This is a group game where the more people the better. It can also be an effective game for helping children see the effects of words and gossip.
It is easy to play this game seated in a circle or a line. The leader makes up something to say, and whispers it into the ear of the person next to him/her. Each successive player repeats what they think they heard to the next player, each time whispering into their neighbor's ear. The last player states aloud what s/he thinks s/he heard. It is most often not exactly what the first player said, and at times not even close to what the leader said!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Crossed, Uncrossed
This has long been one of my favorite parlor/group games. All you need is a group of people and a pair of scissors. The leader begins by telling how s/he received the scissors-either crossed or uncrossed-and how s/he will pass the scissors-either crossed or uncrossed.
The object of receiving the scissors crossed or uncrossed is based on your leg position. If you received the scissors with your legs crossed, then that is how you received the scissors. If you pass them with your legs uncrossed, then you pass them uncrossed.
The more elaborate you make your actions with the scissors, the less likely it is the participants will figure out just what the crossing and uncrossing action is really all about. After awhile, then you may need to exaggerate your leg movements to help them catch on to what it is really all about.
The object of receiving the scissors crossed or uncrossed is based on your leg position. If you received the scissors with your legs crossed, then that is how you received the scissors. If you pass them with your legs uncrossed, then you pass them uncrossed.
The more elaborate you make your actions with the scissors, the less likely it is the participants will figure out just what the crossing and uncrossing action is really all about. After awhile, then you may need to exaggerate your leg movements to help them catch on to what it is really all about.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Developmental Discovery System
If you and your mate are looking for hints to dealing with your child with Developmental Problems , you may be interested in what you can learn from this blog. Rodger Bailey and his wife Isabel Aguilar work with children who have developmental problems . They provide an international consulting system in English and Spanish to help their clients develop age appropriately. If you are looking for help in dealing with your delayed child, this blog may be full of useful information for you and your family.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
King Frog
This parlor game is lots of fun for younger kids. Each player chooses an animal to imitate. They must come up with a symbol to represent this animal. Each player must remember each symbol. One player is the King Frog. His symbol is to clap your hands together, then move the top one away as if jumping.
The game begins with everyone seated in a circle. The King Frog makes his sign. He immediately makes another sign following his. The player whose sign was made must immediately make his/her sign followed immediately by another player's sign. Play continues in this fashion.
If any player hesitates and/or misses his cue, the players proceeds to the end of the circle, and all other players move up one seat. The goal is to become the King Frog.
The game begins with everyone seated in a circle. The King Frog makes his sign. He immediately makes another sign following his. The player whose sign was made must immediately make his/her sign followed immediately by another player's sign. Play continues in this fashion.
If any player hesitates and/or misses his cue, the players proceeds to the end of the circle, and all other players move up one seat. The goal is to become the King Frog.
The Grapes of Spain
One of the parlor games my husband likes to pull, er, play with people is "The Grapes of Spain". All you need is a broom, or some other prop, and a group of people of various ages.
Sit the people around the room, a circle works well. Hold the broom. You can make whatever actions you want with the broom, the more elaborate, the more it throws people off. While holding the broom, and doing whatever actions you have chosen, recite this ditty:
"The grapes of Spain are very fine grapes, but the grapes of California are better."
You can put the accent and cadence where ever you want.
The key however is that you MUST say "now it's your turn" as you hand the broom to the next player. Their goal is to recite EXACTLY what you said and then hand the broom to the next player.
Most folks will leave off the "now it's your turn", which means they did not succeed in doing it properly. It really leaves them wondering what they did wrong. The fun comes in watching everyone try to get the broom movements, the accent and cadence of the phrase right, and neglecting to say "now it's your turn".
Try it with a group.
Sit the people around the room, a circle works well. Hold the broom. You can make whatever actions you want with the broom, the more elaborate, the more it throws people off. While holding the broom, and doing whatever actions you have chosen, recite this ditty:
"The grapes of Spain are very fine grapes, but the grapes of California are better."
You can put the accent and cadence where ever you want.
The key however is that you MUST say "now it's your turn" as you hand the broom to the next player. Their goal is to recite EXACTLY what you said and then hand the broom to the next player.
Most folks will leave off the "now it's your turn", which means they did not succeed in doing it properly. It really leaves them wondering what they did wrong. The fun comes in watching everyone try to get the broom movements, the accent and cadence of the phrase right, and neglecting to say "now it's your turn".
Try it with a group.
Listen to Your Kids' Music
If you have shared your classic music with your kids , your next family activity could be to listen to your kids music. 
Here you can look at today's unsigned chart with free music downloads. You can access all of today's hot, new independent bands and music. Join for free to access the over 600 MP3 downloads. Find upcoming gig dates, read blogs and reviews. You can find something for every music lover, from blues and jazz to alternative, urban and rock.
