Do the Impossible!
Your kids will show you how!
ADDED April 29, 2010
Today's activity is very simple, I'm pleased to report. It's also very fun!
Most adults have learned, over many years, that they cannot do certain things. I cannot, for instance, flap my arms and fly across the room. Not so with kids. (Tell my four-year-old to flap his arms, and I promise you he'll be flying around the living room immediately!)
Children have different ideas about what constitutes "doing something." For instance, I know that I cannot draw a beautiful, beautiful picture -- something worthy of being hung in a museum. My kids, however, and yours, are more likely to appreciate their own artwork.
So today, we want you guys to make a list of the "impossible" -- and then do each item. (Well, you guys can pick and choose what sounds good to you.) Here are some ideas for you:
Flap your arms and fly across the room.
Tell a frightening story.
Draw a beautiful, beautiful picture.
Run as fast as a speeding train.
Grow a flower in the living room.
Grow a long beard right this instant.
Magically turn into a fish.
Stand as quiet and as peacefully as a tree.
Do a dance like a pro.
Perform an amazing magic trick.
Make some top-notch art to give other people.
Shine like a lightbulb.
There are no "right answers" to these challenges. However your child realizes each item on the list is a right answer!
The point here, of course, is to encourage your kids to try things in life, to try to do difficult things, to have fun, and to feel a great measure of success! In fact, in my humble opinion, many adults can benefit from those ways of thinking, too!
Have an impossibly beautiful, beautiful fun day! . . .
The Set-Up List
Just go through the list!
ADDED April 28, 2010
Do your kids do "set-ups?" I hope so, because it seems that lately a lot of our ideas around here are set-up-related.
In case you're not with me here, a "set-up" is when the kids take a selection of their toys and, well, set them up.
"Set-ups" are a great activity for kids and parents alike. One plus here is that the kids will be using the toys they already have. They're playing with what you guys already own, not pining for more stuff. Everybody wins.
In my house, sometimes the kids just go off on and their own to make a set-up. That's great. But sometimes I can tell they need a little bit more structure and parental involvement. So I get out a piece of paper and we make a list.
We make a list of the different kinds of toys we own. For instance, our list could look like this:. . .
In case you're not with me here, a "set-up" is when the kids take a selection of their toys and, well, set them up.
"Set-ups" are a great activity for kids and parents alike. One plus here is that the kids will be using the toys they already have. They're playing with what you guys already own, not pining for more stuff. Everybody wins.
In my house, sometimes the kids just go off on and their own to make a set-up. That's great. But sometimes I can tell they need a little bit more structure and parental involvement. So I get out a piece of paper and we make a list.
We make a list of the different kinds of toys we own. For instance, our list could look like this:. . .
The Pretty Much Gordian Knot
Fun with knots and shoelaces
ADDED April 27, 2010
Do your kids know the story of the Gordian Knot? It's from Greek mythology.
Apparently, a long, long time ago in Ancient Greece, there was a very complicated knot. No one could figure out how to untie the thing. (I'm not sure, and I don't mean to point any fingers, but a certain two-year-old I know may have been behind that tangled mess.)
Anyway, as the legend goes, along came Alexander the Great, and he was given the challenge of untying the knot. He said, "No problem," then whipped out his sword and cut right through the knot.
That's the end of the story, except that it's often told to show how clever Alexander was, and how he thought outside the box.
I don't know about you, but I've always thought that Alexander's actions were a phenomenal cop-out. I mean, does anyone really think that cutting something is the same as untying it?
Okay, my outrage at that story aside, here's today's activity:. . .
Apparently, a long, long time ago in Ancient Greece, there was a very complicated knot. No one could figure out how to untie the thing. (I'm not sure, and I don't mean to point any fingers, but a certain two-year-old I know may have been behind that tangled mess.)
Anyway, as the legend goes, along came Alexander the Great, and he was given the challenge of untying the knot. He said, "No problem," then whipped out his sword and cut right through the knot.
That's the end of the story, except that it's often told to show how clever Alexander was, and how he thought outside the box.
I don't know about you, but I've always thought that Alexander's actions were a phenomenal cop-out. I mean, does anyone really think that cutting something is the same as untying it?
