Crafting Secrets

Playing outside isn’t always an option. Whatever the weather – too cold, too much snow, rain, too hot, too muddy or too icy – sometimes we are stuck inside with young children who wish they were outside. However, you can certainly have a ton of fun by using some simple creativity and imagination. Here are several super fun ideas for indoor play that your child will delight in.

Make a cardboard puppet theater. A puppet theater can be made from any semi-large to large box. Simply find your box, cut off one of the wider sides and a large rectangular window in the other wide side. Then, with your child, be as creative or simple as you like decorating it. You can use paints, stickers, construction paper, ribbon, crayons, or markers. Basically, whatever you have on hand with work perfectly! After you’re done decorating it find a nice spot in your living room to have you and your child take turns putting on a puppet show. You can even practice one to put on for the other parent when they come home from work. You can gather a lot of stuffed animals to be in the audience and teach your child the art of telling stories aloud.

Do you ever wonder what to do with all those left over toilet paper rolls? Well, take two cardboard rolls, glue them together long ways, and you have binoculars! Let your child decorate them with either paint or markers. When it dries take your child with the binoculars on an indoor safari. Place stuffed animals or even pictures of animals all around the house in different rooms. Let your child go on a safari using his binoculars to discover these different animals. At the end of the trail you can read books together about animals.

Have an indoor snowball fight. This works especially well if you have more than one child, but it can still be fun with a parent and one child. First, figure out what you want to use for snowballs. You can blow up tons of white balloons or use crumpled up white paper. Then, construct forts out of couch cushions or chairs and blankets. Constructing this with your child can be a lot of fun in itself. When your forts are ready, begin the snowball fight!

Also, make dinner time an especially fun time. Take a large sheet of crate paper and tape it down to your table. Set the table as usual for dinner, but put out markers, crayons, stickers, glue and googley eyes, on the table. When dinner begins, and while you eat, let your children show their creativity on the crate paper. When they are done, cut out their works of art and display them. The crate paper can be used at any meal, anytime you just want to add a touch of fun to your meal. You can even make it a special Saturday morning breakfast tradition or do it every night for one week at dinner and such.

Have fun with these ideas and add your own touch to them. These ideas can have many variations and even spur your creativity bone. A good idea, if possible is to also prepare for indoor days in advance. When you’re at the store, stock up on your child’s favorite things like paint, construction paper, and other craft needs. That way, when an unexpected indoor day occurs, you and your child can make it an imaginative day!

The world is changing at an extraordinary pace.  Twenty-five years ago, most young people who mastered the “3 r’s” of reading, writing, and arithmetic and had a high school diploma were likely to be able to get and keep a decent job.  Not so today.  In research for my new book, I’ve come to understand that there are seven “survival skills” all young people need to master for success in today’s world.  The skills needed for careers, college, and citizenship have converged.  Students who leave high school without them are far less likely to get a good job, succeed in college, or be an active and informed in our democratic society.

All Kids, New Skills

Here are the Seven Survival Skills, as described by some of the people whom I interviewed:

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
“The idea that a company’s senior leaders have all the answers and can solve problems by themselves has gone completely by the wayside . . . The person who’s close to the work has to have strong analytic skills.  You have to be rigorous: test your assumptions, don’t take things at face value, don’t go in with preconceived ideas that you’re trying to prove.”
— Ellen Kumata, consultant to Fortune 200 companies

Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence
“The biggest problem we have in the company as a whole is finding people capable of exerting leadership across the board . . . Our mantra is that you lead by influence, rather than authority.”
— Mark Chandler, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Cisco

Agility and Adaptability
“I’ve been here four years, and we’ve done fundamental reorganization every year because of changes in the business . . . I can guarantee the job I hire someone to do will change or may not exist in the future, so this is why adaptability and learning skills are more important than technical skills.”
— Clay Parker, President of Chemical Management Division of BOC Edwards

Initiative and Entrepreneurship
“For our production and crafts staff, the hourly workers, we need self-directed people . . . who can find creative solutions to some very tough, challenging problems.”
— Mark Maddox, Human Resources Manager at Unilever Foods North America 

