Spring Toy Wash

Now that spring is here, spring cleaning is needed - inside and out. Since Nick's outdoor toys were in dire need of cleaning, we set up a carwash-style toy wash. Nick was very proud of himself for doing the whole process on his own, from filling the bucket to scrubbing the toys to wringing out the sponge (undoubtedly his favorite part). Of course he was soaked by the end, but that's where the fun lies, right?

April Showers Craft

"April Showers Bring May Flowers"

Materials - feel free to substitute materials freely!
construction paper - white + one other color
scissors (for grown-up)
cotton balls
sequins
small amount of blue paint mixed with a little water
straw or paintbrush
tissue paper scraps

First we created the rain: Drip a little bit of blue paint on the white paper and blow it around with the straw. For some reason, Nick did not want to do this, but he thought it was funny watching me do it. Alternatively, you could splatter paint with a paintbrush.

Next, Nick glued sequins onto the umbrella. If your kids have the motor skills already, allow them to do the glue - it's ok if it gets messy (wihin limits!). Glue the finished umbrella onto your paper.

Put more glue along the top of the paper. Have your little one tear up cotton balls, and glue them onto the paper.

Finally, show your little one how to ball up tissue paper or construction paper to make the flowers.

Tip: I keep tissue paper scraps leftover from projects and gifts in a quart-sized baggie. That way we don't waste new tissue paper when it's not necessary.

March Lion and Lamb Craft

This craft makes a nice memento or card for the grandparents. It is also a meaningful way to introduce the saying, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb". Talk about what lions and lambs are like, and what the poem might be saying about the weather in March.

Materials

• construction paper
• white or black and orange or yellow paint
• cotton balls
• pipe cleaners or yarn in red, yellow, and/or orange
• glue
• black marker
• optional: squirt of dishwashing liquid in the paint to facilitate cleanup

Paint one hand in each color and make handprints on the paper. Turn the paper so that handprints are upside-down. When dry, put glue on the handprints, and have kids add cotton balls and pipecleaners or yarn. Add the poem and see if your kids can repeat it!