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Waco, nestled in the heart of Texas, was first settled in 1848. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, more than 124,000 residents call Waco home. Whether you live in Waco or are just visiting with your family, you'll find an array of kid-friendly activities, including some that get your children outside where they can be more active.
Elementary school students in the United States study many interesting people who impacted American history. One such person, Harriet Tubman, escaped slavery and then helped other slaves escape to northern states and Canada where there wasn't slavery. A number of engaging activities can help kids retain information about Tubman and her work.
The bustling city of Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest metropolis. The city's proximity to Lake Michigan gives its climate a certain unpredictability. Sudden snowstorms, unexpected heat waves and unusual weather patterns are common. The good news is that the city has plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep kids busy and having fun no matter what's going on with the weather.
When you approach the subject of Jesus dying on the cross, activities can make the topic less frightening and more understandable to kids. Occasions where you could use these activities include Good Friday or another Holy Week service and when a child asks why Jesus is hanging on a crucifix.
Cheerleaders may appear to be the most popular kids in school, but it may actually have more to do with being healthy and feeling great than it does with social status. Because they work out regularly, many cheerleaders are in top physical condition and may have a leg up on their teamwork and leadership skills because they cheer.
Learning about the U.S. Constitution might not sound like fun for kids, but it is important for children to learn about the history of the United States and how it came to be. Whether your children are learning about the U.S. Constitution in school, or you want to teach them about it at home, incorporate engaging, related activities that will keep them interested and excited to learn more about the most important legal document in the United States.
Hickory Hills, Illinois is a bustling community with a small-town feel, but it's located less than 30 minutes from Chicago. As its name suggests, towering hickory trees and rolling green hills surround the area. While there are a small number of entertaining and educational activities for kids right in Hickory Hills, there are even more opportunities to have fun in the outlying areas around the small city.
Putty is a pliable tool that teaches children about science and uses language skills, plus it's lots of fun! The original putty, called Silly Putty, was invented by accident in 1943 by a General Electric engineer by the name of James Wright. The mixture is made of boric acid and silicone and is a viscoelastic liquid, meaning the mixture has properties of both elastic and liquid. You can try several fun activities with putty to stretch the limits of your child's imagination.
Crafting useful items out of repurposed containers is a healthy alternative to sending them to the landfill. It's also an easy and economic way to keep small hands entertained for hours. Canning jars, small gift boxes and clay pots all make perfect containers to reuse and recycle into kid crafts.
Whether you need to entertain a co-ed group of kids for a few hours or you are committed philosophically to raising your child in a more gender neutral manner, it's helpful to have a few activities up your sleeve in case boredom sets in. Luckily, many classic childhood favorites are fun for boys and girls.
Located about 30 minutes from Seattle, Snoqualmie Ridge is located in the city of Snoqualmie and offers a view of the mountains, shopping and, of course, plenty of kid-based fun. Whether it's taking a ride with Santa on the Santa train or hiking through the city's trails, there's plenty to keep your kids occupied while you explore the city.
Whether you are spending the summer RVing on the road or are just taking a weekend getaway, camping with kids is a fun-filled way to get back in touch with nature. If you are planning a family camping trip, there are many adventurous, as well as more low-key, activities that some campgrounds have specifically for kids.
Categorizing and classifying activities for kids is a great way to keep everything neat and orderly. Learn how to categorize and classify activities for kids with help from an education professional in this free video clip.
A lot of different activities for kids encorporate things like dancing, running or jumping. Find out more about dancing, running or jumping activities for kids with help from a personal trainer and group fitness director in this free video clip.
Outline activities for kids are a great, fun way to get a little exercise. Learn about outline activities for kids with help from a personal trainer and group fitness director in this free video clip.
Teaching rhetoric persuasion activities for kids requires you to keep a few very important things in mind. Learn how to teach rhetoric persuasion activities for kids with help from a professional reading and English tutor in this free video clip.
Text structure is something you should start teaching kids as early as possible. Find out about activities for text structure for kids with help from a professional reading and English tutor in this free video clip.
Visitation can be a great time to really get to know your kids through various activities. Learn about activities to do with teenage kids during visitation with help from the founders of a nonprofit for troubled teens in this free video clip.
Parents and kids often establish goals for behavior or for accomplishing certain tasks. Unfortunately, many expressed goals remain unmet. Parents often drop the ball on giving kids the motivation to carry through on their goals. Children may do better when you create a visual representation of what they needs to accomplish. Displaying goals prominently also helps keep them at the forefront. Allowing your children to chart or map their own goals and participate in rewards helps improve compliance. Meeting goals reduces both child and parental frustration.
Team bonding and building activities are essential to the well-being of a dance team. First and foremost, children that do not get along well together will be encouraged to work together outside of dance practice. Also, team bonding and building activities can be used to teach life lessons at this impressionable stage of a child’s development. Long-term friendships can be formed and lessons taught, while having fun at the same time.
The liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church is a set of rules and rituals defined by the Vatican that prescribes the exact way of how mass is celebrated worldwide. Teaching the comprehensive material to children is important as it enables them to participate actively in mass, and helps them to develop their faith. Games and activities are educational as well as entertaining tools to teach children the meaning of the elements of the liturgy.
Living in Niles, Ill., gives you the best of both worlds. Niles is a small town of less than 30,000 people, as of 2009, and is located 15 miles from the business hub and trendy world of downtown Chicago. If you want to raise a family in this suburb, there are many opportunities for kid-friendly activities right in town.
Located on Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor is a city in Island County, Washington. Whidbey Island is known for Deception Pass Bridge, a National Historic Monument that links the island with Fidalgo Island. These islands lie within the region of Washington state known as Puget Sound, an extension of the Pacific Ocean. The Whidbey Island area in and around Oak Harbor offers a variety of activities for kids, including many outdoor events.
Drumline activities for kids are designed to teach simple patterns and hits that can be performed on a drum pad or on one of the five axillary drums -- snare, bass drum, tenor, cymbals, timpany -- that make up a regular drumline. While drumline activities can be performed by kids, the kids must be old enough and strong enough to wear a snare, bass drum or tenor drum for extended periods of time. As a result, most kids in a drumline will be 12 and over.
It is essential for children to learn the grasping motion, which is also called supination, at an early age. Learning to grasp will help them in their academic pursuits as they enter kindergarten, will make a wider variety of artistic activities possible such as drawing and painting and will allow them to play with more advanced toys. Help young children learn this important ability by engaging in activities that improve their fine motor skills.
Double-clicking is a common task that requires somewhat quick fingers. Many features on the computer are harder to access without the ability to click the mouse twice in fast succession. Some children have physical disabilities that make double-clicking difficult, while other children haven’t developed the speed to double-click. Practice may be enough for kids to gradually develop this skill.
The kinesthetic learner has a predilection and disposition toward physical activity, utilizing more senses and muscles than both visual and auditory learners. Kinesthetic learners use and react to strong paralanguage, particularly body language. Doing kinesthetically-oriented activities is beneficial to your body and health.
Every parent wants their child to display gentleness, the quality of being kind, as part of her personality. She will only develop this trait if her caretakers demonstrate it; youngsters learn human behavior by mimicking adults. Activities to encourage a kind demeanor can take place both in and out of the house.
Fitness and exercise are important for a child's health and well-being. Increasing a child's endurance helps increase their maximal oxygen uptake. Aerobic activity, which helps increase endurance, increases the heart and respiratory rates. This helps the body deliver oxygen to the cells more efficiently.
Pancakes not only satisfy hungry children year round but even have their own honorary day preceding the season of Lent in many religious cultures. Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, occurs the day before Lent begins and cultures around the world celebrate with pancake-related games and recipes. Whether celebrating Pancake Day or just spending quality time with children, pancake activities provide fun learning experiences and fond family memories.
Some school programs have daily quiet time programmed into the schedule -- nap time or after-lunch rest time for the youngest children falls into this category. At other times, there is a need for quiet activities to occupy some children while other students are still finishing a writing assignment or test. The specific activities offered will depend on the age of the students, the length of the time period involved and the available materials and space in the classroom.
Synergy refers to the process by which two individuals work together and accomplish something that neither would have been able to accomplish on their own. Teaching kids about synergy is a great way to prepare them for cooperating with others in academics, athletics and their professional lives. There are various games kids can play to help learn about the value of synergy.
Even though many people use email instead of traditional mail from the United States Post Office, traditional mail is still an essential governmental service for sending and receiving letters and packages. Teaching children about the post office and postal workers prepares them for using the services in adulthood. One way to do so is to make post office crafts.
Preschoolers and kindergartners love activities based around animals. You can use a bunny rabbit theme at Easter for a seasonal connection, or just for fun any time of the year. Whether your aim is to give instruction in math and reading, or simply have the kids let off a little steam, you can find a bunny-themed circle activity that's sure to entertain and educate.
Nestled among gently rolling hills in the Worcester County of Massachusetts is the small city of Leominster. At the 2010 census, Leominster had a population of 40,000 people. If you're not familiar with the city, finding fun for the young ones can be a challenge. Whether you've just relocated or are simply passing through, Leominster has plenty to offer the kids.
One of the best ways to teach children about shapes is with hands-on activities. Activities that allow children to look at the shapes will help them to better understand each shape’s appearance. All you need are a few supplies to create shape activities that will keep children interested. Entice children to try their best by awarding shape-themed puzzles, coloring books and stickers to activity winners or for a job well done.
