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Belinda Mooney's Blog


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Aug 12, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Hi everyone,

I love back to school sales time. As a home schooler I don't have a long classroom supply list but I still need the basics for my kids. But even beyond that I simply love everything about getting ready for school. The smell of paper, the office supplies on sale - yep, it brings a smile to my face.

But did you know that now is the time to stock up on arts and crafts supplies as well? With school sales comes sales on markers, crayons, construction paper, drawing pads, pens, pencils and paints. Many of these things you can get for pennies during back to school promotional sales. So use this time of year to think ahead towards holiday crafting time, craft gift basics and just simply stocking your craft cupboard. It's what I do every year!

Happy Crafting,

Belinda J Mooney




Aug 4, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

I am doing this fun book with my youngest at the beginning of the school year. As always I love incorporating crafts and projects both of us can do.

One of the things teachers, homeschoolers and daycare workers can do is create a literacy bag. These can be sent home with the kids. Inside would be all kinds of wonderful things to do and a copy of the book.

Make your own literacy bag by decorating a canvas tote bag or large ziplock bag. Print out this cover for your If You Give a Mouse a Cookie literacy bag.

Here are some things we are going to be doing after we read the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie!

  1. Practice vocabulry, spelling and story telling with the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Word cards
  2. Play some dominoes made to go with our book.
  3. Play a matching game with the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Shadow Match game.
  4. Sharpen our math skills by Feeding the Mouse cookies and counting cookies on on our cookie plate math mat.
  5. Finish up with some cookies we baked ourselves!

Happy Crafting,

Belinda




Jul 30, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

We are! Pirates make a great theme for a birthday party or a unit on explorers. So why not slip something educational in there as well. When you make these pirate math mats and dominoes you are reinforcing learning skills in your children. All while they are having fun.

Here is what we are doing for our pirate theme. We have our Pirate Math Mats ready and we are playing pirate dominoes today.

Then we are going to color a pirate. We are going to add foil to his buckle, feathers to the bird and fabric on his clothes. How will yours look?

Belinda

Home School Activities




Jul 21, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

With summer on the way why not enjoy some beach themed crafts. We have lots of exciting crafts here at Kids Crafts that will fit the bill.

We have:

Beach Theme ABC Cards

Lowercase Alphabet Cards

Beach Math Flash Cards

Beach Memory Game

beach Lacing Cards

Ocean Theme Dominoes

Also be sure and check out Sand Painting and Sand Casting. a craft all ages will enjoy. Craft fun shouldn't stop just because the weather gets warmer.

And for when the weather gets too hot you can always make your own Scrumptious Summertime Treats

to enjoy after a long day of creating.

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Cooking with Kids




Jul 13, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Yesterday I gave you links to several great crafts with a frog theme.

Today I have even more fun for you. Here is what is new:

1.Two more great coloring pages.

Frog Coloring Sheet 3

Frog Coloring Sheet 4

2.Some great frog lacing cards to make for the toddlers.

3.Play an old fashion game of memory with these froggie memory cards.

4.Make some frog puzzles to share with your friends.

5. And last but not least make some froggie stick puppets.

And if your looking for a mini unit study to go along with all this crafty fun try this American Bullfrog one.

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Educational Resources for Families

Kids Recipes

Dinners in the Freezer

Practical Parenting Today




Jul 7, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

We are kicking off the week with a frolickin' froggy theme. Posted today are froggy dominoes to make, a lotto game, a board game and some great coloring pages to print out, color and decorate.

Frog Coloring Sheet 1

Frog Coloring Sheet 2

Frolickin' Froggie Game Board

Frolickin' Froggie Lotto Game

Froggie Dominoes

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Educational Resources for Families

Kids Recipes

Dinners in the Freezer

Practical Parenting Today




Jun 25, 2008




Jun 20, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Ahoy Mateys!

Today's theme sends us into the uncharted waters of mermaids. Are they real or pretend? You can decide while making these fun mermaid related crafts.

Explore the world of Mermaid Island with this fun board game.

