Stuff for Kids: Storyline Online July 9, 2009

Do you love the idea of your kiddo getting a story every once in a while…but just don’t have time to sit down and read one yourself?  Maybe your a bit sick or just want them to watch something better than regular TV?  The Screen Actor’s Guild  Foundation is here to help you out!!

They have a website where famous people lend their voices to famous stories.  Storyline Online is a great way for kids both in the womb (I play the stories to the bun in the oven)  or in their room get a great story that both of you can share.  The stories have great pictures with some animation and sometimes the actors do funny voices. It can also be a great tool for teachers, because the stories are subtitled in English, allows you to play it in full screen and you can easily pause and play it for classroom discussion!!    No matter how you use it, Storyline is bound to put the fun (and relaxation) back into story time.

*If anyone else knows of any sites that support literacy, please feel free to share them!!

Stuff for Kids: Origami Folding (cats, flowers and other stuff) July 9, 2009

Looking for something fun and easy to do with the kiddos?  Korea is a great place to find origami paper cheaply and easily…but what do you do once you get it?  These videos show you step by step how to fold your way into fun by making animals and other things.  (Found on About.com with written transcripts of the directions).

Origami Cat, Dinosaur , Crane , Shrimp , Flower, Bat, Owl, Goldfish

Things to Do: Cooking with Kids July 7, 2009

Kids bored at home this summer? Are you fresh out of ideas on what do with them…meanwhile you’re still stuck with the cooking and the cleaning? Well, why not involve them and spend time with them in the kitchen.

The Quaker company has started a cooking group for kids and moms (but I think ANYONE can use the information) through yahoo.com.  Their MomPowerGroup has posted some great videos about books and activities for getting kids active in the kitchen.

Though it’s focus is in N. America (making some of the ingredients difficult to come by I’m sure…unless you can get near a base) I’ll bet there’s a few ideas that can be adopted for the Korean markets.  Besides possibly making a bigger mess having kiddos in the kitchen, what have you got to loose?  The recipes look fun and delicious, makes me wish my kitchen was more than basically a sink haha!  Hope this helps out with the summer cabin fever!

Would love to hear back if anyone uses the site and can make recommendations!!

Have Fun!!

Kid Stuff: Starfall online Phonics and Reading program July 1, 2009

For many parents, education plays an important role in your child’s life. This site helps to teach phonics and reading in a fun, animated and easy to navigate way that kids will love. Whether you are using it to teach your own children or to teach students, STARFALL provides online activities, movies, worksheets and more to help children learn their ABC’s and progress into reading.
Check it out, STARFALL

From the site:
“Teachers around the world use Starfall.com and Starfall high-quality educational products as an inexpensive way to make the classroom more fun and inspire a love of reading and writing. Parents use Starfall to prepare their children for school, and to support them once they are there. Starfall is an educational alternative to other entertainment choices for children.

Primarily designed for first grade, Starfall is also useful for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and second grade. Starfall is perfect for home schooling.”

Things to do: Eric Carle Show until 7/12 May 25, 2009

YIPPIE It's the Hungry Catapillar

Did you guys know about this? I’m so excited! Eric Carle is in town until the 12th of July!!

It’s being put on by a Canadian group (Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia). I’m an east coaster, so that’s pretty exciting for me.

It says your children have to be 24 months and older. My kiddo  is pretty tall for his age so I’m going to try and get him in!

Kid Stuff: Children’s Grand Park March 21, 2009

http://www.igougo.com/journal-j66615-Seoul-A_Step_Back_in_Time_in_Seoul_South_Korea.html#ReviewID:1335499

Children’s Grand Park is somewhat central, has cherry blossom trees in April, and wouldn’t be too busy on a week day. What does everyone think?

Ahhh, it says in that article something about “large expanses of grass fields”… I suppose with a bunch of blankets we could have a little sit down and chat. Sounds nice to me.