Okay, my outrage at that story aside, here's today's activity:. . .
Schmippopotamus
A quick and simple way to keep young kids entertained and on their toes
ADDED April 26, 2010
This one's quick and easy. I've found it also helps get a kid's attention back when they're getting bored and possibly mischievous.
All you need to do is say: "I'm thinking of an animal. See if you can guess what it is. Here's a hint: schmippopotamus."
If your kid is old enough (three and above, certainly), they'll get the joke, and correctly figure out the animal.. . .
All you need to do is say: "I'm thinking of an animal. See if you can guess what it is. Here's a hint: schmippopotamus."
If your kid is old enough (three and above, certainly), they'll get the joke, and correctly figure out the animal.. . .
This is what I can do with three blocks
A few blocks, a lot of fun
ADDED April 23, 2010
Today's activity requires some building toys. Wooden blocks are perfect, but Legos will certainly work, as will Tinker Toys, Zoobs, Dominos, you name it.
Find a place for your young builder to set up, and then tell him or her, "I'd like you to build me something very interesting today. You can have as much time as you'd like. But . . . I'd like you to use only three blocks!)
(Or three Legos. Or three Dominos. You understand.)
What can your child build with only three?
Truthfully, there's not a ton of options here.
And today, I suppose, we're teaching our kids that, well, sometimes more is indeed more.
So, once the three-piece structure has been built and approved by the young architect, it's time to add another block. You can say to your kid, "What can you build with four blocks? Make it as interesting as possible!". . .
Find a place for your young builder to set up, and then tell him or her, "I'd like you to build me something very interesting today. You can have as much time as you'd like. But . . . I'd like you to use only three blocks!)
(Or three Legos. Or three Dominos. You understand.)
What can your child build with only three?
Truthfully, there's not a ton of options here.
And today, I suppose, we're teaching our kids that, well, sometimes more is indeed more.
So, once the three-piece structure has been built and approved by the young architect, it's time to add another block. You can say to your kid, "What can you build with four blocks? Make it as interesting as possible!". . .
Logo Learning
Good clean environmental fun!
ADDED April 22, 2010
Today we're taking a little different bent on the whole Earth Day thing. We're celebrating by learning about logos.
Yes, a lot of people criticize corporations today. But not all corporations are bad -- we can agree on that, can't we? And many corporations have cool, artistic logos!
If your kids don't know what logos are, you can explain the concept like this: logos are symbols that represent companies, schools, sports teams, and the like. The symbols are usually special pictures or a special way of writing the necessary letters. (Or both special picture and way of writing letters.)
Logos are truly all around us. First off, talk to your kids and see if they can identify some logos. Can your kids think up some logos they may have seen? Do they know the logo for your local market?
Next, think of some logos you've seen to share with your kids. Fire up the internet and see if you guys can find these logos on Google and Google images. If your kids like any sports teams, you can definitely find those logos online.
Of course, we want your kids to get out some paper and crayons and get busy whipping up some logos of their own. Some ideas:
Yes, a lot of people criticize corporations today. But not all corporations are bad -- we can agree on that, can't we? And many corporations have cool, artistic logos!
If your kids don't know what logos are, you can explain the concept like this: logos are symbols that represent companies, schools, sports teams, and the like. The symbols are usually special pictures or a special way of writing the necessary letters. (Or both special picture and way of writing letters.)
Logos are truly all around us. First off, talk to your kids and see if they can identify some logos. Can your kids think up some logos they may have seen? Do they know the logo for your local market?
Next, think of some logos you've seen to share with your kids. Fire up the internet and see if you guys can find these logos on Google and Google images. If your kids like any sports teams, you can definitely find those logos online.
Of course, we want your kids to get out some paper and crayons and get busy whipping up some logos of their own. Some ideas:
- Does your kids' school have a logo? If not, your child can create one!
- When I was a kid, my mom proudly promoted her cooking as "Mom's Kitchen: Good Food For Good Kids!" Well, maybe your kids can make a logo for your house's food service!
- How about a logo for your kid's favorite stuffed animal?
