Boredom Busters: Origami

Hello all,

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Watch for weekend Boredom Busters on Saturday and/or Sunday. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Origami!

Corner Bookmarks: https://www.redtedart.com/origami-bookmark/ 

This is a fairly simple origami project, and the kids can add all sorts of embellishments to them to jazz them up. Add ears, shapes, different colours, stickers, etc. So much creativity in one tiny package! 

Jumping Frogs: https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/origami-jumping-frogs-easy-folding-instructions.html 

These little guys are a little more complex, but they're tons of fun to play with once their done. Make your own frog army and stage a battle! Create an origami puppet show to "Five Green and Speckled Frogs". Have fun with the possibilities!

Shark Cootie Catcher: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/shark-cootie-catcher/

Baby shark will never be the same. This one involves more cutting than just traditional origami, but the kids will have fun with their mini shark puppets. If you don't have different coloured paper, just use markers to decorate these feisty sharks!

Check out more fun origami activities here.

Hopefully these activities help break up the day and get your family engaging in some great physical activity.

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help.  
 
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Boredom Busters: Build It

Hello all,

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Watch for weekend Boredom Busters Saturday and/or Sunday. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Build It!

Toothpick Structures: https://artfulparent.com/toothpick-sculptures-kids-13-fun-toothpick-construction-ideas/ 

Let your creativity soar! Try different edible objects - marshmallows, gummies, cookies, sugar cubes, etc. - to build any structure you can imagine. The possibilities are endless!

More activities here.  

Clay Creations: https://www.highlightskids.com/activities/crafts/make-homemade-clay

You can make all sorts of different shapes and colours with this recipe. Add all sorts of extras to your creations to make them really pop! 

Check out how to make geometric shapes with playdough and straws!

Bird House Building: https://www.fancymomma.com/milk-carton-juice-carton-bird-feeder/

This is an in-depth activity, but the rewards are worthwhile. Birds are migrating home, and they will be looking for food! Make you own birdhouse with recycling you have around the house, and 

Learn more about birds from the Ellis Bird Farm!

Don't have enough supplies at home? You can also make an easy bird feeder with pipe cleaners and cheerios! 

Hopefully these activities help break up the day and get your family engaging with building and constructing fun things!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help. 

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Weekend Boredom Busters - Pandas at the Zoo

Hello all,

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Watch for weekend Boredom Busters Saturday and/or Sunday. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Pandas at the Zoo!

Kids National Geographic: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/giant-panda/

Another great subject to talk about is the zoo and its animals. Let’s have fun with our kiddos and explore the animals at the zoo!

What a great opportunity for discussion! What do pandas like to eat? What colour are they? Where to Pandas live? Check out this cute Party Animals remix!

Calgary Zoo Panda Cam: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/visit/animals/giant-pandas

Invite the kids to watch the pandas on the zoo cameras and see if they are lucky enough to catch the pandas in action. 

For some extra zoo fun, check out this video!

Digital Resources: https://ebook.yourcloudlibrary.com/library/prl/Search/pandas 
https://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/Result.aspx?m=Keywords&key=pandas

Read about pandas with the ebooks available to you through our website. Don't have a library card? Call us at 403-887-2130, Monday-Friday, 9-5, and we'll get you set up with one. 

Panda Bear Craft: https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/circles-bear.html
 
Bear crafts are great for learning basic shapes and developing fine motor skills. And they're just so darn cute! 

The only things you need for this craft are paper, glue, markers, and your artistic flair! 

Hopefully these activities help break up the day and get your family engaging in learning about pandas!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help. 

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Weekend Boredom Busters: Get Moving Again!

Hello all,

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Watch for weekend Boredom Busters on Saturday and/or Sunday. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

This weekend's theme is Get Moving - Again!

Social/Physical Distance Sports: https://www.bicycling.com/news/a31469228/cycling-during-coronavirus/

Looking for some sports/activities you can do, while still respecting social & physical distancing? Let's have a look at how we can tweak a few favourites:

- Basketball: Play HORSE, and make sure everyone has their own basketball. Make sure to keep 2 metres distance between players at all times, and swish that basket!


- Badminton: This is the perfect time to perfect your scooping skills with that racket. Everyone must use their racket scoop the birdie when it falls, and make sure you keep that 2 metre distance!

- Tennis: Same rules as badminton! Practice scooping and bouncing it with your racket!

- Soccer: No contact for this sport. Take turns being the shooter/goalie. Only the goalie can touch the ball with their hands, and wipe it down between turns!

- Cycling: Properly spaced out and being mindful of road safety, this is an activity that can be done together or solo - just make sure you're keeping enough distance between you and your fellow cyclists! 

