Starting Your Garden Indoors

When “cabin fever” gives way to “spring fever”, we all feel energized and looking for a new project--a garden could be just what you are looking for. Gardening can be a great “together” activity and everyone can have one. When the frost is gone, a small plot of ground in a sunny place is best, but until then containers of all sorts and sizes can give the pleasure of gardening indoors. It’s important to discuss the life cycle of a plant with your group. Look for books in the library with colorful illustrations. Here are a few concepts to convey:
• First a seed is planted which needs air, water, food and the sun to grow.
• A small root grows from the seed.
• Next a small shoot appears.
• The young plant matures developing leaves and flowers.
• The flowers produce seeds, seedpods, or fruit. These seeds can be replanted and the cycle is repeated.
When gardening with children, be patient. Remember that a child’s attention span is shorter than an adult’s. Take time to enjoy the experience and put off the rush to get all the potting done at a record’s pace. The most important item you’re growing here is a strong relationship with young children.

GROW, SEED, GROW! (Toddlers and Twos)

Let children begin their study of gardening by doing simple tasks. A two-year old might not be able to plant tomato plants, but he can put stones in the bottom of pots for drainage or help fill empty pots with soil. Toddlers are also very good at emptying pots when you least expect it, so be sure the tasks you give are age appropriate and keep a watchful eye. A fun activity is to plant grass seeds into foam paper cups. With markers draw facial features on the outside of these cups. Place them on a sunny windowsill and invite children to water the planters. Within a few days to a week your little ones will be thrilled to see that their “funny face” planters have grown a head of grassy hair. As you and the children garden together, sing this fun song. (Tune: “I’m A Little Teapot”)

PLANT A LITTLE SEED IN THE DARK, DARK, GROUND.
HERE COMES THE WARM SUN, YELLOW AND ROUND.
SPRINKLE SOME WATER, WET AND SLOW.
UP COMES THE LITTLE SEED, GROW, GROW, GROW!

KID CULTIVATORS (Preschool +)

The earliest of spring gardens can be started indoors. One such garden can be made with an empty egg carton and eggshell halves. Place empty eggshell halves in the cups of an egg carton. Invite children to fill the shells with potting soil and carefully plant seeds in each one. Keep the egg carton closed so that the seeds will stay warm and sprout more quickly, watering the soil as necessary to keep it moist. After the seeds have sprouted and grown into seedlings, you and your group can plant the eggshells outside, crushing them slightly before placing them in the ground. This is also a good time to compare seeds with their end product via pictures. Purchase a few seed packets for this project. Your group can cut out pictures from the seed packets and glue these onto construction paper creating a collage. Glue a few of the corresponding seeds next to the picture. To keep the seeds from falling off, laminate this collage with a sheet of clear adhesive paper on top.

Happy Spring!
Tania Associate Editor/ EverydayTLC

Little Puppet, Will You Be My Valentine?

Here are a few Valentine ideas to use with your group.

LITTLE PUPPET, WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE? (Baby and Toddler)

Puppets are almost universally appealing to young children. They are approachable, interesting, and funny. There is a wide variety of beautiful commercial puppets available, however, homemade puppets work just as well and can have more “personality.” You can make this valentine puppet and it can come alive in a creative way. Cut out a 3-inch paper heart and a 1-inch paper heart from red (or pink) poster board. Make two finger holes in the top of the large heart. Draw a face on the smaller one. Overlap pointed ends of the hearts and glue these together. Accordion-fold strips of paper and glue these to the heart for arms. Place your fingers inside the holes and manipulate this heart puppet to entertain baby. Toddlers will enjoy working the puppet alone. Make up a story together about this valentine puppet or sing a favorite song.
Think “pink” for creative valentine food ideas. A drop of red food coloring can turn a child’s breakfast cereal swimming in a pink pool, pink applesauce for lunch, and a vanilla pudding turns a pretty shade of pink for dessert.


