From 2008 to 2013, Sprout ran a website for "Grown-Up Sprouts" called Sprout for Parents. Flash is going away, so I thought now would be a good time to archive certain articles from the site.

Costumes You Can Make at Home

Do you have visions of your Sproutlet lighting up the Halloween night as your very own Star? We asked Benita Black and Lisa Ruth, two crafty moms, how they’d transform their children into our favorite night light, and here are their very different ideas!

Benita’s Star Costume

You Will Need

2 large pieces of cardboard (find a large appliance box and cut off two sides so they're equal.)
Yellow and red paint
Yellow pipe cleaner
Construction paper
Hot glue gun
Scissors
Leggings

Instructions

Cut the cardboard into two large star shapes. Attach them together with two 8-inch pieces of yellow ribbon. Hot glue the ribbon onto the back of each shape, one to go over each shoulder.
You have two options for making the eyes. Either make the top of Star’s point top point tall enough to cover your child’s face, then mark the spot where your Sproutlet’s eyes are with a pencil. Remove the cardboard and cut two eye holes in the front panel.
- Or make the panels shorter so that they end at your child’s chin. Cut out 2 white circles and 2 smaller black circles of construction paper. Glue them together to make Star’s eyes, and glue them to the appropriate spot.
For the hands, trace the outlines of your child’s hands on yellow construction paper and cut them out. Glue to the end of your star. Or, buy yellow gloves for your child to wear.
Paint both panels yellow.
Attach small, construction paper stars to the tips of 5 pipe cleaners with hot glue, and then glue the pipe cleaners on the top of the Star.
Add a red smile, and a pair of your favorite leggings and you’re ready to go.

Lisa’s Star Costume

You Will Need

Yellow, light blue and white felt
Hot glue gun

Lisa created an illustration to guide you through her steps. Click here to see how you can whip up this adorable costume!

We at Sprout believe what one parent can do, another can, too. That's why we asked two mom's--who just happen to be very crafty--how they'd turn their Sproutlets into Chica for Halloween. Benita Black and Lisa Ruth took two very different approaches to the challenge--and we think they both did a great job. Here's what they did, and instructions so you can do it too!--Diana

Benita's Chica Costume

You Will Need

Yellow shirt or coat

Small pillows

Yellow or red pants, leggings or tights

Yellow feathers (either bags or from a yellow boa)

Yellow poster board

Pipe cleaner or ribbons

Yellow construction paper

Hot glue gun

Yellow face paint

Red-tinted hair spray

Rubber gloves

Masking tape

Yellow ribbons

Grape vine wreath

Sticks from your yard

For the Body:

Glue feathers to the shirt and tights in a random pattern.

On Halloween Night, put on the the shirt and pants. Stuff a small pillow into the shirt and then tuck the shirt into the pants to hold everything in place.

For the Wings:

Cut yellow chicken wings out of poster board and glue the remaining feathers onto them. Punch a hole at the end of each wing, and attach them together with a paper fastener. At the other end, glue a small yellow ribbon to each wing so that it can be worn around the neck like a necklace.

For Chica’s Head:

Paint your child’s face yellow. Use gel to create Chica’s comb by giving your child a fake mohawk and paint it read with red-tinted hair spray.

For the Beak:

Cut two yellow triangles out of construction paper, fold them in half and glue or staple two corners together. Attach a yellow ribbon through two holes. Tie this in place over your child’s mouth.

For the Feet:

Place yellow rubber gloves over your child’s shoes like galoshes. Tape them into place at the ankles. Color the tape with magic markers or pain so it blends in with the pants. (Have your child practice walking in these Chica slippers—they may take some getting used to.)

For the Nest:

Find a grape-vine wreath at a craft store. Ask your Sproutlet to collect sticks from the back yard and attach them to the wreath with a hot glue gun. To wear, have the child step into the wreath. Hold it in place by attaching yellow ribbon suspenders to the nest and over your child’s shoulders.

Lisa's Chica Costume

You will need

Huge plastic googly eyes Heavy cardstock

Red, yellow and orange black felt

Velcro

Pool Ring

Burlap

Rafia

Tan or Brown Pants

Orange Shirt

Lisa created an illustration to guide you through her steps. Click here to see how you can whip up this adorable costume!

Let’s Grow!

Ah, the magic of a DVD. A mom can turn it on whenever she wants, play it as often as the kids like, rewind or fast forward on command, snuggle up in front of it on snowy days, or even bring it in the car when the weather gets nicer.

Now HIT Entertainment is partnering with Sprout to launch a new DVD line for preschoolers and their parents called “Let’s Grow.” The series focuses on life skills and lessons for preschoolers. Episodes from HIT Entertainment’s library of programs including Barney™, Bob the Builder™, Thomas & Friends™ and many more will explore topics like feelings, manners and safety. The Sunny Side Up Show hosts along with Chica the Chicken introduce the episodes, make crafts and play educational games themed to each topic. Learn more about the DVD.