Strongsville takes its name from John Houghton Strong, a Vermont man who founded the first small settlement here in 1816. Although it maintains its political independence, today it’s effectively a suburb of Cleveland and is home to more than 40,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The journey from Strongsville to central Cleveland takes less than 30 minutes by car.
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Tulare as part of its "Tree City USA" program for more than 20 years and the city boasts plenty of green areas and parks that offer outdoor entertainment for children. Kids looking to get involved in indoor fun and educational activities will also find plenty of options open to them in Tulare.
Educators and community leaders often use get acquainted activities for kids in pairs to help break the ice with a new group of children. Everyone gets to know each other and it builds team spirit. Pair children up randomly or boy-girl, but do not pair up children who were friends prior to coming into the new class. You want to form new friendships and create a true getting-to-know-you activity.
An eclipse happens when the moon directly aligns with the sun and the Earth. Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth casts a shadow on the full moon. Solar eclipses result when the new moon passes between the sun and the Earth. Both events are rare, especially a total solar eclipse, making them exciting occasions for people of all ages, especially kids. If children can’t view an actual eclipse, many educational activities exist that allow them to learn about eclipses.
Teach kids about different textures through some entertaining activities that allow them to have fun while learning. Smooth and rough or hard and soft activities give the children a hands-on experience. Encourage students to pay attention and try their best by awarding small prizes, such as stickers or pencils, for a job well done.
As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, raw materials are substances in their crude form that can be manufactured into new products or improved upon for consumption. The Sustainable Development Indicator Group identifies seven categories of raw material production including harvesting foods and fibers, extracting non-renewable resources through mining and drilling and land-use conversion. For teachers and parents wanting to educate children about raw materials, there are numerous opportunities and programs available.
The Navajo code talkers were instrumental in helping the Allied forces win World War II. By using their native language, Navajo, to make coded messages, the code talkers were able to send and receive messages the enemy could not break. Integrate learning with fun to teach about this important part of history.
Mailing activities for kids involve creative ways to explain hard-copy and digital mail to preschool and grade-school students. Academic lessons paired with artistic and performance exercises help teach kids both intellectually and physically. Teaching the importance of mail teaches kids to respect and be thankful for this invaluable cultural and governmental function.
Poor handwriting is frustrating for the reader, no doubt, but it may also be a point of frustration for children who try their best but nonetheless struggle to write nicely. Children see handwritten examples of good handwriting less frequently today than in previous generations, and with the availability of computers, most children practice writing by hand much less as well. Help students improve their poor handwriting by providing activities and support directed at improving poor handwriting.
Subdivisions are populated by families, and they provide a safe area where children can play outdoors in yards and in streets with slow speed limits. The key is to plan activities exciting enough to convince them to put down their video game controllers, log off their computers and head out into the open air for fun, physical activity.
Kids tend to exaggerate stories from a young age up until their teenage years. Although the quality of writing and storytelling at every age differs, the problem remains the same and it is a common cause for concern among parents. Stopping kids from exaggerating stories is best done in private through honest discussions and creative activities.
Language is an essential part of social development. When a problem occurs with language and communication, your child may suffer. Children with pragmatic language problems are particularly at risk. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) reports that children with these language problems may have problems with social acceptance.
When kids mentor other kids, the relationship can build friendship and trust, and improve social and academic skills. One of the main reasons for matching kids together for mentoring is to improve academics. An older or more advanced student might be asked to mentor and tutor a younger student to help with homework, study skills, research skills or how to use computers. Other reasons include help with self-esteem, anger management, coping with family or health problems and peer pressure. Developing interesting activities is an important component of successful peer mentoring.
Whether you're an out-of-towner on a family vacation or a local looking to fill your children's weekend, chances are you will be looking for kid-friendly entertainment during your time in Raleigh, North Carolina. There are a variety of activities for families that are suited to indoor and outdoor types and are perfect for children of all ages, leaving you and your family with many options for building lasting memories in North Carolina's capital city.
You can train your children to develop valuable character traits like selflessness. Activities designed to introduce the concept of selflessness and to reinforce a child's selfless decisions will strengthen his willingness and ability to put the needs of others before his own desires. Use modeling, positive reinforcement and concrete language to help children grow.
Reading comprehension depends on knowing how to pick up on context clues within the text. Teaching students to find context clues and figure out unfamiliar words or phrases is one method for improving reading comprehension. While teaching vocabulary in isolation can be somewhat helpful teaching words in a more organic method usually yields better results in the long term.
Teaching children about the publishing business entails more than writing stories and creating characters. In fact, you can turn any English lesson into a crafts project by introducing children to bookbinding activities. Bookbinding consists of attaching the book block, also referred to as the inner part of the book, to the outer protective part of the book.
Planning hands-on activities can make the difference between an exciting and a boring math class. Students learn about symmetry and reflections—mirror images—beginning in elementary school. If you present engaging projects, the boys and girls will better understand these concepts. When students understand basic geometry concepts, they gain a solid foundation for more intricate subject matter.
Knitting activities for kids may benefit them academically as well as artistically. According to Karen D. Kendrick-Hands of City Knits, a new study, as of the time of publication, is researching how knitting increases math and reading skills in children because of the concentration and fine motor skills required in knitting. Create knitting projects for your children to introduce them to knitting.
Taking your children to a baby or bridal shower shouldn't mean boredom and impatience for them. Your children can take part in many activities to entertain themselves at a shower. You can choose to have your children play quietly off to the side, or you may want to include them in the festivities by giving them an active role in the shower.
The idea of opportunity cost is one of the most central concepts in economics. Opportunity cost determines whether a course of action is rational: If a course of action offers fewer costs and more benefits (or just a better balance of costs and benefits) than the alternatives, then it is the rational choice. The idea of opportunity cost can be hard for children to wrap their heads around, because the "costs" involved can be intangible. However, you can use activities to illustrate the concept to children in a relatively straightforward way.
According to Jane Healy, a teacher and educational psychologist, "Attention and its partner, self-regulation, are the foundations of learning, but these so-called 'executive skills' are an increasing problem in our multitasking society." Students are finding it more difficult to concentrate and apply self-control, which can lead to not only learning but social problems as well. To get your students back on track, introduce classroom activities that re-focus their attention.
Encinitas is a picturesque beach community set in the northern part of San Diego County, the southernmost county in California. Encinitas enjoys idyllic weather nearly year round, which makes it a natural home to many exciting and educational outdoor activities for kids and families. On the occasions that the family wants to head inside, Encinitas also offers indoor attractions that provide memorable outings.
Activities for a Headstart class should keep in mind the goals of the Headstart program. Headstart provides support to children and families that assists them in achieving developmental milestones in preparation for entry into school. The program is designed to meet the cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs of young children. Because of the age of the children, teachers meet many of the goals through play activities. Play provides opportunities for physical, cognitive and emotional growth.
Sensory integration disorder is the inability for a child to respond normally to signals coming in from their senses. Children with this challenge may overreact to some sensations such as touch, or be insensitive to other sensations. There are activities that are designed to address specific sensory issues. These activities need to be enjoyable for the child so as to eliminate any discomfort posed by the sensory disorder. If a child has tactile disorder, then activities dealing with touch are more appropriate. The first step in choosing the suitable activities for your child is to know the type of sensory…
The periodic table is a important tool in science and chemistry. Every child needs to understand the periodic table to be successful in these disciplines. To teach children about this valuable tool, instead of lecturing at them, use a variety of engaging activities. Through these activities, you can help them understand key concepts associated with the periodic table.
Many kids are fascinated with snakes--the bigger or more poisonous, the better. In the case of the anaconda, the operative word is "bigger." The green anaconda is the largest snake in the world by both length and weight; they can reach 30 feet in length and nearly 600 pounds in weight. The anaconda is native to South America, particularly the Amazon rain forest and other wet, swampy regions, but at least one green anaconda has been captured in the Florida Everglades. Anacondas spend much time out of the water and can be found in caves, grassy savannahs and even in…
Respect for authority must be learned at an early age. If respect for adults is not discussed with children, it will be much more difficult for behaviors to be changed once a child is older. Teach kids about respect for authority through activities that allow them to be creative and active. Creating role-playing situations where authority needs to be respected, and discussing stories and poems on the subject give students a chance to see the results of respect or disrespect.
"The Nutcracker" ballet is a classic holiday tradition people of any age in many regions of the world enjoy. "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" is the original version of the story, written in 1816. The scary fairy tale, initially written only for adults, was later changed to a family-friendly fairy tale and then ballet. The ballet was first performed in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia during the holiday season. It has since been adapted to many different versions and is known by children around the world.
Extremely dry desert biomes cover 20 percent of the earth. Desert biomes can be hot or cold, with rainfall levels totaling under 50 cm per year, according to University of California Museum of Paleontology. This equals approximately 20 inches. Desert vegetation includes shrubs, short trees and grasses. In addition to reading about desert biomes, children could make games, model clay, write, and do other activities to memorize what they have learned about deserts.
