Outback Kids

                                          Make a Pinata.
A treat filled Pinata is lots of fun for kids and adults. We are making one for our Kindy spring picnic and we can't wait to have a laugh at the blindfolded parents having a go! Since we are making one that adults will be bashing as well as kids we need it to be strong so we will use a large cereal box instead of the usually balloon. To make your own pinata you will need:-

1 x box or balloon,   A couple of newspapers, Some white paper, glue, paint and paintbrush.

The glue recipe we used it as follows. 1/4 cup plain flour, 1 cup cold water, 4 cups boiling water. Mix the flour with the cold water to form a thin paste. Then add this to the four cups of gently boiling water. Stir constantly and let simmer for 4 mins. Cool and then it is ready to use.

Cover your box or balloon with about 2 coats
of newspaper, let each layer dry before adding
the next. Then put one layers of white paper
on and when that has dried paint and decorate.
Tassled crepe paper looks good as a final layer.

You can make your box interesting by
adding a face. We used egg carton pieces
for the eyes and a bottle top for the nose.
Cover these with paper each time you do
a layer.   As we build ours we will post
pictures here. Oh and don't forget like I did
to put a handle on the box on the first layer
and then paper over it each layer to make
it strong. We used balloons for the butterfly.

Do you like to colour in? Click on this link below to go to Free Kids Colour In and you can print my drawings and colour them in. Kids Colour In
Pictures of Australia Animals
for you to colour in Australian Animals

Things kids say.
If your kids are like mine, they can come up with some beauties, how about sharing some in "Things kids say"
contact on: jackie@outbackjack.info

What Kids can do on a rainy day?

Make musical instruments.

We have made didgeridoos from gladwrap roles.

Guitars from tissue boxes.

Get large rubber bands of different thickness and run them around the box. Get some thick carton cardboard about 2cm thick and place under the bands about 4cm from top of box, (this lifts the bands and gives a better sound.
Make drums. My Jack flogs the knitting needles and makes drums out of just about anything.

TAMBOURINE
2 paper plates
stapler or glue
hole punch
string
bells (sleigh type)
crayons
Staple or glue two paper plates together, facing each other. Using a hole punch, make holes around the plates and tie jingle bells to the holes with string. Decorate the tambourine You could use glitter, or paint or even some cool stickers.
Shake to play. Ribbons look great too.

Note: Heavy duty paper plates may be more durable for this craft. Plastic plates don't sound as nice.For little kids it is best to cover the staples with some tape.

Brighten up someone's day!

Here is an idea that helps teach your child about the gift of time and friendship. It will also improve your child's reading skills and intergenerational communication skills.

There are many people in nursing homes who get very few visitors. Older people in general love visits from Kids, it brightens up their day.

So how about organizing a time for your kids to visit and read to them.
Most nursing homes I have voluteered in would be very receptive to this idea. It is also good for kids who don't get much access to Grandparents, and you could even adopt a Grandma.

Make a difference in someone's life - Sponsor an Orphan in Zimbabwe

Our family has so much, we live in a free country, we have a virtually free public education system, medicare, nursing homes etc. Children in other parts of the world are not so luck. Getting a good education is important and can make the difference between poverty and a positive life. If you would like to sponsor a child please click on the link below.

sponsor an orphan visit www.mothersfororphans.org.au

Just like people no two sheep are exactly the same. Shearing time is coming soon

Winter time is a great time to make Christmas and Father's Day
gifts.

We made this fridge photo frame last year at Care For Kids. It is very easy. We used cardboard from a carton, some peanuts and other bits and pieces to decorate.

We used hot-melt glue gun to stick on the nuts because it was quick but you could use craft glue if you wish. Carton cardboard is best because it's thickness gives depth and makes it look more like a real frame. They look even better if you paint them.

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