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 Take a walk on the wild side! Take a journey upon a path that winds into a park full of wild (and not so wild) creatures from A to Z!
An A to Z Walk in the Park is a delightful book designed to help children learn their ABC’s while identifying animals – and there are over 200 animals to explore!
In addition to learning the alphabet, new readers have the opportunity to practice reading while they connect with the animals and their names. This book even includes an index to all the animals!
Go ahead! Take a walk on the wild side and share this wonderful book with the young children in your life!
Click the link above for more information and to download free coloring pages from the book.
Click New Arrivals to see ALL the newest games, toys, kits and books that we have in store for you!
Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!
Make sure to check back each week for the next post!
RECIPE:
Did you know that New Mexico is the leader in the United States in producing chili peppers? As a matter of fact, New Mexico grows over 200 different varieties!
This recipe uses those delicious chili peppers in a soup that kids will love.
NEW MEXICO Taco Soup
What You Will Need:
- 1 small Onion
- Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef, Ground Chicken, or Ground Turkey
- 1 16-ounce can Tomato Juice
- 1 16-ounce can Kidney Beans (do not drain)
- 1 8-ounce bottle Chili Sauce
- 1 17-ounce can Whole Kernel Corn (do not drain)
- 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
- 8 tablespoons Sour Cream
What You Do:
- Remove outer skin from onion, and chop onion into small pieces.
- Spray a frying pan with vegetable oil cooking spray and heat the pan over low heat.
- Add onions to the frying pan, then add ground meat or poultry, stirring while the meat and onions cook. Make sure to break up large chunks of meat while stirring. Cook until meat is browned.
- Drain excess fat from the meat. (A colander works well for this).
- Put the drained meat into a saucepan, then add tomato juice, beans, chili sauce, corn, and chili powder.
- Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
- When the soup is done, serve it in soup bowls and add 1 tablespoon sour cream to each serving.
- Serve with corn chips, if desired.
STATE INFORMATION LINK:
New Mexico State Information – Click this link to learn more about New Mexico attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!
FREE STATE PRINTABLES:
US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.
New Mexico Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!
United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is included in this book.)
- US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.
- Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.
- DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.
- The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.
- Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.
- State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!
- GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.
Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
 These books are not your typical dot-to-dot books!
They’re…
Amazing!
Challenging!
Unique!
Fun!
Images appear like magic! Unlike typical dot-to-dot books, you won’t know what the image is before you start a puzzle. Each dot-to-dot puzzle contains twists and playful challenges that maintain excitement while you are completing a puzzle.
With numbers into the hundreds, or even into the thousands, the books in this series are relaxing, fun, and will entertain young and old alike!
There are currently eight books in this series. Click the links below to read more about each book, and to download free sample puzzles to challenge your brain!
The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Book in the World, Book 1
The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Book in the World, Book 2
The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Book in the World, Book 3
The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Book in the World, Book 4
The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge, Book 5
The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge, Book 6
The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge, Book 7
The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge, Book 8
Once you try one of these award-winning puzzles, we’re sure you’ll agree that these ARE The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Books in the World!!
Click New Arrivals! to see ALL the newest games, toys, kits, and books in store for you!
 Still need a few ideas for Easter Basket gifts?
Here are some gifts that you can make yourself! They are easy to do, fun to make, and your kids will love them! Each of these ideas can be packaged in plastic Easter eggs to add to your basket!
Scentsational Dough — this recipe makes a fun gift! Just mix up a batch of sweet-smelling play dough, then put the dough in plastic Easter eggs for a nice surprise!
Sugared Chalk — this recipe is very easy and makes chalk so much more fun to use! Perfect for decorating your sidewalk or driveway with spring-time designs!
Silly Putty — mix up your own silly putty and put it in a plastic Easter egg!
Bath Jelly — this recipe makes a bath jelly that is jiggly fun for your bath!
Bath Bombs — these homemade bath bombs are sure to be a hit! And they kind of look like miniature Easter eggs!
You May Also Like
Thinkonium – Brain Putty — Our Thinkonium Brain Putty makes a great gift for any occasion! Winner of the 2009 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Toy Award! Available in 8 different colors.
