The Life and Death of Jesus and His Influence on History

The life of Jesus has had a strong influence on history. Jesus was a man that did not live far into his 30's,but he is one of the figureheads of Christian religion. This article will summarize the life of Jesus and his impact on history.

The life of Jesus began when he was born in Bethlehem, Israel. He was born sometime around 6 B.C. When Jesus was a baby he lived in Egypt, but he spent his adolescences in Israel. Jesus grew up learning to be a carpenter and living in Nazareth.

In his early thirties Jesus started teaching his ways to the people. He spread the message of love and kindness and thousands of people followed him. Jesus lived as a traditional Jew, but he did and said many things that caused conflict.

During Jesus' life he was remembered for his teachings, but he was also known by the miracles he performed. Jesus is said to have turned water into wine. He also turned only a few fish into enough to feed many people. Jesus' many miracles were only the beginning. In Jesus' death he performed the miracle that really convinced the people of his claims.

When Jesus claimed to be god he was killed on grounds of blasphemy. The Jewish leaders of the time ordered his murder and he was hung from a cross to suffer and die.

Jesus' body was removed from the cross and placed in a tomb. Three days after he died he was seen by hundreds of people. These witnesses claim that Jesus rose from the dead and traveled to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem Jesus was said to have risen from the ground into the heavens.

Jesus' life and death has strongly influenced history and many people throughout the past and in the present. The teachings and practices of Jesus have convinced many people to believe in and follow him. T he resurrection and ascension has also left a lasting impact on history because many people believe that Jesus really is the son of god.

Thousands people became part of the Christian faith simply because of these miraculous accounts.

In Jesus' life he attracted many followers, but in his death he became the figurehead for over 2 billion followers. Immediately after his death thousands of people worshiped him despite persecution, death, and torture. When Jesus was alive he taught positive messages similar to many other prophets, but the mystery of his death was the ultimate cause of the success of Christianity.

The History, Uses and Cultivation of Anise

Anise is an herb that has many uses both medicinally and in the kitchen. It is an herb that has a lovely fragrance and taste, and it has been used for many centuries for many purposes. This plant is native to "Egypt and the Mediterranean region," and it is cultivated "in Europe, India, Mexico, Russia, and the United States" (Kowalchik, 1987, p. 14). Anise is an annual herb that has a slight resemblance to Queen Anne's lace.

Anise has been noted very far back in history. It was studied by "Pythagoras," and "Hippocrates" recommended this plant for help with "coughs" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.14). This use is still widely accepted today. The "Roman scholar Pliny" suggested using this herb to get rid of morning breath, and he also thought keeping anise by the bed at night would help rid the sleeper of bad dreams (Kowalchik, 1987, p.14).

My favorite part of anise's history started in Rome. The Romans used this plant for its "flavor, fragrance, and medicinal properties," and they actually made cakes with anise that were called "mustaceum," and they would serve at special events such as weddings (Kowalchik, 1987, p.14). This cake would help aid in digestion and the anise also provided it with a nice taste. Some people believe that the tradition surrounding this cake is how the "modern wedding cake" originated (Kowalchik, 1987, p.14).

Anise has many medicinal uses. The most well known use was for aiding in "digestion and flatulence," and it was often taken as a tea or baked into cookies or cakes (Kowalchik, 1987, p.14). In order to make a tea from anise crush the seeds and steep about a teaspoon of the powder in a cup of boiled water. This tea has a pleasant taste and can help with stomach and intestinal problems. Anise is also used to help alleviate coughs, and it can be found in natural cough syrups.

Anise is another great herb to cook with, and the seeds can be ground up and added to many recipes. The leaves can also be used fresh or chopped in many different meals. The taste of anise is similar to licorice, and it can be found in many liqueurs.

Anise is best propagated through seed, and it likes "poor, light, well-drained soil" and full sun (Kowalchik, 1987, p.16). Anise should be planted in a location where it is blocked by wind because wind can damage this plant easily.

Anise is a plant that has many medicinal and culinary uses; it is strong in history, and it should have a place in your garden.

Reference:

Kowalchik, C. (Ed.). (1987). Rodale's encyclopedia of herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

The Egoscue Method of Healthy Living

How to Use Your Body the Way it is Meant to Be Used
The Egoscue method of healthy living is a theory based on the make up of the human body. It is not a diet, an exercise routine or a self help theory; it is a theory based on observations of the way the body functions. This method will help you understand how to improve your health and keep your body healthy by simply using it in the manner it was built to be used in.

One of the main observations of this theory is that people "are not moving enough," and motion is an essential resource to the human body (Egoscue 1992, p.2). This seems like an obvious but overlooked fact because people move naturally all the time. I believe this must be true because people start moving less as the grow-out of childhood. As people stop moving so often they start to develop pain. The key to being physically healthy is to "keep moving" (Egoscue, 1992, p.3). The body is composed of muscles, and the more we use them the stronger they get. Many people complain that they aren't physically active because they have pain in their body, but have they ever thought maybe they have pain because they are not physically active?

A main factor that affects people is the way the body is composed. Many people do not realize that they are using their bodies in an inefficient manner. The body is made up of right angles, the spinal column, nerves, and muscles (Egoscue, 1992). It is important for use to realize how we use all of these components in order to use them in a way that is natural and healthy.

