Quarter Battle

A new classic game

ADDED January 11, 2010

 

I really made this game up the other day.  I am sure someone else in this world has thought up something similar, told all their friends about it, and will now accuse me of plagiarism.  But as I said,"I really made this up the other day."  So I am going to share it here with you (I have a good intellectual property lawyer anyways.  Well, he's a friend and some sort of lawyer or another.)

All you need is an even number of quarters and two players.  I like quarters because they are big enough to hold easily and big enough to seem valuable.

Here is what you do:

First, one person chooses heads and the other chooses tails.  . . .

Tube Caroling

Let's bring back caroling

ADDED December 17, 2009

Caroling is quickly becoming a lost pastime.  My extended family goes caroling every year and recently, much to our dismay, we could not find anybody home to sing to.  I don't know if people are too busy or just not interested in caroling, but I'll say it again: caroling is becoming a lost pastime.  So today's activity is a great way to bring back caroling and make a cool craft with your kids from stuff you have in your house right now!

 

Magazine Christmas Tree

Thy pages fair and lovely

ADDED December 14, 2009

Remember the Christmas trees that people in the 70's made out of magazines?  Well I do, and I think it is high time for the Magazine Christmas tree to make a dramatic comeback! 

Since everything old is new again, why not re-purpose your old magazines into some beautiful Christmas decorations?  And when Christmas is over, toss them into the recycling bin. 

Any old magazines you have laying around your house are fair game -- and if you have kids 5 and under -- smaller magazines are better.

First, find an old magazine that everybody in your house is done reading.  (We keep all our magazines on decorative cake plates so they are easy to find.)
 

Fold the upper right corner down toward the spine of the magazine.  It looks like this.
 

Next, fold the upper right edge (that is on a 45 degree angle) in towards the spine of the magazine.



Fold the bottom of the paper up so it is even with the bottom of the page. (Like so.)
 

Repeat steps two through four until you have folded all the pages in the magazine. This is a great activity for kids while you are fixing dinner (and I hope we are having nachos for dinner.)
 

Finally, display your recycled Magazine Christmas Tree proudly.  You now have a very festive, new decoration.  (And when you guys are done -- or when Christmas is over -- into the recycling bin this decoration goes!)
 

I Spy the Color of a Candycane

They are really everywhere

ADDED December 04, 2009

A Perfectly Round Snowman

A tracing sensation

ADDED December 03, 2009

Snowmen are really not difficult to draw, and that's because their body parts don't really need to be represented as round.  But today, we'd like to present the "perfectly round snowman."  (Or snow-woman or -person.)   The perfectly round snowman (PRS) is a tracing sensation that's sweeping the nation this December, so don't forget to tell your friends that you saw it here first.  You need: assorted sizes of bowls, cups or other round things, crayons, and paper.





After amassing your supplies, decide on a suitable size for the bottom section of the snowman.







Looks good to me!







Next the middle.







And now the head.







Arms are good here!







Great arm placement.  How about one more?







And finally, a theme to finish off the "Perfectly Round Snowman" -- my son chose an Egyptian theme.   I was hoping for something more Christmasy, but sometimes inspiration strikes, and you have to follow your instinct.




Looking good!




Finally the "Perfectly Round Snowman."

Complete with Egyptian clothing, candy cane action grip, and three electrical plugs.  



Have a comment or suggestion for us?  Leave it below and we'll get back to you ASAP!
 

Math Snowball Treats

The secret ingredient is math

ADDED December 01, 2009

 

Rice Krispy treats are nothing new, I admit it. But have you ever considered calling them "Math Snowball Treats?" 

 

I am sure you are wondering how I'm somehow going to work math into something called a "Math Snowball Treat."  Well, that is what we do here at TIF: we sneak learning into the most unusual places, and a Math Snowball Treat is easy learning once you know the secret. 

 

A whole pan of Rice Krispy Treats is quite dietarily decadent, and -- really -- who needs to make so many unless you are bringing them to a party?  So, I like to add some math to the treat by having my kids do some division.  Read the recipe with your kids and help them do a bit of dividing, so that you wind up with less to wrap up and store. 

 

Doing this will provide your kids with some wonderful, one-on-one math learning -- and you will wind up with only half as many treats.  (But kids, don't despair:  some treats are better than none).  Once the gooey dessert has cooled but is still pliable, butter up your kids' (thoroughly washed) hands and let them roll a few Rice Krispy Snowballs.  I've included a brief photo essay of our Math Snowball Treat adventure.

 

 

 

 

Kids are great helpers when it comes to stirring, but please make sure everybody is safe around hot pots.

 

 

Kids are also great helpers when it comes to (carefully) dropping marshmallows into the pot.

 

 

More careful stirring.

 

 

Some Rice Krispy pouring.

 

 

Buttering (thoroughly washed) hands

 

 

Once the mixture is cooled, it's time to make Math Snowballs!

 

 

We ended up making a "Math Snowball Snowman!"

 

 

Did this idea work for you? Use the comments section to let us know!  Happy dividing (and eating)!

The Christmas Pickle

Make it then find it.

ADDED November 30, 2009

Today's craft is not only a fun activity -- it has the makings of a family tradition that will be a Christmas favorite for years to come.  We proudly present . . . the Christmas Pickle! 

The Christmas Pickle is an ornament that, as you might guess, looks like a pickle.  This pickle-looking ornament will be hidden somewhere on your Christmas tree, and the person who finds it first wins a prize. 

In my house, however, the person who finds the pickle gets to hide it again.  This makes for a great tradition and literally hours of fun around the tree. 

For today's activity you will need: green paper, a handy and used paper towel roll, pen, tape, a stapler and ribbon.  The instructions for pickle construction are very simple, just follow the instructions below.  First gather your supplies.
 

Second, cut the paper so it fits around the tube.
 

 

Third, tape the paper to the tube.
 

 

 
Fourth, decorate your tube with all sorts of bumps, knots and warts to add character.
 

 

Fifth, staple the ends of the tube together, making sure you attach the ribbon to the tube.
 

Sixth, now that your pickle is created make sure you hide it well so your brother or sister has a hard time finding it.
 

 

 

We need an artist!

A color and tell story

ADDED November 20, 2009

It's almost Thanksgiving, everyone's confused we need an artist to draw our foods.  We don't know what we're going to eat its almost Thanksgiving and our meal's incomplete.

The Artist must be able to draw our main dish. Should we eat turkey, steak, chicken or fish?

We also need them to draw our vegetable. Should we put corn, green beans or brussel sprouts on the table?

The Artist will draw the bread we will eat. Is it a baguette, sandwich or pain de mie?

And we will need a picture of our dessert. A healthy piece of Pumpkin or Apple pie wouldn't hurt.

And then draw my face when the meal is done, happy, satisfied and ready for fun.

 

As Thanksgiving draws closer part of the fun in anticipation of spending time with family and of course eating!  So for todays activity we have a short color and tell story.  Simply print out the pages and let your kids color.  

Have fun and email us your kids art at info@todayisfun.com!

(click the turkey to download pdf)

Guess Your Seat

The hints will help!

ADDED November 19, 2009

Today's craft is a special way for your kids announce how thankful they are for each person around the Thanksgiving table.  All you will need for the craft are a few pieces of Fall-colored construction paper (red, brown or yellow will work nicely), a pen, and maybe some Thanksgiving stickers if you want to be fancy. 

Here is what you do.  First, fold the 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper into quarters and cut. You now should have four small pieces of paper, fold each of these in half so you have a little name plate.

