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“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” — Robert Frost
Fill your month with poetry!
There are many different types of poems – here are some examples: acrostic poem; ballad; chorus; cinquain; couplet, diamonte; epigram; free verse; haiku; limerick; nursery rhyme; ode; pantoum; rhymed verse; riddle rhyme; sestina; sonnet; tercet; and villanelle.
Try to read and write one of these types of poems every day in April! It’s a fun activity for the entire family!
Here are a couple activities to do with your family:
Write a Diamonte – A “diamonte” is a seven-line poem that gradually changes from one idea to a direct opposite, and does not rhyme. When the poem is completed, it is in the shape of a diamond. This is a fun poem for kids to write! Click this link for instructions and for a template you can download and use.
Memorize a Poem – Choose your favorite poem and encourage your kids to memorize it. Read the poem aloud several times, then have your kids read the poem aloud. Repeat this process at least once a day until the poem is memorized.
Discuss the Meaning of the Poem – While reading a poem, ask your kids to express their interpretation of what they think the poem means. Talk about the words used in the poem, as well as the feelings the poem makes you feel when you read or hear the poem.
Here is a list of some excellent poetry books to check out:
Writing Poetry with Children – This reproducible resource book provides practice writing six types of poetry using engaging learning experiences and lessons.
Joyful Noise – Poems for Two Voices – The poems in this book are written to be read aloud by two voices – sometimes alternating, sometimes simultaneous. This is really one of our favorite books!
The Humorous Verse of Lewis Carroll – This is the largest collection of Lewis Carroll’s verse every compiled! It’s a must-have for every home library.
Poetry for Young People – All the books in this series are full of interesting poems and beautiful illustrations. We highly recommend the entire series!
The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems – 74 poems trace our journey through life from birth to old age in this classic treasury. Click this link to preview the book online.
Celebrate Earth Day this month! Recycle used paper around your house and turn it into something new!
Kids love to take things apart to see how they work. Sometimes taking a closer look at something makes an ordinary object seem extraordinary. Take an ordinary envelope for example – once you take it apart and open it up, you can see how it was made and discover a new shape. And, you can also use the autopsied envelope to create more envelopes!
This is a fun activity for kids, and a great way to teach recycling and repurposing – perfect for Earth Day this month!
What You Will Need:
Several different-sized Envelopes (new or used)
Brown Paper Bag
Pencil
Marker
Scissors
Tape or Glue Stick
Newspaper, optional
Wrapping Paper, optional
Old Calendar Pages, optional
What You Do:
Have your child look at an envelope and guess what shape it will be when it is unfolded.
Carefully slide your finger under the flaps that are glued together and pull them apart.
Unfold the envelope completely and lay it flat. Was it the shape your child thought it would be?
Unfold a variety of envelopes and see if they are all made the same or different.
To make your own envelopes, place one of the unfolded envelopes on a sheet of brown paper bag, newspaper, wrapping paper, calendar pages, junk mail, or any other type of paper that would be suitable for an envelope. We especially like to use old maps.
Use a marker to trace around the unfolded envelope template onto the paper of your choice.
Use a pencil to draw along the lines of where the envelope folds. Make sure to press hard with the pencil, as this will create the fold lines for your new envelope.
Cut out the envelope shape along the marker lines.
Fold your new envelope along the faint dented lines where the pencil was pressing. Fold the bottom in first, then the two sides.
Use a glue stick or tape to glue the bottom and side flaps together – your envelope is ready to be used! Write a letter, place it into the new envelope, then fold the top flap down and glue it shut. Your envelope is ready to mail!
Variations:
If you are going to mail your envelope, make sure the address can be clearly seen. You may need to glue a small white square to the front of the envelope to write the address on, especially if you are using colorful paper to make the envelope.
If you plan on making a lot of envelopes, trace your envelope onto a piece of chipboard to make a new template. The chipboard makes it easier to trace around and will last longer.
Don’t stop at envelopes! Take apart other packages found in your house to see how they are made, and to use them as templates for new objects. For example, autopsy a cereal box or paper milk carton.
You May Also Like:
Blank Tags – Use these blank tags to create cards, invitations, gift tags, altered art projects, and so much more!
Blank White Craft Box – This hinged-lid box is perfect for holding all your new envelopes and letters! It can also be decorated however you like!
Blank Postcards – Design your own postcards with this blank set!
Did you know April 1st through the 8th is National Dark Sky Week? It’s a perfect chance to temporarily reduce light pollution and raise awareness about the effects of artificial light on the night sky. It’s also a great time to explore astronomy.
Turn off your lights, get out the telescope or binoculars, and enjoy the night sky this week!
