Flowers!

May 6, 2013 By

Spring has finally peaked it’s head around the corner and may be here to stay. Spring means beautiful weather, time spent outside, and flowers. Celebrate the spring by creating flowers of your own! You can gift them to teachers for the end of the year or to moms for Mother’s Day or give them to someone as a “just because” gift.

button flower bouquet.jpg Button Flower Bouquet (click for more) Stack different shapes, sizes, and colors of buttons to create flowers. Utilize floral wire or a pipe cleaner to put it all together. Then place in a recycled jar or container for a beautiful bouquet. (Idea from The Crafted Sparrow)
felt hair clip.jpg Felt Flower Hair Clip (Click for more) Use colorful strips of felt and an old hair clip to create a fun way to dress up any hairdo. (Idea from The Crafted Sparrow)
cupcake liner flower Cupcake Liner Flowers (click for more)Use all of those leftover cupcake liners to create a colorful and textured bouquet. (Idea from Makes and Takes)
paper dahlia wreath.jpg Paper Dahlia Wreath (Click for more) Who wouldn’t love this full flower wreath adorning their door or wall? All you need is different sizes of construction paper and a circular piece of cardboard. (Idea from Makes and Takes)
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“Green” Activities

April 18, 2013 By

In honor of Earth Day, which is coming up on Monday, April 22, we have some suggestions for activities that utilize recycled materials. Look forward to another post with more ideas!

newspaper-flowers Newspaper Flowers (click for more) This is a great way to reuse newspapers into something that can be used as decor or gifts. Take the next step and paint a recycled container into a vase to display the flowers. (Idea from i heart nap time)
can-bird-feeder Bird Feeders (Click for more) You can quickly turn some aluminum cans and paint into a simple bird feeder. As a mentee, all you need to provide is some feed. You could even work with your mentee to find a recipe online to make bird feed. (Idea from Mom Endeavors)
tin-caddy Tin Can Caddy (click for more) This shows multiple activities to be made with recycled cans. The tin caddy would be a great gift for your mentee’s teacher to store all of their supplies.(Idea from Dana Made It)
spring-paper-tube-stamping Paper Tube Stamps (Click for more) Utilize paper towel and toilet paper rolls as stamps. You can create flowers and tulips for a picture from recycled materials. Gift to teachers or friends for a bright spot on their wall. (Idea from Makes and Takes)
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Fools, It’s April!

March 31, 2013 By

It’s hard to believe that March is over and tomorrow is the first of April, better known as April Fool’s Day. If you are visiting you mentee on this day, try some of these harmless pranks and tricks together to celebrate the start of the new month. Remember this day is meant to be fun, make sure that your pranks do not make fun of others or hurt their feelings.

fake-spilled-coffee Fake Spill (click for more) Using an old mug and some simple materials such as glue, you can trick your mentee’s teacher or parents into thinking they spilled their cup of coffee. (Idea from Martha Stewart)
fake-cake Fake Cake (Click for more) Your mentee will surprise their family when they come home from school with a freshly baked cake. They will be even more surprised to find that it is fake! Use a disposable cake pan as the base and decorate with frosting and sprinkles. (Idea from Spoonful)

Other fun ideas from Rachel’s Blog:

  • Upside down. Find a room in the house and turn most things upside down, without damaging them, of course.
  • Switchin’ Some Cereal. Remove the bags of cereal our of every box in the house and switch them around. When they think they’re about to each Corn Flakes they’re really going to eat Lucky Charms.
  • Prank That Requires No Work. Just tell the victim you’re plotting an April Fool’s Day joke on them – then do nothing at all! It’ll drive them crazy all day trying to figure out what you’re going to do.
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Easter Activities

March 18, 2013 By

Most of our chapters are getting some small glimpses of spring and many are celebrating spring break in the next few weeks. This is a busy time of year and planning your weekly activity may be getting dropped to the bottom of the to-do list. Here are some simple, already planned ideas to do the next time you meet that utilize the Easter themes of eggs, bunnies, and candy!

