December Holiday Garland Craft

Children love the holidays and these crafts are adaptable to suit three different holidays. Surprise your group with a fun holiday craft this month. These crafts can be multicultural by just changing the colors. Be it red & green for Christmas, blue & white for Hanukkah, or red, green & black for Kwanzaa—adapt these crafts for your holiday!

Multicultural Children Garlands:

These garlands can be strung along a wall or across a doorway.  Use brown grocery bags that you have stored from shopping.  Dress the children cutouts in the colors of your holiday.

These are simple paper-doll instructions. Start by cutting a 5-by-4-inch strip from a grocery bag.  Next, fold the strip of paper, accordion-style, about four times.  On the top layer, draw a child shape. You can draw this freehand or trace around a child or gingerbread cookie cutter. The hands and feet you draw must extend out to the folded edges.  Cut through all layers of the paper, making sure not to cut where the arms touch the fold. Young children may need help with this task. The decorating is the fun.  Cut clothing from gift-wrap or construction paper.  Draw in shoes, hair, faces, and any extras with markers, puffy paints, or gel pens.  For texture you can glue on pom-poms, buttons, or pieces of fur.  Let your child’s imagination run wild.

Holiday Wreath:

Use your child's hands to make this holiday wreath. From a piece of cardboard, cut a 12-inch circle (a pizza box lid or carton works well).  Again cut another 3-inch circle in the center to complete the wreath. A craft knife is useful to make the cuts but only by an adult. Invite your child to paint the entire cardboard wreath with poster paint in the color of your holiday. After the paint dries, have the child make handprints on the wreath. Brush the child’s hand with a different color paint and press the hand down on the board. Continue to print handprints around the wreath in a circular fashion.

For another option, trace hands on complementary-colored stiff construction paper, cut out, decorate the hands if you wish, and glue them around the circle.

Make a bow from fabric, crepe paper, large ribbons or construction paper to decorate the bottom.  Make sure to write the date on the back of this memorable project.

Have fun with these two crafts.
Happy Parenting,
Tania  :)

Photo courtesy of Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

Note: if anyone wants to use any part of this post or any other one, please notify me for permission and make sure you provide a link back to this site.

Piggyback Christmas Songs for Kids -- What Fun!

Christmas is near and Christmas carols are being played on the radio, in programs, stores, and basically all around. Singing with children is such a lovely family tradition, but why not divert away from the traditional carols, maybe just for a little while and sing some fun piggy-back songs sung to traditional children's tunes? Here are a couple of my favorites to try:

Songs Around the Christmas Tree

The traditional Christmas tree fascinates children with all the bulbs and bubbles that adorn its branches. Christmas is magical for children, so these songs make it fun. Sing this first song to the tune of "This Old Man." The title is "Toys on the Christmas Tree" and has several other verses.

This little drum, on the tree,

Santa put it there for me,

With a boom-boom, rat-a-tat,

Rummy-tummy-tum,

Christmas Day is so much fun!

Children love to sing "The Wheels on the Bus", so this time make it a fun Christmas song with these new words.

The lights on the tree go blink, blink, blink,

Blink, blink, blink, blink, blink, blink,

The lights on the tree go blink, blink, blink,

All Christmas day.

Continue singing all the following verses:

The presents at the house go rattle, rattle, rattle ...

The mom at the house goes bake, bake, bake ...

The dad at the house goes snore, snore, snore ...

The grandma at the house goes hug, hug, hug ...

The grandpa at the house goes kiss, kiss, kiss ...

Since this song is open-ended, think of new verses together to add to this song.

Have fun singing these songs together.

More songs to come!
Happy Parenting,
Tania  :)

(Song authors unknown)

Photo courtesy of Morguefile.com

T is for Toys: What to Know Before Buying Them

8 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Toys

Each year many children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. Even innocent-looking toys such as marbles and balloons can present a hazard to small children. The National Safe Kids Campaign recommends avoiding the following when choosing toys:

·      Toys with small removable parts. Small parts are hazardous and can pose a choking hazard to children under age 3. Use a small-parts tester (which can be purchased at a toy or baby specialty store) to measure the size of the toy or part. If the piece fits entirely inside the tube, then it is considered a choking hazard.