Effective Oral and Written Communication
“The biggest skill people are missing is the ability to communicate: both written and oral presentations.  It’s a huge problem for us.”
— Annmarie Neal, Vice President for Talent Management at Cisco Systems

Accessing and Analyzing Information
“There is so much information available that it is almost too much, and if people aren’t prepared to process the information effectively, it almost freezes them in their steps.”
— Mike Summers, Vice President for Global Talent Management at Dell

Curiosity and Imagination
“Our old idea is that work is defined by employers and that employees have to do whatever the employer wants . . . but actually, you would like him to come up with an interpretation that you like — he’s adding something personal — a creative element.”
— Michael Jung, Senior Consultant at McKinsey and Company

New Learning and Roles for Parents in the Community

The problem we face as parents is that these are not the skills currently being taught and tested — even in our “good” suburban schools.  In America today, I’ve discovered that there is only one curriculum in most of our schools: “test prep.”  What gets taught is only what gets tested.  And because almost all of the tests students take — from state tests for No Child Left Behind to Advanced Placement exams — require a great deal of memorization and factual recall, these are the only skills being taught in most classrooms.  As a consequence, one out of every two students who start college never completes a degree, and employers report that young people today are ill-prepared for the 21st century workplace.

The impact you can have on teacher or school or district may be limited as one individual.  I believe parents and concerned community members must work together to become effective advocates for teaching and testing the skills that matter most.

In the last chapter of my book, The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don’t Teach The New Survival Skills Our Children Need — And What We Can Do About It, I suggest that parents and community members must first understand some of the ways the world has changed and how schools need to differently prepare our students for success.  Book groups, PTA meetings, and discussions in our churches and synagogues all provide opportunities for the kind of adult learning we need in order to be prepared to ask school board members, educators, and policy makers some important questions like:

•    What do you think are the most important skills our high school graduates need today to succeed?
•    How are you teaching and assessing these skills?
•    How are you gauging the success of our schools — by test scores or by the numbers of students who go to college and succeed there, as well as by how well prepared students are for work?  Have you talked to employers and recent graduates of our schools to see if our students graduate with the skills they need?

New Ways to Support Our Children At Home

Many business leaders and educators alike worry about this generation’s “lack of work ethic.”  However, I’ve come to understand that the “net generation” is not unmotivated, but rather very differently motivated.  Growing up tethered to the internet as most are, today’s teens crave connection with others and learning through discovery.  They are accustomed to multitasking in a multimedia world and so find most work in schools to be pointless and boring.  But, as parents, we worry about our children’s futures and so push them to succeed in school.  We look at their grades and fret about whether they will get into a “good” college.  We push them to do more of the “right” things for their college application, and we hope that they will have a lucrative career some day.

All of these concerns are understandable, but the young adults whom I interviewed — when I asked what advice they’d give parents — told me that much of this parental worrying and pressure is actually counterproductive.

Andrew Bruck, a Princeton graduate and currently enrolled at Stanford Law School told me that “parents need to respect the extraordinary capacity of students.  Our generation wants to do things.  It’s important to nurture children’s creativity.  There’s so much pressure to succeed and to go to a brand-name school.  There’s no need for parents to pile on the stress.” 

A young woman in a focus group I conducted at a New England college agreed, saying “Parents need to support children in their dreams — even if it’s wanting to be an artist.”  Another in the group chimed in: “Parents shouldn’t worry so much about how their children are doing in school.  They should find out more about what their extracurricular interests are.”  Bruck’s high school experience certainly confirmed the importance of extracurricular activities in students’ lives.   He told me that he learned more about writing and managing deadlines and leadership from his experience as editor of his high school’s newspaper than he did from any of his classes.

Matt Kulick, a Cornell grad who now works a Google, had perhaps the best advice for parents when he said “A lot of my friends never had a good idea of what they liked or wanted to do because their parents said ‘you’re going to be a doctor’ or . . . And it doesn’t help to tell your kids to do more homework or to always ask them what grade they got.  Parents need to find out what their kids like . . . My parents motivated me to do well — not to get A’s but to give my best effort.  They trusted me.”

