10 Reasons to Cook Together

Summer is a great time to get kids involved in menu planning, shopping and preparation. You want to start out when you have plenty of time. When you are under stress is not the time to teach children new skills. . Cooking together is a great way to spend some quality family time. It is also a fun way to sneak in a little education without them knowing.
1. It is a great way to spend some time together. Get the whole family involved in the preparation. Pick "jobs" appropriate for their age, a 3 year old might stir or add ingredients, a 5 year old can write items on the grocery list, a 7 year old may read the recipe aloud , and a 10 year old may chop or dice. It make take more time but the lessons learned are invaluable.

2. It's fun to watch children discover new foods. They may gravitate toward chicken nuggets and french fries right now, but there's a whole world of tastes just waiting for them to discover. Each week while you are grocery shopping encourage the kids to pick out a new food to try. Children are more likely to try new things when they helped prepare it. The choices might not all be winners, but you may discover a new family favorite. 

3.  Learning to cook helps kids to learn about nutrition. Healthy eating begins at home. They are growing up with fast food and junk food at their fingertips. Kids aren't getting much encouragement to eat their veggies. It's up to you to show them how yummy healthy treats can taste.

4.  Kids learn real lessons in science, language, math and social studies. Cooking will help reinforce all these subjects!   Cooking teaches them planning and making choices.

5. Boost their self esteem. They will be thrilled when everyone raves over the new dish on the table and that they helped with the meal. They are accomplishing a task, learning something important and contributing to the family. They may even start experimenting more and start preparing their own food.

6.  Teaching kids to cook will help instill skills that last a lifetime.  One day they're going to grow up and be responsible for themselves. While all the other kids in their dorm are ordering pizza, your kid will be whipping up a healthy meal. Well, we can dream.

7. They can help contribute to the family and they can feel the importance of
helping.  Even if they've just stirred the pot or washed the veggies. They are learning teamwork and to understand the importance of their role as a member of the family.

8. Practice creativity and imagination. Kids cooking activities are a great way to express themselves and enjoy their creations.

9.  It is a great way to create family traditions and pass on family history.   They might even pass it on to their own kids someday.  So much of our family culture and identity is tied to food traditions.  Don't you want your kids to learn how to make Grandma's famous carrot cake?

10.  The memories we create with our children our priceless.


Ideas from Kids Cook

Home Depot Kids Workshop

Home Depot sponsors free How-to-Workshops for children ages 5 -12. The hands on workshops are offered the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 am - noon.  July 3rd kids can build a periscope.
If you can't make it a workshop you can order ready to build kits for a DIY project at home.

Thred Up

I came across this site today and thought what a great idea. ThredUP is a site where parents exchange gently worn kids clothing. The recipient pays the shipping and handling. USPS will mail you the empty box that you need to use to send your clothing.

You can set up a circle of friends across the country or shop from the "pool" of other registered users.  You will simply choose the “box” of clothing that you wish to receive, then pay shipping and handling. Next you pack your own box of clothing to swap, and when someone choose’s your box, you print out a label and mail it. Remember, only the recipient pays shipping and handling.
The basic membership is free. There is a “PRO” Membership which you can sign up for a two month free trial.
If anyone has used this can you let us know what you think.

4th of July, Kid-Friendly Fireworks

What you'll need:

Red, white & blue chenille stems or pipe cleaners

Scissors

Craft glue

Red, silver and blue glitter

Thick sponge

Clear thread (optional)

1.  Gather the chenille stems and cut them in half. You will need 5-6 whole stems of the same color to make one firework.

2. Dip approximately a half inch of each of the stems in craft glue, then submerge tips in a small bowl of glitter. Lay the stems on a thick sponge to dry.

3. Gather all stems together except one. Take the extra stem and twist it around the others. Bend and flare out the arms to resemble a firework. You can hang from ceiling with clear thread or decorate a table with them.