Next, have your kids put their thankfulness caps on and -- as a family -- think of why you are thankful for each of your guests.  The reasons can be serious ("We are thankful for your wisdom") or a little bit silly ("We are thankful for your brownies.")  Write a reason on each card and have the kids distribute them to the places.  Just make sure your guests have fun trying to find their seats, and I am sure this will be a memorable way to start the special meal.

Have fun -- and I know Steve is not a fan of name cards at the table telling you were to sit (if you are not sure of his position on the subject here is the post).  But I am really hopeful he will like this.

 

Kids Choice

Everybody is thankful, really

ADDED November 18, 2009

Part of the fun of Thanksgiving is the meal, and part of the fun of the meal is anticipating it.  Most of the time, however, kids are not consulted when the Thanksgiving menu is being put together.  Today we have the solution: a fun activity that you and your kids can do together that will make Thanksgiving even more special for everybody involved.

Here is what you will need for today's activity: a cookbook (and don't automatically go to one of those kid friendly cook books that are filled with recipes featuring twenty-seven toppings for graham crackers)  -- try a cookbook that has a little more depth.  We have a cookbook in our house called "How to Cook Everything;" it really is true to its name and it's just perfect for today's activity.

Give your kids each a post-it note on which to write their names and tell them, "We want your help. I want you to choose something that we can make together for Thanksgiving."

From there, depending your kids' ages, talk to them about what they want to eat at the special meal.  Spend some time thumbing through the cookbook and talking about what they think might be good addition.  (I always try to steer my kids towards vegetable dishes.)  The key to this activity is spending some time together planning and cooking.  We usually make the kids choose well before Thanksgiving because Thanksgiving day can be a little stressful . . .  and we want the activity to be fun.

So what did my kids select this year?  What did they choose to add to the meal?  Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies and Pear Scones.  Here is a picture of the Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies -- the Pear Scones have not been made yet.  I'll upload a picture when those are done. 

If your kid asks for grilled cheese sandwiches or something along those lines, even that could work just fine.  Fry up a few sandwiches, cut off the crusts, cut into triangles, top with toothpicks and serve them as an appetizer.  Imagine how cute your child's smile will be carrying a small plate of grilled cheese sandwiches that they made and offering them to your family as an appetizer!

Not every aspect of Thanksgiving has to be traditional!  As long as it's positive, pleasant, and full of thanks!  (And thanks for reading this, by the way.)  Don't forget to use the comment section to everybody know what your kids want to add to the meal this year!

Thankfulness Tag

It's all in the name . . . and it's a silly game

ADDED November 17, 2009

 

We like to play tag and we also like thankfulness, so we put the two together and "Thankfulness Tag" came out the other end. Here is how you play. 

 

A group of players (two or more) decide who is going to be 'it.'  Then 'it' chases the other players to 'tag' them with a gentle touch of the hand.   When a 'tag' takes place, the tagged player is now 'it' and the game continues.

 

Players can be "safe" from being tagged, however, if they say out loud something for which they are thankful.  For example, parents, pet, or pasta. 

 

Unfortunately, thankfulness can only save you three times.   You see, when you are tagged after blurting out something for which you are thankful, you don't become 'it', but you must hold your hand in place where you were tagged on your body. The second time you are tagged, you must hold your other hand where you were tagged the second time while still holding your first hand in place. The third time you are tagged, you are 'it.' 

 

This game is a lot of fun for parents and kids alike. I like to hear what kids are thankful for, and everybody looks very silly running around with their hands in odd places.  Have fun and let us know in the comments section the silliest thing that your kids are thankful for!

Hide the Thankfulness

But make it easy to find!

ADDED November 16, 2009

Thanksgiving is coming, and TIF is your go-to source for daily Thanksgiving activities every day over the next two weeks.

We all know that the best part of Thanksgiving is in the name -- it's about being thankful.  For today's activity, you will need some pens, sticky notes and thankfulness-thinking caps.

Here is the idea:  we are all thankful for those around us.  However, sometimes we get a little lazy when it comes to telling them how exactly they make us feel thankful.  So with your pens and sticky notes ready, have your kids brainstorm a few specific things for which they are grateful for each person.  For a favorite aunt, things could come to mind such as tickles, lunch, reading, smiles, helping and even bike riding.  Then turn these things that your kids are thankful for into little notes.  For example, " I am thankful for Dad's tickles" or "I am thankful for Mom's hugs".  Once the notes are complete, you will need to move to phase two of the activity:  hiding the notes.  Have your kids hide the notes around the house so that in a day or a week the person that the note was written for will find it.  If you are going to a grandparent's house for Thanksgiving, don't forget to bring your notes for them;they will enjoy finding the notes in their medicine cabinet, on their pillow, or taped to the milk.

Have fun!  What are you thankful for? Use the comments section and let us know.

(Thanks to winterofdiscontent for the photo)

Traveler Memory

A print 'n' play game from TIF

ADDED November 06, 2009

 

Here at TIF we like adventure and going to new places is one of our favorite activities.  This weekend however we can not afford to go to anywhere exotic so we created a memory game with some famous world and U.S. locations.  This game will help teach some very famous world locations, practice reading some potentially tricky words, create interest in the wonderful world around us and most importantly have fun while doing it.

Here is how you play, the rules are like those of tradational memory, all cards are placed face down, you pick two, if you get a match you get to go again if you do not pick a match the turn moves to the next player but the twist with this game (and we like twists) is that to make a match you need to match the picture with the words identifying the location.  For example if you pick the card with the words "Mount Rushmore, Keystone, South Dakota, United States" to have a match you must pick the card with a picture of Mount Rushmore. That's it have fun and don't forget to print n play.

Do you play any other types of memory with you kids? Use the comments section and let us know!

(Click to download page 1)

 

 

(Click to download page 2)

 

GIANT MENU

It's really that big!

ADDED November 05, 2009

 

Here at Today is Fun, we toil night and day to bring you the very best in free crafts and entertainment for your kids.  But sometimes an idea is so easy and right in front of our faces that we ask ourselves why we didn't think of it sooner -- and today's activity is just one of those times.  The "Giant Menu" is simple, obvious, and just might keep your kids occupied for a few minutes while you put the finishing touches on the rack of lamb you are preparing for dinner.. . .

Homebrew Space ship

A build-'n'-play activity

ADDED November 04, 2009

Spaceships are inspirational.  They are made by a few dreamers destined to become legendary explorers.  (They are also useful for battling enemies, for saving galaxies and for general interplanetary transportation.)  Today's spaceship craft is sure to inspire even the youngest astronaut.

To create this space ship, you will need two paper plates of any size (the larger the plates the bigger the spaceship), tape, straws, bowls, one of those plastic bubble cases that come from a vending machine, and anything else that looks like it belongs on a spaceship.  The sky is the limit . . . literally. 

The craft can go one of two ways: you can ask your kids if they want to make a spaceship from the aforementioned items, turn 'em loose, let them build any kind of spaceship they can dream up or you guys can follow the simple directions below.  Your choice.

All that is needed for space inspiration.





First, with the plate or bowl on a table, trace the plastic bubble and then -- following the line carefully -- cut a hole in the center and remove for the navagation systems (probably something that a parent needs to do).

Next, with the top of the plate facing down, put the plastic bubble into the hole, like this.




Third, tape or staple the plates together.

Next, decorate with a marker, add lasers, landing gear, guidance systems, tractor beams, and secret hatches.  Check out this custom space cruiser (escape hatch not pictured).

 

We hope your kids enjoy their interplanetary explorations and don't forget to send pictures!  

Do you like this craft? Then please let us know in the comments section.
 

Add Some Words To My Story

Just a few words will make a big, fun difference!

