1. Take a walk in your neighborhood/park/woods and see what is starting to bloom. Identify plant species or make it a scavenger hunt.
2. Create instant works of art with sunlight and found objects. Make a sun print using construction paper or with special light sensitive photo paper (available at Utrecht or Providence Children’s Museum gift shop.)
At every family meal, we go around the table and each person says what he or she is thankful for. – Mark
We love to play short round robin games of either Boggle or Bananagrams at the end of the day. It’s a family event. We are all in our pajamas, sitting atop the parents’ bed with either of those games. – Josefina
We celebrate, discuss and honor many religions and cultural celebrations in our home. We decorate a Christmas tree, light Hanukkah candles, attend a Seder annually at a friend’s home, and when my father fasted for Ramadan, we made a paper chain to symbolize how many days were left in his fast. Our kids are growing up knowing that people have different beliefs, religions, and traditions.
2. Create opportunities to share stories/experiences from previous generations.
Share your favorite childhood tradition with your children. “Interview” an older relative with your child to hear his or her version of favorite traditions and celebrations.
Go to a local senior center and “befriend” a grandparent or develop a relationship with a local neighbor and hear about their traditions.
Create a family recipe book and encourage others from different generations to contribute. Have them share stories about why they want this recipe included in the book. Include a picture. Then distribute as gifts from your family to the relatives.
recipe: Christmas Roll Cookies
2 cups flour
1/4 t. salt
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 t. vanilla
Preheat oven to 325. Combine flour and salt with a wire whisk. Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed…
