School is in session but the fun doesn’t have to end! It’s an exciting time as the weather starts to chill, the leaves are starting to change and the holidays are fast approaching. If you are looking for some in season activities for you and the family, you have come to the right place!

Build a Scarecrow with Newspaper

What you will need: Pillow case or cloth sack, collared button up shirt, pants, lots of heavy duty rubber bands, LOTS of newspaper, markers or paint/paint brushes, rubber cleaning gloves, garbage bags or shopping bags, shoelaces, twine (optional), pair of boots (optional).

Making the head: Paint eyes, nose and mouth on the center of a cloth sack or pillowcase with paint and brush. Set aside to dry. See below for a demonstration of someone making a scarecrow head with a pillow.

Button up your collared shirt. Roll newspaper to fit into each of the sleeves. Place each roll into a plastic grocery or garbage bag. Slide a bag into each sleeve. Create another bag for the stomach of the shirt. Wrap the shirt around the garbage bag. Leave some space at the bottom of the shirt to stuff into the belly of the pants. Put your rubber cleaning gloves on the sleeves of your shirt to give your scarecrow hands.

Ideas for Scarecrow Support: This type scarecrow is perfect sitting down; all you need is a chair for support. Or use either a mop or broom stick, slip them into the bottom of your scarecrow’s pant leg, run up into the back. Tie the pole to the stick at the waist and neck. Use twine as decorations in and around the opening of your scarecrow.

Vroom Tip: Dressing Mix Up

When you’re helping your child dress the Scarecrow, play Dressing Mix-Up, by asking things like: “Do your socks go on their hands? Do they go on their feet? Put them on your hands, and pretend your hands are feet.”

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By playing this game, you’re turning dressing into a routine that’s easier to manage and fun for both of you. You’re also helping them learn where different clothes go as well as the skill of matching things that go together.

Have a pumpkin carving party!

Pumpkins are a timeless token of the holidays. Whether you are in a scary mood or getting ready to make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, everyone enjoys a nice carved pumpkin! Marty Moose has some great tips on how to make the perfect jack-o-lantern. Invite some friends over and follow along. Happy Holidays!

Vroom Tip: Dressing Mix Up

What are all of the descriptive words you can use to describe the food? Is the pumpkin mushy, squishy, and slippery? Are the seeds warm, smooth, and soft? Point as you say them and watch them respond and respond back to them.

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When your child hears and sees new ways to describe their food, they’re learning new words as well as the skills of observing their experience and communicating more effectively.

Bake the Best Apple Crisp Ever!

Thanks to AllRecipes we are able to give you an easy to make and delicious apple crisp, with a thick, crunchy, cinnamony topping over brown sugar coated apple slices.

Ingredients you will need: 4 peeled, cored and sliced apples, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of all purpose flour, ¾ cup of white sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoon of melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit

2. In a 9-inch square baking pan, mix sliced apples with brown sugar. In a large bowl, mix together flour, white sugar, cinnamon and salt. In a small bowl, beat together egg and melted butter. Stir into flour mixture. Spread evenly over apples.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until topping is golden and crisp.

Cooking with children is not only fun but has so many rewarding benefits. Vroom, an online and mobile resource transforming every day activities into brain building moments.

Vroom Tip: How Many?  

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