Map Envelopes

Map envelope has a really neat way to get kids interested in writing letters.  The site lets you custom print an envelope with a visual map from any address.  This would be fun to combine with a global random pen pal site.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Print the envelopes here:
http://www.mapenvelope.com/

Yarn Wrapped Snakes

Professor aline miranda takes card board cut out snakes and wraps them in multicolored yarn giving them sticker eyes for a fun and easy snake craft.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://professoralinemiranda.blogspot.com/2012/10/bichinhos-papelao-silhueta.html

Make Your Own Ice Cream

Kids will get a kick out of making their own ice cream with this super simple recipe.  Here's what you need:

 

- 5 Tablespoons of Rock Salt

- 1 Cup of Cream

- 1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

- 2 Trays of Ice Cubes

- 1 Tablespoon of Sugar

- Ziploc Bags

 

First add the cream and vanilla and sugar into the bag and shake it all up.   Put the ice and salt into a different bag and shake this one too.  Combine both bags and shake shake shake for about 10 minutes.

Beach Themed Sensory Box

Themed sensory bins can be fun and spark imaginative play.  To make a beach experience add part sand and part blue stones, the kind you put in vases, add plastic sea creatures and people and have the kids have a day at the beach.

Kix cereal takes their cereal box, cuts off the front, adds sand and some beach items for a really simple version.

Coffee Sensory Box

If going to the local coffee shop is part of your regular routine (or even if it isn't) your kids will love this sensory bin.  Place whole coffee beans, spoons, stick stirrers, sugar and cream packets and cups in the bin and have the kids make their own creations. 

Wizard Wands

All Harry Potter fans will love this craft making wizard wands out of sticks.  Have the kids find some really great and straight sticks.  Then glue on some rope or twine to the top to give it more oomph.  And voila they'll be all ready to cast their first spells. 

Playdoh Cupcakes

Sometimes its fun to make something real with something pretend.  Here's a great cupcake recipe using playdoh and colorful odds and ends to decorate.  Start by rolling and kneading the dough, shape it into a cupcake liner, sprinkle and decorate and have a fun pretend birthday.