A Week of Fun, Themed Winter Break Family Activities

A Week of Fun, Themed Winter Break Family Activities

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‘Twas the Week After Christmas when all through the house, the child was bored — but NOT quiet as a mouse!

You’ve all been there. You assume your kids will be grateful and more than happy to play with all their new toys. But instead they’re trashing the house, fighting with siblings, and complaining they’re bored! Overstimulation is a very real phenomenon. The holidays can be overwhelming for us all.  

Kids can use your compassionate guidance over the Winter Break, especially since they’re used to so much structured time. The vastness of break can lead to more TV and Nintendo Switch time than you’d care to admit. Deep down, you may long for a more meaningful experience for your kids.

After all, it’s been a difficult year. You may not like the new roles you’ve had to play – Teacher, Principal, Coach, Disciplinarian, Truancy Officer. The desire to reconnect as a family is particularly strong at this time of year when we’re basking in holiday altruism and preparing for a fresh start in 2021.

Feel free to incorporate some or all of these ideas into your week for a much-needed dose of fun…

Day 1: Board Game Day

Day 2: Winter Wonderland

  • Movie: Watch “Chronicles of Narnia,” “Frosty,” or “Moomins and the Winter Wonderland.”
  • Craft: Create ice candles to transform the backyard into a magical place. Bring the magic indoors by building your own snow globe out of a baby food jar, glitter, hot glue, and a waterproof toy or ornament.
  • Food: Dress in white for a winter wonderland dinner party with white foods – white cheese and crackers; chicken with white cream sauce, mashed potatoes, and cauliflower; and vanilla cupcakes, cheesecake, or eggnog for dessert.
  • Book: Ready or watch “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats.
  • Learn: Visit Nat Geo Kids to learn about winter celebrations, ice sculpting, and gingerbread houses.
  • Active Play: Bundle up and get outside. Take a walk around the neighborhood to see how the scenery has changed. Little ones will be happy with the standard snow angels or snowman. Return indoors for cocoa and a game of Don’t Slip Off The Snowflake. For older kids, up the ante by constructing an igloo (using bread pans) or a snow turtle.

Day 3: Space Day

  • Movie: Watch “Toy Story,” “Wall-E,” “Space Jam,” “La Luna,” or “Star Wars.”
  • Craft: Create plastic bottle jet packs. Paint galaxy space rocks. Make aliens in their spaceships.
  • Food: Wrap a hot dog in puff pastry for a “Rocket Dog” dinner.
  • Book: Read or watch “How To Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers.
  • Learn: Try a free app like Space Images, NASA, or Night Sky to learn more about space.
  • Active Play: Take a Space Walk, looking out for the space rocks you’ve strategically hidden, and potential aliens, too! Then flip bowls upside down to act as “planets,” as your child navigates your “ship” (a decorated cardboard box or laundry basket) through outer-space. You may also try a Space Adventure from Cosmic Kids Yoga for more structured guidance.

Day 4: Music Day

  • Movie: Watch “Coco,” “The Sound of Music,” “Mary Poppins,” or Sesame Street “Music Magic.”
  • Craft: Make your own microphones out of toilet paper rolls, tinfoil, gems, and construction paper.
  • Food: Whip up Tune-a-Piano sandwiches and a Music Note Veggie Tray for lunch.
  • Book: Read or watch “Because” by Mo Williams.
  • Learn: Learn Solfege, a system used in music theory to teach melody.
  • Active Play: Musical Chairs and Freeze Dance are fun, free games. A karaoke machine or Just Dance video game can add to the fun if you have the equipment. If you play an instrument, indulge in a few seasonal songs. Write and perform your own concert.

Day 5: Camp Out Day

Day 6: Sports Day

  • Movie: Watch a sports game – if not live, then an old historic match of your favorite team. You can also watch sports movies like “Sesame Street: Count on Sports,” “Scooby Doo Sports Spooktacular,” and “Arthur: the Good Sport” for younger kids, or “The Sand Lot,” “The Rookie,” “Mighty Ducks,” “Air Bud,” or “A League of Their Own” for older kids.
  • Craft: Make #1 Fan Foam Fingers and mini megaphones with your little sports fans.
  • Food: Order pizza and wings. Set out potato skins, a Charcuterie board, nachos, or these party foods.
  • Book: Read or watch “Bats at the Ballgame.”
  • Learn: Young children can learn to play soccer from the comfort of their own living rooms with the Soccer Shots on the Go program – an engaging virtual version of the live sessions.
  • Active Play: Play Charades, silently acting out different sports to see if others can guess what they are. Kick around a soccer ball, toss the baseball or football, shoot a few hoops (indoors, using the laundry hamper if you must!) Play Mario Tennis Aces – we won’t judge!

Day 7: Lego Day

We hope you enjoyed these fun family bonding activities. You can also contact Shine for virtual parties or pre-assembled crafting bags. If you live in New York’s East End, inquire about our safe in-person small group workshops available over the winter break today. Space is limited.

4 Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer

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Perhaps this year, more than ever, you have a deep longing to make a meaningful contribution. Maybe the stay-at-home orders have given you more idle time to reflect. Perhaps you’ve weathered the pandemic well and want to pay it forward with a spirit of generosity. Or you might wish to serve as a positive role model, showing your little ones that it’s not the receiving of gifts that brings joy to the heart, but the giving. It’s not always easy to donate amid the current crisis. Some organizations are turning away gently used clothing because they’re so inundated, while others are turning to corporate sponsors to reduce the points of contact. Here are a few charities still accepting the love and kindness of volunteers to fulfill their missions.

Adopt a Child’s Letter to Santa

The Postal Service has received letters to Santa for more than 100 years. In 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock allowed postal employees and citizens to respond to these letters in what is today known as “Operation Santa.

Here’s how to participate:

  • Visit the USPS Operation Santa website.
  • Look through the children’s letters and find one that speaks to your heart.
  • Find and wrap the items on the wish-list.
  • Be sure to follow the shipping guidelines.
  • Bring your package to a local post office by December 19th so it arrives for Christmas.