Brass rubbing is originally an English tradition inspired by the brass monuments and memorials that adorned church tombstones in British churches from the 13th century. Children can gain important historical insights from brass rubbings because they offer a pictorial overview of the medieval and early modern period, and depict iconic historical figures and events, such as the War of the Roses. It became popular to make original copies of these brass monuments during the last century but, because of wear and tear to the original plaques, brass replica plates were made available. These are available from craft stores and their…
When you thoughtfully guide activities for children in stepfamilies, you provide a solid foundation for building successful family relationships. Children whose parents have divorced, as well as those who lost a parent to death, are especially vulnerable to further emotional hurt. They often think they caused the divorce or that somehow the death of their loved one is their fault. By providing activities that help them feel valued, safe and loved, you help them heal. When they know you care about and appreciate them, that it's okay for them to grieve their losses and continue to love the other parent…
Sunny days provide the opportunity for children to get outside, enjoy the warmth, and have some fun experiences. Kids have a variety of suitable activities to choose from for days when the sun is shining. These range from simple experiments that need the sun to work, to simple play activities designed to keep kids cool and let them have some fun.
No child should be left inside for too long. According to the National Wildlife Federation, children should spend more time outdoors to be healthier and live longer. Offer outside activities for kids about animals to improve your child's normal development. A few activities include following snail trails, animal moves, pretending to be biologists and writing stories.
Americans generate 230 tons of waste every year, according to the Environmental Protect Agency. Reducing the size of the waste stream depends on the efforts of everyone. Landfill activities allow kids to see the problem firsthand and to think about ways to produce less waste, reuse what they can and recycle when possible.
Stress can be severe for parents of children with serious emotional and behavioral disorders, according to the Regional Research Institute for Human Services at Portland State University. Respite care allows parents and caregivers of special-needs children to take a break while trained specialists provide the children with activities to build skills for development. Respite activities, including sports, crafts, games and vocational and educational learning, are taught at a slow pace with hands-on training.
The Coeur d'Alene Visitors Bureau bills the city as "Your Lakeside Playground," with the many lakes and rivers providing some beautiful views in this northern Idaho town. The lakes and rivers also provide the opportunity for kids to enjoy some water fun, with this one of the many child-friendly activities in Coeur d'Alene. Other options range from enjoying some fun in local parks to taking part in the city's annual events.
Mathematics, in essence, is a study of patterns. Children in head start programs are typically at the preschool level, which is too young to begin traditional math. They are not, however, too young to start learning ways of thinking that are fundamental to mathematics; the identification and extension of patterns in their environment and seeing processes -- that will be called "functions" in higher grades -- as taking inputs and producing output.
Hialeah is a city in Miami-Dade County in South Florida. Known for its plentiful sunshine, warm weather and mild climate, Hialeah offers much to do for visitors of all ages. For kids in particular, Hialeah offers a number of activities and attractions.
Christmas evokes thoughts of jingle bells, snow-covered hills and presents under the tree. Christian families may worry that the reason for the season, the birth of Christ, may get lost in the celebration of Santa Claus and gift giving. To remind children about Christ's significance at Christmas, some families instruct children to read the Bible. A fun alternative to reading is creating activities that teach the story Christ's birth.
A few miles north of bustling Atlantic City lies the barrier island of Brigantine. The town of Brigantine, New Jersey houses parks, pristine beaches and animal and historical attractions. Historical attractions include the defunct Brigantine Lighthouse. This calm and cozy island borders New Jersey’s largest wildlife refuge. On Brigantine beaches, families can enjoy nature walking, surfing and 4-wheeling. For water skiing, fishing and boating, the island boasts six marinas.
Having a list of fun activities you can do in and around the High Point, North Carolina area can be a lifesaver when the kids are complaining that there is nothing to do. There are several places you can go that are low cost or even free.
When you need some quiet activities to keep kids busy, lacing cards and beads are an entertaining and appropriate choice. In addition to amusing children, lacing activities also develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Children will feel a sense of gratification in completing the lacing craft while adults will enjoy a few minutes of quiet time.
Classroom activities based on age-old fables, such as those attributed to Aesop, are not only an excellent way to introduce the elements of effective story-telling to your class, they can also introduce your students to new cultural themes, thereby orienting children to new perspectives that will expand their existing worldview.
While some brides choose to avoid having children at a wedding, the celebratory day lends itself to friends and family -- and their offspring; especially for those traveling some distance to attend. Children can be a fun addition to the day, but can also add stress if they are crabby, tired or uncooperative. Providing some entertainment aimed specifically at the youngsters attending can go a long way to keeping the ceremony and reception a peaceful place for everyone -- especially the grateful parents.
December is the peak of the holiday season and a short month for many teachers and students. Plan lessons that will incorporate December themes and can be easily adapted for students of all ages. Work with teachers at different grade levels to plan activities that will engage all students.
Kids at first may ponder what words such as "mom," "dad," "level" and "racecar" have in common, though the commonality should become clear once they learn about palindromes. Whether in class or at home, palindrome activities help raise kids' awareness of words or numbers that spell the same word or show the same number when read forward or backward.
Goldfish are fairly stress-free pets so many children will have kept goldfish at home or seen them at friends' houses. Because of this familiarity, goldfish are ideal for a study of habitat. Children can learn about what goldfish need in order to thrive and how water temperature affects the fish. Many writers and artists have used the goldfish, either in bowls or ponds, for their work. Teachers can also use the habitat of goldfish to inspire arts and crafts activities in the classroom.
In reading, synthesis refers to the combining of sounds to create a whole word. For example, "d-o-g" makes the word dog. One part of teaching children to read is by helping the child analyze a word and combine the smaller parts, or sounds, to create a whole word. Synthesis activities are beneficial in helping parents and educators teach children these concepts.
Tessellations are a fun way to integrate math, art and thinking skills. A tessellation is a design, without any gaps or overlapping, of one or more repeated shapes on a plane. Tessellation is also called tiling because many examples of tessellation found in ancient Turkish tile work. Tessellation can also be found in the natural world, such as a bee honeycomb or the outside of a pineapple. Teach your students about tessellations and they will soon be making their own original works of art.
Airplanes have a wide variety of different wings, but they all have a similar shape. These wings are designed to provide maximum lift to the plane with a minimum amount of effort. Teach your students about the design of airplane wings using simple classroom activities. These activities can help keep their minds engaged and make their learning experience fun.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, may not be as big as New York City or Chicago, but the city still has plenty of activities for kids to do on vacation. Whether your kids prefer nature or museums, you can make your vacation to Albuquerque memorable for them. Many of the attractions for kids in Albuquerque are also free.
Throw a memorable Mad Hatter party your guests will be talking about for months. Organize some entertaining activities to keep the kids involved in the party and give them a chance to earn prizes to take home as mementos. Awarding prizes like Mad Hatter-themed stickers, temporary tattoos and hats to activity winners will entice everyone to play along.
Advertisements surround us on a daily basis. Whether we are watching television, going to the grocery store or using the internet, ads are everywhere. Teaching kids to understand the different forms of advertising, how companies target their age group and how some ads are deceptive allows students to become better consumers as they grow up.
Children are important members of the family, so you want to include them on your wedding day. Many parts of your ceremony and reception will not be interesting to them, so it’s a good idea to provide something to hold their attention during these times. If the children are entertained, they are less likely to become bored and misbehave.
Kayaking is a way for kids to stay active while enjoying nature. Paddling helps to build upper-body strength and coordination. Children can try joint paddling with their parents on flat-water lakes or protected bays and gradually paddle on their own along coastal rivers. Scenic views of landscape and wildlife make kayaking a serene activity for both children and adults. Kayaking can be incorporated into other water sports such as fishing, surfing and water skiing.
Isaac Newton's First Law of Motion states: "In the absence of a net force, a body at rest remains at rest, and a body in motion remains in motion indefinitely along the same straight line." Perform hands-on experiments to teach kids about inertia. Students should keep careful notes during each experiment and analyze them afterward. Allow confusion to be part of the learning process. Encourage kids to come to their own conclusions, then discuss any misunderstandings later.
Socializing children involves allowing kids to participate in activities that develop the habits considered to be the norm when interacting with other kids and adults. This can include learning how to negotiate, listen, play fair, share and communicate feelings in a proper or constructive manner. Activities that can help kids with socialization include a wide variety of games, group building projects and role playing efforts. You can also aid kids' socialization by making the most of everyday opportunities to teach social skills.
Taking kids on food-shopping trips can be educational for your children and fun for you all (yes, really), as long as you do some activity planning. Turning the grocery-store visit into a game gives you the opportunity to teach kids basic math and reading skills, introduce them to different foods and help them understand the value of a balanced diet.
Heredity is a topic in life sciences referring to the passing on of traits from parents to offspring. Heredity affects the way we look, speak, our blood type and other visible and invisible characteristics. To teach kids about heredity, conduct lesson plans and activities that make students think about their own traits and where they acquired them. Students can compare humans, animals and plants to relate to the concept of heredity.
The left and right sides of the brain operate differently and have different skills at which they excel. Popular psychology holds that the left side of the brain is more logical and the right side of the brain is more creative. In reality, both sides of the brain are capable of engaging in logical and creative activities, though the left side of the brain does excel at certain areas. For example, the left-brain excels at language skills in most people. When describing left-brain activities, people mostly refer to logical, sequential and analytical thinking skills.
