By Amanda Crowe, Assistant EducatorFollow-up to Creative Playdate: Messy Playdate, December 5, 2013. Kids love to feed their curiosity by making a mess and using their senses in the creative process. Research for the education of the young child shows that more mess-making leads to higher forms of learning. Homemade Peppermint Playdough:Supplies:1 cup flour1/4 cup salt1 tsp cream of tartar (for smooth texture)1 cup water1 tbsp oil food coloring (cake decorators paste or liquid makes great colors)1 tbsp peppermint extract (easily found at craft stores
By Amanda Crowe, Assistant EducatorFollow-up to Creative Playdate: Yoga for the YoungHelp your child relax while crafting this simple no-sew lavender eye pillow.Supplies:1 tube sock cut down to 10 inches long (cut off foot portion and elastic band near knee)1 cup dried lavender flowers or 6 drops essential lavender oil1 ½ cups buckwheat hulls or uncooked riceRibbonDirections: Close the sock at one end by typing with a ribbon. Fill the sock with the lavender and buckwheat hull filler, allowing enough room to close the other