HIDE YOUR HEART: (Preschool+)

Conversation Hearts, those little heart-shaped candies with messages on them, were first made by NECCO in 1902. The messages on the candies may have changed over the years, but children still love them. They’re not only yummy, they’re fun! Hide several dozen hearts around the room. Give children small paper bags and have them decorate them with markers and scraps of ribbon and lace. Then set out on a hunt! Half the fun will be reading the messages on the hearts after the children collect them. Or, you may assign different point values for the different colored hearts. Sorting the hearts and adding up the points will be a good math exercise.
Make a “special handprint” project using conversation hearts as gifts. Type or have older children print this poem on a sheet of paper. On a heavy sheet of construction paper (or poster board) either crayon trace or paint print the child’s handprint. Write the child’s name and date next to the handprint. Now, invite children to glue on conversation heart candies as fingernails. Proceed to attach the poem paper to the cardboard print with glue (trim it to size if necessary). This makes a memorable gift to give to family and friends.

THIS ISN’T JUST ANY HANDPRINT AS YOU CAN PLAINLY SEE.
FOR IT IS A SPECIAL HANDPRINT MADE WITH LOVE BY ME.
ALONG WITH THIS HANDPRINT I SEND HUGS AND KISSES YOUR WAY.
AND WISH YOU A VERY “ HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY”.

You know those pesky “love bugs” that fly in the air, well, here is a paper love bug that your group will adore. Paint or cover an empty toilet tube with pink paper to make the body of the bug. Cut two hearts from construction paper. Add paper doily lace if you wish. Attach these with tape or glue on either side of the body. Encourage children to draw a face on the top of the tube. Pipe Cleaners make great antennae. Write a cute message on the wings such as “Valentine, you make my heart flutter.”

Make this week a special time to show love and friendship to all!

Tania Associate Editor/ EverydayTLC

Young children today are physically out of shape. The main contributing factors are a reduced exercise level, too many calories and too much time in front of the television.



Here are some tips to make exercise an important part of this New Year. Make 2009 a new beginning of fitness and have fun just moving.

• Children do as they see. A recent study of physically fit children revealed that 80% shared play activities with an adult.
• Children will want to exercise and will exercise longer and more often if they enjoy it. Think of entertaining ideas.
• Provide children with active toys such as jump ropes, bikes, balls, etc. Play with them together.
• Watch less television. During this time, play catch with the kids, ride bikes, dance, or play hopscotch.

AN INTRODUCTION TO EXERCISE: (Baby and Toddler)

Is it exercise or just play? Creative movement with a young child is fun and a rewarding experience for both. For the infant, create an interesting obstacle course. Gather together several towels, throw pillows, and stuffed toys. Lay them on the floor in variously sized piles. Now top with a blanket or a large sheet.
Baby will enjoy this new terrain with things to creep around, over, and push off from—a challenging obstacle course for Baby. One of Baby’s greatest pleasures will be you imitating his style.
So, down on all fours-- the child will take the lead and look to see if you are following. He’ll squeal with delight as you chase and follow him around the room. “Here I come; I’m going to catch you!” Don’t fail to hug and hold him close after he’s been caught.

PRESCHOOL OLYMPICS: (Preschool +)

Gather your group and set up a fun “Olympic” day in the yard, at the park, or even in the basement on a snowy day. The seven stations below provide a wonderful track and field experience for young children. Everyone has fun, exercises, and everyone wins!
• 25-yard dash (or less). This may be too great a distance for many young children; so make this simply a running race.
• Frisbee Throw- the children should try and throw the Frisbee as far as they can.
• Long Jump- Draw a measurement system on the pavement. Mark with chalk how far each child was able to jump.
• Tricycle Races- Arrange a course for the children to ride the tricycles around. It is extra fun to decorate the tricycles with crepe paper streamers.
• Egg On A Spoon Race- the children should run from one point to another carrying an egg on a spoon. (Best to use hard-boiled eggs or plastic)
• Walking Backwards Race- This should be a short course, without barriers that the children might bump into.

