Category Archives arts and crafts

Tuesday Tales – 2012 Summer Reading Programs

Growing up, I remember spending a lot of time at the library. We would go there to check out new books and sign up for the summer reading program. These days, most local libraries have some kind of reading program for children of all ages to participate in. If you are unsure about programs near you, please contact your local library. In addition to these, many libraries offer enrichment activities for kids to enjoy at little or no cost during the summer months.

Making Story Towers

Last year, I wrote about going to several events including:

This year, the New York State Libraries are all working around the theme Dream Big READ. More information can be found on the Summer Reading NYS website. Here, you can find booklists, videos, games, crafts, coloring, and more items for elementary aged kids, teens, parents, educators, and even for infant to preschoolers. They also created this video as a PSA:

 

This summer, both of the boys will be eligible for the same program since JSL will be heading into kindergarten and NHL fourth grade. JSL and I will continue to read Magic Tree House Books together and work on his reading readiness with some picture books. Meanwhile, NHL will probably explore different genres of chapter books. I secretly hope that he will think about reading The Series of Unfortunate Events or perhaps Harry Potter. I do know that we will reinstate the “Reading Ultimatum” that eventually fizzled out some during the homework months.

So, will you be participating in a summer reading program with or without your local library? I would love to know what you do with yours, so please share in the comments below. As always, Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books. What have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.

    It's Me
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Jake and the Never Land Pirates Birthday Fun

What do you do when your child asks to have another birthday party with the same theme they have already done? If it is pirates in our house, I say:Yo Ho Let's Go

I mean, it isn’t every day that you have the supporting characters from Jake and the Never Land Pirates as inspiration. Of course, this year we were lucky and they actually had party supplies. Bubbe and Grandpa found additional items near them and made the scene perfect for our little buccaneer.

Pirate Party - Take 2

JSL asked for one item to be a repeat from last year. He wanted the same pirate cupcakes that I made. I agreed to do this and brought my supplies to finish decorating before everyone arrived.

Pirate Cupcakes

Once everyone was done eating, we pulled out some pirate crafts to keep the kids busy. First, they made pirate hats and then colored some Jack Sparrow-esque looking pirates.

Pirate Party Crafts

While the kids played, it was time to set up the table for cupcakes, fruit, and other goodies. We had to make sure that the pirates were ready to guard the cupcakes before we called everyone over.

Pirate Party Goodies

Then, it was time for the birthday pirate to open his presents. He got a lot of booty and really enjoyed everything from all of the family that came. I think you will see there was a mini pattern here.

Pirate Presents

Lots more to share, but we need to decompress after our pirate party fun. Right now, I am likely off battling the sneaky guy below.

Captain Hook

Of course, Captain Hook stands no chance thanks to Jake, Izzy, Cubby, and Scully now living with us. JSL will have a fantastic time using Bucky with his new friends to battle the sneaky pirate.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates

We have a good chance of doing well don’t you think?

It's Me

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Shalom Preschool Shabbat

Dear JSL,

Yesterday, we had another milestone of sorts. I hardly mentioned it to you because you seem sad about the end of the year. I know it is hard for you to understand leaving nursery school and moving onto kindergarten. We have all grown to love the two years that we have spent as part of the amazing community within your school. Everyone has been supportive from the parents, teachers, to the amazing director.

Caterpillars and Butterflies

The milestone was your last Shabbat in nursery school. This was the last Friday that you were officially in preschool. It tugged at my heart to realize that, in less than a week, you will be a kindergarten kid. You will never have the chance to be the Abba, to say the blessings in school with your friends, or have challah to celebrate.

Shabbat Abba

We will have to cherish the memories of you being Abba on your birthday week. It was so sweet seeing you wearing your birthday crown and helping your class. I also captured a video of this, but do not have permission to share it here since another classmate is on it. I know one day we will watch that and smile.

Kiddush cup and challah for shabbat

The memories that you have from the last two years will last you a life time. You have learned so much about Jewish life, celebrations, and adore it. I know you will take this with you and share with your friends in kindergarten and beyond. I am so proud of all that you do and look forward to watching you continue to grow up before my eyes.

Love,

Mommy

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Tuesday Tales – Walter Foster Disney Drawing Books

Summer is almost here and while I hope to spend a lot of time outside with the boys, the weather can be unpredictable. We love to read and explore location destinations, but I also want to let my little artists express their creativity. I love to have art supplies and items to use inside the house for just this reason. NHL and JSL both adore drawing. For Chanukah, we bought NHL a Walter Foster book that teaches how to draw Phineas and Ferb characters. He adored it and it made us pull out another book that we had purchased while visiting Walt Disney World before that.

My post about NHL drawing caught the attention of the social media team at Walter Foster. They wanted to send him some more items to work on his new found love. It was an absolutely sweet gesture, with no strings attached. A bounty of new Disney drawing books arrived.

Mickey Mouse Drawing with Walster Foster

One of the items was a Learn to Draw Disney Mickey Mouse and His Friends Drawing Book & Kit. This kit had everything that you need to draw favorite Disney characters. This book would make a great gift for a child that likes to draw because of the items included. Of course, the book is also fantastic with great step-by-step instructions to help budding artists.

Inside the Mickey Mouse Kit

NHL wanted to dive right into this book. He decided to start with Mickey Mouse of course.

Learning to draw Mickey Mouse

While NHL was busy with this, I checked out the other books that came. They included (links to the Amazon affiliate page with these books):

Walter Foster Disney Drawing Books

One of NHL’s favorite characters is Piglet. On a past trip to Walt Disney World, he bought a little stuffed Piglet doll. Thanks to this, I jumped right to the Piglet page in the Winnie the Pooh book.

Drawing Piglet

Of course, once JSL saw that I made something for his big brother, he had a request.  He immediately picked a character from the same book (I wasn’t up to trying Buzz Lightyear just yet). So here is the bouncy friend that I made:

Drawing Tigger

I know I am looking forward to more drawing time with the two boys. We have colored pencils, crayons, markers, and other items to make our Disney friends come alive. No doubt, we will be adding more Walter Foster books to our collection. Do you have any drawing books from Walter Foster?

What have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

    It's Me

Disclosure: My kids received these four books complimentary of Walter Foster with no strings attached. No compensation was given and no review expected. We enjoy these books and wanted to share them with others. The opinions expressed in the review are my own. Four Amazon Affiliate links are included in this post for the books mentioned. I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to buy any of the books through my links.

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