Terrific Tuesdays: Crafts and Activities for Kids

Hello! It's Cristina from Made by Cristina Marie. Summer is flying by however, there is still an entire month left before school starts. I'm sure some parents are having trouble keeping their children busy! Well you are in luck, I have searched around and found crafts and activities for the entire month of August! I even included the last two days of July, so you can start today. 

The crafts and activities are for various ages and most of them do not require you to purchase anything; they are all things that you can do from materials that you most likely have laying around your house. Some of them can be done inside of the house, and some of them you definitely want to do outside (e.g. giant waterbed)!

Instructions for using the calendar: • Download the PDF file below • Click on the activity that you would like to do; you will then be redirected to the site to learn how to do that activity!

click here to download the craft and activity calendar

If you would like to guest post in the Terrific Tuesdays series email me.  

For more Terrific Tuesday posts go here.

Terrific Tuesdays: Tie Dye

I always thought of tie dye as something for older kids, but with I Love to Create's Tie Dye Kits young kids can play along too, with help of course. I Love to Create sent me a few kits to try out and I was a little reluctant to let Brody help, he is only 4 after all but the kits come with all the supplies you need to make tie dying easy.

A few things that will help when tie dying, especially when helping young kids.
1) take it outside for less cleanup
2) have wipes on hand
3) wear clothes that you won't mind if they get ruined
4) no matter what brand of dye you use make sure to follow all the directions

If you would like to guest post in the Terrific Tuesdays series email me.  

For more Terrific Tuesday posts go here.

Terrific Tuesday: Aquatic Bug Hunt

This is one of my favorite summer time Terrific Tuesdays from the past that I have to share again because it is so fun! 
 We are going on a fun adventure with Delia of Delia Creates today!

 I am so happy to be here for Dianna's Terrific Tuesdays. My grandmother's nickname for me is Dee Dee too, so I feel particular akin to her. :)

Today for Terrific Tuesday, we are going on a very special bug hunt.

An...

My husband used to work at a bug lab at the university, and did his undergraduate research on the effects of Rotenone on aquatic insects. He's a fish biologist finishing up his graduate work right now and I am sure he is cringing at how unscientific and unspecific I made that all sound. :) I should put a disclaimer that this post is directed to parents who just want to get their kids out exploring and appreciating nature...please forgive any flaws in my scientific rhetoric.

Anyway, so when Owen was 3 years old, my husband started taking us all out for aquatic bug hunts. It has since become a yearly tradition and a kid favorite in our household.

He used to have the proper equipment: kick nets, preservation alcohol, vials, and tools back then. Here he is with 3 year old Owen in his waders going on our first bug hunt.

And here he is last Spring preserving some of the bugs we found with 5 year old Owen and 1 year old Reid. If you can find little glass vials and a mixture of ethanol and alcohol you can do the same. They make great souvenirs. My boys loved looking at them for weeks after {until they shook them to death}.

But you really don't need all that. As we proved this last Saturday.

All you need are some water shoes/sandals so you can get into the stream and some sturdy buckets. Owen also found this bug kit at the dollar store which came with a little net. Not necessary but useful.

Now, find some shallow, fast moving water. The key is to find white water.

White water means there is a lot of oxygen in it. There are all sorts of bugs you can find in other  types of water, but to find the kind of bugs we are going to find today, you want this kind of water.

We have had record rain/snow/flooding this year so most of the water looks what you see on the left, which is scary and not ideal. Look for waters more like what you see on the right. We had to travel higher in elevation to reach head waters. You may have to do the same especially if you live in Utah like us. Or you can wait until the end of July or into August when the flooding subsides.

Please be extra cautious around the water. I'm sure it goes without saying, but I'm going to say it just in case. Please, please watch your kids around water. Especially around fast moving streams like this.

Now dig around and grab a nice big rock. The uglier the better. 

We sent my husband out to do all the dirty work because we were being extra careful with our kids around the stream. We made them stay on land with me. 