Every child should receive an award at every station. You could cut and make ribbons to be pinned onto the child or each child could wear an index card and a sticker could be added after each event. Be creative with the awards and end your “Olympic” day with a healthy lunch or treat.

Enjoy exercise time with your group—it will be part of my goal plan this year as well!
Tania
Associate Editor/ EverydayTLC

Eight Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Toys

Each year many children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. Even innocent-looking toys such as marbles and balloons can present a hazard to small children. The National Safe Kids Campaign recommends avoiding the following when choosing toys:
• Toys with small removable parts. Small parts are hazardous and can pose a choking hazard to children under age 3. Use a small-parts tester (which can be purchased at a toy or baby specialty store) to measure the size of the toy or part. If the piece fits entirely inside the tube, then it is considered a choking hazard.
• Toys with sharp points or edges. Children may unintentionally cut themselves or another person.
• Toys that produce loud noises. Toy guns, high-volume music players and other loud toys can permanently impair a child’s hearing. Many toys have decibel levels high enough to cause hearing loss.
• Toy darts and other projectiles. Propelled toys can cause cuts or serious eye injuries.
• Toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches. Long strings and cord could wrap around a child’s neck and unintentionally strangle him or her.
• Electrical toys. Electrical toys are a potential burn hazard. Avoid toys with a heating element, including batteries and electrical plugs, for children under age 8.
• Toys painted with lead paint. Exposure to lead can result in lead poisoning, causing serious damage to a child’s brain, kidneys and nervous system. If the toy is a family heirloom, be sure the paint is safe. In addition, toys manufactured in other countries may also contain lead paint. Lead testing kits are available at hardware and baby supply stores.
• Toy cap guns. Aside from potentially encouraging violent play, paper roll, strip or ring caps can be ignited by the slightest friction and cause serious burns.

Valuable Sources with More Information:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/safe_toys.html
http://pediatrics.about.com/od/safety/a/toy_safety.htm

Be Safe!
Tania Associate Editor/ EverydayTLC Online

Apple Cake

[60 Minutes]

Enjoy the season's apple harvest as you and your child bake this flavorful apple cake.

You'll need:

• 2 cups flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3 eggs • 1 3/4 cups sugar • 1 cup vegetable oil • 4 - 5 peeled apples • plastic knives • mixing bowls • wooden spoons • 11" x 15" baking pan

What to do:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Give your child a plastic knife and show her how to cut the apples in cubes.
3. Together, measure the dry ingredients and mix in a small bowl.
4. In another bowl, invite her to add the eggs and sugar. Beat together until well blended. Add the oil and beat again.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients and blend until moist. Invite your child to fold in the apple cubes.
6. Pour the batter into a greased 11" x 15" baking pan.
7. Bake for 45 minutes.
8. Let cool, then cut into squares.
9. Enjoy this delicious apple treat.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What happens when we add eggs to the dry ingredients?
• What do you think this cake will taste like?
• What other thing do you like to bake?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop small muscles skills and learn to follow directions.

Apple Picking Time

Children learn at a very early age that “A” is for apple. In fact, with every alphabet book read, every bowl of applesauce served and every green, yellow or red variety packed in a lunch, apples become a child’s most recognizable fruit. Since fall is the time of the year when apples are harvested, why not take the time to educate your group on this sweet and juicy fruit? Before you lug home that five-pound plastic bag of apples from the supermarket, consider an outing that takes you right to the source—an orchard where you can pick your own (if available in your state). Some farms even offer horse drawn wagon rides into the orchard, making the excursion a real adventure for children. To locate a farm near you, call your state agriculture department.

Everyone knows that eating apples is healthy. Containing vitamins A and C, apples are also a good source of potassium. And despite their many uses, over half of the apples grown are eaten fresh. Pies, cakes, turnovers, muffins, apple butter and applesauce are only a few of the ways to use the apple. Approximately one out of every five apples is used for making juice and cider. This time of year, children and adults enjoy “bobbing for apples” at fall festivals and carnivals usually offer the ever-popular candied apple.

