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Kids Kingston is a free resource for parents and parents-to-be in the Kingston, Ontario area.

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More Mother's Day Ideas

Photo Flowers

What you need:
Construction paper, various colours
Glue
Photos
Scissors
Tape
Green chenille stems, one for each flower

Directions:

Cut photos into circles to be used as the center of the flower.
Cut simple flower shapes out of construction paper.
Glue photo circle to the center of the flower.
Tape chenille stem to the back of your flower. Make sure the tape is secure by pressing onto the tape with your fingernail.
Trim ends of chenille to the length you desire, depending on what you are using as a vase. If making a handheld bouquet, don’t trim the chenille; simply tie a ribbon bow around them all.

Mother's Day Placemats

What you need:

Cardboard or bristol board
Scissors
Clear contact paper
Crayons, markers, paint or some sort of decorating tools

Directions:

Cut the cardboard or bristol board approx. 8 1/2" x 11" or bigger.
Decorate the  cardboard with pictures, drawings, poems, or whatever you would like.
Place the finished decorated piece between 2 sheets of clear contact paper.
*Hint* - Use the placemat to serve Mom her Mother's Day breakfast in bed. ;)

Kids Kingston Store Pre-Order

I am placing an order next week for some new products for the Kids Kingston store (Monday, May 12th).

I have had some interest from people wanting to make sure they get certain products when I place the order.

Below are the companies I am ordering from. If you would like me to order you something, just let me know. Any product over $50.00 I will require a deposit of 50%.

Remember any order over $50.00 you receive free shipping to your door (if you live in Kingston or the Gananoque area) and free local pickup is always available.

Educo: http://www.kidskingston.com/store/view_results.php?brand_id=3
Bamboo Collection: http://www.kidskingston.com/store/view_results.php?brand_id=2
Anamalz: http://www.kidskingston.com/store/view_results.php?brand_id=5
Beleduc: http://www.kidskingston.com/store/view_results.php?brand_id=6

More products to order will be added in the next day or two so please check back.

If there is something you are looking for that is not listed, please pm or email me and I will check into it for you.

If you have any questions, just let me know.

Thanks

Mother's Day is May 11th

Handprint Magnets

What you Need:

Bristol board
Scissors
Sticky backed magnet
Poster paint and a paint brush
Black permanent marker

Directions:

- Paint your right hand with poster paint and make a handprint on the poster board.  Do the same thing with your left hand.  Let the prints dry. (If your child is little you can paint their hands for them and help them place it on the bristol board.)
- Cut around the outside of both handprints.
- Write child's name and Happy Mother's Day on the print. You may want to include the date.
- Put a piece of sticky-backed magnet on the back of each hand.
- Put the handprints on your refrigerator.

M-O-M-M-Y Song

Sung to the tune of B-I-N-G-O

I love her and she loves me

And mommy is her name o

M-O-M-M-Y
M-O-M-M-Y
M-O-M-M-Y

and mommy is her name o

Baby Reading to Her Mother
by M.D.B

She is tired of her dolly,
and tired of her play,
And she thinks she will read
to her mother today.

So, seated on the carpet,
this little Kitty Brown
Reads story after story,
though the book is upside down.

Framed Art

For a quick and easy Mother’s Day craft just purchase a picture frame with a plain photo mat. Then, have your child draw a picture on the mat using crayons, markers or paint. Once yourchild is satisfied with their masterpiece, place it back in the frame along with a photo of Mom and the child. Write the date and Happy Mother's Day on the mat or on the back of the picture.

Happy Earth Day

Make a Litter Bag today and pick up some litter in your yard, at a park, on the side of the road or where ever you see some litter.

What you need:

brown lunch bags
markers or crayons
stickers (optional)

Directions:
Write child's name on bottom of bag.
Write "LITTER" on one side of the bag, and "EARTH DAY 2008" on the other.
Let children decorate their Litter Bags.