·      Toys with sharp points or edges. Children may unintentionally cut themselves or another person.

·      Toys that produce loud noises. Toy guns, high-volume music players and other loud toys can permanently impair a child’s hearing. Many toys have decibel levels high enough to cause hearing loss.

·      Toy darts and other projectiles. Propelled toys can cause cuts or serious eye injuries.

·      Toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches. Long strings and cord could wrap around a child’s neck and unintentionally strangle him or her.

·      Electrical toys. Electrical toys are a potential burn hazard. Avoid toys with a heating element, including batteries and electrical plugs, for children under age 8.

·      Toys painted with lead paint. Exposure to lead can result in lead poisoning, causing serious damage to a child’s brain, kidneys and nervous system. If the toy is a family heirloom, be sure the paint is safe. In addition, toys manufactured in other countries may also contain lead paint. Lead testing kits are available at hardware and baby supply stores.

·      Toy cap guns. Aside from potentially encouraging violent play, paper roll, strip or ring caps can be ignited by the slightest friction and cause serious burns.

Source with More Information:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/safe_toys.html
https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/toy-safety?


Enjoy your holidays with the kids, but be safe.
Happy Parenting,
Tania :)

Photo courtesy of Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

C is for Celebration Logs

When I think of the letter C, I think of celebrations. It could be a December holiday, patriotic event, or just a simple family celebration that you want to emphasize. Your children will love making these yummy logs in the colors that represent your theme. They're simple to make, great for a treat, or even a take-home favor. Here's how to make them.

Celebration Logs (edible treat)

Celebrate your event with pretzel logs adorned with sprinkles in colors of the season, holiday or your child's choice.

You will need:

·      Pretzel logs

·      Chips (either chocolate or white chocolate)

·      Colored baking sprinkles

·      Waxed paper

Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler or in the microwave inside a glass bowl.  Dunk the pretzels halfway into the chocolate;  then roll them in a dish of sprinkles.  Dry the decorated logs on waxed paper.

Display them in a large glass to set on the table or enclose them into cellophane bags to be given as favors. Enjoy!

Taking kids in the kitchen is a great bonding experience between parent and child. Enjoy your holiday time together.

Happy Parenting,
Tania :) 

This activity was used in one of my A to Z Challenge years. Photo by Tania Cowling, all rights reserved.

Treemote: A Unique Christmas Lighting System

Soon we will be decorating and putting up our Christmas trees. Whether you choose a real tree or artificial, they have strands of lights. Wouldn't it be nice to easily light your tree without bending down or crawling behind the tree to plug in the lights? Well now we have a solution -- TREEMOTE!

"Treemote solves the daily task of switching holiday lights on and off by using the wireless Treemote device. Treemote is simple and easy to install. To use, plug the white receiver into any wall outlet, and then plug a string of lights into the receiver. Using the green tree-shaped remote, customers can then control the lights from up to 80 feet away. "

And, when the holidays are over, don't pack your Treemote away. It can be used with any household lamp or small appliance to easily turn it on and off with a cute remote control device. Don't get down on your knees or strain your back any longer -- just push a button!

• MSRP: $19.99 Batteries included.
• Availability: Available for purchase online and at select retailers nationwide

We don't have our Christmas tree up yet, usually around the first week of December, BUT I have my Treemote  ready for this event. I tried it on a table lamp and it was so easy. I think every household should have one of these nifty devices. 

Until next week -- Happy Parenting,
Tania 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I want to thank Treemote, Inc. for the opportunity to view their product. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the product was provided and these are my own opinions.

Hot Toys for Kids for the 2016 Holiday Season

Are you looking for some entertaining toys for your child? Here are a few from VTech to check out for the 2016 holiday season.

For toys to be awesome hits for kids and parents alike, they must be fun to play with right out of the box, but also having staying power to last as well. It's also important for toys to educate, entertain, and hold a child's attention for a good length of time. Most of this year's toys will also appeal to adults, so join in on the fun and enrich your child's playtime. Here are a few to consider.