The body is made up of right angles; some examples of this are shoulders, hips, ankles, and knees. All of these parts of your body move at a right angle, but many people do not move them in the angle that they are meant to move. The spinal column is an amazing creation that "distributes the weight evenly from head to hip" (Egoscue, 1992 p.8). All of the right angles in your body are aligned parallel to each other and if something is wrong with one place it can cause pain in the other. "Nothing is wrong with the design; something is wrong with the function" (Egoscue, 1992, p.21). It seems that if the body is being used in the wrong way it will affect other areas. This is possible because the body is really one unit, and it does work as a whole.

In order to function optimally, and feel good while doing it we must realize that our bodies are built to be used in a certain way, and lack of use will also provide poor functioning.

Symptoms and Types of Neuroses and Character Disorders

Most people suffer from neuroses or a character disorder, and these "two conditions are disorders of responsibility, and as such they are opposite styles of relating to the world and its problems" (Peck, 1978, p.35). These two types of personalities are evident in everyone, and some people can have a little of both. Here is a description of each condition that I hope will help you understand your own mental state as well as others. When one understands the character problems they have they can begin to overcome and work with them.

I believe that I am more neurotic because neurotic people "assume too much responsibility", and I have a habit of trying to do too much (Peck, 1978, p.35). Neurotic people automatically assume that there is something wrong with them when they are having problems. "The speech of the neurotic is notable for such expressions as "I ought to," "I should," and "I shouldn't" (Peck, 1978, p.36). I find myself using these phrases often, and I believe that although it makes me neurotic these ideas help me learn. Neurotic people also suffer from anxiety, depression, and fear, and people suffering from these symptoms may have obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, or clinical depression. It is common for people with neuroses to have low self confidence, but these people are capable of learning from this disorder and overcoming it.

People with character disorders "automatically assume that "the world is at fault", and they rely heavily on phrases such as "I can't," "I couldn't," "I have to," and "I had to," (Peck, 1978, p.36). People with character disorders are harder to work with because they do not see fault in themselves. Since this type of disorder causes people do not see "themselves as the source of their problems," and "therefore they fail to recognize the necessity for self-examination" (Peck, 1978, p.36). This behavior is counter-productive.

People with character disorders can not deal with frustration. They are especially upset by people that get in the way of what they want, and their answer to these people is aggression and anger. People who suffer from character disorders live in the moment, and they choose not to dwell on the past or the future because it would cause them to have to way out the consequences of their actions. (Peck, 1978). These type of people also have a problem with authority figures, and they normally suffer from antisocial disorder, conduct disorder, and sociopathic disorder. (Peck, 1978)

Both of these characters are in everyone, but we can choose to acknowledge and work with them. Some people may be a little of both personalities as well. In order to live healthy and happy lives we "must continually assess and reassess" ourselves and "where our responsibility lies" (Peck, 1978, p.37).

References:

Peck, M.S. (1978). The Road less traveled: a new psychology of love, traditional values, and spiritual growth. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

Spring Pompom and Pipe Cleaner Crafts with Kids

You can easily create spring pompom and pipe cleaner crafts with your kids. Pompoms and pipe cleaners are fun crafting mediums for kids in spring because of their versatile nature and bright colors. Here you can find pompom and pipe cleaner crafts perfect for your spring crafts with kids.

Caterpillar

With spring, come caterpillars, everyone favorite many legged friend, and this craft is cute and cuddly to make. For this craft you will need green pompoms, wiggly eyes, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, scissors, and pipe cleaners. Start by assisting kids as they glue several pompoms together in a row.

Then help kids cut the pipe cleaner into 12 even pieces. Bend the ends of each piece at a 90 degree angle. Then glue two pieces to the top of the head of the caterpillar like antennae. Then glue the other pieces along the bottom of the caterpillar for feet. The finished product is a cute little caterpillar for spring, and it can be placed anywhere in your home to added decoration.

Flower Bouquets

Spring flowers are always festive, and kids will like making this craft because it is pretty and is a good gift. For this project you will need large pompoms, straws, green paint, a paintbrush, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, scissors, and green pipe cleaners.

Start by helping kids paint the straws green; it is a good idea to place newspaper on the work area to avoid messes. Then help kids cut the green pipe cleaner into three pieces. Kids can then fold each piece in half and twist the two ends together. Then help kids pull the centers slightly apart to create leaves. Assist as kids glue the pompoms to the top of the straws, and help the kids glue the pipe cleaner leaves to the side of the straws. These pretty flowers are great for spring crafts. They can be placed in a vase or a glass jar. Add some sparkles or buttons to the pompoms for a varied look.

These spring themed crafts are easy and inexpensive to make with kids. Pompoms and pipe cleaners allow for many different projects, and these crafts will welcome spring into your home and promise good times with your kids.

Simple Ways to Change Your Look for the New Year

The new year can mean a new you, and there are many simple ways to change your look in the new year. You do not have to go into a major upheaval or spend a fortune to make a change to you look. This article will provide you with several easy ways to change your look this year.

Hair

If you have had the same hairstyle for so long that it practically does itself, you may want to change the look of your hair. This can be easy and inexpensive. You could add some layers or bangs without spending a dime. There are many instructional videos on the Internet that will give you step-by-step details on how to cut your hair. You can also try adding some streaks or changing your shade. Try using a semi-permanent hair dye so you can always go back to normal if you are not happy with it.

Health

There are many simple ways to change your look by just being more health conscious. A simple way to add to your health is drinking more water. This will improve your skin and help you lose weight as well as fight off sickness. Another way to improve health is being more active. Try walking little everyday to increase happiness and health.