ADDED November 03, 2009

Next time you need a quick activity that's certain to get your kids riled up, try to add some words to the story.  You can play anywhere and with any age kids.   Try it -- you'll like it.

Here is how you play:   the first person starts the story with a brief sentence.  After that, it is up to the other players to add some words to create a truly unique and fantastically hilarious story.  For example, a story could start like this, "I was eating a frozen yougurt..." The second player can add the word "when."  Then the next player adds "a talking dog asked if he could get a lick."  See?  Hilarious and imaginative!  This game is a great way to add to your kids' vocabulary and have a silly time while doing it.

Here are a few starter sentences to get your kids going:
 

Next time you are looking for some powerful vocabulary-building hilarity, add some words to the story!

thanks to arjanvandergaag for the photo!

 

Oct, Nov, Dec Holiday Memories

An activity every month . . . and some handsome art to boot

ADDED November 02, 2009

There are a lot of holidays coming up, and we have a perfect post-holiday activity for each one.  After every holiday, have your kids draw a picture of a special memory that they made of the day.  Halloween just ended so if you have a few minutes that need to be filled today or later this week, grab a pad of paper, review with your kids a few of the events that happened on Saturday (getting free candy was popular at my house), and then set them free to draw.  Anything special is fair game, and the more detailed the better.

It's a fun way to relive the day's events and a perfect way to spend some time today.  Then, one day down the road when your child comes home from college with their sweetheart, you will have a collection of art from 2009 to embarrass them with (along with some tasteful bathtime photos.)

 

A Halloween Prank for Kids: I See A Real Ghost

And it's a baby

ADDED October 23, 2009

Today we have a fun Halloween prank that is sure to get your kids talking.  We don't really like to "trick" kids -- here at TIF, we think tricks and pranks are too often mean -- but for this, we will make an exception.  The trick part is mostly fun and not scary.

First, you need to make a ghost out of a napkin.  You'll need one paper napkin, a small piece of yarn or thread and a magic marker. 

This trick requires a rather diminuitive ghost, not a big one.  So tear the napkin into quarters, four roughly square shapes.  Roll one of the napkin pieces into a ball and place it in the center of another one.  Wrap this second one around the ball, twisting to form a head for the ghost.  Some yarn under the "head," add a face with the magic done, and you are done.  It's very easy, and you have created a standard-issue napkin ghost.  (Well, a standard-issue baby napkin ghost.)

Your ghost should be about this big for the trick to work.

Once you have your mini-ghost made, it is time for the trick to start.  Grab a few inches of thread  and tie one end around the baby ghost's head.  Tie the other end to your kid's toothbrush, fork, or anything that your kids pick up.  When the mini-ghost is attached, hide it so it is out of view.  When your kid picks up the fork or toothbrush, everyone will be astounded and delighted by the sudden appearance of the floating baby ghost!  A hilarious and spooky trick all in one! 

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is our kind of Halloween prank!  We hope you all enjoy it.

 

The shape of Halloween

Is a spoon

ADDED October 21, 2009

 

Length:  Half an hour or so.

Parental Involvement:  Help the kids find objects to trace.  Help with tracing where necessary.

Kids Should Be Able to:  Trace a bit.  Think up imaginative Halloween stuff using the traced shapes as a starting place.

 

 

Most crafts we do here do not require technically advanced pens, fancy paper from France, or an art degree.  In fact, we always try to use what you have on hand to create something new and awesome.  We know that some of the best home craft ideas come from using things you already have and just re-purposing them.  And that's where the idea for this craft came from.  We call it "The Shape of Halloween."  We guarantee your kids will look at everything in your house differently once you have finished with this one...

Here is what you do:  first, spend a few minutes looking for interesting objects around the house that your kids can trace.  These objects can be of any size really, but to make it easy (and avoid somebody trying to trace the dog), the chosen objects need to easily fit on a piece of paper.  Here is what we chose.

 

Second, have your kids trace the things you found around the house.

Third, use the interesting items you traced as inspiration to create some unique Halloween characters.  Make ghosts, skeletons, bats and scary jack o' lanterns and . . . an evil duck? Anything is fair game, and here is our finished art. Can your kids find the shapes we traced to make these haunted pictures?  When the art is done, create a mini-art gallery on the refrigerator for all to see.  That is, if they dare!

 

 

Post it!

If you stick to it, you'll get it!

ADDED October 07, 2009

Learning to spell words can be tricky.  (Even for adults!)  When repetition and memorization don't work, we like to get out the Post It notes.  When the Post It's come out, simple fun (and learning) begins!

First, we get a stack of Post It notes and a list of words to be learned.  The kids write each spelling word out on its own Post It note.  As the kids write each word, the kids (and I) watch carefully to see what words are easy to spell and what words are tricky.

We take the Post It's with the "easy-to-spell" words and put them on the fridge.

The "still-working-on" words don't go on the refrigerator.  Rather, we put those Post It's in places where the kids can review regularly.  The front door, the bathroom mirror, the walls in the hallway, and even their chair in the dinning room get decorated with pesky words. 

Whenever the kids pass by a difficult word's location, we stop, read and practice spelling the word. 

When a kid learns the spelling of a formerly troublesome word, its Post It gets moved to the front of the fridge, where the Post It's of the other successfully spelled words hang out.

If a kid has a spelling test in school,  we review all the words one more time the night before.  Then everyone wakes up then next morning prepared and ready!

Have some fun, learn some spelling, and please, post it!

 

Thanks to lizmarionga for the photo!

Dinner time is for everyone

And everyone has fun!

ADDED October 06, 2009

 

At my house, we try to eat every meal together, but school, work, and life sometimes make that goal darn near impossible.  So when we are all together, we make the most of our time -- everyone helps and everyone has fun.  Use what we do as a jumping off point for a special family time of your own.

 

First, when possible, we all contribute to helping get dinner on the table.  Now this does not need to involve sharp knives or complicated whirly-gigs, but if snap-peas need to be snapped, corn shucked, or the table set we make sure everyone is included in the work. 

 

Kids are especially helpful at making sure the table is set.  They excel at putting the salt and pepper are in place.  Everyone's drink orders are taken.  Kids are also very good at choosing (or picking) flowers and arranging them.  Have your kids get some scissors, give them a small vase (unbreakable is good), and send them into the yard to pick some flowers.  You might get some interesting arrangements, but they will have their own special beauty none-the-less.

 

Then, most importantly, we all eat together.  We all eat the same thing (if possible), and everybody waits till the last person is done eating before leaving the table. (That last is very important.)  After all, if you leave the table early, you might miss out on dessert, and that would be a shame.  Finally, when dinner (and dessert!) is done, everybody helps with the clean-up.  Kids are great helpers when it comes to clearing plates, pushing in chairs, and even taking out trash. If you missed it our Table Captain post, it is a really good idea for dinner clean up time.

 

Some of these things might sound simple, but mealtime can become fun time when everyone pitches in and when you work together as a team!

 

 

 

Make ten any way you can

Math is really fun!

ADDED October 05, 2009

 

Length:  About 15 minutes.

Parental Involvement:  Explain the idea, help count if necessary

Kids Should Be Able to:  Count.

We like simple activities -- things that kids can do almost anywhere that help them learn almost anything.  This is why "Make ten any way you can" is one of our favorites.  All you need are some coins and people who love to count. It is a perfect game for waiting in a restaurant or at home while waiting for dinner to be made or even while your older sister is doing her homework and you want to ride bikes with her but she can't play until her homework is done.  Here is how you play...

