Idea Box

Here are some books we’ve recently enjoyed reading!

If you volunteered to make a batch for the school this week or just want to have tons of fun at home, here is the basic recipe to create a non-toxic toy that inspires the imagination and encourages creativity.

Creates a large batch.  You can cut the recipe proportionately if you want to make at home for your family.

What You Need:

• 6 cups flour
• 3 cups salt
• 6 cups water (add food coloring to the water)
• 10 tablespoons oil
• 4 tablespoons cream of tartar

What You Do:

1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Pour the dough mixture into the pan on the stove.
3. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until a ball forms.
4. Take out of the pan and knead.  When cool, store in a ziploc bag.

•  Spices can be added to the dry ingredients before you put the mixture on the stove

The kids loved Teacher Tess’s yummy cinnamon apple recipe!  It’s super easy and makes a delicious and healthy treat!

First peel and slice the apples (as many as you want).  Sprinkle with cinnamon and microwave or bake until the apples are soft and there is a nice sauce from the cinnamon. Enjoy!

Once children start drawing in a coloring book, they may feel their own creative drawings are not good enough.  The adult drawing in the coloring book now looks more realistic to them and their art may feel “not as good.”

In a coloring book picture, all the child has to do is try to stay in the lines to keep the picture looking “good.” Some parents and teachers will praise “Look how you stayed in the lines!” This leads children to believe that staying in the lines, and coloring in other people’s pictures, is good art.

• Coloring books take away the chance for children to show their version of the world through their own creative expression.
• Coloring books can actually be obstacles to artistic development.
• Coloring books can suppress the creation of original art.

Giving children blank pages to draw their own pictures has unlimited benefits.  Children can draw whatever they want and they can use more creative self-expression.  Their creative skills are enhanced with each drawing.

Never ignore your child’s pictures, talk to them about their drawings, and write down what they say. Undoubtedly you’ll learn something new about your child.

25 tried and true activities for when kids say “I’m Bored” Continue reading →

Make rainbows and fun anytime.  Continue reading →

Slimy Flubber Gak: not quite liquid, not quite solid, quite a lot of fun for your preschooler.

What You Need:

• 5 tablespoons Borax
• 2 cups Elmers glue (Elmers works better than other brands)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup hot water
• Liquid Watercolor or Food Coloring optional

What You Do:

1. Mix 2 cups of glue and 1 1/2 cups water in a big bowl.  Add color if desired.
2. In the extra cup of hot water, dissolve the 5 tablespoons of Borax. Stir it well.
3. After it has dissolved, pour the Borax mixture slowly (and a little at a time) into the glue and water mixture.
4. Watch it coagulate!
5. Mix with your hands or a sturdy wooden spoon.
6. At first it is wet and slimy, but keep kneading until it becomes one big gak ball!

• It will keep in an airtight container or sealed bag for a few weeks.
• Use straws to blow big flubber bubbles.
• Soak fabric in vinegar to remove GAK from clothes. (If you use food coloring it will stain!)