Kids Kingston Store is Now Open

The Kids Kingston store is now open: http://www.kidskingston.com/store/

Kids Kingston Store

The Kids Kingston store will be opening very soon. Our first product line will be Melissa & Doug (puzzles, puppets, play food, magnetic activities, music, magic and more).

We are hoping to carry other products that are harder to find in the Kingston area as well. If you have been looking for something and would like us to carry it for you, send me an email at: kathy@kidskingston.com and I will look into it for you.

Signs of Spring - sung to "The Muffin Man"

Do you see a sign of spring,
A sign of spring, a sign of spring?
Do you see a sign of spring?
Tell us what you see.

Toilet Paper Roll Windsock

Paint a cardboard toilet paper roll any colour desired and let dry. Decorate any way you want with stickers, glitter, etc. Punch 4-6 holes in one end with a hole punch. Thread through long pieces of yarn and tie off.

Easter Egg Hunt on Kids Kids Kingston

We are having and Easter Egg hunt on Kids Kingston with a prize donated by Dream Cards. You must be a member of Kids Kingston to join in on the fun. So, please feel free to register.

More information can be found at: http://www.kidskingston.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=57267

Good Luck Everyone.

Paper Mache Eggs

What You Need:

balloon
tape
1-inch pieces newspaper, newsprint or paper toweling
pie tin
paint brushes
colored tissue paper (optional)
shellac

Paper Mache Paste Recipe:

1 cup water
Mix in 1/4 cup flour until thin and runny

Stir this mixture into 5 cups lightly boiling water. Gently boil for 2-3 minutes. Cool until you can dip paper into mixture without burning yourself.

Eggs

Make paper mache paste as above. When cool pour into pie tin. Blow up a balloon and tape to a table. Dip strips of newspaper in paste and place carefully on balloon. Continue overlapping pieces of newspaper on balloon. Cover balloon completely and let dry. It may take overnight to dry, particularly if you've used lots of paste. Once dry decorate the dried ballon with paint or colored tissue in pretty pastel Easter colors. Finish with shellac for a shiny, glazed effect.

Two St. Patrick's Day Songs

Both are sung to the tune of "I'm A Little Teapot".

I'm a Little Shamrock

I'm a little shamrock see my leaves.
Count my three petals if you please.
If you give me water and lots of sun,
I'll bring you good luck and lots of fun.

I'm a Little Leprechaun

I'm a little leprechaun
Dressed in green,
The tiniest man
That you ever seen.
If you ever catch me, it is told,
I'll give you my pot of gold!

Pot of Gold Craft

What You Need:

Shallow small yogurt cup
Corrugated cardboard
Scissors
Gold spray paint
Black spray paint
Gold paint pen, optional

Directions:

Wash and dry thoroughly the yogurt cup.
Spray paint the yogurt cup with black paint. Let dry. You may need to spray a few coats to cover.
Cut circles out of cardboard.
Spray paint the cardboard circles with gold paint. Let dry.
Fill your "pot" with "gold." Display on your table as a place setting.
Use a gold paint pen to write on a name on the pot, if desired.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail,
Hippity hoppity,
Easter's on its way

Bringin' ev'ry girl and boy
A basketful of Easter joy
Things to make your Easter
Bright and gay

He's got jelly beans for Tommy
Colored eggs for sister Sue
There's an orchid for your mommy
And an Easter bonnet too. Oh!

Here' comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity
Happy Easter Day

Look at him hop and listen to him say,
"Try to do the things you should"
Maybe if you're extra good
He'll roll lots of Easter eggs your way

You'll wake up on Easter morning
And you'll know that he was there
When you find those choc'late bunnies That he's hiding ev’rywhere, Oh!

Here' comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity
Happy Easter Day.

St. Patrick's Day Drink - Peppermint Candy Shake

What You Need:

2 1/2  cups vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup Peppermint Pattie bars, or Junior Mints cut into pieces
Blender

Directions:

Place candy pieces and place into the freezer for 15 minutes.
Combine all ingredients in the blender and blend on medium speed for 30 seconds. Stir with a spoon and blend for 30 more seconds. Repeat until desired consistency is reached.
For a thicker shake, place blended milkshake into freezer for a few minutes.
Top with whipped cream and more mint candy pieces on top.

