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March 19, 2010

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Spring into Exploring with your Kids!

If you were like me, you enjoyed what the outdoors offered these past few days.  Whether it's a walk through your neighborhood or exploring your backyard or park for signs of Spring, you and your kids will be surprised at all the wonderful things you'll find.  Finding free outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family isn’t as hard as it sounds. Here are some easy ideas to help you enjoy the great outdoors:

1. Enjoy a backyard scavenger hunt. Make a list of natural items, appropriate for the season and location, and send the kids out to search your backyard. Everyday items for the list would include leaves, twigs or branches (you will most likely find many since our rainy weather last weekend), stones, acorns, bark and more. I found an interesting website on scavenger hunts called Geocaching. More details when you scroll to the bottom of this page.

2. Put up a bird feeder (a great Spring Project- scroll to the bottom to make one with your kids).

3. Read a book or do homework outside.  My son, Hunter & I did that for the past few days and he LOVED it! Find a quiet place to sit down in your yard or a park and
get to work.

4. Begin to find places in your yard where you want to plant some flowers.  We found some great spots and Hunter is uber excited to use his gardening tools.

5. Remember when you use to play Red Light, Green Light, Around the World or Hopscotch?  Try going back to the basics and seeing how much fun your kids will have.  More ideas on fun games when you scroll to the bottom of this page.

6. Evening hours - what a great way to sit outside and admire the nighttime sky and doing a simple astronomy activity such as counting how many stars you can find or simply listening to the sounds of nature.   

These simple fun filled activities can engage your entire family and help build an appreciation of nature/outdoors and the start of Spring.

March 19th --- Kid Stuff Consignment Sale

The Mothers Center of Central New Jersey will hold its semi-annual kids stuff consignment sale on Friday, March 19th from 7:30-9pm and Saturday March 20th from 9am-12pm followed by a half-price sale on Saturday from 1-3pm. The sale features gently used spring and summer clothing in sizes from newborn to children's 12. Other merchandise will include children's toys, videos and books, sports equipment and bikes, and strollers and other baby equipment.

If you are interested in consigning your unwanted children's clothes or toys, visit website or leave a detailed message at 908-561-1751. Proceeds of the sale benefit the Mother's Center of Central New Jersey, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization providing friendship, education, outreach, and support for all parents across central New Jersey. Cash only, no strollers admitted.


MOTHERS CENTER ANNOUNCES SPRING OPEN HOUSE


 Calling all moms… The Mothers Center of Central New Jersey will hold their Spring Open House on Monday, April 5th from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Garwood Presbyterian Church at 341 Spruce Avenue in Garwood.

What is a Mothers’ Center? It’s a place to meet other moms in a warm, welcoming setting that is attuned to the changes and challenges that come with motherhood.   It is a place where friendships blossom for both mother and child.

Founded in 1978, The Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey offers discussion groups, craft groups, book clubs, social events and playgroups.  Our on-site childcare allows mom to dedicate a small amount of time to herself knowing that her child is socializing in a supervised, caring, fun atmosphere.  Our eight week spring session begins in April and includes the following groups:

On-site babysitting is available for the following daytime groups.
       “Knitting”, led by a skilled knitting instructor this group is designed for those interested in learning to knit, or those wanting to improve their knitting skills,
       “A-Z” offers 90 minutes of uninterrupted time to devote to projects such as organizing photos, clipping coupons, scrap-booking, balancing the checkbook or reading the newspaper while you chat with other moms.
       “Gardening” a four-week gardening course led by a Master Gardener.  Green thumbs not required.
       “Women’s Forum” is our signature discussion group that explores the many roles of womanhood.  The topics will be set each week by the group members, and focuses on finding joy everyday, building friendships, and living beyond a routine.

The following daytime groups are dedicated to giving the mother and child an opportunity to play and socialize together:
“Morning Playgroup”, Moms and kids enjoying each others’ company in free play in the childcare room filled with age-appropriate toys, puzzles, coloring, and books.
“Kids Art” Mom and Child have fun together with art based activities appropriate for children 18 months to 5 years old.
“Mom & Baby”, If you are a mom who’d like to get together with other new moms and their babies then this is the group for you. Informal discussions focused on moms with 0-9 month olds. We support breast and bottle-feeding.

The Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey is non-profit, non-sectarian organization and is a member of the National Association of Mothers’ Centers.  

