August 2009 – It's All Kid's Play

Hold a Book Swap

31AugustJeanreading activities and writing activities and math activitiesbook swaps for kids, literacy for kids

>Have you read all your books and looking for something new to read? Trade books with your friends. (Ask your parents if it is okay first.) Make this a family activity: find a family to swap books with. This activity promotes literacy skills.

>#219: Popcorn String

30AugustJeancrafts for kids

>You will need: popcorn, needle, and string. Pop popcorn in an air popper (do not use microwave popcorn). Thread a needle with string and stick the needle through the popcorn. Keeping sewing popcorn onto your string until you have a length you want. You can place it on the Christmas tree or place it outside

>#218: Paint

29AugustJeanart projects for kids

>Paint your own picture, paint in a paint book, or do a paint-by-numbers. Identical-sided paintings: Paint one side of a piece of paper and while the paint is still wet, fold the paper in half and press down. The paint from the one side is now on both sides of the paper. Drippy Paintings: Put

>#217: Jet Ski

28AugustJeanwater play for kids

>Let’s go for a ride! Have an adult take you for a ride on a jet ski. (In Canada, you must be 16 or older to drive one of these.) Safety First: Wear a life jacket and follow your local water safety rules. Make this a family activity: Everyone gets a ride! This activity promotes

>#216: Fly a Kite

27AugustJeanoutdoor games

>Hey, is it windy outside? Go fly a kite! Safety First: Make sure you fly your kite a long way away from telephone poles (overhead wires) and big trees. Also, never fly a kite during a thunder storm. Make this a family activity: Take the whole family to the park to fly a kite. This

>#215: Cross Your Eyes

26AugustJeanfun challenges

>Can you cross your eyes? Hold your finger in front of your face and slowly, bring it in to your nose. As you bring your finger to your nose, keep watching it with your eyes. It will make your eyes cross! Make this a family activity: See if everyone in your family can cross their

Count Thunder

25AugustJeanreading activities and writing activities and math activitiescounting games, rainy day activities

>You’ll need a thunder storm for this one. Look out your window and watch for lightning. When you see it flash across the sky, begin counting until you hear the accompanying thunder. (Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.) Count slowly, one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand, until the thunder comes. Take that number and