The 413 Mom

Sneaky Learning Candy Science Experiments #toomuchcandy #thankseasterbunny

On today's Better Western Mass on Western Mass News I shared a few tips for using up some of that Easter candy lurking in the kitchen. Check out this link for a few sneaky learning candy science experiments! 

Calendar Collage - Don't recycle last year's calendar yet!

Quick, go grab your 2016 calendars out of the recycle bin. Let the kids cut out the images from the calendar pages and make collages. Free, unplugged, creative fun! Happy New Year! 

Summer Bucket Lists Recap Page

You can now find all of The413Mom's Summer Lists on one convenient page at The413Mom.com.

Including: 

Summer List 1: Hiking

Summer List 2: Spray Parks

Summer List 3: FREE and Low Cost Kids' Movie Schedules

Summer List 4: Summer Reading Incentive Programs

Summer List 5: FREE Bowling & Roller Skating

Summer List 6: FREE and Low Cost Arts & Crafts Programs

Summer List 7: Pick Your Own Farms

Summer List 8: Playgrounds with Shade

Summer List 9: Children's Theater (Live Performance)

Summer List 10: FREE Swim lessons and Pool Time

Bookmark the page and check back often when you need some inspiration for FREE or low-cost summer fun.

Happy Summer! 

Get Ready for March: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

I had a great time today sharing these March craft ideas on the 12:30 show on Western Mass News. Although this winter has been mostly lamb-like, we are still celebrating the "in like a lion, out like a lamb" theme for the transition of seasons. My favorite part about these crafts is that they can all easily be made out of household items.

All you need to make a lion or a lamb mask is a paper plate with the center cut out, glue, construction paper, and cotton balls:

This peek-a-boo puppet requires only a paper cup, plastic spoon, and some Sharpie artwork:

This reversible idea from Miss Kindergarten requires some simple cuts with construction paper and a glue stick:

To have some fun with food, you can make popsicle stick puppets with animal crackers and marshmallows:

You can find the entire crafting segment here on the Western Mass News website.

Happy March!

 

 

 

LOVE this inexpensive, non-food Valentine treat idea

I'm so crushing on this Valentine's Day gift idea right now as seen on ThatsWhatCheSaid. Use the link to get full instructions. I found the muslin bags (quantity 25) on Amazon for under $7 with free shipping, and the heart shaped gems are at local Dollar Tree stores, quantity 50 for $1. You can put together this gift for a class of 25 for about $13. Worth every penny to share a Valentine everyone can enjoy!

Easy Motor Skills Practice

Sneaky learning with an easy to put together motor skills task and a sweet treat!

25 Days of Trees: December 8 (Painter's Tape Tree)

I love this humble little tree because it makes Faith SO happy. Her very own Christmas tree. It only takes about two minutes to make a pint size tree out painter's tape. 

Just get yourself a roll of green masking tape and make a simple triangle shape on the wall or window. (If you use the painter's tape it will not harm the paint on your walls). Then, search Google for printable ornaments of your little one's favorite character. We found our Paw Patrol ornaments on NickJr.com. 

Print the ornaments and cut them out, then use more painter's tape to adhere the ornaments to the tree. The kiddos can rearrange them as often as they'd like. When they've tired of it, just peel it all off and toss in the recycle bin. 

It's not the elaborate and expensive decorations and crafts our kid remember from the holidays. It's simple and doable projects like this. Enjoy!