Activity Village News

9th January 2009

A Message From Lindsay

January and February can be a bit gloomy in the UK (and I'm sure many other parts of the northern hemisphere), so we like to brighten ours up with a celebration of Chinese New Year, now one of the biggest sections at Activity Village. We've been adding all sorts of new activities for you to enjoy.

Also coming up soon is Australia Day. If you are not celebrating yourself, it's a great excuse to find out about Australian animals and birds, learn more about the country, or even read or listen to some Australian songs or poems. You'll find lots of ideas on our Australia Day pages.

We have just started to look ahead to February (Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day) and adding a few new activities (we have some great things planned), and we've also begun a new section of coloring pages for your favourite pets.

Finally, if the cold is getting you down, print out our latest poster and display it proudly on your fridge!

Every Smile Makes You A Day Younger (Chinese Proverb)

(It's a big file - please be patient!)

More posters to print

What's New At Activity Village?

    
We have more new "Year of the Ox" crafts this week, as well some really super new Chinese New Year Crafts...
Chinese New Year Crafts

Mini-booklets to print and fold - some with Chinese zodiac characteristics included (these are our favourites!) and some lined and blank for your own writing and drawing projects. Print, fold and give as little presents!
Chinese Zodiac booklets

If you read last week's newsletter soon after it came out, you won't have heard about our new collection of notebooking pages and foldable booklets for famous Australians, including lots of prime ministers!
Famous Australians notebooking pages

We also have some fun new crafts for Australia Day or Australian themes, including two great ideas for dressing up!
Australian crafts for Australia Day!

21st January is set aside in the US in memory of Martin Luther King, and it's a good time to think about children of different cultures and colours. We have some very original new craft ideas this year, as well as printables for use in your home and school projects.
MLK Day

New Groundhog Day printables

We have 5 cute new "pets" coloring pages this week (and more to come soon)...
Pets coloring pages

Try some of our new Valentine's Day puzzles
Valentine's Day Puzzles

Baby Photo Of The Week

Diary of a New Mum Week 31
Too Many Carrots
In which the health visitor notices Jessica-Ann's healthy color and suggests a change to her diet...

Recommended Product

If you have any behavioral issues with your kids, you might want to check out the Better Behavior Wheel, from Robert and Julie Butler. We've been recommending it at Activity Village for over two years now and have had great feedback from purchasers (as well as resorting to it ourselves on occasion!) Available as a digital download, the Better Behavior Wheel allows you to set consequences for undesirable behavior that fit your family - and the unusual and very clever twist of having to spin the wheel to discover your punishment works wonders to take the stress out of the situation for the parent and reinforce the message for the child. This is an excellent product and we recommend it highly.
Product review here
Find out more about the Better Behavior Wheel

A Giggle!

"Children are a great comfort in your old age -- and they help you reach it faster, too."
Lionel Kauffman

Reader Tip of the Week

(Thanks to Mary for this tip)

"Designate one big basket, toy box or plastic crate as the “lost box”. When you find something lying around the house, dump it in! Being ruthless about this will encourage children to put their toys and socks and paper away when they finish with them, and prevent all the little infuriating bits and pieces from scattering around the house. Once a week (or whenever the basket fills up, if you can leave it that long) assemble the family and empty out all the contents to be claimed and put away. This might even encourage your husband to put his keys in the right place first time round!"

Have You Seen?

24th February will be Pancake Day in the UK (Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday and Carnival elsewhere). Even if you don't celebrate Pancake Day, you might like to check out our Pancake Day activities - we've got some unusual, fun ideas!
Pancake Day for Kids

Something To Think About..

Hugs

Hugs are non-fattening and they don't cause cancer or cavities.

Hugs are all natural with no preservatives, artificial preservatives or toxic residue.

Hugs are cholesterol-free, naturally sweet, 100% wholesome and a renewable resource.

Hugs are easy to care for, they don't require batteries, tune-ups or day-care.

Hugs are non-taxable, fully returnable and energy-efficient.

Hugs are safe in all kinds of weather.

Hugs are especially good on cold or rainy days.

Hugs are exceptionally effective for treating problems like bad dreams, disappointments and blue Mondays.

Hugs are good for people of all ages, shapes and sizes.

Hugs are FUN!

Give someone a hug today - you're almost sure to get one right back!

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