Children's Bean Pole Tee Pee

My mom loves to garden.  When I was little she would set up places for me to play in the yard while she pulled weeds and tended to her plants.  A blanket would be thrown over the clothes line for a tent, the card table would be brought outside, set beside the garden, covered with blankets and it would become my "house" as I played with my dolls. 

As I got older I explored the trees and bushes surrounding the garden.  As I climbed into low hanging branches or spread my blanket out under low lying limbs I would retreat into my own private world of fantasy.  Reading or just day dreaming I traveled the world and explored unknown horizons.  Life was good.

My children loved to create these outdoor private retreats as well.  Doesn't every child love to pretend?  Whether inside or outdoors pretending/role playing helps children explore the many roles around them, assists in helping them express their feelings, fears and insecurities and encourages them to enter into a world "outside the box".  Developing creativity is a wonderful step to help children succeed in school and in life.

Recently, I ran across this photo from a face book post.  I do not know its original source, but thank the wonderful person that created this space for their children and then shared with the world to see.   I have always wanted to do this!

 Why not plant a children's garden/magical play space for your children? 

This would also be a great way to start out a learning unit on Native Americans! 

Wouldn't that be fun?

What other children's garden ideas do you have? 

Send me a photo of your creative ideas!  I would love to see them!

Inspired from the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

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

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both Kindle and Paperback versions

Banana Secret Messages

How about a quick, fun idea?  An idea so easy you can do it today!

All you need is a banana, an ink pen and a little imagination..

 

We recently had a party with the movie,  Despicable Me as the theme. 

 

Below are some bananas that became "minion" guests at the party.

 

 

As "minion" ideas swirled in my head, new ideas evolved as well.  There are other things you can do with this technique in mind.


 You can write any message on the banana, draw a heart or smiley face, or add an "x" and "o" for hugs and kisses.

If you want your message to be secret, evolving after a few hours (for packed lunches); write your message on the outside of the banana peeling with the non-pointed end of a wooden skewer or other like object. As the day progresses, your message will appear on the banana peeling! Why? You are essentially bruising the banana and it will become dark with time.

This can be done for your children, spouse, added to a care package for a friend or relative, etc.

This type of activity is sure to bring a smile to your loved ones face as it warms their heart from your taking the time to think of them.

 

Sharing special moments, creating fond memories,  does not have to take a lot of time, effort or money.  Small acts of kindness produce long remembered big results.

Who can you make smile today?

Inspired from the book: 

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

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

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both Kindle and Paperback versions

Creative Family Fun Resource

Are you at a loss as to what to do when your child claims boredom?

The Pinterest site listed below was originally created to support

parents, children and families.

 

It is inspired by the basic concepts presented in the book:

 Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and

Children to Share by Becky B. Baxa

available from Amazon.com and Etsy.com

Check out these Pinterest boards for creative ideas:

 

 "Fun for Kids", "Make Learning Fun", "Think Before You Toss" and "Children's Issues"

 

http://pinterest.com/hiddensplendor/boards/