Make Up

If you have had the same make up routine day in and day out for the past year this could be the best way to change your look. Try focusing on a different feature of your face. Many women will either accent their eyes or their lips; try changing it up a bit by changing the focus. Add a new color to your palette. Do you always use black eyeliner? Try using brown, blue, or gold for a new look.

Attitude

Attitude is another area of your look that can be a simple change for the new year. There are many ways to change your attitude, and they all start with a goal. Do you find yourself very cynical? Try being more open minded by listening to others. Are you introverted and antisocial? Say yes the next time you are invited out. Instead of saying no or going with your habitual response to life try a new response, and your look might be changed for more than just the new year.

Clothing

If you want a very simple way to change your look, for the new year, check out your closet. What do most of your clothes have in common? Are they all shades of blue? Do you own way more pants than skirts? Try changing your look this year by adding something new to your wardrobe. If all of your clothes are in the same color group choose an item that is on the opposite side of the spectrum. If you normally wear long sleeved shirt, try incorporating tank tops into your wardrobe.

Education

A great way to change your look for the new year is to learn something. Try reading a book about something that interests you. Take a class at a local college or community center. Volunteer or intern at a local organization that is interesting to you, and this could change your look for the better.

There are a lot of simple ways to change your look for the new year. These methods will not only change your physical appearance, but they will also change your mind. Try these ideas, and you will love the new you this year.

Recycling Things Found Around Your Home to Make Altered Art

Altered art is all about using things found around your home to make art. Many people spend a lot of money on expensive art supplies, and they simply overlook all the treasures they have right around their house. Here are some of the things I enjoying using that I have around my home. One if my favorite sayings is "Waste not, want not."

You know how a lot of products you buy from the store have that clear plastic cellophane around them; this is a great tool when creating art. Big pieces can be used to cover pictures, and a mat board frame can be placed on top of the cellophane to protect and enhance your art. Cellophane can be painted, crumpled, or shredded and added to art to create depth.

Another useful and overlooked art supply is newspapers and books. These items can come in handy in many ways; they can be used as interesting backgrounds for scenes. Newspapers and books can also be used to cut words, letters, and quotes out of. Some newspapers and books also have fun and interesting pictures that can be used as focal points of art projects.

Wire is a big helper when creating altered art because it can be used to create flowers, fairy wands, trees, and anything else you can shape it into. Wire is also helpful because it can be attached to art so that your art can be hung on the wall. Wire can also make a stand for your art, or it can help you tie parts of your art together.

Twist ties from bread and other packaged good are another fun art tool. Some come in pretty metallic colors, and some come in plain colors, but they can also help hold things together. These twist ties can also be tied into bows or used as flower stems.

Sticks, pine cones, dried flowers, and leaves are also helpful items when creating altered art. Sticks can be used to make frames, or sticks can be used to simulate trees in landscape scenes. Pinecones can be used as miniature trees, and they can be painted depending on what season is being simulated. Dried flowers and leaves can be used as wings or clothes for little flower fairies. They can also be used to create texture and depth to a work of art.

Altered art is my favorite art because iit gets your hands dirty, and because you can use all sorts of everyday junk to produce it. I hope you find these items as useful and inspiring as I have, and remember have fun!

Methods of Getting in Touch with Your Inner Child and Your Inner Self

In order to live a happy and healthy life one must be able to become in touch with their inner child. This may seems strange, but it is important to touch on that basic childlike instinct that many adults have lost with age. Here are some methods that can help you reach out to and embrace your inner child.

One method that I found very interesting involved only using crayons and paper. This method will help you meet your inner child. The first step to this process is to " sit quietly and picture in your mind's eye a beautiful place where the two of you can visit"; it will be beneficial if the place chosen is "safe and comfortable for your inner child" (Capacchione, 1991, p.54). Let your imagination really go into this place, and close your eyes to help the process. Now use your "non-dominant hand to draw a picture of your inner child," and do not "plan it or try to picture the outcome in advance" (Capacchione, 1991, p.55). When you are done observe the drawing and your feelings toward it.

Opposite parts of the brain control opposite parts of the body. The left hemisphere of the brain "contains language centers that control verbal and analytical processing," and the right side is "nonverbal and governs visual/spatial perception, as well as emotional expression and intuition" (Capacchione, 1991, p.37). This is important to understand because using the non-dominant hand means you are using the non dominant part of your brain a well. This will help unlock your inner child, and many repressed ideas.

Another interesting exercise that will help you become more in tune with your inner child and yourself is a portrait of protection. This exercises requires the use of paper and felt pens. Once again it is suggested that you use your non-dominant hand to "let your inner child draw a symbolic portrait of protection," and to use any image that feels right to you" (Capacchione, 1991, p.161). Then you must reflect on this picture and why it makes you feel safe, and what is required from it for comfort. This exercise helps you find the protective parent inside your self. It is important to understand what you need to feel safe, and sometimes you have to let yourself loose control in order to gain it I think it is particularly important in this exercise to use the non-dominant hand because of this fact.

These methods can help you look past your everyday outlook and beliefs; these exercises can help you reach inside and touch on something you have hidden away. If you can meet the needs that you are not aware of your life will become a much more peaceful and happy place.

References:

Capacchione, L. (1991). Recovery of your inner child: the highly acclaimed method of liberating your inner self. New York, NY: Fireside Publishing.

Lady Bug Crafts: Fun Summer Art Projects for Kids

Lady bugs are a popular summer insect, and it is said that lady bugs bring good luck with them. So making lady bugs with your kids can be a fun project, but it can also bring good luck to your home. Here are some ideas on how to create fun lady bug crafts with your kids.

