Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in sacramento, CA

The Littlest Authors

September 29, 2009

One of the many wonderful things about my son Solomon’s kindergarten teacher is that she is teaching the children not just about books, the alphabet and reading, but that they are becoming writers.  Being a writer myself this thrills me to no end.  But I’ve also spoken with other parents who are equally as excited to see their little ones able to focus their creativity in a whole new way.  Children are natural storytellers and with a little assistance they can write and illustrate their very own books as young as preschool.  Here’s how Solomon and I have been creating his most recent works of fiction. 

I set him up with a stack of white paper and fresh crayons and tell him to draw anything he likes.  Usually the picture involves several things like robots, letters and animals.  I then ask him what’s happening in the picture and as we discuss it and I ask questions the beginning of a story naturally comes to light.  I help him organize his thoughts and then he dictates the text which I write on a blank spot of the drawing – magic! Page 1 is finished.  We then discuss what might happen next in the story and he sets about drawing page two, etc.  Most of his recent books are between three and five pages long.  We staple the edges together, he thinks up a title and then does a drawing for the cover where I write: Written and Illustrated by: and he writes his name.  A trick he has just mastered.  This is a fun and easy project to do with any child who can talk a bit and hold a crayon.  In fact years ago, before he was really drawing he would just make up simple stories and I would write them down in a journal – these are some of our favorite bedtime books because the once-baby talk renditions are absolutely hilarious to the kids!  So give this little exercise a try and delight in the imagination of your little writer.

Release the little artists within!

August 03, 2009

If you have budding artists in your home, as most of us do.  A great way to encourage creativity in children is to put them in art classes or even have them enter art contests.  Roseville Arts, a non-profit organization is currently inviting young artists ages 5 to 13 to enter their original artwork in its annual Children’s Open Show.  Check out the information below and help your little Matisse or Monet express themselves!Roseville Arts invites young artists, ages 5-13, to enter their original artwork in its 7th Annual Children’s Open Show.  The theme is “The Colors of Culture,” celebrating the diversity of cultures in our communities.  Children are asked to follow instructions for 2 and 3-dimensional work outlined in the exhibit prospectus available at the Blue Line Gallery and on its website.  Artwork will be accepted, with a $5 fee, at the Gallery on August 7 & 8, 1 – 5 pm.  Work will be exhibited in the Eli & Edythe Broad Children’s Gallery through November 14.  Local artist and educator Melanie Slade Haas will select awards to be presented, along with participation ribbons for all, at an opening reception August 15, 6:30-9pm.  Blue Line Gallery, 405 Vernon St., Ste. 100, Roseville. For more info call 916-783-4117 or visit www.RosevilleArts.org  Read more...

Decoupage It!

June 30, 2009

Since I am a big fan of all artistic endeavors, my little ones have also grown up painting, cutting and pasting their little creative hearts out.  One great project to do with little ones is the art of decoupage.  The simple version of this art form is to simply cut out pictures from magazines or other glossy paper, coat it with a gluey substance and stick it to something else creating amazing 3-D collage creations.  Here are the basics and some ideas of what 'canvas' you can use:

What you need:

Old magazines, School glue or Modge-Podge an item you can find at most craft stores just for doing decoupage, a hard surface to adhere to: cardboard box, lightswitch plates, an old chair frame or wooden box.

What you do: Cut out any and every picture you like with your little one - this is great practice for hand-eye coordination.  Coat the back side of the picture with slightly watered down school glue or modge podge with an old small paint brush.  Stick it to your 'canvas' and mom can help smooth out the wrinkles.  You can layer or overlap pictures and after the glue has set for awhile give the whole thing a topcoat for a lasting effect. 

One day the boys and I took a Phillips head screwdriver and removed every light switch and electrical outlet cover int he house.  We carefully decoupage'd and trimmed each one, set them to dry and re-attached them. Now whenever we flip on a light there is an unexpected and colorful surprise!

Here comes the weekend!

