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 colouring 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" colouring pages this week (and more to come soon)...
Pets colouring 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 colour 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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