Sylvan Lake Photo Walk: https://sylvanlibrary.prl.ab.ca/events/all/photo-exhibition 

If you are able to go outdoors and get a good walk in, this project is just the thing for you. Whether you're using a smartphone or a tablet or a digital camera, get some snapshots of the world around you, and share them with everyone in Sylvan Lake via social media, with the hashtag #SylvanLakePhotoWalk 

Whether you're walking along the lake with your dog, playing in the backyard, touring the Christmas lights in the car, or doing a solo trek through the trails in Sylvan Lake, share your adventures with us via platforms that let us connect while still social distancing. Tag us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

Photo Credit: Sherry and Starla Fifield, #SylvanLakePhotoWalk

Obstacle Course: https://playtivities.com/obstacle-courses-for-kids/

Obstacles courses are great for having fun while being active. See what you have lying around the house to make some awesome at-home obstacle courses. Bonus: let the kids design an obstacle course for you! 

While you're making your obstacle courses, check out some of these amazing Junior Ninjas on their own "obstacle" courses: 

Hopefully these activities help break up the day and get your family engaging in some great physical activity.

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help. 
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Boredom Busters: Recipes

Hello all,

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Watch for weekend Boredom Busters Saturday and/or Sunday. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Recipes!

Let's start with some tips for baking with kids: https://www.thekitchn.com/tips-on-baking-with-kids-40527

1. Be prepared: have everything you need to make your recipe gathered and organized.
2. Let them use the mixer (and other appliances): watching you make the recipe isn't fun for anyone but you.
3. Let them do it themselves: from measuring ingredients to mixing to decorating - don't worry about what your end result looks like, they will get more out of the experience if they can be hands on.
4. Encourage learning. They're not just baking a treat, they're learning about math and chemistry. Engage them in that learning, ask them questions, and let them ask you questions.
5. Have fun!

Pancakes: https://www.superhealthykids.com/recipes/basic-pancakes-6-ways/

You can't go wrong with pancakes! There are so many delicious things that you can add to pancakes to jazz them up and keep them interesting. Make your basic mix, and then let the kids help you add their touch to it, or try some of the other recipes in here. I'm excited to try pumpkin pancakes, personally!

Cookies: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/kids-cookies

Making cookies together is a wonderful bonding experience, and the results are so yummy! Follow the recipes right to the letter, or play around with the chemistry and see what happens. Leave out the baking soda, add extra flour? See what happens!

The cookies pictures below are some of Miss Corrie's favourite tried and true recipes. Check them out below. Her baking secrets: always double the vanilla and cinnamon, and for a moist end result, use applesauce in place of egg (1/4 cup = 1 egg).

Another great thing about cookies is you can freeze them and save them for later!

Oatmeal Craisin Cookies

Coca-Cola Brownie Cookies

White Chip Chocolate Cookies:

Quick Breads: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/easy-quick-bread-recipes/ 

Quick breads are perfect for a morning snack or a tasty dessert. The only limit is your imagination. One of Miss Corrie's personal favourites is chocolate chip pumpkin bread!

Once again, her baking tips: replace the egg with applesauce, and always double the cinnamon.

Check out the Chocolate Quick Bread photographed below:

Muffins: https://www.superhealthykids.com/recipes/dish-type/muffins/

Muffins are a quick and tasty treat that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snacks! Add in some delicious frozen fruits, chocolate chips, flax seed or oats. The possibilities are endless! And once again, muffins are easy to freeze, and save for later! Just warm them up with a little bit of butter. Yum!

Check out Miss Corrie's favourite muffins below: Raspberry Double Chocolate Chip! (Add 1 cup of frozen raspberries to this recipe for a perfectly delicious muffin) 

Miss Corrie's secret tips:

- Replace egg with 1/2 cup applesauce (equivalent of 1 individual applesauce cup from the kids pack)
- Double the vanilla (always)
- Use a berry flavoured yogurt instead of plain
- Add all of the chocolate chips to the mix. Makes for a more melted inside. Mini chocolate chips work the best, but any will do.

Hopefully these activities help break up the day and get your family engaging in some delicious baking!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help. 

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Boredom Busters: Math Made Fun

Hello all,

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Watch for weekend Boredom Busters Saturday and/or Sunday. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Math Made Fun!

Yahtzee: https://www.crazygames.com/game/yahtzee-online

This is a great game to help with counting, and engages the whole family! How many Yahtzees can you roll per game?

Simon Says Geometry: http://highexpectationsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/HE-CCS-MATH-4.G_.1.pdf

How many angles can you make with your body? When you're done with the math aspect of this game, let "Simon" go wild with their ideas!

War: https://bicyclecards.com/how-to-play/war/ 

You can't go wrong with a game of War - at least not the card game. This is typically a two-player game, but it can be adapted for more players, especially if you have multiple decks of cards. Go crazy!

