Projects in a Jar by Shirley M.R. Minster
As the school year progresses, parents look for ways to change homelife and lessons from humdrum to interesting. To add mystery and excitement, try setting up Projects in a Jar. This activity has plenty of suggestions to quell your childâ?™s moaning mantra, "There's nothing to do."
The first thing to do is find two clean jars with lids. Each jar must have an opening wide enough to put oneâ™s hand inside - peanut butter jars work well. Next, label a sheet of colored paper "Projects" and another "Done". Tape each around a jar so no one can peek into the jar.
Next, cut paper into strips about 1" wide. Think of a project to write on each one and then fold the strip at least in half - fourths is better. (The children should not help you with this because you want them to be surprised later.) Put these strips into the âProjects" jar and screw on the lid.
There are so many projects from which to choose. The only problem is knowing which ones you want to add to the Projects jar. Let your imagination run wild. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
⢠Draw and color a picture of your favorite fictional character.
⢠Illustrate a book cover of your favorite book.
⢠Make a comic strip of a special family event.
⢠Count the windows in the house.
⢠Call your grandmother to ask her how many windows she has.
⢠Sweep the cellar steps.
⢠Make cookies to share with a neighbor.
⢠Design a card on the computer, print it out, and mail it to a friend.
⢠Help a neighbor with a chore.
⢠Write a story about your favorite pet.
⢠Ask your mother what her favorite memory is about school.
⢠Ask your father what he remembers most about school.
⢠Organize your closet.
⢠Put your toys into different groups and make a chart of the different types of toys (dolls, cars, balls, etc.)
⢠Think of a way to help a relative or friend and then do it.
⢠Write to the embassy of a country youâ™d like to visit.
⢠Create an animal using clay.
The child gets to pick one project. If he doesnâ™t want to do it, then he gets to choose a second strip. The only catch is that he must do one of them. Once the project is done, the âusedâ™ project strip is stored in the âDoneâ™ jar.
Families can be creative in their homes - it just takes time, thought, and time to create. Project Jars are a great way to start!
About the author:
Shirley is the founder of Home Education & Family Services and Royal Academy which provide unique services to families who have chosen to educate their own children. Home Education & Family Services, sponsors of the New England Homeschool & Family Learning Conference, works annually with hundreds of families offering a wide variety of services and helping parents custom design learning programs to fit their childrenâ™s learning profiles and the familyâ™s lifestyles.
Visit the website:
http://www.homeeducator.com for more information.