Ages 2+

Fresh Fit for Kids Meal at Subway

I love to eat out and it isn't always easy to find a quick meal that isn't full of fat and calories.  That is one of the reasons I love Subway.  I don't feel as guilty because I am eating whole wheat bread and tons of veggies.  I ignore the sodium content. 
 Subway and National Geographic for Kids have partnered together and designed  six new reusable lunch bags that come as part of the Fresh Fit for Kids meal.  These new lunch bags kids will help kids discover new parts of the world.  Also, they will reduce waste and  they are reusable. This is a great alternative to kids meal bags or boxes that just wind up in the garbage.  Check out this cute bags here.
For additional information on Subway’s FRESH FIT FOR KIDS meals please visit here.

Would you like to win a $25.00 Subway gift card?  Check out this great giveaway.

10 Great Reasons to Read to your Child

Reading is a wonderful way to keep your children’s mind stimulated during the summer, build vocabulary, open up new worlds to them and give them a life-long interest in learning.  Even when your child can read themselves you should still read aloud to them.

Here are 10 reasons to read to your child.
1. When you hold children and give them this attention, they know you love them.
2. Reading to children encourages them to become readers.
3.Children's books today are so well-written that they are fun even for adults.
4. Illustrations in children's books rank with the best, giving children a lifelong appreciation for beautiful art. Look for Newberry Award winning books.
5. Books are one great way of passing on your values.
6. Books will help your children's imaginations soar.
7. Until children learn to read themselves, they will think you create magic.
8. Listening to stories will help develop your child's attention span and model fluency.
9. When you give them this gift, you will create memories that last a lifetime.
10. Every teacher and librarian you ever meet will thank you.

Here are incentives to read everyday.

From Family Reading.org

ABCs With Elmo

My granddaughter, Riley loves Elmo from Seasme Street but then again who doesn't.  Riley also loves her ABC's . At two years old she knows all the letters and words that begin with the letter.  Instantly thought of her when I saw this new DVD release, Preschool Is Cool: ABCs With Elmo. Preorder now and get a free ABC book.  Orders shipped July 2.
Overview:In "ABCs with Elmo," Grover acts as the preschool teacher, Professor Grover, and Elmo is his helper for today’s alphabet lesson! But Before Professor Grover begins class, he instructs his students, with his classic Grover charm, to find one thing that begins with each letter of the alphabet. Featuring alphabet themed stories and songs, early literacy skills are reinforced while kids become familiar with letter-sound relationships. Kids and caregivers will find it as easy as ABC to join in the fun with their favorite furry friends in a real preschool.

Michael's 4th of July Craft

Share your star-spangled style. Come celebrate the 4th of July with your family and make a fun, patriotic project FREE. Ages 3 and up welcome. While supplies last.
Make this 4th of July craft free at Michael’s Saturday, June 26th from10 am- 2 pm. Teachers join the Knack Faculty and get a 40% off coupon to use on a purchase.

Seasme Place Sweepstakes from Pampers

Pampers is giving away a family vacation to Seasme Place.  You can enter by redeeming 30 Pampers Gifts to Grow points.  If you are not member register now.  Enter this 10 point code to get you started: ENJOYYOURSUMMER 
Sweepstakes ends July 31, 2010.

Lowe's Build and Grow

Your kids will love to build this project on Saturday, June 26th at Lowe's. This Monster Truck comes with stickers and punch out cars for crushing! Sign up today!

Free Sample Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

Worried about your child's skin care in the summer sun? Answer this six-question survey to receive a free 3-5 use sample packet of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion. Mention you heard about it at Kid Kapers and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win 2 free bottles of their sun care (a $43 value).

Thanks Mojo Savings.

Disney Clearance Sale

The Disney Store has over 400 items on clearance.  Some of my favorites are $2.99 flip flops, t shirts, onesies and infant sleepers are $5.99 and $6.99 for beach towels.

Get a Call from Mickey Mouse

Would your child like to get a call from  Mickey, Minnie, Donald or Goofy?  Courtesy of Barilla, you can schedule a call from your child's favorite Mickey Mouse Club character. 
No purchase necessary. Currently calls are not available to residents of ID, WA, GA, KY, MS, NE, TN, and LA.

$25.00 off your first order at Kidelicious

Kidelicious is a new online kids food store where you can shop for all the major brands plus a wide range of hard to find items and healthier options.  You can earn $25.00 worth of free food by completing a quick ( 3 minutes)and easy survey.The site is set to launch in January 2011. 
I took the survey and have received an email confirming my $25.00 code.