A printed Parent Resource Guide accompanies each DVD and includes additional information to inspire meaningful moments every day. Tips, discussion starters and websites tied to the DVD’s theme will help parents and kids explore important subjects together.

The DVD is available wherever DVDs are sold. Sprout for Parents has 10 copies of the DVD to give away. The first ten people who post an answer to our "Let's Grow" question below will win a free Let's Grow: Safety First DVD.

Click here for the Official Rules

Please note: If you've been selected as one of our lucky winners of a Sprout giveaway/contest/sweepstakes within the last six months, you won’t be eligible to win this time

Help your Sproutlet learn important safety lessons with Sean and Chica from Sprout!

The fun of learning continues in the Let’s Grow DVD Series: Safety First hosted by Sean and Chica featuring a special collection of adventures with your child’s favorite friends, Barney™, Thomas & Friends™, Bob the Builder™, Fireman Sam™ and Kipper™. These heartwarming stories will inspire and entertain, while demonstrating valuable life lessons and important safety tips along the way.

Hosts Sean and Chica will show young viewers how they can put safety first by grabbing their helmets, looking both ways and always buckling up. So follow along with these five episodes and learn about the importance of “safety first!” Available on June 29th where DVDs are sold.

Barney: “Home Safe Home”
Thomas & Friends: “Thomas and the Runaway Car”
Bob the Builder: “Slow Down Scrambler”
Fireman Sam: “High Jinx”
Kipper: “Skates”

Getting to Know Dennisha

By now, you’ve noticed that there’s a new face at The Sunny Side Up Show. Dennisha has joined the cast as a co-host and we’re so happy to have her on board. I got to spend a few minutes with her in the Sprout offices between visits to the Sunshine Barn.

I was surprised to learn that Dennisha is originally from Macon, Georgia. She said she’s the only one in her family without a Southern accent. She never tried to avoid it, but credits hours of watching TV as a child influencing the way she sounds. A kindred spirit, I thought, having logged hours of tv as a child (and now a grown up!) myself. Here’s what else I learned about Dennisha.--Diana

What is it like to join The Sunny Side Up Show?

Amazing! Everyone is so warm, welcoming, happy and supportive. What a great family to be a part of!

Speaking of family, what did yours say when you told them about your new job?

They were so happy for me. They knew I was excited, but my mom had never watched The Sunny Side Up Show before. When I went home after I got the job and watched Sprout with my whole family, my little cousins couldn’t believe it. “Will you stand where Sean is standing?” they asked. I was so proud to tell them I would.

Why do you think this is the right job for you?

My mom would say this is the perfect job for me because she thinks I’m still a big kid. I love to play on the floor with my young cousins. And I watch a lot of these cartoons in my adult life. For real!

I think co-hosting The Sunny Side Up Show is right for me—and I’m right for the job—because of my background and my experience. There are two things that I’ve always loved: working with kids and acting. In college, I earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child and Adolescents. After I graduated, I worked as an after-school teacher and a summer camp counselor. Plus I did community theater. Eventually, my husband and I moved to New York so I could pursue acting, so this job is the perfect combination of all of my interests and experience!

You play yourself. Does that mean you wear your own clothes on the show?

No, I wear a costume. But the look is based on my personality.

How did you come up with the tank top, sweater and headband?

I talked with the producers about what I was comfortable wearing. They know my personality and came up with some costume options. The first day I put all the clothes on I said "This is something I would totally wear every day!" They laughed and said, "You will!"

How was the night before your first day?

I couldn’t sleep! I was like a little kid before Christmas. I couldn’t believe this dream job was about to come true!

This is your dream job?

Definitely! When I was a kid, I wanted to be on kids TV--and now here I am. I feel so lucky!

Have you ever worked with a puppet before?

No! Chica and I are getting to know each other.

How do you get to know a puppet?

We spend time together on and off camera. I go to the Barn and we improv together. We practice games and dressing Chica. I’m proud to say that I’m beginning to understand Chica speak.

(I look at her with suspicion and concern. Did she really just say that?) Umm…what?

It’s true! The people here at Sprout say they know exactly what she’s saying, and what each squeak means. I believe them, because I’m starting to figure it out, too!

Let’s do a speed round of questions. I’ll ask you something and you say the first thing that comes into your head. OK!

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Sour pickles

Biggest Fear: Not going for something and regretting it later

Favorite Pet: Dog

Do You Have a Dog?: No

Favorite Wild Animal: Lion

Favorite Place in the World: My mom’s house

Favorite Thing To Do: Besides eating? Meeting new people!