Here are some ideas to help get you started:
Night Sky Activity – Count the Stars – Did you know that on an average night, it is possible to view 1,500 stars in the sky? Here’s your chance to count them with this simple night sky viewer!
Star-Light, Star-Bright – Children of all ages love the anticipation of staying up until dark to watch the stars come out. It’s a magical experience, not soon forgotten.
You May Also Like:
The Constellations – Stars and Stories – It’s not always easy to find the 88 constellations, but this illustrated guidebook will lead you through the stars and make gazing at them a more meaningful experience.
Laser Stars – Bring the universe INSIDE with this way-cool laser star projector!
The Stars – A New Way to See Them – This book provides clear, vivid text with charts and maps showing the positions of the constellations the year round. Click this link to view this book online!
Pocket Star Finder – Discover the night sky over North America, Europe, and Asia as you explore the stars! All you need is a clear night and this stellar tool to identify all the major constellations and find the visible planets.
Night Wonders – When you shine a flashlight into the night sky, the light speeds away from you at 186,000 miles per second. If the light escapes the Earth’s atmosphere, it can soar through outer space and on to the stars. How would you like to stow aboard that flight?
With Spring approaching, we thought it would be a perfect time to learn about, and play with, rainbows.
Not only are these activities fun to do with your kids during Spring, they are also fun for your young “leprechauns” on St. Patrick’s Day! Maybe it’s easier to find the pot o’ gold at the end of a rainbow you create!
Click the links below for complete instructions, and get started today!
Indoor Rainbows
Did you know you can make rainbows inside your house? This experiment is fun for kids and it helps to explain how rainbows form. It’s quick and easy and has dramatic results! Click Make Rainbows in Your House for instructions.
Test Tube Rainbows
This activity allows kids to create a liquid rainbow using liquids that vary in density. Click Test Tube Rainbows for complete directions.
Make a Rainbow Disappear
There are lots of ways to make rainbows to observe the spectrum of light, but this clever project shows you how to make a rainbow disappear! A fun lesson in light! Click Make a Rainbow Disappear for complete instructions, including a free template.
You May Also Like:
Rainbow Silkscape – Imaginations soar with this beautiful, open-ended silk scape! Turn it into a tent, use it for playing in the wind, or make it into a costume. The possibilities are endless!
Rainbow Silk Streamer – This quality streamer is fun for kids of all ages! Use it for dance or playing in the wind. A great way to get kids moving!
Wikki Stix Rainbow Pack – Use the colors of the rainbow in this set to create works of art! The Wikki Stix are great for decorating objects, making drawings on paper, and so much more!
Rainbow Clay – This colorful clay set is perfect for making models of rainbows!
You remember Pi, right?! 3.1415…. Pi is the ratio between the diameter of a circle and its circumference – and this ratio is the same for every circle! Just like magic!
Why not celebrate today with your kids and the fun activities below?!
Have a Happy Pi Day!
Calculate Pi
To calculate Pi, divide the circumference of a circle (the distance around the circle) by its diameter (the distance across the circle). The circumference of any circle is approximately 3.14 times its diameter. You can use pi to determine the diameter of a circle if you know its circumference, or the circumference of a circle if you know its diameter – pretty cool, huh?!
What You Will Need:
1 large Dinner Plate or large Can of Food (such as a large coffee can) to use to trace a circle
1 small round Drinking Glass or small Can of Food (such as a soup can) to use to trace a circle
Paper (any kind of paper will work)
Pencil
Ruler
Calculator
String or Yarn
Scissors
What You Do:
Place a dinner plate, or other round object, onto a sheet of paper and use a pencil to trace around the circle.
Place a drinking glass, or another size round object, onto the paper and trace around it to form another circle.
Place a piece of string around one of the drawn circles (the circumference) and trim the excess string. Repeat this with a new piece of string for each circle drawn.
Use a ruler to measure the length of strings from the circles. Record this length next to the appropriate circle.
Use a ruler and a pencil to draw a line through the center of each circle (the diameter), and record the length of this line next to the circle.
Now the fun part! Divide the circumference of the circle by the diameter to reveal… drum roll, please… Pi! Repeat this for each circle drawn and you will always reach Pi! (NOTE: Your measurement may not be exactly pi – depending on how accurate you cut the string and recorded measurements, but it will be close!)
Variations:
Give your kids a variety of different sized objects to measure. For example – a can of soup, a Frisbee, a pie pan, a jar of pasta sauce, a quarter or a dime, a honeydew mellon.
If you have a fabric tape measure, let your kids use it to measure circular objects around your house to calculate Pi.
Watch a Video About Pi
Share The Story of Pi video with your kids (especially older kids) – this is a short video that explains Pi and why it’s so useful to know:
Listen to Pi
Here is a very cool video on what Pi sounds liike – share this with your kids!