Children's Place Monster Sale

Children's Place is having a 50% off sale with items starting as low as $2.00.  Use this code G4AQMRAG5A for an additional 15% off.  All orders ship for only $5.00.  Let us know what great deals you found by leaving a comment.

Beech-Nut Next Steps Kit

Get a FREE Beech-Nut Next Steps Kit when you register for their enewsletter.  If you signed up for a kit previously you should continue to receive the newsletter without interuption.

Free Preschool Printable Grocery Lapbook

 

Print this free Preschool Grocery Lapbook to teach your youngster some fun skills. It is packed with great activities to keep little hands and minds busy for quite some time.

Thanks, The Good Deal Gal!

Father's Day Duck Tape® Wallet

Give Dad a gift he'll never expect this Father's Day. Make him a colorful Duck Tape® wallet that's durable, creative and flat-out cool at Michael's on Saturday, June 17th 6 - 8 PM.  While supplies last. Ages 6-12 welcome.

Father's Day Craft

If you didn't get to Michael's or Lowe's to make a frame for dad here is an idea for a frame you can do at home.
Materials:

Black Picture Frame
Washers, bolts, small screws (search dad's tool box)
Permanent glue, such as Super Glue
Photograph
Alternative:  Use paperclips instead of nuts and bolts

Instructions:

Use glue to decorate outside of frame with nuts, washer and screws . Let dry completely. Insert a photo and the glass into the frame. Try to find a photograph that shows you helping Dad with a project.

Tips: Lay the design out before attaching it to the frame.

Coffee Mug
Materials:

White coffee mug (available at WalMart for $1.00)

Enamel (not acrylic) paints: red and blue (or colors of your choice)

Permanent marker, black

Styrofoam tray or plate

Instructions:
Wash coffee mug. Dry.
Dip child’s thumb into the blue enamel paint. Press firmly on the mug to make a large thumbprint. This is dad. Dip index finger in red paint. Press on cup near the thumbprint. This figure is the child. It should be smaller than the blue figure.
Use a permanent marker to draw features including arms, legs, and hair. Write "daddy" above the figures and "me" below them.
Bake mug in the oven as directed on the back of the enamel paint bottle. You can also air dry, however air drying requires many days as opposed to a few hours in a low temp oven.

*Note: I recommend you handwash GENTLY.

Optional: You could paint on features with black enamel paint instead of using a permanent marker. Also, you could paint on a beer mug or glass instead of a coffee mug.
Remember when doing crafts with children it is not about making a "perfect" product.  It should be about the child creating the gift the way they want.  The above items were created with my 2 year old granddaughters help.
This ideas are not mine originally but I have been doing them so long with my classes I forgot where I first saw them. 

FREE Toy Story 3 Movie Ticket at Toys R Us with $25 of Toy Story Merchandise

Toys R Us is holding a promotion for the new TOY STORY 3 Movie that opens Friday, June 18! This is sure to be a hit with kids this summer! Right now with a purchase of $25 or more on Toy Story merchandise, you will get a FREE Movie Ticket (up to $7.50 value). That should at least a child’s ticket totally FREE!  Combine with Kellogg's free movie offer to take the whole family. Go HERE to do your shopping!

Make a Frame for Father's Day

At Michaels, Saturday, June 12th from 10 -2 you can make this Father's Day gift. Create a personalized Camo-style frame for Dad's favorite Father's Day photo. Ages 3 and up welcome. Requires purchase of frame.


 
 
 
 
 

Bring your child to Lowe's  at 10 AM on Saturday, June 12th and they can build this picture frame. Be sure to register ahead of time.

Borders Toy Story 3 Event

On Saturday, June 12 at 11am, Borders is having a special Toy Story 3 event to celebrate the movie’s release on June 18. Kids can do crafts, storytime, games, receive giveaways, and more.

$2.00 Tanks at Old Navy

During Old Navy's  One Day Wonder Event you can pick up tanks for only $2.00 each. Go early because there is sure to be a crowd.  Tanks are great year round so stock up now. 

Tanks for women and girls are $2 (Reg. $6.50–$8.50). Valid in U.S. only, while supplies last. Select styles only; excludes embellished styles. Limit 5 per customer. Stores open early. Check your local store for hours.