Classic Metal Jax — A childhood classic game that is fun to play! Perfect for spring-time fun!
Super String Thing — Play cats in the cradle and other fun games with the Super String Thing!
Pinky Ball — The classic Hi-Bounce Pinky Ball makes a great spring-time gift!
FingerMagic Bunny Origami — Make your own bunnies with this unique origami kit!
Art Works! is a series of blog posts created by the staff at www.EscapadeDirect.com that offer children of all ages and abilities the opportunity for hands-on art activities that allow them to explore, discover, and express their individual creativity.
We encourage parents to join in on the activities, too, and create their own Art Works!
 Art Works! Activity #23: Pinwheels
Play in the wind with colorful pinwheels that you make yourself!
This activity allows children of all ages to be creative in their designs and use of color. The activity enhances spatial thinking skills and lets kids learn a bit about wind.
What You Need:
- Sturdy Paper, Cardstock, or Art Board
- Ruler
- Colored Pencils, Crayons, Paint, or Markers
- Pencil, small wood dowel stick, or chopsticks
- Scissors
- Push Pin or Small Nail
- Small Bead (such as a Pony Bead)
What You Do:
- Click our Pinwheel Project article for complete directions, diagrams, and unique variations.
Variations:
- Pinwheels aren’t just for blowing in the wind! Create a colorful pinwheel and use it as a bow to decorate a wrapped gift.
- Pinwheels make colorful decorations for a party! Make a bunch of pinwheels and stick them in the ground along a sidewalk as a fun way to greet your guests.
- Place pinwheels in small vases on your dinner table – a fun spring-time decoration for any meal!
- Make a special pinwheel for your child and place it in an Easter basket!
You Might Also Like:
Anemometer Kit – This kit is great for outdoor science and weather activities! The Anemometer is a simple device used to determine wind speed. It is easy for elementary children to understand and use, while accurate enough to be used by professional meteorologists in weather forecasting.
6-Way Weather Meter – This kit allows you to be your own weather forecaster!
Share Your Art Works! Activities!
If you have an Art Works! project that you would like to share, email us a digital picture (or scan) of your project , and we will post it in our Kids Gallery. If you would like, include the artists first name, age, and your state. It’s fun for kids to see how other children interpreted the project!
As always, encourage your children to come up with their own new ideas for art – and make sure to check back next week for another Art Works! activity in this series!
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
 What’s harder than a hard-boiled egg? Plaster eggs, of course!
Plaster eggs are a lot less fragile than the real thing, there’s no boiling or egg smell to deal with, and the plaster eggs don’t spoil! They can be used over and over as Easter decorations. It’s easy to make an entire collection for all sorts of fun, creative activities!
This is a fun “do it yourself” activity for kids and adults, and the eggs created can be decorated in so many ways! For complete instructions on this project, including a material list and creative decorating ideas, click DIY Plaster Easter Eggs.
In case you missed our Facebook post, here’s a link to another unique Easter activity – Grow Your Own Easter Grass. This article includes directions and fun suggestions for making unique Easter decorations. Start growing today!
And… for another cool activity, check out our Egg Drop Challenge blog post. Get crackin’ and have fun!
Happy Easter from the entire staff at EscapadeDirect.com!
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!
Make sure to check back each week for the next post!
RECIPE:
Did you know that the rich soil in central and southern New Jersey is perfect for growing quality vegetables and fruits, and that New Jersey is a top state for producing tomatoes?
This recipe takes advantage of the delicious juicy tomatoes from New Jersey. It’s an easy recipe that is fun to make, and one that kids really enjoy! Perfect for serving during family game night.
NEW JERSEY Simple Salsa
What You Will Need:
- 4 firm, large Jersey Tomatoes
- 1/2 medium Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Cilantro, coarsely chopped
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper, seeded and chopped fine
- Juice from 1 large Lime
- Pinch or 2 of Sugar
- Salt to taste
- Corn Chips to dip
- Non-Metal Hand Grater
- Mixing Bowl
What You Do:
- Using a non-metal hand grater, grate tomatoes on the largest holes into a mixing bowl, then grate the onion.
