Sidewalk Chalk to the Rescue!

Wednesday, April 07, 2010 Aimee Larsen 1 Comments

You can't just give a kid or in my case, kids, a bucket of sidewalk chalk and expect them to know what to do with it.  Well, not my kids anyway.  They just sort of scribble a little line here and there and have no imagination with such a big canvas and such cool mediums.  

So, with a little direction, these kids are inspired to draw and play for hours.  Check out the community they drew and it even has it's own helicopter landing pad and train station and pond for fishing.


Once the creativity starts flowing all kinds of creations start to emerge.  Big man even thought it would be a good idea to have a giant helicopter.



Even the fire truck found parking at the train station.


Another idea, would be to make your own sidewalk chalk paint.  Skip To My Lou has a recipe that would be super fun on a warm sunny day to keep the kids busy.



CLICK HERE to visit Skip to My Lou to enjoy her fun spin on sidewalk chalk.










photo by Skip To My Lou

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The Importance of Playdoh

Tuesday, April 06, 2010 Aimee Larsen 8 Comments

Sometimes, we are scared to give our little ones playdoh. What if they eat it? What if they get it in the carpet? What about cleaning it up? Playdough is very important for your child. It just takes some supervision on your part but if you're like me, you just let'em have at it and then clean up the mess as long as they sit in their seats at the table.


The mess isn't bad as long as you make a rule that it stay on the kitchen table or any hard surface you prefer for easy clean up. I do them outdoors...

and indoors...

Why is it so important???

It helps your child develop those little muscles in his fingers and hands. Think about it. There is work involved in using playdoh: pounding, stretching, pulling, squeezing, cutting, etc. When children use playdoh together or with you they are also learning to share. Talking about colors and shapes of playdoh also increases language and you can even talk about the things they make. 

 Below are some tips...
1. Always supervise.
2. Create with them.
3. Provide safe tools.
(cookie cutters, play utensils, rolling pins and plastic scissors)
4. You can protect your surface by purchasing a cheap plastic tablecloth.
5. Provide lotsw of colors, let them mix the colors. Playdoh is cheap!
6. Make your own playdough together. (see below)
This is an edible version! YUMMM!

 
Make Your Own Standard Playdough!
This one is not so edible...
1 cup of flour
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of salt
2 tbsp cream of tartar
1 tbsp veggie oil
Food coloring (wait)
Mix ingredients together (except food coloring) ina saucepan.
Cook over low to medium heat, stir continuously until mixture forms a ball.
Let it cool slightley, knead in the food coloring in your hands.
Store in a airtight container.
Have fun with your kids using playdough!
However, let it go if your child gets sick of it. There will be plenty of chances to play together.
Recipe and some tips from www.chartart.org/playdough.htm


Oh, and take pictures!!!

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Boys Lounge Wear coming soon!

Monday, April 05, 2010 Aimee Larsen 3 Comments


Now, why wouldn't you want a sweet set of Lounge Pants and matching shirts?
Hmmm?


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