Playdough
Posted on October 3, 2008
Filed Under Creative Confidence, Tips & Articles | Leave a Comment
Author: Corrina Tough
Dough is a wonderful way for children to create forms with soft edges. It is easy for toddlers to use and can be explored by all age groups on its own or with other objects such as; cookie cutters, rolling pins, paddle pop sticks, play scissors etc.
Dough is a calming, settling activity, which aids in the development of fine motor skills (hands/fingers).
Dough can be used for practicing letter formation for 4-5yr olds and is non- threatening in that it can be scrunched and re-done if not quite right. Children can also create shapes and learn colour recognition.
Recipe
2 cups plain flour
½ to one cup cooking salt
1 cup cream of tartar
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 cups boiling water
A few grains powdered food dye or drops of liquid food dye.
Mix dry ingredients, then add oil. Add dye to water and mix slowly with dry ingredients. Knead the mixture as it cools. If it is very sticky add a bit more flour and cream of tartar but be careful not to add too much. (the mixture loses its stickiness as it cools). If stored in an airtight container, the dough will keep a week.
10 ways to use laundry bags
Posted on October 3, 2008
Filed Under Tips & Articles | Leave a Comment
Author: Corrina Tough
1. Hang a funky bag on the back of the bedroom doorknob to store pyjamas. Curtis and Ruby love putting their Anna & Sally PJ’S into their laundry bag each morning before they get dressed, and then they’re easy to find when its bedtime again! Looks great too!
2. Going to the park, Dr’s surgery, or a friends place? Use A&S laundry bags to carry a bundle of toys or DVD’S to keep little ones occupied- then an easy pack up when its time to go.
3. Use a cushion insert tuck in the cord and viola! An attractive scatter cushion, for the kids bedroom or cubby (good for those of us that are not into sewing).
4. Want an arty display/come storage solution? Hang a row of matching bags or alternate 2 different patterns on a coat hook rack in a hallway, kids room, bathroom or laundry.
5. Going on holiday? Laundry bags are great to pack underwear and small items so they’re easily found, or put your shoes in and keep your clothes from getting dirty.
6. Fill laundry bags with your fav A&S goodies for a special gift wrap.
7. Nature Chic laundry bags are a cool way to carry hat, sunnies, sun block and water bottle, when you make that quick stop at the beach or a walk in the park.
8. Use as an alternative to a Christmas stocking.
9. Make a tray of homemade cookies or rocky road for chrissie and present them in a laundry bag so friends have an edible gift and one to keep.
10. Send Christmas cheer of chocolates and champagne in a Gelato spot laundry bag.
A Children’s Picnic
Posted on October 3, 2008
Filed Under Wholesome Living | Leave a Comment
Author: Corrina Tough
Some of my favourite memories as a child are the picnics my family went on. I still get that feeling when I picnic with my own children, even if it’s in our own backyard!
Why not make it a whole learning experience? Cooking together is a great way to connect with your children, whilst they develop a sense of independence, knowledge of ingredients, math skills (measuring, volume, capacity) and science (how ingredients react).
If you have a green thumb you might collect ingredients from your vege patch and chook yard, which encourages children to understand the process of ingredients.
Ruby thoroughly enjoys the whole event from cooking, to setting up the place where we eat the meal. Once we start eating, the conversation flows, so it is also a great way to encourage communication!
Here are some recipes designed with child chefs in mind.
Zucchini Muffins
1 lge onion, finely chopped
3 rashers of bacon, finely chopped
150g (1 cup) self raising flour
125g (1 cup) grated tasty cheese
2 cups grated zucchini
4 eggs
125ml(1/2 cup) olive oil
Cracked pepper
Pre heat oven to 200 c. Grease a 12 cup muffin tray. Fry onion and bacon together until golden. Combine flour, cheese and zucchini, then mix in eggs and oil to make a batter. Add onion mixture and stir well. Spoon into prepared muffin tin and bake 15mins or until puffed and golden.
Mountain Wraps
Mountain bread or other flat bread
Variety of shredded and sliced ingredients
Lettuce
Carrots
Cheese
Coldmeat
Tomato
Cucumber
Allow children to assemble, roll up and eat.
Fruit Skewers
Cut a selection of fruit into manageable cubes, children thread onto skewers with an occasional marshmallow for a treat!
‘We find delight in the beauty and happiness…of children that makes the heart too big for the body’ [Ralph Waldo Emerson]
