So, in different places around the house, I have stashed a few small boxes and baskets of creative things for my children to do if the desire strikes.  (Or if I’m so sick of hearing the TV question that I demand their desire to strike.  )

The first four were inspired by LaPaz Home Learning.  A small sample of abstract art and oil pastels for recreating the artwork.  Another small sample of abstract art, this time with chalk pastels.  A few cards of architecture/machines, Sculpey clay and some “around the house” tools for recreating 3-D models.  And a bag of marshmallows and toothpicks for creating…. whatever.

There are also math manipulatives that we don’t use often during school time scattered about.  Fraction circles, pattern blocks and geo boards.

A few science kits – electricity, chemistry and magic tricks.  (Thank the Lord for grandparents who buy these fun kits for gifts!)

I’ve also been checking out more books on tape/CD for the kids to listen to as they knit or sew or clean their rooms.

Don’t get me wrong.  My children don’t always flock to these things.  If I let them, they (well one of them) will always choose TV over the wonderful extra-fun learning activities I’ve so diligently and thoughtfully placed around the house.  Sometimes, real boredom has to be experienced before any of these things seems inviting. 

I put the Patriotic Colors Chemistry kit in our USA center.  The kiddos have had the most fun using the chemicals to make red, white and blue colors appear and disappear.

If you need an idea for birthday or Christmas gifts, these are great!