April Events

I love the change in weather!  Enjoy the warm sun and pretty flowers because we all know, it may not last!  Here are the activities in Davis County for April.

Easter Egg Hunts Abound!  Find one close to you and remember to take a basket for your little one to gather eggs in.

• Easter Egg Hunt at Hatch Park, North Salt Lake 9:00 am (50 W Center Street)
• Easter Egg Scramble at City Park, West Bountiful 9:00 am
• Easter Egg Hunt outside the Bountiful Tabernacle on Center and Main, Bountiful 10:00 am.  Brunch will be served across the street at Legacy House (79 East Center) after the hunt.  The Easter Bunny will be available for photos.
• Easter Egg Hunt at Founders Park, Centerville 9:30 am for children 10 and under.  Dress warm and bring a basket to collect your eggs.
• Easter Egg Hunt at Forbush Park, Farmington 10:00 am (100 South Main, Farmington)
• Easter Egg Hunt at Barnes Park, Kaysville 9:00 am (900 West 200 North Kaysville).  Kids 0 to 12 welcome.
• Easter Egg Hunt at Fisher Park, Clearfield 10:00 am (920 South 1000 East, Clearfield).  Five seperate hunting areas for 2 and under to 10 years and special needs.
• Easter Egg Hunt at Loy Black Park, West Point 10:00 am (550 North 3500 West)
• Easter Egg Hunt in Clinton 9:00 am (2050 North 1500 West)
• Easter Egg Hunt at Central Park in Sunset 9:00 am (85 West N, Sunset)

Additional Events in April:

• 4/18 North Salt Lake Kite Festival all day
• 4/10 Flapjack Friday and Bingo at Central Davis Jr. High Gym (663 North Church Street) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  All ages are invited.

Utah Easy 2 Love is sponsoring their Second Annual Easter Scavenger Hunt at 320 North Station Parkway on April 4th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Activities include:

• Eggs and treats
• Face Painting
• Meet the Bunny
• Other fun activities in an organized and sensory friendly environment
• Cost is $3.00/child.  All money raised is used to continue offering events for families with a special needs child at free or low cost.

The Natural History Museum of Utah Free Day is Monday, April 13th.  You can make reservations online beginning at 10:00 am April 7th.  Even if you don't have reservations, you may be able to attend if there are tickets available.  www.nhmu.utah.edu/free-days-nhmu

Family First at Station Park is April 6th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  The theme for April is Spring Fling. Enjoy free face paining, entertainment and discounts.

April is Autism Awareness Month

"Children with autism spectrum disorder are not being diagnosed as early as they could be. Learn the signs of autism and get help if you’re concerned."

If you have concerns or questions, check out the Learn the Signs.  Act Early. website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/  or ask your service provider for information.

The Great Utah Shakeout is April 15th at 10:15 am.  This is a great opportunity to help your children know what to do if an earthquake happens.  For more information go to http://shakeout.org/utah/.

Getting Ready for Outdoor Play

This post is from HappyHooligans.ca, a blog about crafts and activities for toddlers and preschoolers.  Some great ideas for simple activities to add to your backyard fun this summer! 

18 FREE {OR ALMOST FREE} COOL FEATURES TO ADD TO YOUR BACKYARD PLAY SPACE

Can you create a magical, exciting and engaging outdoor play space for your child for a few dollars?  You bet you can!  You don’t need oodles of space or fancy toys and equipment to have the best backyard on the block.

My daycare hooligans will attest to the fact that it’s the simple things that kids love best!  Good, old-fashioned, simple activities and play set-ups that spark the imagination,  foster creativity, challenge their physical abilities and engage their minds and their senses.

Today, I’m sharing 18 simple, super-cool and FREE (or almost free) features to add to your backyard play space.  All of these ideas are simple to set up, the materials are easy to come by, and I promise, if you look hard enough, you can probably create the coolest back yard around for no more than a few bucks!

** Some of these activities have click-able links that will take you to the full post with instructions and details.   Others are simply photographs to inspire you.