On a more local level, Stockings with Care on West 24th Street in Chelsea runs a similar operation, where a volunteer “Santa” is matched with a local child’s wish list to spread the magic of the holiday season. Through Amazon’s Operation Smile Program, a percentage of what you spend can be automatically donated to Stockings with Care, too.

Make a Holiday Greeting Card for a Lonely Senior Citizen

More than 40 percent of America’s seniors regularly struggle with loneliness – a situation that is compounded even more by the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home orders. Citymeals on Wheels works with volunteers to craft handmade cards to brighten the spirits of the homebound senior citizens. Last year, the organization delivered 76,106 cards.

Here’s what to do:

  • Make your card out of folded-in-half cardstock or construction paper.
  • Write a seasonally appropriate greeting in marker or crayon on the front of the card.
  • Draw mood-lifting images. Avoid glitter or religious symbols or language.
  • Include a first name inside the card or sign “from your friends at Citymeals on Wheels.”
  • Include a slip with your full name and email or mailing address.
  • Address the card to:

Handmade Card Project

Liz Cantillo

Citymeals on Wheels

309 Drake Street

Bronx NY 10474

You may also direct questions to Shiela@citymeals.org. Other opportunities exist through City Meals on Wheels throughout the year, including: driving for the meal delivery service branch; helping out at a food pantry, serving and make boxes; making weekly phone calls or visits to seniors; and volunteering in the donations office. As one 80-year-old woman explained: “The beautiful cards from the children adorn my walls. This food nourished my body, but the thoughts and love that come my way touched my soul.”

Provide a Gift through Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots Foundation assists the U.S. Marine Corps in providing a sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. The local mission hopes to support 40,000 Long Island families in need. So far, they’re a third of the way to reaching that goal, so any assistance you can provide will be much appreciated.

How to participate:

  • Find the nearest drop-off location.
  • Purchase from popular toy categories like sporting equipment, books, backpacks, electronics, radio control cars and trucks, games, science kits, dolls, and hover boards/helmets.
  • Host a drop-off box at home if you’d like to have friends, family, and coworkers get involved. This is a great project to organize in memory of a loved one who has passed.
  • Participate in the Suffolk County Collection Drive on December 13th at 8 am, where a car parade drives from Millers Ale House in Commack, NY to Millers Ale House in Lake Grove NY to raise awareness and charitable donations.
  • You can also make a financial contribution here. As a top-rated charity, 96 percent of your donation goes directly to providing toys, books, and gifts to children, while the other 4% covers fundraising drives.

If you sell used toys on eBay, you can donate 10 to 100% of your sale price to the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. Donors receive tax deductions and credit on eBay seller fees.

Host a Zoom Party for the Kids

Children exude resilience, even when they struggle internally to process all that’s happening. Whether they vocalize it or not, your children are likely feeling pangs of loneliness and isolation from school cancellations and paused social lives. Throughout the pandemic, Shine has offered craft bags and online classes to bring kids together. Our fully customizable holiday bags are full of goodies from wreaths to treats you can bake. The Shine team of educators sing, dance, perform live music, and guide the party through activities tailored to your theme. We can also staff a private day camp hosting up to eight kids (ages 4-11) with arts and crafts, science and nature, games and sports, music and educational programming. Contact us for details.

Looking for more ways to give back? You might also like:

The Art of Giving Back
Shine’s Favorite Things for the Holidays
10 Ways To Get NYC Kids Into the Giving Spirit
8 Activities for World Kindness Day
5 Simple Things You and Your Kids Can Do To Give Back During the COVID-19 Quarantine

DIY Thanksgiving Place Setting Crafts

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If there is any silver lining to 2020, it’s having more time with our kids — whether homeschooling, quarantining, or simply socially distancing in your own little pod. Crafting is an excellent way to relieve stress, so we’ve compiled a list of fun, easy Thanksgiving place setting crafts to help you bust boredom, while also adding a personal touch to your table spread.

Gratitude Pumpkins

What You Need:

  • Brown Marker
  • Orange and Green Paper
  • Green Pipe Cleaner
  • Hole Puncher
  • Brads (x2)
  • Scissors

How To Do It:

Cut five 8.5 x ¾-inch strips of orange paper. Punch a hole at both ends, and one in the middle, of each strip. Stack the strips on top of each other, placing a brad through the center to hold them together. Fan out the strips to look like an orange sun, writing something your child is thankful for on each strip. Cut out a leaf-shape from the green, write “I’m thankful for…”, and punch a hole in it. Layer the strips on top of each other again, word-side down. Wrap a green pipe-cleaner around the second brad and curl the ends around a pen so they look like curly tendrils. Finally, fasten the brad through the last pumpkin strips holes. Fan the pumpkin back out and voila! You can find more step-by-step photos here.

Spin Art Turkeys

What You Need:

  • A Salad Spinner
  • Toilet Paper Rolls
  • Paper Plates
  • Tempera Paint
  • Googly Eyes
  • Orange foam (or construction paper)
  • Red ribbon (or red-painted apple stems)

How To Do It:

Cut your paper plates to fit inside the salad spinner. Pour tempera paint onto the plates – whatever colors your child likes. Spin, spin, spin! Cut slits into the sides of your toilet paper roll. Fold your spin-art tail in half – colored side out – and insert it into the slits. Add googly eyes, red ribbon (or, in a pinch, red-painted apple stems), and an orange foam triangle beak with glue. Follow along at Dilly-Dali Art.

Pumpkin Handprint Photo Keepsake

What You Need:

  • Flour (1 Cup)
  • Salt (1 Cup)
  • Water (1/2 Cup)
  • Orange Paint
  • Brown Paint
  • Twine, Ribbon, or String
  • Round Cookie Cutter
  • Cookie Stamps
  • Small Piece of Cardboard
  • Craft Glue
  • Photo
  • Scissors
  • Oven

How To Do It:

Mix flour and salt. Add water. Roll the dough to 1 cm thick. Form a pumpkin shape, reserving a small piece of dough, which you’ll attach on top as the stump. Press your child’s handprint into the center of the pumpkin. Use the cookie cutter to make the circle for the photo. Stamp the date with cookie stamps. Add one hole on either side of the top pumpkin for the string. Bake the pumpkin for three hours at 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the oven, turn upside-down, and cool overnight. Paint and let dry. Add the string and photo, attaching a piece of cardboard backing with strong craft glue for added stability. Get more info at Teach-Me-Mommy.com.

