Need something for the kids to do while in the car this summer? Well, here are 2 ideas that are sure to be crowd pleasers. This should help cut down on hearing that time- honored phrase, "Are we there yet ?".

Travel Tales

What you need:

• 1 small notebook
• 1 large zipper- seal plastic bag
• A pen or pencil
• Crayon or markers

What to do:

1. Before you go on the trip, write your name, the place you are going to, and the date that you are leaving on the cover of the notebook.
2. At the top of each page, write one letter of the alphabet, beginning with A and ending with Z.
3. Place the notebook, pencil, and crayons in the plastic bag and take them on the trip with you.
4. As you travel, look for special landmarks or things and write their name next to the appropriate letter. For example, lake would be written on the "page with "L" at the top.
5. Then draw a picture of that item on the page, and color the picture with the crayons. You can use blank pages at the end of the book as a travel diary, detailing everything you saw and did on the trip. You will have a full book of your vacation memories!

Your Postcards

What you need:

• Several prestamped, blank postcards (buy at post office)
• 1 zipper-seal plastic bag
• Crayons, markers, stickers

What to do:

1. Put everything in the plastic bag and take with you on trip.
2. While you are traveling or during free time, take out a postcard. On the stamped side, draw a picture of a place you've been or someone you've seen, leaving room for the address ( you can also write the address on the cards before you go on the trip)..
3. Add stickers, write a message on the other side, and mail to a friend.

Comments

Using inexpensive "toys" that don't melt
From: Rebecca
I give them things like pipe cleaners, aluminum foil (they mold it into whatever they want), band aids (time you get somewhere they may be wearing the whole box, but that's okay with me if it kept them quiet!), stickers and paper. All of these keep them happy and busy and don't make a mess (like the melted crayons you find on the seat later...)

Different People Envelope Puzzle
This week's Craft of the Week is brought to us by the popular craft book author Kathy Ross. Her latest book Crafts to Celebrate God's Creations is a terrific collection of delightful crafts and activities to help children become more aware of God's amazing creations. Along with her new book Crafts to Celebrate God's Creation Kathy has written dozens of wonderful craft books spanning every category. Kathy's craft from Crafts to Celebrate God's Creation, Different People Envelope Puzzle, is a great way for children to learn and celebrate people's differences.

Melted Crayon Jars
These jars are both pretty and useful containers for such things as flowers, pencils, and odds and ends. They are fun and easy to make and each one is different. Remember to keep your finished jars out of direct sunlight or the crayons will melt again.

ABCD's of skin cancer
Learn the danger signs of skin cancer.
About 96% of skin cancers have a very small cancer of spreading with only 0.1% of people dying from them. However, a small minority of skin cancers (4%) are called melanoma and they have a 20% chance of killing you. Learn the ABCD's of melanoma to diagnose them before they spread too far and take the quiz to see if you're at risk.

Have a summer story
or poem to share?
Join our creative writing group
& Send it to us!!

more smoothie books
more blenders
FREE smoothie recipes