UCLA professor and OpenMind Training Institute director, Ronald Alexander Ph.D., defines an affirmation as “a statement said with confidence about a perceived truth.” Positive affirmations help kids build their self-esteem and become more confident. They train kids' minds to focus on their good attributes and not negative things adults and peers may say about them. Affirmation activities can be performed at home or in the classroom.
Fort Knox, Kentucky, is famous for storing the United States' gold bullion; this U.S. Army base is also home to military servicemen and their families. The base provides services to its servicemen and their families such as recreational and educational programs. Fort Knox is within an hour of entertainment centers, campgrounds and parks in Elizabethtown and Shepherdsville, Kentucky.
Wood frogs and salamanders have much in common; both are amphibians that live near water in wooded areas, for example. Wood frogs are part of the largest group of amphibians, which consists of all frog and toad species. Salamanders alone make up the second largest group of amphibians. When teaching kids about wood frogs and salamanders, you may find it helpful to reinforce instruction with hands-on class activities and projects.
Doctors are important members of the community, curing the sick and helping the injured. According to the University of Washington Medicine, while there are many types of doctors, all doctors have a love of learning, are curious about the world and want to help others. Engage in activities for kids who want to be a doctor to help them learn more about the profession. Fostering this interest would guide children on the right path to becoming doctors.
Obstacle courses provide exercise for children of all ages. From indoor courses to water courses, turn a variety of ordinary items into new activities for your children. Use obstacle courses for bored children or as a game at a birthday party. Time children with a stopwatch to see who can run the course most quickly, or make two identical courses so they can race side by side.
9/11 activities for kids should commemorate the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 while educating children on the facts of the tragedy. Through peer activities and discussion, kids are able to learn from each other's perspective. Additionally, creative 9/11 activities allow kids to make commemorative art which can be used for school decoration or community involvement projects.
Gravity is the force that pulls objects and people toward the center of the earth. Because gravity can be difficult to understand, it's best to show children gravity's real-world applications. There are many ways to demonstrate how gravity works in a classroom.
Most children enjoy making crafts at home and school. When planning a luau party or gathering, children can make luau crafts that can be used as decorations. Use the decorations to turn the party area into a tropical paradise, or allow the children to decorate their own rooms. From homemade leis to decorated pineapples, children can have fun creating luau decorations.
Activities for kids involving fingers and string are fun and easy on the wallet. Unlike other toys and electronics, string is easily found and little fingers are always available to play with. While children are having fun, they are also developing. Activities involving fingers and string aid in concentration, imagination, memory and language skills.
Many cultural and religious groups place a special importance on charitable giving. These groups often believe that charitable giving helps people become more empathetic. Thus, it is important that kids learn early that there is satisfaction in giving, especially to those less fortunate. Kids can get involved with charities in many ways; the level of participation will depend on the type of charity they are involved with as well as the age of the children.
When sugar or salt dissolve into a liquid, they seems to disappear. Dissolving is the process by which a solid changes form to incorporate itself into a liquid. Dissolving activities and experiments are an entertaining way to teach kids about the science behind the process of dissolving. Just make sure to supervise any activities that might involve a stove or create a mess.
A simile is a literary device used to compare one thing to another, similar to a metaphor. Unlike metaphors, where the comparison is only implied, similes make direct comparisons using words such as "like" or "as." For example, "Mark is like a zombie when he wakes up in the morning." Students who are able to competently use similes can make their writing and even their normal conversations more expressive and interesting.
Bullying is common in schools and in societies. There's a good chance that you have been the victim of a bully at some time in your life. There's also a chance that you may have been a bully. In the past, bullying was often seen as something that just occurred, with teachers and societies generally doing relatively little to prevent it. Coping with it was seen as a part of growing up.
Learning more than one language is beneficial to children cognitively. According to the Society for Neuroscience, bilingualism, or the fluency of two languages, improves concentration and may prevent brain disorders, such as dementia. To reap these benefits, create bilingual activities for kids. Learning more than one language can be easier for younger children and it increases the likelihood of true fluency of both languages.
Actions inspired by generosity require an awareness of the needs and feelings of others. Preschool-aged children aren’t quite developed enough to completely comprehend another’s point of view, but they can begin to learn to behave in ways that take others into account. Older children and teens can learn generosity by giving to family members and performing acts of service in the community and around the world.
Teaching children about philanthropy can begin at a very early age. It's easiest to teach it as part of a family activity -- children may be more interested in philanthropy if they know that it is something that interests their parents. The key is to engage kids in philanthropic activites that are both useful and fun, which makes them seem more like pleasurable exercises than chores.
In recent years, the rapid advance of neuroscience and psychology has revealed many different facets of intelligence. Spatial reasoning is one of those facets, and it should be nurtured from a young age to ensure children can interact with the world and develop an understanding of complex topics as early as possible. There are several kinds of activities that can help develop spatial reasoning in children. It should be noted that some children are “spatial learners,” and these activities are actually the best way for them to learn, rather than just another option included in a balanced education.
Sunflower activities are a good way for children to learn basic plant facts, simple colors and shapes. Whether the unit is about springtime or science, kids will enjoy making the colorful flowers out of seeds and tissue paper and displaying their art around the classroom. With a little creativity, a sunflower theme can go a long way with your students.
For children, the prospect of sending and receiving secret messages will likely prove intriguing. Though none of these youngsters are likely ready to jump into the world of espionage, activities that relate to secret message-sending can allow them to feel as if they are master spies, at least for a moment. Additionally, because they involve the use of critical-thinking skills, these activities often prove academically enriching as well.
Evansville, Indiana, is on the Ohio River and offers activities for children all year. During the spring and summer, Evansville offers warm temperatures for boating on the river. Fall marks the arrival of Ole' Cider Days, a festival letting kids sample ciders at Trunnell's Farmers Market in Owensboro, Kentucky, less than 20 minutes from Evansville. In the winter, Evansville hosts “Peppermint Pops -- Christmas Through the Eyes of Children,” a joint performance between the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and Evansville Children's Choir.
Finding your way around a library can be confusing, even for adults. With thousands upon thousands of books, it sometimes seems impossible to find the information you need. For this reason, it is important to give kids an early start learning how to look up information, especially when paper books are losing ground to computers and the Internet. Help children get oriented in the library with a variety of activities that might help them become lifetime lovers of books.
Although some people think of map and compass activities as something for older kids, way-finding skills are an everyday necessity from a young age. Whether navigating a house or school, a neighborhood, a park, a grocery store, a shopping mall, a state park campground or a backcountry wilderness area, a basic familiarity with cardinal directions and compass bearings can guide children and adults alike safely to their destination. Orienteering is a map and compass sport that turns direction finding into a game. Orienteering activities for kids turn classroom map worksheets and exercises into a 3D hands-on learning experience indoors and…
Children can start at a young age to understand money and to progress toward learning how to plan for earning, spending and saving money. The Jump-start Coalition for Personal Finance Literacy recommends National Standards for school-aged children by grade level. Children can learn simple accounting--like simply tracking their spending--and progress to more advanced accounting activities like budgeting and record keeping. Accounting activities are often part of the school curriculum but can also be reinforced at home.
Jesus used parables or stories to teach people moral lessons, which are today found in the Bible. The Bible gospels of Luke (Chapter 15, verses 1 though 7) and Matthew (Chapter 18, verses 10 through 14) contain the Parable of the Lost Sheep. This story is about a shepherd who abandons his flock looking after one lost sheep and teaches about God's love for all people, even those distant from his message. Teachers and parents can explore this parable with kids through several group activities.
Groundhog Day is every February 2nd, a fun holiday foretelling when spring will come. If the groundhog emerges from his hole and sees his shadow, tradition says we will have six more weeks of winter; if there is no shadow, the wintery weather will soon come to an end. Many kids enjoy seeing the change in seasons predicted by whether or not a groundhog sees his shadow. Get your kids into the Groundhog Day spirit with a variety of activities to keep them entertained no matter how long winter lasts.
Teaching young students appropriate foreshadowing techniques helps them build comprehension skills and anticipation of future events in literature, film or daily life. Students should understand how foreshadowing creates suspense and helps the reader develop a stronger understanding of the material presented. Hands-on activities will help the students remain focused on the lesson.
Scarcity is the most fundamental principle in the study of economics, and it is a simple enough concept that you can introduce it to children even before they are old enough for more detailed teaching about economic theory, patterns and policies. The key is to use examples of scarcity and opportunity cost that children can relate to.
If your children have trouble falling asleep each night, or you're looking for ways to ensure that all family members are relaxed in the evenings before getting up for work and school, there are a number of kid-friendly activities to take advantage of. Letting your children help you with household chores, or encouraging them to get active before bed can turn into a pleasant and beneficial family ritual.
Kids enjoy learning about the Beatitudes in Matthew Chapter 5 of the Bible. Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes, describing how life should be for people of the kingdom of God. You can teach lessons about the Beatitudes through games, puzzles, enrichment activities and coloring projects. Children can enjoy Beatitude activities during home schooling, in Sunday school, in a classroom setting or just for fun.
The loud sound of thunder and the quick flash of lightning is often mesmerizing to young children. Teaching kids how storms occur can help them comprehend what otherwise seems like a fascinating mystery in the sky. Have the kids complete thunder and lightning activities that allow them to learn about Earth's weather and have fun at the same time.
Teach children about equality using a variety of entertaining activities to help them learn the basic concepts of equality, inequality, similarities and differences in a fun way. instruct children in the importance of equality in everyday life, and help them understand that treating others the way they would like to be treated is important.