- Today is Earth Day. Maybe your young ones can create a logo reminding people to throw trash in a garbage can.
Naturally, your family could spend some time admiring our website's logo. (It includes the boy and girl, of course.). . .
My All-Time, Tip-Top Favorite Book List
What books have grabbed your kids?
ADDED April 21, 2010
You have some darling kids in your house, right? And you're a devoted parent -- there's no doubt about that.
Well, we're certain that you've spent quite a bit of time reading with your young kids. In all probability, you and your young ones have read many, many books. And your kids naturally gravitate to some books more than others.
The activity here is simple. First, tell your kids, "Today we are going to make a list of your All-Time, Tip-Top Favorite Books. Help me make a list."
Making the list is very easy. Your kids should take a moment to reflect on their favorites. You might have suggestions for them, too.
Then, your children should go peruse the bookshelves in your house. Do they see any books they had forgotten to mention as favorites? You -- or they -- should write down each entry.
Once the list has been compiled, it's very easy to make it a bit more "multi-media" and visually appealing. If you've made your list in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word, you can head over to Amazon.com, look up the book in question, and copy its cover. Then simply paste that image into your list. (To copy an image from your browser, you usually just need to right-click or control-click on it. Email me at steve@todayisfun.com if you get really stuck and need some technical guidance!)
Your kids, too, could draw each book's cover -- or a memorable character from the book -- with crayons and markers.
How many books should your kids have on their lists when you're done? There's no real answer. Really, they should have all their favorites. Maybe this will be ten, maybe it will be thirty. . . .
Well, we're certain that you've spent quite a bit of time reading with your young kids. In all probability, you and your young ones have read many, many books. And your kids naturally gravitate to some books more than others.
The activity here is simple. First, tell your kids, "Today we are going to make a list of your All-Time, Tip-Top Favorite Books. Help me make a list."
Making the list is very easy. Your kids should take a moment to reflect on their favorites. You might have suggestions for them, too.
Then, your children should go peruse the bookshelves in your house. Do they see any books they had forgotten to mention as favorites? You -- or they -- should write down each entry.
Once the list has been compiled, it's very easy to make it a bit more "multi-media" and visually appealing. If you've made your list in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word, you can head over to Amazon.com, look up the book in question, and copy its cover. Then simply paste that image into your list. (To copy an image from your browser, you usually just need to right-click or control-click on it. Email me at steve@todayisfun.com if you get really stuck and need some technical guidance!)
Your kids, too, could draw each book's cover -- or a memorable character from the book -- with crayons and markers.
How many books should your kids have on their lists when you're done? There's no real answer. Really, they should have all their favorites. Maybe this will be ten, maybe it will be thirty. . . .
Alphabet Plus One
A fun, easy, and vaguely educational code!
ADDED April 20, 2010
Codes can be fun for kids. When I was young, I loved devising new, top secret methods of conveying important messages.
(Exactly what those important messages were -- and to whom they were being conveyed -- is sadly lost to history.)
Here is a simple code, that even younger elementary kids can enjoy. It's very, very easy to do.
(As a little educational bonus here, this code activity will get kids' minds engaged -- and it will even demonstrate the benefits of vowels . . . as you'll see in a moment.)
All your darling young code-makers need to do here is . . . "add one" to each letter in the alphabet. That is, replace each letter with the one immediately following it. So A becomes B, B becomes C, and so forth. (Z slingshots all the way around and becomes A.)
Got it? Easy, right? Now let the code-making begin!
Have your child start with his or her name. What would it become in the "Plus One" code?
Aidan would become "Bjebo." Sounds rather exotic to me.. . .
(Exactly what those important messages were -- and to whom they were being conveyed -- is sadly lost to history.)
Here is a simple code, that even younger elementary kids can enjoy. It's very, very easy to do.
(As a little educational bonus here, this code activity will get kids' minds engaged -- and it will even demonstrate the benefits of vowels . . . as you'll see in a moment.)
All your darling young code-makers need to do here is . . . "add one" to each letter in the alphabet. That is, replace each letter with the one immediately following it. So A becomes B, B becomes C, and so forth. (Z slingshots all the way around and becomes A.)
Got it? Easy, right? Now let the code-making begin!