Check out more activities on our March Pinterest Board. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more ideas.

strips-of-paper-egg Paper Strip Egg (click for more) This artwork can be made using recycled strips of paper or magazine. In addition, you will need two full sheets of paper, some scissors, and adhesive (glue or tape). This is a simple idea that can used to create other shapes beyond an egg. (Idea from minted)
salt-dough-eggs.jpg Salt Dough Eggs (Click for more) Salt Dough is simply made from flour, salt, and water (recipe found at the above link). After you and your mentee shape and paint the dough, take it home to bake and bring the finished creation to your next session! (Idea from Design Mom)
peeps-smores Peeps S’mores (click for more) This is a colorful twist on a favorite treat! If you have access to a kitchen, or simply a microwave, make your traditional S’more with graham crackers and chocolate but swap out the marshmallow for a Peep. Peeps are not hard to come by this time of year. (Idea from eclectic Recipes)
thumb-bunny-card “Thumb Bunny” cards (Click for more) Your thumb or finger and an ink pad pair together to make these clever cards! You can pick a different saying and distribute to friends and family. (Idea from Sometimes Creative)
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St. Patrick’s Day Activities

March 11, 2013 By

March is full of themed days that are perfect for planning a day of activities around. We already posted ideas about Read Across America Day and Pi Day. The next big day in March is St. Patrick’s Day, which is always celebrated on March 17th. Incorporate one of these activities into your next meeting. You can also look at the ideas we posted last year or check out our March Pinterest Board. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more ideas.

Paper Tube Stamping.jpg Paper Tube Stamping (click for more) Using recycled paper tubes from toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls as stamps, you can create rainbow and shamrock art. (Idea from makes and takes)
shamrock treats Clover Treats (Click for more) All you need to create these clovers are strips of green paper and a stapler. Fill each clover leaf with Rolos and pass out some good luck to your mentee’s friends and teachers. (Idea from i heart nap time)
fabric scraps wreath Fabric Scrap Wreath (click for more) I think we all have a few too many wire hangers – you can use one for this project. Shape the hanger into a circle and tie green fabric scraps to create this decor for a wall or door. (Idea from The Magic of Ordinary Things)
window clings Window Clings (Click for more) Create colorful window clings to decorate the classroom or home. Puffy paint and parchment paper are the main supplies needed. (Idea from makes and takes)
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Celebrate Pi Day!

March 7, 2013 By

One of our most popular posts of last year was published around this time. It covered a variety of Pi Day Activities. Pi Day will be celebrated next Thursday, March 14 (3.14). This day presents an opportunity to truly make learning fun! Check out some of these sites or do one of the following activities together. And if all else fails – bring a pie!

pi-day-sudoku.jpg Pi Day Sudoku (click for more) This is the perfect activity for the mentor/mentee match that loves to play games together. Print out this Sudoku that has a fun “Pi” twist. (Idea from 360)
make-a-pi-necklace.jpg A Pi Necklace (Click for more) Pick a different color of bead to represent each digit then string the beads together to represent each digit of the number. You may need to search online to find a long version of the number. (Idea from imagination soup)
measure-pi.jpg Prove Pi (click for more) User various cylinders and circles along with a piece of yarn and ruler to discover Pi. Use the yarn and ruler to measure circumference and diameter, then divide circumference by diameter. Try this with various sizes and you should always yield Pi. (Idea from Wired)

Pi Day Rap – Lose Yourself (in the digits)

 

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Read Across America Day

February 28, 2013 By

Tomorrow, Friday, March 1st, is Read Across America Day and a celebration of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. Here is a round-up of previous posts related to Dr. Seuss, reading, and making school fun!

Also check out some of our Pinterest boards and Follow us, of course!

Homemade-Book-Binding.jpgTo encourage reading and writing, work together on this project – bind your own book! Click here for a step-by-step in pictures. You will need some thread, a needle, scissors, pencil, canvas, binder clips, fabric, ribbon, chip board or cardboard, and other things to decorate your book. You can also find a simpler version here.

