If you’re a parent I’m sure to can raise your hand to admit that at one time or another you’ve purchased a fancy new toy only to find they are more interested in playing with the box. Doh! So in typical Laughing Kids Learn style I decided to make a […]
DIY Heat Bags
Personalised heat bags make such a great gift to give to any loved one. I made them a few years ago with a grade 2/3 class for father’s day and the feedback was incredibly positive. I even had a few of the children’s dads write me little ‘thank you’ notes! The good news is that […]
DIY Woolly Monsters for Imaginative Play
Just have a look at these cute woolly monsters! I think they are just so adorable and a great little creature that would be fun for children to use during creative or imaginative play. School aged children would be able to make many of these in one sitting, possibly a whole family of woolly monsters! Imaginative […]
Mother’s Day love rocks gift idea
What does a child give their mother on Mother’s Day who means the world to them? Love rocks! They are simple to make, can be personalised and used in a variety of ways. They are a unique type gift that will last a lifetime. I love Mother’s Day for so many reasons. I love it […]
Grippy Socks
This is a great idea for when children are stuck inside or looking to give a parent or grandparent a unique gift. They are personally designed socks that grip to the floor! They are simple to make and will no doubt be treasured. LETS MAKE GRIPPY SOCKS!!! I stretched a plain sock over an empty […]
Red Ted Art: Cute and Easy Crafts for Kids
Maggy Woodley is the craft guru behind the well known blog, ‘Red Ted Art’.You can visit her blog here. It is very exciting to announce that she has recently released her very own book called Red Ted Art : Cute and Easy Crafts for Kids’. I was fortunate to get my hands on a copy I […]
DIY Gold Mine Cake
My husband recently turned 30 years of age and we decided to have a party to celebrate! I couldn’t resist a cake challenge. He has often spoken about the thrill he would get as a young boy when it came time for him to select a themed cake from the Australian classic Woman’s Weekly Birthday […]
DIY Strawberry Scented Play dough
Once you’ve tried this gorgeous DIY strawberry scented play dough, you’ll make it again and again! As a child I always loved things that smelt great. Strawberry was a favourite, I remember. Now, there are lots of great scented play dough recipes on the Internet but I decided to share with you my fabulous recipe. […]
Easter Puzzles for kids
Easter is fast approaching and so I thought I’d share a great learning activity that your kids will enjoy. Here are simple easter puzzles for kids. They are fun and educational. To make Easter puzzles you will need Pre-cut easter foam shapes Scissors If you’re unable to purchase them you can simply cut an egg […]
The Disappearing Act
Here is a fun way of playing with your baby and it is much like peek-a-boo, which they all know and love. I like to call it the disappearing act as they see an object appear and disappear in a container. It taps into developing their understanding of object permanence, so the object hasn’t actually […]
Soapy Sludge
Many children over the age of about 2 or 3 years old would love this activity because playing with soapy sludge gives them a great sensory experience. I also love that it requires very few ingredients and it’s easy to whip together. RECIPE 2 cups LUX Pure Soap Flakes 1-2 cup hot […]
Potato Stamps
If you have never done potato stamping I encourage you to do it today! You will need – Large potatoes Knife Paper Paint Plate {For responsible adults only} Using the knife, slice off one side of the potato. Ever so carefully mark out your shape (1 cm deep). Slice around it to reveal your […]
Felt Heart
I have to be honest, my mother bought me a sewing machine and I haven’t even used it. (Sorry mum!) The fact is that I’m not a machine sewer. Unlike my mother and possibly generations before me, I just don’t have that skill to know what to do and how not to snap a needle. […]
Valentines Day Frame
Valentines Day is fast approaching and so I felt it was timely to share an idea with you all. This beautiful Valentines Day frame would make a beautiful gift from a child to a loved one. The great news is that it is incredibly easy to do. To make this frame you will need – […]
Wind Pipe Instrument
Children love to play instruments and there are many you can make at home. This is a simple wind pipe that children can make in just a few minutes. With the straws we had there was an opportunity to discuss patterns and order. Simply lay out a line of sticky take with the sticky part […]
Squeezy Ball
