It’s an old-time playtime—nothing electronic, just games that have stood the test of time! They help children build skills like hand-eye coordination, problem solving, and simply learning how to be a good team player and work well with others. But most of all, they’re lots of fun. This collection of timeless games guarantees kids a great time—by themselves, with a group of friends, or with their family. And best of all, no batteries are required . . . and very little equipment, too. There’s Hopscotch and Dodgeball, Four Square and Stoopball, Horse and One Old Cat (a ball game similar to baseball, but with only one base). All you need is your brain—and occasionally a paper and pen—to play games like Association, the Minister’s Cat, and Dumb Crambo (which is similar to Charades, but has a rhyming twist). A rainy day with no pals around would be just right to make Hand Shadows, walk on Can Stilts, or practice Jacks. Don’t forget card games like Crazy Eights and Rummy, Crab and Sack Races, and old favorites like Duck, Duck, Goose and Red Rover. And because no parent likes to hear the whine of "Are we there yet?" there’s a whole chapter of games for the car! Black-and-white illustrations keep the old-timey feel while getting kids excited to play. Simple instructions explain how many people can play, what you need, the object of the game, and the basic rules. For extra entertainment, there are also lots of fun facts about the history of the games sprinkled throughout. This book is so packed with activities that kids will want to turn off their computers, shut down their PlayStations and Xboxes, and get playing the old-fashioned way!

Have you ever noticed how much calmer and more engaged your children are when they are outside in the natural world? A growing body of evidence is pointing to the need for children to spend more time outside. Being outdoors has the potential to energise, entertain and educate our children, often with minimal input from adults. Growing Up Wild is for anyone who wants to encourage their kids to spend more time outdoors. Combining the latest scientific research with a host of enjoyable activities, the authors show you how to access nature with your children. From making the most of local parks, woodlands, the beach, and your own back garden Growing Up Wild gives you easy ways to get out there, connect with nature, and have fun together. Inspired by the increasingly popular forest school philosophy, and emphasising the benefits of starting early with your baby or toddler, Growing Up Wild tells you: - The reasons why getting dirty makes you happier and healthier. - Activities that make the most of wind, rain or snow - Tips on hiking and foraging with your children - How to run wild with kids - from parks to fells and beyond - How to build an outdoor space in your back garden. This book is a must have for parents who love nature and want to give their children the proven benefits of playing outdoors.

The Maker Movement is hot, and librarians are eager to participate. Even if you feel restricted by budget, staff, or space, this step-by-step guide will help you turn your library into a creativity center. The Maker Movement is sweeping the nation because it is creative and educational—and a lot of fun. Nonetheless, some librarians have hesitated to incorporate the movement into their programming because their libraries do not have dedicated makerspaces. If that describes you, then take heart. Written by librarians for librarians, this "cookbook" proves that every library is already a MakerPlace and provides you with recipes to make your library come alive with creativity. Easy-to-use, step-by-step guidance helps you create engaging K–8 programs in science and technology, arts and crafts, and home skills that are perfect for the library setting. The menu of ideas is broken into four types of programming. "Appetizers" add a taste of the Maker movement to existing library programs. "Entrees" present full programs for a lengthy one-day event or a short series. "Side Dishes" are programs you can use if you have limited staff, budget, space, or any combination of those. "Desserts" are low-tech programs, suitable for young children. Each "recipe" includes extensions, variations, and curriculum tie-ins that give you even more ways to present the program ideas, whether to a different audience or as part of other related activities. Programs that involve creating a "Balloon Zip Line," a "Zen Garden," or a "Maker Marketplace" will delight library users and generate activity and excitement in your library.

Summer Bridge Explorations prepares your second-grade graduate for third grade through progressive lessons and project-based learning. This dynamic workbook strengthens cross-curricular skills with a focus on arithmetic, grammar, and comprehension. Summer Bridge Explorations keeps the learning going. --With this dynamic series, students entering grades 1 to 4 prepare for the new year through project-based learning. Grade-level workbooks are divided into three progressive sections, one for each month of summer, and each of these sections is built around a theme-based activity that connects real-world learning with summer fun. Your child will apply new skills in fun ways, all while enjoying everything summer has to offer. Lessons and activities span the curriculum, supporting growth in math, reading, writing, social studies, science, and the arts.

This special anniversary collection of has a double-dose of inspiration - personal stories of how Chicken Soup for the Soul changed lives, and the life-changing story itself! Twenty years later, Chicken Soup for the Soul and its stories are still changing lives! This special twentieth anniversary collection celebrates the power of storytelling. Readers share their personal, inspiriting stories about how a Chicken Soup for the Soul story made a difference in their lives, paired with the life-changing story itself. It’s a double dose of inspiration!