BOGO Hasbro Toys

Head on over to Hasbro Toy Shop to score a great deal on Hasbro and Milton Bradley toys. They are offering buy one get one on various toys including Transformers and Strawberry Shortcake. THe offer is available until June 20th or while supplies last. These is the time to stock up on birthday and Christmas gifts.

Kids Workshop at Home Depot

How-to Workshops at Home Depot are offered the first Saturday of every month. The hands on building lessons, designed for kids 5 -12, are available at all Home Depot locations. Be sure to register in advance. Saturday, June 5th between 9 -noon kids can make this soccer game. This will be a fun game to keep the kids busy this summer.

National Doughnut Day

Today is National Doughnut Day. When we were growing up it was always a special treat to make our own doughnuts. This was a tradition I passed on to my children. It is so easy and they are so yummy. So if you didn't get out to snag a free doughnut try these.

Ingredients:
biscuit roll (I use Pillsbury but any brand will do)
cooking oil, 2 cups
powdered sugar
cinnamon sugar
Other Materials:
tongs
paper bag
paper towels
skillet
hole cutter - thimble, empty pill bottle, small cup


Pour 2 cups (1/4 inch) of oil in skillet. Heat on medium heat. Remove the biscuits from the roll and separate into individual biscuits. Slightly flatten the biscuit and cut a hole in the center with the hole cutter. Remove the center. Drop the biscuits one by one in the hot oil. Turn over when they are golden brown on one side and brown the other side. Caution: They cook quickly. Remove them from the oil and place them on the paper towel. When you have cooked all the doughnuts and holes place in the paper bag with the powder sugar or cinnamon sugar (your preference. Close the bag and shake it to coat all the doughnuts. Remove and ENJOY!

Land of Nod

Land of Nod, a division of Crate and Barrel, is having a great clearance sale. Here are two of my favorites items:

This craft tray set is only $4.95. As a teacher, I was always looking for inexpensive ways to control the mess. This would be perfect for a variety of activities.

These basket liners are under $1.00.
Can you believe it?
Click on the button to the right to view all the items on sale.

National Doughnut Day

You can score free doughnuts Friday, June 4th, National Doughnut Day. Check your local store for participation.
Dunkin' Donuts restaurants will offer each customer a free donut with the purchase of any beverage.
Krispy Kreme customers will each get one free donut on June 4. No purchase necessary.

Lego Store Free Events

Monthly Mini Model Build!

One day each month, children ages 6 to 14 are invited to come to the LEGO Store and learn how to build a special LEGO model - then take that model home, for free! Check with your local Store for date and time - dates vary by country.

Free Summer Activities at Bass Pro Shop

Bass Pro Shop is offering "Family Summer Camp" June 5th through July 11th, from Noon – 6 pm. four days a week. You and your family can enjoy their laser shooting gallery, shooting range, s’mores cookout, crafts, and more completely FREE! Check your local store for weekly activities.

101 Days of Giveaways

Parenting magazine is having 101 days of giveaways from now until September 6th. They are giving away a new prize every day. They have some great stuff this month like $200 worth of Soft Children's Clothing, Aveeno Care package, $200 Party City gift card, and a trip to Orlando World Center Marriott Resort ($1,070 value). Click here to enter.

Graduation Caps

For those of you still in school after Memorial Day why not make a paper graduation cap to celebrate your child's "graduation" to the next grade? This is very simple and you can personalize with your child's school colors.

Materials:
Construction Paper (any color)
Lightweight cardboard or cardstock
Yarn
Glue, Scissors & Ruler

1. Cut a 4-by-21-inch strip of construction paper. (You may have to glue two pieces of paper together to get a 21-inch length.) Overlap and glue ends to create a 20-inch tube.
2. Clip 1-inch slits around the top of the tube at about 2-inch intervals to create tabs. Bend the tabs inward.
3. Cut two 10-by-10-inch squares of construction paper and one matching square of lightweight cardboard. Glue the construction paper to each side of the cardboard.
4. Place a dot of glue on each tab of the main headpiece. Set the square on top of the tube. Allow to dry.
5. Make a tassel for the cap by winding yarn four times lengthwise around a ruler to create 12-inch loops. Cut a 24-inch piece of yarn and tie it through the top loops of the tassel to secure. Slip the loops off the ruler. Clip open the bottom loops. Glue the tassel to the center of the cap.