- Add the remaining ingredients (except the chips) to the bowl.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.
STATE INFORMATION LINK:
New Jersey State Information – Click this link to learn more about New Jersey attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!
FREE STATE PRINTABLES:
US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.
New Jersey Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!
United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)
- US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.
- Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.
- DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.
- The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.
- Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.
- State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!
- GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.
Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
 Emerging pussy willows at Split Rock Pond Here in rural Minnesota, it seems Spring wants to arrive early this year – and we welcome it with open arms!
Every March 1st, my three boys, my husband, and I begin our annual countdown to Spring. We keep a year-round journal to record all the changes we see around us, but Spring is the time of year when we have the most entries! We’ve kept this journal ever since we moved to the country, and we love to look back to previous years to see if we can predict the changes for the current year. For example, over the past five years, the Sandhill Cranes have arrived at our big pond on or around March 16. We saw our first Sandhill Crane yesterday – right on schedule! Hundreds of Robins usually grace our woods and yard on or around March 20 – we’re expecting them any day now!
We track the first sightings of birds we haven’t seen all winter – Blue Birds, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Brown-Headed Cowbirds, Swans, Sand Hill Cranes, etc. We track changes in our woods and plants; things like buds starting and the first flowers. We track animals we haven’t seen in a while, such as our deer and their new fawns – and later, racoons and their babies. We track the first sounds and sightings of the THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of frogs that live in our ponds and creeks. We track the dates of “ice out” on the ponds on our property and of the lakes down the road. We track the dates when the creeks start flowing again (we love to watch the “ice bergs” float down the creek).
This is an activity our entire family does together and it subtly encourages our boys to be aware of their surroundings. It allows them to practice their skills of observation; it creates anticipation as we each look forward to our favorite signs — like the tadpoles for my frog-fanatic son, and the baby deer for me. My boys become enthusiastic about writing, because they like to be the one to record an observation in our journal. And I like to see how their handwriting has improved from year-to-year!
We took a walk to the big pond the other day. The ice has pulled away from the edges and some of it has sunk to the bottom. As soon as we approached the pond, we saw a salamander swimming in the reeds, followed by a fish that swam through the cracks of ice, curious to see us, too! The first mosquito was spotted (and swatted) today. Several honey bees buzzed around my bright yellow boots, and the first grasshoppers played around our feet.
Soon the first skunks, bear, Killdeer, and snakes will arrive. And we can’t wait for the true smell of Spring – worms coming out of the freshly thawed soil! We sure love the anticipation of Spring!
No matter where you live, Spring brings change. It’s just up to you to notice these changes.
Make sure to read our article Signs of Spring for more ideas on how you can enjoy this time of year with your kids.
Get outside with your kids and enjoy all that Spring brings!
Enjoy Spring!
Want some fun products to help you make the most of Spring? Check out the list below!
- The Private Eye Curriculum – Look closely. See more. Think more. This lively introduction to The Private Eye program will propel you and your kids into the drama and wonder of looking closely at the world, thinking by analogy, changing scale and theorizing.
- My Nature Journal – A unique keepsake journal specifically designed to help children build a lasting personal connection to nature.
- Sharing Nature with Children – This book is full to the brim of ideas on how to enjoy nature with children!
- Kaufmann Guide to Insects – Identify the insects you see with this quality guide book.
- A Walk in the Woods – This quality coloring book helps kids identify and relate to the creatures around us.
- The Golden Guide Set – Classic field guides to help you identify animals, insects, birds, and more!
- DIY Nature Kaleidoscope – View found items in nature up close and in a different way by making your own refillable kaleidoscope!
- Translucent Megalens – View the small changes in nature with this handy magnifying glass.
- DuAll Box – A perfect container for observing nature up close!
Art Works! is a series of blog posts created by the staff at www.EscapadeDirect.com that offer children of all ages and abilities the opportunity for hands-on art activities that allow them to explore, discover, and express their individual creativity.
We encourage parents to join in on the activities, too, and create their own Art Works!