New members are welcome at any time.  

For more information, call (908) 561-1751 or visit our website at http://westfieldnj.com/mccnj.


Free Hair Care Classes

VP Salon in Westfield is launching their hair master class series for women with a free class focusing on Blow Dry Basic Techniques on Tue, April 6th from 6:30-8:30 pm. Open to the public, the class will be a one on one with an education on basic techniques.

VP Salon owner and lead stylist Victor Passucci will speak about how to properly blow dry hair and participants will work individually with team members to get their concerns and needs addressed. Participants will have their hair washed and dried as they learn how to blow dry it for maximum results.

Space is limited. RSVP to info@vpsalonwestfield.com. For more information about VP Salon visit www.vpsalonwestfield.com.


A Pretty Pixel

Welcome Spring!

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As winter melts into spring, let Terry Geerdts capture the spring moments of your kids as nature begins to bloom once again.
Terry Geerdt, photographer and owner of A Pretty Pixel photography is located in Metuchen New Jersey.  She specializes in maternity, newborn, and children’s portraiture. She works in her studio, in your home or on location and is best known for ‘day in the life’ photojournalistic style shooting. She also does weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, reunions, and other events.
A Pretty Pixel is best known for modern fun portraits focusing on the expression and true being of the subject(s).   Her newborn photography has been compared to that of Anne Geddes the famous baby photographer.  
At A Pretty Pixel, Terry's motto is  "it isn't just a photo, because life = art". 
For more information please visit:www.aprettypixel.com(732) 910-9647

This Week's Calendar:

March 20th through April 9th

Saturday, March 20 - A Year with Frog & Toad

Follow two great friends, the cheerful and popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad, through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, they proceed to plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, and go sledding. The life lessons they learn along the way include one about friendship and rejoicing in the attributes that make each of us different and special.
Where: Papermill Playhouse Brookside Drive Millburn NJ
When: 10:00 AM
Who: ages 5-11
How: Purchase tixs online www.papermill.org
Cost of event: $12-$15
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, March 20 - Bob Abadou, aka Mr. Puppet

Mr. Puppet returns to the Penny Pretzel Playhouse with his eclectic assortment of puppets and fun.
Where: The Baird 5 Mead Street South Orange, NJ
When: 2:00 PM
Who:  
How: Call 973-378-7754
Cost of event:
$9.00 for all children's programs
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, March 21 - Spider and Salamanders

Program featuring discussion and display of unique 18th century cooking tools.  Program includes 18th century open hearth cooking as well as tours of the Miller Cory farmhouse.
Where: Miller-Cory House Museum 614 Mountain Avenue Westfield, NJ
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: all ages
How:
Cost of event: $2.50 for adults; $1.00 for students; children under four are free.
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, March 21 - Meet the Children's Author: Christopher DeSilvio

The Cranford Historical Society is proud to present "Meet the Children's Author" Christopher DeSilvio, author of "Herb's First Haircut".
Where: Crane-Phillips House Living History Museum, 124 N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: open to all
How: show up
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, March 21 - J Connection Matzah Magic

Don't miss this exciting program where families will learn about Passover and create fantastic keepsake crafts to decorate the Passover table. As always, there will be wonderful songs, stories, puppets and food!
Where: Jewish Community Center of Central NJ, 1391 Martine Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ
When: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: open to all
How:
Cost of event: At the door, space permitting: 1st child $20, each additional child $15 Adults FREE
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, March 21 - Alice in Wonderland

Step through the looking glass and enter an enchanting world where excitement and fun go hand in hand in this musical based on Lewis Carroll’s classic that features larger-than-life puppets.
Where: Mayo Center for the Performing Arts 100 South St Morristown NJ
When: 4:00 PM
Who: elementary school age
How:
Cost of event: One free child with each adult ticket purchased. Limit 4 ticket max. Promo code 10FAMILY
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Monday, March 22 - Storytime Tuesday Mornings

Barnes and Noble is a tried and true hangout for toddlers and this event seems to have been designed for this purpose.  The kids area is large, has a stage area, seating and a train set for kids to play.  Even better a cafe for snack attacks and a plethora of books and magazines. Two stories will be read to your child and afterwards they are given a coloring sheet that is related to the story.
Where: Barnes & Noble (1180 Raritan Road Clark, NJ 07066) 732-574-1818
When:  10:00 am - 10:30 am
Who: up to 4 years
How: show up to event
Cost of event: free
For more info: visit their website: www.bn.com or call (732) 574-1818
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, March 23 - Whole Grains


