kids Archives - Page 3 of 3 - The Sparrow's Home

Picture Books from Candlewick Press: Practicing the Art of Strewing

March 8, 2017 by Susan 5 Comments

Do you practice strewing? If you don’t strew, you’re missing some teachable moments with your kids. You probably strew and don’t even know it. Are you asking: What is strewing?!

Strewing is simply consciously leaving material around the house for children to discover and engage with.

One of the places I like to strew is in the bathroom…captive audience, you see. One of my nieces said once that she loved using the bathroom at my house because she always learned something. (At the time, I was swapping out pages with the Greek and Latin roots to English words in a clear page protector hung on the wall).

Depending on the ages of your kids, you can strew building toys, art supplies, or puzzles. Lately, I’ve been strewing books. And I have found a fantastic resource for them: Candlewick Press.

Food for Thought #11

December 15, 2016 by Susan 11 Comments

Marriage, parenting, homeschooling and faith…that kind of sums up the bulk of my online reading typically. Throw in some politics for good measure. What have you been reading?

I would love to hear what you think, and see what you’ve had open on your desktop this week.

Kids Farm Party

September 28, 2016 by Susan Leave a Comment

I told you a few weeks ago I’d be sharing some of the themed kids parties we did for our boys over the years. We started with a Pirate themed party and next I’d like to give you some ideas if you’re planning a Farm Party.

Let me remind you, and ask for your grace, regarding the quality of the pictures. My kids are in 10th and 12th grades right now. These pictures were taken many years ago, and scanned from scrapbooks. Funny thing…when I look at my teenagers today, I still see the little boys in these pictures. (Pause for sentimental mom moment)

M&Ms Ice Breaker and Guided Prayer Activities

September 14, 2016 by Susan 10 Comments

Activities with M&Ms for an ice breaker or a guided prayer time. Perfect for any kind of group! Printables include blank templates for you to customize.

Are you the kind of person who

Loves ice breaker activities?
Is looking for a creative way to get to know a group of people?
Has a Sunday School class that could use a fun prayer time activity?
Is often negligent and forgets to plan lessons, thus requiring you to come up with activities on the spur of the moment?

I am definitely not a #1, but the other three options describe me pretty well. This activity was a brain child of #4 above, to be honest.

Kids Pirate Party

September 12, 2016 by Susan Leave a Comment

I have learned about myself that I need a creative outlet in my life. When I was teaching 2nd grade, I had lots of opportunities to be creative, now one thing I do is host regular, themed, girls movie nights. In between those times, a large part of my creative outlet was my kids’ birthday parties.

I’d like to share a few of them with you, in no particular order, starting with a Pirate Themed Party we had for my eldest when he turned 6. (Six! Excuse me while I have a short mom reflection…my little pirate is now 17.)

Because the party was so long ago, the pictures weren’t digital, so there wasn’t a lot of touching up I could do. And, did I mention that another creative outlet I had was scrapbooking? These pics were glued in scrapbooks, so you’ll notice my attempt at clever editing, I’m sure. Regardless, I hope you get some ideas for your next Pirate Soiree.

Kids Summer Roundup

May 18, 2016 by Susan 2 Comments

One summer when my kids were in elementary school, I wrote a bunch of crafts, activities and fun treat ideas on slips of paper. We put them into a bucket and designated one day each week as “Summer Fun Day.” On those days, they would pull out one slip and we’d do whatever was on it.

Are you looking for fun things to do with your kids this summer that aren’t going to completely drain your wallet or your energy?

You are in the right place!

I’ve put together a list of inexpensive and awesome ideas for you.