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Kid Stuff

How to Make A Kid-Approved Lava Lamp In 3 Groovy Steps

August 31, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Science is one of my favorite activities to teach.  This surprises me because as a child, science and I did not play nicely.  I always felt one step behind or, sadly, just bored.  For as much as there are some who don’t like the Common Core as it is applied in public education, I personally find much value in these curriculum standards as a teacher.  I feel that they set a precedence in classrooms that helps bring learning away from worksheets and into hands-on learning.  One of my favorite science experiments to conduct with my students (and theirs as well!!) is to make lava lamps.  They are really simple to make and are a great way to get kids excited about science!  Here’s how to make a lava lamp in 3 groovy steps.

How To Make A Lava Lamp

Gather Materials

Before you get started, you’ll need to gather some (simple) materials:

  • Cooking Oil (Canola or Vegetable work just the same)
  • Food Coloring (liquid, not gel)
  • An Empty Water Bottle or Glass Jar (the more unusual the shape, the better!)
  • Water (of the liquid sort)
  • Fizzing Antacid Tablets such as Alka-Seltzer (as many as you’d like to keep you entertained)
 DIY Lava Lamp, Homemade Lava Lamp, Lava Lamps for Kids, Make Your Own Lava Lamp, Crafts for Kids, Craft Projects for Kids, Popular Pin, How To Make A Lava Lamp

Learning Topics

I don’t like teaching something in my classroom just to pass time or because it “looks fun”.  We always have a learning objective.  Here are some ideas of topics you can teach your children with your lava lamp experiment:

  • Use senses to make and record observations and interpretations of data.
  • Identify properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
  • Investigate and record changes to the properties of matter.
  • Investigate and record the interactions between liquids, solids, and gases.
  • Practice measuring and calculating math with metric units (HUGE concept for 3rd graders!).
  • Conduct “next steps” experiments.  In other words, what else could you do to this experiment to possibly change the outcome?  Have children record their hypotheses and outcomes/data.  (Suggested Next Step:  Use a glow stick instead of food coloring.  Crack the glow stick, cut off the top, and empty the gel into the water bottle).
 DIY Lava Lamp, Homemade Lava Lamp, Lava Lamps for Kids, Make Your Own Lava Lamp, Crafts for Kids, Craft Projects for Kids, Popular Pin

Image

Step 1

Fill your empty bottle or jar about 1/2-2/3 of the way with the cooking oil and the rest of the way with water.  BE SURE to leave about an inch of air at the top. Image.

 DIY Lava Lamp, Homemade Lava Lamp, Lava Lamps for Kids, Make Your Own Lava Lamp, Crafts for Kids, Craft Projects for Kids, Popular Pin

Step 2

Add 10 drops of food coloring.  Warning:  May require some patience as the food coloring makes its way through the oil and water. Image.

 DIY Lava Lamp, Homemade Lava Lamp, Lava Lamps for Kids, Make Your Own Lava Lamp, Crafts for Kids, Craft Projects for Kids, Popular Pin

Step 3

Break the Alka-Seltzer tablet(s) into quarters or halves.  We like to “go big” in my classroom so we go with half a tablet at once.  Then just watch and be dazzled!  The food coloring will start “erupting” all sorts of grooviness in your bottle!  Kids have so much fun watching the the food coloring as it bubbles and moves.  As soon as the Alka-Seltzer has dissolved, you can add more or more for as long as you’d like.  Image.

 DIY Lava Lamp, Homemade Lava Lamp, Lava Lamps for Kids, Make Your Own Lava Lamp, Crafts for Kids, Craft Projects for Kids, Popular Pin

Now that you know how to make a lava lamp, it’s time to get started! For more fun ideas to do with your kiddos, check out my post on seriously cool 5 minute science projects for kids!

Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Education, Kid Stuff Tagged With: Craft Projects for Kids, Crafts for Kids, DIY Lava Lamps, Educational Activites for Kids, Kid Stuf, Kid Stuff, Lava Lamps for Kids

10 Fun & Easy Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids

August 12, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Are you ready for some fun Christmas tree crafts for kids? These are great to help entertain the kids during the holidays, including your child’s class or preschool group. Kids of any age love Christmas tree crafts!