“A” IS FOR APPLE (Baby and Toddler)

Toddlers may enjoy this fun apple tree craft. Draw a tree on a sheet of white paper. Color the brown tree trunk and the green treetop together. Invite your little ones to dip their thumb into red paint and print the thumbprints on the tree to represent the growing apples. Below is a little poem to write under the tree.

THESE ARE SPECIAL APPLES,

HANGING ON THIS TREE.

I MADE THEM WITH MY FINGER PRINTS.

THEY ARE A PART OF ME!

Send this picture home to hang on the refrigerator reminding the children and parents of your apple-theme.

THERE IS SO MUCH TO LEARN ABOUT APPLES (Preschool +)

Dissecting an apple is an easy science project to do that teaches children about fruit in general. On a sheet of paper, write the words leaf, stem, flesh, core, seeds, and skin. Give each child a half of an apple. Ask him to look at it carefully, as you ask questions such as: Does your apple have a stem or leaf? If it doesn’t have a stem, can you find the place where the stem was? What color is the skin on your apple? Can you name the different colors of apples? What color is the flesh of the apple? Where is the apple core? What is in the core? How many seeds are there? Now, bring out the paper and crayons and have your group draw this apple half and help them label it.

Since the science lesson went so well, make “apple smiles” as a fun treat. Cut the apples into wedges. Smear peanut butter on one side of two wedges. Stick a few miniature marshmallows on the peanut butter on one of the apple wedges and top with the other apple wedge—peanut butter side down. When you look at this it looks like a smile (the red part of the apple are the lips and the marshmallows are the teeth). Your group will be smiling too after they taste this delicious snack. NOTE: Some children may be allergic to peanuts. In this case—try cream cheese.

EXPLORE THIS APPLE LEGEND (School Age)

Perhaps there is no greater apple legend than that surrounding the man from Massachusetts named John Chapman, better know as Johnny Appleseed. For 50 years, from 1795 to 1845, he is said to have planted apple seeds throughout the Ohio Valley. In fact, many of the apple trees found in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania are descended from trees that were originally planted by Johnny Appleseed. Since September 26, 1774 is his birthday, you might want to check out a book from the library and read about this famous apple lover.

Later invite children to the kitchen to help you make this classic gooey extravaganza—the caramel apple. This recipe makes a glossy caramel coating that sticks to the apples without pulling out your fillings. Melt 1 ½ tablespoons butter in a saucepan. Add 1 ½ cups of light brown sugar and 6 tablespoons water. Stir until it has a smooth consistency. Gently bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 3 minutes, until the pan’s sides get steamy and the mixture is thin but somewhat sticky. Remove from the heat. Pierce the center of each apple with a Popsicle stick, and then swirl in the caramel syrup until coated. Place apples on a greased cookie sheet to harden. Refrigerate for at least 1 –2 hours. Makes 8-10 apples (McIntosh apples work well).

Fall is a fun season of the year—what better way to start your autumn themes but with the apple. Enjoy!

Tania

September is National Honey Month

Make the month of September extra special with the sweet taste of honey. It’s amazing what honeybees can produce and the science of making this honey is pretty amazing. In the United States, most of the honey is made in the spring and summer. It is bottled and promoted in September so we can use it in all our favorite recipes and making sure it’s plentiful for all the upcoming holidays.

Honey, which is nature’s original sweetener, is a natural source of energy and has many nutritional benefits. In addition to the natural sugar, honey contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. Eating honey regularly makes good nutritional sense.

For generations, honey has been used as a medicinal tonic for soothing sore throats. If a virus causes your sore throat, it may have to run it’s course and maybe with a doctor’s help. However, for just the simple irritated throat from singing or maybe talking too much, a teaspoon of honey can coat and soothe the pain. Try it in tea with a bit of lemon too.

There are about 300 varieties of honey in the United States. The mild tasting honey is lighter colored, while dark, deep colored honey is bolder in flavor. This is due to which nectar source (blossoms) are visited by the honeybees. Here are a few varieties you may have tried:



Alfalfa: Found in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and many of the western states. Alfalfa is a legume with blue flowers. It’s a good table honey.