First, you need a fist full of change (or at least a small handful.)  Spread the coins out and sort the money to see how many times you can make ten cents.  At first, some younger kids might not understand the different denominations, but this is a perfect opportunity for them to learn.  Pennies are one, of course; nickels are five cents; dimes are ten; and quarters don't really count for this game because, well, they are twenty-five cents.

When your kids are done, they can count the total amount of change you guys have or pick a new number like twenty-five and then sort the change into piles of twenty five.

This game encourages counting, learning denominations, and just plain fun.  If you don't like your kids touching "dirty" money, make sure you look at our penny cleaning post from a few days back and have fun!

 

Thanks to tonyjcase for use of the photo
 

Bottle Cap Toss

A make and play activity

ADDED September 24, 2009

Today's activity is a simple craft and game all rolled into one famous activity.
Here is what you will need to start:  construction paper, tape, a pen and a bottle cap.
 

Photographic memory

It's kind of like a quiz show

ADDED September 23, 2009

Next time you are in waiting with your kids at the dentist's or doctor's office, here is a fun game you can all play.  All you need is one of those gross waiting room magazines and players.

First, pick one of the magazines and thumb through it looking for a picture with a lot of things in it.  Something with a crowd or busy market scene would be perfect.  Then let your kids look at the picture for 30 seconds.  When time is up, close the page and ask them a few questions about the picture and see what they can remember.  Whoever gets the most questions right will get to chose the picture and ask the next round of questions. 

(And really, this game is so fun for me and my kids . . . we don't always wait until we find ourselves at the doctor's!  It's fun in your house, too.)

A variation of this game is -- when you're at the park -- to tell your kids to look in a given direction for thirty seconds, and then tell them to close their eyes and tell them to recount everything they've seen.

With a fun activity like this a trip to the doctor's office for shots might not be so dreadful.  It'll be almost memorable.

Deep Space in Cyberspace

Explore distant planets . . . right on your laptop

ADDED September 22, 2009

Today we have some links of some great kids' space websites.

So take a little break from homework, piano lessons, soccer practice and play dates.  Sit down for a few minutes with your kids and check out our amazing solar system!

Here are some Deep Space pictures from The Smithsonian.

Here is the NASA kids site which has a lot of great kids space information.

NASA Kids even has fun games like Rocket Builder.

Another cool site is the NASA image of the day.

My kids were interested in how the International Space Station was made and we found this site that told us all about it!

Here is a great astronomy dictionary.  It is very useful if you need to know how high it is until you reach the Stratosphere.


Let us know what links you and your kids like and we'll post them for all to see!

Dice fun.

Roll some today!

ADDED September 21, 2009

Here at TIF, we are big fans of games that are easy and can be played with things you have on hand.  We also love math.   When you combine our love of math with simple, on-hand items, you can end up with lots of fun games. 

Today your on-hand items will be one or two dice and a pad of paper.   Using the dice, you can play all sorts of games . . . and math fun is a fortunate by-product.  Here are a few games we made up (but I am sure you and your kids can make up even more):

Make a Math Mountain

Draw a mountain and along its side, draw the numbers 1-6.  Then roll the dice until you get a 1.  After rolling a 1, keep rolling until you get a 2.  Keep rolling until you reach the top of the mountain.

It's a big number.

The purpose of this game is to make a big number.  To make a big number, roll one dice three times.  If on the first roll you roll a six, put this number in the hundreds column, the second roll you get a five put this in the tens column and the third roll you get a two put this number in the ones column.

Dice battle.

Very simple game that can be played with two or more players.  All you do is roll the dice and the person who rolls the biggest number is the winner. In the event of a tie, roll until somebody wins.

Have fun with your dice and don't forget to use the comments section to let us know what you think!

Thanks to ravages for the photo!

Spot the Number

They are all around you, kids -- can you spot them?

ADDED September 10, 2009

In the past we have reviewed the "secret codes" that can be found all around us.  If you missed that post, it's great, and you can find it here. But today we have a fun activity for kids of all ages.  It is simple and encourages math, observation, reading and questions.

Have you ever noticed that every packaged food item has a number somewhere on it telling you how "much" is contained within?  For example, some have 16 ounces, others have 12 fluid ounces.  Some are 5 pounds and others are one gallon.  What do all these numbers mean?  Ounces, pounds and gallons? All are units of measurement and all contain numbers. Numbers equal fun. Think of it a treasure hunt for numbers.

Put your young kids in charge of these numbers.  Every time they see a "contents" measurement, they should report it to you.  As they get older, they can also make comparisons:  those two bags of pretzels look the same, but that one is actually bigger, because its number is bigger.  Older kids can also learn about partial weights; they can learn about the number after the period in "16.3 ounces," for example.  Those post-period numbers mean just a little bit more than the number, but not quite big enough to get to the next number, you could tell them.

Next time you are at the market encourage your kids to look on the bags, boxes and containers of your favorite products to see if they can spot the number.  Who knew that the front of the cereal box could be so much fun?!

(About 17.3 pounds of fun!)

The What-I-Learned-Today Journal

What did you learn today?

ADDED September 04, 2009

 

Length:  Five minutes a day.

Parental Involvement:  Explain the idea and give some examples.  For the first couple of days, help the project get off the ground.  Help younger kids by writing down their thoughts.

Kids Should Be Able to:  Learn and remember!

Here is a special kind of diary for your kids to keep:  the What-I-Learned-Today Journal.

The idea here is simple:  every day before or after dinnertime, your child should write one or two sentences about something they learned that day.

The entries should be very, very short -- one or two sentences at most.  Here are some examples:

If your kids are younger, but you think they'd still enjoy this activity and benefit from it, you could help them with the writing of the entries, of course. 

Your kid should not write a lot of words -- short and sweet is the rule.  This should quick, not a chore.

Why do this?

Well for starters, this daily activity will serve to remind your young ones that they have the opportunity to learn each and every day.  In fact, most days kids probably (learn new information or skills without seeking to.  The What-I-Learned-Today Journal is meant to encourage them to look at the world for new tidbits to learn and to recognize new learning opportunities when they pop up.

Learning is a big part of childhood, and this journal will help record that part of your kids lives.  Both your kids and you will be able to look back in the W-I-L-T journal and remember learning events.  This will provide some future enjoyment, we promise.  ("Dad always starts cooking stuff without checking the fridge first!")

Frankly, I think the W-I-L-T journal is something we should all do -- adults included.  Life is fun and full when our brains are learning.  I just might start one myself...

 

(Thank you to Aislinn Ritchie for the fine kid journaling photo above!)

House of cards

DIY game and building kit

ADDED August 28, 2009

Length:  20 minutes

Parental Involvement:  Cut cards and play along

Kids Should Be Able to:  Have a bit of dexterity

Building a house of cards can be just plain hard. I have tried and believe me, it's impossible.  Building a true house of cards is therefore not a great activity for kids, but today's craft has a cheat that makes construction not only easy but a pleasure.  A game similar to this was created in 1952 by Charles and Ray Eames.  It was fun then and still can be fun today especially when you make it yourself.

You will need to sacrifice a deck of cards for this craft.  Please make sure you don't cut up Grandpa's cherished deck of cards from the Navy.  (The 99 Cent store is a great place to pick up a pack.)


First, you will need to cut six slots on each card so the cards can lock together (I have noted where to cut in sharpie so its easy to see).  Try to cut in the same place every time this will make your structure more solid and we also have found that cutting one card at a time will yield better results.

 

When you have done that to all fifty two cards you are ready to build.  The six slots on each card enable you and your kids to lock the cards together to build fantastic structures.