Fruit Loop Math: https://craftandboogie.com/blog/2019/3/3/rainbow-fruit-loop-math 

This craft is a delicious take on estimating and counting! Play it with dice to engage the whole family, and take turns. Eliminate the dice to test your guessing skills!

How many fruit loops do you think it would take to fill this rainbow? Make your guess, then see if you were right. Try other shapes too! Trace your hand, then guess how many fruit loops it would take to fill your hand! The possibilities (and snacks) are endless!

Hopefully these activities help break up the day and get your family engaging in some math fun!

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help. 

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Boredom Busters: Arts & Culture

Hello all,

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Watch for weekend Boredom Busters on Saturday and/or Sunday. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Arts & Culture!

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Virtual Tour: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour

Google Arts & Culture has some great virtual tours as well - click the photo below to check out 9 Amazing Street Art Murals in New York.

Diwali Paper Lantern: https://www.redtedart.com/easy-paper-latern/

This is a great time to learn about other cultures and celebrations. Diwali is the Hindu festival of light, which celebrates Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. There is nothing more magical than pretty lights and lanterns at this time of year to brighten up the darkening days. As more and more people are putting out their Christmas lights and Halloween decorations, this is the perfect time to celebrate Diwali again, and light up your little corner of the world.

Learn more about Diwali!

Mexican Mirrors: http://www.paintedpaperart.com/2016/10/mexican-mirrors/

The only limit to this craft is your creativity. You can use regular tin foil in place of copper tooling. Black paint or markers if you don't have Sharpies. Crayons and white paper will work as well. Use what you have, and let your creativity run wild!

Learn more about Mexican Folk Art!

Indigenous Music: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/first-peoples-music

Learn about Musical Instruments and the History of Immigration in Canada from the Canadian Museum of History.

Check out this performance by local musician Brianna Lizotte!

Learn more about the Voices of Amiskwaciy!

 
Hopefully these activities help break up the day and get your family engaging in and learning about Arts and Culture.

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help. 

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Boredom Busters - Music

Hello all,

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Watch for weekend Boredom Busters Saturday and/or Sunday. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.

Today's theme is Music!

Cardboard Castanets: http://www.whimsy-love.com/2009/09/cardboard-castanets.html

This is a great activity to use up some recycling and other knickknacks at home. Hot glue will work the best for this, but you could also try tacky glue. Form your own castanet band and click-clack along to the beat!

Try it with bottle caps as well!

Do Re Mi Bottles: https://www.lifewithmoorebabies.com/2012/10/do-re-mi-bottles.html

Stocking up on those plastic bottles while quarantining? This is not only a great musical project, but a sensory one as well! Play around with the colours and volumes until you get the sounds just right!

If they like this colourful instrument, try wind pipes! 

Homemade Kazoo: https://buggyandbuddy.com/exploring-sound-making-a-kazoo-science-invitation-saturday/

Homemade kazoos are tried and true! The kids can decorate them any way they'd like, and make music for hours. Also great for an *outdoor* marching band, and the castanets can join in! ;)

If you're excited about helping your kids create their own music, try learning how to read music!

Check out PBS KIDS' World Orchestra Game! 

Hopefully these activities help break the day and get your family engaging in the joys of music (and crafting their own music).

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help. 

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Boredom Busters: Science Experiments

Hello all,

We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Weekend blogs will go out Saturday mornings. See which ones you can do at home, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of the blog.


Today's theme is Science Experiments! 


Invisible Ink: https://mommypoppins.com/kids/boredom-busters/how-to-make-invisible-ink


You can use lemons *or* milk for this project. Some other household items to experiment with include vinegar, honey, and orange juice! Once you have your message written, bring out the hairdryers and see what they say!

Get creative - create some secret codes in your invisible ink!

Oobleck: https://www.instructables.com/id/Oobleck/


This is a fantastic, non-toxic activity for kids (and parents) of all ages. Kids can experiment with consistencies, colour, and even add other objects to the slime for different textures. We once added leftover potting soil to our Oobleck and it looked like an Oreo Blizzard (does not taste like a blizzard, do not eat)!

Volcano Explosion - with a Sparkly Twist: http://preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com/2012/04/science-experiment-sparkly-explosion.html 

A little bit of glitter goes a long way ;)

You can do this activity is lots of different ways. Vinegar and baking soda is tried and true fun. Another way to jazz it up - add food colouring to the bottom of a deep baking pan, then cover with baking soda. Pour vinegar on to reveal the hidden colours. Arrange them in a grid and play memory! See how many matches you can get! The possibilities - and smells - are limitless!

Check out some other fun science experiments at Ryan's World!

Rainbow Paper: https://www.sciencekiddo.com/rainbow-paper-kid-color-science/

This is a fun and easy science experiment, and you can use the finalized pieces in a craft when you're done!

 
Hopefully these activities help break up the day and get your family engaging in some fantastic science experiments.

If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.

Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.

You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help. 

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