Bingo markers aren't just for bingo games. You can use them to create engaging art projects for kids from preschool to junior high. Because of their large size, young kids can grip them easily. When you want your kids to be creative and use their imaginations, bingo markers are a nice way to provide new inspiration. You can print out coloring pages with large, open spaces that accommodate the wide tips on bingo markers. Or, come up with your own open designs based on whatever it is you want the kids to learn.
Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana. People who live there affectionately refer to the city as "Indy." Indianapolis is the nation's 12th largest city and is a popular place to visit. No matter the time of year, Indianapolis is home to activities that are engaging and appropriate for young children. There are a variety of activities in Indiana that will keep young children's senses stimulated while teaching them about the world they live in.
Broadcast journalism is news delivered though media, such as radio, television and the Internet, instead of the traditional print sources of newspapers and magazines. One of the main benefits of reporting through media is immediate publication. A report can literally be published within minutes of an event or announcement. Although broadcast journalism has not replaced traditional forms of publication, it has certainly grown in popularity. Persuade students to focus on current events by completing activities in broadcast journalism. First review the basics of news reporting, such as the types of reports and how topics are chosen, and then let student…
Five minutes can seem like a short time for adults, yet a very long time for children. Whether in a group setting or at home, children can engage in a variety of short activities to fill those five-minute gaps. Many short activities can be used for all ages of children, or be tweaked slightly to fit a certain age group or individual. Choose from hands-on projects, or different types of games, to entertain the kids for a short time.
Author Greg Mortenson almost died mountain climbing in Pakistan, and poor villagers in Korphe restored him to health. While recovering, he helped teach local children, and became burdened with their need for a school building. "Three Cups of Tea" and the children's version of that book, "Listen to the Wind," are Mortenson's effort to capture his experience of life in Korphe. Introducing children to Mortenson's story helps them connect with the children of Korphe, develop an appreciation for their own education and gain an interest in helping other children get what they need to learn.
"What can I do now?" is a refrain often heard from kids done with their classwork. Students come into the classroom with a range of abilities. Keeping all kids involved and learning can be a challenge for any teacher. After checking the finished work for completion and correctness, keep students on the right track by planning activities for them to continue learning and working toward the classroom goals.
The historic town of Mount Dora, best known for its festivals and antiques, also boasts a number of nearby kid-oriented activities. Located on Lake Dora, it is less than an hour's drive from Disney World and Epcot, and you can easily walk to several parks from the downtown area. Mount Dora promotes dog-friendly events and businesses, so your four-legged "kid" is welcome in town as well.
Encourage your children to express emotions by choosing activities for them that are centered around a wide range of feelings. Crafts make enjoyable interactive activities, but activities can involve more than just craft projects. Any type of action or lesson requiring the children to participate falls into the "activity" category. Mix up your lessons by incorporating several different types of activities about feelings for your class.
Cesar Chavez (1927-1993), a labor leader, is celebrated today for his advocacy work on behalf of migrant farm workers. In the style of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez used non-violent tactics to ensure higher wages and better working conditions for migrant workers. He is known for creating a union for farm workers, organizing strikes and a five-year boycott of lettuce and grapes in California. March 31st, Cesar Chavez's birthday, has been designated as "Cesar Chavez Day" and many schools have activities to recognize him.
Taking good notes is essential for students to succeed academically; however, many students do not know how to take notes. Help students learn how to take notes during class lecture or discussion, or after reading a book or watching a film. Provide opportunities for students to try out different note taking methods to find what works for them.
Children of all ages need time to relax and let go of stress, and they often need activities that help accomplish this. Children experience stress because of events they can't control, like other children playing rough at the playground or looming tests at school. They might simply need help unwinding before bedtime. Parents and caregivers can design relaxation activities that meet their child's particular needs.
Listening is an important skill that children should begin to learn from an early age. Learning to listen carefully when instructions a parent or teacher gives instructions or when someone else is talking is a valuable skill for people of all ages. But learning to listen does not have to be boring. There are many fun children's activities that promote listening.
While many people think of mummies as wrapped in trailing strips of cloth, real mummies were very tightly bound with well-secured cloth. You can make a mummy that approximates this look out of a plastic doll and toilet paper. The craft is simple enough that children old enough to hold and wrap toilet paper can participate. The use of a water spray bottle makes the craft that much more fun for kids without causing much of a mess.
Children will develop large motor and language skills as they learn how to jump rope, according to the Scholastic website. Aside from being fun, jump roping also challenges both coordination and stamina. Use jump rope activities in a physical education class or at home with a group of bored children. All you need are some jump rope activity ideas, jump ropes and creativity to get started.
In 2007, 34 percent of the population in the United States claimed minority racial or ethnic heritage, according to the website America.gov. Because of this, children are likely exposed to peers who come from different backgrounds. Teaching children diversity through cultural activities can help them shatter stereotypes, and learn to get along with children from different cultures.
Plan crafts and kids cooking activities centered around crunchy peanuts. Use both the shell and the nut or focus on incorporating the nuts only into your activity. These types of activities work well for most children, but peanuts can pose chocking hazards for small children, so choose a different craft for young tots or supervise them carefully.
Many children love the pastel, heart-shaped candies known as Sweethearts. The candies are available in abundance around the month of February. When planning a Valentine's party or looking to keep bored children busy, prepare a few activities using the colorful candies. From craft projects to games, all you need are a few supplies and some activity ideas to satisfy any child's sweet tooth.
Founded in 1932, the Lego group provides a variety of building blocks for children. The blocks allow children a chance to express their imagination and show off their creativity. Whether you are planning a Lego-themed birthday party or looking to keep bored children busy, create a few activities using the bright-colored building blocks. Encourage the children to try their best by awarding Lego sets and stickers to each game winner.
Following directions is an important skill that an elementary school-age child must develop through practice and with the encouragement of his teacher. An elementary school teacher can use multi-step direction activities to help her students build confidence, learn to follow complicated instructions, remember spoken information and understand how to complete complex tasks.
According to the the National Nursing Association, the International Council of Nurses originally established May 12 as National Nursing Day. However, to give appropriate recognition to such an important group of individuals, the day was changed to a week-long and annual celebration. Use this week, or any other week you choose, and develop various activities to teach your students about the importance of the nurses in your community.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded by Art Rooney in 1933. With an incredible history of record-breaking achievements, you do not have to be from Pittsburgh to love the Steelers. Blessed with a fan base that reaches all over the world, even into enemy territories like Baltimore, Pittsburgh is a favorite team of many. Help cheer on the team as they play through a new season by creating fun Go Steelers activities for children to learn from and enjoy.
A basic children's biology lesson involves teaching the differences between invertebrates, or animals without backbones, and vertebrates, or animals with backbones. Make your science lesson fun by including activities for children to do that will reinforce this basic principle about the animal kingdom. Select one or two different kinds of activities to round out your lesson plan. Allowing children time to get engaged and use different thinking skills to understand vertebrates and invertebrates can also help them with sorting and other classification skills.
Negative thought patterns are detrimental to a child's health and well-being. You must figure out the root cause of the negative thoughts. A qualified mental health practitioner must examine children who are chronically depressed or engaging in negative thoughts. However, for children who are normally happy, but just being a bit negative, then you can snap them out of it in several ways and help them replace their negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
Handicapped children can participate in as many activities as children without disabilities. Dozens of activities including sports and games have been modified so that those who are handicapped can participate in them without frustration. Participating in activities is beneficial to the physical and mental health of handicapped kids as it helps to improve strength, coordination and flexibility as well as builds confidence and promotes social interaction.
Extracurricular activities, such as sports, dance and language clubs, help kids learn more about the world and themselves while interacting with other children and adults. Unfortunately, these activities can be time-consuming and may distract your child from focusing on his schoolwork. If your child's grades fall and either you or his coaches or club advisers think that extracurricular activities are interfering with his academic success, you may need to withdraw your child until they are able to manage both endeavors simultaneously.
A child's personal domain is a place where he will spend time alone, work on school projects and interact with others. It's important that children feel comfortable and happy in their rooms. For children who have just moved into a new home or have just started sleeping alone, these are a few activities that might help them to adapt to their space and make it their own.
Rivers are a crucial part of geography education and carry with them a wealth of facts and information, from the source to the mouth. Children can start to build a thorough understanding of this body of water by learning names for all the parts of a river and how they were formed.
Middle Village, Wisconsin is situated within Menominee County and is one of the five main communities located within the county. The county is the home of the Menominee Indian Reservation. Because of the rich cultural heritage both in and around Middle Village, kids activities can be readily found in the surrounding area.
Even with myriad options available, parents and educators may still have a difficult time choosing healthy snacks for younger children with finicky eating habits. When in doubt, adults should look to "finger foods." With different sizes, shapes and colors, finger foods look interesting enough to draw focus away from toys and games and they are the right size for little hands to grab. Finger foods are easy to eat on the go, making them ideal for active children that refuse to sit still.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), also known as Sensory Integration Disorder (SID), is common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Additionally, there are children who suffer with SPD without having ASD. Children who have SPD struggle to process sensory input taken in through the seven senses: visual, audio, tactile, taste, olfactory, proprioceptive, and vestibular. To help these children learn to process input properly, a rich sensory diet is a must. There are some popular activities to incorporate into this diet.