Windsock Turkeys

What You Need:

  • Recycled can – cleaned and dried, with the top and bottom removed
  • Brown Paint
  • Elmer’s Craft Bond Quick Dry Glue
  • Elmer’s Medium Tip Painters Pen (Orange)
  • Large Googly Eyes
  • Fall Color Ribbons
  • Feathers, Felt, or Mix & Match Fall Color Construction Paper
  • Masking Tape

How To Do It:

Paint the can brown, allowing it to dry completely before drawing on the orange beak with the Painters Pen and attaching the eyes with Quick Dry glue. Cut 10-15 pieces of ribbon approximately 18”. Cover the inside rims of the can to protect little fingers, and then place rows of glue overtop the tape. On top, attach the turkey tail feathers made from actual feathers, felt, paper, or any combination of materials. On bottom, attach the decorative ribbons. Use the glue to attach a felt waddle and a ribbon for hanging over a chair. Visit Happiness is Homemade if you need more information.

Table Teepees

What You Need:

How To Do It:

Print out the teepee templates on white or colored paper. Cut along the solid black lines. Fold along the dotted lines so the bottoms align. Apply double-sided tape to the folded flap to connect the two sides of the teepee. Cut two straws into 5” pieces, taping them in a crisscross to the inside of the teepee. Cut out a banner, write a name on it, and use decorative Washi tape to affix it above the door of the teepee.

If you’re interested in more holiday crafts, inquire about upcoming workshops and classes in New York’s East End. We also do pop-up parties, entertaining the kids while you focus on hosting and conversing with your guests!

DIY Thanksgiving Place Setting Crafts

/in , , , /by

If there is any silver lining to 2020, it’s having more time with our kids — whether homeschooling, quarantining, or simply socially distancing in your own little pod. Crafting is an excellent way to relieve stress, so we’ve compiled a list of fun, easy Thanksgiving place setting crafts to help you bust boredom, while also adding a personal touch to your table spread.

Gratitude Pumpkins

What You Need:

  • Brown Marker
  • Orange and Green Paper
  • Green Pipe Cleaner
  • Hole Puncher
  • Brads (x2)
  • Scissors

How To Do It:

Cut five 8.5 x ¾-inch strips of orange paper. Punch a hole at both ends, and one in the middle, of each strip. Stack the strips on top of each other, placing a brad through the center to hold them together. Fan out the strips to look like an orange sun, writing something your child is thankful for on each strip. Cut out a leaf-shape from the green, write “I’m thankful for…”, and punch a hole in it. Layer the strips on top of each other again, word-side down. Wrap a green pipe-cleaner around the second brad and curl the ends around a pen so they look like curly tendrils. Finally, fasten the brad through the last pumpkin strips holes. Fan the pumpkin back out and voila! You can find more step-by-step photos here.

Spin Art Turkeys

What You Need:

  • A Salad Spinner
  • Toilet Paper Rolls
  • Paper Plates
  • Tempera Paint
  • Googly Eyes
  • Orange foam (or construction paper)
  • Red ribbon (or red-painted apple stems)

How To Do It:

Cut your paper plates to fit inside the salad spinner. Pour tempera paint onto the plates – whatever colors your child likes. Spin, spin, spin! Cut slits into the sides of your toilet paper roll. Fold your spin-art tail in half – colored side out – and insert it into the slits. Add googly eyes, red ribbon (or, in a pinch, red-painted apple stems), and an orange foam triangle beak with glue. Follow along at Dilly-Dali Art.

Pumpkin Handprint Photo Keepsake

What You Need:

  • Flour (1 Cup)
  • Salt (1 Cup)
  • Water (1/2 Cup)
  • Orange Paint
  • Brown Paint
  • Twine, Ribbon, or String
  • Round Cookie Cutter
  • Cookie Stamps
  • Small Piece of Cardboard
  • Craft Glue
  • Photo
  • Scissors
  • Oven

How To Do It:

Mix flour and salt. Add water. Roll the dough to 1 cm thick. Form a pumpkin shape, reserving a small piece of dough, which you’ll attach on top as the stump. Press your child’s handprint into the center of the pumpkin. Use the cookie cutter to make the circle for the photo. Stamp the date with cookie stamps. Add one hole on either side of the top pumpkin for the string. Bake the pumpkin for three hours at 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the oven, turn upside-down, and cool overnight. Paint and let dry. Add the string and photo, attaching a piece of cardboard backing with strong craft glue for added stability. Get more info at Teach-Me-Mommy.com.

Windsock Turkeys

What You Need:

  • Recycled can – cleaned and dried, with the top and bottom removed
  • Brown Paint
  • Elmer’s Craft Bond Quick Dry Glue
  • Elmer’s Medium Tip Painters Pen (Orange)
  • Large Googly Eyes
  • Fall Color Ribbons
  • Feathers, Felt, or Mix & Match Fall Color Construction Paper
  • Masking Tape

How To Do It:

Paint the can brown, allowing it to dry completely before drawing on the orange beak with the Painters Pen and attaching the eyes with Quick Dry glue. Cut 10-15 pieces of ribbon approximately 18”. Cover the inside rims of the can to protect little fingers, and then place rows of glue overtop the tape. On top, attach the turkey tail feathers made from actual feathers, felt, paper, or any combination of materials. On bottom, attach the decorative ribbons. Use the glue to attach a felt waddle and a ribbon for hanging over a chair. Visit Happiness is Homemade if you need more information.