Go! Go! Smart Wheels Blast–Off Space Station – Little astronauts will love helping the rocket lift off from the launch pad for an outer space adventure. They can maneuver down the space ramp, spin the galaxy or even pretend to tumble through a black hole. Zooming past five SmartPoint locations will enable the kids to hear fun phrases, music, and more, including learning about the letter “R” and hearing sing-a-long songs. This playset helps to strengthen a child’s motor skills and teach cause-and-effect. This toy is geared for ages 1-5 and sells at retail for $34.99.

Bizzy the Mix & Move Bot – Children can get creative as they build their own robot with this toy. It has 10 different accessories that enable the kiddos to make and role-play with a different robot every time they play. Along with the various robot experiences Bizzy has 10 melodies and sound effects to share. This toy is age-appropriate for kids from 2-5 and retails for $24.99.

Care for Me Learning Carrier – This interactive pet carrier lets young children take their plush pet anywhere. As you put the furry puppy inside the carrier, the child will hear playful phrases when opening and closing the door. Then, press the light-up buttons to learn about colors, shapes, pet care, and more. This set also includes four pet care accessories so toddlers can groom, feed, and play with the cuddly puppy. This toy is perfect for children ages 9-36 months and retails for $24.99.

Go! Go! Smart Friends Secret Blossom Cottage – Who’s ready for a tea party inside this cute cottage? As your child explores the cottage, Sunny the Garden Fairy reveals her personality with motion and lights. The cottage also features a twirling fountain, spinning gears, and has a carrying handle for fun on the go. For ages 1-5 retailing at $24.99.

Remember all the Go! Go! sets have extra characters that you can interchange with all the other playsets by VTech. You can purchase these characters separately too.

You can find a large variety of VTech toys online here.

Purchase toys on Amazon or at your local toy stores.

What a fun year for the toy industry and for the entertainment of your children. Take time to enjoy your children's company and play with them. You'll be directing their development and absorb the thrill and amusement in their playtime activities.

Happy Parenting and Enjoy Your Holidays,

Tania  :)

Note: These toys were provided by the manufacturer for review, however I was not paid for this blog post. These are my own opinions.

Photos by Tania Cowling, all rights reserved 

Gift Guide: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Are Still a Hit With the Kids

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) are still a hit this season thanks to Nickelodeon’s TV show and the comeback of these characters in their recent movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.  Why not invite your children to engage in pretend play with these toys offered by Playmates Toys?

Action Figures and Vehicles

The collection of action figures (see picture) inspired by the film includes Basic Action Figures, 6-inch Battle Sounds Figures and 11-inch Action Figures. In addition to being highly detailed, fully poseable and uniquely sculpted to capture the personalities and distinctive appearance of the Turtles, allies and villains in the movie, each figure comes equipped with its own unique accessories.

The 5-inch Basic Action Figures include the four Ninja Turtles--Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo--as well as Stealth Leonardo, Pirate Michelangelo, Wingsuit Raphael, April O’Neil, Bebop, Rocksteady, Casey Jones, Foot Soldier, Kraang, Splinter and Shredder. Other action figure assortments include the 11-inch Action Figures and the 6-inch Battle Sounds Figures, which feature a button on the figure’s backpack that triggers up to ten sounds and phrases from the movie. Both assortments include the four Ninja Turtles, as well as Bebop and Rocksteady.

As seen in the movie, the “Turtle Tactical Truck” is full of awesome foot fighting gear including giant nunchucks that can be deployed as the vehicle rolls, a capture net and ninja stars that can be launched to give the Turtles an edge during battle. The truck also features a working forklift and is designed to hold all four Ninja Turtles.

Playsets

New this season is the Half-Shell Headquarters Playset. It’s specifically designed for preschoolers with four levels of Ninja Turtle fun.

The transforming playset unfolds to reveal new play areas, including street level trap doors that lead to different areas of the Ninja Turtles' lair, a slide in each hand including one that's a manhole-popping secret entrance, and the playset's foot turns into a jail cell!

With this many transformations, twists and turns, kids can either guide the Turtles to safety or send Shredder and his gang right to jail! This set includes Raphael and Bebop 2.5" action figures (compatible with most Half Shell Heroes action figures). This toy is recommended for ages 3 and up. 