      Cooking demonstration showing the powerful properties of whole grains. Featuring chef and Registered Dietitian Diane Weeks
Where: 2120 Lamberts Mill Rd, Scotch Plains, NJ
When: 6:00 PM
Who: open to all
How:
Cost of event: free
For more info:  http://www.rwjuhr.com
Add to My Macaroni

Wednesday, March 24 - 17th Annual Awareness Expo

The Awareness Expo is a symposium designed for parents and educators and promises to be a rewarding and educational way to spend an evening learning about issues that impact school-age children. Professional development hours will also be offered for educators for many of the presentations.
Where: Thomas Alva Edison Intermediate School, 800 Rahway Ave, Westfield, NJ
When: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Who: open to all
How:
Cost of event: free
For more info: specialedparents@westfieldnjk12.org or visit www.westfieldnjk12.org/specialedparents
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, March 25 - Frog Jamboree

The spring peepers and wood frogs are calling from the vernal pools. Learn about these two frogs and listen to their chorus
Where: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center 247 Southern Blvd. Chatham, NJ
When: 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Who: all ages
How:  Please call 973-635-6629 to register
Cost of event: $3 per person
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, March 27 - Annual Indoor East Egg Hunt

Thousands of eggs hidden beneath the hay in one of our greenhouses. Bring your camera because the Easter Bunny will bere as well! Come early because the hunt starts promptly.
Where:  Parker Gardens, 1325 Terrill Rd, Scotch Plains, N
When: n/a
Who: Kids ages 3-6 @ 2:00pm, Kids ages 7-10 @ 2:45 pm
How: Call to register 908-322-5552
Cost of event:
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, March 27 - Open House at Westfield Day Care Center

Please join us for our Open House on March 27th from 11:00am - 2:00pm at The Westfield Day Care Center.We are currently enrolling students for the Summer and Fall classes.
Where: Westfield Day Care Center, 140 Mountain Ave, Westfield, NJ
When: n/a
Who: open to all
How: call 908-232-6717
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, March 27 - Spring Craft Fair

Spring Craft Fair at David Brearley High School
Where: 401 Monroe Avenue Kenilworth, NJ
When: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: all ages
How: show up
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, March 27 - Miss Jackie's Easter Egg…Stravaganza


Join us for a fun-filled class of coloring Easter eggs, making chocolate treats, and baking hot cross buns. The class would not be complete without stuffing an adorable bunny to take home.
Where: Classic Thyme Cooking 710 South Avenue West Westfield NJ
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: ages 5-10
How: Call to register 908-232-5445
Cost of event: $35.00 per child
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, March 27 - Tuckers' Tales Puppet Theatre

Cirkus combines a lively puppet variety show format with lovable circus characters for children.
Where: Westfield Memorial Library
When: 10:30 AM
Who: age 4 and older
How: Online registration required, since space is limited.
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2 - Vacation Play Days during Spring Break

 Looking for something FUN and SAFE for your  children to do over Spring Break??? Karate N Motion is offering Play Days. Skills, drills and Agility games along with a WII competition in the pm with more obstacle course and skill games. 
Where: Karate N Motion, 1006 South Avenue W, Westfield, NJ
When: 8:00-4:30 or 1/2 days 8:00-12:00 or 12:30-4:30.
Who: Open to All
How: Call to sign up 908-232-6440.  Space is limited to 20 children!
Cost of event: $40.00 full day, $25.00 1/2 day. 
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Monday, April 5 through Monday, May 24 - Tots' Storytime.

Listen to stories and do an activitiy. Dates: Mon-days, April 5 through May 24. Child must have their own full-service library card.
Where: Westfield Memorial Library
When: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Who: 2 1/2 - 3 1/2
How: No pre-registration required.
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, April 6 - Preschool Storytime

Listen to stories and do an activity.  Dates: Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 27, May 4, 11, 18 and 25. Time: 1:30-2 p.m. OR Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19 and 26. Time: 10-10:30 a.m. No session on Tuesday, April 20.
Where: Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street Westfield, NJ
When: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: ages: 3 1/2 - 5
How: show up
Cost of event: free
For more info: Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only.
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, April 8 through Thursday, May 27 - Toddler Time.