Being an advocate in your community for 21st century teaching and learning, and trusting your children as they explore their interests.  Easy to say, but hard to do.  As parents we, too, need to continue to develop our mastery of the Seven Survival Skills — and to be models for our children — as we grow and learn together.

©2008 Tony Wagner

Children birthday party ideas are very many and you need to make a search and come up with the perfect idea for your child. You can undertake your search on the internet and you can also get ideas from family and friends. You are sure to come up with very many ideas and you might not handle the overwhelming ideas that you will find. If your child is at an age where they can express their desires well, your work will be made easier. Know what they love and based on this, come up with a suitable theme or idea that will spice their party. You might find that your child is not sure of what they want and they might have a favorite thing today and then have another the following day. Know how to go about this indecisiveness and decide on a final idea.

There are children birthday party ideas that can go together. This means that instead of having a tea party for the birthday occasion for your child, you can have a princess tea party. This goes a long way to ensure that your child enjoys what they like. There are children birthday party ideas that are very common and hence a favorite to many. They include sleepover parties, magic parties, jungle safari parties, beach or pool parties and the list goes on. Many children are always fascinated by magic parties and doing this kind of theme will guarantee you success of any birthday party.

When you are planning a magic party, you make out invitations that will give the guests a clue of what to expect. The invitations can be in shape of a top hat or a white rabbit. They can also be written in a ‘magic pen’ and this will reflect on the color and style. The invitation can also be cut into puzzle pieces. The next thing to consider are the decorations and they are not very hard to do. You can have very bright balloons and streamers. You can also create a personalized magic banner which will bear a special message. This banner will be great for photo opportunities. For the decoration, you can also have silver or gold confetti. You can also include magic props like hats, boxes, cards, handcuffs and others.

Children birthday party ideas of a magical experience will also have great and fun activities. They include inviting a real magician who will showcase some of his best magic to the children. The children can also explore their gift in magic. One way they can do this is by testing their acts and there can be a jar with candies as the children guess how many they are. The child who has the right guess will win themselves candy and other goodies. You can include many other great ideas in the party. Arts and crafts will also make the party more sizzling. Ideas for foods that you can have are animal crackers, seedless grapes, cheese cubes, popcorn, cupcakes and many others. Party favors may include magnets, deck of cards, chewing gum, rubber balls and others.

Have you ever attended a birthday party and witnessed an embarrassing scene in which a child, upon opening a gift, throws a temper tantrum because he or she did not like the gift? Or what if you realized that you and another guest had both given the exact same gift to the celebrant? If you want to avoid these typical examples of embarrassing scenes in the future, then you may want to start thinking about more unique gift ideas the next time another child’s birthday comes up.

Gift packages are very special presents that you can give to any child-boy or girl. These are thoughtful and wonderful gifts that they can use and enjoy long after the party is over, increasing the practical value of your purchase. Children will love receiving these gifts, especially those that they think are fun to use and share with friends. On the other hand, parents will love you for giving these gifts because you give them unique ideas with which they can spend quality time with their kids through items that actually cost some money to purchase.

In the past, when one hears the term “gift basket,” we all automatically think of corporate giveaways that aren’t unique in any way. Nowadays, however, given that the demand for such gifts has become more and more complex, sellers have actually begun to offer gift packages that no longer fit our old notions of what kinds of gifts these baskets are. Today, they do not come in just any old baskets anymore-any container can be used. You can actually fill these up with any combination of items that you personally think should be included, and then have the entire gift wrapped up in a nice little package that could look classy and elegant, or fun and vibrant depending on the recipient.

Furthermore, these ultimate gifts are really fun because they are versatile and offer unlimited options. You can choose from various combinations or themes so that you do not have to be restricted to giving just a single gift and end up giving the wrong one. If you do not have any idea as to which type of basket you can give to children as gifts, allow us to share with you some brilliant and popular gifting ideas.

