July 8, 2009

Inexpensive Outdoor Art!

Posted by Libby under Free Play, Outdoor Games | Tags: , , , , , , , |
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We are nearly halfway through the summer and it is likely that the kiddos have begun to say, “I’m bored.” Aaack!

Need a fresh, creative idea that is super-kind on the wallet?  How about making your own sidewalk paint.  Even older children enjoy the opportunity to express their inner Picasso or Monet.

Here is a quick recipe:

  • 1 part corn starch
  • 1 part water
  • Food coloring

Mix equal parts of corn starch and water.  Add  in some food coloring and you are done!

According to the original source for this recipe: “I do recommend using a whisk or better yet a hand mixer if you are making an entire box worth of paint (about 3 1/2 cups of corn starch). I mix up a batch in my large Pyrex bowl and then pour the paint into reusable/disposable 1 cup containers but paper cups would work just fine. An entire box makes about 4 cups of paint, plenty for about 6 different colors. I add 4-6 drops of food coloring once I have poured the paint into individual containers. Store brand corn starch is about $1 for a box and makes enough paint for 3 kids to paint for over an hour and one toddler to do an amazing Jackson Pollock imitation.”

 

July 7, 2009

g2g Play Four Square!

Posted by Rebecca under Outdoor Games | Tags: , , |
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Four_SquareFour Square is a game that I have many fond memories of playing in middle school. (You may know the game as King’s Corner.) There were two four square “courts” and there were always lines to play during lunch recess. We were all quite sophisticated in playing with strategies to get the most people out! I remember some people specialized in really high bounces that it was nearly impossible to hit. I was a specialist in hitting the squares in the corners, just a hair inside the lines!

All you need to play four square is a rubber ball (medium-sized or kickball size is best), some sidewalk chalk to draw the squares, a little bit of space in the driveway, and at least 4 people to play! Draw a square and then divide it into 4 smaller squares. Squares can vary in size depending on the age of the children playing.

Number or name the squares, and start playing! For simple four square rules, check out this website.

 

July 5, 2009

Make New Friends – Play Outside

Posted by Tonya under Free Play | Tags: , , , |
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Some of the coolest things that I have learned studying and learning about the benefits to children who play outside are the social impacts of outdoor play.  Studies have shown that children who play outside have more friends than children who do not spend time outdoors.  And, the more natural the play spaces and less structured the play is the more the children are able to cooperate, interact, and develop relationships.

When children play in groups in highly structured environments the “leaders” tend to be the most physically strong…the more aggressive types.  When children play in more naturalistic environments, the children that are the most creative and intellegent take over the leadership roles and direct the play.  The play is also more cooperative and equal between boys and girls.

Find out more about this and other research promoting free, nature play by reading Richard Louve’s book “Last Child in the Woods”  or at the Children and Nature Network website.

 

June 16, 2009

g2g Play in the Park This Week!

Posted by Rebecca under g2g Outside Events, Outdoor Games | Tags: , , |
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We have another g2g Play in the Park event tomorrow, June 17th at Woodland Park. Woodland Park is located at 21st and Shelton St, on the south side of 21st St.

Come join us from 7-8 p.m. for free ice cream, games, and other outdoor activities!

 

June 1, 2009

What is g2g Outside?

Posted by Layla under Free Play, g2g Outside Events | Tags: , , , , |
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g2g Outside LogoSedgwick County Extension, the City of Wichita, and Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks are excited to launch g2g Outside, a fun-filled program kicking off just in time for summer from June 1st – August 15th 2009. 

g2g Outside features weekly photography and poetry contests, scavenger hunts, art and memory book contests, and a series of play dates in local parks.  Check out the various pages of our blog for contest details and fun outdoor play ideas.  The first g2g Play in the Park event will be held at Shelter 1 in the Sedgwick County Park THIS WEDNESDAY June 3rd, 2009 from 7:00-8:00 pm.

g2g Outside will conclude on the morning of August 15th, 2009 with a showcase event at the Sedgwick County Extension office.  Winning contest entries will be displayed for the public from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, and a grand prize drawing will take place at 11:00 am. 

So, how do you guarantee that your kids will have a blast this summer?  Get back to the great outdoors, play away, and participate in g2g Outside contests.   We hope to rejuvenate the urgency that kids feel when they “got to go” outside for active exploration and fun!

 

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