Table Teepees

What You Need:

How To Do It:

Print out the teepee templates on white or colored paper. Cut along the solid black lines. Fold along the dotted lines so the bottoms align. Apply double-sided tape to the folded flap to connect the two sides of the teepee. Cut two straws into 5” pieces, taping them in a crisscross to the inside of the teepee. Cut out a banner, write a name on it, and use decorative Washi tape to affix it above the door of the teepee.

If you’re interested in more holiday crafts, inquire about upcoming workshops and classes in New York’s East End. We also do pop-up parties, entertaining the kids while you focus on hosting and conversing with your guests!

8 Activities for World Kindness Day

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November 13th is World Kindness Day. This international observance was introduced in 1998 by a coalition of kindness NGOs known as the World Kindness Movement. It began as a way to highlight good deeds in the community, overlooking boundaries of race and religion, to recognize the common thread of kindness that we all can share.

What Is Kindness?

Kindness is often confused with niceness or thoughtfulness. Kindness goes one step further than merely being nice. It’s a natural reaction to be nice to others who are nice to us. Kindness, though, is a proactive choice – going out of your way to cheer someone with your words and actions.

Thoughtfulness can be kind, but it’s often a word used to describe how we act toward family and friends. True kindness extends to the people in the community we may not know so well. It’s reaching out to classmates we’ve just met, neighbors we may not see often, and people of different skin colors, faiths, genders, and socioeconomic status.

8 Ways To Exercise Kindness

Of course, the best way to raise kind kids is to model it yourself – listen genuinely; put aside the chores and spend quality time when it’s needed; spend a few minutes playing; read books about kindness; observe and praise kindness in action among siblings; give random notes and gifts; emphasize the importance of recognizing friends and family on birthdays and holidays; wave and smile to strangers; find a passion project and volunteer.

Here are 8 activities to do with your child for World Kindness Day:

  1. Write a note and draw a picture for the teacher. The pandemic has been particularly stressful for teachers, whether they’re working virtually, splitting time in the physical classroom, or all in. Be sure to have your child include mention of what, specifically, is likable about the teacher. When you’re done, take a photo and send by email or messenger.
  2. Thank your mail carrier. Leave a note that says, “Thank you for delivering our mail each day!” USPS allows letter carriers to receive gift cards to specific retailers or eateries valued at $20 or less. FedEx does not allow deliverers cash or gift cards, but may receive gifts valued up to $75. UPS drivers have received knitted items, baked goods, and nominal gratuity tips.
  3. Give out three compliments today. Give out three compliments today. For young children, it can help to write out the compliments onto note cards that they can deliver to people. Another great exercise for young children with siblings is to have them write out three nice things about a brother or sister.
  4. Gift food. Make six giant chocolate chip cookies, place each one in a cellophane bag with a ribbon, including a note that says, “You’re a smart cookie!”, and drop them off to class friends or cousins. Give out bags of chips for the class with a note that says, “You’re all that – and a bag of chips!” Buy a stranger’s coffee or lunch at the drive-thru. Deliver a themed care package to an elderly neighbor – movie snacks, pasta night, chicken soup for the soul, or canned garden themed. If there are leaves or snow in your neighbor’s yard, clearing it is another random act of kindness.
  5. Donate locally. Gift a copy of your favorite book to your librarian. Donate outgrown clothes to Amvets or a homeless shelter. Pack up a grocery bag of popular items for the food pantry. Give food and litter to the animal shelter.
  6. Share Mother Nature’s bounty. Leave a potted plant on a loved one or neighbor’s doorstep. This time of year, you can also paint positive messages on miniature pumpkins and leave them on random doorsteps. Stop by a nursing home or senior center and give a bouquet to someone who hasn’t had a visitor in a while.
  7. Be the first thought in a grandparent’s day. Have your child send a sweet message to a grandparent first thing in the morning. A simple sentiment might be, “My days are brighter because of you!” or “The morning breeze is so gentle and sweet, it reminds me of you. Wish we were together today!” Your child might sing a favorite song to share or just give their own unscripted heartfelt message in a short video clip.
  8. Celebrate diversity. Kindness involves appreciating people who may have different cultures, traditions, beliefs, and preferences than ourselves. Choose a different culture to focus on each week. This week, you might serve up enchiladas with mariachi dinner music and watch “Coco” to celebrate Mexican culture. Next week, you might cook Jerk chicken while listening to steel drums and watch “Pirates of the Caribbean,” which was filmed in Jamaica. Every bit of exposure to something foreign and new helps. Little Passports is a great subscription service that sends curated boxes based on different countries from around the world. You might also consider signing up for one of our Globe Trekker classes geared toward kids 4-10 — which combines music, art, food, and games from around the world.

Ways To Celebrate Dia de los Muertos

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Dia de los Muertos is a holiday celebrating the rebirth of life in death, observed throughout Latin American communities on November 1st and 2nd. Most commonly, celebrations are associated with Mexico, but there are lively celebrations in US cities like Albuquerque, NM; San Diego, CA; San Antonio, TX; Tucson, AZ; and even locally, on Staten Island.

The History of Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos dates back thousands of years to ancient Mesoamerican cultures like the Aztecs, Mayans, and Toltecs. These civilizations believed that a person traveled to Chicunamictlán (the Land of the Dead) after departing from Earth. Souls must pass nine challenges here, over the course of several years, to reach Mictlán (the final resting place).

Ancient Nahua rituals, originally held for the month of August, provided food, water, and tools to help the souls make this arduous journey. Later, the celebration was moved by Christians to correspond with All Saints and All Souls Days on November 1st and 2nd. The souls of children are believed to return on the 1st and the adults on the 2nd.

Modern families commemorate this holiday with culinary traditions and the creation of altars in their homes. In some communities, it is customary to clean gravestones, decorate the plots with flowers, and hold candlelit vigils in honor of their loved ones.

We love the idea of celebrating Dia de los Muertos because it uniquely recognizes the cyclical nature of life, reinforces family customs, and honors departed relatives. It’s also a fun way to reinforce cultural sensitivity. Here are a few ways to partake in this annual tradition.          

