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Welcome to the OFENA Family Corner!

Do you have a fun or interesting activity? Have you come across a web site you think is neat? We are using this area of the web as a repository for neat ideas so when you have some time and want a family friendly activity, you just need to check here! Bookmark us so you won't forget!

Here's what we have so far:

Web Sites

Activities

Web Sites:

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Activities:

Share your idea!

Ice Ornaments

You will need:

Fill pie plate with water; lay yarn in water around the edge of the plate to create a frame, leave 8-10" of extra twine at top from both ends to make a hanging loop for the ornament. Arrange evergreens and birdseed in the water. Place in freezer or outside if it's cold enough! When completely frozen, remove the ornament by dipping the container briefly into warm water and turn over. Hang your ice ornament on a branch in your yard. Be creative, use different sized pans and decorating materials (leaves, pine cones, white paper snowflakes).

Source: Ladybug Magazine

Peanut Butter Playdoh

You will need:

Mix all ingredients with hands until smooth. Keep in sealed container if not used immediately. Play on waxed paper or foil. Great for toddlers who still put things in their mouths.

Source: T. Schwandt

Playdough

You will need:

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it is in a ball in the middle of your pan. Store in airtight container.

Keepsake Sandcastles

You will need:

Place all ingredients into the old sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture is very thick and can't be stirred. When cool shape into castles or make imprints with stones, shells, etc. Allow several days to dry.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Sidewalk Chalk

You will need:

Mix ingredients, pour into small paper cup. When solid tear off paper.

Source: Mrs. Caverly

Liquid Starch Jewelry

You will need:

Cut out 'beads' from paper (1x1.5" rectangle or triangle). Dip paper in liquid starch, remove excess starch, roll paper around pencil; remove and let dry. When all beads are dry string together.

Source: Mrs. Caverly

Flour Paint

You will need:

Mix flour, soap and water, pour into separate containers. Add food coloring to each container.

Source: Mrs. Caverly

Oobleck

You will need:

Mix ingredients together, store in airtight container. Read Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss.

Source: Mrs. Caverly

Silly Putty

You will need:

Knead the above ingredients. Store in a baggie in the refrigerator.

Source: Mrs. Caverly

Dollar Bill Search

You will need:

Give everyone a dollar bill, have them look closely at the designs. Talk about the symbols they find and the meaning of each. It’s ok to admit you don’t know everything; but be sure you work TOGETHER to find an answer to their questions.

Ever wonder what the eye over the pyramid it? Here’s the scoop from the Department of Treasury – "The unfinished pyramid means that the United States will always grow, improve and build. In addition, the "All-Seeing Eye" located above the pyramid suggests the importance of divine guidance in favor of the American cause." (source : http://www.ustreas.gov/kids)

Easy Birdfeeder

You will need:

Source: Ladybug Magazine

Kite

You will need:

To assemble:

1. Begin with 2 lightweight sticks.
2. Notch the end of each stick.
3. Create kite frame by making a 't' with the sticks, glue the sticks together, after they dry add additional strength by lashing (tying) the sticks together.
4. To give the kite frame shape, dab glue in the notches at the end of the stick, run a piece of string through all the notches.
5. Cover the kite frame with tissue, wrapping or newspaper.
6. Decorate the kite with paint, stickers or markers.
7. A reel of string is better than a ball of string. This can be done by wrapping string around an empty toilet paper roll or just around a pencil. Remember to tie the end on the reel so your kite can't fly away.
8. Tie the end of the kite string to the center of the 't' frame.
9. Make a tail that is at least 8 feet long, attach at bottom of the 't'.

Kite safely:

Source: FamilyTime

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Many thanks to Kentwood Citizens Academy Alumni, www.kcaa.org, for hosting our neighborhood web site!