"I suspect people of plotting to make me happy."
J. D. Salinger
A Message From Lindsay
If you are in the Northern Hemisphere and suffering from what my
Granny used to call the JFB's, or January-February-Blues, hang in there!
March is only a few weeks away, bulbs are beginning to peak out of the
soil, and the days are getting (a little) longer. Personally I find that
forcing myself to go out for a walk every day, no matter what the
weather is doing, can be helpful - and remember that children (and dogs)
will always find something interesting to enjoy or explore on a walk as
long as they are wrapped up warm enough! I think breaking away from the
dreary browns and blacks which predominate at this time of the year and
wearing our brightest clothes can also help.
It's obviously not just me who is longing for Spring. I checked one
of my favourite blogs this morning and found inspiration for a
kitchen table garden, which would make a super project with the
kids. And here are some
more ideas for activities if you too are feeling a little glum. Of
course, getting interested in something new and tackling some bright and
colourful crafty projects could also help, and we've got lots of ideas
(and our latest Easter Doodle Fun book)
below!
Last week I promised I would keep you up to date on my progress with
todoodlist,
and I am happy to report that I am still todoodling and loving every
minute of it! There is something about the graphic nature of the
todoodlists which I find exciting and fun, and I am definitely keeping
track of things and getting more done than normal. To be honest, I'm a
little surprised. I thought I was a "list" person, but I am well and
truly converted to this new way of doing things. For those of you who
missed last week,
ToDoodlist
is written by Nick Cernis with very English humour (I found it funny;
some might not) and, just to warn you, you will come across a swear word or two
in there, too.
If you or your child has made use of our craft ideas or printables, we'd
love to share the results here! Drop me a line by emailing editor-at-activityvillage.co.uk
(replace -at- with @).
When I was growing up in Hong Kong, Chinese Fortune Sticks like these were a
familiar sight (and sound) at temples. We've made our own crafty version (and
we've had lots of fun telling our fortunes with these, too!) Chinese Fortune Sticks
Valentine's Day
We've added 11 new Valentine crafts to the site this week - hopefully something
for everyone! Valentine's Day Crafts
And here's a quick technique that kids can use to print valentine cards. Even
the youngest children will be able to have a go at this idea. Printed Valentine Card
We've added two new designs of Valentine scrapbook paper for your crafty
projects... Valentine
Scrapbook Paper
Presidents' Day
I've put up a new page for President's Day with all our existing
"Presidential" colouring pages, booklets and other printables, and
Sarah's got all the other Presidents ready for me to upload to the page
asap. I'm working on it right now but didn't want to delay the
newsletter any further ... they may even all be up by the time you read
this! Presidents' Day
Finally, I'm thrilled to announce that I have just added our latest Doodle book
to the site - and here it is, with 25 imaginative pages full of Easter bonnets,
Easter eggs and Easter bunnies and much more Easter and Spring fun. These Doodle
books, with Adina's lovely illustrations, aim to get the kids thinking, drawing,
creating, writing and colouring .. and enjoying themselves! Easter Doodle Fun
For a day by day listing of everything new at Activity Village, bookmark our
What's New page or subscribe to the feed
Is it possible to feel glum when you are finger-painting? I think not!
Sponsors
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Videos To Enjoy With The Kids..
A fun recycling and sewing project for older girls...
NB: Children should not browse video sharing sites unsupervised
How about a big stack of tissue paper flowers for Valentines Day or
Mother's Day? Fold your concertinas first, then trim the edges into
scallops or points to vary your flowers.
NB: Children should not browse video sharing sites unsupervised
Something To Think About..
You never know when someone
May catch a dream from you.
You never know when a little word
Or something you may do
May open up the windows
Of a mind that seeks the light . . .
The way you live may not matter at all,
But you never know, it might. Helen L. Marshall