Sturdy, easy, and fun!  What more could you ask for?  (We would like to ask everybody to have a lot of fun with their kids this weekend!)

Five senses walk

A treat for them all

ADDED August 26, 2009

Length:  Twenty minutes or so.

Parental Involvement:   Encourage observation and use of senses.

Kids Should Be Able to:  Spell simple words.  Observe and . . . have fun!

 

Summer continues this week, and I am sure your patience is growing thin, as is your wallet.  So why not take a trip to a local Botanical Garden?  The flowers are beautiful and if you pack a lunch, it's a free outing.  (Have i mentioned that we are fans of free?) 

My son and I went this past week, and it was a blast! Now, on the surface, two guys at the botanical gardens does not sound like so much fun, but I promise it was . . . and in true TIF fashion it was also educational.  We decided to go on a Five Senses Walk.

Here is how a Five Senses Walk works:  First explain to your kids that everybody has five senses. They are seeing, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.  For a Five Senses Walk to be successful, you need to make sure you use all five senses at sometime during your walk and then report your findings to the group. 

 

When you smell something that is good, tell the group.  If you see something that is beautiful, tell the group.  If you touch something that is soft, or carefully touch something that is rough, tell the group.. . .

Silent Reading

Enjoy the silence!

ADDED August 14, 2009

With kids on summer break, sometimes the afternoons can get a bit rowdy.  When it gets too rowdy, I think everyone needs to take a break.  If your kids are like mine and no longer take naps, maybe a little silent reading time is what everybody needs.  It is a perfect way to settle everyone down so you can get dinner made, fold some laundry, or just have a silent reading time of your own.

Here is how we do silent reading. Feel free to make up you own rules, but this is what works for us.
 
First of all, at my house the activity is called silent reading, so there is no talking.  Secondly, each person will need a back-up book -- that is, a book that a kid can read if they finish their first book.  This cuts down on talking.  Third, silent reading has a time-limit.  Time is accurately monitored by a timer that will beep when silent reading is over.  Finally, wherever a kid is in the house when silent-reading starts, they need to stay there until silent reading ends.
 
I know it sounds like these rules were made by a dictator, but I have found that if everyone knows the rules before we start reading, a lot more reading happens, and a lot less time searching for a loophole.
 
Also, if silent reading is not something for your family, try "room time," or "yard time," or any of the other great activities here at TIF!

Happy weekend!

 

thanks to sugarpond and bastian for letting us use their photos

TIF-Sign-In Sheet

For your next party

ADDED August 13, 2009

 

 Sometimes at my house, we have parties with a bunch of grown-ups, where my kids are the only children attending. 

For my kids, these parties are not the most fun:  adults sit around talking about boring adult things, and all the while the kids' "bedtime clock" is ticking.  For me, the question is usually, "what should we do with the kids for the hour before they have to go to bed?"  Well, we figured out a perfect way to keep the kids occupied.  It's also a fun way for the kids to interact with our guests.  The kids should be in charge of a Sign-In Sheet.

The Sign-In Sheet is perfect: it keeps the kids occupied for the beginning part of the evening, and when all the guests have arrived, a natural break is created for bedtime.  Everybody wins -- and we get a list of the people who attended the party just in case any of our fine silver is missing!

We have created a Sign-In Sheet for you to download and use at your next party.  Have fun, we will be checking the mail for an invite!

      (Click to download)

Thanks to russandlori for the photo!

 

A Stool Is A Good Thing

Give your kids a leg up!

ADDED July 17, 2009

When it comes to learning, we at TIF feel that there is no substitution for firsthand observation.  You might be cooking, fixing a broken sprinkler, brushing your teeth, or putting away clothes -- but all of these activities are opportunities for your child to learn.  And a nice stool gives kids the height they need to see.

Here is a list of ten things you can do with your kids this weekend that would be educational.  And a stool will help.

1. When you make your coffee or tea Saturday morning, explain the process to your kids.
2. As you pay your bills, explain how a checking account works.
3. When you look in your tool chest for a screwdriver, explain what a "Flathead" and a "Phillips" are.
4. Demonstrate the process involved in making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
5. Teach them how to sort clothes while you do laundry.
6. Making popcorn on the stove is always a fun thing to watch and talk about
7. Watering Mommy's flower bed is great fun.  Talk about different flowers together.
8. Have you tested your smoke alarms in the last decade?  (You might need a stool for this one, too.)
9. Teach your kids how to floss.
10.  Make a refreshing summer smoothie with a bunch of fruits.

As parents, it is our job to encourage curiosity and spend a nice quantity of time with our kids.  Every moment of every day is a chance to learn.  (And this is why we say, "a stool is a good thing!"

 

Thanks to 68001867@N00 for the photo

The Summer Activity Belt

Batman's child would own one

ADDED July 16, 2009

Here at TIF, we try to be a few of the "Founding Fathers of Free."  Our readers trust us daily to provide activities for their kids that are not only entertaining but completely cost free.  Today is no exception:  we have an activity that not only costs nothing but that might just save your sanity later this summer.  Today we present: "The Summer Activity Belt."

It does not take a PhD in child entertainment to make a "The Summer Activity Belt."  Instead, you need just some imagination and a belt.

In our house, we re-purposed a belt from an old Halloween costume.  This old belt had some holes in it which were perfect for hanging and attaching things to.  If you choose to purchase a belt like ours -- and we don't suggest it because we like free -- the Army surplus store in your area is a cheap place to start.

Have your child attach anything to it that they might find entertaining on a walk or outing this summer. Think of things to keep them occupied in any situation or items that would be useful on an adventure.  My son -- I should mention he is the inventor of the "The Summer Activity Belt" -- chooses to carry in his belt: a pair of sunglasses, a pedometer, a house key, a library card, and (not pictured) a moleskin notebook and a wallet. The belt could just as easily carry a pencil, some Lego figures, a magnifying glass, binoculars, or a book. The great thing about "The Summer Activity Belt" is that it can carry items as varied as your children's interests, and they are solely responsible for making sure it is chocked full of activities that they find interesting.

 

 

We think you'll find that "The Summer Activity Belt" makes a bold fashion statement and can go a long ways toward keeping your kids entertained.  Make one today!

Fill'er up

Can a trip to the gas station be fun?

ADDED July 15, 2009

When it comes to getting gas, there are two kinds of people.  First there are people who make a special trip to the gas station if they are low on gas.  These I call, "Planners."  Then there are those (like me) who drive until they need gas.  These people I call, "Opportunists."  Most of the time, when I arrive at the gas station, the fumes in the tank are the only thing keeping the car running and refueling is more like an emergency than a fun, teachable moment.

Understanding that a gas station is not a place for a child to be running around, we have created a few learning activities that can safely occur at a gas station. This is a fun opportunity to teach math in ways that kids can easily understand (and with all the speculation in the fossil fuel market, that's a good skill to have.)

Have your kids guess how much the fill-up is going to cost.  Depending on how old your kids are, you can give them different bits of information to aid their guessing.  Let them know that the car has a twenty gallon fuel tank, that the tank is practically empty, and that gas is $3.00 a gallon.  So to formulate a guess, your child would need to use multiplication. (And 20 gallons at $3.00 a gallon is $60.00. So any thing around $60.00 would be a good guess in my book.)  Your kids can sit in the car and look out the window while the fill up is happening.  And yes, they can revise their guesses!