Mermaid island Board Game

Challenge you friends to a game of mermaid rummy.

Mermaid Rummy

Print and make a mermaid lotto game.

Mermaid Lotto

And last but not least learn your ABC's with Little Mermaid Alphabet Cards.

Lil' Mermaid ABC Cards

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Educational Resources for Families

Practical Parenting Today




Jun 10, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Flutterby butterflies! Nothing says spring and summer more than butterflies. And I have provided you with some great butterfly fun to get you started.From coloring pages to card games there is plenty here to keep the kids busy. This theme will be continued tomorrow as well.

Butterfly Card Games

Other Butterfly Games:

Butterfly Coloring Sheets:

Visit the archives for Coffee Filter Butterflies, Butterfly Lotto and more!

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Practical Parenting Today




Jun 5, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Hi all,

Robots are a big favorite especially with boys. Today's fun crafts include things such as a Robot Rummy game, coloring sheets, dominoes and more.

To make your own robot gather up boxes and carboard tubes of all sizes. Cover them with aluminum foil and duct them together. Pipe cleaners are great for attaching arms and legs. Use bottle caps, old nuts and bolts and any other bits and pieces you can find to decorate your robot.

Here are the robot projects:

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Educational Resources for Families

Kids Recipes

Dinners in the Freezer

Practical Parenting Today




May 31, 2008




May 22, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Good morning,

Posted this morning are two fun crafts to go along with the animal theme or the Letter A.

Animal Cracker pins are a fun and easy project for individuals or groups.

Animal Cracker Pins

The alligator coloring page lends itself to many ideas - zoo theme, Letter A, reptile study and more.

Alligator Coloring Page

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Educational Resources for Families

Kids Recipes

Dinners in the Freezer

Practical Parenting Today




May 16, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

You don't have to spend big bucks on everything from fingerpaints to watercolors. It is easy and fun to make your own.

Check out these links to some great make your own paint recipes.

Watercolor Paints

Easy Bath Paints

Jell0 Finger Paint

Kool-aid Finger Paint

Have a favorite paint recipe? Send it in and I will share it with others!

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Educational Resources for Families

Kids Recipes




May 12, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Be sure and check out our great printable coloring pages. They are the perfect on the go craft these pages can be embellished with everything from yarn to sequins to make them a true work of art! You can print them all out and make your own coloring book, share some with your friends and decorate them anyway you want. So why not spend a few minutes going through the coloring page index and choosing your favorite coloring sheets?

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Educational Resources for Families

Kids Recipes




May 8, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Good morning,

We have all kinds of coloring pages here that you can do wonderful things with. You can turn them ito coloring books, share them with friends or make posters. Decorate them with fabric, color them with markers - think beyond the crayon box. But whatever you do get creative with the coloring sheets.

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Cooking with Kids

Home School Activities




Apr 23, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

This week you will find several fun games to make. The games this week all have a farm theme. Homemade games can spice up learning,give kids something to keep them busy and make great gifts.

Have the older kids make some for the little ones if the games are too simple for them. These also make great crafts for daycares, Sunday school or Scouts.

Check out for Farm Animal Dominoes , Pin the Pocket on the Farmer and Barnyard Boggle.

Easter games will be going up later in the week.

Happy Crafting!

Belinda

Learning is Fun




Apr 14, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Do your kids love anything and everything to do with a farm? Then you won't want to miss the fun games that you print and make.

Pin the Pocket on the Farmer is perfect for parties and group get-togethers. Then there is Barnyard Boggle Game and Farm Animal Dominoes

to print, make and play.

The fun never ends here at Kid's Crafts. Watch for animal crafts to go along with the farm theme.

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in theFreezer




Apr 13, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Teaching ABC's to little ones can be quite a challenge. And it is always helpful to include as many of their senses as possible. Arts & crafts can help bring in the hands-on sensory aspect of teaching.

Print out, color, cut and paste and decorate these large capital letter sheets for a fun alphabet learning experience.

New today:

Capital Letter A

Capital Letter B

Capital Letter C

Check back each day for new alphabet coloring pages.

