The Garbage Collector

i have the funniest nephew who loves to find "treasures" everywhere. i don't envy my sister-in-law having to clean out his pockets in the laundry room. while out for dinner last week, he collected straws, cocktail stirrers, tourist's maps and corks. he loves to make "art" with his finds and since they aren't really recycled since they have not yet been used, it's a new kind of project (see "ONE MAN'S TRASH" post below for making a recycle sculpture).

when i found TRASH FOR TEACHING it made me think of him immediately. i know he isn't the only kid who loves this, so here is more info: "Trash for Teaching collects clean and safe cast-off materials from manufacturing processes (that would otherwise become trash) and re-purposes them as educational resources. With those materials we provide a comprehensive arts education program in local school districts."

*but you don't have to be a classroom to benefit. you can order your own box of treasures for T4T by going to their website.

here is the link: T4T

click the link under PRODUCTS for JUNKIT and for $40 you will get a large box of treasure/ art supplies.

at least you won't have to worry about the secret stash of paperclips getting into the washing machine.

Come Fly With Me

lazy hazy days of summer? i hardly think so. the list of projects i had planned to do with my kids is buried deep under a pile of who knows what. how did it get so hectic around here?

you may be in the same boat, but what about the PLANE? most of us will be traveling this summer, if only for a long weekend, and there is no better captive audience than a child on an airplane. what a great time to load up on books with a great moral and read away through the clouds.

for a list of favorites, check out the ACME LIBRARY on the right side of this website. and here are a few new titles to add.

SASSAFRASS - a stray dog finds the meaning of family.

FIREFLIES - if you love it, set it free.

THOSE SHOES - things you have are worth more than things you want.

happy landings!

Supplies Surprise

i know it feels really early for this, but just a little something to keep in mind.

when you start buying school supplies, throw in a few extra folders and pencils to donate.

the school supply drive 101 sponsored by "do something" (a great service leaning site for teenagers) asks you to drop off school supplies at any local STAPLES. they will be distributed to children living in need so that they can more easily attend school in the fall.

here's the link for "do something"

the lesson: it's hard not to take the basics for granted. even school for some kids is a real struggle.

***added bonus: beat the rush and get supplies while you have top choice of trapper keepers (i always hated the name "trapper keeper", just thought i'd share).