Suggestion #1 The Arts and Crafts Basket

The ideal gifts for children are those that are educational, can enhance their skills, and can teach them positive values such as creativity, diligence, and patience. Most importantly, these gifts should be fun and be able to allow the children to share the experience with others. This is where the arts and crafts basket comes in. This type of gift pulls together supplies and materials such as colors, paints, brushes, pencils, paper, posters, activity books, markers, and other implements that can be used to create art. Other baskets also include specific items required for particular crafts such as knitting and crocheting, stamp collecting and clay molding, among many others. When given as gifts, these baskets present children with so many opportunities to explore their creativity and expose them to the world of art.

Suggestion #2 A Basket for Budding Chefs

Aside from arts and crafts, another fun activity for children is that involving food, especially its preparation. In fact, so many parenting books suggest that parents must involve their children in preparing the food served on the dining table so that they can appreciate what they eat and the efforts involved in preparing the food. In this way, kids will be better able to appreciate the value of food and realize that they should not waste anything on their plates. As parents prepare the dishes with their children, they can also teach the kids about healthy eating, the environment, and other social and cultural issues regarding food. Of course, the end result will always be a yummy treat the kids will be proud of. All thanks to your wonderful gift idea!

Suggestion #3 The Movie Freak’s Basket

What could be more fun than watching your favorite movie or musical with friends or family members? Watching movies is well-loved activity in almost all households. Given that most kids nowadays have shown a preference for these, you can never actually go wrong with movie-themed baskets. There are actually tons of movies and musicals that you can choose from-all kid-friendly and non-violent in any way. Companies such as Walt Disney and Nickelodeon, among others, have produced movies and TV shows that share positive messages and are absolutely fun to watch!! Throw in a bunch of these DVDs, a few bags of high-quality popcorn kernels, chips, and dips into a large durable bowl and you have the makings of a fun movie marathon activity that the recipients can share with friends and family members.

Suggestion #4 The Little Scientist’s Basket

When you ask kids about what kinds of games they most love to play, chances are most of them would say that they love to pretend like adults and play role-playing games. What if you took this childhood fascination and transformed it to an activity that is educational and fun at the same time? That is what you can do with this type of gift basket. This is the ideal gift for little scientists and precocious children who usually have lots of questions and are forever doing little experiments at home. Such a basket may include a magnifying glass, small magnets, plastic test tubes, food-grade liquids of every color, a pretend burner, and a few other scientific stuff they can play with. This gift guarantees hours of experimental fun!

Now that we have given you a few ideas as to what you can accomplish with these gifts, we encourage you to experiment with various combinations and themes. When buying any of these theme baskets, or even if you choose to create one, always keep in mind if the recipient will be able to appreciate your gift. Do a bit of research and ask the parents or the kids themselves. More importantly, all the materials included in the basket should be non-toxic and safe for kids.

Children love to experience the joy of making something that did not exist before they put their hands on it. Quite typically after creating their object of beauty they will turn around and give it away immediately to their teacher, parent or friend. Children instinctively know that the best gifts come from their hearts, and they put their hearts in every craft, a product of their creative minds and hands.

Playing is a child’s job, and creativity begins with a playful mindset. Teachers and parents only need to provide few materials and be careful not to do anything to discourage creativity. Some basic examples of craft products everyone should have are crayons, markers, paints, colored paper, clay-like products, scissors and glue. Over time some other products can be added to one’s crafting collection like feathers, wiggly eyes, pom poms, beads, yarn and other fiber products, stickers, glitter, pipe cleaners, craft foam sheets and cutouts.

Craft supplies do not need to be restricted to things you buy at the craft store. Think toothpicks, cotton swabs, aluminum foil, new coffee filter papers, paper plates, styrofoam cups, tissues, and gift wrap. Go outdoors and gather leaves, pretty rocks, flowers, seashells, or seed pods. Crafting for kids is also great opportunity to recycle in the home. Think paper towel tubes, baby food jars, metal cans, cereal and cracker boxes, plastic soda bottles, and newspapers. Even junk mail can sometimes yield free stickers or other interesting items. Clothing that is too worn out to give to the local charity can be harvested for buttons, appliques, and cut up for fabric pieces.