 Art Works! Activity #22: Wax Resists
A wax resist painting is one where you use wax to protect parts of the paper from paint. When you apply a water-based paint over the wax, the wax repells the paint and creates an interesting texture to your painting.
This activity is fun for kids of all ages and gives them an opportunity to work with resists. Spark your imagination, and get started!
The example below uses the color green – just in time for St. Patrick’s Day!
What You Need:
- Green Construction Paper (or your choice of color)
- Green Crayons or Oil Pastels (crayon should be the same color as your paper)
- White Tempera Paint
- Paintbrush (a larger brush works better than a small, thin brush)
- Water in Small Cup (used to help thin the paint)
- Art Tray or covered work space
What You Do:
- Use a green crayon to draw a picture onto the green construction paper – make sure to press hard and create a thick line. You might want to draw a large shamrock to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! (HINT: It may be hard to see your green crayon marks on the green paper, but if you tilt your paper slightly toward the light, you will be able to see the wax shining in the light.)
- When your picture is drawn, paint a thin coat of white tempera paint over the paper. (Make sure the paint is not too thick.)
- The white paint adheres to the construction paper, but doesn’t cover the green lines – making your drawing instantly appear!
- Sign and date your work of art, then display it for others to see.
Variations:
- Use this same technique with a variety of different colored paper and crayons! For example, use red construction paper and red crayons to make Valentine hearts! Use blue construction paper and blue crayons to make bluebirds in the Spring!
- Use a variety of different sizes and shapes of construction paper to draw on. When you’ve painted all your designs, use string to hang your pictures in your windows or around the room. You might even want to create a mobile using your designs.
- Use this technique to create your own greeting cards! Simply fold your paper in half and create your wax resist painting on the top of the card and write your greeting on the inside. A fast and easy way to create a unique card!
- Use a white Art Board and a white crayon to create your drawing. For example, draw a landscape, your favorite toy, or simply draw swirls and squiggles. When your drawing is done, use a variety of different colors of watercolor paint to make your painting colorful. Of course, the white crayon marks will remain white, but the rest of your art board will be very colorful!
- Use white paper and a variety of different colored crayons or oil pastels to make your drawing. When you apply paint over your drawing, the colors from your drawing will resist the paint the same way, but you will also see the colors of the crayons.
- Write a secret message to your kids on the paper, then have them paint over it to reveal their special message. What a fun way to say “I love you”!
- This wax resist method works great on Easter eggs, too! Simply use a crayon to color a design on your egg before dying.
Tip:
- Since construction paper is porous, we have found that a thicker, higher quality construction paper works better than the very thin varieties.
You Might Also Like:
Water Wizard Buddha Board – Paint with water with this unique and fun art board!
DIY Nature Kaleidoscope – Use items found in nature to build your very own kaleidoscope!
Share Your Art Works! Activities!
If you have an Art Works! project that you would like to share, email us a digital picture (or scan) of your project , and we will post it in our Kids Gallery. If you would like, include the artists first name, age, and your state. It’s fun for kids to see how other children interpreted the project!
As always, encourage your children to come up with their own new ideas for art – and make sure to check back next week for another Art Works! activity in this series!
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!
Make sure to check back each week for the next post!
RECIPE:
Did you know that New Hampshire’s most important farm product is milk? Yep… there are plenty of cows dotting the New Hampshire landscape!
This recipe makes a sweet, delicious, and healthy milkshake that kids love to help make – they love to drink it, too!
NEW HAMPSHIRE Orange Creamy Milkshake
What You Will Need:
- 1 can (6 ounces) frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
- 2-1/4 cups Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 1-1/2 to 2 cups Ice
What You Do:
- Put all the ingredients into a blender.
- Blend on low speed until ice is crushed.
- Pour milkshake into a glass, and serve!
- Garnish with a slice of orange, if desired.
STATE INFORMATION LINK:
New Hampshire State Information – Click this link to learn more about New Hampshire attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!
FREE STATE PRINTABLES:
US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.
New Hampshire Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!
United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)
- US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.
- Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.
- DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.
- The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.
- Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.
- State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!
- GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.
Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!
Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.
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