Have your child start with his or her name. What would it become in the "Plus One" code?
Aidan would become "Bjebo." Sounds rather exotic to me.. . .
Four Photos About My Life
What four pictures tell the story of your kids' lives?
ADDED April 19, 2010
I got a great book from the library recently. It shows four or five photos from every country in the world. My kids and I have really been enjoying getting glimpses of what different countries look like: Egypt, Guatemala, Canada, and Lithuania, among others.
For France, one of the photos shows the Eiffel Tower. Of course. Another shows a lady eating a baguette.
For Egypt, one photo shows a pyramid. It also shows a man riding a camel.
It must be tough to distill a whole country down to four or five photos. The thought of depicting America -- or even your state or city -- in so few photos sounds very daunting!
But this can also be a really good exercise. If you need to tell a story with pictures -- and you can use a million photos -- then you don't have to be too careful or selective. But if you only have a handful of photos . . . well, you've really got to think. And make each photo count!
And that got us thinking about our kids' lives. As it turns out, our kids have a lot going on: a lot of activities, toys, pastimes, friends, family, foods they like to eat, sports, and so on and so forth.
What if you had to choose just four photos to represent your children right now? Could you do it?
And what would your kids say about the whole deal?. . .
For France, one of the photos shows the Eiffel Tower. Of course. Another shows a lady eating a baguette.
For Egypt, one photo shows a pyramid. It also shows a man riding a camel.
It must be tough to distill a whole country down to four or five photos. The thought of depicting America -- or even your state or city -- in so few photos sounds very daunting!
But this can also be a really good exercise. If you need to tell a story with pictures -- and you can use a million photos -- then you don't have to be too careful or selective. But if you only have a handful of photos . . . well, you've really got to think. And make each photo count!
And that got us thinking about our kids' lives. As it turns out, our kids have a lot going on: a lot of activities, toys, pastimes, friends, family, foods they like to eat, sports, and so on and so forth.
What if you had to choose just four photos to represent your children right now? Could you do it?
And what would your kids say about the whole deal?. . .
Barely A Letter
Almost pretty much a letter
ADDED April 16, 2010
This one is fun for kids who are learning their letters or have recently mastered the alphabet. This activity focuses on the shapes of letters -- and the necessary components that make up each letter.
Grab a blank piece of paper and your child. (I often will do this one while the kids are eating breakfast to give us a good, educational topic of conversation while they eat.)
Your job is to write a letter on the piece of paper. Your kid's job is to read the letter. Easy, right?
Except, where's the fun in easy? Make it more tricky, and you'll make it more fun for everybody.
The trick here is to draw letters that are almost correct. Letters that are close, but not fully right on.. . .
Grab a blank piece of paper and your child. (I often will do this one while the kids are eating breakfast to give us a good, educational topic of conversation while they eat.)
Your job is to write a letter on the piece of paper. Your kid's job is to read the letter. Easy, right?
Except, where's the fun in easy? Make it more tricky, and you'll make it more fun for everybody.
The trick here is to draw letters that are almost correct. Letters that are close, but not fully right on.. . .
Based on a True Story
A simple technique that leads to a lot of entertaining results for kids and adults alike!
ADDED April 15, 2010
Tell an outlandish story to your kids. Right now.
For some people, inventing an entertaining story on the spot might be easy. For many of us, though, it's a bit difficult.
Here's a method that will make story-telling very, very easy. Kids respond quite well to this kind of story. It's perfect for passing the time when you're stuck in traffic or in the dentist's waiting room!
All you have to do is base your tale on a true story. Use anything from your kids' lives.
For instance, I like to start my stories with my kids at school. I say, "Owen was at school this morning. Jackson was there, and so was Emily, Ryan, Rose, and the rest of the class. The teacher, Mrs. Sandburg, showed the class a book. One of the kids sneezed.". . .
You Can't Take That Away From Me
How to help your kids handle disappointments
ADDED April 14, 2010
Not to be overly depressing, but disappointments happen in life. And many times, those disappointments are caused by other people. Bullies and mean kids are pretty much inescapable -- just to name two kinds of frequently disappointing people in kids' lives.