Favorite Childhood Memory: There was a parade in my hometown when I was a kid and my dad was a fireman. He saw me on the side of the parade route and pulled me into the fire engine in front of the whole crowd!

Something You Liked to Do When You Were Young That You Don’t Do Now: Climb trees.

Why Not?: Not many trees in the city. Plus no opportunities. When I see big magnolia trees, I miss my tree climbing days.

Best Gift You Ever Received: The proposal from my husband. We’ve been married for 3 ½ years!

Best Gift You Ever Gave: My uncle had been a jazz trumpet player, although he had quit playing before I got a chance to see him perform. I found a painting of a jazz musician and gave it to him as a present. He said it inspired him to start playing again!

I loved sitting down with Dennisha. It was so much fun to meet a new friend. And I've never asked anyone a speed round of questions before! I was lucky to have an afternoon to spend with Dennisha. What about you? If you could ask Dennisha a question, what would you or your Sproutlet like to know about our newest Sprout friend?

Inside the Sunshine Barn: A Behind the Scenes look at the Sunny Side Up Show

As a special bonus for you parents and caretakers who check out SFP, I've got insider information about The Sunny Side Up Show. From the show's origins to the way they create each episode, I've got scoop from Betsy Oliphant, the Executive Producer. She's been a part of the show before Chica was-- before there was a show at all, even. For all you grown up Sprouts, this one’s for you!

How do you develop a brand new show from scratch?

Betsy: Since Sprout’s programming strategy is to follow the structure of a child's day, a morning show clearly had to have elements that kids will recognize and relate to from their own lives. Before we had any characters or even a name for the show, we had goals.

We were determined to meet kids where they are emotionally, developmentally, intellectually, and offer them a robust experience to play with characters on-air, relating to the show they just saw. We would do this in two ways--by having hosts talk about and explore themes from the episode we just aired, and by offering viewers the opportunity to share messages, art, and photos in real time via the web. No one else is doing that. This dual opportunity turns TV watching into a much more active experience that preschoolers can feel some ownership over.

So how did a few goals turn into The Sunny Side Up Show?

Betsy: Andrew Beecham, SVP of Programming knew he wanted a live show. We talked a lot about creating a unique show where the hosts--human and puppet--would have the ability to interact with characters and viewers. We wanted Sprout hosts to model the way kids play in their own lives. When you see Kelly and Chica build a bridge after they just watched Bob the Builder build one, that's an example of how our strategy came to life.

We also felt it was important that the show connected with morning activities. We had content ideas before we had a name for the show--we knew we would check the weather daily, look at the calendar and talk about what celebrations are happening. Since preschoolers are learning to dress themselves, we wanted to create an on-air and online activity that modeled that (which is now Dress Chica). We thought breakfast, eggs, Sunny Side Up Show. We had our title.

Then you answered that age-old question, what comes first, the Chica or the Egg? It's the egg!

Betsy: I guess you're right! Chica evolved because Andrew really wanted the puppet to be an animal. I said it's got to be a chicken, then, because chickens and eggs easily connect to mornings, and we could have fun revealing playful information and surprises from eggs. Andrew wasn't sure that kids would connect with a chicken, so we started to work with a designer to make sure that our bird would be cute enough. And then of course the concept of a barn setting was a natural.

So how do you put a live show every day?

Betsy: Believe it or not, we start quite far in advance! Once a year we gather a large team including the hosts, associate producers (who also serve as the puppeteers… or as we call them, Chicateers), and a number of others involved with the show gather together for a brainstorming session to come up with weekly themes. We start out with the obvious ones--holidays, seasons, different events that may take place over the year that are relevant to preschoolers. March is National Nutrition Month, so we tie into that. Then we look at topics that kids are interested in like dinosaurs, fairy tales, pirates or pets. After we set out a calendar of themes, we assign a team to develop the content each week.

Who's on a team?

Betsy: A team of two people, the host and an associate producer/Chicateer work on a three-week cycle. The first week is a prep week. The team watches all the episodes that will air the following week, and decide how to tie those into the weekly theme. They think about the shows in the context of their weekly theme and try to pull out ideas that kids would also pick up on. On Tuesday, the host and associate producer pitch their ideas to producers, and our Education Consultant who enhances the activities to include additional learning opportunities. We each listen to the ideas with different needs in mind: are the activities safe and age appropriate, are they developmentally appropriate, are they engaging clear, fresh and FUN?!

The team spends the rest of the week getting materials together and tweaking their ideas. We don't write a script, though. The teams know what they want to say, but we want it to be natural and not written in advance. It's very important that these are hosts not actors. Consider them v-jays for the preschool crowd. They play themselves, use their real names, can think on their feet and really love what they do.