June 10, 2009

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend there is a ton of stuff going on for kids!  Everything from campouts to art to safety to nature.  Check out some of the great events going on Friday through Sunday and have a ball! FridayFabulous Campfires at Maidu Indian Museum. Enjoy an evening with family and friends around a campfire.  Listen to Native stories of spring and roast marshmallows for a sweet ending to the perfect family gathering. 7 – 8 pm. All ages. General $5; Family of 4 $14. Maidu Indian Museum, 1960 Johnson Ranch Dr., Roseville. For more info call 916-774-5934 or visit www.Roseville.ca.us Saturday

Annual Family Safety & Health Expo – Come for a day of fun with over 80 safety, health and youth recreation booths, food and so much more. With entertainment from Kovar’s Satori Academy, Magician Trevor Wyatt and Granite Bay Dance Connection. Safetyville USA is also Celebrating it’s 25^th Birthday enjoy cake and party as celebrity guests help introduce the new Safetyville Mascot! 10 am – 3 pm. All ages. Free. 3909 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento. For more info call 916-438-3385 or visit www.SafetyCenter.org  Family Camp Out at Fairytale Town- Adventurous families can bring their tents, sleeping bags and a light supper and enjoy a magical night in Sacramento's original Oasis of Enchantment. In addition to a scavenger hunt and hands-on arts & crafts activities, Puppet Art Theater will also be onsite to present a special puppet show for the event. Bedtime stories and a sing-along make for a well rounded evening for one and all. Then it's "lights out" and sweet slumber under the summer stars until 6 am when dawn breaks and a continental breakfast is served. 5:30 pm until 7 am the next morning. All ages. All inclusive fee, Adults $30 / members $25; Children $25 / members $20; Children 2 & under Free. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Dr., Sacramento. For more info and to register call 916-808-7979 or visit www.FairytaleTown.org   Second Saturday for Families: Paint Warm & Cool Colors at Crocker Art Museum. See how artworks in the Museum show all four seasons through the element of color, and paint your own artwork depicting a season of your choice. 12 – 3 pm. Free with admission. All ages. General $6; Seniors $4; Children & Students $3. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento. For more info call 916-808-7000 or visit www.CrockerArtMuseum.orgNative American Stories told by Nisenan Maidu Rick Adams. 11:30 am – 12 pm & 3 – 3:30 pm. All ages. Free with paid admission. Adults $4; Senior & Children $3.75; Family of four $14. Maidu Indian Museum, 1960 Johnson Ranch Dr., Roseville. For more info call 916-774-5934 or visit www.Roseville.ca.us  Sunday Country Lane Run & Walk at Quarry Ponds Granite Bay.
Adult 5K and 10K runs and also featuring FREE Kids 1/4 Mile Fun Run. Great food, music, Foothill Farms Farmer’s Market and market-wide activities for everyone! Free Kids ¼ mile begins at 7:45 am; 10K Run/Walk begins at 8 am; 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:10 am. Fees: Pre-race Adults $27; 18 & under $15. Race day Adults $35; 18 & under $20. Quarry Ponds is located at 5550 Douglas Blvd., Granite Bay. For race registration, info or volunteer call 916-415-9991 or visit www.QuarryPonds.com 

Effie Yeaw Nature Center habitat improvement day. Join Jack and help improve the Nature Area. Call Jack at 916-967-077 if you can help with this project. 8 am. Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. www.EffieYeaw.org California Black-tailed Deer tour at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center.   Take a guided walk to gaze at these gentle woodland animals and learn more about their world with hands on items like pelts, skulls, and antlers. 1:30 pm. Free. Parking fee $5 or Free to ARNHA members. Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. For more info call 916-489-4918 or visit www.EffieYeaw.org    Read more...

Looney Tunes Art?

by Kim Mordecai

December 29, 2008

If you laughed at the antics of Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny on a daily basis like I did as a kid than I have got a great thing for you to do with your kiddos this week. The Crocker Art Museum has a special exhibition through January 18th featuring the art of Warner Bros. cartoons. The exhibit it billed as a comprehensive overview of the legendary Hollywood animation studio and  Read more...

Christmas is coming!

by Kim Mordecai

December 01, 2008

Ok people, don't freak out - but you have 23 days until Santa shows up and that guy better not blow it this year. I have defintely failed my plan to have all my shopping done by December 1st :). However, I am not being too hard on myself. I am making my list, checking it twice, and trying to figure out how to give great gifts without going into massive credit debit (again!). So this year I  Read more...

