Learning sites

As a mom I like to make sure my kids learn year round. And sometimes the kids hate it or it's not fun. Here are some learning sites, that have games to make it fun.

http://www.softschools.com/
http://www.starfall.com/
http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/phonics/student.cfm
http://pbskids.org/games/reading.html

Feel free to mention any others you like yourself.

Clubs

This is a club for families with discounts. One is Utah Kidsclub it is $12 per family for discounts and free things. You just have to pay for membership. A lot of the things free are things I've already listed though. Another good resource for discounts is the Happenings book. Most of their deals are buy one get one free, and it's for a variety of things. This book was about $20 from a child's friend I bought it from. Well worth it.

Treats while shopping

Now that it is summer you may have to take more kids to the store when getting groceries. I'm all for bribery and treats for them. However, there is a limit and it can get expensive. I get a free courtesy cone (up to age 3) for my baby or by a small cone for my child, who only eats half of it. Rule number one, don't let you child get more then one treat that you have to pay for. I let the kids get a box of crackers or cookies if they ask. If the ask for another this like soda, or a candy bar, tell then ok, but you only get one you have to give the other one back. Life is about choices, this will help them later on. You don't order 3 entrees for one person, neither should you get 3-5 treats in one trip. This is why some grocery trips can cost you more. Please learn to say yes, while saying no at the same time.

Trampolines

Growing up my parents had a trampoline. Yes, they can be unsafe and you may sustain injuries. I did even get flipped off it as a tween. But, I never did get hurt enough to go to the Dr.'s. Comforting I know. When I did jump it had no pad on springs and no netting. Just to let you know as well, in my day there was no law about seat belts. My mother used cloth diapers for me and baby car seats were not required. Things have changed. Trampolines can be fun, and safe. The rule at my house is only two kids, preferably the same size, that way they can't take each other out as easily.  There is a pad, and netting to. Each year I've made it a big deal to sleep on the trampoline for one night. I used to do this a lot as a kid during the summer. It's easier then putting up a tent. We also put a sprinkler underneath and jump on it. This however makes it bouncier, so be warned of that. Or my father would turn on the automatic sprinklers and we'd jump over it or get hit. My favorite thing to do with the kids is put balls on it, and tell them to avoid them. My cousin, says "If I had netting as a child, I'd do WWF." Good thing his kids have a tramp to now. My trampoline is also next to my deck. Thank goodness the kids haven't jumped off it to the tramp over the netting then fence and to the neighbors.

Sidewalk chalk

Here's a fun recipie  for Sidewalk chalk - by Lennie

1 cup of plaster of paris
½ cup of cool water
3 tablespoon of liquid powder tempura paint

Pour plaster into a clean container (like a coffee tin or ice cream tub).
Using a disposable stir-stick, stir in most, but NOT all, of the water.

Add 2 tbsp of the liquid tempera paint, mixing well, especially at the bottom; add another tbsp of paint if you think it needs it.

Add a little more water as the mixture thickens.

Stir well and pour into small containers, like bathroom cups or plastic popsicle molds.
Peel off paper or squeeze out of molds as it dries, and after it dries let the kids play with it.

Free Summer School Lunch

For a few years I've been taking my kids to a Elementry School that serves lunch to kids under 18. They even have baby food. Throughout the valley they have a free summer school lunch program. This is Canyon's website for the locations, times, and price for adults. http://www.canyonsdistrict.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1247:canyons-summer-feed-sites&Itemid=498  I take my kids on average 1-2 times a week. When I go I make sure it is convient for me, if I'm running other errands, and the kids like the food. They only serve one main dish like pizza, or lasagna, or chicken nuggets. At school they have two choices, here for summer only one choice. Breakfast is served for certain hours. Sometimes if I know I won't like it, I bring my own food for me. That is allowed, however taking food out of cafateria is not allowed, neither is eating off your kids plate. You have to pay for your own plate.

Glop

Here's a recipie for Glop. Entertainment for adults and kids. Please post a comment if you liked or didn't like this.

Glop (Noise putty) - Squidoo
8 oz bottle of glue
8 oz water
1 cup water
1 1/2 tsp borax powder

Pour 8 oz bottle of glue into bowl. Fill empty bottle with water and add to the glue - stir constantly. If you want to add a color, add a few drops of food coloring to this part of the mixture.

In another bowl, stir together 1 cup of water and 1 1/2 tsp of borax powder until dissolved.

Mix the 2 bowls together - Instantly they will become slime! Working it with your hands to make it a little more stiff.

To make this "noise" putty put in a small container, then stick your fingers through the putty, it makes some "interesting" noises!
Keep in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Hiking

I'm not a big hiker. But, given the beautiful Wasatch mountains we live by I try and take advantage of the things we are surrounded by. Hiking is free, and so is this very informative hiking site. It will tell you the level of hiking, length, and sometimes people will post comments. I've found several hikes I want to try with my kids. I think it is a great opportunity to bond with them, exercise, and enjoy nature. Here is the site, and I hope you can do the same.  http://www.trails.com/.   You can look up any state you are in, and it also tell you bike trails, fishing spots, and so forth.

Fishing

Every year the Utah Fish and Game allow anyone to fish for free on one day. This year it is Saturday the 4th. The rules on regularly fishing here in Utah are license are about $40 for one person 12 years and up. Under 12 you can fish for free as long as you are with a licensed person.