I am looking for more birth stories to share with our members in our stories section (http://www.kidskingston.com/stories/). If you have a birth story that you would like to share, please send it to: info@kidskingston.com
Thanks

Sidewalk Chalk

What you need:

2 qts. plaster of Paris
food colouring
water

Directions:

Mix plaster of Paris with 1 quart water. Mix in desired colour. Pour into paper towel or toilet paper tubes (about 3 inches high). Let dry thoroughly (this may take several days). Remove from tubes and let the kids draw away.

Toxic Bottles

Join our discussion on Toxic Bottles at:
http://www.kidskingston.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6292

Hands That Touch the Heart

What You Need:

White paper
Red construction paper
Scissors
Red Paint
Markers

Directions:

5 Little Valentines

Five little valentines were having a race
The first little valentine was frilly with lace.
The second little valentine had a funny face.
The third little valentine said, "I love you".
The fourth little valentine said, "I do too".
The fifth little valentine was sly as a fox.
He ran the fastest to the valentine box.

The Business of Being Born

On Saturday, January 26th the Community Midwives of Kingston sponsored "The Business of Being Born" movie for the Kingston community to see at the Empire Capitol 7 Cinema.

If you have seen or heard about this movie please join in on our discussion located at: http://kidskingston.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6119

Coffee Filter Snowflakes

What you will need:

Coffee Filter
Scissors
Blue Tempera paint
Water
Paint brush

Directions:

Take some blue paint and water it down. Then paint a coffee filter with the paint. Once it dries fold it in half, then in half again, and then in half one more time. Cut it like you would a snowflake.

Pinecone Bird Feeder

What you will need:

Pine cone
Paper plate
Butter knife
Smooth peanut butter
Birdseed
Ribbon or yarn
Scissors

Directions:

- Cut a long length of yarn or ribbon to hang the bird feeder.
- Tie the ribbon in a knot around the pine cone near the top (about 3 sections down).
- Tie a knot in the end of the ribbon.
- Use the knife to get a large clump of peanut butter on the paper plate.
- Use the knife to spread peanut butter inside the pine cone and around the edges.
- Sprinkle the birdseed over the pine cone.
- Roll the pine cone in the birdseed that is on the plate.
- Hang the bird feeder on the tree.
- Enjoy watching the birds eat their treat!

Kids Kingston would like to wish
everyone a Happy New Year!

"Auld Lang Syne"

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne.

CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

Kids Kingston would like to wish
everyone a safe and Happy Holiday!

Follow Santa Claus

Check to see where Santa is as he delivers presents around the world:
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.htm

Cinnamon Dough Decorations

Dough Ingredients:

1 c. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 c. applesauce
2 T. Tacky or Elmer's white glue
Cookie cutters
Paint, if desired for decorating (fabric paint works great!)
Red, green or white ribbon

Instructions:

Combine first 5 ingredients until stiff dough forms, kneading well with hands. Roll dough out onto cinnamon dusted surface, about 1/4-inch thick, then cut with desired cookie cutter shapes such as teddy bears, hearts, Christmas trees, snowflakes, stars, candy canes, gingerbread boy (or girl), angels, etc...

Lay ornaments on a sheet of waxed paper and cut a small hole in the top (a plastic straw works well), then put in a safe place for drying. Depending on how dry your home is, it can take about 2-4 days for the ornaments to dry completely. Be sure to turn the ornaments over several times a day to ensure even drying.

When ornaments are dry, use fabric paint to decorate if desired (just like you would a cookie), then thread a pretty ribbon through the hole for hanging on Christmas tree, or all throughout the house!

Write to Santa Claus

Mail your letter to:
Santa Claus
North Pole
H0H 0H0
Canada
** Remember to include your return address.**

or Email Santa Claus at:
http://www.canadapost.ca/dec/santa/writesanta/emailform-e.asp

Magic Reindeer Food -
lays a glittering path to guide the reindeer on Christmas Eve.