Lady bugs can be easily made using old egg cartons and this is a good way to recycle your egg cartons. Cut one round pod out of the egg carton and paint it red. Now paint the first quarter of the pod black, and add eyes. Paint some black dots on the body, and give your lady bug antennas using pipe cleaners and glue. This lady bug is a great recycled craft and a nice edition to your home.

A lady bug apron is a simple kid's project that is also a lot of fun. Simply find a red dinner napkin, fabric glue, black felt, and black ribbon at our local craft or home store. Now cut the ribbon so that it is long enough to tie nicely around your child's waist, and glue it to the napkin. Cut black circles from the felt and glue these to the apron. This apron is ready to wear as soon as it is dry.

A lady bug crown is really cute and easy to make. Simply cute a red strip of paper long enough to fit around your child's head and glue it into a circular crown. Have your child decorate it with black dots, and wind 2 black pipe cleaners into spirals. You can use a pencil to make a nice spiral. Next cut 4 hearts from black construction paper, and sandwich one end of the pipe cleaners between 2 hearts. Glue these hearts together with the pipe cleaner in the middle. Repeat for the second pipe cleaner. Finally tape the pipe cleaner end without the heart to the inside of the crown in the center or on the sides and your crown is complete.

A great lady bug Wind chime can be made easily using an old flower pot, or tin can. Simply paint the tin can red and add black polka dots. With the pot facing upside down paint eyes onto it and a smile. Next add some strings to the inside of the pot and attach some black hearts made out of cardboard or the tin can lid to the strings. If using the tin can lid remember to have an adult cut the tin and sand the edges so it is not sharp. Attach a cord to the top of the pot or can and when it is all dry you can hang your lady bug wind chime outside.

Lady bugs remind me of childhood, and creating these crafts with your children will give them great memories and a good time.

Fun and Free Ways to Keep Kids Amused

Kids are a lot of fun, but you have to be able to keep them busy. Kids have a great imagination, and if you can tap into that imagination you can keep them laughing and having a good time for hours. Here are some ways to keep kids amused for free.

My favorite kid game is I spy, and you can play this game anywhere. It is a fun game of guessing that you do not need anything to play. All you have to do is pick the spy to start, and let the fun begin. I usually will start as the spy and let the winner be the spy afterwords. It keeps the kids guessing because if they win they can than be the spy and the leader of the game. Now the spy must pick something in the room or the area of view, and they must recite the rhyme, "I spy with my little eye something that is ..." In the blank spot they must pick a color or a shape. Then the other players must take turns guessing what the leader was talking about. This is an awesome game that you can play for a long time.

Another fun game to play is 20 questions, but remember you don't have to stick to strictly 20 questions when playing this game. Again someone starts the game by picking a person. The person can be real or fictional, but they must be recognizable, and the leader must know things about this person. The other people playing than must ask questions that will help them determine who the mystery character is. This game is a lot of fun, and it can go on for hours. The best character I have ever chosen was Santa Claus, and I ended up giving away the answer.

One of my favorite fun and free way to keep kids occupied is by building furniture forts. All you need for this is a couch or a couple of chairs, blankets, pillows, a broom, and some other household furniture. Start by setting up two chairs directly in front of a couch. Next stack pillows on the line in between the couch and the chairs this will create a third wall for your fort. After the pillows are stacked up drape a blanket across the chairs and onto the couch. You can use some heavy books to hold the blanket in place. Add some personal touches or expand your fort using ottomans and brooms. You can also make a sign for your fort out of cardboard and markers for an even more personal touch.

Kids can be a lot of fun as long as you keep them occupied; it does not have to cost you a fortune to have a good time with children. I hope these ideas have made your day a little more fun, and remember use your imagination!

Football Themed Bulletin Board Ideas

Football is a fun and popular theme for bulletin boards, and there are many ideas that can be incorporated into this type of board. This article will discuss ideas on how to create several football themed bulletin boards.

Football Facts

Football facts are a good way to teach students about football, and this can inspire and students. For this bulletin board you will need green butcher paper, white tape, index cards, and markers. Start by asking students what they know about football, and jot some ideas down on the blackboard. Then break students into groups or pairs, and provide them with index cards and markers. Allow students to research football facts.

Then instruct students to write a fact on each card with the markers. They can add their own special style to each card as long as it is legible. While students complete their part of the project, teachers should cover bulletin boards with the green paper. Then use the white tape to create yard lines vertically on the board. When the students are done allow them to hang the cards on the bulletin board.

Football Name Game

This idea is good for younger children, and it teaches dexterity and coordination. For this bulletin board idea, teachers should cover the board in a similar manner as the previous idea. Before you start this project create several large football shaped stencils. Provide each student with a piece of brown paper, a stencil, a pencil, scissors, white yarn, and glue.

Let the students use the stencil to trace a football onto the paper. Then allow them to cut out the shape. Then help kids write their name on the football with the pencil. Help kids cut out the white yarn into several small pieces. Then help kids use the yarn and glue to cover the name they have written on the football. When the footballs dry, you can attach them to the bulletin board.

These fun football themed bulletin board ideas are easy to create, and students will enjoy creating them. Try these ideas for a unique bulletin board this football season, and you will be impressed with the results.

Flag Day Decorations to Make with Your Kids

Flag Day is a popular holiday to celebrate patriotism with children, and these crafts make great decorations for this special day. Kids will enjoy displaying their craft around the home for Flag Day. This article discusses how to create Flag Day crafts for decorating your home with children.

