What’s more basic than cooking–and eating? Summer is the perfect time to cook together, whether you want simple-get-food-on-the-table plans or something to stretch your palate or your cooking skills. Cooking together is fun. It makes a great family activity, but I also love cooking with my friends. There is nothing quite like preparing and eating … Continue reading
Last year Bruce Feiler published a blog in The New York Times that hit a chord in many families. In it he described research by Drs. Marshall Duke and Robyn Fivush that found the more children knew about their family’s history, the stronger their sense of control over their lives and the higher their self-esteem. … Continue reading
Ever since Joey Hudy fired his marshmallow cannon in the Whitehouse, there has been talk of a White House Maker Faire. Now, the big day is almost here. The first ever White House Maker Faire will be held June 18, 2014. While, unlike most maker faires, the event itself is not open to the public, … Continue reading
In the quest for a simpler more creative summer, one of the key steps may be to cut (hopefully not literally) the electronic cord. Unplug, at least part of the day, and help children learn games that do not require electronic assistance. Classic Summer Games. A Less-is-More summer could not be complete without some classic … Continue reading
This is the second in a series of posts on strategies for a simpler, yet creative, summer. “Less is More #1” discussed letting children explore the world in search of a bit of adventure. Today I’d like to talk about playing with stuff. Not toys. Stuff. Every parent knows that toddlers are likely to have … Continue reading
I enjoy doing projects with kids. I especially enjoy doing projects with kids I love. And so, when I write “Family Fun” suggestions each month, they are full of activities and projects for families to do together. But the truth is, I never expect families to do most of them—I offer a selection so that … Continue reading
Remember Caine’s Arcade? In that viral moment, a chance encounter between a young boy with a cardboard arcade and a filmmaker became an Internet phenomenon. It also launched the nonprofit Imagination Foundation, whose mission is to foster creativity and innovation in children around the world. I first learned about the Imagination Foundation through their Global … Continue reading
For the last few years, during annual Ann Arbor Art Fairs, I’ve enjoyed my personal SCAMPER scavenger hunt. It usually takes me a few hours, but I locate examples of interesting art that represent each of the SCAMPER verbs. SCAMPER, of course, is an acronym that can help spur creative thinking by asking key questions … Continue reading
I spend too much time sitting. Sound familiar? Between teaching online classes, blogging, and keeping in touch with family and friends, I spend a lot of time at the computer. I know that isn’t good for my health, but now I learn it may not be good for my creativity either. A recent set of … Continue reading
Today’s post features another interesting activity from the Institute of Play, in collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)—a “friendly game of observation and persuasion” called “Everybody’s a Critic.” Everybody’s a Critic can be played at MOMA, in any other art gallery, or in a classroom filled with reproductions of artworks. In the game, … Continue reading
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