Hallandale Beach, Florida, is between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, so you can take advantage of kids' activities in both cities. Family-friendly southern Florida has mild winters and extremely hot and humid summers, so you may find more need for indoor activities in summer. Summer is also the rainy season, but storms pass quickly.
Essexville, a suburb of Bay City, is a city in Bay County, Michigan, bordering the Saginaw River. At the time of the 2000 census, the population was 3,766 residents. The Essexville-central Michigan area includes other cities like Bay City, Saginaw and Flint. There are many cultural and exciting events for children and families to partake in together in this family-oriented area. With the many recreational and amusing choices, you will find numerous activities to occupy your children.
Bartlett, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis, is home to the Wolfchase Galleria, the region's largest mall. The family-friendly mall has story times for kids, and the Build-A-Bear Workshop offers children's events. For parents, the upscale Bartlett area has several golf courses nearby, plus hotels that offer easy access to both downtown Memphis and the airport.
The digestive system is a fascinating part of the human body. Kids can easily relate to the information as you teach them about how the mouth, stomach, intestines and other organs work together to digest the food they eat, providing nourishment and energy to their bodies. You can easily talk about how you feel after eating different foods, and engage them in a few simple activities to educate them about what goes on in their bodies when they enjoy a snack.
Health-related activities for kids include games that promote health, as well as activities that help them learn about healthy practices. Songs, finger plays, jump rope jingles, chants and coloring pages can help promote healthy habits. Cooperative games that require children to work together while being active encourage both mental and physical health.
Kids and teens have less control over their daily circumstances than adults and may find themselves in situations that feel overwhelming. Parents can help their children develop good coping strategies. A child who learns how to respond to stress and conflict will feel safe pursuing challenges knowing that he will be able to work through difficult situations.
Summertime is full of fun activities for your young ones. Without the rigors of a strict school schedule, they are free to stay up later and enjoy days full of playing with friends, creating art projects, reading books and watching movies. However, to stave off that summer boredom that can sometimes set in as the days wear on, it's best to create a schedule that gives them a vast array of activities to do each day that combines fun with education.
Childhood obesity is a health epidemic that can easily be prevented. Keeping children healthy in their mind, body and spirit is as simple as shutting off the TV, computer or video game and getting active in a fun way. The Surgeon General's office recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of activity a day to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and more if they are trying to lose weight or keep weight off. Staying active helps a child develop self-esteem, ward off depression and steer clear of obesity-related health issues. From babies and toddlers to pre-teens and teenagers, there are…
To become the best secret agent on the block, kids need training in negotiating obstacle courses to outmaneuver enemy spies. But that will only take them so far. They'll have to master code writing and fake disguises, too. When your kids are ready to embark on their secret agent mission, put all their skills to the test.
According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2009 there were nearly 4.5 million kids under the age of 18 living in New York City. In families with both parents working, kids need a place to go after school and during summer months. In New York City, many people have risen to the challenge and created safe and fun places for kids to spend their time.
Bugs are all around us. They live indoors and out. Exploring the insect world with children gives them a sense of control. You can use the opportunity to identify helpful and harmful insects and teach basic safety. When dealing with live insects, always use caution and watch for any allergic reactions. And keep in mind the words of Congressman Bradley Miller: "Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar."
Williamsburg, Virginia, is a city of approximately 14, 068 people, according to the 2010 US Census. Williamsburg is located on the Virginia Peninsula, in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia. Well-known for Colonial Williamsburg, a restored historical site, Williamsburg has a number of family-oriented activities for travelers with children.
Keeping kids entertained can be a tough task. There are many ways to alleviate boredom while teaching them real life skills that will never be forgotten. Whether you decide to teach them how to make their favorite food, use everyday household items in a creative way, or have them help out in the garden on a sunny summer afternoon, these activities will keep you and your child entertained while experiencing a little bonding at the same time.
Dancing, from traditional ballet moves to modern day dancing styles; is something that children of all ages enjoy. Dancing based activities for children can keep children both active and entertained regardless of location and athletic ability. Incorporating dance moves in to routine activities is one way keep children excited about learning new things.
It can be hard to keep children occupied after school and during the school holidays. Most children will happily sit in front of the television all day, but getting your child to be active and creative is important, as it will help him to develop life skills and gain knowledge. In doing activities with your child you get to spend some quality time with him, and you might even find that he has talents you never knew about.
Restaurants have the constant challenge of providing family friendly options for families or groups with young children. Among the challenges restaurants face is activities and crafts for children who are not yet old enough to appreciate conversation as the primary meal entertainment. Fortunately, there are some options available to restaurants to help keep children entertained and provide families with more incentive to come to the restaurant.
Kids learn how to make positive choices through making as many choices in life as possible. Parents, teachers and caregivers can supplement choices in everyday life through specific activities to challenge kids and encourage positive choices. Games and role playing allow children to make a direct correlation between their choices and the results in their lives.
Most teachers would agree that literacy is a foundational skill that is among the chief aims of early childhood education but the quality and frequency of home reading support makes a drastic difference in academic language success at school. "Reading is the key that unlocks virtually all other learning," states the U.S. Department of Education. Reading activities that kids can do at home build their vocabulary and expressive abilities, preparing them to communicate fluently in the classroom.
The cost of kids' extracurricular activities can quickly add up, with sports and activities like football, cheerleading, track and dance classes easily costing hundreds of dollars a month, per child. There are, however, some ways to lower the overall cost of extracurricular activities for your family, making them more affordable for your budget.
After a long day at school, kids often opt to participate in extracurricular activities from sports to academics. As kids decide which activity to join in, parents often wonder if their child is pursuing the right extracurricular interest and if it will help them. Overall, extracurricular activities have been shown to positively affect kids and help them physically, academically and socially.
Extracurricular activities are important for children, as they help to eliminate boredom and keep children engaged in useful activity. Children taking part in extracurricular activities will benefit from meeting new people; such activities also have a positive influence on academics. Despite these benefits, many children are not eager to leave their video games behind, and will require coaxing.
All snowed in with nothing to do, a snow day can turn into a day of raging chaos if you don't keep the kids occupied. Children have a much shorter attention span and need a slew of entertainment. No matter how good relaxing on the couch in front of daytime TV sounds, you should really engage in a few activities with your kids. Not only will this occupy the little ones, it gives you a chance to bond with them as well.
Parenting is a full-time job. In addition to keeping your child healthy and safe, you must teach him proper behavior and manners. Unfortunately, many people lack manners. In fact, according to the National Association of Elementary School Principals, lack of good manners is a growing problem in classrooms and playgrounds. There are ways, however, to teach manners to your child that may be enjoyable for both of you.
After kids have grown tired of playing with all their toys and watched far too much TV, it is time to find them something else to occupy their time in a fun and creative way. From sports to crafts and cooking, there are many things kids can find to occupy their time after school or simply to get them through the doldrums of winter.
Large group activities provide time for kids to meet one another and build things together, or kids can get outside and play a variety of games that offer leadership and team skills. From arts to football, depending on your child, there are plenty of large group activities which suit their creative and unique personalities.
Pretzels are a healthy snack filled with vitamins, minerals and fiber. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes; from small, thin stick pretzels to a large, doughy soft pretzels. These treats can be used to create crafts, games and other activities for children.
If you have just had a baby, or moved to a new area, you will want to connect with other parents. Local kids' activities are great ways for parents and children to meet their peers and have fun. Best of all, many family-friendly activities are free or low cost, so families on a budget can entertain their kids without breaking the bank.
Kids' activities can be used as an opportunity to teach, share and enjoy the world around you. Activities for kids should engage their vivid imaginations and allow them to express their unique personalities. By engaging in activities together, adults and kids can foster relationships based on shared experiences and common interests.
Most adults recognize the importance of spending quality time with their kids. However, sometimes adults have problems determining how to spend that time in a way that is enjoyable to both the child and the adult. Some ideas are to do something active, make something together, have a game night and make work fun.
Babysitting children is a hard job without much creativity. Coming up with games and activities to pass the time will make this job much simpler. Age-appropriate activities can be thought of in advance so the time spent babysitting is scheduled. When babysitting, back up plans are a good idea if children become less than interested in activities.
The small city of Redding, California offers a number of family-friendly attractions. The Northern California climate lends itself to year-round outdoor activities, although summers can be extremely hot. And visitors will find downhill skiing just an hour away at Mt. Shasta. Shasta, a historic gold-mining town, is five minutes from Redding, while Shasta Dam, the second largest dam in the country, is 10 minutes farther.
Hopscotch is not the only use for sidewalk chalk. While the classic schoolyard game remains a fun favorite, sidewalk chalk can be used as a basis for all kinds of activities, art, crafts and games that will appeal to children of all ages. Teachers can even use sidewalk chalk for interactive outdoor lessons during the summer months.
"Waste not, want not," is a phrase you have likely heard before and is applicable when teaching children how to reduce, reuse and recycle items at home and elsewhere. Educate kids about the importance of cutting down on waste, how it hurts others and how to help stop it.
Group games and activities give kids an opportunity to learn the value of teamwork while exploring their competitive side. Divide the kids into equal sides before playing games or activities. Split larger groups of kids into multiple smaller teams to provide them with more playing time to ensure participation. Explain the rules of the games and activities thoroughly and make sure the kids understand them before starting.