Set it down and watch the rock come to life. All manner of bugs should start crawling out and about. I had to restrain myself from shouting "ewwww."

Can you spot some bugs? They're there. See the little casings that almost look like little hard tubes? Those house Caddisfly nymhs. Just wait and they'll slither out.

 

You can pick the bugs off and put them in the water 

or just stick the whole rock in a bucket full of stream water.

Then pick the bugs off and inspect.

Those are bugs coming off the rock! Eww...I mean oooh! :)

We also found some interesting bugs on this beaver chewed stick.

These bugs are in the nymph or adolescent cycle of their lives and actually breathe underwater with gills.

Here is a Caddisfly nymph:

A Mayfly:

A Stonefly:

For more detailed pictures go to the Utah State Bug Lab website by clicking here.

For a more kid-friendly bug guide that you can print out go here.

I highly recommend this guide. It gives the scientific names and drawings for each stage of life for many kinds of aquatic insects. It also lists where to find them {habitat}, and other fun facts.

It will  help you find and identify other types of insects found in stagnant water and ponds as well. 

I also recommend asking your local fly fishing shop for some information on the insects unique to your area. My husband warned that it's wise to ask and do your research beforehand, because some areas have bugs that bite. Good to know!

Be mindful that these insects don't make good pets. We brought ours home and within a few hours they met their demise. They need oxygenated water like the stream water you found them in. If you want to "keep" them look into preserving them as I mentioned at the beginning of the post.

The next time you go on a camping trip or on a hike near some water, consider spending some time bug hunting. Your kids will love you for it!

Thanks having me over today Dianna!

Hope you all are having a terrific day with your kids!

Terrific Tuesdays: Marble Race Track

Hi! I'm Amy from Serving Pink Lemonade. My sister Jeanine and I created our little corner of the blogging world to share some of the fun things we do with our kids to keep them busy and happy. At Serving Pink Lemonade you can find kid crafts and food crafts, homemade toys, learning games, book reviews, travel ideas, projects just for mom, and more. We'd love for you to stop by!

We're excited to be here again at Whatever Dee-Dee Wants today, participating in Terrific Tuesdays.

Pool noodles make for great summer fun. This activity is perfect for summertime when pool noodles can be found at just about every store--but you don't need a swimming pool for this activity. Anyone can do it, and your kids will love it.

To make the race track I took my dollar store pool noodle and cut it in half. I found that a serrated knife made a much cleaner cut than a regular knife. I then used toothpicks to secure each half of the noodle side by side.

Now it's time to get your kids involved. Have them help by making a starting line . . .

And a finish line, along with any other accessories they would like, such as flags.

Then add a box to the bottom of the track to catch all your marbles and you're ready to race.

My kids love this activity. They will race marbles for hours. It's a perfect indoor activity for a rainy day or can be taken outside so you can enjoy some sunshine. I hope you'll give it a try and have as much fun with it as we have!

If you would like to guest post in the Terrific Tuesdays series email me.  
For more Terrific Tuesday posts go here.

Terrific Tuesdays: 75 Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer

Now that summer is here I thought I should (re)share my list of 75 things to do with your kids this summer. The list includes activities for kids of all ages and most everything is free. I also have the list available to print for you.