 Stories, songs, finger plays and move-ment activities. . Parent or caregiver attends with child. Dates: Thursdays April 8 through May 27. Time: 10-10:20 a.m. Children must have their own full-service Westfield Library card.
Where: Westfield Memorial Library
When: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Who: For babies and toddlers up to age 3
How: No pre-registration required.
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, April 9 through Friday, June 18 - Storytime at Creative Kids-Fall Schedule

Join us for our Friday morning storytime!  Cuddle up and enjoy interactive storytime with “Stories in Motion.”  Please note: FREE Storytime EVERY FRIDAY! Dates: April 9th - June 18th
Where: Creative Kids (1008 South Ave W. Westfield, NJ)
When: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: ages 6 mos - 5 years
How: RSVP to 908-232-4949 or info@creativekidsnj.com.
Cost of event: free
For more info: For more info visit online at www.creativekidsnj.com
Add to My Macaroni

Teen Scene:

Sunday, March 21 - Teen Writers

 Take part in some fun activities and writing exercises to improve your writing technique. Jonathan Dickstein is the instructor. Materials will be provided and refreshments will be served.
Where: Westfield Memorial Library, 550 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ
When: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: grades 9-12
How:
Cost of event: free
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Plan Ahead:

February 1st through April 3rd

Monday, February 1 through Monday, March 22 - Winter One Day Workshops

Hedgehog & Feather Theatre Co., based in Westfield, has begun registration for seven exciting one-day theatre workshops.  Workshops in Puppetry, Mask Making, Theatre Games, Prop Play, Stage Combat, Hat making and Duct Tape Costume Accessories.  All workshops are an hour and a half and run Mondays in February and March.  (Feb 1st - Mar 22nd)
Where: 414 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ 07090 (St. Paul's Parish Hall)
When: n/a
Who: Grades 1-3 have the 4:00pm - 5:30pm  slot and grades 4-6 attend from 5:30pm-7:00pm
How: Visit Website: http://www.hedgehogandfeather.org OR call  (908) 578-0756
Cost of event: $30 or $35 per class
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, March 20 - Breakfast with the Bunny

Join the Easter Bunny for an extra special breakfast. Children will also be able to get their picture taken (please bring your own camera), make a simple craft and of course meet the guest of honor, the Easter Bunny.
Where: Cranford Community Center
When: 9:30 AM (or 11:00am)
Who: all ages
How: Tickets are available on line at www.cranfordjwc.com or at the following Cranford locations: The Library and Periwinkles Fine Gifts. You can also contact Kristine Farley at 908-931-9124. Seating is limited so get your tickets early!
Cost of event: $5 per person with breakfast for everyone.
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, March 27 - Sharing the Quilts XXVII





Celebrating quilts as art and functional design with an emphasis on education and bringing traditional needlearts to all generations.
Where: Willow Grove Presbyterian Church, 1961 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, NJ
When: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Who:
How: show up
Cost of event: $6.00 per Adult / $3 per child under 12 years old.
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, April 3 - Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch

Get ready for Easter with our eggs-ordinary Easter egg hunt followed by a delicious brunch!
Where: The Language and Enrichment Center 551 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ Suite #6,
When: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Open to all
How:
Cost of event: $40 per class, $30 if you register for 3 or more classes
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, April 3 - Annual Easter Egg Hunt


Children will explore the grounds of Liberty Hall searching for plastic eggs hidden throughout the landscape, filled with holiday treats. A surprise visit from the Easter Bunny caps off the events.
Where: Liberty Hall Museum 1003 Morris Ave Union NJ
When: 12:00 PM
Who:
How: Reservations required
Cost of event: $5 per child
For more info:
Add to My Macaroni

Arthur's Back!

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  Over the years, ARTHUR has celebrated kids with all kinds of abilities and featured many types of friendships. As part of season 13, ARTHUR welcomes back familiar faces and introduces new friends with unique stories to tell.  Five new episodes premiere Monday, April 5 on PBS KIDS GO!   One very special episode is "When Carl Met George" - George discovers that Carl has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, and that Carl sees the world a bit differently than George and many kids.  Despite their differences, George and Carl become great pals - and learn a lot from each other.  The story is followed by a live-action segment featuring kids with Asperger's and autism. 
 