For the second week, the team is on-air live from 9-12. At around 8:40, we start rehearsing our first link of the day. Then we go live and end the link by throwing to the first show, Roary the Racing Car. While that is airing, what you don't see at home is that the host and Chica are rehearsing the next link. And so on… They’re on air for about 40 minutes total over the course of three hours, but they've been preparing and rehearsing for quite a bit more time than that.

For the third week, the associate producer moves into the control room to help produce the show.

The teams also go to local preschools and daycare centers every six weeks or so to observe. It’s important that we see what kids find engaging, what they talk about, and how they play and the teams are able to integrate that information when they develop show content. It keeps us fresh, inspired and excited about who we’re reaching.

I have to say, the whole Sunny Side Up team is a dream – the cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes are so creative, committed and always trying new things. The online team is an important part of the show’s success, too – we all work closely together to create an experience that is truly harmonized and includes pay offs for users of either platform.

What do you think makes The Sunny Side Up Show so special?

Betsy: It’s TV that preschoolers can play along with in real time. The fact that we are live, and encourage active thinking about the episodes preschoolers are watching is one really special element of our show. The other unique and fantastic piece is that we connect with families in real time by sharing their submissions throughout the morning. Preschoolers and their parents are able to affect the show with their birthday cards, messages, and photos. We monitor the Farm Talk section of SproutOnline while Chica and the host are on-air so that we can find what viewers are saying about the theme or episodes we’re watching together. This year alone The Sunny Side Up Show has received over 400,000 submissions! We’re always looking to use preschoolers and families’ ideas to inspire other viewers. That’s really special.

We also make an effort to have special guests in the barn, such as Oscar the Grouch on Earth day or our friend Barney for a Valentine’s Day celebration We even take live phone calls some days which creates a unique opportunity for viewers to connect with hosts and characters instantly.

The fact that we've had over 830,000 submissions since the show launched inspires us. Knowing that so many Sproutlets are engaged by what we do is terrific!

I have to agree with Betsy. There’s something really special about The Sunny Side Up Show. It’s a friendly, playful & lively world that our children fit right into. I can’t believe they've accomplished so much since they launched in September of 2007. And in such a small studio! I was able to take a peek while Sean was on-air one morning and was shocked that the Sunshine Barn is almost as small as a closet! They really make magic in there.

What do you think of The Sunny Side Up Show? Have you done any Farm Talk with your Sproutlet lately? (If not, go to SproutOnline and click on The Sunny Side Up Show!)

Let Nina say goodnight to your Sproutlet - on the phone!

That’s right, you can win a chance to have Nina call your house and speak to your Sproutlet for real and in person! Got questions? Nina can answer them! Got a message for Star? Nina can deliver it!

Five lucky families will win—one a day from September 21 through September 25. All you have to do is let us know what you say to your Sproutlet when you tuck them in each night.

Help With Chores from our friend Chica!

My kids love checklists. We use them to keep track of good behavior and earn rewards, but we’ve only had a boring old calendar before. Now the folks at Sprout have taken a good idea and turned it into a great one by creating Chica's Healthy Checklist that we can print and post at home.

With Chica's help, we parents can teach our kids to take responsibility for some of their healthy activities like eating nutritious foods, exercising, brushing their teeth, washing their hands and face, and getting sleep. That means we can use Chica's chart to encourage the kids to do the chores that cause the most fuss, at least at my house! Sometimes I hear myself telling the kids to brush their teeth for the 10th time, and realize I’m not even listening to what I have to say. Now I can invoke Chica and turn some of these necessary chores into a game. Thank goodness Chica can inspire with a smile! What fun! Check it out at Chica’s Healthy Checklist on sproutonline.

And let us know how your kids like making a check on the chart each time they do something good for themselves.

Goodbye, Kevin!

Christmas was Kevin's last day on The Sunny Side Up Show. If your kids are like mine, any change in their world will lead to a ton of questions ("Why? Why? Why?") and then complete acceptance!

So what do you tell your kids as they question this Sprout news? You tell them the truth! Sometimes things change, and friends move to different places. Kevin will still be at Sprout, you just won't see him: sometimes he'll be a puppeteer and you won't even know he's there; sometimes you will hear him because he'll continue to be the voice of Ricky the Rabbit on The Sprout Sharing Show.

Here is the official statement from Sprout, which gives details that might not matter to your kids, but I always think its nice to get the inside story!