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Parlor Games
Although many of us no longer have what we would call a "parlor", there are many games that would qualify as "parlor games". A number of these would be considered board games or table games. However, there are a few that need very little props other than people. My husband learned quite a few of these from his grandfather and loves to use them on unsuspecting folks. I will try list some of these in seperate posts.
North Cascades Environmental Learning Center
North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.
Here is something for the whole family. It is the family camp experience with all the fun. Hiking, canoeing, exploring. See pristine mountain streams, meadows filled with wildflowers, forests, learn about Native American history.
The campus is located three hours northwest of Seattle on the north shore of Diablo Lake. Here you can view the beauty of the North Cascades mountains. Spend time learning together in the multimedia classrooms, the research library and the aquatic and terrestrial laboratories. Also experience the amphitheater, the outdoor learning shelters and trails.
The dining area features kid friendly menus along with a recycling and composting center. Family getaways are available for $195 per adult and $95 per child.
Here is something for the whole family. It is the family camp experience with all the fun. Hiking, canoeing, exploring. See pristine mountain streams, meadows filled with wildflowers, forests, learn about Native American history.
The campus is located three hours northwest of Seattle on the north shore of Diablo Lake. Here you can view the beauty of the North Cascades mountains. Spend time learning together in the multimedia classrooms, the research library and the aquatic and terrestrial laboratories. Also experience the amphitheater, the outdoor learning shelters and trails.
The dining area features kid friendly menus along with a recycling and composting center. Family getaways are available for $195 per adult and $95 per child.
Fantasy Football
Are you a football fan? Do your kids enjoy it as much as you do? Why not start a family team for the fantasy football league? The kids will get a kick out of helping you draft your team. Then the excitement can build throughout your home as you watch your team hopefully win to compete for the grand prizes. If they don't make it, maybe you can root together as a family for the toilet bowl team! Draft begins August 18!
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Swimming
All kids love to cool off with a splash in the pool. Your family can cool off with a day at the pool. Most cities have a public pool that is open in the summer for all to enjoy. If your city does not, perhaps there is a private pool, YMCA or school pool that would be willing to let the town folks use it for a fee. Also, renting a pool for a sumemr time party is a favorite with almost all kids.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Gone Fishing
Many young kids love to try new things. Fishing is one of those things that many kids think would be great to try. Even if you are not a fisherman, you can still give your kids a taste of this adventure. Many local communities offer fishing days. Many state parks also offer free fishing, perhaps with a little guidance as well. Or if you are up to the challenge, head out to your local lake or pond.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Innovative Tutoring
If you family is looking for tutoring, whether it is to catch a child up, keep him caught up, or to see him excel, Score Educational Centers offer an Innovative Tutor program. This program is hands on, with postive coaches who really work to motivate and encourage the child to progress and succeed. At Score, they know they have two customers-the parent and the child. At Score, each child progresses at his/her own pace. As each child moves ahead, the studies become more and more challenging. If you are looking for this kind of tutoring, check out Score. 
You can even watch a video on their website of what they offer.
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Library
Going to the library is a great way to spend time together as a family. And summer is the perfect time to visit your local library. You can cool off in the library while picking out some great books to read together.
If your local library is like ours, you will find a huge assortment of children's and teens activities going on every day through the summer. You can participate in reading programs where the kids earn prizes. They may have movie days, craft days, and days celebrating well loved book characters.
Head to your library and find out all the activities they have to offer your family.
If your local library is like ours, you will find a huge assortment of children's and teens activities going on every day through the summer. You can participate in reading programs where the kids earn prizes. They may have movie days, craft days, and days celebrating well loved book characters.
Head to your library and find out all the activities they have to offer your family.
Before the Show
My kids often want to go to the movies. I am not much impressed with many, if any, movies that come out these days. Even though my kids are big, I still like to find out what is going on in the movie before we see it. This way I can determine if the movie is appropriate for our family as entertainment. Much of what is put out today as family friendly entertainment is not entertainment at all.
My favorite site to visit before deciding whether or not to see a movie is screenit.com . This site really gives a detailed review of what type things are done and said in the movie. You will find not only violent and sexual content listed here, but also profanity, imitative behavior and family topics to talk about. It is the most thorough review site I have found for pre-movie viewing.
Screenit has become a paid site, costing $25 a year. This allows you access to all movies as they are released. However, you can still join for free if you are willing to wait to read the reviews until after the show has already opened. This is the option I use, as we rarely see a movie when it opens. You still get all the same thorough reviews for movies and videos for free.
My favorite site to visit before deciding whether or not to see a movie is screenit.com . This site really gives a detailed review of what type things are done and said in the movie. You will find not only violent and sexual content listed here, but also profanity, imitative behavior and family topics to talk about. It is the most thorough review site I have found for pre-movie viewing.