Macaroni Reads

All you have to do is read

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  Reading aloud to a child is important to their language development and builds a foundation for their future success as a reader. It's a magic moment when a child catches on to the connection between what their parent is reading and the words on the page of a book.    Strong reading skills make everything easier in the education world.  And if your child becomes a strong reader it will in turn alleviate pressure when other subjects may present challenges. Children take to reading eagerly and naturally.   A little encouragement of this natural curiosity goes a long way - and the child does all the real work.   Read to Your Child Everyday - it's important to be relaxed and unhurried.  If time doesn't permit, bring books along where you go.  Even if children are left to explore the books on their own, the fact that you bring books shows the child the importance of reading to you.   Read and Re-Read - Be patient and read your child's favorites a few times, especially if they request them specifically.  Kids are new to stories and when something catches them they want to relive it over and over again.   Read it Right - Take the time to read the story well. Children know the difference. If you read without enthusiasm your child will lose interest and probably feel like he's putting you out. If reading becomes a chore or - worse yet - a source of stress, it will have reverse the desired effect.   Choosing the Right Book - Take seriously what your child tells you about the books they like. You'll catch on pretty fast to their interests and you'll be able to guide their choices while respecting their tastes. Go to the library together. Let them respond to what they see and let them have a say in the decision.   Build a Home Library - Think about collecting the classics; you might even discover a forgotten yearning in yourself for a long lost favorite. Give books a place of honor in your home. Teach your children to respect them and care for them.   All you have to do is read.


--

Easter Craft Alert

Easter Art Glittered with Crushed Egg Shells

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Supplies for Crushed Eggs Shell Craft:

    * colored egg shells
    * pencil
    * glue
    * heavy cardstock paper
    * tray

First color dye some hard-boiled eggs. You’ll get about 6-7 good pictures out of that. You could even leave the egg shells white if you wanted to, for a bunny or a lamb.
Let the eggs dry, then crack them open and save all the shell pieces. You’ll need to let all the shell pieces dry again for a little while as they are wet from the inside egg. Then place the egg shells in a plastic baggie and crush them to small bits.
Get some paper and place it on a tray or newspaper. With your pencil, draw an image, then trace your glue on top of the image. You can make Easter Eggs, a bunny or a basket..
Sprinkle your egg shells over the glue. Shake off the extra, putting the extra back into the bag.
Let the images dry for a bit, then you can display them for Easter. There are many other Spring and Easter images to glitter with crushed egg shells. These could be framed or given as an Easter card.

Geocaching

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Geocaching from Wikipedia is an outdoor activity in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container (usually a tupperware or ammo box) containing a logbook.

The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online.

If you go to the following website: www.geocaching.com, you will find plenty of information to get started on a Hide & Seek Cache Hunt.  They even have a video to show you what happens in a geocache and steps to follow.  This is a great activity enjoyed by clubs, families and individuals. It is a sport that aids physical health, with lots of outdoor activity, as well as mental stimulation, with geocachers tracking a fun "prize."  The best part, your kids will have a great time with this modern type hide and seek game.  And, it also prepares them for their Easter Egg Hunt as well.

Have fun!


Craft Alert

Making different types of Bird Feeders

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Pine Cone Bird Feeder
One of the simplest feeders to make is the pine cone bird feeder.

Materials: Pine cone, string, wild bird seed.

1. Tie the string tightly to the top of the pine cone.
2. Cover the cone with the type of bird feed you want to use. You can swathe peanut butter all over the pine cone and roll it around in bird seeds, or you smear suet onto the cone and leave it plain.

Hanging Bird Treats

Another easy way to involve your kids in bird feeding is to let them help you with these easy to make treats.

Materials: Bagel or bread cubes, peanut butter, shortening or lard, bird seed, string

1. Mix the peanut butter with an equal amount of shortening.

2. Spread the mixture onto the bagel.

3. Tie the string around the bagel.

4. Hang it up outside, on a tree or wherever you please.

An alternative to this would be to make a long string of bread cubes and hang it up for birds to enjoy.

Donut CerealFeeder

You can use donut shaped cereal to create this necklace type bird feeder.

Materials: Donut shaped cereal, string or yarn, pen or pencil

1. Tie one end of the yarn to the pencil.

2. String pieces of donut shaped cereal through the loose end of the yarn.

3. Undo the pencil, and tie the two ends of the yarn together.

4. Hang outside for the birds to enjoy.

Simple Ground Feeder

Some birds prefer to eat off or near the ground. This simple feeder can be made just for them!