1. Run through the sprinklers
2. Have a picnic in the park
3. Outdoor movie nights. If you don’t have a free movie night in your area, make your own.  
4.  Make giant bubbles 
5. Go on a hike 
6.  Create your own treasure hunt
7. Take a tour. We have a few fun free tours in SLC like Mrs. Fields Tour and Sweet's Candy Factory Tour.
8. Play bigger or better in your neighborhood
9. Have a side walk chalk contest. Recruit friends and neighbors to compete.
10. Slip and slide
11. Head to the library. Not only can you get some great books but they also have some fun activities and story time.
12. Go fly a kite
13. Tour the fire department
14. Play with animals at your local pound. Some have programs where you can come and walk the dogs.
15. Make your own play dough.
16. Go camping (even if it's in the backyard)
17. Build a float for the 4th of July. If you don't have a 4th of July parade near you make one with the kids on your street.
18. Go roller skating or rollerblading
19. Go for a bike ride
20. Teach your kids the constellations
21. Collect bugs
22. Create your own play or puppet show
23. Gather the kids on your street and play kick the can
24. Have an eating contest
25. Collect and press flowers
26. Create your own garden
27. Learn a dance
28. Make a lemonade stand
29. Tie Dye some t shirts
30. Paint rocks
31. Make ice cream in a bag
32. Build a hut or tree house
33. Go to the local farmer's market. Can you say samples?
34. Make your own Popsicles
35. Start a journal
36. Write a pen pal
37. Make a family tree
38. Have a pillow fight
39. Wake up early to watch the sunrise
40. Go on a hike
41. Have a bubblegum blowing contest
42. Make your own paper bag puppets
43. Change your voicemail recording...make it fun
44. Start a kickball game
45. Feed the ducks
46. Have a toy sale. Encourage your kids to clean out their old toys and games. Let them sell what they don't need anymore.
47. Play Chinese jump rope
48. Do some face painting
49. Make potato stamps
50. Frost and decorate cookies
51. Have a theme movie night
52. Go on a train ride
53. Teach your kids how to budget
54. Visit a local farm
55. Make paper Father's Day ties
56. Go fishing
57. Have a water party
58. Take a walking tour of your town
59. Attend free concerts in the park
60. Play night games
61. Create a neighborhood Olympics
62. Do some tumbling
63. Make and decorate paper mache masks
64. Learn to skip rocks
65. Make S'Mores
66. Play tennis
67. Build little boats to race down the gutter when it rains
68. Head to the swimming pool
69. Visit a splash park
70. Have a car wash and earn a little money
71. Go on a nature walk
72. Cook in the dutch oven for dinner
73. Have a craft day
74. Visit the zoo
75. Finger paint. Use pudding if your kids are small.

Print your list of 75 things to do with your kids this summer here.

If you would like to guest post in the Terrific Tuesdays series email me.  

For more Terrific Tuesday posts go here. 

Terrific Tuesdays- Card Games for Kids

Thanks for having me DeeDee!  I love the Terrific Tuesday series because I know that I need reminders from time to time to do fun things with my children.

I tutor and author a blog called The Tutor House.  I write about engaging ways to tutor children and running a tutoring business.  When ever I get a new student who needs tutoring in math, they've often don't have the basics down.  Flash cards can be great, but sometimes they can be overkill drill practice.

I play with my students (and my own children) card games that work on the basics.  They're learning some valuable skills playing these games.

1.  Basic Math Operations
2.  Problem Solving Skills
3.  Social Skills (waiting turns, good sportsmanship)

I've compiled some directions for a few of my favorites plus a set of playing card math mats for you.

Download the card games here.  Download the playing card mats here.  I hope that you'll have fun playing right along with your children.  When you have a good attitude about playing games and learning, it rubs off on your children too.  Happy Game Time!

If you would like to guest post in the Terrific Tuesdays series email me.  

Terrific Tuesdays- Bug Book Box

Hi, I am visiting from Greene Acres Hobby Farm. When summer was just around the corner, I began thinking about the long 3 months ahead of us, and the Texas heat. My son's can get a little bored without the constant stimulation of school, and it is hard to go outside in the peak heat of the day. I figured my friends might need some boredom busters too, so I dreamed up the summer of the traveling book boxes. It reminds me of the concept of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Have you read the story or seen the movie? It is precious.

My plan was to create multiple themed book boxes with books, games, activities, crafts, and entertainment ideas. We would trade out every 2-3 weeks and get a new box for our kiddos. I tried to make them light at first, so I could ship them back and forth. Then I realized everyone was truly close enough, that we could just drop them off.

I sent out an email to see who might be interested in my crazy plan. I received four positive replies back and I began creating my book boxes. My first book box was themed BUGS!

I sent a printed sheet with this picture and a listing of the contents and activities.