Screenit has become a paid site, costing $25 a year. This allows you access to all movies as they are released. However, you can still join for free if you are willing to wait to read the reviews until after the show has already opened. This is the option I use, as we rarely see a movie when it opens. You still get all the same thorough reviews for movies and videos for free.
KB Toys Coupons
If you are looking for kid's toys, be sure to check out the KB Toys coupon codes . You can get free shipping on over 800 items, weekly savings specials, or gift with purchase deals. This is a great place to use online coupons to help save money when shopping for gifts for your child, friends or other family members.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Blog of the Day
Each day PayPerPost features a Blog of the Day. Yesterday, June 6, THIS blog was featured. I was thrilled (and shocked) to learn about this blog being spotlighted for the day. I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for visiting this blog. And thanks to PayPerPost for the props!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Free Floats at Sonic June 7
Thursday night, June 7 is FREE root beer floats at Sonic Drive Ins. Beginning at 8 pm and running until midnight, your family can make a Sonic run. And the root beer floats are FREE! What better way to spend an evening with the family. Everyone will love the tangy root beer and the sweet ice cream. And Mom and Dad will love the price!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
choosing summer camps
Summer camp is a great way for many kids to spend their extra free time over the break from school. For many this may include camps with church groups, sports and other hobbies. And for many kids, summer may be a time to brush up on academic skills as well.
At Score Educational Centers, kids can raise their confidence level as well as their academic prowess in subjects from elemenatary reading and math to high school levels in these subjects.
My son has been feeling like he is a bit behind in his math skills as compared to his peers. Although I don't know if this is really true or just his perspective, a Summer Program like Score offers could help him feel more confident in his math abilities. Their hands on approach can address any issues a child may feel in his or her level of performance, helping him/her to achieve the greatest success possible in every subject area.
At Score Educational Centers, kids can raise their confidence level as well as their academic prowess in subjects from elemenatary reading and math to high school levels in these subjects.
My son has been feeling like he is a bit behind in his math skills as compared to his peers. Although I don't know if this is really true or just his perspective, a Summer Program like Score offers could help him feel more confident in his math abilities. Their hands on approach can address any issues a child may feel in his or her level of performance, helping him/her to achieve the greatest success possible in every subject area.
Let's Go To The Movies
Kids love to go to the theater. The experience is different than sitting at home watching a video. Summer time is a great time to go to the theater for a show. It is the perfect way to beat the heat in the middle of a hot day. Many theaters even offer kid friendly older movies at discount prices during the morning or afternoon show times.
Rockin' Out With Old Tunes
A really fun way to spend time with your kids is to introduce them to the music you listened to as a kid. This can be great with little kids or even those teenagers in your house. I have been pleasantly surprised to find my teenaged son liking some of the songs I liked as a teen. He particularly likes the music my husband listened to all those years ago.
Now with the new release of the police cd, you can let your kids hear the striking, unique sound that was The Police. Sting and gang are back on this new police cd.
There are some great songs on here from the
Police's heyday. I really like the songs "Every Breath You Take", "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" and even "Roxanne". But my favorite song by this band is "Don't Stand So Close To Me". I am really glad it's included in this new compilation.
Sharing your favorite "oldies" with your kids can be a lot of fun! And it is really great when these new songs are re-released onto a brand new CD! So break out the tunes and get ready to rock and roll!
Win a New York fly-away to see The Police live.
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
Now with the new release of the police cd, you can let your kids hear the striking, unique sound that was The Police. Sting and gang are back on this new police cd.
There are some great songs on here from the
Sharing your favorite "oldies" with your kids can be a lot of fun! And it is really great when these new songs are re-released onto a brand new CD! So break out the tunes and get ready to rock and roll!
Win a New York fly-away to see The Police live.
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Take Me Out To The Ball Game
I grew up going to Major League baseball games, and so have my kids. My dad has a season ticket package that he splits with some other guys. When there is an afternoon game, he likes to take one of the grandkids with him. This has gotten to be a good tradition with them.
But if your family is ready to take in a game, you don't need to be able to purchase season tickets. Throughout the season family nights are offered. You can often find discounts with leading products as well.
I've heard that Minor League games are much cheaper and just as fun, if not more!
But if your family is ready to take in a game, you don't need to be able to purchase season tickets. Throughout the season family nights are offered. You can often find discounts with leading products as well.
I've heard that Minor League games are much cheaper and just as fun, if not more!
Hit The Beach
Summer is upon us here in South Texas, even though it is still officially spring on the calendar. The sun is shining, the humidity is up and the kids are ready for a trip to the beach.
Going to the beach is fun for all ages. Pack a lunch and lots of sunscreen and sand toys and your family will be ready for a full day of sea and surf.