A squeezy ball is a small object that is squeezed in the hand and manipulated by the fingers. It can be the object to grab when you’re feeling like you need a little stress relief. Adults AND children can greatly benefit from making and owning their own squeezy ball. Many doctors and therapists […]
Foot Prints
Time pass too quickly and I’m holding on to every moment for as long as I can. This Christmas I decided to give family members a gift that would allow them to look back and remember how small Possum was when they received the gift. What better way than with foot prints. You will […]
2012 Highlights
As the year comes to a close I start to reflect on all the great activities and ideas that I’ve been able to post to you in 2012. It was tough to whittle it down to a select few. What has been a favourite for you? Colouring Rice http://laughingkidslearn.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/colouring-rice.html Milk Bottle http://laughingkidslearn.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/milk-bottle-rackets.html Cold Spaghetti http://laughingkidslearn.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/cold-spaghetti.html […]
Reindeer Food
It is so wonderful to watch children enjoying the magic of Christmas. Here is a simple little recipe to make reindeer food using only two ingredients! Of course it’s an incredibly special mixture that will tempt even the fussiest of reindeers. 😉 Recipe 1 cup of Rolled Oats Sprinkle of glitter I love that […]
Birthday Cake
Since pink was a running theme for the day I decided to make shades of the colour and hoped it would be effective when cut on the day. It was either going to make me sink or swim. Fortunately it was a massive hit and I’m glad I did it. I basically baked three cakes. […]
Cookie Jar – gift
Christmas is a time for giving and so we find ourselves battling the shopping centers looking for the perfect gift. Well look no further because here is a unique gift that you put together with your children. They are sure to be a hit with whoever you give them to. My friends loved them. Simply […]
DIY Christmas Stocking
It has always been a tradition in my family that we each have our own Christmas stocking that is placed out for Santa to fill with all sorts of treasures on Christmas Day. It is this Christmas that I’m considering this as Possum’s FIRST Christmas, the previous one was a complete blur from her being […]
Edible Finger Paint
I love being creative and I especially love when I can get my little Possum creative too. This type of paint is wonderful because it’s non-toxic, unlike those that claim to be but still include weird numbers in the ingredients. So let’s make our own EDIBLE FINGER PAINT!!!!! ____________________ Making your own finger paint can […]
Remembrance Day
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has a special significance in the post-war years. The moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front and it became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war. LEST WE FORGET I always feel it is my duty, simple […]
Contacted Leaves
This is a great activity that promotes discussion and develops observation skills. Select some leaves from your garden or the local park. Carefully place each leaf on the sticky surface of clear contact. Place another layer of clear contact over the leaves and trim the edges. Smooth out any bubbles or creases. Hang for display and […]
Disgusting Halloween Treat
Now this is a treat that adults are sure to think is disgusting but kids will LOVE! It is easy to make and will have everyone in this Halloween spirit. Purchase some eyeball candies from Big W ($2), some red jelly and small plastic cups. You might like to have just one big container instead. […]
Halloween Mummies
Here is fun and yummy Halloween treat for the special people in your lives. They are quite simple to make and look very impressive. _______ Begin by breaking apart Oreo biscuits and eating one or two. Place a store bought candy stick into the icing and use some melted chocolate as glue to attach the […]
DIY Bubble Mixture
It’s true that bubble mixture isn’t expensive or hard to find, however, what your kids miss out on is process of making it themselves! It’s very easy and has only a few ingredients. What you need – * Dishwashing liquid *Water *Glycerol (from the Chemist) I used […]
Bubbles
Who doesn’t love the grace and beauty of bubbles? They are absolutely captivating and it’s almost a natural response to pop a few. Bubbles are loved by all ages, especially newborns. We made the most of a few moments of sun to go outside and play with bubbles. Possum watched the bubbles until they suddenly […]
Bird Seed Feeder
These bird seed feeders are just so beautiful and look amazing in any garden. They are so easy to make and kids get such a thrill as new birds stop by for a bite. Here are the instructions on how to make your own DIY bird seed feeder or hanger. How to make a DIY […]