Are you dreaming of warm weather?

As the snow is starting to melt, it feels like shorts and flip flop season is right around the corner.  In Minnesota, shorts and flip flops usually start appearing when the temperature hits 50 degrees.

I realize I should be transitioning from winter to spring.  However I saw an idea for making a sandy beach art project and I couldn’t wait until June to let the kids try it out.

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Do your children play with jacks?

The game of jacks dates back to over 2000 years ago.  In the ancient world this game was played with stones or small animal bones.  As time went on a wooden ball was introduced to the game.  Then eventually a rubber ball replaced the wooden one and metal game pieces replaced the stones.

I know you wanted to history of the game of jacks before I proceeded with today’s blog post.  For more exciting history facts on toys and games check out: History Lives

Now moving on to my point… Jacks have been around for centuries, yet today you don’t see many children playing this game.  Why not?  Let’s think about the benefits:

1.  Helps develop great hand eye coordination.

2.  Children learn to play with one another and take turns.

3.  It is a short game.  Long attention span is not required.

4.  There is no TV or computer involved.  Simple hands-on fun!

5.  Children love to watch their parents scream and yell when they accidentally step on one.

If you still don’t think that playing jacks is a suitable game for your children, you can try the Jack-in-a-Box Painting activity.

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Are you a coupon clipper?

Every week I take the time to cut the coupons from the Sunday paper, hoping to save a few dollars here and there.  I used to think I was fairly good at saving money until I realized I was not maximizing my coupons.  This was brought to my attention by one of my good friends who is amazing when it comes to using coupons.  I don’t think she has paid for cereal for 3 months now.

There is a great website called Pocket Your Dollars. It gives you the weekly ads from Target, Cub and a few others and then tells you which coupons to use to get the best deal.  I have recently started to use this site and have noticed that I am saving more money than I have in the past.

I realize that cutting and sorting coupons takes time and organization.  However I have also realized that coupon clipping can be turned into a learning activity.  Saving money and teaching your children at the same time is a great combination.

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Is your preschooler getting tired of playing Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders?  Are you?

There will come a time when you and your preschool aged children can’t seem to find a game to play.  They will tell you that Candy Land is a baby game yet they cannot seem to find the patience to sit through an entire game of Sorry.

This is when it is time to search out games that are a little more advanced, yet not too time consuming.  At our house we recently found success with two fun games: Guess Who and Operation.  Our seven year old had received these games for Christmas and his birthday.  The recommended age on the box says for ages 6+ but our three year old is able to play both of them (with a few modifications).

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Do you ever teach math using craft projects?

Most children love to do arts and crafts.  Their theory is: the stickier and messier, the better.  If you add food to the project, they are thrilled!

Today’s craft activity of a gumdrop tree will be a big hit because it involves candy.  From an educational standpoint, it will help build both math and fine motor skills.

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