Bug Book Box Contents

·         The Very Ugly Bug by Liz Pichon

·         A Bug, A Bear, And a Boy books (please take a duplicate of one or two of the books and keep it for your collection. Make sure you leave at least one of each book behind for others to read. These are great first readers.)

·         Game: Bug Tic Tac Toe

·         Game: Penny Bug Race-Directions on back

·         Bug Toy-Keep one for your child. Great prize for one of the games

·         Activity-Bug Hunt. Put some dirt in a bucket and let your child dig through to find the bugs.

·         Bug Drinks-Fill bag with water or Gatorade and a few cleaned off plastic bugs. Place a straw in the bag and wrap a rubber band around it. See link for clear instructions:

http://greeneacreshobbyfarm.blogspot.com/2011/08/treasure-drinks-for-summer-fun.html

·         Small silver spider container to serve a snack or candy in for fun.

·         Lady Bug Craft-See sample. All supplies included. (Pipe cleaners, googly eyes, brads, paper and red and black marker)

·         Have fun! Make sure everything on this list is returned to the book box for the next child.

·         Let me know when you have worn out your book box and we will trade. I am hoping to trade about every 3 weeks and just meet up with you. Thanks! Michelle

    I found this great printable bug game pictured above from education.com. Click here to download for free. The first child to receive the bug box opened it to find...

Just remember, you can use any theme and any supplies you have at home. I did not purchase a single item yet to make these boxes. They all came from books and treasures I already had floating around my house, or that I printed off a website.

If the children enjoy these boxes, I would love to do them again next summer. However, I will have each parent design a book box and we will trade back and forth. Summer has just started, so it is never too late to start some traveling book boxes among your friends. Good luck!

Just to introduce myself...I am Michelle from Greene Acres Hobby Farm. I am married with two small boys and I work as a nurse. My boys are just a bit older now...but this picture just makes me laugh and think of a typical day around our house.

 I am always up for creating short and simple crafts for myself, gifts, and for my kids to participate in. I find true joy in just small attempts at creativity. I would love it if you would come visit me. Who knows what kind of project I will be up to next. I will also be posting my other themed book boxes soon. Stay tuned...

If you would like to guest post in the Terrific Tuesdays series email me. 

Terrific Tuesday- Baking with Kids

Hello there! 

My name is Lindsay & I blog over at Southern Lovely.

I am excited to be on this fun 'Terrific Tuesday' series. The whole idea of it is just wonderful.  I LOVE spending quality time with my little ones.  Making those small moments actually mean something.  Life can get really busy & LOUD, and you can easily forget what the most important things are in life.

Today I am going to share one of our FAVORITE things to do together in our home.

These girls of mine have the best time in the kitchen baking something sweet.  Usually there is a mess or two to clean up afterward, but we always have a great time--and lots of giggles are usually heard as well. :) 

On this particular day we decided to bake something I saw on Pinterest, my favorite go-to site. :)  I saw this great idea of mixing cookies & brownies, and I knew I was in. :)

Did I mention we like to keep things simple around here??
I'm sure you could go the homemade route with each of these.
Thanks to Pillsbury & Duncan Hines for saving us some time. :)

After these sweet little hands were clean, it was time to get baking!

They dumped all the ingredients for the brownie mix into the bowl

Then stirred, and stirred some more. :)
They did a good job mixing it all together. 

I feel like I didn't need to lift a finger throughout this, since they did all the work.  Don't you love how color coordinated all the cupcake liners are??
Yep, that is my little kindergartener, she loves to sort things!

We smashed the cookie dough into each liner, then topped with the brownie mix.
Pretty simple, right?!  Oh you just wait, these are AMAZING, I'm not joking.

Bake @ 350 degrees for 18-23 minutes
(it took ours 23 minutes)

Let cool, then dig in!
Trust me, you will enjoy every bite of it.

Chocolate covered hands & faces were the final product of this tasty treat.  There is nothing I love more, than spending those small moments together & making memories at the same time.

Thanks for letting me share here today!
Stop by anytime & say hi!