July 11, 2008

~ Time Out for the Week

Cookie Lollipops

1 pkg. Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
1 large Egg
2 tsp. Water
24 Flat ice cream sticks (avail. at craft stores)
M & M's, Nonpareils, Assorted Decorations

HEAT oven to 375'F.

COMBINE cookie mix, egg and water in large bowl. Stir until thoroughly blended. Shape dough into 24 (1") balls.

PLACE dough balls 3" apart on ungreased baking sheets. Push ice cream stick into center of each ball. Flatten each ball with hand to form round lollipop. Decorate by pressing decor's onto dough.

BAKE at 375°F for 8-9 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on baking sheets. Remove to cooling racks. Cool completely. Store in airtight container. Makes 2 dozen cookies.

~ What's for Dinner?

Easy Taco Casserole

1 lb. hamburger meat
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can tomatoes with chili peppers
1 medium bag corn chips
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Spread corn chips in bottom of casserole dish. Brown hamburger meat, drain off fat. Layer cooked meat over chips.

In separate sauce pan, combine soups and tomatoes. Heat until bubbly. Pour soup mixture over meat and chips. Top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

 

~ Just for You

As we head into Summer, freedom for your children is making an appearance. Time flies and before you know it they'll be heading back to school, but don't let that deter you. There's still time, and many ways to create learning opportunities for your children that don't involve TV. With a little creativity and a lot of fun, you can get those couch potatoes minds developing without them realizing it.

Here are some fun alternatives to TV:

• Reading is the best way to preserve or improve upon what was learned during school. A trip to the library once a week makes for a fun outing, as well as something to look forward too.
  
• Kids love to play games, so dig out those unused board games and start playing. Most involve money, reading, and memory abilities. These games provide a great way to brush up on those skills before school.
  
• Workbooks and stickers are a great way to have fun and learn at the same time.
  
• Encourage older children to keep a journal or write letters to out-of-town family members.
  
• Daytime outings, like a trip to the zoo can be turned into a great learning experience, especially for younger children. You can play silly games like name that animal, or color. You can also get them to count the number of animals in each enclosure and ask them questions like, "What do monkeys eat?"
  
• Getting children into the garden can be a lot of fun for all involved. Observing small bugs and toads in their environment can lead to all kinds of interesting questions. Have older children plant beans in flowerpots to observe and chart their results. You can even have a contest with categories that will allow each child to win a prize. For example, the biggest plant, the smallest plant, etc.
  
• Signing children up for a day or sports camp can provide group experience with kids their own age, as well as instruction in sports or crafts. This is especially nice for single children, because it allows them to interact and play with other kids.
  
• Put on a on a play. This encourages the use of their imagination, which remains inactive while watching TV. Provide them with some old clothes that they can dress up in. Either scour your closets, or visit your local second hand store and allow them to pick out items.

By turning off the TV and getting creative, you can make everyday into a learning experience children can enjoy. If you continue using fun alternatives to TV year round, you may find your children less inclined to spend time actually watching TV. Show your children what's outside the world of television by stimulating their minds with imaginative activities.

~ Recommended Site of the Week

 Time For Learning

I found an outstanding educational site for pre-k to 8th grade. You need to check it out if you home school or not, it is helpful to bring any child's grade level up. There is a 14 day FREE trial period in which you and your child can explore all the fun lessons. After that it is less than $20 a month. I am impressed because it is from Odyssey learning, which is used in schools. It allows you to set up each child's account for their grade level, even customizing different grade levels for different subjects. There are also worksheets, lesson plans, and progress reports that you can print. My kids love it! This is especially important now that school is out, to keep those minds sharp. It is at http://www.time4learning.com. Please be sure to tell them Sara Hardy referred you when you sign up.

Giving Credit were Credit is Due...
We search all over for great tips, ideas and recipes and don't want to forget to let you know where it all comes from. This week we would like to thank the following:
www.familiesonlinemagazine.com
www.time4learning.com