December 2008 Parent Newsletter

Home for the Holidays: Three Easy Gifts for Kids to Make

Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, nothing makes a holiday more special or memorable than for your child to help with the preparation. One way your kids can contribute is by making a few homemade gifts. Each of these gifts is appropriate for ages 4-14, provided an adult is on duty to oversee activities and help when needed. All materials can be purchased at craft stores.

Bath Salts (Completion Time: 1 hour)
Materials:
Baking soda
Epsom salts
Corn starch
Sea or table salt
Glycerin (this makes the salts sparkle)
Food coloring
Fragrance
Jars or cellophane bags

Directions:
Blend equal parts of the first four ingredients, depending upon how many gifts you want to make. Add a few drops of glycerin, a small quantity of food coloring, and fragrance. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet to dry before packing into jars or cellophane bags and seal. Decorate the containers or bags with ribbons.


Apron for your favorite cook (Completion time: 20 minutes)
Materials:
Plain white apron
Fabric paint (any colors you wish)

Directions:
Have your children decorate the apron with hearts, handprints, etc. Don't forget to have them sign and date their work of art.


Swiss Cheese Candle (Completion time: 1 hour plus 1 day to set)
Materials:
Candle wax
Cardboard milk and/or cream cartons
Wick (wax coated)
Ice cubes
 
Directions:
Melt the candle wax according to package directions. Cut the carton to the desired height. Place the wick in the middle of the carton, make sure it is standing upright, and fill it with ice cubes and then wax. The ice will melt and the wax will set. Twenty-four hours later, remove the milk carton and admire your candle that looks like Swiss cheese!

2009 Parent Newsletters

October	Operation Overload: Are My Children Too Busy?
September	Overcoming School Anxiety
August	Transitioning Back to School
July	July 4th: Quiz Your Kids
June	School's Out: A Summertime of Learning
May	Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
April	Internet Safety Tips for Parents and Kids
March	Recognizing Different Learning Styles
February	Parent-Teacher Conferences: The Best Questions to Ask
January	Test Taking: 10 Tips to Help Your Child Prepare

2008 Parent Newsletters

December	Home for the Holidays: Three Easy Gifts for Kids to Make
November	Top 10 Educational Terms: Minus the Jargon
October	Let the Homework Begin
June	10 Tips to Accelerate Summer Learning
May	Education in the Garden: Planting a Pizza
April	Helping Your Children Juggle School and Sports
March	Spring Break: Add Education to Your Vacation
February	Launching a Three for Me Program at Your School
January	Easing Children's Test-Taking Anxiety

2007 Parent Newsletters

December	10 Tips for Choosing the Best Holiday Learning Gifts
November	Happy Thanksgiving: Teaching Children Gratitude
October	School Safety: What Every Parent Should Know