Materials: Aluminum pie plate or tray, bird seeds

1. Clean your plate or tray.

2. Poke some small holes onto your plate for drainage. (The adults should do this step.)

3. Spread your bird seeds around the tray.

4. Place on or slightly above the ground.

Cookie Cutter Feeders

Another fun and easy way to get your kids involved in feeding the birds!
Materials: Bread slices (stale), cookie cutters, yarn

1. Cut the bread slices into different shapes using cookie cutters.

2. Make a small hole in the middle of the bread. You can use a straw for this.

3. Thread the yarn through the hole and tie.

4. Hang outside.

Bottle or Milk Carton Bird Feeders

A slightly complicated version, the use of bottles or milk cartons as bird feeders is a good way to get your kinds involved in recycling.

Materials: Milk carton or plastic bottle, string, scissors (adults should help their kids in handling scissors), bird seed

1. Clean your carton or bottle well. Allow to dry thoroughly.

2. Poke two holes through the top of your bottle or carton.

3. Thread a string through the holes and tie together. This will serve as the hanger for your feeder.

4. Cut out a window at the front area, leaving enough for a base to put your seeds in. Adults should help their children with this step.

5. Fill with bird seed and hang outside.

NOTE: you can make your own mix of birdseed by combining a variety of nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds, millet, thistle seeds and yellow corn

Outdoor Game Ideas

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Oh the joys of childhood...as parents we can basically channel our inner child by introducing your children to some good old fashion games. 

Here are some fun ideas: (I'll post more in the next newsletter)

1. Capture the Flag

How to Play:
Divide a large group into two teams. Each team has one side of a playing field for their territory. A neutral line divides the middle of the field, and if crossed, puts you in your opponent's territory. Each team also has a flag either hidden or visible (you choose) at the far edge of their territory.

The Game:
When in your own team's territory, you are safe. If you get tagged on your opponent's territory, you must go to Jail at the back of your opponent's territory. The goal is to get into the opponent's territory and move their flag back to your side. If you accomplish this and don't get tagged, your team wins.

Jail:
If you get captured and put in jail, you can be freed if a member of your own team makes it all the way to the opponents jail and tags you. Then the two of you have "free walk-backs" to your own territory.

2. Hopscotch

3. Jump Rope

4. HORSE

In Horse, the object is to NOT accrue the five letters, H-O-R-S-E. Often, the shots in Horse are trick shots and lucky shots designed to make the other person miss.

The Rules: With two players, player #1 is allowed to shoot from anywhere on the court. If he makes the shot, then player #2 must duplicate the same shot from the same position. If player #2 misses, he receives the first "letter" from the word "horse" - an "H".

However, if player #1 missed his original shot; then player #2 would be free to shoot from anywhere on the court and, if he makes it, force player #1 to try and duplicate his made shots.

A player loses the game once he spells the word HORSE.

5. Follow the Leader

Object of game -  Try and follow everything the leader does.  Children line up in a line and do everything the leader of the line does.   There is no winner or loser in the game of follow the leader.  Children take turns leading and following.
Set up the game  Choose who will be the leader. All the other children playing will line up behind the leader in a single file line.

Play: The leader leads the group any direction they want and tries to make up funny things for everyone to do after them. Skip, turn in circles, summersault, crab walk etc. If any player messes up or refuses to follow the leader they are out. The last one standing is the new leader.

6. Mother May I

Object of the Game: By following different commands the winner of Mother May I is the first one to reach the “mother”

What to do first: Choose who will be the mother. Have the mother stand at one end of the playing area and the rest of the children line up side by side at the opposite end of the yard.
How to Play: “Mother” calls each child by name one at a time and tells them to take a random number of steps towards them. For example the “mother” will say “Bobby, take 3 giant steps.” Before the player takes the steps they must ask the “mother” .. “Mother may I?”. The mother then answers “Yes you may.” The player then may take the steps towards the “mother”.

If the player forgets to ask “Mother may I?” after getting directions on the type of steps he should take he must go back to the starting line or home.

The first player to reach “mother” gets to be the new “mother”. The types of steps should vary with each child. Some examples are: giant, tiny, baby, crawling, twirling, backwards, marching steps.

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