MONTHLY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

January

Winter is finally settling in.  Trees are standing naked in our yards and forests, the ground is bare, or brown, yet new growth is pulsating and will soon be born with the new spring.  

This month activities focus on winter awareness, because sometimes we miss some very special things knitted into a January winter.

Create snowflakes the old fashioned way with paper, scissors and twine. Hang snowflakes in front of a window to enjoy.

Or, create snowflakes the crafty way using wooden toothpicks, cans of 'snow', a bit of glitter and small round Styrofoam balls. Simply poke toothpicks into ball, forming a huge cylinder, then spray with snow and toss on the glitter. Hang in front of a window using a ribbon that has been attached to the snowflake.

Allow your child to help store away the holiday decorations.

If possible, go ice skating.

Make a big pot of soup or beans and some cornbread to enjoy on an especially cold day. Share your leftover bread with the birds.

If you are fortunate to have snow, build a snowman, go sledding, or make snow angels.

The cold weather presents the perfect time to year to visit local bookstores and libraries. Buy your child anything (within reason) that they will read. It doesn't necessarily need to be educational. Even reading the comics will stimulate knowledge and hone reading skills.

Don't forget to feed the wildlife. Water is just as important as food, so be sure to keep a supply of fresh water on hand.  

As a note for those in the warmer climates, fresh water is not a source for West Nile. Stagnant water is the culprit!

February

This month's activities focus on the importance of closeness, because February is a month for Valentines and love.

Create a beautiful wastebasket for your child's room by securing heart cut-outs to an inexpensive container.  A large coffee can makes a pretty pencil/pen holder for dad (or mom) to take to the office.

Purchase posterboard, preferably white or red.  Cut out large hearts and use as place mats for a special February dinner or luncheon.

A metal or wood-crafted basket filled with dried rose buds or petals makes a stunning presentation.  This is something very simple that most any child can take part in creating.  Add a few drops of essential oil for a nice aroma.

Speaking of aromas, ask your child to help you make a 'simmering pot'.  You'll need an orange with the peel, some cinnamon sticks or ground will suffice just as well, and add cloves, if desired.  Add a bit of water and cook in the  microwave or on top of the stove slowly.

Aromas are so closely related to feelings of love and work to enhance!

As winter fades and spring melts into view, begin preparing now for Wildflower fun ahead!  Seek out desirable spots in your area for photo fun.  More later on this fun activity!

Don't forget to feed the wildlife. Water is just as important as food, so be sure to keep a supply of fresh water on hand.  

As a note for those in the warmer climates, fresh water is not a source for West Nile. Stagnant water is the culprit!

Give your child a big hug!  Hugs release stress, for big kids and little kids too!

March

This month's activities focus on the magic of nature.  And how appropriate, as this is the month when Irish Luck reigns!

March brings us the nature of wind. Take advantage by crafting a homemade kite with your child. Will it fly?

Nesting season approaches & with it a need for protective housing. Take an empty coffee can & nail or hang it up outside for the birds. Who knows? You may become the proud parents of a thatch of baby birds!

Speaking of birds...please remember to put out seed & water even if you have experienced a mild winter.  All of Fall's harvest is gone & our feathered friends need us now more than ever.

The dead of winter has left many treasures of Mother Nature behind. Collect a small bundle of twigs & use them to make a crude 'log cabin'. Use a sturdy cardboard box as your base.  A shoebox works well. Wrap in a sheet of black construction paper, then begin gluing on the twigs, one by one.

Weather permitting, hunt for that 4-leafed clover.

Give your child a big hug!  Hugs release stress, for big kids and little kids too!

OCTOBER

Begin watching the skies for signs of bird migration.  Your kids will love the honking of migrating geese, as well as viewing the familiar v-formation.

- Stuff those large orange & black bags with leaves to create some outdoor Halloween magic. Make a scarecrow out of your child's worn clothing to top off the day.

- October moons tend to be very beautiful.  Do a bit of sky watching with your child.

- Smores galore!  Gotta make 'em, Mom!

- Time for hot chocolate to go with those smores, Mom!

- Enjoy a fall foliage drive with your child.  Or, collect leaves of various colors and create a masterpiece with some yarn, a bit of glue and posterboard.

NOVEMBER

Begin watching the skies for signs of bird migration.  Your kids will love the honking of migrating geese, as well as viewing the familiar v-formation.

The nuts are falling!  A pecan hunt is in store!  Take along plenty of bags.  Great spots for hunting include city parks, country lanes & lake bottoms.

Make a turkey by tracing your child's hand.  Get out a bit of yarn, some buttons, glue and colors.  Real feathers work wonderfully for the tail.

Cook some pumpkin soup using your Halloween pumpkin.

Time for hot chocolate to go with those smores, Mom!

The colors are rampant in some areas.  Enjoy a fall foliage drive with your child.  Or, collect leaves of various colors and create a masterpiece with some yarn, a bit of glue and posterboard.

Begin putting out seed and corn for wildlife.  Also place a pan of fresh water near the food.  Water is equally as important as the food for wildlife.

Begin preparing for the holidays NOW.

DECEMBER

Though presents rank pretty high on the list with kids, the annual holiday festivities will probably be better remembered during adulthood, than gifts.

Some ideas for December are:

Create Christmas Tree ornaments from scraps of fabric, felt, old buttons, cotton and old ornaments.

Ask the kids to make your Christmas Cards. Have their finished product copied, then attach a family photo inside before mailing.

If possible, allow your child to pick a Christmas 'angel' for adoption. Ask your child to help you shop for the angel.

Christmastime is an excellent time for roasting!  Some favorite roasting items include marshmallows, chestnuts, smores, & hot dogs.

If you are fortunate to have snow, build a snowman, go sledding, or make snow angels.

Make your Christmas Tree purchase as a Christmas Tree Farm.  Allow your child to assist in the choice of the tree.

Enjoy a cup of warm cocoa with your child while reading "A Christmas Carol, Rudolph, The Night Before Christmas, etc."

Don't forget to feed the wildlife. Water is just as important as food, so be sure to keep a supply of fresh water on hand.  

As a note for those in the warmer climates, fresh water is not a source for West Nile. Stagnant water is the culprit!

Enjoy an evening ride viewing the Christmas lights and decorations