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Dr. Seuss Inspired Activities

February 26, 2013 By

This Friday is Read Across America Day! We posted some Dr. Seuss Quotes and projects to do with them last week and today we have some activities inspired by Dr. Seuss and his books.

pencil-holders.jpg Pencil Cans (click for more) Using recycled cans and regular arts and crafts supplies, you can create fun pencil holders. This would be a great gift for your mentee’s teacher. (Idea from obSEUSSed)
Lorax-truffula-tree.jpg Truffula Tree Plant (Click for more) The Lorax is a great book to discuss the importance of taking action and caring for our earth. This project will allow you and your mentor to try out your green thumb. And you can create a fun Lorax pot with yarn, googley eyes, and a fuzz ball. (Idea from Hostess with the Mostess)
seuss-word-search.jpg Word Search and other Printables (click for more) Here is a fun Dr. Seuss word search. Print it out and work on it together or race to see who can find the words first. The Seussville site contains hundreds of other printables!! (Idea from Seussville)
oobleck-craft.jpg Homemade Oobleck (Click for more) This is a messy project! Check in with the school before making this. Included in the link is a recipe and different tests to conduct. Your mentee won’t even know they are getting a science lesson! (Idea from The Teacher Garden)
Cat-in-the-Hat-clothespin.jpg Cat in the Hat Clothespin (Click for more) Transform pasta into a fun Dr. Seuss clothespin. Using rigatoni and bowtie pasta, red and white puffy paint, school glue, cat printable, card stock, and a clothespin you can create this craft. The link gives multiple uses for the clothespin. (Idea from mpm School Supplies)
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Dr. Seuss Quotes

February 22, 2013 By

March 1st is Read Across America Day. This day celebrates not only reading, but enjoying words and the stories they create. This day centers around Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, so today we will start our celebration with Dr. Seuss Quotes. Dr. Seuss quotes often sound wacky, but they have a good message. Pick one of these quotes the resonates with you and your mentee and turn it into art for their wall so they can be reminded of it daily.

  • Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.
  • Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
  • You have brains in your head.  You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
  • Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
  • Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.
  • You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way.
  • Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.
  • Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try.
  • You can’t fall if you don’t climb. But there’s no joy in living your whole life on the ground.

Check out other quotes on our TeamMates Pinterest Board “Thoughts”.

transfer-to-wood Transfer to Wood (click for more) This site shows one big word being transferred to a piece of recycled wood, but it can be modified to be used for a longer Dr. Seuss quote. This project will require time so you may need to set aside two sessions, but the finished product is worth it. (Idea from Diddle Dumpling)
ombre-canvas-quote Ombre Canvas (Click for more) This project can be easily incorporated with a lesson on shading. The quote is subtle, but the raised type allows it to stick out while making an artistic statement. Use your mentees favorite color! (Idea from View Along the Way)
finger-painting Finger Painting (click for more) This project is simple enough for the youngest mentee but fun enough for the oldest. Finger paint over the quote stickered on to a canvas. When you remove the stickers, the quote will be revealed. You could even do this with poster board or plain paper if a canvas is not available. (Idea from Ramblings from… The Sunshine State)
painting-over-painting Painting over a Painting (Click for more) Use an old painting or a thrift store find to create the backdrop for this project. This project is the opposite from the above project as the quote sticks out with a white surround. (Idea from A Beautiful Mess)
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President’s Day Activity

February 18, 2013 By

Although President’s Day was celebrated today, you can continue celebrating all week. President’s Day is always celebrated on the third Monday of February and is a federal holiday. While the holiday is officially George Washington’s Birthday which is on February 22, it honors both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all the other men who have served as president.

rushmore-coloring-page Presidential Printables (click for more) This site is full of US History printables. As you scroll down, you will find coloring pages of the Presidents along with some cards to be used for playing a game of memory. (Idea from Activity Village)
lincoln-log-cabins Edible Lincoln Log Cabin (Click for more) Play with your food and create a Lincoln Log cabin with pretzel rods, graham crackers, and frosting. Use part of your mentoring session to also research Abraham Lincoln. (Idea from Chasing Fireflies)
crossword-puzzle President’s Crossword Puzzle (click for more) This puzzle is the perfect way add some fun to learning about the Presidents! Use the library and computer to discover the answers for each clue. (Idea from The Holiday Zone)
patriotic-popcorn Patriotic Popcorn (Click for more) Use a microwave to pop some popcorn and melt some almond bark or white candy melts and mix together. You can then decorate with patriotic sprinkles and M and Ms for a delicious treat. Share with your mentee’s friends and teachers. (Idea from bloom designs)
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