Happy Crafting,

Belinda




Apr 3, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Today's new projects include two fun activities for those of you who love insects. These are great Boy Scout crafts, 4-H projects or summer camp crafts for kids.

Make a Crawling Beetle

Beetle Coloring Page

For those who were looking for sea life fun here are today's coloring pages:

Shark Coloring Page

Octopus Coloring Page

Seahorse Coloring Page

These can be used in an animal notebook as well:)

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Mar 28, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Good morning,

We continue on with more butterfly fun. Kids love butterflies and they make a perfect spring crafts. We not throw a butterfly themed party? These are great group crafts as well.

Here at Kids Crafts you will find a butterfly board game tp print and make, a butterfly handprint craft and a lbutterfly otto game. Fun for a variety of ages!

Enjoy:)

Handprint Butterfly

Butterfly Garden Board Game

Butterfly Lotto game

Happy crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Mar 27, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Well they are both animals and they both start with the letter B. But they are also fun to make or color!

The Buzzy Bee craft is great project for science or Sunday school. Perfect for spring, Bible school or as part of a science lesson

The buffalo coloringpage lends itself to so many fun studies - cowboys, the West, animals of the plains, Indians - just use your imagination. I know you will enjoy them both.

Be sure and brows through the archives for lots of fun kid's craft ideas. There is something for all ages and interests.

Happy crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Mar 21, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Save these left over items instead of throwing them away. You will be amazed at how creative you can be and what you can do with these things! Trash becomes everything from catepillars to game pieces.

Egg cartons

1 or 2 liter bottles

toilet paper and paper towel tubes

baby food jars

styrofoam trays (wash thoroughly in a mild bleach solution if they contained meat)

buttons off old clothes

caps from milk jug lids

frozen juice flat lids

berry baskets

film canisters

mismatched socks (great for puppets)

What items do you save? Email me and I will post them here!

Happy crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Mar 7, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Kids of all ages will enjoy these butterfly crafts, We have a lots of butterfly fun for you here at Kids Crafts. First we have some great coloring pages:

Butterfly Coloring Page 1

Butterfly Coloring Page 2

Butterfly Coloring Page 3

Butterfly Coloring Page 4

Butterfly Coloring Page 5

We also have printable games for you to make and play with your friends:

Butterfly Dominoes

Butterfly Go Fish Game

Play Butterfly Rummy

Butterfly Facts Rummy

Make a Butterfly Lotto Game

Make a Butterfly Board Game

And last but not least we have a great preschool through elementary age craft:

Handprint Butterfly

Send us your favorite butterfly craft and we will post it online!

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Feb 20, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Howdy!

Here are a whole barnyard full of farm themed crafts to enjoy! You can enjoying making and playing

Farm Fun Dominoes,

Old MacDonald Had a Farm Bingo,

Farm Animal Dominoes

and Pin the Farmer Game with your friends.

Then make a cute Lamb Pendant or Necklace to wear. Next break out the crayons and color a picture of Cow Milking ,Barnyard Birds ,Barn ,Tractor,Horse or Pig .

More fun and games await when you play Barnyard Boggle Game, Down on the Farm Memory Game, and Down on the Farm Dominoes.

Before long you'll be having so much fun you will think you are visiting the funny farm!

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Feb 13, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Spring is just around the corner and that means gardening. Children love to garden and it is the perfect family activity. Even very young children can join in the gardening fun by helping plant. They can help plant seeds, put dirt around seedlings and rake the dirt.

And here is a great craft to get you started in your summer time gardening fun - Make a Watering Can. Bow every child can have his very own watering can he made by himself.

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Feb 7, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Happy Fat Tuesday Everyone!

Today we bring you some fun Mardi Gras crafts that you can print and make. For the younger kids there are

Mardi Gras Alphabet Cards Part 1

Mardi Gras Alphabet Cards part 2

Mardi Gras Math Flashcards

For the older kids print out our Mardi Gras Worksheet.

Then everyone enjoy some pancakes!