Well, when disappointments occur, it can nice to be reminded of those things that can't be "taken away." That is, those things in life that can't be diminished or affected by other people and their disappointing behavior. Today, we think you should talk to your kids about this.
So without any further ado, here are Five Things That Can't Be Taken Away From Me (Or From You):
Well, when disappointments occur, it can nice to be reminded of those things that can't be "taken away." That is, those things in life that can't be diminished or affected by other people and their disappointing behavior. Today, we think you should talk to your kids about this.
So without any further ado, here are Five Things That Can't Be Taken Away From Me (Or From You):
1. My own smile
We don't want you or your kids to be fake, but there's no question that smiling can really help pass tough times.
Putting a smile on your face can help you actually feel more happy.
Some people complain a lot. Other people are relentlessly upbeat. Which kind of person do you think is more fun to be around? Which person deals better with difficulties? And which description would you like to have apply to your kids?
2. My own breath
When I was a kid and I got upset, my mom would encourage me to take some deep breaths. Of course, she knew what she was talking about. This recent study showed how women taking slow breaths felt less pain, discomfort, and depression.
All those benefits -- just by taking slow, deep breaths!
Teach your kids about this breathing technique and practice with them. It's powerful, helpful, and everybody in your family will win!. . .
Draw A Story In Four Parts
Easy story and art fun!
ADDED April 13, 2010
Grab a blank piece of paper and some crayons. Fold the paper twice, which will create four sections of equal size.
Got it? Good. Now you're ready.
Write the numbers one through four in each of the sections. This is a four-part story.
Take the first turn and get the story started off. Depict something in Section #1 on the paper. All you need, really, is some character doing something. A princess picking flowers. A horse eating hay. A car coming out of a garage. Don't try too hard -- simple is fine!
Slide the paper over to your child. It's your kid's turn to continue the story in Section #2. Really, your young one can depict anything in that section. The princess can find a frog in the flowers. Or she could find a birthday cake. She could turn into a frog. Or into a spaceship. Again, it doesn't have to be too complex or sensible!. . .
In Praise of the Curlicue
Isn't it lovely, though?
ADDED April 12, 2010
Sesame Street likes to highlight and honor one letter or another in each of their shows -- and we think that's great. (We also think Sesame Street is great for kids. Who in their right mind wouldn't?)
Well, today we'd like to suggest a similar idea. Instead of one of the English alphabet's many fine letters, though, today we'd like to praise a shape and its word: curlicue.
You know what "curlicue" means -- a line or object that makes a series of loops -- but do your kids?
First, get out some paper and crayons so you can practice drawing curlicue lines. This will clearly show your kids what curlicue means, and it will give them a chance to make some beautiful curlicues themselves.. . .
Fun with Family Trees
Connect the dots for your family
ADDED April 09, 2010
Have you and your kids made a family tree lately? Family trees are easy to sketch out, more or less, and they’re interesting for everybody.
A lot of good learning can happen when kids work to represent information in different ways. And a family tree is an easy way to represent all the connections in your family.
You can probably figure out how to make a family tree with your kids, but here are some specific guidelines. We use these as “rules” and think that they make the whole process work quite smoothly.
A lot of good learning can happen when kids work to represent information in different ways. And a family tree is an easy way to represent all the connections in your family.
You can probably figure out how to make a family tree with your kids, but here are some specific guidelines. We use these as “rules” and think that they make the whole process work quite smoothly.
• Start with the people in your immediate family. Those people -- and those connections -- are the ones your kids know the best.. . .
All the Signatures In My Family
Calling All Autograph Collectors
ADDED April 08, 2010
If your kids don't already know, you can tell them that someone's signature is their special way of writing their own name.
In olden days, people used to collect signatures (also called, confusingly enough, "autographs.") People used to collect signatures from famous people, such as the President. (Actually, I suppose that some people still collect autographs -- I just have never met anyone who still does.). . .
I Can See For Miles And Miles!
How about you?
ADDED April 07, 2010
The other day, my kids and I were on the third story of a three-story building. We looked out and saw another building far, far way. We're talking miles and miles!
The kids noticed that the other building looked small -- they're old enough to know that if it looks small, that means far away.
