Beth Blenz-Clucas blogs about music for kids that grownups will love too
For many kids it’s hard to stay in one place for long. Lots of new research shows that the modes of early childhood education where youngsters are required to sit still as they listen to the teacher are not always the best for many kids, especially boys. I had two sons who squirmed through public school primary grades, so I know wherefore I speak.
One newly hatched kindie artist with impressive musical chops is delving deep into the issues of early childhood. Jeremy Zmuda goes by the kid-friendly moniker of Jeremy Plays Guitar, offering zippy songs and running a nonprofit Kids Need a Melody that raises funds for inner city music programs. His video for “Jump So High” acknowledges the urge to fidget with engaging music and insightful lyrics.
We loved these Monster Valentine cards from Makeandtakes.com because our resident artist (i.e. six year old) loves monsters. Here’s how you make them.
You’ll need:
Paper – all different colours
Cardstock paper – folded in half for cards
Googley eyes – the larger the better
Foam glue dots (not necessary if you can’t find them!)
Glue stick
Markers or crayons
Candies to glue on the front or any heart-shaped sticker or paper.
Steps:
1. Create a fun-looking monster out of paper, about 2-3 inches tall. Marie at Make and Takes used a die cut machine to make their monsters, or you can draw this with markers or crayons onto your paper.
2. Add one large googley eye to your monster’s face. They used foam glue dots to give it a pop-up feel. Read more...
According to researchers at Ohio State University, moms and dads might get along better if parenting duties were split according to typical gender roles. Via National Post
Jonathan Liu at GeekDad rounds up and reviews the five best toys ever. Can you guess what they might be? Hint: Neither Barbie nor Hot Wheels cracked the top five.
Sweet Potato Chronicles features recipes that even the avowed non-cooks at Bunch HQ want to make. The pumpkin-gingerbread pancakes are no exception.
You’ll need:
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups 1% milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
Mix all the wet ingredients together first, then mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Stir the dry mix into the wet mix. For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto a lightly buttered pan over medium heat.
Meri Perra blogs about the challenges she and her partner face in trying to raise their girls with feminist values
My dad re-married a few years ago, and without knowing it, fulfilled a lifelong dream for my sister and I. Through his marriage, he gave us a little brother. Read more...