Star Centerpiece

This fun centerpiece requires cardboard, glue, a pencil, silver glitter, red, and blue paint, scissors, sticks, and foam. You will also need a knife and a flower pot. Start by assisting as kids cut the foam into a round shape that will fit into the flower pot.

Then help kids draw star shapes on the cardboard. Cut out several stars, and glue the end of the sticks to the stars. Paint the flower pot and some of the stars. Then add glue and glitter to cover the remaining stars. After the paint has dried, help kids push the foam into the flower pot. Then assist as kids cover the foam with glue. Then push the sticks into the foam so the stars are displayed well. Sprinkle plenty of glitter on the glue, and this Flag Fay decoration is ready to be put on your table.

Flag Door Hanger Decoration

This easy craft can be made using Popsicle sticks, red, white, and blue paint, star stickers, paintbrushes, and glue. Start by helping kids place 2 Popsicle sticks on their work area. Then they can lay 11 sticks in the opposite direction to create a flag shape.

Covering the area with newspaper is a good idea during this project. Then help kids pant the top right corner blue. Assist as kids paint 6 strips red and 5 strips white in an alternating fashion. When the paint is dry add the star stickers to the blue section to finish the Flag Day decoration.

Stars and Stripe Garland

Another easy Flag Day craft for kids is a stars and stripes garland; for this decoration you will need white construction paper, red crepe paper, blue crepe paper, glue, a pencil, and scissors. Start showing kids how to draw stars with the pencil. Then assist as children draw several stars on the construction paper.

Help kids cut out the stars as well as 12 inch strips of crepe paper. Then cut one long piece of crepe paper to make the base of the garland. Glue the strips of crepe paper to the long piece, and add the stars at the tops and bottoms of the strips using glue.

These Flag Day crafts provide hours of fun with children. They are also great decorations for adding patriotism to your home for Flag Day.

Flag Day Crafts to Make with Preschool Kids

Flag Day commemorates the acceptance of the flag in the United States, and it as a fun holiday for making patriotic crafts with preschool kids. These fun crafts are easy for young children, and they help develop motor skills , coordination, and creativity. This article provides instructions on creating Flag Day crafts with your preschool kids.

Star Hangers

Stars hangers are a pretty item to decorate your door, and preschool kids will enjoy this easy craft. You will need red, white, and blue construction paper, scissors, a pencil, glue, and a paper plate. You will also need ribbon or string to hang the craft.

Start by helping kids draw star shapes using the pencil. Then supervise as children cut the stars out of the paper. Then the children can cut several strips from the colored construction paper. Help kids decorate the entire paper plate with the strips. Then glue the star to the center. Finally glue a loop of ribbon to the back of the flag craft so it can be hung up.

Patriotic Wind Sock

Another easy craft is a patriotic wind sock. Red, white, and blue tissue paper, scissors, tape, pipe cleaners, and ribbon are required for this project. Help children cut several long strips from the tissue paper. The strips should be about a foot long. Help kids lay the strips out flat on a table.

Overlap the strips and add tape to attach them to each other. Then assist as kids tape a pipe cleaner to the top length of the strips. Repeat the process to the bottom of the tissue paper using another pipe cleaner. Leave about an inch of pipe cleaner hanging off the end of the tissue paper collage.

Help kids bend the pipe cleaners into a circle. This will make the tube part of the wind sock. Secure the circle by twisting the pipe cleaner ends to each other. Then help children attach more strips of tissue paper to the bottom of the sock. To finish this project and make it hangable, cut a piece of ribbon about 6 inches long. Tape one side of ribbon to the inside of the top of the wind sock. Then tape the other end on the opposite side of the inside of the wind sock.

Stars and Stripes Garland

Another easy craft for preschool kids to create for Flag Day is a stars and stripes themed garland. For this craft you will need red, white, and blue construction paper, tape, scissors, and pencils. Help preschool kids draw several stars on the pieces of white paper. Then help kids cut out the stars.

Next assist as preschoolers cut strips off of the shorter side of the red and blue construction paper. Preschoolers should then make a chain using the strips. This is done by bending a strip into a circle and taping it shut. Then thread another strip through the circle, bend it into a circle, and tape it shut. After kids have made a long enough chain they can glue the stars on at various intervals.

These Flag Day crafts are a fun way for preschool kids to practice shapes, improve their dexterity, and learn about historical events in the United States. Try creating fun Flag Day crafts with preschoolers, and you can use them again for the Fourth of July holiday.

Fun Car Ride Games for the Whole Family

If you are dreading going on a family trip in the car, worry no longer because these family car games are fun for everyone. The whole family can enjoy passing the time in the car with these unique games. This article will describe several games that are great for car rides with your family

Color Game

This game is fun on busy highways with a lot of cars. Everyone in the car chooses a color and watches for cars colored the same way as they drive along. Whenever there color is seen they must yellow it out. They will receive appoint this way until they reach a certain number of points.

I Spy

Little kids love this game, and it can also be fun for older children. To play you must pick a leader first; the leader chooses something that the whole family can see and says what color it is. Then everyone takes turn guessing what the leader saw. The person who guesses correctly is the next leader.

Famous People

This game provides laughs and imagination for the whole family during boring car rides. Start the game by choosing a famous person. State the first and last name of the chosen person. Then the next person has to say the name of another famous person, but there first name must start with the initial of the other persons last name. For example, Scooby Doo would be followed by Douglas Adams.

