Learning through doing- Activities to keep your kids hopping

My daughter loves following me around. I know this may not be new to many of you but I never imagined to what extent. So, in an effort to always make our day a learning experience each daily duty is a mini activity. For starters we create lists. My daughter can not read yet but she can draw pictures. She will create a picture list of our "to do" list and I will add the word next to the image. This does several things. She will begin to learn organizational skills, perfect her art skills and word recognition.

Together, we work diligently on checking off all items on our list. Our next big activity is to learn a new language. I will keep you posted on the results!

Work together and stay involved in your children's lives. It is never too late to show them how much you care.

Thanks!

Phyllis

Introduce your children to a new world through books

Award winning children's books!

Halloween Activities

For the remainder of the month, Barefoot books will be highlighting the ghoulishly simple recipe idea listed below and many others. Please have a little family fun with these downloadable kitchen ideas.

Happy Halloween!

Slimey Green Gloop

A Barefoot Activity for Kids Ages 8 and up

Make this dip as late as you dare, because avocados lose their lovely color when they are exposed to the air. Feeds 6 as a dip

Materials /kitchen rules

• Wash your hands before you start!
• Always have a grown-up in the kitchen with you when you cook
let’s begin
1. Put the avocado on a chopping board and cut in half lengthwise. Grip the avocado
with both hands and twist each hand in a different direction to separate the halves.
Use a tablespoon to remove the pit. Scoop the flesh out and put it in the food processor.
2. Chop the chili in half, remove the seeds and chop it into small pieces. Do not put your hands anywhere near your face. Add the chili to the food processor and then wash your hands and the chopping board thoroughly.
3. Use kitchen scissors to trim the scallion and snip it into small pieces. Add the snipped scallion to the food processor.
4. Cut the lime in half. Squeeze the juice from half a lime with the juicer. Add the juice
to the food processor.
5. Add the parsley (without stalks) to the other ingredients and put the lid on the machine. Make sure the lid is on properly and that you have dry hands. Start the blender to mix the ingredients and then slowly add olive oil through the top of the blender;
it should blend in as you keep the blender mixing. You want a thick paste;
you may not need all of the oil.
6. Spoon the mixture into a dish and get dipping!

What to Find

• 1 large ripe avocado
• 1 medium green chili
• 1 scallion
• Half a lime
• 2 handfuls parsley
• Approx. 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Vegetables to chop into bite-sized
dipping sticks (e.g. carrots, peppers, cauliflower, cucumber, broccoli, celery)

Kitchen Stuff

• Chopping board
• Knife
• Tablespoon
• Food processor
• Scissors
• Juicer
• Measuring cup
• Serving dish

Kids’ Kitchen
40 Fun and Healthy Recipes to Make and Share
Written by Fiona Bird
Illustrated by Roberta Arenson
DECK WITH 40 CARDS IN BOX
9781846861765
$19.99

Fundraiser for the cure

Hello all and happy Tuesday~

Well, I apologize for not getting back to you concerning my recent fundraiser (end date 10/16/2009). Unfortunately, it was not as productive as expected. No funds were raised, but I hope the thought did heightened awareness. Whether or not you gave to my fundraiser or to someone else the point is you gave.

Thanks everyone for your support and have a wonderful Tuesday night!

Phyllis

Bold colors, sharp lines, arrogant and unsure: Q & A with Atlanta's Robin Gillis

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20449-Vinings-Arts-and-Crafts-Examiner~y2009m10d11-Bold-colors-sharp-lines-arrogant-and-unsure-Q--A-with-Atlantas-Robin-Gillis

Take a trip around the world with a book

I know this sounds awful but I truly hate traveling. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy visiting different people and seeing new things but the getting there part is just terrible. Maybe I should try a 1st class flight or a luxurious cruise. Well. that's not quite in the budget this year but it sounds GREAT otherwise.

Since my daughter has been born, we have greatly limited our travel to where ever can be reached by car. When she gets older, I'm sure this will change. I have tried to introduce my housebound offspring to many places though books. It is not the same as being there, but when you can't your imagination will always take you to your destination.

As a side note, the wonderful thing about children is they embrace ever new adventure. No matter the distance, it is all the same to them. A lot of fun!
Barefoot books has a great collection of children's fun and adventure titles. I have included a few of my favorites.