Bake Bread of the Dead

Recipes vary, but this version of Pan de Muerto (from a renowned bakery in Mexico City) calls for unbleached flour, sea salt, sugar, crumbled cake yeast, dry yeast, water, over a dozen lightly beaten eggs, unsalted butter, orange rind, and orange flower. Put on the Mariachi music and enjoy the delicious aroma of yeasty bread that fills the air. It only takes 20 minutes to bake, but you’ll need to get your starter ready the day before to allow adequate time for rising.  At the end of your rising period, you’ll be fashioning the dough into a skull and crossbones. We also recommend making Mexican Hot Chocolate in the crockpot to go with your bread!

Decorate Your Home with Ofrenda

Ofrenda means “offering.” On November 1st, older members of the community set up altars to commemorate and attract loved ones who have passed away. A fine white tablecloth is laid out on a small wooden table. Decorative tissue paper is placed over the cloth. Images of saints and a crucifix are generally placed on an elevated altar in the center of the table.

The ofrenda includes:

  • Velas – candles (one for each departed soul) light the way back home
  • Copal – incense elevates the family’s prayers to God
  • Flor de Muerto – marigold “flowers of the dead” also helps attract souls to the altar
  • Calavera – skulls made of granulated sugar, meringue powder, and water
  • Papel picado — perforated papercrafts to denote life’s fragility and invite souls to pass
  • Pan de Muerto – “bread of the dead” feeds the hungry souls that come
  • Sal – salt in the shape of a cross purifies the souls and protects them from corruption
  • Agua – also a purifier, water can quench the thirst of returning souls
  • Fotografias – photographs ensure that your loved ones can cross over

Personal items are also typically added. These belongings may include favorite articles of clothing like hats or shawls, beloved toys/games/stuffies for the kids, vices like coffee/cigarettes /liquors honoring a person’s taste, and favorite foods (mole, tamales, fruit, arroz rojo, hot chocolate, and dried fruits, for instance).

Make Sugar Skull Crafts

Sugar skulls are one of the most famous icons known to Dia de los Muertos, representing the sweetness of life. You can buy the molds and make the sugary treats yourself – or perhaps you’d enjoy one of these handicraft versions instead:

Another easy and popular craft is the Dia de los Muertos garland – comprised of pretty patterned papers, string, clothespins, scissors, and markers.

Watch “Coco” for Family Movie Night

“Coco” is a Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning Disney/Pixar animated film, geared toward ages 7+, but suitable for all ages. What 12-year-old Miguel wants most is to play Mariachi music, but his family believes that music has cursed them. This vibrant, beautiful coming-of-age drama is a tribute to kin and culture, as viewers journey to the underworld to uncover Miguel’s family secrets. Blessed with a wonderful soundtrack and packed with references to Dia de los Muertos traditions, the film is as enjoyable as it is educational.

Alt Picks: If you’ve seen “Coco” hundreds of times already, you might want to try: Let’s Go Luna’s “Day of the Dead” episode on PBS; Film School Shorts’ “Dia de los Muertos” on PBS; Scooby Doo and the Monster of Mexico on Amazon Prime; The Book of Life on Hulu; or Super Monster’s Dia los Monsters on Netflix. Once the kids go to bed, check out the James Bond movie Spectre (also on Hulu) — which inspired the first Dia de los Muertos parade in 2016.

Take a Culture Class

If you live in the NYC region, Shine offers Listillos, a Spanish immersion class combining storytelling, games, art, theater, music, cooking, crafts, Spanish language lessons, and field trips. These fun, engaging classes appeal to students learning Spanish as a second language, as well as native natural speakers who want to participate in cultural activities. The bilingual class is taught by a native Spanish speaker and is open to children of all language levels. Contact us to inquire about availability.

6 Ways to Reconnect after a Bad Homeschool Day

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For years, many of us have been sheltered from our kids’ worst days and academic frustrations. Now it’s front and center in our lives, draining us when we feel our buckets of sanity have long ran dry. Social media posts attempt to lighten the mood – with some new homeschool teachers remarking that 2020 was when they “learned how much liquor it takes to be a parent,” or admitting they never imagined “teaching elementary school math” would be the hardest part of battling a global pandemic. Other parents counted barefoot trampoline jumping as a great day of school, LEGOS as an acceptable extracurricular activity, and children hiding from their responsibilities behind locked bedroom doors as a win.

We don’t have to tell you that juggling homeschooling on top of every other household responsibility can feel like the dam’s levy blowing out. Yet, beneath your frustration, there is a beauty to sharing this fleeting time with your children. There is an opportunity to connect with your children as they learn and grow, to be the fly on the wall of their classroom experience, and to demonstrate how to exude grace under pressure even when it feels impossible.

If you’re having trouble seeing the silver lining and your day’s gone off the rails, consider a few of these ways to reconnect and ensure the day isn’t a total loss.

Give the gift of patience and surrender to the chaos. The day might be slower, messier, or less productive than you imagined, but it’s your child’s day, too. Patience can be the most meaningful gift you give. If you catch yourself dictating, slow yourself and trust your child’s burgeoning autonomy. Far too often, we jump in to solve problems, robbing our children of their ability to make mistakes, learn, and grow. As their confidence swells, so will the effectiveness of your days. Be fully present – making eye contact, truly listening, and asking questions about how your child would like to structure the day. Having a written schedule and sticker reward system can help your child see what to expect for the day and feel accomplished – but be sure to provide wiggle room for your child to choose the order.

Take a field trip. A change of scenery can be a real game-changer. Simply getting outside and into nature, no matter the weather, refreshes the mind and body. Study the changing leaves, count the acorns you find, try to guess which type of bird is singing. Walking leisurely, side by side, allows space for meaningful conversation. You can try asking an open-ended question and listening quietly to your child’s response, rather than lecturing or overriding their views. If possible, you may opt to visit the zoo, a local museum, or an apple-picking farm for your change of scenery.