Children should take part in one hour of physical activity every single day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical activity is not only important in maintaining a healthy body weight and state of mind, it also plays an integral role in bone development. Weight-bearing activities actually make bones stronger, especially in children as they are developing. The thought of getting your child up and moving for an hour every day may sound overwhelming, but there are plenty of easy and enjoyable ways to meet the recommendation.
Gainesville is the largest city in Alachua County in Florida and is home to both the University of Florida, one of the largest in the United States, and Santa Fe College. Gainesville offers visitors museums, historic sites, theaters, sports, shopping and a large amount of nature activities. There are plenty of activities for families and children of all ages.
When kids are stuck inside on a rainy day, table activities keep them interested and active while restraining them to one area of the home. These activities give them something to do and prevent them from simply watching television or playing video games. Choose table activities that allow the children to be creative and to have some fun even if they cannot run around outside.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that play is very important to the social, physical and emotional well-being of kids. If you have small children, keeping them occupied and entertained can be a challenge. Instead of having them play video games or watch television for hours, there are many activities you can get them involved in.
Sometimes it is easier for kids to sit still, watch television or play regular video games than participate in sports. In order to take kids from comfortable inaction to activities that take movement and action, you need to plan activities that kids will enjoy, that challenge them and that are interactive.
If you are looking for art activities with the kids, oil pastels can be a satisfying medium. Oil pastels are simple to use, inexpensive and clean. They are versatile in that they can be combined with many other media, including watercolors, acrylic paint, charcoal, pencil crayons and felt markers. Because they do not require a fixative they can be layered, color upon color or with other media. Furthermore, the colors are vivid and intense. With oil pastels. children can create many art projects at home as well as in the classroom.
Children who are 2 or 3 years old tend to stay busy, and they typically move from one activity to another quickly. Parents and teachers can engage these children in activities that are not only enjoyable, but also conducive to cultivating developmental skills. Using these activities will help broaden children's interests, keep them entertained, and encourage learning.
Spelling can be a major challenge for some youngsters. When school systems insist on outdated methodology in their curriculum, it can lead to frustration and a decreased ability for success. With some simple, enjoyable tasks, your child's spelling can improve without the use of spelling tests and endless lists of words to memorize. If your child seems behind his peers developmentally, other cognitive issues may be affecting his or her ability to learn. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about a disability.
To parents of young children, one of the most dreaded sentences in the English language is the familiar, "I'm bored!" No matter how many toys and games you buy, it seems that the job of entertaining your children always ends up in your lap. Creating a monthly calendar that outlines activities can be a lifesaver, both for you and your children. You will be saved from thinking of activities on the spot, and your children will be rescued from their constant boredom.
The message in a bottle has long been a favorite literary and real-world theme, capturing the imagination of people young and old. For kids, making a message in a bottle can be a wonderful way to occupy time, teach kids writing skills, and get their imaginations working in a fun and rewarding manner.
Spring officially begins on March 20 or March 21 in the northern hemisphere, a date set by the vernal equinox when the day and night are approximately the same length. However, there's no need for the kids to wait for the calendar to say spring has arrived. When the weather warms up and the birds return from their winter migration, spring some new activities on your kids to enjoy.
Prof. Rachel Gali Cinamon of Tel Aviv University, who studies work and family life, says that professional life, "...begins to develop from birth in messages a person receives from their parents and from society." Ideas are reinforced about which careers are "proper," which are appropriate for boys and for girls, and which professions are particularly respected and/or highly paid. Give children the means to make an informed decision by encouraging activities that will help them decide based on their interests and talents, rather than perceived expectation. Ultimately they will be happier this way.
Little kids are usually fireballs of energy--sometimes too much. They need a way to work off the excess, as well as learn good fitness habits that will last a lifetime. You don't want to encourage your toddler to only enjoy passive forms of exercise, such as watching TV. There's no need, though, to be at a loss for physical activities to keep them entertained and occupied.
With video games, the Internet and endless cable channels to float through, parents sometimes find it difficult to get their kids moving. However, encouraging your kids to ignore technological forms of entertainment and replace them, at least partly, with physical activities benefits them in the long run. Parents who partake in these activities with their kids can also benefit.
The sight of a rainbow high in the sky is just another reminder of the beauty of nature. Rainbows come into view when the sun's light rays refract or bend on water droplets in the air. According to Science Kids at Dartmouth College, if conditions are just right and we are sitting with our backs to the sun and the rain in front of us, we may just get lucky enough to see those beautiful arcs of color we call rainbows. Whether you are interested in the science behind rainbows or just love them for their beauty, enjoy some rainbow…
Cranberries show up on Thanksgiving dinner tables every year, but some kids might not know much about these bright berries. Introduce kids to cranberries by facilitating activities that allow them to interact with the berries. These activities are appropriate for groups of children at school or families at home.
Learning about science and more specifically how water evaporation occurs can be achieved through activities and experiments at home. Children can see the water disappear in these experiments and learn how the evaporation happens. Water evaporation activities are educational opportunities. All of these activities can be performed using household items generally found in a home kitchen.
Families visiting Arkansas may first think of the central part of the state, which has the Arkansas Museum of Science and History in Little Rock and the Magic Springs and Crystal Falls amusement park in Hot Springs. However, parents should consider checking out the northwestern corner of of the state near the Missouri and Oklahoma borders. Northwest Arkansas offers varied activities to entertain and educate kids.
Taking children shopping with you can be a hassle because they get bored easily; it can also be an embarrassment if they decide to act out on that boredom in public. One way to remedy this is to involve your children in the shopping and make them feel like they're an important part of the process. It may take a little longer, but the saved wear and tear on your nerves will be well worth the extra 10 to 20 minutes you spend in the grocery aisles.
Energetic, restless and easily entertained, kids will enjoy almost anything, at least for a few minutes. Physical activities burn off excess energy, as well as provide practice and training for sports skills. Holidays and vacations are times when activities help concentrate kids' attention during travel or events that are out of their routine.
Flowers are bright and colorful, and both of these characteristics are attractive to children. There are plenty of activities to do with children involving flowers. Using flowers for art or learning is a hands-on way to teach your child about the different types of plants along with the different colors, textures and shapes of flower petals.
Killeen is a city in the heart of central Texas and adjacent to Fort Hood, the largest military base in the United States, with a population of more than 100,000. There are several places in the city with things to do for kids. In addition, the Killeen Parks & Recreation Department maintains the city's parks and community centers, popular outlets for children.
In Maryland, you can find activities for your children that range from educational to simply fun. Whether your child is interested in activities at children's centers, sea life or thrilling amusement park rides, you will have plenty of activities to choose from while staying in Maryland. Kids never have to be bored in Maryland again.
Part of California's Gold Rush in the 1840s, Sacramento still continues to provide riches in the form of activities and creative things to do and see throughout the city. The city proudly displays itself as the capital of the state and county seat of Sacramento County. Rain or shine, Sacramento caters to children by offering activities to stretch the mind, imagination and palate.
Summer's over and the kids are back in school, but that still leaves weekends for the proverbial question: "What is there to do?" Even for overbooked families who race from soccer games to music practice and so on, it's nice to set aside a little time with the children to enjoy autumn's crisp air, changing leaves and the bounty of kids fall activities.
Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana. It is also the largest city in the state. Indianapolis is a rapidly growing city, and has population of more than 2 million citizens. As a major city, Indianapolis offers a wide array of events and activities for kids of all ages.
Finding activities that children enjoy is an important part of planning a family trip. Pennsylvania offers an array of hands-on attractions and exciting activities for children of all ages. While Philadelphia and Gettysburg provide a chance to explore Pennsylvania's significance in American history, other areas in the state, including Lancaster and Pittsburgh, offer cultural and natural attractions.
Teaching children social skills provides them with the skill sets needed to interact with their peers and adults. Your child must learn the importance of sharing, proper conversation and healthy friendships from an early age. Social interaction should teach children to respect themselves, other things and other people around them, including other children and adults. Your child's social abilities are an important tool for building self confidence as she goes through school and into adulthood.
Whether you're trying to get your kids to eat healthier or you're looking for some fun family activities, cooking with your kids is a healthy habit to get into. Children are usually more likely to try a new food if they make it themselves, and children who know how to create healthy meals might be less likely to fall into a fast food diet later on in life. Include your children in fun food activities to increase their skills and to teach them about healthy eating.
Quality family time is important, but it takes planning ahead to make it happen with today's busy schedules. Time spent together doesn't need to be elaborate or expensive. Cooking and eating a favorite dinner at home and then watching a movie is a great way to hang out any night of the week, but there are a number of activities that are sure to promote memorable moments.
Colorado has a wealth of activities for kids and adults alike. Greeley, Colorado is located approximately 60 miles northeast of Denver. Outdoor activities, indoor activities and learning activities are offered within and just outside of the city. Next time you are bored with the kids, try taking them hiking or to an indoor playground.
Alpharetta, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, has been labeled America's top "reloville" by "Forbes" magazine. The term refers to a place where corporate workers relocate because of their jobs. Since so many people are new to the area, they may initially have a difficult time finding places to take the kids for fun activities. Luckily, with a little determination, you can find plenty for kids to do in this area.