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Feb 6, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

We love Valentine's Day here. And for our party we are going to be printing out, laminating and then playing Bingo. After we practice our math skills, that is - but who thinks it's math - the kids just think it's fun with these printables!

Valentine's Day Bingo Game and Valentine's Day Math Pattern Cards. There is also Candy Kiss Roses and Cherry Vanilla Fudge for eating and sharing on Valentine's Day.

I have also added a few recipes in other sections of Suite101 - you won't want to miss these either. So why not whip up a batch of Mock Snickers Bars or Crockpot Potato Recipes. And if you are having trouble losing weight check out my article, Is Yeast Making You Fat?

Enjoy,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Feb 1, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Hi all,

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we have some great things on the way here at Kids Crafts.

First off our Merry Mice are paying us another visit. They are all geared up for the upcoming holiday.

We have two fun printable games for you to print, laminate and enjoy. Play them at a Valentine's Day party or but them in goodie bags. Either way they are sure to please.

Merry Mice Valentine Tic Tac Toe

Merry Mice Valentine Dominoes

Enjoy! And watch for even more Valentine fun this week.

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Jan 28, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Hi everyone!

Crafts aren't limited to simply fun things and gifts - you can bring science into play too. WHy not do a robot theme at your house? Rent the movie, Robots - then create these fun and educational crafts with your kids. These also make great party favors and games.

Here are some great printables and coloring pages for you to enjoy with a robot theme.

Games to Print & Make:

Play Robot Rummy

Robot Dominoes

Make a Robot Lotto Game

Robot Race Game

Coloring Page:

Robot Coloring Sheet 1

Robot Coloring Sheet 2

Robot Coloring Sheet 3

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Jan 23, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Good afternoon everyone,

is your house as hooked on sudoku as our is? If so you may find yourself in my position - with younger kids wanting some sudoku puzzles to do but most of them being way out of their capability range. So I decided to create some for my daughter and grandkids. The neat thing about these Sudoku puzzles is that the have pictures instead of numbers and you can cut out the needed pictures from the same sheet and use them to complete the puzzle. There is an easy dinosaur sudoko puzzle along with a simple picture 4x4 sudoku one to print out.

Here at Kids Crafts we have lots of fun math crafts to make - flashcards, printable games and more. Check out our math index to see them all.

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Jan 18, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Dear Readers,

My latest article, Block Printing with Styrofoam, explores one unique method of painting and printmaking. But there are so many more! Why not adventure into the world of art with your children? If you can't take a real tour of a musuem and look at different types take a virtual tour on the internet.

There is acrylic paints, water proof paints and water colors. There is abstract painting, still life, scenic and modern art - all waiting for you to discover. You can finger paint, make Kool-Aid paint, make face paint or even make your own water colors.

No matter which you choose to explore you will have lots of fun and learn something about art as well!

Happy Painting,

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Jan 15, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

Martin Luther King, Jr was a heroic man who did much to make a difference in his world. He is an excellent example to kids and adults alike that attests to the fact that one person CAN make a difference.

I have posted here at Kids Crafts the directions for an "I have a Dream" Mobile.It's fun, quick and easy and encourages kids to think about their own dreams. And if there is one thing we as parents and teachers need to encourage the next generation to do - it's to dream.

So spent some time crafting up some fun and sharing your dreams with others as you celebrate the very special birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Kids

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer




Jan 8, 2008

Posted by Belinda Mooney

When January settles in at our house and everyone gets back to school and daily routines the winter blahs can set it. After the excitement of the holidays January can seem rather, well , boring to the kids. (Although to us busy parents and teachers it can bring a sigh of relief!)

But even though the weather is chilly and the sky is overcast and gray the crafting fun can still go on. Actually what better time for some fun kid's craft than on a cold wintry day. It's the perfect time for hot cocoa, creating memories and shared laughter.

So grab your paint brushes, glue bottles, glitter and imagination - then click on the link to discover the directions to make your own sparkly, glittery winter wonderland painting. And while your at it whynot print out and make some hot cocoa math mats for the younger crowd?

Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Learning Treasures

Cooking with Kids

Dinners in the Freezer