Now you and your child are all set to celebrate their big accomplishment! Celebrate with special graduation foods also.

Ages 3 & up

Free Child ID Kit at Red Robin

Receive a free child ID kit June 1 -13 with the purchase of a Kid's Meal at Red Robin. Red Robin will donate .50 of every kids meal sold to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children.

Check out summer safety tips from the NCMEC here.

Also, if you haven't signed up for Red Robin's eclub do that now. You will receive a free burger on your birthday. You can sign up the whole family.

Barnes and Nobles Bargain Books

Need some great new reading material to help keep your child engaged this summer. Check out these great bargains online at Barnes and Noble.

Summer Reading Programs

I think as parents we look forward to a more relaxed summer schedule as much as our children do. One thing I hope you won't relax on this summer is reading and keeping your children academically engaged. I will try not to bore you with too many facts but here are a few things to keep in mind:
* All young people experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. (RIF)
*On average, students lose approximately 2.6 months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. (RIF)
* Students can experience an average summer learning loss in reading achievement of over two months. (RIF)
Keep your children's brains from turning to mush by setting aside a specific time everyday to read and make sure you have plenty of grade level reading material available. If you or your children need a little more motivation try one or two of these programs or ideas.

Half Price Books has a great program to help keep kids reading this summer. Kids who are 14 and under and earn a $3.00 gift card for each week that they spend at least 15 minutes a day reading.

Visit your local library weekly. Many libraries will have programs or contest available to school aged children to help promote literacy.

Book Adventure is a FREE reading motivation program for children in grades K-8. Children create their own book lists from over 7,000 recommended titles, take multiple choice quizzes on the books they've read, and earn points and prizes for their literary successes. Book Adventure was created by and is maintained by Sylvan Learning.

Borders/Waldenbooks is running the 10 Summer Reading Double-Dog Dare. If your child is 12 or under, they simply read 10 books and record them on the Double Dog Dare Form to get a free book from one of ten popular children’s books!

Barnes & Noble - Participation is fun and an easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read any eight books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part, and bring a completed tear page to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from a list of paperback titles. Also, check your local store for other summer events.

Pizza Hut’s Book It! - From June 15 - August 15, any kid who is in K-6 and reads five books has a chance to win a summer prize package!

Start a Summer Book Club with friends of your children or neighbors. Each family reads the same book at the same time and then gets together to talk about the book. Ideas for conversation: What was your favorite part of the book? Who is your favorite character and why? Were there any words that were new to you in the book?

Host a book exchange with friends or neighbors. Everyone can bring one, two or more books that they are willing to part with and then swap for a new gently-used book that someone else has brought.

Connect books with activities! Read a story that mentions something yummy to eat and then try out a recipe at home. (ideas: “Bunny Cakes” by Rosemary Wells or “Strega Nona” by Tomie dePoala) Read a book about a physical activity and then try it with your children. (ideas: “Head to Toe” by Eric Carle or “Making the Team” by Nancy Carlson). Take a trip to visit a location mentioned in the book.

Some ideas from Family Reading

Rewards for Good Grades

Now that school is over (or almost depending on where you live) and the final report cards are issued how about celebrating your child's academic success. If your child had good grades this year, here are a few places that offer rewards. Call ahead to make sure your local store is participating:

Chick-fil-a offers a free 8pk. of nuggets if your child had all A's and B's.

Pizza Hut offers a free personal pan pizza and soft drink with at least 3 A's.

Sbarro's offers a free slice of pizza and soda to elementary students with A's and B's, as well as a free slice to one parent.

McDonald's offers a free Happy Meal with all A's.

Krispy Kreme gives one free doughnut per "A", up to 6 total.

Chuck E. Cheese offers 15 free game tokens with all A's and B's.

Limited Too offers $5 off that day's purchase with all A's and B's.

Blockbuster offers 1 free "family" rental for all A's.

Baskin Robbins a free scoop for everyone who brings in a good grade report card.



If you know of any other offers please leave a comment and we will be glad to add it.