Throw in the towel and make it a life skills day. Some days feel like trying to fit a square peg through a round hole. There are seven days in a homeschool week and enough flexibility built in that you can take extra time to catch up on the lessons when emotions aren’t running so high. Instead, take that anxious energy and apply it to scrubbing the floors, washing the car, tackling the laundry, sweeping out the garage, grooming the dog, organizing clothes for donation, and decluttering the toys. Save that batch of homemade cookies whipped up together as the sweet reward for a busy day of contributing to the household.

Reward perseverance with a moment of bliss. “If we can just get through this one task,” you might begin – and finish off by suggesting a feel-good activity you know your child will enjoy. For some kids, it could be an ice cream sundae or a movie night with popcorn. For others, it might be a warm bath or a tea party. Your family might enjoy playing a board game to unwind, building LEGOS and puzzles, or painting and crafting. It could be as simple as a piggyback ride, a wrestling match, a scavenger hunt, or a family dance party. In your downtime, make a list of high-value rewards to fall back upon for those difficult days.    

Make time for one-on-one. One-on-one time doesn’t have to expend a lot of creativity or energy. When your child grows up, it will be the simple moments they remember with great fondness. Devote extra minutes for bedtime snuggling. Tell stories about your childhood or recall your favorite family memories while flipping through a photo album. Read your child’s favorite book. Imagine a homespun story, alternating every other line with your child or asking questions in a “choose your own adventure” style to encourage active participation.  

Apologize and teach humility. Recognizing and owning your mistakes is a more powerful lesson than perfection. We are all lifelong learners. Letting your child see this fallible self can reassure your child about his or her own vulnerabilities and shows there is a path to redemption after a setback. Apologize gently and ask your child for advice on what you could have done differently in that moment. You may be surprised by a child’s capacity for wisdom!

A homeschool implosion doesn’t have to damage your relationship. As one four-year-old put it: “You can just take that part of your day and garbage it.” Staying connected with your child throughout their formative years and through adolescence requires the patience of the saint, commitment, and an open mind, but it is well worth the effort. One day, you’ll find your child is not just your progeny – but a true friend who reflects back all the kindness you’ve poured in over the years.

The Importance of Working with Natural Art Materials

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The sight of auburn leaves against a crisp blue sky and smells of autumn are enough to make any New Yorker want to craft with nature’s finest art materials. Inside your home, you may be stocked up on glitter, pipe cleaners, and pompoms – only to find your children enjoy building rock piles, picking flowers, and collecting acorns just as well. At Shine, nature-inspired, naturally-sourced art materials are among our favorite camp projects. Continue reading to learn how to invite more natural beauty into your lives and get inspired by fall art ideas.

Why We Love Crafting with Nature

  • Materials are readily available. You don’t have to drive to the store to start an art project. You need only go into the backyard or to a local forage-friendly park to find nearly everything you need. Kids often become inspired on a whim, so the availability of natural art materials is an obvious bonus.
  • Art materials are free of charge. Mother Nature gives to us freely. It’s all too easy to spend more than $100 in a craft store. The materials you use may not last forever, but snapping a photo for posterity is all it takes to have those memories last a lifetime.
  • Natural art materials are ecofriendly. Glue and paint contain a lot of nasty chemicals. Most glitter and tape are nonbiodegradable. The production of art materials leads to greater CO2 emissions, global warming, and transportation-related pollution. All of this can be avoided with the use of nature’s art materials. By having your kids create using nature’s finest offerings, you are raising a next-generation conservationist.
  • The supplies are versatile. While it can be nice to experiment with an all-in-one craft kit, there are limitations to the projects you can ultimately make. On the other hand, there is an endless range of crafts that can be made using items like acorns, feathers, flowers, leaves, mud, nuts, pinecones, rocks, sand, shells, sticks, and twigs.
  • Nature evokes creativity. Henry David Thoreau once said, “It is the marriage of the soul with nature that makes the intellect fruitful, and gives birth to imagination.” The mind blossoms when it has to seek out something round for eyes, rather than relying on a generic set of store-bought Googly-eyes. It takes creative problem-solving to get the leaf to stick onto a rock without glue.
  • It’s a healthier way to create. Sourcing from nature forces us outdoors. We could all use a bit of sunlight and fresh air this time of year. Grab a sweater and your favorite basket to start collecting a bin of materials you can use today or during the winter.

Natural Alternatives To Common Craft Materials

Consider replacing some of your most commonly-used craft supplies with natural ingredients:

  • Paper – Leaves, bark, rocks, sidewalk
  • Popsicle Sticks – Sticks from trees
  • Pipe Cleaners – Flexible plant stems
  • Beads – Shells or acorns
  • Paint – Clay, berries, vegetable dye, or crushed flowers mixed with water
  • Ribbons – Long grass or plant leaves
  • Googly Eyes – Spotty leaves and a hole puncher
  • Buttons – Branch slices with two holes drilled
  • Glitter – Red bottlebrush flower, Lilly Pilly flowers, mica

Easy, Nature-Inspired Fall Crafts To Try Today

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy these leaf-based arts and crafts:

  • Leaf Butterflies: Use a stick as the body and leaves as the wings, with marker detailing.
  • Leaf Stained Glass: Draw on contact paper, stick leaves overtop, and press to window.
  • Leaf Zoo: Different shape leaves can be made into a whimsical elephant, fox, or parrot.
  • Leaf Fox Faces: Leaves lend themselves to make the perfect fox ornament or magnet.
  • Leaf Prints: Use nature’s stamper; dip leaves into paint and press onto a surface.
  • Leaf People: Rocks, twigs, flowers, leaves, acorns, and whatever you find come to life.
  • Leaf Garland: Dip leaves in wax and string across a doorway for festive décor.
  • Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns: A flameless tea candle and leaf jar is the perfect nightlight.
  • Leaf Crown: Fasten leaves into crowns with staples, floral wire and tape, or string/hole.
  • Pinecone Leaf Turkey: Gear up for Thanksgiving with this great place-setting craft.

If necessary, you can preserve leaves using glycerin or wax paper for better longevity.

Check out our Pinterest board for more fall craft ideas, from Bark Owls to Pumpkin Seed Trees. If you live in the NYC/East End, you can also contact Shine to enroll in one of our classes, workshops, or parties, where you’ll find all the materials and instructions needed to make beautiful natural crafts.