We looked on Google Maps and saw that we could see for about five miles. Yep, that is indeed pretty far.
Ever since, the kids and I have been calling that "the place where we can see the farthest."
Where can your kids "see the farthest?" And how far away can you guys see?. . .
All the Artists in the House
The More Art, The Better
ADDED April 06, 2010
We are lucky enough to have more than one book of some classic fairy tales. We have a couple different versions of Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Hansel and Gretel.
The stories are basically the same in those books, of course, but the art and the pictures are much different. Different artists represent the same story in different ways. And that got us thinking . . .
What if everybody in your family drew their own pictures for the same story? How would that look?
Well, we did it. I took some pieces of regular, 8.5" x 11" paper and tore them in half. Each person in my family received five of these pages.. . .
Ten Things About Me
You are endlessly fascinating. (To your young kids, at least.)
ADDED April 05, 2010
A few months ago, there was a craze sweeping Facebook. You may have seen it. People were encouraged to list twenty-five "facts" about themselves. Ideally, these facts were interesting, not mundane or boring.
Back when those "About-Me" lists were popular, I heard a lot of people pooh pooh them. "Do I really need to know that Bob is allergic to asparagus?" one of my friends asked. Another complainer asked, "So what that Mallory spilled red wine on her wedding dress before the ceremony?"
Well, whatever you thought or think about these lists, we are here to suggest one audience that will be quite receptive: your children. Kids are quite interested in hearing about their parents, and they're especially fascinated about their parents before kids were in the picture.
Did you spill red wine on your wedding dress? Was it terrible? Tell the kids!
Are you allergic to asparagus? To anything? Kids will find that quite interesting. They may even have follow-up questions for you.
Did you get held up at gunpoint while Subway Sandwiches? I did, and my kids will be thrilled to hear the details of that incident, I assure you.
So here's what we propose you do: tonight, while the kids are sleeping, sit down and make a list of ten interesting things about yourself. We hope this won't be too difficult -- and it shouldn't require too much mental effort. (If you are having trouble getting to ten, you might want to include how you met your spouse, your biggest victory in life, your biggest surprise, etc. We think your list should contain positive occurrences -- not failures or downers.). . .
Bunny Kisses
Quirky, non-denominational Easter fun!
ADDED April 02, 2010
While bunnies are widely admired for their cute little noses, their lips don't seem to be mentioned much.
So when it comes time for bunnies to kiss, we believe they put their noses into action. All a bunny has to do to give a nice kiss is twitch a bunny-nose back and forth against another bunny's cheek.
Kids can easily duplicate a bunny kiss. One really doesn't need a specific reason to bunny kiss a family member, but here's a fun Easter-themed, bunny-kissing game for you. (It was the perfect diversion the other day when we were waiting, and my kids started to grow restless.). . .
Happy April Fool's Day
Five very simple suggestions to get young kids into the spirit of the holiday
ADDED April 01, 2010
We haven't really suggested April Fool's jokes here in previous years.
This blog is primarily for parents of younger kids: elementary school and pre-school aged children. Young kids aren't really ready to be pranked. They're very unlikely to enjoy being the butt of jokes, let alone from the people they trust and rely on the most.
But we think that a little, positive April Foolery is okay. Basic, intro April fooling can be good, if you make the focus on surprising people and not on fooling them. So here are a few ideas to help your young kids enjoy the "holiday:"
1. Put some food coloring in your kid's milk. Why not? It's wacky, but not mean or hurtful. Get the kids' milk blue-ish or green-ish and put it on the table without announcing the change. Did the kids notice? You can also pretend to be surprised. "Blue-ish milk?! How the heck did that happen?"
2. Prank Dad. Dads are tough. They can handle a lot. Dads generally have thick skin. So while the father in your house is at work today, cook up a prank for him.
We want the kids to still be considerate of Dad's feelings, but let them try to get Dad's goat. For instance, they could make an outlandish statement or two. "Dad, did you know there's a goat sitting on the hood of your car or two?"
3. Put a handful pennies in unexpected places for the kids to find. (If your kids are older you might have to scatter quarters around the house.). . .
