"Solar System Art Project"
Often the lines of art and science intersect, and it is at that intersection wonderful things are possible. One afternoon, my son and I were reading a book about the solar system when it occurred to me that he'd probably learn more about the solar system if we threw ourselves into it, rather than just read from a book.
A solar system collage is a great way to learn about the planets while spending fun craft time together. To get your project going, start with some research. Your child may have some questions, after all. What color is Mercury? How big is Jupiter? Continue...
A solar system collage is a great way to learn about the planets while spending fun craft time together. To get your project going, start with some research. Your child may have some questions, after all. What color is Mercury? How big is Jupiter? Continue...
"Virtual Car Seat"
"Help! I'm being held prisoner... The kid was a bit grouchy, so I thought I'd lay down with him so he would take a nap. Well, he zonked out all right! Now, I can't move. I'm on the bed, on my side, with him attached to my boob like there's no tomorrow. The second I try to squirm out of the bed and his grip, he begins to groan and kick. The phone keeps ringing, it's dark in here, I have to pee...YOU'RE MY ONLY LINK TO CIVILIZATION!"
The above is not a dramatization. It is an actual post to one of my online communities on a rainy evening a few weeks ago. Continue...
The above is not a dramatization. It is an actual post to one of my online communities on a rainy evening a few weeks ago. Continue...
"Drip Painting for Children"
Jackson Pollock's first drip paintings were compared to baked macaroni by art critic Howard Devree. Still, Pollock kept going and soon the entire art world was singing his praises. Personally, we think he made so many drip paintings because they were so much fun to make.
Drip paintings are a wonderful way for children to paint because it lets them see how the paint flows, how the viscosity of the paint affects its appearance on paper and they love to see the different paints run together to make new colors. And really, there is no way to "mess it up"; there are no lines to go outside of, no rules -- just color, movement and fun! Continue....
Drip paintings are a wonderful way for children to paint because it lets them see how the paint flows, how the viscosity of the paint affects its appearance on paper and they love to see the different paints run together to make new colors. And really, there is no way to "mess it up"; there are no lines to go outside of, no rules -- just color, movement and fun! Continue....
"The Mother Test"
Whenever my son and I visit my mother, every so often I hear this little voice which tells me that I am doing something she doesn't approve of. O.K., so that voice is hers but there it is, sweetly telling me, "Shouldn't he be wearing his hat?" or "Maybe he needs to start drinking milk?"
While some parents may find motherly advice comforting, I find it a bit unnerving. I know my mother means well, but we are clearly from different schools of parenting. While she grew up with the old school "Let the Baby Cry it Out" notion, I practice Attachment Parenting. Still, part of me wonders am I doing the right thing? Does mother really know best? Continue...
While some parents may find motherly advice comforting, I find it a bit unnerving. I know my mother means well, but we are clearly from different schools of parenting. While she grew up with the old school "Let the Baby Cry it Out" notion, I practice Attachment Parenting. Still, part of me wonders am I doing the right thing? Does mother really know best? Continue...
