ARTICLE: Pretend Play

With new modern toys on the market, and action figures of every movie in theaters, sometimes we forget to encourage children in pretend play. Childhood is a time of discovery and preparing for life. Pretend play can really open up horizons for our children for they learn about different activities and can begin identifying their likes and dislikes. Pretend play also can build up vocabulary, promote conversation skills and help with problem solving. To help promote pretend play with our children you can set up a box with old costumes, hats, oversized clothes and different props. Help them decide what they want to be and then play together according to what they chose. With a store bought doctor´s kit have them give a favorite doll or bear a "check-up". You can also play "restaurant" with a tea set or old plastic kitchen utensils, they can be cooks, waiters or even guests. With a hose and a raincoat they can become firemen. Girls can enjoy a fashion show where they can be models or actresses. One last great idea: become a singer for the day. Turn on the music with a favorite song, let them use a toy microphone or even a plastic spoon, dress up, and host your own concert. Any activity you choose, remember that pretend play can also let you get to know your child a little better.

TIP OF THE DAY

If you´re going on vacation to an outdoor place like the beach, be sure to pack books, coloring books, crayons and a card game. Bad weather conditions could change your plans, and these activities could help you keep your children busy, plus they don´t take up much room.

STORYTIME: The Princess and the Witch -- Part 5

...The princess looked at the witch and said: " I could invite you to the gardens of my palace. We could talk, play and drink some tea. You would never feel lonely again, and I´m sure the townspeople would like to talk to you, if you promise to be good. I´m sure the children of the kingdom would like to play with your magic ball, too!" The old witch opened her eyes, very wide. Then she smiled. She lifted her arms again and the lightning cage disappeared. The princess stretched out her hand and the witch held it firmly. They walked together to the palace and started a beautiful friendship. Never again did the witch do a mean thing, and never again did she feel lonely. And every afternoon the children of the kingdom would come to the palace, and play with the magic ball.

THE END

DAILY RECIPE: Cheese Fingers

2 slices of white bread
1 kraft cheese singles (original)
butter

Spread butter on bread. Place cheese single and cover, making a sandwich. Grill until lightly browned on both sides. Cut into five strips. Serve. Great for snacks and light lunches!

STORYTIME: The Princess and the Witch -- Part 4

.. The old lady picked up the red ball and smiled at the princess. "Oh, you came back," she cackled, "now, you will never leave this forest!" The old lady lifted her arms up high and green lightning came out of the tips of her fingers. A huge green lightning cage was formed around the princess, who was very scared. The old lady walked around the princess and spoke: "I once lived in your kingdom, but people did not like my magic, I was banished to this forest because I they said I was a bad witch. And now, you are my prisioner!" The old witch sat on a rock next to the lightning cage and continued talking: "All I ever wanted was to have a few friends, but everyone was scared of me." The princess looked at her, she seemed sad. Then she had an idea...

(More tomorrow)

DAILY RECIPE: Fried Rice

1 1/2 cups rice
3 carrots
3 zuchinni
1 stick celery
butter
soy sauce

Cook rice in 3 cups of water until cooked but firm. Finely chop carrots, zuchinni and celery. Melt butter in a large pot and sauteé vegetables. Add rice and stir throughly. Pour soy sauce and mix well.

TIP OF THE DAY

When visiting large and crowded places with your family, like zoos or amusement parks, try wearing the same color clothing. It´s easy to spot the members of your party and if anyone should get separated, you can easily remember the color they´re wearing.

STORYTIME: The Princess and the Witch -- Part 3

...The princess entered her castle with the red ball in her hands. She left it on a chair in her room and got ready for dinner. After dinner, she read some books in the castle´s library and then headed off to her room to get ready for bed. As she was drifiting off to sleep she remembered the red ball and quickly sat up in bed. She looked at the chair and there she saw the red ball, not moving, just as an ordinary ball should be. She closed her eyes and went to sleep. The bouncing sound woke her. It was still night; she turned to the chair and saw that the ball was gone! Her door was open and she raced down the stairs following the sounds. She barely saw the red ball bouncing out the castle door. The princess ran to follow it, the ball quickly bounced into the forest. The princess couldn´t stop following the ball! She entered the dark forest and raced after it. Finally she caught up to it, as it stopped bouncing and rolled, stopping at the old lady´s feet...

(More tomorrow)

DAILY RECIPE: Mango/Apple Juice

Full of fiber. Soothes an upset stomach.

3/4 cup chopped mango
1 cup prepared apple juice

Blend both ingredients. Use a collander and pour to a glass. Drink immediately.

TIP OF THE DAY

Put a few slices of oranges and a cinammon stick in boiling water to fill your kitchen with a fresh summer scent.