Finish your celebration by baking a pizza pie together!
How are you celebrating pi day?
You May Also Like:
Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi – Join Radius on his Math quest through the castle to solve a riddle that will reveal a secret cure. It lies in discovering the magic number that is the same for all circles.
Geometry Template – This versatile plastic template features a variety of 2-D shapes, 180° protractor, metric and standard rulers, number line, perpendicular-parallel line and more.
More Math Games from Around the World – More than 70 math games, puzzles, and projects from all over the world are included in this delightful book for kids.
John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) was born on September 26, 1774 and is believed to have died on March 11, 1845 – so there are actually two dates each year that commemorate John Chapman.
While most people probably celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day in the Fall in conjunction with the Fall apple harvest, we like the idea of celebrating today instead, with delicious apples as a way to welcome Spring and the Spring planting season!
Here is a link for more information about Johnny Appleseed – share this link and information with your kids while you enjoy the yummy recipe below!
Apple Pizza
What You Will Need:
2 cans of regular sized Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
4 finely chopped Granny Smith Apples
2 cups Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese, or your favorite cheese
4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
1 cup firmly packed Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons Cinnamon
Small Mixing Bowl
10×13 Greased Baking Dish
What You Do:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Place biscuits into a lightly greased baking dish and flatten biscuits to form a dough.
Spread a layer of chopped apples on top of the dough.
Sprinkle cheese over the apples.
Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the top of the apples and cheese.
Bake apple pizza for 15 to 20 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown.
Allow pizza to cool slightly, cut into pieces, and serve! (Thanks, Johnny!)
You May Also Like:
Who Was Johnny Appleseed – The perfect biography to “bite into” to learn more about Johnny Appleseed! NOTE: Make sure to see our “Think Outside the Book™″ links at the bottom of this product’s page!
Grow Your Own Apple Tree – Now is the perfect time of year to start your own apple tree indoors!
American Tall Tales by Jim Weiss – These uproarious American folk stories will have you laughing out loud and pondering. You’ll meet Paul Bunyan, taller than the trees and mightier than the rivers; Johnny Appleseed, whose gentle generosity make him a beloved legend; and Pecos Bill, whose outrageous Texas-sized exploits make him the greatest of all cowboys. There’s even one of Jim’s own tales, a tongue-twisting, hilarious tale of the Old West.
Cut at least 3 or 4 lengths of plain white paper into strips. You will want to make sure the paper strip is about 1/2″ shorter than your playing cards. For example, if your cards measure 3-1/2″ tall, cut the paper strips to 3″.
Fold the paper strips in accordion style so they are about 1/4″ narrower than your playing cards. See Picture #1 above.
Make the accordion paper strip as long as you want by gluing strips together. See Picture #2 above. Make sure the first fold and the last fold of your strip are in the same direction, see Picture #3 above – these pages will be glued to the playing cards as the first and last pages.
Use a glue stick to adhere the first fold of the strip to one playing card, and the last fold of the strip to the second playing card. See Picture #4 above.
If you like, you can leave the covers of your book unbound – this allows the pages to be opened completely and makes for one long page. Kids like to draw a continuous story on this long strip and you can even draw on the backside of the paper, too!
If you prefer to have the covers of your book bound together, cut a strip of decorative paper and glue it to the front and back covers to form a spine. See Picture #5 above.
When your book has been assembled, now it’s time to decorate it and fill the pages!
Variations:
If you have an old deck of cards around the house, cover the cards with decorative paper, such as our Origami Paper and use a glue stick to hold the paper in place. A great way to recycle!
Many kids enjoy cutting pictures and words from old magazines, and it’s also a great way to recycle. Give your kids an old magazine and let them cut out pictures they like. They can cut out text to “write” the stories in their books. This creates a collage effect and looks great.
Make a bunch of mini-books, write poems or notes to your kids, then mail a mini-book once a month to your kids. Most kids are thrilled to receive mail, and the notes you write to them will become cherished keepsakes. Store the collection of mini-books in a Blank Canvas Drawstring Bag for safe-keeping.
You May Also Like:
Artist Trading Cards – Express yourself with mini works of art, then share and trade with others!
Small Blank Craft Box – These small, hinged-lid craft boxes are perfect for crafts and storage.
Blank Board Book – These quality blank board books are fun to decorate, illustrate, and use for crafts.
DIY Blank Postcards – Use these old-fashioned post cards to decorate and send notes to friends and family.
Here’s a unique celebration that your kids are sure to have fun with – celebrate Thumb Appreciation Day!
For the entire day today, do everything with your fingers and don’t use your thumbs! Here are some ideas to get you started:
Open a door with a round door knob
Write your name with a pencil
Button a shirt
Tie your shoes
Pick up a glass and take a drink
It’s amazing how difficult it is to not use your thumbs!