Christmas is magical, especially for kids. Help them make this season the best ever with these cute Christmas Tree Crafts for kids. Easy for all ages. Great for building artistic and creative skills. #christmastreecraftsforkids

 Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids 

I think most people agree that the Christmas tree is the highlight of holiday decorating.  Somehow it represents years of memories, giving, togetherness and love.  Sometimes we don’t want the kids touching certain ornaments or parts of the tree, so Christmas tree crafts are a great way to make them feel more involved. 

3-D Felt Christmas Tree 

These are some of the cutest Christmas tree crafts around. Some easy embroidery is involved, and the kids will love embellishing their tree with buttons from the button jar. 

Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids

3-D Paper Christmas Tree Crafts

This 3-D paper Christmas tree is easy to put together. Cut two trees out of construction paper, fold in half, and glue them together in the center. It would be fun to add glitter and ornaments to the branches! 

Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids

Edible Strawberry Tree

What’s more fun for kids than a craft they can also eat? If you can find some where you are, strawberries stack into a pretty Christmas tree shape! Add powdered sugar or whipped cream “snow” for fun. 

Strawberry Christmas Tree

A Christmas Tree for The Wall

This is a great idea for your child’s bedroom wall, and she can do it herself if she’s old enough. 

Christmas Tree Crafts

Christmas Tree Yarn Art

Kids love yarn art, and this is a fun one perfect for Christmas time. All they need to do is cut a triangle out of heavy paper, then wrap it in colorful yarns. A few beads make pretty ornaments for the yarn tree! 

Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids

Wine Cork Christmas Tree 

Wine corks make plenty of fun crafts, and that includes a wine cork Christmas tree the kids can glue together by themselves. 

Wine Cork Christmas tree crafts

Fold a Christmas Tree Napkin

Christmas tree paper napkins

With this Christmas tree craft, the kids can help with the Christmas dinner table.

Pine Cone Tree Crafts for Kids

These trees are so unique! If you have a pine tree, let the kids go outside to pick up pine cones, and then glue them into Christmas tree shapes. I think these are so cute.

Pine Cone Christmas Tree

Cookie Christmas Tree Craft

These cookie trees prove that not all Christmas trees have to be green to be festive! Use different sizes of star-shaped cookie cutters to make gingerbread cookies. Let the kids stack the cookies and drizzle with Royal icing. 

Cookie Christmas Tree

Button Tree

Kids love this one! Get out the button jar, or purchase a pack of colorful buttons for crafting. Clear glue is all you need to glue the buttons into the most adorable Christmas tree!  

Button Christmas Tree Crafts

Which of these Christmas tree crafts for kids do your kids like best? Need some more holiday crafts for kids? Try 10 Paper Plate Christmas Crafts for Kids.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2017. It has been updated for content. 

Filed Under: Crafts, DIY Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas Crafts, Crafts for Kids, DIY Kid Stuff, Holiday Crafts, Kid Stuff

10 Simply Scary Halloween Crafts for Kids

August 10, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

There’s more to Halloween than just costumes and candy. There are crafts, too. Specifically Halloween crafts for kids. Keep reading to discover all the fun options.

Let's face it: kids LOVE crafts! Especially the fun ones and that's what's here: nothing but fun Halloween crafts for kids from preschool through elementary. #halfpintpeepsblog #funparenting #kidscrafts

Halloween Crafts For Kids

We spent some time gathering up some fun Halloween crafts for kids from some talented crafters. Which one will you pick?

1. Haunted Graham House

Who said candy houses are for Christmas only?  Bring the fun of decorating gingerbread houses at Christmas over into your Halloween celebrations as well by decorating spooky graham cracker houses.  Image source.

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2. Spooky Spider Webs

Younger children will love getting creepy crawly with these webby creations.  All you need are popsicle sticks, paint, and yarn.  Learn more from Buggy and Buddy.

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3. Spider Suckers

Move over ghost suckers, spider suckers have crept their way into Halloween this year!  These are a fun way to make a simple treat with a bit of a bite.  Just wrap some black pipe cleaners around a sucker and add googly craft eyes.  Source.

