Activity Village Newsletter - 4th February 2010

A Message From Lindsay

If you are in the Northern Hemisphere and suffering from what my Granny used to call the JFB's, or January-February-Blues, hang in there! March is only a few weeks away, bulbs are beginning to peak out of the soil, and the days are getting (a little) longer. Personally I find that forcing myself to go out for a walk every day, no matter what the weather is doing, can be helpful - and remember that children (and dogs) will always find something interesting to enjoy or explore on a walk as long as they are wrapped up warm enough! I think breaking away from the dreary browns and blacks which predominate at this time of the year and wearing our brightest clothes can also help.

It's obviously not just me who is longing for Spring. I checked one of my favourite blogs this morning and found inspiration for a kitchen table garden, which would make a super project with the kids. And here are some more ideas for activities if you too are feeling a little glum. Of course, getting interested in something new and tackling some bright and colourful crafty projects could also help, and we've got lots of ideas (and our latest Easter Doodle Fun book) below!

Last week I promised I would keep you up to date on my progress with todoodlist, and I am happy to report that I am still todoodling and loving every minute of it! There is something about the graphic nature of the todoodlists which I find exciting and fun, and I am definitely keeping track of things and getting more done than normal. To be honest, I'm a little surprised. I thought I was a "list" person, but I am well and truly converted to this new way of doing things. For those of you who missed last week, ToDoodlist is written by Nick Cernis with very English humour (I found it funny; some might not) and, just to warn you, you will come across a swear word or two in there, too.

Coming up soon:

If you or your child has made use of our craft ideas or printables, we'd love to share the results here! Drop me a line by emailing editor-at-activityvillage.co.uk (replace -at- with @).

What's New At Activity Village?

Winter Olympics

We've expanded our Winter Olympics offering with:

Winter Olympics alphabetical order 2
Two new Winter Olympic Games worksheets...
Olympic Games Worksheets

Winter Olympics sports word search
and a new Winter Olympics word search
Olympic Games Puzzles and Word Searches

If you are interested in the Winter Olympics, you might like to find out more about Canada. This week we've added:

3 new Canadian themed crafts, including a Mountie and two beavers
Canada Day crafts

Moose jigsaw to print
and two new Canadian animal jigsaws to print - you'll find a moose and a beaver here:
Animal jigsaws to print

Chinese New Year

Get ready to celebrate Chinese New Year on 14th or take the opportunity to learn about China.

New Chinese New Year notebooking designs for home and school projects.
Chinese New Year notebooking paper

When I was growing up in Hong Kong, Chinese Fortune Sticks like these were a familiar sight (and sound) at temples. We've made our own crafty version (and we've had lots of fun telling our fortunes with these, too!)
Chinese Fortune Sticks

Valentine's Day

We've added 11 new Valentine crafts to the site this week - hopefully something for everyone!
Valentine's Day Crafts

And here's a quick technique that kids can use to print valentine cards. Even the youngest children will be able to have a go at this idea.
Printed Valentine Card

We've also got lots more ideas for Making Your Own Valentine Cards

Scrapbook paper - pink hearts and swirls
We've added two new designs of Valentine scrapbook paper for your crafty projects...
Valentine Scrapbook Paper

Presidents' Day

George Washington coloring page
I've put up a new page for President's Day with all our existing "Presidential" coloring pages, booklets and other printables, and Sarah's got all the other Presidents ready for me to upload to the page asap. I'm working on it right now but didn't want to delay the newsletter any further ... they may even all be up by the time you read this!
Presidents' Day

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras words coloring page
We've added a fun new "word" design to our Mardi Gras coloring pages
Mardi Gras coloring pages

Easter

Easter Doodle Fun
Finally, I'm thrilled to announce that I have just added our latest Doodle book to the site - and here it is, with 25 imaginative pages full of Easter bonnets, Easter eggs and Easter bunnies and much more Easter and Spring fun. These Doodle books, with Adina's lovely illustrations, aim to get the kids thinking, drawing, creating, writing and colouring .. and enjoying themselves!
Easter Doodle Fun

For a day by day listing of everything new at Activity Village, bookmark our What's New page or subscribe to the feed

Is it possible to feel glum when you are finger-painting? I think not!

Videos To Enjoy With The Kids..

A fun recycling and sewing project for older girls...

NB: Children should not browse video sharing sites unsupervised

How about a big stack of tissue paper flowers for Valentines Day or Mother's Day? Fold your concertinas first, then trim the edges into scallops or points to vary your flowers.

NB: Children should not browse video sharing sites unsupervised

Something To Think About..

You never know when someone
May catch a dream from you.
You never know when a little word
Or something you may do
May open up the windows
Of a mind that seeks the light . . .
The way you live may not matter at all,
But you never know, it might.
Helen L. Marshall

Lindsay's Web Picks

Gorgeous Betsy McCall paper dolls - from 1951 to 1960

Food chain game

Super history site for primary school children from the BBC, covering Ancient Greeks, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, children of Victorian Britain, and children of World War II.

Fabulous free clipart from Dorling Kindersley

The princess and the frog coloring pages

Latest Articles...

Pushing my son out of the nest
A mother listens to her 10-year old son's fears, recalls the terrors of her own childhood, and shares some wisdom..
Pushing My Third Son Out Of The Nest Using Some Of My Best Wisdom

Why books are a great birthday gift for children of all ages - and how to choose the appropriate one!
Books Make The Best Gifts For Kids

Forge A Relationship With Your Children
Whatever we do with our kids when they are young will be absorbed and remembered down the years, and every day you could be making good memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Make an effort to forge a relationship with your children when they are young...

Not a Morning Person? Tips to Make Your Mornings Easier and More Productive
Are mornings the hardest part of your day? Sometimes it's tough to get yourself going no matter how much sleep you've had. And if you need to get your family dressed, fed, and out the door with books, backpacks, and briefcases intact, it can often be a challenging and gruelling morning.

Six Ways To Make Time For You In Your Hectic Life
Do you push yourself to be all that you can be? In the midst of doing it all, do you remember to take time for yourself?

Dealing With Difficult People
If you're human, you're going to be dealing with difficult people from time to time - whatever your age. You'll find them at work, at home, at school, or even while out shopping. While you'll likely to solve a problem with a relative or friend differently than a stranger, there are also some universal ways of communicating effectively with difficult people. Teachers and parents can learn these techniques themselves, and start to teach them to kids, too.

Help Your Child Cope With Moving Away
If you must move a great distance, you can help your child adjust to the idea of moving and how to cope with their new life. Your goal will be to eliminate apprehension and fears and get your children excited about all the new opportunities that await them.

How To Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety
Sometimes children act as if they don't have a care in the world, and other times they may be overwhelmed with anxiety. Although children are not presented with the stresses of adulthood, they do feel anxiety in the same way. Solving these issues is not something to be taken lightly...

Helping Your Child Adjust To Divorce
Children are usually hit hard by divorce and may not be able to fully grasp the subject, blaming themselves. The helpful news is that you can do a lot to get your child through this tough time.

Frugal Family Entertainment - How to Have Low Cost Family Fun
In the first few months of the year, money can be tight for many families as they tighten the purse strings after the holidays. There are some great ideas for family activities which won't break the bank in the article below.

Activity Village News

4th February 2010

A Message From Lindsay

What's New At Activity Village?