Autumn Activities

by Kim Mordecai

November 06, 2008

I have to admit I am relieved that both Halloween and the election are over. It's a mixed bag but we have some promising new leaders and today I officially dumped the leftover candy. I can only spend so many nights scrubbing Laffy Taffy out of my 4 year-olds molars. Anyway, I am looking forward to the cool November days ahead. I'm dreaming of sweet potatoes and being lulled to sleep by  Read more...

Part 3: 99 Fun Things To Do

by Kim Mordecai

October 17, 2008

Ta-Da! #'s 61 -99 of 99 things to do with your kids in Sacramento ! Read them over, pick one out and have a great weekend! 61. Go garage sale-ing on a Saturday in Midtown 62. Feed baby salmon at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery 63. Take a kid's art class with Monart Roseville or Folsom 64. See 4 th of July fireworks show at Cal Expo 65. Enjoy homemade cake at the Old Time Fiddle  Read more...

99 Things to do with your kids in Sac Part Two

by Kim Mordecai

October 16, 2008

Here are today's next 30 entries all kinds of great things to do in Sacramento with your kids. Plan one for this weekend, put one on the calendar, or just daydream about what a good mom you would be if you could actually fit any of these things into your schedule! 31. Buy fresh raisins, honey and pears at a farmer's market 32. Take a cooking class for families at  Read more...

Art Smarts

by Kim Mordecai

September 25, 2008

While preschoolers and art seem to be a natural fit, occasionally we find those kids that aren't so interested in exploring their creative side. I happen to have a four year-old preschooler who fits this profile and today I was speaking with one of his teachers about how to encourage him to get artsy. Art does a lot of great things for little kids it helps with fine motor skills,  Read more...

Chalk It Up!

by Kim Mordecai

August 28, 2008

Art and children just seem to go together. Kids are born these amazing, imaginative, creative little beings that take to crayons and storytelling and dance and make believe like fish to water. As you may know, our little family fully embraces our creative sides but recently I've been wondering about not just enjoying the many opportunities for artistic pleasure in Sacramento, but also giving  Read more...

Art on a budget

by Kim Mordecai

August 11, 2008

We are a very artsy household. That is not to say we have amazing artistic skills, but both the boys and I love to draw and paint and experiment with other art mediums. My boys go through countless stacks of white paper on a daily basis creating animals, monsters and whatever fantastic thing has their interest at the moment. Because of our art habit we go through crayons like wino's go through  Read more...

The ocean - in Sacramento?

by Kim Mordecai

July 18, 2008

It's that time of year - the time when I start to itch for a day at the beach. Warm sand between your toes, children pacified by little more than a shovel and a juice box - one of Sacramento's few faults is that it is too far from the ocean. Generally Stinson Beach in Marin County is my beach of choice. But after doing some quick math I realized that it would cost me a cool $85 just in gas, not  Read more...

Artistic relief

by Kim Mordecai

July 11, 2008

I've officially checked the weather forecast and I'm thrilled to report that this weekend the temp will drop to the blissful mid-90's. Ok, I know that doesn't sound that promising but this week we topped out at 109 ridiculous degrees so in my opinion this is news to celebrate. I'm thinking that since tomorrow is Second Saturday Sac's own monthly arts celebration that while I won't tote my  Read more...

Sidewalk Picassos

by Kim Mordecai

July 03, 2008

Both of my boys have spring birthdays so we always get a ton of fun outdoor presents that I then squirrel away and pull out as the summer days get long. Solomon is my May baby, he just turned four and received a great gift that I think all moms should know about. It's called Backyard Bash and is made by Crayola, and while we've all colored and probably even used sidewalk chalk - this set is a  Read more...

History in the Making

by Kim Mordecai

June 12, 2008

Ok, so if you are anything like me, you hate history. I know, hate is a strong word, but seriously, one History Channel special on just about any famous person, place or event can send me into a boredom coma. Despite the face that I am sadly proud of my disdain for this important subject, I do realize it is important to teach our kids about people and times past. And it just so happens that the  Read more...