18 SUPER-COOL, FUN, FREE THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR BACKYARD PLAY SPACE

MOBILE MUD PIT

Want a mud-pit without sacrificing your lawn?  Click here to check out our mobile mud-pit!  Easy set up, easy clean up, and you can tuck it away at the end of the day.

PLAY LOGS

If you know anyone who’s having a tree cut down, see if you can score some play logs!   They’re one of the most versatile and popular features in our backyard.  Click here to see ours in action, and to find out more about them.

POOL NOODLE ABACUS

A backyard “abacus” is simple to make and provides lots of fun and learning. The toddlers love this one.  Click here to learn more about our pool noodle abacus.

RE-PURPOSE AN OLD WHITE BOARD

Got a white board that’s too marked up to use anymore?  Move it outdoors!  The hooligans got a couple of seasons of outdoor art out of this white board that was headed for the trash.  Here, we’re painting with mud. *photo only/no link

BACKYARD BALANCE BEAM

A few scrap pieces of wood make a perfect balance beam for a budding, young gymnast.  It provides hours of pretend play and exercise and I can tuck it out of the way at the end of the day. Click here to see more of our outdoor balancing activities for toddlers and preschoolers.

A ROPE AND A BUCKET

Without question, this is one of the absolute best things I’ve ever added to a backyard play area.  The hooligans play with this contraption year round.  I love that it’s not only great for strengthening little muscles, it also fosters team work, critical thinking and co-operation.  See how I rigged up our Bucket Contraption here.

HOMEMADE WATER WALL

I made this water wall out of recyclables 4 years ago, and the hooligans are still playing with it.  It’s provided them with hours and hours of fun and learning over the years.  See how I made our water wall here.

TIRE SWING

Our tire swing is another one of the most loved features in our back yard.  An old tire, hung horizontally is perfect for one or for a bunch of kids to gather on.   If your vehicle is due for new tires – perfect!  If not, check with a local garage or service station.  They may happily donate one to your backyard project. *photo only/no link

KID’S CLOTHESLINE

I rigged up this simple clothesline years ago.  Secured tightly so it’s not a safety concern, it’s just at the right height for the hooligans to use.   Our clothesline provides lots of opportunity for pretend play, and it’s great for teaching life skills, and developing co-ordination and fine-motor skills.  Read more about our clothesline activities here.

ROCKS AND STONES

We’ve picked up loads of rocks and stones and even pebbles at the beach over the years.  The children always have access to the rocks and stones in the yard, and they play with them daily.  They’re kind of our backyard version of the building block – completely open-ended, they can be whatever the hooligans want them to be.  See 10 ways that we use our stones and rocks here.

SAND WALL

Much like the water wall, our sand wall is also made entirely out of scraps and recyclables. It’s positioned in our sandbox, and it’s provided loads of entertainment over the years.  Read about our sandbox and sand wall here.

ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS

Pick up a bunch of artificial flowers at the dollar store or at a thrift shop.  Ours played with every single day.  The kids hold “weddings”, they decorate the playhouse with them, they “plant” them in the sandbox.  Not a day passes that these don’t get used in some creative manner.  Check out one of my favourite artificial flower activities here.

DIY WATER TABLE/SENSORY TABLES 

Water tables are awesome, but there was no way I was going to spend big money to get one when you can make your own so easily.  I pull one of these together almost every day when the weather is nice.  A storage bin set a top a bench or patio table or even an overturned (larger) storage container are all you need for all your water and sensory activities.  If you don’t have storage containers, no worries – a child’s wagon also doubles as a water table for a group of kids to gather around.  *photo only/no link

BACKYARD TIGHT ROPE

Best thing ever!  This is right up there with the tire swing and the rope and bucket contraption.  We’ve had this in our yard for 3 years, and the hooligans use it every single day, all year long even when the snow practically buries the bottom rope.  It’s just the best for co-ordination and gross-motor development.  I’m not kidding when I say our tightrope has provided hundreds of hours of fun for kids from ages 1-7 over the years.  Read all about it, andsee how to make your own here.