Another fun thing we do on longer road trips is have everybody guess how many times we will need to fill up the car in order to make it to our destination.  I thought my kids might have a hard time with this math, but with a few hints and some encouragement, they were able to figure out this complicated math problem.  Here is how I explained it: if the car has a twenty gallon fuel tank, and we get twenty miles to the gallon, we need to use multiplication to figure out the the range of the car. (That is, 20 x 25= 500 miles.)  If it is eight hundred miles to our destination, how many fill ups will we need to get there?  There you have it:  an easy way to bring a practical math application into kids' lives.

With kids that are a little older and more responsible in a busy gas station, let them help with the fill up.  Younger kids can pull the lever that pops open the gas tank door.  I will let them chose the grade of gas we are going to buy.  And tearing off the receipt is always a big hit (as is putting down the radio antenna for a car wash.)

With a little creativity, become an "Opportunist for Learning" while fuel pumping, and make sure that at the gas station, "Today is fun!"

 

Thanks to davidclow for the photo!

Hi, Larraby!

A fun way to introduce a bunch of kids

ADDED July 14, 2009

 

My kids -- like many children -- are a little shy when meeting other kids, and I've found one way to break the ice is to call everyone by the wrong name.  While I am not a fan of the "Dumb Dad," for this I will make an exception.

Here is what I do:  I make up the most absurd names and introduce the kids with them. I will say, "Hi, Hortense and Vernon, nice to meet you.  This is Larraby and Gertude."  Kids being kids, everyone immediately corrects me, and I will then go around the group again and say each person's correct name.

Next, I introduce them again, but this time I jumble up everyone's name.  I call the girls the boys' names and vice versa.  I'll even introduce the dog using one of the parents' names.  At this point, the kids are having fun -- and insistent on pointing out my many mistakes.  I ask the kids to see if they can go around the group saying the correct names. 

Soon, the ice is all broken and names are all known!  And luckily, everyone is usually quite forgiving of my bumbling attempts.  (Also, my middle name is in fact, Larraby.)

TIF Book of World Records

Get some record holders in your own home

ADDED July 13, 2009

 

We all have heard of the Guinness Book of World Records.  At the moment, it is a very popular book at my house, featuring such important entries as the furthest distance an egg has been thrown, the fattest cat, and the longest time spent ironing (this last record was definitely not achieved at my house).  The Guinness Book contains information sure to entertain any child (and guaranteed to make a good impression during one of the many power lunches I am required to attend while promoting todayisfun.com.)

The Guinness Book of World Records got me thinking that summer is here.  What a perfect season in which to achieve some of our own records!  We are not going to try our hand at competitive eating, miniature horse husbandry, or sword swallowing, but we just might see how many times we can catch a ball without dropping it (our record is 177 consecutive catches), how many times we can ride our bikes around the block in 5 minutes (the neighborhood record is 3 times), or whether it is possible to hug your father while eating a peanut butter sandwich (record not yet attempted).

This summer if you are in need of some quick entertainment, see how far, long or frequently they can do something.  It's fast, fun and free.  Use our competitions listed above as a starting point, and then create some of your own records!

Let us know what records your kids break, and we'll can send you an official TIF Book of World Records certificate (suitable for framing).  We are always available at info@todayisfun.com.

Alas, there is a record for most Brussels Sprouts eaten in one minute (24).  But my kids are not the record holders . . . not even close.

Founding Fathers Tag

They gave us Independence, let's give them a game!

ADDED June 30, 2009

 

 

 Yesterday, we were talking with our kids about the 4th of July and the story behind this most festive of holidays.  We mentioned the "Bad Guy" King George III, but didn't mention the "Good Guys" -- the heroes of early American history. To help your kids become familiar with a few of the fifty-six delegates (because fifty-six is a lot) who signed the Declaration of Independence, we present "Founding Fathers Tag."  It is a simple way to bring educational American History fun into your kids' lives (and don't worry there won't be a test.)

Kids' Activities: Snail City

Fun in your own yard

ADDED June 16, 2009

Length: Twenty minutes or so

Parental Involvement: Some supervision, but for the most part hands off

Kids Should Be Able to:  Collect snails without hurting them

Snails are fascinating animals -- and a little bit odd.  They're in pretty much everyone's backyard, so today we suggest you and your kids go out and study them, for a slimy, slow kind of fun.

 

Snails are most active in the morning, evening, and -- at my house -- any time the sprinklers are on.  If your kids are anything like mine, they like to catch anything they find in the yard and put it in a plastic container for observation. Snails are perfect for this. 

What we do at our house is grab a plastic container like this and fill it with snails.  This can be little yucky, but once I showed my kids how to pick up the snails (very carefully by the shell) they were hooked. 

 

 

We have had a great time looking at snails' eyes which can be found on their upper tentacles, the different shell sizes they have, and trying to keep them in their container.  We also learned that snails smell using their lower set of tentacles, they are herbivores eating only plants and the snails found around our house are called garden snails.

 

 

When we are done with our snail observation, we gently put them back where we found them in the yard so we can continue our observations another day.

Remember, please treat all God's creatures with respect and compassion!

Have fun with this one!

 

 

 

Kids' Activities: Bike Bell Memory

Ring, Ring,Ring

ADDED June 15, 2009

 

I really try to look for fun in everything I do with my kids, and Bike Bell Memory is a perfect example of how you can take anything and have a good time with it.

Where we live, there are a lot of pedestrians on the sidewalks. Pedestrians are not always ready to be assaulted by unskilled, shaky bike riders (that is, eight and nine year olds on two wheelers), so in an effort to make innocent citizens aware of our presence, each kid in my house was presented with a bike bell.

Suffice to say, there is a lot of bike bell ringing thanks to my very enthusiastic children.  Their free-form, bell-ringing fun only stops when we play "Bike Bell Memory."  Here is how it goes:  first I use my bell to create a simple rhythm that is easy for the kids to duplicate. After they repeat the pattern I created, I will create another rhythm that is a little harder, and they repeat. We continue doing this until we have to stop for a traffic light.  Then one of the kids takes over, and they will create a rhythmical pattern that we all need to repeat.

Bike bell memory makes passing people a whole lot easier because the constant ringing is sure to get the attention of everyone within earshot (as well as all the dogs in the neighborhood.) 

You like this idea? Please leave us a comment, and let everyone know!

 

Thanks to marcusramberg for the photo

Trip to Market

A fun and free outing

ADDED May 22, 2009

Eating "in season" is all the rage these days, and today we have a fun and free outing that you can take as a family:  a trip to a local farmer's market.  You need to eat and everybody wants to eat something that is healthy and fresh. This weekend would be a perfect time to go if you have never been.

Decide ahead of time what your budget will be (they only take cash) and then spend an hour or so looking and tasting (many vendors have samples) all that the local farmers in your area have grown.  You can even let your kids help pick some of their favorites or try something new. Here is a picture of my daughter with purple carrots.

Below is a list from eattheseasons.com of all the fruits and vegetables that are in at their peak of freshness right now.  So get your helpers, head over to the market and grab some goodness.


VEGETABLES

artichoke | asparagus | avocado | broccoli | corn | cucumber | fava beans | peas | radishes | rhubarb | spinach | zucchini


FRUIT & NUTS

apricots | grapefruit | kiwi fruit | lemons | limes | pineapple | strawberries

High-Wire Flyer

Orville and Wilbur would be proud. And possibly a bit riled up.

ADDED May 21, 2009

Anything that moves is inherently interesting to kids.  Keeping that in mind, we made a really cool zip line flyer the other day out of some simple things that we had around the house. It was awesome and the end result looked like this. 

Here are the simple, household items my kids and I used to create what we call our "High-Wire Flyer:" some paper or an empty basket from a pint of strawberries, two paper clips, a string of about 15 feet, one quarter and two places to tie the string!  Easy.