Standing over 40-inches tall, the “City Sewer Lair Playset” is packed with Turtle action, including an oven-styled pizza disc launcher, water slide entrance that is seen in the movie and more.  With over 15 features and multi-levels to play, kids can recreate the entire Turtles’ best battles from the movie in play areas including Splinter’s mediation area and Raphael’s gym.

Another New Toy

Another new toy for the younger set is Talk-to-Me Mikey. The children can have hours of fun conversing, singing and playing games with Michelangelo, the most fun-loving and energetic of all the Turtles.  As one of the most intelligent Turtle toys ever, Talk-to-Me Mikey recognizes when a child asks any of a list of 10 questions and responds in over 100 unique ways. The highly interactive Turtle features movement and position sensors to react hilariously based on how a child moves Mikey (shake or spin him!).

These are just a few of the variety of TMNT items that Playmates Toys has to offer for your child’s entertainment this season. Search your local toy stores for these toys or online at:

Check out their website  

Amazon

Until my next post,

Happy Parenting,

Tania  :)

Note: – Information and samples are from the manufacturer. I was not compensated for this review.

Holiday Gift Guide 2016: Crafting With Kids and More

Indoor craft projects are never more welcome than during the winter – those times when it gets too dark for outdoor play, or too cold to even be outdoors. Making crafts together is a wonderful bonding experience and today there are craft kits that make creative time fun and easy. Everything you need is inside a packaged kit.

For the holidays, I suggest getting your children art and craft sets to foster their inner creative abilities. Here are a few ideas from Alex Brands. This company makes really exciting and engaging kits for kids of all ages. And, I love that most of their products are under $25 – so helpful for parents during the holidays.

Who remembers Shrinky Dinks? You know how you colored plastic pieces and then baked them in the oven to shrink and get hard. Well, Alex Brands has brought this concept back in an array of art kits.

Shrinky Dinks 3D Flower Jewelry – Color and shrink your flowers to make bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. This kit includes 38 precut and preprinted Shrinky Dinks, the chains, seed beads, elastic thread, beading needles, earring studs, colored pencils, and easy instructions.  This kit is recommended for kids ages 8 and up. Retails at $22.50.

Shrinky Dinks 3D Butterfly Lights – Here you color and bake the Shrinky Dinks and then thread them onto a battery-operated strand of lights. This kit contains 12 precut and printed Skrinky Dinks, a 10 LED light string, 8 colored pencils, and instructions. Also recommended for kids ages 8 and up. Retails for $24.00.

Shrinky Dinks Statement Jewelry – Here you color, bake and shrink plastic jewels to create your own unique jewelry. Make a necklace and matching earrings along with a ring. This kit includes 12 preprinted and cut Shrinky Dinks, 6 colored pencils, earring hooks, jump rings, chain bracelets and lots of gems. Instructions are included for this kit costing $10.50. Age appropriate for 6 and up.

Along with the Shrinky Dink kits, the children can engage in beauty with colorful fingernail kits.

The Alex Toys Fab Foil Nail Roller allows the girls to put sparkly color on their nails without a brush. Roll on the color; add pretty stickers and then brush on a clear topcoat. For $20.00 you will receive 30 foil strips, two sheets of stickers and a bottle of clear nail polish. This beauty kit is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Alex Toys Color Shift Ombre Nails allows your nail polish to change color as your body temperature changes. How cool is that? This kit includes four bottles of nail polish, 50 mini stickers and easy instructions for an awesome manicure. Also, for kids ages 8 and up and retails for $10.00 a kit.

Other than glamour, Alex Brands has other craft kits. Why not color and create your own umbrella? How about making small toys come to life wearing 3D glasses? Kids will also love to play with Air Warriors darts and blasters. Some that even launch and can be seen in the dark.

And, let’s not forget about the Original Slinky – a toy made in America 70 years ago.  I remember playing with a Slinky, letting it slither down my house steps. What fun for $5.50. Any child aged 5 and up will love to play with this classic toy.  

So check out toys from Alex Brands next time you visit your local toy store or shop online:

Alex Brands

Amazon

Until my next review.
Happy Parenting,
Tania :)

Note: – Information and samples are from the manufacturer. I was not compensated for this review.

