Listen up parents - I've got some big, important things to share today and I just know you're going to love all of them. First, an awesome giveaway in which, drumroll please... One lucky MPMK reader is going to win a brand new Surface! Bet that got your attention, huh? My husband just bought our family's first Surface about a month ago and we really love it so when I found out I'd be working with Microsoft on their Bing in the Classroom campaign, I had the idea that it might be … [Read more...]
Best Play Dough, Slime & Other Sensory Activities for Kids
It's no secret we love DIY play dough, slime, and other sensory activities around here. Hands-on play not only leads to increased creativity and fine-motor development (which is important for things like writing), it's also a fabulous boredom buster. Play dough and sensory boxes are some of our go-to activities when the weather is bad or mom needs some time to pay bills, do laundry, etc. Recently the folks over at eHow's Mom Channel asked me to roundup some of my favorite playtime posts … [Read more...]
Build a “Play Dough Tool Kit”
Top Image Credit (cropped, text and other photos added below): © Nicola | 04.09.11 | CC by 2.0 My son LOVES play dough. I mean, really. It's almost an obsession. And you know what? I don't blame him. I remember loving play dough as a kid, myself. There's just something magical about it. It's a blank slate of 3D creativity. Besides, I can't think of a better obsession for a pre-schooler. We all know that children (and adults, for that matter) learn best when their senses are engaged. Think … [Read more...]
Make it: Mother’s Day Trinket Dish
I don't know about you, but my baubles always end up all over the place. Probably because I am constantly trying to keep up with a toddler and an 8 month-old. But even on my dresser, where most of my jewelry accumulates, I have no place to collect it all the stray pieces. Enter: the Trinket Dish. I saw something similar at Anthropologie and thought it would make the perfect Mother's Day gift (I know I'd want one). Plus, it's so easy to make. First I scoured our local dollar store for … [Read more...]
Chalkboard Flower Pots for Mom, Teacher, or Your Own Windowsill
It's Teacher Appreciation week next week - do you have something special picked out for the educators in your kids' lives? If not we've totally got you covered with an easy DIY you can use to appreciate a teacher, for Mother's Day, or even as a hostess thank-you gift. Here's Janssen with the full details... One of the things that makes me happiest in the spring is live plants. They look so vibrant and remind me that winter really is winding down. Whether you're looking for a simple Mother's … [Read more...]
DIY Mother’s Day Watercolor Card and Vintage Glassware Set
Mother's Day is just a little over 3 weeks away, which means that if you're looking to go handmade then now is the time to get planning. Here are two of my favorite DIY projects from last year, both of which I put together for eHow's Mom Channel: Watercolor Mother's Day Cards Stenciled Vintage Glassware Set Both activities are perfectly suited for the kids to help, or for you to tackle on your own once they're in bed - enjoy! P.S. Did you know that facebook has recently … [Read more...]
Ultimate Play Dough Play Resources – All in One Spot
Image Credit (cropped & text added): © Chris Parfitt | 05.11.08 | CC by 2.0 You know we can't get enough of play dough play around here. Today Amanda of Not Just Cute is back with everything we need to maximize the kids' interest in play dough play as well as ideas on how to maximize the learning benefits of this fabulous art material. Read on for the ultimate round-up of play dough recipes and activities! Play dough is a staple of childhood. Like story time and hide and seek, it's an … [Read more...]
How to Set Up an Invitation to Create for Your Child
Need some great kid art and creativity ideas? Look no further. I'm super excited to introduce you guys to Rachelle today. Her blog, TinkerLab, is an AMAZING resource for growing creative, innovative, critical thinking kids. What I love most about Rachelle is that despite her impressively intimidating credentials (has a Masters in Arts Education from Harvard, oversaw school programs at the San Jose Museum of Art, lectures on Visual Thinking Strategies at Stanford University, and worked on … [Read more...]
DIY Terrariums: Kids’ Teacher Appreciation Project
This is easily one of my favorite projects for teaching kids about planting. C and I originally made these cheerful succulent gardens for his preschool teacher on Teacher Appreciation Day but you could easily adapt the project for a variety of occasions. Use the chalkboard labels to write a special message for Mom on Mother's Day or simply to record the name of the plants you select. Go here to get the full tutorial and make sure you don't forget the colorful dinosaurs! Here are a few … [Read more...]