Water Painting

It is 84 degrees today.

The sun is shining  brightly, the trees are starting to turn and

there is a wonderful smell of expectancy in the air.

The crops in the fields have turned beautiful shades of brown resulting in

a flurry of activity as harvest begins.  It is a perfect Fall day!

Most pools have been closed for the season.

But, there is one thing for sure:

Kids + Water = Fun!

For a quick, easy activity on a bright sunny day try

Water Painting!

It will be sure to result in creative excitement.

 

Materials needed:

 

-a container of water

-a clean, soft paint brush

-a surface to "paint":  cement (sidewalk or driveway), siding (the side of the house), the side of the car or the boards on your deck.

 

All ages can enjoy this activity. 

From the littlest child painting in all directions, to older children writing letters  and their name to more complex pictures.for the advanced "artist"

 

Have fun watching your creations evaporate. 

How long does it take?  Does it evaporate faster in the sun or the shade?

 

No mess, wetness that dries and no worries... just tons of fun!

 

 

 

This Blog Post is inspired from the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky B. Baxa

If you would like more fun ideas to share with your children

(that do not require batteries or electronics )

you can purchase this 180 page book,

full of color photos,

for $21.95

from Amazon.com

Or

from the gift shop at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO,

Silver Dollar City General Store in Branson, MO.

This book can also be checked out of the following libraries:

Scenic Regional Library - Pacific, MO

First Christian Church - Washington, MO

Hawaii State Library - Honolulu, HI

Story City Public Library - Story City, IA

Ellsworth Public Library - Ellsworth, ME

Ludington Public Library - Ludington, MI

 

Going, Going, Gone!

 

It was a very hot summer day. White fluffy clouds on a background of clear blue,

 and a hot blazing sun filled the sky.

She was bent over intently looking at two tiny water spots on the sidewalk. 

It wasn't raining.  Curious, I watched and waited. 

She skipped a little and putting her hand inside a foam cup, pulled out something and dropped it.  Then the watching and intense study began once more.   

Her smile radiated almost as brightly as the sun that day.

 

My little friend was dropping ice cubes!  We began to chat and I presented her with a few challenges.  We dropped a piece and then counted.  It was gone in 63 seconds!  That was cool! 

We dropped different sizes and guessed how long it would take each piece to melt.  How much longer did it take the big pieces to melt compared to the smaller pieces? 

We were amazed at how fast the sidewalk became totally dry once more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It wasn't a long interlude, but it was fun!  Not only did we learn a little bit about melting and evaporation, our friendship grew a little that day also.  I made a connection with my young friend that I'm sure she will remember next time she sees me creating a bridge for future communication. 

 

 

Is it hot today? 

Why not get a cup of ice and head to the nearest piece of cement (driveway or sidewalk)? 

You could even do this on the boards of a deck.  

 Make sure you take enough to eat a little too! 

Then have fun experimenting and cooling off!

 

 

 

 

This Blog Post is inspired from the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky B. Baxa

If you would like more fun ideas to share with your children

(that do not require batteries or electronics )

you can purchase this 180 page book,

full of color photos,

for $21.95

from Amazon.com or Etsy.com

Or

from the gift shop at Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO,

Silver Dollar City General Store in Branson, MO .

This book can also be checked out of the following libraries:

Scenic Regional Library - Union and Pacific, MO

First Christian Church - Washington, MO

Hawaii State Library - Honolulu, HI

Story City Public Library - Story City, IA

Ellsworth Public Library - Ellsworth, ME