HOSES AND FUNNELS

A couple of old pool hoses (or vacuum hoses) pushed through a chain link fence provide hours of fun and learning.  Pop a funnel (or the top section of a water bottle) into the top each hose, and little ones will be kept occupied and entertained for ages.  Read all about our hose and funnel runs here.

THRIFT SHOP COFFEE TABLE

One of the best but least expensive investments I ever made for my daycare was this thrift shop coffee table.  I got it for 6 dollars, at a second-hand shop a couple of years ago, and we use it every day.  In summer, it’s our backyard activity table, in winter it’s our art table in the craft room.  Big enough for a crowd to gather around and water and paint spills don’t matter at all.  See it in action here.

DIY WATER SLIDE

For the price of an inexpensive camping tarp, you can give your kids a whole day of wet, water, slippy-slidey fun! !  We’ve been doing this for years here in my daycare, and the kids never tire of it.  See how to make your own waterside here.

ADD “RUNNING WATER” TO YOUR OUTDOOR PLAY SPACE

And lastly, my super-inexpensive way to add a source of running water to your child’s backyard play area.  A camping jug!  Theyr’e in abundance at the second hand-stores around here, so if you don’t have one of your own, you can probably scoop up a used one for a couple of bucks!  See some of the ways we use ours here.

And there you have it, 18 inexpensive, super-fun, super-cool things you can add to your outdoor play space this summer!  Your kids (and your neighbours’ kids) will love you for it!

http://happyhooligans.ca/backyard-play-space-ideas/

My New All Time Favorite Post

I spend a little time each week looking for information to post on this blog.  When I find another blog post that I really like I save it to re-post on here.  When I came across this one, I was so excited!  This is from a post on the blog For Every Mom (link at the bottom) and talks about what children do and don't need to be happy, healthy, social and to grow up in today's world.  Of course this is the opinion of the writer, Karen duBarry.  My soapbox is built out of cardboard boxes, crayons, dirt, recycled containers, paint brushes, and imagination.  I don't like toys for little ones that have batteries and just require the pushing of a button.  Children need opportunities to figure things out and be creative.  Of course children also need guidance, experience, love, opportunity, nurturing and to be allowed to fail as well as succeed.  What else do you think children need?  Feel free to add to the list in the comments section!

4 Things Your Children Absolutely Do Not Need (and What to Give Them Instead)

Here are a few things I think children do NOT need:

1. They absolutely do not need hundreds of toys that light up, play “music” or require batteries.

2. They do not need the latest gadget, just because you know someone else (“everyone” else?) who has one.

3. They do not need many different pricey outfits, all color-coordinated from charming boutiques with French names.

4. They do not need expensive “enrichment” activities every night of the week.

So, what do I think a kid might need?

—They need physical nourishment. This means different things for different people, of course (especially around the world), but here in the U.S. it might mean lots of yummy fruits and veggies, some macaroni and cheese every now and then, some chocolate chip cookies for a treat, your favorite meal that your grandma used to make, and dinners inspired by different places around the world. It does not mean mom needs to be a short-order cook and make every child only their favorite foods every meal.

—They need classic, open-ended toys: wooden blocks, Legos, paper and colored pencils (markers, if you’re feeling brave), a stuffed lovey, a baby doll, and the encouragement to use their imaginations and play with anything. (Leaves for outside tea-party plates. A cardboard box can be anything. Old egg cartons and wrapping paper tubes seem to be especially prized.) They need a safe place to keep collections (buttons, rocks, leaves, shells, foreign coins, stamps, etc. Some children will try to collect all of the above.)

—They need clothes they’re allowed to get dirty. They need an outfit or two for dressing up on special occasions (this seems to be especially important for some little girls). They need aprons to wear so they can help you in the kitchen. They need your old dresses and old hats and scarves to play dress up.