Hot Toys for Kids for the 2013 Holiday Season

For toys to be awesome hits for kids and parents alike, they must be fun to play with right out of the box, but also having staying power to last as well. It's also important for toys to educate, entertain, and hold a child's attention for a good length of time. Most of this year's toys will also appeal to adults, so join in on the fun and enrich your child's playtime. Here are a few to consider.

VTech has launched the InnoTab 3S, which is a Wi-Fi enabled children's learning tablet. Just like the parents' electronics, this communication device allows kids ages three to nine to be connected with their parents and friends through both tablet to mobile and tablet to tablet communication with the Kid Connect app. Just think, your child can make you a special drawing or note and you can download it on your smart phone at work and you can reply back to them. This package, at around $100, comes as a kid-safe web browser along with a rechargeable battery pack and AC adapter. VTech's Learning Lodge app store has a plethora of age appropriate content and curriculum to download plus 20 free apps with this package. It's never too early to start children on computers as technology is the key to future learning.

Understanding the importance of imaginary play, Playmobil has launched its new toy PopStars Stage. Pretend to be rock stars and belt out your favorite tunes in concert to a crowded audience. This toy is MP3 compatible so you can create your concert where your songs are accompanied with drums, guitar solos and flashing lights. Four figures are included (as your band) along with accessories such as drum sets, guitars, microphones, speakers and two preloaded tunes to get you started. This toy is a must for musically inclined kids ages four to ten who yearn to be singing sensations. It's retailing this holiday season at $39.99. Later you can add to this theme with the PopStars Tour Bus and PopStars Keyboarder.

And for the younger set, why not let your youngster play with miles of learning with VTech's Go! Go! Smart Wheels Airport Play Set? The airport helps young children strengthen their fine motor skills and builds their imagination through play. The little airplane teaches letters and sounds and there's a control tower that turns its antenna to fly the plane. Children may also be interested in this company's other sets including the Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Station and Go! Go! Smart Wheels Construction Play Set. These stations range from $25 to $35 in retail stores. You can pack a few Go! Go! Smart Wheels vehicles in a child's holiday stocking for $7.99 with an assortment of 12 different vehicles to choose from. With a push of a button, they light up, talk and play music.

Is your child a foodie? VTech has the 2-in-1 Shop and Cook Play Set, which transforms from a shopping cart to a kitchen in a matter of minutes. The cart responds with cute sounds and phrases and then when the child is ready to cook, there is a pretend cutting board, stovetop, oven, and sink. For children ages two through five, this play set encourages learning about food, colors, numbers, following directions and much more. This toy retails at just under $50.
What a fun year for the toy industry and for the entertainment of your children. Take time to enjoy your children's company and play with them. You'll be directing their development and absorb the thrill and amusement in their playtime activities.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor was given a gift or sample to inform this content.

This content was originally posted on Yahoo Voices

December Holiday Fun

Wow, I'm about a week late in posting and Hanukkah is beginning. There is quite a span between this December holiday and Christmas, but I want to give all the teachers, parents, caregivers and homeschooling parents lots of options for holiday activities, crafts, songs and more. So, please check out these links and bring in the holiday spirit with your little ones.

I've just started a new channel on Suite101.com that is chock full of holiday stuff. The front page at the moment has December holiday materials, but check back often as this is the hub for all things holidays for young children. I'd also love if you leave comments and your ideas with each project article. We all learn by sharing. Click on... to visit Holiday Projects for Preschoolers.

Next are individual articles that contain a variety of activities for December holidays:

5 Crafts Made with Christmas Cards: Creative Time with Your Children

Greeting Card Fun for the Kids

Multicultural Christmas: The Ways Other Children Celebrate

Read on...

12

Christmas Ornaments for Kids to Make: Think Nature and Go Green

For more, click here...

Celebrating Kwanzaa with Young Children: Crafts

Projects to Make Together for This African-American Holiday

Holiday Toys for Kids: New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Are Back

This is especially interesting how these toy characters are back on the market, hot, hot, toys...

And last, but not least, I just started a Pinterest page with holiday ideas for Christmas. Check it out and repin if you see something you like. 

Christmas

General Holiday Fun

I want to wish all my readers and followers a very happy holiday season -- and see you all next year. 2013 is just around the corner!

Tania