First, start by making a paper airplane.  Luckily, you don't need to be fancy or an aeronautical engineer: the classic fold and fly model paper airplane will do just.  Second, bend the two paper clips to form an "S" shape, and carefully stick one end of each "S" clip through the top middle of the top plane.  Next, tape one quarter to the front of the plane (two if you can afford it in this economy) and finally, tie one end of the string to a tree, banister, slide or clothes line and tie the other end lower than the first, to a rock, shrub, chair or outdoor water valve.  (You need to make a path that travels from high to low.)  Remember, the more extreme your line's angle, the faster your plane will fly. Now, 3,2,1 launch!  With a small push your plane will travel quickly down the line making a perfect landing every time.

 

If you are really handy or have more than one kid, try making parallel lines and you can race planes.   If you have room in your yard, try crossing two lines and you can have an exciting mid-air dog fight! As with everything we make here at TIF, we suggest that the kids color the plane, because everyone knows that will make it go faster.  Or at least look faster.

To the skies, people!  And we know you have a choice when you fly, so thank you for choosing Today is Fun.

Classical Spring Music

Aural Edu-tainment

ADDED May 19, 2009

Springtime is upon us, and in honor of that fine season, we present some beautiful classical music for you to share with your kids.  Today, we celebrate Spring with a free audio download, an excerpt from Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," and its first three movements, Spring.  Put it on your Ipod to listen in the car while you drive to school, or make a CD and enjoy listening during breakfast tomorrow.  This type of thing is an easy way to introduce your kids to great music -- and just might save you from having to listening to one of those wacky, guitar-toting children's troubadours.

To make your listening time more educational, have your kid listen for streams, thunderstorms, birds, trees rustling in the wind, and a dog barking in the the music. Vivaldi wrote the music so that the orchestra would make music that resembles each of those things.  You guys can find each of those:  all you need is creativity and some perky ears.

We are big fans of classical music here at TIF, so drop us an email info@todayisfun if you want many more kid friendly recommendations (sorry, troubadours need not apply).

 

Click on the links below to play while browsing TIF.

 

Play Movement 1 Allegro 

Play Movement 2 Largo

Play Movement 3 Allegro

 

Have fun!

 

 Thanks to John Harrison for the beautiful music and skepsis and januszbc for the the photos!

Everyday Hypothesis

Lab coats and safety glasses not required

ADDED May 18, 2009

We are big fans of science here at TIF. And one of the most fun parts of science, we think, is forming a hypothesis and testing it out.  Luckily, you don't need beakers, bacteria or Bunsen burners to form a hypothesis -- just a willingness to observe and test, test, test!

A hypothesis is a statement that is testable and includes a prediction as to the outcome based on the 'variables' being studied.

To make the explanation simple, I explained to my kids that a hypothesis usually has the words if and then. For example, "If I we build a tower nine blocks high -- nine blocks is variable #1 -- it will stand.  But if we build a tower ten blocks high -- ten blocks are variable #2 -- then it will fall".  Hypothesis formed and ready to test! 

 

You can create a hypothesis from almost anything that can have a different outcome based on variables. "If I build a house out of blocks, then my three-year-old sister will knock it over in two minutes or less."  Or, "if I take a bath quickly, then Dad will read me two books before bed."  And here's a favorite:  "if I eat all my dinner, then I will get some pie!"

My daughter and I have had a lot of fun over the last few days forming hypothesis and testing them out. Just about anywhere we go, we are able to play what we call, "Make a hypothesis," and it is cute to hear a nine-year-old talking about science.  In our testing, we have bounced balls (several sizes), pushed shopping carts (with several riders) and toppled towers (of varying heights).  The result of all this scientific work has not been a research grant, colorful sash, or dinner-plate-sized medal, but a lot of fun.  And some science education along the way. 

Explain to your kids today what a hypothesis is and let the fun begin.  We would really like to hear what you think of our blog, posts, and how handsome we are, so please drop us an email info@todayisfun.com or leave a comment below.   If you leave us a message then we will be happy!

 

Thank you to estherase, mikefischer and jalb for letting us use your photos!

Make your own comic strip

Get those imaginations going!

ADDED May 08, 2009

For today's print 'n' play activity, we will all be creating a comic strip.

This comic strip is a very simple way to tell a story. Here, we're using pictures in four frames.  The beauty of comic strips is they can be anything your kids' imagination can dream up. (And if the story their imaginations dream up requires more than four frames, print out more sheets!)  As you probably know, some comics have words and others don't, so this can be a fun activity that you do with kids of almost any age.

To start, show your kid a few comics from the newpaper (if you get one) or share this classic Charlie Brown comic. 

Explain how the story has a beginning, middle and end and then let their imaginations run wild.  Let them know that anybody can be a character in their comic: a teacher, a favorite stuffed animal, a family pet or even a little brother.  The best part is anything can happen in the story: people can fly, rocks can talk and cows can play the cello.

 

Email a photo of your kids comic to info@todayisfun.com and we will post it in our art gallery.  And if you can train a cow to play the cello, please send pictures of that, too.

 

(click to download)

 

Thanks to Charles m. Schulz for the comic inspiration!

Fair and Oddly Even

A fun learning activity that will leave no odd man out!

ADDED April 17, 2009

 

You don't have to spend a lot of time explaining the concept of "fair" to kids.  Kids understand what is fair and what isn't.  And kids are especially adept at determining when they're on the receiving end of some unfairness.

So why not use fair play to teach a more complex mathematical concept:  even and odd numbers.

Tell your kids this:  there are a group of kids on the field who are going to be split into two soccer teams.  If one team is bigger than the other, then the bigger team will definitely win.  But if there is the same amount of kids on the two teams, then the game will be fair, and either team could win.

The concept here is:  if the two teams are even, then the number of kids on the field is even.  

If the two teams are not evenly matched, then the total amount of kids is odd.

Another example you could use is a see-saw. If there are too many kids on one side, the see-saw will tip, but if the amount of kids on each side is even then then the it will balance.

You can even teach odd and even with your hands.  Start by counting one finger on each hand.  If each side has the same number, you are even!  But if one hand has three fingers and the other has two, then you are odd.  (No offense.  Numerically speaking only.)

Make sense?

You could also grab a handful of pennies and sit down with your kids at the table.  Deal the pennies to the kids just as if you were dealing out cards.  (Make sure that the number of people being dealt pennies is even.  So that means if there are an even number of kids at the table with you, don't include yourself.  If the number of kids is odd, deal yourself a pile!)  Did everybody get the same number of pennies?  Was the number of pennies even or odd?

Of course, this fair and even trick only works with . . . even numbers.

Finally, spend some time finding things that are odd and even in your house and your neighborhood.  Two bookends on the mantle?  Even!  Three candlesticks on the dining room table.  Odd!

Now, even things aren't always "fair," and fair doesn't always mean even . . . but you get the idea.  And hopefully your kids will, too.

Have a fun weekend with your kids!  We even hope you enjoy some fair skies!

The Today is Fun Semi-Official Power List

Foods that will give your kids power for today and every day

ADDED April 09, 2009

We have received many emails about yesterday's post.  In it, I mentioned a "Power List" that I had written out for my kids.  (As you might remember, my kids like anything with the word "power" in it.)  

I listed foods that would give them plenty of "power," and I taped it up on our fridge.

My list is nothing special.  And I warn you, I am not a dietitian.  (But I did make the list using information at nuval.com.)

 

In case you can't read my chicken scratch in the accompanying photo, we proudly present . . .