Going to the beach is fun for all ages. Pack a lunch and lots of sunscreen and sand toys and your family will be ready for a full day of sea and surf.
making summer plans
Making summer plans together as a family can be an important tool for keeping the family together. Kids often have ideas that they would love to see the family do together. This includes all ages of kids-from pre-schoolers to teens. And seeing the family act upon his/her suggestion is likely to make the day more enjoyable with the kids, especially the teenager. If s/he feels like her suggestion was worthwhile, and sees everyone enjoy their time together, you will likely have a happier, easier-to-get-along with teen, at least for this outing.
When planning for summer activities, often times it may be required to stay overnight in a hotel. Whether the plans include visiting relatives, sight-seeing or just visiting an amusement park, there will surely need to be some accomodations along the way.
When you travel with the family, it is most likely that you will be looking for Cheap Hotels. At HotelsReservation.com, you can find a wide variety of places to stay. Whether you are looking for a hotel or motel, a resort, or a vacation rental, you can find what you need all at one website. The rates are reasonable and competitive. They even offer discount rates on world wide destinations.
The site is easy to navigate and holds all the information you will need to plan your summer travels. If your family is looking for a nearby road trip, you can use the road trip planner provided by the web site. If you are looking for a cruise, they have information for you. If you are planning a family reunion, there is information concerning group bookings. Everything the traveling family might need is available all on one site.
So grab your family and start brainstorming your summer plans. And be sure to check out the website for all your travel accomodations!
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
When planning for summer activities, often times it may be required to stay overnight in a hotel. Whether the plans include visiting relatives, sight-seeing or just visiting an amusement park, there will surely need to be some accomodations along the way.
When you travel with the family, it is most likely that you will be looking for Cheap Hotels. At HotelsReservation.com, you can find a wide variety of places to stay. Whether you are looking for a hotel or motel, a resort, or a vacation rental, you can find what you need all at one website. The rates are reasonable and competitive. They even offer discount rates on world wide destinations.
The site is easy to navigate and holds all the information you will need to plan your summer travels. If your family is looking for a nearby road trip, you can use the road trip planner provided by the web site. If you are looking for a cruise, they have information for you. If you are planning a family reunion, there is information concerning group bookings. Everything the traveling family might need is available all on one site.
So grab your family and start brainstorming your summer plans. And be sure to check out the website for all your travel accomodations!
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
The Sirocco Restaurant in the Dome at State Tower in Bangkok
I don't think I'll be heading to the Sirocco anytime soon. Perhaps if you live in Bangkok, you will. If not, this is a great way for your family to dream together!
Show your kids the pictures -they are exquisite! The view looks breath taking and the menu sounds delicious. The atmosphere must be ultra-modern chic. It looks like a wonderful place to visit. It is highly recommended to make reservations, and be sure you are dressed properly for the occasion. This restaraunt has won awards and palates of critics and patrons alike.
So if you are heading out to McDonald's tonight, you can at least dream of an upscale restaraunt a world away!
Show your kids the pictures -they are exquisite! The view looks breath taking and the menu sounds delicious. The atmosphere must be ultra-modern chic. It looks like a wonderful place to visit. It is highly recommended to make reservations, and be sure you are dressed properly for the occasion. This restaraunt has won awards and palates of critics and patrons alike.
So if you are heading out to McDonald's tonight, you can at least dream of an upscale restaraunt a world away!
Star Gazing
A few years ago, my son was into star gazing. We even got him a small powered telescope. He would often take it out to look at the moon, stars or planets. Once, there was a star gazing party at a local park. It was sponsered by the NASA astronomy club, but open to everyone. This was during the time when Mars was so close to the Earth. Folks of all sorts brought out their telescopes to let anyone and everyone get a look at the Red Planet (which looked yellow that night). It was so awesome. There were people there with homemade telescopes, super large telescopes, and some like us with small, cheap telescopes. But my son was so proud when a few folks would come by and look through his scope, as if he were as important as the next guy.
If your family is looking for a way to search the stars and fascinate in the wonders above us, now is a great time. With Father's Day fast approaching, a telescope is one of the best, and most unique gift ideas. Dad may really love this much more than another tie, and it will be the perfect way to spend more family time together throughout those lovely summer evenings.
With OpticsPlanet, you get a low price guarantee, and with orders over $29.95 you receive free UPS shipping. Customer service and a large selection of products make it easy to shop with OpticsPlanet.
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
If your family is looking for a way to search the stars and fascinate in the wonders above us, now is a great time. With Father's Day fast approaching, a telescope is one of the best, and most unique gift ideas. Dad may really love this much more than another tie, and it will be the perfect way to spend more family time together throughout those lovely summer evenings.
With OpticsPlanet, you get a low price guarantee, and with orders over $29.95 you receive free UPS shipping. Customer service and a large selection of products make it easy to shop with OpticsPlanet.
Thank you for reading this sponsered post.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)