Creative crafting can go to the kitchen, too. Remember gingerbread men and gingerbread houses? You can start there, but let your imagination stretch to new culinary horizons. Start with a new “artist’s canvas” like giant sugar cookies, pancakes, toasted bread, or even a bowl of oatmeal. For your “artist’s palette” give your child a choice of nuts, peanuts, cereal pieces, raisins, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, or chopped apple. Occasionally include a few treats like candy sprinkles, chocolate chips, icing in tubes, cinnamon sugar, and small candies such as gummies or candy-coated chocolates. Now that you have the materials, assemble animals, draw a face, write a name, or just allow the child to create whatever masterpiece comes to mind. Of course, you are not restricted to sweet treats in the kitchen. You can do the same kind of thing with pizza and pizza-type ingredients, for instance.

Some children are absolutely creative wizards. Show them a few supplies, and in moments they are in their element. Others may sometimes need a few ideas to get them rolling. You can start with a ready-made craft kit or an idea from a children’s magazine or website. If the end result does not look like the picture, that is fine. Think of the picture as a suggestion only. For creativity’s sake, abandoning the picture is probably a good thing. Sometimes the parent can help get things moving with a few ideas to prime creative juices. For example, start with the child’s handprint. Lay the child’s hand on a sheet of paper, spread their fingers, and trace around the entire hand. See how many different things you and the child can make from this beginning. Add embellishments to make a turkey, a face with kinky hair with fingers up, or a face with a beard with fingers down. Make animals, flowers, aliens, or monsters. Next time, begin with a footprint.

Encourage your child in their creative craftings. Many educational experts have affirmed that creative outlets are great for a child’s cognitive development and more. However supported some things are by research, numbers or study, we still know certain things as a matter of experience. Children love to be creative. Here is a quote by Dieter F Uchtdorf: “The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.”

Are you planning on decorating your home for the holidays this year?  If so, there is a good chance that you will be in need of decorations. When it comes to decorating for Christmas, many individuals automatically head to their local department store or specialty Christmas shop.  Buying your Christmas decorations is a great way to get the decorations that you need, but did you know that buying is not your only option?  If you are a parent, you are encouraged to let your children make their own Christmas decorations. You will find that there are, literally, an unlimited number of benefits to doing so.

One of the greatest benefits to letting your children make their own Christmas decorations is the feeling that they will receive with the finished product.  No matter what the age of your child or children, there is a good chance that they will be pleased with their final products, whether that final product be a Christmas tree ornament or a Christmas picture.  And, since the whole point of Christmas decorations is to decorate, your children may be pleased to see their works of art hanging on your walls or on the Christmas tree.  As a parent, that could, hands down, be the biggest reason why you should allow your kids to make their own Christmas decorations.

In addition to the pride that they will feel, you should also let your children make their own Christmas decorations because it should be a relatively easy and fun process.  When it comes to making Christmas decorations, you will likely find that you have many of the craft supplies needed, already in your home. If not, you can easily purchase craft supplies, including Christmas supplies, from your local craft store or local dollar store.  The supplies that you need to purchase don’t even just have to be for Christmas decorations. You can use the leftover supplies for other projects, if you choose to do so. That is one of the many reasons why having your children make their own Christmas decorations is cheaper than buying store bought ones.  

Although this article had a focus on letting your children make their own Christmas decorations, you may want to join in the process as well.  Not only can you give your children decoration ideas, especially young children, but you can also enjoy some quality time with each other.  Christmas is all about family; therefore, by making Christmas decorations with your children, you and your family will be off to the right start, when celebrating Christmas.  Whether you help out a little bit or make your own Christmas decorations, you and your children will likely enjoy the time that is being spent together.  

Once the Christmas decorations have been made, whether they were made with your assistance or not, they will need to be displayed. When displaying your child’s homemade Christmas decorations, it is important that you give them time to dry, especially if paint or glue was used.  This extra time will help to ensure that the hard work put into the decorations doesn’t go to waste.  When the time is right, you and your child could spend the rest of the day or evening decorating your home for Christmas.  What better way to end out the perfect day then letting your children help you hang their handmade treasures.