How To Raise A Culturally Sensitive Child

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It’s never too early to begin the conversation about race with our children. Yet, research published last year reveals most people are avoiding the topic. Only 10 percent of parents discuss race “often” with their children. Black parents (22%) are more likely than whites (6%) to talk about race with their children. Fifty-seven percent of parents “rarely” or “never” talk about gender with their kids and nearly 35 percent of parents “never” talk to their kids about social class. Less than a third of parents of 3-5 year-olds discuss race and ethnicity “sometimes” or “often.”

Parents may shy away from directly addressing skin color and other physical traits in hopes of raising a “colorblind” child, but researchers and educators have found that, in the absence of strong leadership, children fill in the gaps with their own rudimentary prejudices. Children are not inherently “racist,” but they do notice differences, form natural biases, and even judge people based on perceived differences.

The year 2020 will not only go down in history for its pandemic, but for the awakening of society to the Black Lives Matter movement and the cries for equality and justice. Parents can do their part in creating a more culturally sensitive society by teaching young babies and children how to be kind, compassionate, and fair to peers from all races, cultures, and religions. Here we share a few startling facts about racial identity observed in young children and offer suggestions for tackling the issue with the under-six crowd.

It’s Never Too Early To Start The Conversation About Race

School-age may seem like a natural time to talk about diversity, but studies show Kindergarten is much too late to start the conversation. Babies are already watching and forming their own preferences:

  • “At birth, babies look equally at faces of all races. By three months, babies look more at faces that match the race of their caregivers” (Kelly et al, 2005).
  • “Children as young as two use race to reason about people’s behaviors” (Hirschfeld, 2008).
  • “By 2.5 years, most children use race to choose playmates” (Katz & Kofkin, 1997).
  • “Expressions of racial prejudice often peak at ages 4 and 5” (Aboud, 2008).
  • “At five years, Black and Latinx children show no preference toward their own groups, as compared to White children at this age who are more likely to be strongly biased in favor of whiteness” (Dunham et al, 2008).
  • “By Kindergarten, children show many of the same racial attitudes held by adults in our culture. They have already learned to associate some groups with higher status than others” (Kinzler, 2016).
  • “Explicit conversations with 5-7 year-olds about interracial friendship can dramatically improve their racial attitudes in as little as a single week” (Bronson & Merryman, 2009).

Bright little minds are always trying to assign rules for what they see around them. They’re looking for patterns – who lives in the homes they see, who is the hero of the movie, what clothes and cars do people have, how are parents and children interacting at the playground, and who seems to have particular jobs or roles at the supermarkets, grocery stores, banks, schools, and other locations they visit frequently. Children often infer that the differences they see are natural, justified, and based on meaningful inherent differences between the groups they see operating in society. The silence of adult bystanders inadvertently allows myths and biases to persist, therefore reinforcing patterns of systemic racism.

What You Can Do To Raise A Culturally Sensitive Child

Make space for your child’s respectful curiosity. 

Parents can encourage a child’s natural curiosity and questioning, but reframe the narrative in a direct-but-compassionate manner. For instance, if a child asks about skin color, explain that skin comes in many different colors, but it still works the same way to protect our bodies. By the same token, though we may look different on the outside, we have many of the same hopes, dreams, and feelings on the inside. “The Skin You Live In” is a great children’s picture book exploring this subject. Some parents have compared the concept to ice cream to help little ones understand; ice cream comes in many different flavors — vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch – but they’re all good in their own ways. If you’re not sure how to respond to common questions kids have, see what neuropsychologists, educators, and parenting coaches have to say.

Start with Sesame Street.

Since the beginning, Sesame Street has been intentional about including diverse voices in its cast of human and muppet characters. From children in wheelchairs, with same-sex parents, or Afghani citizenship, to muppets with autism, HIV, or parents in jail, a wide range of perspectives and topics can be presented in ways that are inclusive and easy for kids to understand. Big Bird alone can’t do all the teaching – parents still need to help children make that leap from fantasy to reality – but multicultural programming is a positive reinforcement for the honest, direct conversations that need to happen amongst family members. 

Build an #OwnVoices library.

The #OwnVoices book list is a useful shorthand for books featuring diverse characters written by people who share those identities. As a collective, these books open the door to marginalized groups and invite more voices to share their stories. Reading Partners offers a list of children’s picture books from #OwnVoices, including a book by former president Barack Obama! EmbraceRace.org offers another well-curated list of books featuring diversity.

Choose diverse toys.

Children learn through play. Providing a variety of toys for a child to play with might mean giving girls Hot Wheels cars and STEM toys, or dolls and play kitchen foods for boys. It could be stocking that play kitchen with foods from around the world. It could mean buying a pack of crayons that accounts for every different skin tone and hair color. The Every Mom published a list of 20 diverse toys that make great gifts.

Foster healthy esteem.

“Happy, well-adjusted kids tend not to be bigots,” as KidsPeace Director of Psychology Peter Langman, Ph.D. put it. “Kids who feel like they aren’t valued tend to look for targets—someone they deem ‘different’—to release their own anger and frustration.” Building esteem is especially important for kids who feel singled out for some reason. Use positive reframing – as in “your hair isn’t frizzy; it’s just happy!” or “your nose isn’t too big – you are still growing.” Teach your child it’s important to stand up against bullies – that it’s sometimes necessary to say, “I don’t like your name-calling and I want you to stop.” Praising a child for effort, giving out routine chores, encouraging new hobbies, and spending quality time together are all ways to foster a child’s budding competence, identity, and esteem.    

Celebrate multicultural holidays.

One of the easiest and most fun ways to engage with people from other cultures is to share in different holiday celebrations. During these periods, school-age children in particular will notice that children may or may not share their same holidays. Parents can use these times to teach about where a particular holiday originated, why people celebrate it, and what traditions make it special. Celebrations might include African American holidays like Kwanzaa and Juneteenth, Hindu holidays like Diwali and Sankranti, Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas, Jewish holidays like Hanukkah and Rosh Hashana, Muslims holidays like Eid and Ramadan, or Mexican holidays like Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo. Read a book, watch a movie, make a craft, cook a recipe, visit a museum, attend a local festival – there are many ways to participate.    