Alphabet Chase

Another game that is great for cars is this one. This game starts with the alphabet. Everyone should take turns naming things they see staring with the letter a. Go through the entire alphabet finding things on your journey. For older children try remembering and repeating all of the alphabet finds as you go along. If a person messes up the next person has a chance to go. See who can get all the way through the alphabet first for a laughing good time for the whole family.

Playing games allows for fun and excitement when taking road trips with your loved ones. Try these games if you want to be amused instead of waiting to get to your destination.

Interesting Facts About Starfish

There are many interesting and unknown facts about starfish. These creatures are known around the world for their beauty and unique shape, and starfish are also known as sea stars. This article will provide you with tons of starfish facts.

Starfish may have the word fish in their name, but they are not actually fish. They do not have gills or scales, and sea stars move using their tiny tube feet instead of fins like fish.

An uncommonly known fact about starfish is that they do not all have five arms. They five pointed sea star is the most popular and widely recognized, but starfish can have up to 40 arms.

One of the most amazing facts about these sea creatures is that the can regenerate a lost limb. Starfish can even regenerate completely from one arm and a small section of the sea star's central disc. This means that a single star can be chopped up symmetrically in five pieces and five new starfish will grow from the five single limbs.

Starfish are known as Phylum Echinodermata because they are related to sand dollars and sea urchins. Echinoderms are symmetrical by five points (Kennedy).

Sea stars pump water through their bodies instead of blood. Therefore these star-shaped creatures have no blood at all.

Starfish also have no brains and hundreds of tiny tubes on their undersides. The tiny tubes help starfish move quickly across surfaces by pumping water through the holes in the tubes.

There are around 2,000 species of starfish and they all live in different areas including tropical areas, deep water, and cold water (Starfish fun facts).

Starfish may not have eyes, but they have a unique sense of sight. On the tip of their arms, sea stars have tiny organs that are light-sensitive; this helps the fish sense light and shapes surrounding them.

Another interesting fact about starfish is that they can change their gender whenever they like. Female starfish can produce about 1 million eggs at a single time. The fertilized eggs live in a larvae stage for about three weeks (Kennedy).

Starfish are also unique because they have two stomachs. One stomach begins digestions as the other expands around the item and engulfs it. The second stomach on some starfish even leaves the body to envelop its prey; then it withdraws back into the body. Sea stars enjoy a diet of oysters and clams.

There are no starfish that live in freshwater despite the man y species that exist and very few types of sea stars live in brackish water.

The outer skin of a starfish is calcified; this bony layer protects the stars from becoming prey. Survival, camouflage, and defense are also a reason for the bright patterns of this marine animal.

Starfish are famous for many reasons, but there are lots of interesting facts about this marine creature that most people are not aware of. These details about starfish help you to understand how truly incredible and unique a starfish actually is.

Reference:

Kennedy, J. (n.d.). 10 Facts About Starfish - Starfish Facts.Marine Life - Ocean Animals, Plants and Habitats. Retrieved July 19, 2011, from http://marinelife.about.com/od

Starfish Fun Facts. (n.d.).bestfunfacts. Retrieved July 19, 2011, from http://bestfunfacts.com/starfish.html

Easy Clean Up Crafts for Kids

Keeping your child's room clean can be easy with these clean up crafts. These crafts make clean up easier because they provide storage, and your kids will be proud of their creations. Keeping their room clean will allow them to show off their work. This article will provide instructions on easy clean up crafts that your kids will enjoy.

Colored Box Collection

You can create a colored box collection that your children will enjoy using to store their items. For this clean up craft you will need a few boxes, butcher paper, tape, clear vinyl paper, paints, scissors, and paintbrushes. Help your kids trim off the top flaps of the boxes with the scissors.

Then help your child wrap the box using the butcher paper and tape. Cover your work area with newspaper and place the box on top of it. Let your kids paint their boxes anyway they like. They can add flowers, patterns, polka dots, or mythical creatures if they like. When the paint has dried completely, cover the box with the clear vinyl paper to add strength and durability. This craft can be used to store items when it is clean up time.

Tin Can Organizer

A fun and easy craft that will make clean up easy is a tin can organizer. For this project you will need tin cans, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, paint, paintbrushes, and newspaper to cover the work area. Stack several tin cans next to each other and use the glue to hold them together.

Then let kids paint the tin cans however they like. They can cover the entire outsides of the cans or they can just add little details. When the paint is dry place it on a desk or dresser to store their little toys and other items in.

Homework Display

A homework display is another fun project for kids to create and use to keep their rooms clean. For this craft you will need clothespins, foam sheets, scissors, glue, puffy paint, a pencil, and yarn. Start by helping kids cut several long pieces of yarn. Then assist kids as the braid the yarn together into a long rope.

Next help kids cut the foam into different shapes and symbols. Different things can mean different things, and numbers are also good. Glue the foam cutouts to the clothespins. When everything is dry hang the rope on a wall and use the clothespins to hang homework, photos, and other important papers.

These crafts are great for kids, and they make cleaning up with your kids easier. Try them and you will be glad you did.

Butterfly Crafts: Fun Summer Art Projects for Kids

Butterflies are beautiful creatures that wander among grass and flowers. They are all over the place in the summer, and many kids like to chase them. Here are some fun butterfly inspired crafts that your kids will love.

Coffee filters can be turned into awesome butterflies easily and with little needed help. All you will need for this project is water color paints and pipe cleaners. Have your kids paint the coffee filters in wondrous colors and patterns. After they have dried fold the pipe cleaner in half and twist the pipe cleaner around the coffee filter so that the ends left over are equal. Now bend these ends into a circle and spread the coffee filter out to look like full wings. These butterflies are easy to make, and they are quite pretty.