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4. Hanging Bats

This fangy friend is a bat-tastic idea for Halloween crafting!  Have fun reading books like “Stellaluna” or any of the “Bats at the…” books by Brian Lies before or after you make your own hanging bats.  Find the template and directions here.

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5. Pumpkin Lanterns

One of our favorite family Halloween traditions is to watch “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.  We like to carve pumpkins while we watch the movie.  These fun pumpkin paper lanterns would be another great craft to work on while Charlie and Snoopy keep you entertained. Source.

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6. Halloween Spirits

Get into the Halloween spirit with these spooky spirits.  You’ll need cheesecloth, styrofoam balls, and fabric stiffener for the body.  Attach a string to the top and add a pair of googly eyes and this project is under wraps sheets!  For a full tutorial check out Crafts Unleashed.

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7.  Monster Puppets

Mike and Sully would agree that these paper bag monster puppets will make a real scare this Halloween with your kids!  What kinds of stories do you think you can make up together with these funny fellows?  Get more info from I Heart Crafty Things.

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8. Petrifying Popsicles

Make all your favorite Halloween characters with this Fall popsicle craft.  Frankenstein would be a fun one to make too!  Life Beyond Laundry give more details here.

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9. Happy Owl-A-Ween

Have a Happy Owl-A-Ween with an afternoon of owl pine cone crafting.  Beside the pine cone you’ll need felt, brown pipe cleaners, and hot glue.  So cute!  Image source.

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10. Purr-Fectly Frightful

Black cats are certainly a fright to see on Halloween night!  But this adorable black cat tote is a purr-fect craft to make with your kids.  It doesn’t require many materials and your kids don’t need to advanced in sewing to be successful with the project. Get the DIY from Crafts By Amanda.

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Speaking of Halloween, learn how to manage all that candy your kids will get.

Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Crafting Hacks, Crafting Tips and Tricks, Crafts for Kids, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Crafts for Kids, Kid Stuff

10 Christmas Paper Plate Crafts For Kids

August 5, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Today I’m sharing some cute Christmas paper plate crafts for kids! If you’re like me, you love finding simple craft ideas to help keep the kids busy during the holidays. And these are perfect!

Christmas Paper Plate Crafts For Kids

Christmas is a time of fun and festivity.  I’ve found over the years that my favorite traditions and activities for the kids tend to be simple, stress free and all about the experience. Enter paper plate crafts!  These are fun crafts that everyone in the family can enjoy.  Here are 10 Christmas paper plate crafts for kids (and kids at heart!).

Oh, Christmas Tree!

Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree!

How lovely are thy branches!

Your boughs so green and truly grand,

You even have a fancy stand!

See this one at A Little Learning for Two.

Making Christmas Trees from paper plates is the perfect Christmas craft! Here are some fun and simple Christmas paper plate crafts for kids {of all ages!}.

Snowman Advent

Frosty the Snowman

Was a jolly, happy mate

With a paper hat and a button grin,

And a head made from a plate.

See how easy it is to make this one at home!

Making a snowman advent from paper plates is the perfect Christmas craft! Here are some fun and simple Christmas paper plate crafts for kids {of all ages!}.

Deck The Halls

Deck the halls of boughs of holly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-a!

‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la!

Hang we now our wreath of paper, Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la!

With bow and candle this is no caper, Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!

Making Christmas wreaths from paper plates is the perfect Christmas craft! Here are some fun and simple Christmas paper plate crafts for kids {of all ages!}.

Winter Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

In the lane, snow is glistening.

Snow globes will elate,

When made from paper plates,

Crafting in a winter wonderland.

Making Christmas tree ornaments from paper plates is the perfect Christmas craft! Here are some fun and simple Christmas paper plate crafts for kids {of all ages!}.

Candy Cane Lane

Just a hint of peppermint

And everything begins to feel like Christmas!

There’s nothin’ like a sweet walk path,

So baby let’s go take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane.