Get involved in the community.

Since the flawed suburbanization and urban renewal projects of the 1970s, many families inadvertently find themselves stranded in neighborhoods lacking diversity. American Poet Maya Angelou once said, “When you know better, do better.” Parents are the best role models of tolerance and acceptance – not just in speech, but in action. Seeking out friendships and social networks with families of different races should be prioritized – whether it’s through team sports, performing arts, hobbies, clubs, music classes, toddler play groups, community service projects, or church groups. If you live in the New York City region, Shine offers creative multicultural programming combining art, science, music, storytelling, and play that is welcoming to families from all walks of life. By sharing common interests, children become comfortable playing and working with people from cultural backgrounds that may be different from their own.

Best Places to Shake Off Your COVID-19 Blues on Long Island’s East End

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As we prepare to enter the fifth month of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s only natural to worry about the mental and emotional toll the isolation is taking on your child and family. You may yearn for normalcy, but worry about the risks of returning to family fun as usual. Many of the places you used to take the kids are still closed and highly anticipated summer events have been cancelled.

What’s a parent to do?

It’s important that we shine our inner lights, so our children remember this summer as a time of growth and enrichment, not stagnation. The places we love may be operating a little differently, but in some ways, timing your visit during this low-traffic time makes it better.

To help, we’ve curated a list of idyllic places to spend a safe, enjoyable summer afternoon on Long Island’s East End. Also, we offer the latest scoop on day camps that are running with expanded safety protocols, offering a fun, educational environment that isn’t so dependent on parental supervision.

LongHouse Reserve

LongHouse Reserve is a 16-acre sculpture garden dedicated to reflecting world cultures and inspiring creativity. Here you’ll find a maze-like environment of giant chess boards, lotus plant ponds, and futuristic solar panel art installations. Two hours should be a good amount of time to take in the surrounding beauty and 60+ works of art.

The garden re-opened to the public on June 17th — but due to COVID-19, visits are by timed ticket reservations ONLY. Day trips are $15 and Twilight Tours $30, but be sure to plan a week or two in advance, as tickets are selling out.  

Everyone is required to wear a mask, except children under two – who must be kept in strollers. Restrooms and water fountains are closed, benches are roped off, INstore is closed, and six-foot social distancing with other groups is advised.  

Bridge Gardens

The five acres of Bridge Gardens provides a welcome respite for birdwatching, painting, photography, and nature study in the heart of Bridgehampton. The mix of community gardens, demonstration plots, and ivy mazes makes it the perfect oasis for picnicking.

Bridge Gardens is open daily from 10-4 with free admission. Out of an abundance of caution, the Peconic Land Trust has switched their tour programming to virtual Zoom meetings instead.

Madoo Conservancy

Established by artist, writer, and gardener Robert Dash, Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack is a registered historic site replete with fairytale cottages, Chinese ponds, unique artwork, and enchanting gardens.

Madoo Conservancy opened for the season on June 22nd. If you wish to visit the Madoo Conservancy, visits for groups of 10 or less are now by APPOINTMENT ONLY. The garden is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 12-4pm through October 10th, 2020.

All guests are required to wear face masks, which can also be found on-site if you do not have one. Guests are asked to wash their hands upon entering and using hand sanitizer upon leaving.  Strollers are not permitted and there are no public restrooms at this time.

The $10 admission fee is waived, thanks to a generous grant from the Barry Friedberg and Charlotte Moss Family Foundation.

Amber Waves Farm

Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett has received praise for their safety-first approach to produce cultivation during the COVID-19 crisis. Normally, this time of year, there are pizza-making workshops, farm tours, and story hours for kids – but specialty programming has been placed on hold in light of recent events. Even so, Full Moon Suppers are on the calendar starting in August, and you can always stop by for a box of produce and a bite to eat.

The Café opened for the 2020 season on June 13th with breakfast and lunch orders available to-go or to enjoy at their socially-distant picnic tables from 8am to 4pm. Guests are asked to wear masks any time they are on the property, except for when dining. You can also shop the market and order a produce box for next-day curbside pickup online. The staff is required to wear gloves and face coverings while working at the market.

Looking for a safe enrichment environment for your children?

Summer camp for ages 4-11 is a little different this year, with pods very limited in size to keep everybody safe. We have three full days of programming (9:00 am to 2:30 pm), with a few spots left.

Monday outdoor sessions at LongHouse Reserve will meet in two groups of 10, with no other camps on-site. Wednesday and Friday sessions at the Children’s Museum of the East End from July 20th through September 4th offers an exclusive opportunity to visit the museum while it is closed to the public.

Beyond the size limitations, Shine educators are strictly adhering to ALL State of New York and CDC protocols. Parents are to stay in the car during pickups and drop-offs. We will ask you a few questions, such as whether anyone in your household has experienced COVID-like symptoms in the past 14 days, tested positive, or come into contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected coronavirus. Campers will have their temperatures taken and wash their hands thoroughly before the day begins. Teachers and counselors will be wearing masks when interacting with children, remaining at a distance whenever possible, and sanitizing surfaces and materials frequently.  

Children will receive the same high-quality Shine programming we’ve curated for the past six years. Carolina Fuentes and Drumanawé will be stopping by with their unique combination of music and movement. Mondays feature Chris Sahr’s fine arts groups and a coach from Super Soccer Stars. Wednesday Workshops bring in local farmers and artisans. Fridays include art with Chris Sahr and fun interactive STEM activities with Snapology.

Shine will be taking summer excursions to all of the places mentioned here. Check out some of the places we’ve been with the kids so far, from strawberry fields to beaches on our Instagram. We’re also working on adding private museum access and guided walks at SoFo in the coming weeks as well. Contact us to inquire about availability and the latest partnerships.

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