Kevin Yamada has been an important part of the Sprout family since the network’s inception in 2005. Although he will no longer be continuing in his regular role as Sunny Side Up Show host (effective 12/25/09), Kevin will continue to work with Sprout as puppeteer and voice of Ricky the Rabbit on The Sprout Sharing Show. Sprout’s programming team is continually evaluating all aspects of the network in an effort to keep the channel fresh and current in a rapidly evolving television landscape. Although the creative decision was made to not have Kevin continue in this particular role, Sprout recognizes and appreciates his talent and all of his many contributions and we hope to continue working with him on future projects.

In case you missed the announcement, here's the video from his final appearance on The Sunny Side Up Show. We couldn't say the news any better than Kevin does.

31 activities inspired by the Wiggles - one for each day!

That’s right, in honor of Sprout’s Wiggly Waffle Show, we will be counting down the days until the show’s premier with a new activity each day, inspired by one of The Wiggles beloved songs!

You might know the words to these favorite tunes, but have you thought about using them to inspire a new game or activity? You will after this! And don't forget to go to Sproutonline for more Wiggles activities to share on the computer. My kids love The 5th Wiggle Game!

Let the official Sprout for Parents countdown begin!

August 1: Big Red Car

Toot, toot chuga, chuga big red car

Today, every time you see a red car you have to shout, “toot toot!” Keep a count of how many you see. Remember to look for red cars while you’re walking around, driving, watching TV or even reading books. You might be surprised at how many you find!

Pick a prize to be awarded at the end of the day to the person who sees the most cars. Maybe the winner gets an extra book at bedtime or they get to choose the vegetable for dinner!

August 2: Australia Zoo

Crocodiles and Camels, Marsupials and Mammals…at the Australia Zoo

Help your child create his or her own zoo! Look through magazines and newspapers, coloring books, even old wrapping paper and find pictures of animals your Sproutlet wants in her zoo. Help her cut them out, and then on a fresh piece of paper, paste the animals all around.

Ask questions about the zoo and help your child create a story about what happens there.

August 3: A Frog Went Walking

Frog went a walking on a summer’s day; he met Miss Mousy on the way.

It’s time to take a frog walk! Hop like a frog. Now skitter like a mouse. Dance a jig like a pig. What other animal can you walk like? Could you walk like a frog for a whole morning?

Ready to mix it up? One person be Frog, another be Miss Mousy. What would you say to each other? Try to walk around together (or hop or skitter!) and have a conversation. Let your child lead you around and see where this goes!

August 4: Blow Me Down

Breathe in deep, fill those lungs—and blow some bubbles!

Here’s how!

Materials You Will Need:

Plastic bowl

Bubble soap or dish soap

Pipe cleaners

Plastic yogurt container lid

Cookie cutters

Safety scissors

Instructions

Twist pipe cleaners together and make any shape you like – a circle, a square, a triangle, or something else. Now you’ve got one super bubble blower!

Ask a grown-up to help you fold the plastic yogurt container lid in half to cut and remove the lid’s center section. Now you’ve got two super bubble blowers!

Pick out one of your favorite-shaped cookie cutters and you have 3 super bubble blowers!

Dip the blowers in a bowl mixed with soap and water and try to blow the biggest bubble ever!

August 5: Caveland

Here in Caveland

We’ve gone back to prehistoric times.

Lets’ take a look to see what we can find

Turn a room in your house into Caveland! Put 2 chairs together and drape a blanket over them to create a dark “cave.” Use the cushions from your couch to create another cave. Explore your new world and have fun! What else can you and your Sproutlet find around your house that might live in Caveland, too?

August 6: Crunchy Munchy Honey Cakes

Crunchy munchy honey cakes,

they're great to eat and they're fun to make.

In your hand or on a plate, crunchy munchy honey cakes.

Make these delicious cakes and try them out yourself!

Ingredients:

3 cups muesli flakes

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup self-raising flour

1 cup coconut

125 grams butter

2 teaspoons honey

3 tablespoons milk

Method:

Combine muesli flakes, sugar, coconut and sifted flour in a bowl and mix well.

Heat butter, honey and milk. Pour over dry ingredients and mix well.

Roll into balls the size of walnuts and place on a greased baking tray.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 300 - 350 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool on trays, then enjoy!

c. The Wiggles Pty Ltd

August 7: Dressing Up

I'm dressing up in style!

Go through your closet and find some old clothes that you and your Sproutlet can play with. Make a race to see who can put on all the clothes the fastest! Create characters based on the outfits you’ve put together and put on a play, or have a conversation as those people.

August 8: Another Cuppa

He wants a cup another cup another cup

another cuppa Rosie's tea!

Have a tea party and enjoy some of Rosie's tea! Pick your Sproutlet's favorite cuppa (orange juice, milk, or tea, of course!) Set a table with pretty dishes and cups, invite a few stuffed animal friends to come, dress up in fancy clothes and hats, and enjoy a lovely snack together! (Maybe you can serve some leftover Crunchy Munchy Honey Cakes.)