The Power List
Apples
Apricots
Bananas
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cantalopes
Carrots
Celery
Cucumbers
Grapes
Honeydew Melons
Lettuce
Milk
Oranges
Pineapples
Strawberries
Tangerines
Water
Yogurt

Instead of asking for cookies as snacks, now my kids are asking for things on the Power List.  And they're getting plenty of power from these healthy foods, I can tell.  Believe me, my kids are not lacking for energy!  We have also created a TIF "Power List" that you can print out and use to create your own "Power List".

Thank you, everyone who wrote to ask about this.

Special Tricky Messages

Busy brains are happy brains

ADDED April 02, 2009

 

Kids like using their brains to figure stuff out.  That's good news for you, of course, when you're trying to keep them entertained.  All you have to do is give your kids a reason to get their brains in gear!

And here is a very good (and rather fun) way to get your kids to use their brains . . . special tricky messages!

Special tricky messages aren't exactly codes.  They're just a way of looking at letters and words differently.  Today we'll demonstrate two tricky methods.  You'll definitely catch on quickly, and soon you'll be writing special tricky messages for your kids, too.

The first kind is very easy:  write a note to your kids, backwards.  This method of special tricky messaging is so simple that a kid of five or six could figure it out.  So . . . why don't you have your kid of five or six figure it out?  

Figure out a three- or four-sentence note that you can write your kid.  It should be easy for you to find a subject:  you can write how you feel about them, or you can write a few sentences about their interests (Spiderman is a good guy, but Dr. Doom is a bad guy!), or anything else about their life (Thank you for setting the table for me yesterday.)  Simply write the note backwards -- it's surprisingly easy and quick to do.  (Tomorrow night movie family have and popcorn make to going are we!)

For young kids this basic kind of trickiness is truly quite exciting.

The second special tricky message method is also very rewarding.  We call it "expand the message."  This one (and the backwards suggestion above) might be easier and quicker if you type up the messages on your computer and print them out.  If you make a mistake -- and what parent doesn't multi-task and make a mistake or two? -- it's easy to fix.

For "expand the message," type a quick, one- or two-sentence note to your kid using all CAPITAL letters.  Then take each word and make up a sentence to go around it.  The resulting sentence doesn't need to make a ton of sense; it just needs to hide the true message.  Here's an example we've come up with for demonstration purposes:

THIS is a note for you to read.  It is kind of SPECIAL.  The MESSAGE IS what is special.  The words here are FOR YOU to read.  

YOU will eat breakfast tomorrow.  Pancakes and waffles ARE good for breakfast.  (Breakfast is THE first meal of the day.)  Wash your hands if you use syrup, because sticky hands are not the BEST!

(Just read the capitalized words to figure out the special tricky message.  If you want, feel free to copy this word for word and give it to your child.  We don't mind!)

If you have any questions or other ideas, let us know.  People, one this with fun some have please and!  


--S

Which One Doesn't Belong?

Future standardized exams will be a piece of cake for your kids!

ADDED March 16, 2009

As with all our ideas, our activity today will be extremely fun for you and your kids.  But this one has an added bonus.  It might -- just might -- help your kids excel on future standardized exams.  Can it be true?  Read on, and you be the judge.

Today we're playing "Which One Doesn't Belong?"  

This one requires some mental effort on your part, but it's pretty easy, we think.  The effort is nearly effortless, really.

All you have to do is think of three similar items, and one that's a little bit different.

Here's an example:

* monkey
* lion
* elephant
* tree

When you've thought of your list of items, tell them to your child.  Ask, "Which one doesn't belong?"

(Did you spot the one that doesn't belong in the list above?)

Here's another, slightly different example:

* monkey
* lion
* elephant
* seal

Obviously you can spot the difference, right?  Can your kid?

For full credit, your children have to tell you *why* the thing they've picked is different.  That's the whole fun of the game!

We think this game can really go for hours.  It works wonders in keeping kids occupied during traffic jams and waits at restaurants.  There are just that many different things in the world, that many different things to be identified and discussed.  Here are some more ready-made lists for you:


1.  

*  snake
*  snow leopard
*  shark
*  snail

2.

*  flower
*  vine
*  rock
*  palm tree

3.

*  say goodnight
*  put on pajamas
*  brush your teeth
*  drink orange juice

4.

*  truck
*  motorcycle
*  Mommy's car
*  race car

5.

*  Daddy
*  Brother
*  Grandpa
*  Aunt Wanda

In the future, "which one doesn't belong" will show up -- in some form or another -- on a standardized exam.  Your kids will be given a multiple choice question and asked to identify which of the options doesn't belong.  Your kids, we're happy to say, won't be new to this type of question.  In fact, they might even remember as a fun activity they did with their parents!

Free, fun, learning, parent-kid time.  We hope they all belong in your house!  Have fun.

 

Good News, Bad News, Better News

What's better than good news? Better news!

ADDED March 04, 2009

 

This one is a fun verbal activity.  It's perfect for passing the time while waiting.

Start by playing "Good News, Bad News."  You say to your child, "I have some good news and some bad news."  And then, make up some good and bad news.

The trick is that the bad news should completely cancel out the good news.

For instance, you could say, "The good news is I'm going to spend some special time with you now.  The bad news is:  I'm going to spend that time tickling you!"

Or a kid could say, "The good news, Mommy, is that I just brushed my teeth.  The bad news is that I didn't use toothpaste, I used ketchup!"

The other trick is too make sure that the good news and bad news are either completely pretend or completely light.   You guys should enjoy yourselves - and nobody should get upset!  And if your children aren't at an age where they understand pretending and joking, well, hold off on this one for a while!

You guys might find that you like the variation "Good News, Better News" even, well, better!  In this one, you make a simple change:  "I have some good news and some better news!"

Here is an example to get you going:  "The good news is that I just made a batch of chocolate chip cookies.  The better news is that you can have two of them!"

And a couple more suggestions for you:

"The good news is today is your birthday.  The even better news is that we're having a birthday party today!"

"The good news is we're going to do some coloring right now.  The even better news is that we're going to try to use every single crayon we've got!"

This one is for older kids, we think.  Let us know how it goes in your house.

We think it will be a worthwhile activity.  And the even better news is, it's easy to remember, and you guys can play it for years!

Trees versus Bushes

(From the people who brought you the quite tricky One Up, One Down earlier in the week)

ADDED February 05, 2009

We like trees, don't you know, but not bushes.

Speaking of which, we enjoy roots, but not branches.  That's just us.

Oh, and we like school but not learning.  And coffee but not tea.

Do you think we've lost our minds here at Today is Fun?  (That is, assuming you thought we had much of minds in the first place.)

By the way, we do like beets, but not radishes.  Sweets but not candy.  Tools but not implements.  

Before you give up on us, never to return to this blog again.  Let us explain . . .

(Well, before we explain, can you see a pattern in the words above?   That's the tricky thing here, and it's for your kids to figure out.)

What do the words we like have in common?  

The activity here is for your children to figure out the pattern.  Start by telling them words you like (such as "teens") and words you don't  ("tens").

Have you figured it out?  Once you have, it will be easy.  And once you have got the hang of it, you'll be able to create more examples for your kids.  (If you haven't cracked our code yet, don't worry.  It takes different people different amounts of time!)

Okay, here's the answer.  Double vowels.  We just really like double vowels (for the purposes of this activity.)

We hope you have fun with this one, and that you don't think we're too crazy.  (Kooky, yes.  We like the word kooky.  But not crazy!)  

--S

(Many thanks to the incomparable and always laudable Mr. David Silverman of Mar Vista, California, and to  Marina Cast. for the heart-shaped tree pic, and also to noricum for the shot of the bush.)