Here are some other things you can do today to celebrate…
Thumbs with Personality
Spread your thumbprint around! Ink up your thumbs with a stamp pad, then make thumbprints all over a sheet of paper. Let the ink dry, then use fine-point markers to turn each print into a crazy character or creature with personality! Draw hair or hats on your thumbprints, add faces, arms, and legs. Turn your thumbprints into crazy animals, robots, or vehicles. Be creative!
Declare a Thumb War
Thumb Wars have been going on for decades! They are a fun way to combat boredom, as well as a way to choose “who goes first” in games. To declare a Thumb War, choose your opponent wisely and then hold your opponent’s hand by bending your fingers into a “scoop” shape and interlock them with your opponent. Hold your thumbs up high and say “3, 2, 1, I declare a Thumb War!” and let the game begin! Wiggle your thumbs around to try to pin your opponent’s thumb. Dodge, swirl, and move to keep your thumb from getting pinned. First player to pin their opponent’s thumb is declared the winner!
Thumb Idioms
Make a list of idioms or phrases that have the word “thumb” in them. For example, “rule of thumb”, “sticks out like a sore thumb”, “have a green thumb”. Discuss what these phrases mean.
What other things can you do (or cannot do) with your thumbs? Post your ideas!
Other Fun Things You Can Do With Your Body
Why stop at your thumbs! Here are some other fun activities you can do with other parts of your body:
Tonight is Saturday Night Dance Night in our house. Time for my husband, three boys, and I to be as silly as we want to be while we shake it to the music!
To prepare for Dance Night, we move the couch aside to make plenty of dancing room in our Great Room. We find oldies from our past to play, as well as new music that our boys enjoy. Once the music starts, it’s time to get up and move!
Not only is Dance Night a great way for our family to have fun together, it’s also a fun way to exercise – especially this time of year when it’s cold out, and there is less to do outside.
Tonight we are going to do our favorite Paper Dance. What’s a Paper Dance, you ask? Well… it’s something you really have to try with your family! Here’s how…
What You Will Need:
Large Sheet of Paper or Newspaper (one for each person)
Music
What You Do:
Designate one person in your family to be “The DJ” in charge of the music for this dance, and give all other family members a large sheet of paper to act as their “dance floor”.
Have each dancer stand on their sheet of paper and when you are ready to dance, begin the music.
The dancers must stay on their sheet of paper the entire time they are dancing. If they step off the paper, they are eliminated from that dance round.
When the person in charge of the music stops the music, each dancer must fold their paper in half, reducing the size of their “dance floor”, and the music resumes. Again, dancers must stay on their sheet of paper while dancing.
Continue repeating these steps, folding the paper in half each time the music stops, until the last dancer remains.
Unfold the paper, and start again!
Variations:
Rotate the family members in charge of the music so that everyone has a chance to be “The DJ”.
Play music for about a minute each time before stopping and folding the “dance floor”. This keeps the dance going and allows everyone a chance to “move it to the music”!
With Valentine’s Day just days away, make large red paper hearts to use for your dance floor!
Go ahead…. gather your family together, put on your favorite music, and shake, rattle, and Rock and Roll!
Have a fun night dancing!
You May Also Like:
Beethoven’s Wig Dance Along Symphonies – Boogie with Beethoven’s Wig! This CD is full of zany stick-in-your-head lyrics set to the greatest hits of classical music.
Jumbo Dance Scarves – These large colorful scarves are perfect for dancing! They also make great tents, super hero capes, and anything else your kids can dream up!
Activity Rings – This set has so many uses for active play! Toss them, balance them, jump in them, twirl them on your arms or legs – whatever you do will be fun!
February is indoor fitness month at Escapade Direct!
In the spirit of this months theme, here is a really fun indoor activity that keeps kids moving… Build an obstacle course! Ah… but not just any obstacle course! If you’ve been following our posts, you know that we don’t do things the “ordinary” way – we do them with an Escapade twist!
Obstacle courses are fun for all ages – literally! From toddlers to adults, this activity will get everyone moving!
Celebrate Earth Day this month! Recycle used paper around your house and turn it into something new! 
Did you know April 1st through the 8th is National Dark Sky Week? It’s a perfect chance to temporarily reduce light pollution and raise awareness about the effects of artificial light on the night sky. It’s also a great time to explore astronomy.
Here’s a unique celebration that your kids are sure to have fun with – celebrate Thumb Appreciation Day!
Tonight is Saturday Night Dance Night in our house. Time for my husband, three boys, and I to be as silly as we want to be while we shake it to the music!
February is indoor fitness month at Escapade Direct! 