—They need time with their parents and siblings. They need to play outside. They need to go to a zoo. They need to visit a farm (if they’re city kids) or the city (if they’re rural). They should visit an art museum or two. They need to see a great body of water. They need to get messy. They need to go swimming. They need to walk quietly on a nature trail. They need cuddling and tickling, joking and gentle teasing. They need to be around many different kinds, types and ages of people. They need grandparents or great-grandparents or an older family friend to spend time with.

—They need to ask questions. They need you to teach them how to find the answers in a book or by observation, and not just by “asking Siri.” They need to hear you say, “I don’t know. Let’s find out.” They need you to say, “That’s a great question, I’m glad you asked.” They need you to ask them silly questions like, “If you were an animal, what would you be?” or “If you were a color, what would you be?” or “If you could spend the night on the moon, what would you do?”

—They need to explore. They need to climb too high. They need to swing so hard the swingset rocks. They need to poke things with sticks and lift up rocks. They need to splash in some water. They need to ride something (a bike, a horse) that intimidates them at first. They need to be out of your sight part of the day. They need to solve their own conflicts. They might need to wrestle or jump on a trampoline. They need to run until they’re out of breath. They need to try a small business like selling lemonade or something they’ve made. They need to spend their own money, sometimes unwisely. They need to give to someone less fortunate. They need to take some object apart (an old radio? a clock?) and try to put it back together.

—They need sleep. They need to go to bed in time to be rested for the next morning. They need time with no screens flickering in their faces. They need to build a pillow fort. They might need to pitch a tent outside and sleep under the stars. They need to stay up late for a special occasion and then sleep in the next morning. They need a quiet time, when they can hear their own thoughts. They need the chance to be noisy, with drums and marching and exuberant singing (this should probably happen outside, for mom’s sanity).

—They need books. They need adults to read to them. They need to read to each other. They need gorgeous books to admire and funny books to laugh at. They need rhymes to jingle in their minds. They need familiar characters who are just like family (Frances, Harry, Angus,Stuart Little, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle) and historical figures who inspire (Laura and Mary Ingalls, George Washington, Florence Nightingale). They need tall tales (Paul Bunyan) and small creatures who make a big difference (Charlotte). They need to thrill over heroes and mourn over martyrs lost too soon.

http://www.foreverymom.com/4-things-children-absolutely-not-need-give-instead/#.VOy8aCwLtF8.facebook

March Events

March is here with a variety of activities to enjoy with your little one.  If you know of any other activities that families will enjoy, please let us know!

March 2nd from 5:30 to 7:30 pm - Family First at Station Park - the theme for March is CRAZY CARNIVAL.  Shrek from Centerpoint Theatre will be there.  Also, free face painting, entertainment and discounts.

March 13th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Central Branch Library (155 North Wasatch Drive, Layton) is Family Night at the Library "Seuss on the Loose"  Enjoy games, book readings and other activities.

March 17th beginning at 10:00 am is Discover Gateway Children s Museum of Utah Free Day. 444 West 100 South, Salt Lake City.

March 18th at 7:15 pm the Utah Easy 2 Love Davis County Support Group meets at Flippers Gym (1246 Flint Meadows Drive #102, Kaysville) to discuss Positive Discipline Strategies.  Childcare is $7.00.  Go to utaheasy2love.org to find information about reserving your spot and signing up for child care.

March 28th from 9:00 to 11:00 is the Bountiful Bunny Hop and Egg Hunt at Bountiful City Park (400 North 200 West, Bountiful).  Tickets can be purchased for $.50 for the egg hunt, cake walk, bounce house, fishing for prizes, face painting and more.

March 29th at 10:00 is the Easter Egg-stravaganza at Woods Cross Elementary (745 West 1100 South, Woods Cross).  Meet the Easter Bunny.  Easter Egg hunts are organized for different age groups up to 12 years old.

March 30th at 5:45 pm is the Easter Egg Hunt at Cherry Farms Park in South Weber for children 0 to 12 years.  Admission is free.