August 9: Feeling Chirpy

Cheep Cheep Cheep!

Make a birdhouse and invite some chirpy birds to move in!

Materials

Scissors

String

Milk carton

Stapler

Hole punch

Pencil

Brown paint

Paintbrush

Twig

Instructions

1. Clean you milk carton and let it dry completely.

2. With the help of a grown-up Sprout, staple the top of the milk carton shut. Make sure it is tightly closed.

3. With the help of a grown-up Sprout, cut a hole in the side of the carton to make a doorway for the birds.

4. Use the pencil to poke holes in either side of the carton. A grown-up Sprout can help you push a twig through both holes to give the birds a place to stand.

5. Poke some holes in the bottom of the carton to allow water to drain out.

6. Paint your birdhouse using the brown paint so it resembles bark from a tree.

7. When the paint is dry. Use the hole punch to make a hole in the top of the carton.

8. Thread a piece of string through the hole and hang your birdhouse in an open spot outside.

Instructions from SproutOnline.com

August 10: Fruit Salad

Yummy Yummy!

What else would we suggest but to make a fruit salad! Gather your favorite fruits and mix them into a fruit salad. You might go to the grocery store and let your child pick out some old favorite fruits and add an unfamiliar treat, too. My kids discovered that they love lychee nuts, which we found one day in our grocery store.

August 11: Guess What?

See if you can guess this next one!

Find pictures of different objects in magazines. Trees, cars, food, animals—anything is fair game. Cut out the pictures and paste or tape them on index cards or paper that’s all the same size. Have your child pick a picture but don’t show anyone else. Then, tell them to give you clues about what their object is. They could act it out or talk it out, whatever they find easier. Next, you take a turn!

August 12: Windmills

See the windmills turn; they’re turning in the breeze.

Make your own pinwheels to watch turning in the breeze by your house!

Supplies:

Paper bag (a grocery or lunch bag)

Craft glue

Pipe cleaner

Straw

2 buttons

One quarter

Safety scissors

Hole-puncher

Decorations to make your pinwheel one-of-a-kind (markers, glitter)

Instructions:

Measure an 8-inch square and have a grown-up help you cut it out of your paper bag.

Fold and crease the square diagonally each way. Take your quarter and trace it in the very center, where the creases make an X.

Cut along the creases from the edge towards the center, but make sure to stop cutting before you reach the circle.

Punch a single hole on the left edge corner of each triangular section and then in the center of the circle.

Color and add any decorations you would like to your pinwheel. Be careful not to glue anything heavy to it, or else it won’t spin in the wind!

Fold in the corners so that each hole matches up over the center hole. Glue the corners to the center so that it makes one single hole.

Thread pipe cleaner through the straw and fold the bottom of the pipe cleaner up around the bottom of the straw so that it stays in place. String one button, the paper pinwheel and then one more button through the pipe cleaner sticking out of the top of the straw.

Fold down the remaining pipe cleaner to secure the pinwheel in place and then bend the straw handle down so that the pinwheel is vertical.

Now you have a beautiful pinwheel - watch as it blows in the wind!

Instructions from SproutOnline.com.

August 13: Dorothy the Dinosaur

Make Dorothy’s favorite roses!

Supplies:

12 twigs from the yard (help your child find them with you)

One egg carton

Markers, colored paper, or tissue paper

Glue

Tape

Empty toilet paper roll or paper towel roll

Take an old egg carton and cut it up into 12 individual eggcups. Let your child color each one, or tape or glue colored paper to it to form the rose. Then, help them pop the sticks through the bottom of each “flower” (be careful that they keep the sticks away from their face so they don’t have any accidents near their eyes.) Tape the stick inside the eggcup so that it doesn’t pop through.

August 14: Henry’s Dance

Henry the Octopus, he’s a friend to you and me!

Put on your favorite music and DANCE! Have your child make up a move that they can repeat and that you can call their dance.

August 15: Can You (Point Your Fingers and Do the Twist?)

Can you…?

Come up with a list of things to do to challenge your Sproutlet. Ask them to do the same for you. Here are some ideas. Can you...

Walk in a straight line and wave hello?

Jump on one foot?

Count ten things in your house?

Spin around and clap your hands?

August 16: Little Brown Ant

…Working so hard making your nest in my back yard.

Make a yummy snack inspired by the ants in your very own backyard.

Raisins (to look like ants, of course!)

Cereal

Nuts

Coconut flakes

Popcorn

Bite-sized crackers

Pretzels

Put a handful of each of the above ingredients into a bowl and gently mix. Then enjoy! Feel free to add any of your own favorite snacks to the mix.

If you feel really inspired, drop a trail of trail mix in your backyard and see if you can attract any ants. Watch how hard they work, carrying all the food around!