Hand print butterfly masks are a splendid and easy project for children. You will need cardboard, paint, scissors, and string for this project. Have the children press there hands into a plate full of paint. Next have them create lovely butterfly shapes using there paint covered hands. The hands can be dipped in different colors and pressed on the cardboard in overlapping patterns to create wings. The children can add details to the butterflies by using the paint and their finger tips. After the paint has dried cut eye holes in the wings and cut around the wing shapes to make a mask. Poke small holes in either end of the mask and tie the string. Your butterfly mask is now ready to be worn.

Toilet paper rolls can be easily turned into butterflies by adding wings made out of card stock. Simply color and cut wings from heavy duty paper. Glue them onto a painted toilet paper tube. Finally add a face to the tube, and some pipe cleaners for antennas and you will have recycled butterfly to hang around your house.

Butterfly windsocks are easy to make, and they are very pretty when done. For this project you will need different colored card stock, glue, markers, scissors, string, and crepe paper. Make a tube out of a sheet of paper and draw a happy face on it. Next draw some big beautiful butterfly wings and cut them out. Glue them to the tube which is the butterfly's body, and attach the string to the top. Add the crepe paper streamers to the bottom of the tube, and you have an amusing butterfly windsock.

Summer is a great time to create butterfly crafts with kids. They enjoy it, and it help keep them busy on those hot summer days.

Food Themed Bulletin Board Ideas for May

These bulletin board ideas may leave you and your students hungry, and food themed bulletin boards are a great way to involve students in decorating the bulletin board. Here you find information on several unique bulletin board ideas for May that are based on food themed holidays.

National Hamburger Month

May is National Hamburger Month, and kids love hamburgers. There are a wide variety of hamburgers out there, and everyone loves certain things. Explore food groups and health ideas with children with this food themed bulletin board.

For this idea you will need paper plates, scissors, glue, construction paper, and a plaid table cloth. Use the table cloth to cover the bulletin board and provide students with the other materials. Discuss hamburgers and the different toppings you can add to them.

Let each student design a plate with their burger of choice on it. Help kids cut the paper into circles and other shapes to create the meals. Remember to leave the top off of the burger so you can see the students' choices. Add the plates to the table for a unique food themed bulletin board.

National Salad Month

Salads are nutritious and May is National Salad Month. For this bulletin board you will be creating a huge salad. You will need butcher paper to cover the board, poster board, pencils, glue, scissors, and construction paper. Discuss salads and the nutritional value of vegetables and other items found in salads. Let students pick the items they like and research them.

Then let students draw the item they chose on a piece of paper a couple of times. Help students cut out the shapes and add details with other paper cut outs and glue. Let each student write a few facts about their chosen item and glue one of the cut outs to the factsheet.

While students are working on their part of the food themed bulletin board, cut a large circle out of the poster board. Also rip pieces of green paper into lettuce. Place the circle in the center of the board and add some of the lettuce leaves. When the students are done, attach a few of the items to the board in the salad bowl. Also attach their factsheet and picture to the board.

Try creating these bulletin boards and everyone will enjoy the unique style and charm these bulletin boards bring to the school. Learning about nutrition can be fun with these food themed bulletin boards for May.

Critical Thinking when Evaluating Sources of Information

Critical thinking is "the process of gathering information, analyzing it in different ways, and evaluating the purposes of gaining understanding, solving a problem, or making a decision" (Bishop, Carter, & Kravits, 2007, Ch.3). When writing many people can get caught up citing sources that do not have credible information; many people may also find information that has been tailored to suit specific needs. These sources are not quality sources that should be used for academic or professional writing. This article will provide you with tips on how to use critical thinking when evaluating sources of information.

1. Question who is funding the written document. Many written documents can be swayed in certain directions depending on who is paying for them. There are definitely agendas that should be looked for. Some may be positive and some negative; for example an article written about solar energy may be from someone who genuinely cares about renewable resources or it could be from someone trying to sell you a solar panel.

2. When checking the credibility of information, research the facts and references and compare them. Critical thinking suggests that you analyze the information you are provided with, and there is not better way to do this. This is why people get second opinions from doctors; it is important to double check facts and references when evaluating your sources.

3. Also check to see who is publishing the work and their core values. It is important to see who the publisher is, what other information have they published, and what are their core values and beliefs? Evaluating all of this background information can make a difference in the credibility of your sources.

4. When using critical thinking to evaluate a book the first thing to check is if they are part of the library of congress. This will usually appear on the first or second page of the book, and it is a good beginning indicator of the credibility of your information.

5. Research the author as well; is the author an expert on the topic discussed. What experience allows them to claim knowledge of this information? Critical thinking asks us to question the author's credibility when we are curious of the validity of a source of information.

Using critical thinking, when evaluating sources of information, is a valuable practice. No one wants to put faith in a source that has invalid information, and you can use your critical thinking skills to help find reliable sources. These tips will help you differentiate between sources of information that are credible and incredible.

Reference:
Bishop, J., Carter, C., & Kravits, S. (2007). Keys to college studying:becoming an active thinker [2nd ed.]. Retrieved fromhttps://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content/eReader.aspx

Wearable Father's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

Father's Day is a great holiday for kids to make wearable gifts for their dad. Wearable gifts are great for this holiday because they are useful and can really show a child's appreciation. This article discusses several wearable gifts kids can make for Father's Day.

