Halloween is the day children dress up in costumes and, in many communities, go door-to-door to ask for candy.
Find some great costume ideas and remember that safety on Halloween is extremely important – children should never eat
unwrapped candy.
Don’t forget, the day after Halloween is a great day to buy costumes on sale to put in a dress up box!
Most likely all the children in your household know how to use a computer. Use this month to learn new skills, explore new websites or create computer projects together. Why not work on a web page together that will last as a reminder of their time with you?
Or try a new game at http://www.e-learningforkids.org/courses.html
There are many different tribes of Native Americans living in different parts of this country. There may be a reservation, a pow-wow or a museum nearby that you could visit. The library would have many books to look at. There are many websites with information – here’s one about the Navajo.
As the weather cools and the leaves start to change color it is the perfect time (in most parts of the United States) to pick apples. Try these simple apple recipes, no matter where you get your apples:
Applesauce is very simple to make. Remove the core and quarter the apples. If you leave the peel on during cooking it will give the applesauce a pink color. When the apples are very soft, remove any peel that is left, mash the pulp or put it through a sieve. Add sugar if needed.
Try making Dried Apple Rings. They can be used as a nutritious snack. Peel, core and slice apples into 1/8 inch rings (Macintosh or Golden Delicious apples work best). Dip each ring into a mixture of lemon juice and water to help the apples keep their color. Pull a piece of string through the center of each ring and hang in a dry, warm place. They take 1-2 weeks to dry and become chewy.
Children are fascinated by animals. Is there a farm nearby where you can visit to see them up close, or a local county fair? Preschool age children will enjoy the coloring pages and other activities here. Farm animals often make the news too – check the newspaper in your area for stories about animals.
Children usually learn manners by example, but they may need some help.
Search this site http://life.familyeducation.com/manners-and-values/parenting/34452.html for ideas on improving manners in your family.
Honey is one of nature’s delicious foods, but never, never give honey to a child under one year of age. It can cause a serious disease. For older children you can find interesting bee facts, yummy recipes, and the story of how honey is made at: http://www.honey.com/nhb/about-honey/honey-and-bees/.
Smokey the Bear was created in 1944 to remind us of the importance of outdoor fire safety and wildfire prevention.
Visit www.smokeybear.com/kids/default.asp for online games, fun facts and important information about outdoor fire safety.
Only you can prevent forest fires!
Anything you put on Facebook is there for the world to see! Do not put anything on Facebook that will embarrass your host family or compromise your position with them. Remember future employers will search Facebook before they consider you for employment. Facebook is a fun way to connect with friends and family, but it is NOT PRIVATE, so be careful!!
In 1800, the American West was still wild country – no cities, no railroads and no cattle ranches yet existed. It was quiet and untouched. People in the eastern U.S. had heard stories about the western mountains and the desert, but only the Native Americans had been there.
Learn more about this period in American history.
There are many children’s books that take place during this time period. Little House on the Prairie or any of the other books by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a favorite read-aloud book for school age children. Check the library for stories about Davey Crockett and tall tales about Paul Bunyan.