Avocado: This honey is gathered from California avocado blossoms. Avocado honey is dark and has a buttery flavor.



Clover: This is the most popular honey here in the United States. It has a mild and delicate flavor.



Eucalyptus: This honey varies in color and flavor, but tends to be bold-flavored with a slightly medicinal aftertaste.



Orange Blossom: This honey is often a combination of citrus and floral. It is mostly found in southern Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California. Orange Blossom honey has a distinctive flavor and the aroma of orange blossoms.



Tupelo: This honey is produced in the southeastern United States. It comes from the Tupelo trees with their clusters of greenish flowers and berrylike fruits. They are popular in Georgia and northern Florida. This honey is mild in flavor.


Source: http://www.honey.com



Experience the wonderful taste of honey in these recipes below:


Fruit & Honey Nuggets



You will need:

One-quarter cup dried pitted prunes

One-quarter cup dried apricots

One-quarter cup dried figs

One-quarter cup pitted dates

One-third cup wheat flakes cereal (which is one cup uncrushed)

One-quarter cup honey

One-half square unsweetened chocolate—melted

Non-stick vegetable oil cooking spray

Chopped nuts and/or coconut flakes for rolling



Soak the prunes and apricots in a bowl of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain. Put all the fruit through a food chopper and chop fine. Blend with the crushed cereal. Combine with honey and melted chocolate. Spray your hands with the non-stick vegetable oil spray and shape this mixture into one-inch balls. Roll in the chopped nuts and coconut. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat.



Makes about 20 nuggets.


Banana Honey Pops



You will need:

Four bananas, peeled

Eight wooden Popsicle sticks

One-half cup honey

One and one-third cups of toppings such as: toasted coconut, finely chopped nuts, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate candy sprinkles.



Cut the bananas in half crosswise and insert a craft stick into each cut end. Assemble these pops over waxed paper to catch any drips. Spread honey all over the banana and then roll it in a dish full of toppings. Place the finished pops onto a waxed paper lined cookie sheet and chill in the refrigerator till serving time.


Beehive Snacks



You will need:

One and one-half to two cups popped rice cereal

One-cup peanut butter

One-third cup honey

Empty Styrofoam egg carton

One-half cup raisins



Mix these ingredients together (it will be sticky). Grease your hands first and then press this mixture into the sections of the egg carton. The raisins can be placed on top (pressed in) to represent the bees. Chill in the freezer until firm and then pop out each beehive from the carton. Enjoy these fun snacks!


Sandwich Spread



You will need:

One apple; peeled, cored

One cup roasted peanuts

One-third cup honey

One tablespoon lemon juice

One-teaspoon cinnamon

Sandwich bread



Place the apple pieces, peanuts, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon into a food processor. Pulse and process until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. Spread on bread to make a “yummy” tasting sandwich. For fun, cut bread into shapes with cookie cutters—these make small fancy sandwiches.


Honey Dip



One-half cup peanut butter

One-quarter cup honey



Mix these two ingredients together to make a delicious dip to use with carrot and celery sticks, and/or apple and pear slices.



NOTE: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that raw honey not be given to infants under one year of age because of the rare possibility of being infected with the bacteria that causes botulism (Clostridium botulinum). Once a toddler reaches one year old, their digestive system is mature enough to kill any botulism germs. Also, be careful when using peanuts in your recipes as some children may be allergic. Always check with the parents.





Let’s Talk About It:



Which is your favorite honey flavor?

How do you use honey? In tea? Coffee? Recipes?

Have you ever used honey as a natural medicine? Tell us about it.

Did you know that honey could be used as a beauty spa treatment? Have you ever put honey on your face? In your bath?



We would love to hear your feedback and ideas about using honey. Feel free to add a comment below or go over to our child chat forum and start a post.



Tania

Associate Editor/ EverydayTLC