With so many online social networking opportunities like Facebook and MySpace, some parents are faced with the need to monitor the online activity of their children. While there are many good reasons for a child to be online, such as emailing family and friends or doing research for school, there are also a lot of hidden dangers. Parents need to know how to monitor online activity and they must also give information to their children so they do not become the victims of online sexual predators or become exposed to information they should not see.
Craft activities can be an effective way to keep children busy, improve their motor skills and teach them about shapes and colors. African craft activities not only have these advantages for kids, but they also teach them about African culture and create an appreciation for it.
Hat activities give kids the opportunity to be playful and to encourage their creativity and sense of adventure. There are dozens of ways to make hats and games you can play with them. Whether you need activities for a slumber party or a neighborhood block party, crazy hat games are amusing entertainment for kids of all ages.
Children are welcome at the Vail Nature Center. Operated by the Vail Recreation District, the center hosts walks, camps and educational programs where youngsters learn about nature with hands-on activities. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Colorado's mountains, alpine meadows and streams, the nature center draws on lessons from the local ecosystems to design their kids programs.
Finding engaging activities to do with your child and his friends can be an affordable task if you're willing to think outside of the box. Things like picnics near a lake or river, trips to your neighboorhood park (preferably one with a swimming pool), and museum visits are just a few ways to keep children entertained inexpensively. Another way to keep your entertainment costs low is to pack a lunch for your group, complete with plenty of snacks and beverages.
Georgia houses a multitude of fauna and flora and is home to animals like the white-tailed deer, mockingbird, Brown Thrasher and several species of reptiles and amphibians. Activities and crafts provide a good medium to educate children about preserving these creations of nature. Several centers in the state offer such activities for children.
The eastern suburbs of San Diego are known as "East County" despite the fact that most of the area is within the western part of the county. The cities of Santee and El Cajon are two of the largest East County cities, both lying on its western edge. There are plenty of activities for kids in these areas.
It's raining, it's pouring, but there's no chance that the kids plan to do any snoring. A rainy day with restless kids can feel like an eternity if you aren't armed with some fun games to keep them occupied, challenged and happy. By doing your homework and having some ideas on the ready, you can turn a blue rainy day into a day of indoor adventure.
Houston, Texas, has a thriving dance community, offering recitals, workshops and festivals year-round. The city has numerous opportunities for kids to develop an appreciation of dance, regardless of age or skill level. Parents can find dance studios across the city that offer lessons and activities for children as young as two-years-old.
National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day Foundation coordinates an event each year in which parents are encouraged to bring their children to work. Companies may participate in this same concept or may organize their own. Either way, it is important to have activities in order to enhance children's understanding of their parents' work and to increase productivity (so that the company does not become distracted or get behind in their work).
Fall River, Massachusetts is on the edge of the Taunton River, and was once a major textile-producing town and a busy port, carrying goods and passengers to New York, Boston and Rhode Island. Fall River seems best known for its famous accused murderer, Lizzie Borden, who was, according to CityTown.org, "found innocent of all wrongdoing, but to this day remains convicted in the minds of many people." Because of various terror- and horror-related tourist attractions in the town, visitors with younger children might have some difficulty locating activities for kids.
Everett is the largest city in Snohomish County and is bordered to the west by Puget Sound, where boaters moor at the second largest marina on the West Coast, according to the city's website. With more than 1,600 acres of parks and playgrounds and 50 miles of shoreline, Everett offers many outdoor activities for families with children of all ages. Indoor activities are also plentiful, from museums to watching sports teams to concerts and performances.
Pataskala in central Ohio has plenty of things for kids to do both in the city and the area. These include going to the parks, playing youth team sports and enjoying activities at the library.
Branson, Missouri, began to earn a reputation in the 1960s for its Ozark music shows. In the 1980s the area exploded onto the tourist entertainment scene as a wide variety of musicians and performers opened their own theaters. In addition to music, Branson also provides great activities for families with children.
Many kids become interested in dinosaurs, but never take that interest past popular movies or books. Deepen your child's interest in dinosaurs and fossils by taking them from theory to field work. Give kids an activity that demonstrates to them how fossils are unearthed and categorized. Fossil digs are in remote locations, not always conducive to children. Create your own fossil dig in a backyard or schoolyard area.
Home to the famed Cannery Row and the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Central California coastal city of Monterey has miles of beaches and both indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. If you're in Monterey with the kids, there are several area attractions kids are sure to enjoy.
It's no surprise that children often need a little help keeping track of their responsibilities and appointments. Making a kid-friendly calendar can serve as a family reference guide for important activities. These calendars can be customized as desired to fit your family's needs. Different materials can be used to complete your calendar, ranging in cost and level of skill needed to complete.
In terms of child development, the ages of 4 to 6 are crucial in solidifying a child's self-esteem. This period in the life of a child sees that child beginning to process what is going around him, making it important that a parent allow their child to keep their self-esteem high as they begin to move into adolescence. To build a solid foundation for your child and his self-esteem, it is important to pay special attention to him at this point in his young life.
Asking kids to sit still in tight quarters for an extended period of time can make everyone unhappy, yet sometimes airline travel is necessary. To maintain your sanity--and the sanity of those around you--prepare and pack easy, age-appropriate activities to occupy your children. Doing so will make the flight a lot easier for everyone.
Extracurricular activities can improve a kid's sense of responsibility, social life, self-esteem and eventual career options. Encouraging kids to get involved with an activity might be an uphill battle, but only if they feel like they are being forced into something. Get kids excited about activities by discussing their options and preferences with them openly. Encourage current interests, but try not to discourage curious children from trying new things.
Building a child's self-esteem is important. Low self-esteem can cause relationships, school work, health and happiness to suffer. Encourage children to think positively about themselves with several simple group and individual activities.
The 10 Commandments are part of the story of Moses and the Exodus. Judeo-Christian culture still adheres to the ethical standards of the Commandments and raises families according to them. The 10 Commandments cannot be taught in public schools, so these activities are off-limits there. But for parents or Vacation Bible School instructors who want to teach kids about the importance of the 10 Commandments, here are a few easy ways to make this Old Testament lesson fun.
Beanbag games can be fun for the kids and for the whole family. Games involving beanbags have been around for quite some time, played by kids and adults alike. From tossing to juggling to simply playing catch with, these are simple but exciting toys. Beanbags are available in stores in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs, making them very good learning tools for young children.
Earth Day gives parents an opportunity to teach kids about preserving the Earth's resources, to make them aware of the Earth's environment and how they can improve the condition of it all year long. Equinox Earth Day was founded by John McConnell, a peace activist, in 1969. Today, many countries observe Earth Day in March on the equinox, while others, including the United States, celebrate the day on April 22. You can plan activities for the kids, but make it a family affair.
As a parent, you may be concerned about the quality of toys being marketed for young children. And you are right to be concerned. Many toys are designed simply to take your hard-earned money and don't deliver what advertisements or commercials promise. They also may not be age-appropriate. So here are some tips for creating enjoyment and building imagination for your child for not much money.
Personal leadership is when you have the ability to organize and lead others. Some people have characteristics that make them natural leaders like confidence or charisma. Leadership can be learned. Leadership training activities for kids can help kids grow in their natural abilities and develop new ones. Teaching with activities is an easy way for children to learn.
Fundraisers are a great way to raise money for a charitable cause. Kids love fundraisers because they see how they can truly make a difference. Choose one of these fun fundraisers for a school, class or neighborhood full of children, and see their confidence soar.
Whether you're a local parent or a visitor to New York City, finding great activities for kids can be a challenge. The city has a goldmine of kid-friendly events and activities if you know where to look.
These days, there is no shortage of extracurricular activities for children. These include baseball, softball, soccer, football, dance, track, choir or clubs. There are also activities outside of school, such as 4-H, volunteering and programs at the local YMCA. By encouraging children to participate in an after-school activity, it will help improve their social skills, academic abilities, self-esteem and health. Children who are actively involved with their peers also will be less likely to get into trouble.
Superheroes have been favorite characters of children for decades. These superpowered crime fighters appeal to children on many levels, including their fight for what's right. Children love reading superhero comics or watching the latest superhero movie. They especially love to pretend to be their favorite superhero. Finding the right superhero activity for your child can help foster their imagination.
Spring break is an opportunity for your children to enjoy some unstructured time. However, if you work at home, it can be challenging to entertain your children and continue to work during the holiday. However, if you organize activities in advance, you can easily keep your children happily entertained.
It can be challenging to keep kids entertained when there is air pollution or other bad weather and they need to stay inside. There are many different things that you can do with kids of all ages to keep them happy. Use a little creativity with a few things you have around the house and your kids will have more fun than they do on days they get to play outside.
Learn fun kids activities to cook with your toddlers in this free video clip from a teacher.
Build creativity in your kids. Get ideas for inspiring creativity with activities in this free video series about keeping your kids mentally and physically healthy.
You do not have to invest a substantial amount of money initially to see if you or your child likes a band instrument. This is true for all types of band instruments. There are ways you can rent band instruments and avoid headaches of ownership and maintenance. Here are some ideas to help get you started.
Whether you're trying to find something to do on a rainy Saturday or a for a whole summer vacation, you may have to be creative to keep your kids entertained. Here are some tips on how to plan activities for kids.
Learn tips and ideas for crafts and other creative activities for the babysitter and kids while babysitting.