August 17" I Look in the Mirror

And what do I see?

It’s time for a self-portrait! Help your child draw a picture of himself.

Supplies:

Paper

Markers or crayons

Safety scissors

Tape

Glitter or stickers (optional)

Instructions:

Draw a picture of your body in any position (sitting, standing or jumping).

Using markers or crayons, color in the picture to match your hair, skin and clothes.

Create a frame by cutting out the middle section of a sheet of paper.

Tape the frame along the outside of your picture.

Decorate the frame with markers, glitter or stickers.

Instructions from SproutOnline.com.

August 18: Take A Trip Out on the Sea

This is such a lovely day for floating on the ocean waves.

It’s time to go sailing! Pull the cushions off of your couch to be the boat, take a seat and get ready to go. Pretend old paper towel rolls or wrapping paper tubes are oars and start paddling. What adventures can you have on the open sea? Don’t forget your life vests!

August 19: Henry’s Underwater Big Band

Make your own musical instruments and play along with your favorite song.

Drums:

Pots and Pans work the loudest, with a wooden spoon drum stick you’re good to go.

Cymbals:

Bang two lids together. You might need earplugs for this one!

Horns:

Take an empty roll of toilet paper and poke a few holes in one side. Cover one end of the roll with wax paper. Use a rubber band to hold the paper in place. Have your kids hum through it.

Guitar:

Get an empty food box (like cereal or crackers) and cut a hole in the center. Wrap 2 or 3 rubber bands around the middle and pluck away. Attach a ruler to the back of the box as the neck of the guitar.

Ask your kids what instruments they can make by looking around the room and finding things that make noise.

August 20: Hat on My Head

I’ll take my raincoat off it’s sunny again. I feel ok.

You don’t need a rain hat when it’s sunny, but a creativity hat is great in any weather!

Supplies

Paper

Markers or crayons

Creativity Hat

Instructions

Fold a sheet of paper in half from top to bottom.

Take the top right corner of the paper and fold it diagonally to the middle of the paper.

Take the top left corner of the paper and fold it diagonally to the middle of the paper.

Fold up the bottom of the paper.

Flip the paper over and repeat steps 2-4 on the other side.

Open up the center and you have a creativity cap.

Decorate the creativity cap any way you like with markers or crayons.

Instructions from SproutOnline.com.

August 21: The Turkey in the Straw

Make a hand turkey—they’re not just for Thanksgiving!

Materials

Paper
Glue, paste, or a glue stick
Crayons
Feathers, leaves, and any other decorations that will make your turkey one-of-a-kind

Instructions

Place your hand flat on the center of your paper.
Trace around your entire hand with a crayon.
Draw legs on the bottom of your turkey and use crayons to color each traced finger to look like feathers.
Glue a leaf to the center of your traced hand to look like a wing and now you have a hand turkey. Can you practice saying "Gobble, gobble"?

Instructions from SproutOnline.com

August 22: Elbow to Elbow

Hip shoulders knees and toes, point to your elbows!

Link elbows with your Sproutlet and see how long you can go about your day arm in arm. This would be especially fun at a grocery store!

August 23: Picking Flowers

I’m always picking flowers and petunias are my favorite.

Go for a walk and pick some wildflowers with your children. See how many you can identify. Just make sure you don’t pick from your neighbor’s garden (unless you get their permission)!

August 24: Hey Now, Let’s Have a Party

This is fun! Let’s have a party...

Because today is the day we debut Sprout's Wiggly Waffle Show!

In honor of the first day of the Sprout’s Wiggly Waffle show, let’s celebrate! Make waffles for lunch and since it’s a special day, you might even put whipped cream on them! What’s more fun than breakfast for lunch or dinner?

August 25: Knead Some Dough

Yeah we’re kneading some dough dough dough dough dough-dough!

The Wiggles sing about making bread dough. We suggest making your own dough to play with—but not really to eat!

No Fuss Play Dough

1 cup cold water 
1 cup salt 
2 teaspoons vegetable oil  
2 cups flour 
2 tablespoons cornstarch 
Food coloring

In a large bowl, mix together water, salt, oil and a few drops of food coloring. Mix flour and cornstarch and add 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly (you may need a little more or a little less than 2 cups flour so make sure you stir in until it is the right consistency). Knead for a few minutes with flour on your hands.

Thanks to Clarissa from Easy Kids Recipes!

August 26: Teddy Bear’s Big Day Out

Happy times are here, you can sing and shout.

Look who’s teddy bear is having a big day out!

Pick a stuffed animal or doll that gets to spend the day with you and your Sproutlet. Make it his “big day out” and plan special events for the three of you to do together. A special walk, or a trip to the swimming pool or even grocery shopping with Teddy will make the whole day special!