Purchase a pack of these cute peppermint swirl paper plates at Etsy, then use them to create giant peppermint candies to line your lawn. Just adhere two plates together, bottom sides facing away from each other, and mount them on a wood dowel. Add cellophane and a bow for effect! 

Candy cane paper plates are perfect to use for Christmas crafts! Here are some fun and simple Christmas paper plate crafts for kids {of all ages!}.

Additional Christmas Paper Crafts To Try

Somewhere In My Memory

Candles in the window, shadows painting the ceiling,

Gazing at the fire glow, feeling that gingerbread feeling.

Precious moments, special people, happy faces, I can see.

Paper plate painting will become a cherished holiday memory.

Paper plates are perfect for Christmas crafts! Here are some fun and simple Christmas paper plate crafts for kids {of all ages!}.

Let It Snow!

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

but the fire is so delightful,

And since paper plate snowflakes never go

Let them show, let them show, let them show!

Making snowflakes from paper plates is the perfect Christmas craft! Here are some fun and simple Christmas paper plate crafts for kids {of all ages!}.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Good tidings we bring

To you and your kin.

Good tidings from paper plate banners

Festive decor that’s worth a grin!

Source.

Making Christmas garlands from paper plates is the perfect Christmas craft! Here are some fun and simple Christmas paper plate crafts for kids {of all ages!}.

Angels We Have Heard On High

Angels we have heard on high,

Sweetly singing o’er the plains.

 A most angelic craft I spy,

Angel placeholders you can’t restrain! 

Making angels from paper plates is the perfect Christmas craft! Here are some fun and simple Christmas paper plate crafts for kids {of all ages!}.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, lean your ear this way!

Don’t you tell a single soul what I’m going to say.

Here’s a paper plate craft

That’ll have you shouting, “Ho! Ho! Ho!” all the day!

Making Santa from paper plates is the perfect Christmas craft! Here are some fun and simple Christmas paper plate crafts for kids {of all ages!}.

Which of these Christmas paper plate crafts for kids do you think is going to be a favorite in your family? If you need more Christmas crafts ideas, try these DIY salt dough ornaments!

Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Kid Stuff Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas Crafts, Christmas paper plate crafts for kids, Kid Stuff, Kids Crafts, Paper Plate, Paper Plate Crafts, Paper Plate Crafts for Kids

Thought-Provoking Kids Science Experiments

April 22, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

When you need to busy your kids’ hands and their brains, one way to do just that is to let them conduct kids science experiments. Fun activities that also challenge kids to really think are the activities that promise to entertain and educate all at once. And those are the best kinds of activities for kids! Here are some fun and thought-provoking science experiments to challenge your kids.

One way to keep your kids occupied is to provide them with some fun kids science experiments. Kids get to have fun and learn science basics all in one! #halfpintpeepsblog #Kidsscienceexperiments

Kids Science Experiments

Fun activities that also challenge kids to really think are the activities that promise to entertain and educate all at once. Here are some fun and thought-provoking kids science experiments to challenge your kids.

School Science Fair Experiments

Fun activities that also challenge kids to really think are the activities that promise to entertain and educate all at once. Here are some fun and thought-provoking kids science experiments to challenge your kids. Check them out!

A lot of us may not think about kids science experiments until it’s time to come up with a project for the school science fair. If that’s you, I get it! But luckily for both of us, I’ve got a list of science fair project ideas to help you and your kids plan out the perfect one. There’s always the ever-popular flowing volcano!

Quick & Easy Science Experiments

Fun activities that also challenge kids to really think are the activities that promise to entertain and educate all at once. Here are some fun and thought-provoking kids science experiments to challenge your kids. Take a look!

For younger kids, these 5-minute science experiments may be just the perfect diversion for bored minds. They’re easy to do, but yield some seriously cool results! Grab some empty toilet paper rolls, gummy bears and food coloring–you’re going to need it all.

Science Experiments For Snackers

Fun activities that also challenge kids to really think are the activities that promise to entertain and educate all at once. Here are some fun and thought-provoking kids science experiments to challenge your kids. You can even make some science experiments that are edible!