Apron

A lot of fathers like to grill or cook, and an apron is an easy and fun gift for a kid to make. For this craft you will need a plain apron, a pencil, a ruler, and fabric paint. Start this gift by helping your kids decide what to write on the apron. #1 Dad and Grill Master are both good ideas.

Then help kids write the message on the front of the apron, and use the fabric paint to outline it. Using bold, bright letters makes the apron really stand out. Let the paint dry overnight before giving the gift to your dad.

Painted Tie

Another wearable Father's Day gift that kids will love making is a painted tie. For this craft you will need liquid dye, a light colored tie, and a paintbrush. Covering the work area with newspaper will make clean up easier.

Let kids use the dye to paint a pattern on the tie. Let the kids vary the amount of paint and colors to create interesting textures and designs. Let the tie dry completely before rinsing the excess dye out of the fabric.

Personalized Hat

This project is simple and will make any dad smile. For this project you will need a patch that is perfect for your dad, fabric glue, and safety pins. Help kids decide where the patch will be positioned. You can mark the area with chalk if it is available. Then add glue to the back of the patch.

Help kids attach the patch to the front of the hat and secure with the safety pins. Allow the glue to dry overnight, and you have created a great gift for Father's Day.

These wearable crafts are great gifts for any dad. Kids will love giving homemade gifts to their fathers, and wearable gifts are even more fun for kids. Try making these crafts with your kids for their dad's special day.

Summer Kids Craft: Floral Charm Bracelet

A great summer kids craft is a floral charm bracelet. Floral charm bracelets are great summer craft projects for kids. They will remind you and your kids of the summer all year round. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating a floral charm bracelet with your kids this summer.

For this summer kids craft you will need a piece of chain long enough to fit around your kid's wrist. You will also need small fake flowers, scissors, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, wire, pliers, beads, 2 O-rings, and a clasp. Start this craft by helping kids cut the flower buds off of the stems.

Then plug in the hot glue gun. Help kids cut a few 3 inch sections from the wire. Use the pliers to bend one end of the wire into a small loop. String a bead or 2 onto the wire. Help kids use the pliers to twist the wire into another loop right above the beads. This will hold them in place.

Next bend the ends of the wire into a loop a few circles deep. Open an O-ring slightly with the pliers. Sting the end of the wire onto the ring and set aside.

Next add the clasp to the bracelet using the O-rings. Start by bending the rings slightly open with the pliers. Then attach the chain to each side of the clasp using the rings and pliers. Close the rings with the pliers securely to make sure your bracelet stays together.

Before attaching all of the pieces of this bracelet it is important to make a plan. Help kids arrange the flowers across the wire in the order they would like them to be when the bracelet is done. Help kids place the wired beads in the places they would like as well.

Start help kids assemble the floral charm bracelet by add the beaded wires to the chain. This is done by threading the O-ring that is attached to the wire through the links in the chain. Then glue the flowers to the chain with the hot glue gun. Make sure to add a few drops of glue on both sides of the chain to secure the flowers in place.

This summer kids craft is easy and fun. A floral summer charm bracelet is a great way for you and your kids to celebrate the beauty of summer all year round. Try this easy summer craft with your kids!

Shade Tolerant Flowering Ground Covers

 

Shade tolerant ground covers that produce flowers are the perfect way to add color and weed protection to your garden. It can be hard to find ground covers that produce flowers and live in shady areas. Here I will provide you detailed information on several shade tolerant flowering ground covers.

Ajuga

This shade tolerant ground cover is popular because of its ability to grow in sun, partial shade, and shade. This plant is also known as bugleweed, and it produces blue flowers. It is hardy in zones 3-9, and it grows up to 12" in height. This fast growing ground cover will grow up to 4 feet wide and flowers in spring.

Bethlehem Sage

This ground cover is shade tolerant, but will also thrive in partially sunny areas. Bethlehem sage produces white, pink, and blue flowers. This plant needs a moderate amount of water and lives in zones 4-8. This shade loving plant produces flowers in the spring. Bethlehem sage grows from 8"- 12".

False Spirea

This shade tolerant ground cover enjoys thorough watering once a week. False Spirea produces pink and white flowers in summer. The large showy flowers make this a perfect perennial for your shady garden ground. This flowering ground cover enjoys full shade and partial shade, and grows from 6" -24" in height. False Spirea grows in zone 6.

Vinca Vine

This flowering ground cover is also known as periwinkle because of its tiny blue flowers. This popular shade loving plant also produces white, red, and purple flowers. The Vinca vine can be major or minor, and these plants enjoy similar conditions. Periwinkle is drought tolerant as well as shade loving. Another benefit of this popular plant is its resistance to deer. This flowering ground cover grows in zones 4-9. It grows up to 6 inches.

Wild Ginger

This ground cover enjoys full shade to partial shade. Wild ginger produces flowers that are white, purple, maroon, and red. It needs thorough watering and is hardy in zones 5-9. The one of a kind flowers produced by this perennial ground cover are sure to attract attention along with its heart shaped leaves.

Wood Sorrel

This shade loving ground cover can also tolerate partial shade. Wood Sorrel produces white, pink, and purple flowers. It is hardy in zones 7-10, and grows up to 6" high. This flowering ground cover produces tiny flowers that are shaped like stars. The leaves resemble clovers and it is drought resistant.

Try using these plants in shaded spots in your garden. They add the perfect detail with their flowers and foliage and they provide protection from invasive weeds.