School's Out for Summer!

It’s hard to believe, but by the end of this month another school year will be over and the kids will be looking for things to do over the summer!   Help them tap into their creative side with these ‘gearing up for summer’ crafts     

Looking Back PlaceMat: 

A fun project to showcase the highlights of the school year

Supplies: 2 pieces clear self-adhesive book covering (cut to ~ 8.5x11 or 9x12), items from the school year such as drawings, special projects and photos that can be cut for a keepsake collage.  Other decorating supplies such as magazine clippings, glitter, or stickers. 

Directions:  Remove backing from first piece of book covering.  Place your items on the sticky surface, being sure to spread them around so that they will be easy to see.  Add other decorations such as sparkles or magazine clippings.  Remember to include the year, a handprint, and child's name (written by them if they can!)  Once you have a collage that you are happy with, cover with second piece of self-adhesive book covering.

Tip: expand this reflective project idea by making an ‘About Me’ Scrapbook.  Get the supplies here!       

Did you try this craft?  Send us your comments and photos!

Sidewalk Chalk Drawings:

A simple changing of the canvas (from concrete to construction paper) to keep sidewalk chalk interesting!

Supplies: black construction paper, coloured sidewalk chalk, sprayer bottle or squirt gun filled with water

Directions: Decorate the construction paper with sidewalk chalk drawings.   Once your drawing is complete, lay flat and spray or squirt with water.  Watch the colours blend together!  Leave your picture to air dry.  Tip:  Work outside so you don’t need to worry about the mess.       

Did you try this craft?  Send us your comments and photos!

Kitchen with Kids - Super Smoothy Popsicles

Head the ice cream truck off at the pass by having these tasty treats ready in the freezer!  

• 1 ½ cups apple juice or other fruit juice
• 1 cup strawberries, washed and hulled
• 2 bananas

Combine all ingredients in blender.  Blend until smooth.  Pour into popsicle mold and freeze until solid.  To remove, run hot water over the popsicle you are removing, and gently pull out of mold.

Simple Science- Be a Bee

In your yard, use a feather duster to gently ‘dust’ from one plant to another.  You will be helping spread pollen to make seeds and fruit!  Pick a flower, such as a lily, rhododendron bloom, or iris, and carefully pull the flower apart to look at the reproductive system.  

Five Minute Fun - Salad Container Bug Box

Plastic salad or tomato containers gain another purpose before hitting the recycling bin.  Your child can add a few green leaves or grass clippings to the bin and then collect a few bugs to observe!