com/2010/10/loofa-costume.html


(one of my All Time Favourite books, by Robert Munsch)
From:  http://heydoyou.wordpress.com/2010/10/22/halloween-2010/


Be Any Kind of Bug You'd Like!
(just make the wings out of cardboard and have fun decorating!)
From: http://www.inventivecomputing.com/lady_bug_costume.html



0 Comments on Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes for Kids as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
48. Carrie's Clusters Episode 4


Yay! It's time for another episode of Carrie's Clusters :) Hope you have your book so you can read along with me. In this episode? The Gobbler makes an appearance, I make s'mores on the campfire, I read with my bookmark and I learn a new word!!

0 Comments on Carrie's Clusters Episode 4 as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
49. Quote of the day

"Be yourself. Everyone else is taken."

 - Oscar Wilde


0 Comments on Quote of the day as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
50. Bunk Beds

Best two-word phrase in the english language? Possibly. If you don't count "chocolate cake".

I have many fond (and not so fond) memories of sharing a room with my older sister... She on the top bunk, me on the bottom - and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. I think when kids share rooms they grow an especially close bond that lasts them throughout adulthood.

So, you can imagine my delight when my Dad announced that he was making bunk beds for the cottage - for his grandchildren (many of whom are still to come).

And make bunk beds he did:




Amazing. Am I right? And oh yes, that's a trundle, you see!
My mom also made the matching duvets! I'm in LOVE :) Can't wait to drop off the kids with their grandparents for a sleepover!!


Bunk Beds
The top’s the best. It’s got a ledge.
I lie on my belly an’ look over the edge.
I’m king of the hill, from way up here.
I’m not ‘fraid a’heights. I've got no fear!
From so high up the view is fine.
I sure am glad the top bunk’s mine.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I prefer my bunk. It.’s underneath.
It’s much more private. That’s my belief.
Just hang up blankets on the side,
It makes a cave in which you can hide.
My bed’s a fort, a home, a nook.
If you want to, you can peek in an’ look.



The poem Bunk Beds is from my first poetry book,  0 Comments on Bunk Beds as of 10/2/2011 6:51:00 PM
Add a Comment

View Next 25 Posts