Got a bored and hungry kid on your hands? It’s time to break out the science experiments you can eat! There are tons of fun projects on this list, and all of them yield edible results. Take a look, because I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

DIY Slime Experiments

Fun activities that also challenge kids to really think are the activities that promise to entertain and educate all at once. Here are some fun and thought-provoking kids science experiments to challenge your kids. You don't want to miss these fun DIY ideas!

I’m including slime as a DIY science experiment, because kids love it SO much. Making slime gives kids a chance to learn about chemical reactions. For younger kids who may be tempted to eat what they make, try slime recipes you can eat.

Science Experiments For Kids & Adults

Fun activities that also challenge kids to really think are the activities that promise to entertain and educate all at once. Here are some fun and thought-provoking kids science experiments to challenge your kids. Your kiddos will love these ideas!

When you have time at home together, science experiments are fun for both kids and parents. It’s also a great idea to involve the kids in home repairs and projects. Show them the “science” behind what you’re doing–nothing like quality time spent working on a project together!

Filed Under: DIY, Education, Kid Stuff Tagged With: DIY, DIY Science Experiments for Kids, Edible Science Experiments, education, Kid Stuff, kids science experiment ideas, Kids Science Experiments, Science Experiments, Science Experiments for Kids

St. Patrick’s Day Crafts For Kids {And Parents Too!}

March 4, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

This St. Patrick’s Day, have some lucky fun ready for the kids! Whether you take these craft ideas to a class party or just have fun with them at home, the kids will love these St. Patrick’s Day crafts for kids.

Make your child feel lucky (even if you aren't Irish) with these holiday crafts for kids. From leprechauns to clovers, we have ideas from toddlers on up! Keep the kids occupied with some fun St. Patrick's Day crafts! #craftsforkids #holidaycrafts #stpatricksdaycrafts

St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids

Whether you take these craft ideas to a party or just have fun with them at home, the kids will love these St. Patrick's Day crafts for kids. Get ready to have some fun!

St. Patrick’s Day Banner

Whether you take these craft ideas to a party or just have fun with them at home, the kids will love these St. Patrick's Day crafts for kids. The kids will love making this St. Patrick's Day banner.

There’s a little Irish in all of us on St. Patrick’s Day, right? Let the kids help you make a banner for your mantel or front door. All you need is black, green and white construction paper or cardstock. Cut individual black pennants and glue white letters onto them. Thread your banner on jute or rustic twine and hang it up.

Felt Shamrocks

Whether you take these craft ideas to a party or just have fun with them at home, the kids will love these St. Patrick's Day crafts for kids. The kids will love having these felt shamrocks to play with.

Buy felt squares at Michaels in a fun variety of shades of green. Don’t forget the buttons {unless you have a button jar!} and some bright yellow or white thread. The kids can cut out shamrock shapes from the green felt, add a button center, and use them in fun ways this St. Patrick’s Day. One way to use felt shamrocks is on a headband, as a boutonniere, or string them in a garland.

Rainbow Shamrock

Whether you take these craft ideas to a party or just have fun with them at home, the kids will love these St. Patrick's Day crafts for kids. This rainbow shamrock is something they'll love to take home and put up in their room.

According to Irish legend, you’ll find a leprechaun and his pot o’ gold at the end of a rainbow. This rainbow may not have a pot of gold at the end, but it looks cute just the same! All you need for this St. Patrick’s Day craft for kids are a bunch of craft sticks, paint and paper. The kids will love painting sticks and gluing them together to form a rainbow.

Leprechaun Crafts

Whether you take these craft ideas to a party or just have fun with them at home, the kids will love these St. Patrick's Day crafts for kids. Your kids will love making these leprechaun crafts with their friends.

This craft is great for class parties. The kids get to make leprechaun accessories out of cardstock and/or construction paper. The leprechaun accessories would be perfect for a selfie photo booth!

Have fun with these St. Patrick’s Day crafts for kids! Need more kids’ crafting ideas? Check out 10 no-supervision kid crafts.

Filed Under: Crafts, Kid Stuff Tagged With: Crafts, Crafts for Kids, Kid Stuff, St Patricks Day, St Patricks Day Crafts, St. Patrick's Day crafts for kids

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