In a small zipper bag or empty container mix:
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup red or green sugar crystal

Be sure to take this magic food and sprinkle on the lawn.
On Christmas, Santa's reindeer travel miles before the dawn.
The smell of oats and glitter path will guide them on their way.
And you'll wake up to Santa's gifts next morning on Christmas Day.

Easy Play Dough Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons cream of tarter
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup salt
food coloring

Directions

Mix all ingredients, adding food colouring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from pan, let cool slightly, and knead until blended and smooth. Store in a plastic bag or airtight container when cooled.

Heart Poppies

What You Need:

• Construction paper (red and green)
• Safety scissors
• Glue

What You Do:

1. Using the red construction paper, children create four small hearts for each poppy they will be making.
2. Once the hearts are cut out, they can be arranged to create a poppy shape.
3. Cut a small circle out of the green construction paper.
4. Fasten the hearts and circle together with glue to create a poppy.

Five Little Pumpkins finger play

Five little pumpkins were sitting on a gate.
The first one said, "It's getting mighty late."
The second one said, "There are witches in the air."
The third one said, "I really don't care."
The fourth one said, "Let's run, run, run."
The fifth one said, "It's Halloween fun."
"Whooo" went the wind, and out went the light,
And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.

Fall Winds

Fall winds begin to blow
(purse lips to blow)
Colored leaves fall fast and slow
(flutter hands down)
Whirling, twirling all around
(turn yourself around)
And at last, they touch the ground
(touch the floor).

Paper Ghosts

• Give your child a piece of white paper and have him tear around the edges.
• Then help him draw on two eyes and a mouth with a black pen.
• Ghosts can be hung up as is; or you could have your child glue the white ghost onto a piece of black paper.

Turkey Poem and Prints

We did this last year with Jordan. We used red, green, yellow and brown paint. Painted his hands with the different colours using a brush and had him stick them on the paper. We then added eyes and a nose using a marker for the turkeys face.

Poem: This isn't just a turkey, As anyone can see. I made it with my hand, Which is a part of me. It comes with lots of love. Especially to say, I hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving Day!

We Are Thankful

We are thankful, we are thankful
For our families, for our families
On Thanksgiving Day
You will hear us say
Thank you, Thank you

Same thing with:
We are thankful for our friends...
We are thankful for our food...

Pinecone Turkeys

What you'll need:

• Plump pine cones (spherical shaped about one to one an half inches diameter)
• One red bumpy pipe cleaner (chenille stem)
• One orange bumpy pipe cleaner
• Five other colors of bumpy pipe cleaners
• Glue (craft, wood, or all-purpose that dries clear)
• Wire Cutter

How to make it:

1. Make sure each pine cone has dried thoroughly.
2. Cut the bumps apart in each chenille wire. Using wire cutters, cut in the center of each place where the wire narrows down—you want the bumps whole and fluffy.
3. Take one red bump and shape into an 'S'. Glue this to the rounded end of the cone with the bump protruding somewhat above the cone for the head of the turkey.
4. Take one orange bump and shape into a 'V'. Glue this under the bottom of the round part of the cone for the legs and feet. The feet can be shaped later. Toes can even be added.
5. Take five to seven other bumps and carefully bend them so the narrow ends can be twisted together leaving the puffy end somewhat rounded. Glue as many of these as nicely fits close to the flatter stemmed end of the pinecone remembering to use glue only on the twisted end of the chenille wire.
6. Let dry and then adjust shaped of chenille wires to make your turkey look more realistic.

Face Paint Recipe

Safe Face Paint

1 tsp. Cornstarch
1/2 tsp. Cold cream
1/2 tsp. Cold water
Food coloring

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients together! This washes off with cold cream.

Enjoy!

The Apple Tree

Away up high in an apple tree.
   Point up.
Two red apples smiled at me
   Form circles with fingers.
I shook that tree as hard as I could
   Pretend to shake a tree.
Down came those apples.
And mmmmmmm, were they good!
   Rub tummy.