August 27: We’re All Friends

We’re all friends here, everybody!

Help your Sproutlet make a list of all their favorite people--friends, family, babysitter--and then let them tell you a few things that they like about each person. Draw pictures of all your friends having fun!

August 28: Lettuce Sing (Fresh Fruits and Veggies)

Lettuce Sing, Lettuce Sing Fruit in the bag

In honor of fresh fruits and vegetables, have a very veggie snack day. When you’re grocery shopping, let your child help you pick out a few veggies—some familiar and some new. Then, let her help you wash and clean the vegetables and set them out on a pretty plate. Put a cup of dip in the middle and have a special snack for snack time!

Dip Recipe:

1 8 oz bar of Cream Cheese (or Reduced Fat Neufatel Cheese)
1 8 oz cup of Sour Cream (Regular or Reduced Fat)
One of the following: 1 small jar roasted red peppers, 1 packet of your favorite dip mix, or salad dressing spices or 1 can of artichoke hearts

Put all ingredients into a food processor and mix until smooth. (You can also mix by hand but the dip will not be as creamy.)

August 29: Here Comes A Bear

Stomping, Stomping!

Make a Puppet Show!

To make puppets, gather the following:

Small brown lunch bag
Old Sock
Cardboard Roll
Craft Sticks
Glue
Materials for decorating like paper, buttons, felt, crayons, markers

For the sock and lunch bag, have your child stick his hand inside to see what the shape will look like. Then, use your materials to create eyes, nose, mouth, accessories—whatever they can imagine!

For the cardboard roll, decorate it as your child likes, and then glue a craft stick inside to act as the handle.

For the Performance:

Cover a table with a sheet so that it hangs down to the floor. Sit behind the table with your Sproutlet and let him put on a show by holding different puppets up over his head on top of the table. Gather a few friends to watch—or participate!

August 30: The Fairy Dance

Two fairies dancing…now there are three!

Make Dancing Fairy Paper Dolls.

Instructions:

Take a piece of paper (8.5" x 11") and cut it lengthwise.  

Fold it into quarters accordion (pleated) style.  

Draw a figure of a person on the top layer. Be sure that the arms extend beyond the edge of the folded sheet. You can draw your own figure or use the templates below. 

Cut the figure out and unfold. You will get a chain of dolls holding hands.  To have more dolls in your chain, use a larger sheet of paper and fold more pleats before cutting. Alternatively, use more than one sheet of paper and connect the figures with tape. You can decorate the figures with eyes, nose, mouth, hair, and clothes.

Thanks to the Origami Resource Center for these instructions.

August 31: Getting Strong

Let’s try jumping!

It’s time to work out with your kid! Spend some time today exercising together! Take a walk, jump rope, ride bikes, do push ups—whatever you might like to do, have your child do it with you! Talk about ways you can get strong together like eating healthy, running around, and taking care of your body.

What's your favorite activity so far?

(I do have to note - after Waffle's premiere on August 24, Chica and Kelly Vrooman welcomed the band to the Sunny Side Up Show the same day at 9am)

Links

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Sprout’s Snooze-a-Thon

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Revisiting Sprout for Parents

Costumes You Can Make at Home

Let’s Grow!

Getting to Know Dennisha

Inside the Sunshine Barn: A Behind the Scenes look at the Sunny Side Up Show

Let Nina say goodnight to your Sproutlet - on the phone!

Help With Chores from our friend Chica!

Goodbye, Kevin!

31 activities inspired by the Wiggles - one for each day!

August 1: Big Red Car

Toot, toot chuga, chuga big red car

August 2: Australia Zoo

August 3: A Frog Went Walking

August 4: Blow Me Down

August 5: Caveland

August 6: Crunchy Munchy Honey Cakes

August 7: Dressing Up

August 8: Another Cuppa

August 9: Feeling Chirpy

August 10: Fruit Salad

August 11: Guess What?

August 12: Windmills

August 13: Dorothy the Dinosaur

August 14: Henry’s Dance

August 15: Can You (Point Your Fingers and Do the Twist?)

August 16: Little Brown Ant

August 17" I Look in the Mirror

August 18: Take A Trip Out on the Sea

August 19: Henry’s Underwater Big Band

August 20: Hat on My Head

August 21: The Turkey in the Straw

August 22: Elbow to Elbow

August 23: Picking Flowers

August 24: Hey Now, Let’s Have a Party

August 25: Knead Some Dough

August 26: Teddy Bear’s Big Day Out

August 27: We’re All Friends

August 28: Lettuce Sing (Fresh Fruits and Veggies)

August 29: Here Comes A Bear

August 30: The Fairy Dance

August 31: Getting Strong

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