It's coming!! Are you ready?

It's coming whether you are ready or not!!! What am I talking about? Summer of course and get ready to hear "Mom, I'm bored!!" I hope that together we can share some ideas of ways to keep our kids entertained and happy this summer and beyond. And it would not hurt to sneak in a few educational projects as well! So who's with me?? Ok, here we go...
The first thing I plan to do this summer is create a craft box. Many of you may have already done this but it never hurts to clean it out ( you never know what you find) and add some new things. Here are a few things we keep on hand:
*construction paper
*safe scissors
*glue in sticks and bottles ( hot glue can be for older kids)
*pipe cleaners
*brown paper lunch sacks
*glue on details such as googly eyes and rhinestones (keep away from little ones)
*popcicle sticks
*crayons, markers, pencils, and chalk
*stamps and stamp pads
*paint - I keep it but hide it for obvious reasons
*stickers
*tape
*stapler and staples
*glitter
*string and yarn
**plastic or wipe off table cloth (very important!!)

You may be able to think of a few more but this a good starter kit. A good thing to throw in is either children's apron for each child or some of dad's old T-shirts. They can decorate them and then wear them when they do thier projects!
I plan to do a special project with my children atleast once a week during the summer. It's a great memory maker. It gives them something to look forward to on the other days and I also use it as bribery material for room cleaning.
There of course are days when there is just no time to get a project going. I make a "Mom, I'm bored!" list and post on the wall or fridge for the kids to get thier own ideas. Here are a few I've listed.
*read a book
*coloring and make your own book (this is my 7yo favorite!)
*make paper bag puppets and plan a show
*play with sidewalk chalk
*play with the dog
*eat a fruit or vegetable
*look at our photo albums
*listen to your favorite music
*play a board (or bored) game
*play dress up
*write a letter or in a journal

There are many more and lots of projects I will be sharing. I hope this will help give you ideas for a great and memorable summer  - and every day!
Susan