Here are four Halloween story starters I created using vintage Halloween postcards. Nick tells me the postcards are creepy. I thought Halloween was supposed to be creepy. Am I simply old and out of touch? If nothing else, maybe they will creep your kids out too.
Filed under: Holidays on October 9th, 2007 | No Comments »
I should have done this sooner rather than later. Honestly, I forgot that today was Columbus Day. Had I not heard news regarding a parade, it might have passed me by completely. Here are some fun things in celebration of Columbus Day.
While I was unable to find a map that was created before 1492, I did find this map. I don’t know if I if I look for maps for the children so much as I look for myself. I love these old maps!
Filed under: Holidays on October 8th, 2007 | No Comments »
A study recently conducted by professor Jeff Weidenheimer of Ashland University, revealed high lead content in 3 out of 22 Halloween favors. Of the items tested, a Frankenstein cup tested 65 times higher than the federal standard for lead content. The other two items in question tested at lower, but still unacceptable levels. And so I have to wonder, what about the hundreds of thousands of products which go untested?
Each year I purchase my fair share of inexpensive Halloween trinkets. The kids love them and priced at a few dollars of less, I always agree to buy them. There are truly no acceptable levels of lead. Even the smallest exposure can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, lowered IQ, weight loss, stunted growth and even permanent brain damage. I think back to the items I have purchased in the past and now question my decisions. Anyone of them could have been contaminated, and I would not be the wiser until the damage was already done.
Perhaps it is time to go back to simpler ways. Remember when kids use to take a pillow case to collect their Halloween loot? Or when you decorated your own paper bag? Growing up, I never had a store bought costume. My Halloween experience was inspired by my own creativity, and I have no complaints. Yes, it is time to get back to basics, because a sugar high is the Halloween risk I am willing to take.
Filed under: Holidays on October 6th, 2007 | 2 Comments »
Making a costume just got easier with these printable Halloween masks. They are great for Halloween or maybe just a day of dress-up.
Check these out…
Animal Masks by Jan Brett
Cat Mask from Family Education
Pumpkin Mask from Family Education
Fox Mask from Family Education
Pirate Mask by Phee McFaddell
Fish Mask by Phee McFadell
Insect Masks from PBS
More Bug Masks from Terminix
Butterfly Mask by Phee McFaddell
Ethel the Witch by Phee McFaddell
Cow Mask from Free Printable Coloring Pages
Filed under: Holidays on October 1st, 2007 | 1 Comment »
Every year we buy 4 pumpkins, one for each family member. My husband, myself and my son each carve our own pumpkin, while my husband helps my daughter with hers. Every year I have the worst looking pumpkin. I am not certain what prevents me from mastering pumpkin carving. For whatever reason, I seem to be a pumpkin butcher-poor pumpkins.
This year I will be getting some help from Instructables. Instructables has instructions for nearly everything, even pumpkin carving. Maybe you don’t need help. Maybe you are just looking for some fun pumpkin carving stencils? Well check these out…
Appleton Post Free Pumpkin Carving Stencils
Pumpkin Pirate from Family Fun
Absolutely Batty from Family Fun
and
Or design your own stencil at Better Homes & Garden
What ever you decide to do, make sure you have fun!
Filed under: Holidays on September 29th, 2007 | 1 Comment »
Here’s an opportunity to flex some brain muscle and enjoy some Halloween fun. Below is a Halloween word scramble I made myself- yikes. Hope you have fun!
Filed under: Holidays on September 26th, 2007 | No Comments »
Here are some sites that are sure to keep the kids busy. As always, have fun!
Halloween Riddles Coloring Pages
Ben and Jerry’s Halloween Activities
Kid’s Turn Central Halloween Coloring Pages
HP Halloween Scrapbook Printables
Halloween Printables from Family Fun
Filed under: Worksheet and Printable Sites, Holidays on September 24th, 2007 | No Comments »
