Handwriting Ideas: Ways to get your Children to Practice Writing

Easy Ways to Get Kids to Practice Handwriting

Is handwriting a thing of the past? Handwriting has become a controversial issue. Should children learn cursive? Why is handwriting important at all? My kids cry when I ask them to write a draft for a research paper. Cry! Their Language Arts skills are fantastic when they use Google Docs, but ask them to write on paper and everything goes south! So, we're sharing Handwriting Practice Tips, handwriting ideas, and ways to get your children to practice writing without the fuss. Enjoy!   

Handwriting Ideas: Ways to get your Children to Practice Writing
Handwriting Ideas: Ways to get your Children to Practice Writing.

BIC is on a mission to save handwriting! Kids can enjoy handwriting practice. Before they know it, they'll have improved handwriting skills. We took the fight for your write pledge, and you can too! Pledge to save handwriting, and enter for a chance to win BIC prize pack worth $1200! Just visit www.BICFightForYourWrite.com.

Ideas to Get Children to Practice Handwriting

Shopping Lists
Be sneaky! Sneak in handwriting. Every time you head to the store, have your child help you with the shopping list. You dictate, they write.

Mayhem, loves to write shopping lists! She always adds little extras she hopes to get or puts something preposterous on the list! If you follow the blog, you may remember that she has Dyslexia. Her handwriting skills are not to par, but that doesn't keep her from writing. She hopes to be a novelist when she gets older.

Cool Bic Pens
Jake despises any form of drawing or writing. For Jake to write with a pen, it requires lots of incentives (okay, bribes). The cooler the writing utensil, the better. This is where our Bic Pens come into play. I remember writing paper notes and making every word a different color with this cool Bic Pen. Awesome. Jake thinks it is pretty cool too.



Word Games
Another way to sneak in some writing practice is to play word games. We especially like those fill in the blank stories- just add a noun, adjective, or verb.

Letters to Grandparents
Though the kids love to write email, penning letters to Grandma and Grandpa is fun too! Encourage handwritten letters by taking a trip to the post office to let your kids pick out their favorite stamps. This also encourages Grandma and Grandpa to write back. Everyone loves getting mail!



Goals and Wish Lists
Any time is a good time to make a wish! It doesn't have to be a birthday or Christmas want list. Sneak in some practice handwriting time, by asking your child to pen a wish list or a list of things they hope to achieve in the near future.

#BICFightForYourWrite





This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Bic. The opinions and text are all mine.



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Homemade Pudding Pops Recipe

Easy Recipe for Homemade Pudding Pops

Want to know the easy way on how to make pudding pops at home? These homemade pudding pops are so easy, you won't believe you never thought to make them. No pudding pop recipe required! Enjoy!

Homemade Pudding Pops Recipe
Homemade Pudding Pops Recipe.

Want to make Jell-O Pudding Pops? Most boxes have the recipe, but if you can't find one, click this link: How to Make Jell-O Pudding Pops at home. I was going to share one of the cute commercials from the 80's, but when I went to share one... Ouch! All of the controversy... no thanks. 

How To Make Homemade Pudding Pops
Super Easy Way to Make Homemade Pudding Pops.

To Make Homemade Pudding Pops, follow these easy steps:

1. Buy some snack pudding: Generic, Swiss Miss, Jell-O.

2. Buy some craft popsicle sticks.

3. Pop your stick into the middle of one of the pudding cups.

4. Freeze for at least an hour.

5. Enjoy!

Tip: You'll want to warm the cup up with your hands so the pudding will easily slide out. Yes, it really is that easy. It makes a refreshing snack on a hot, summer day. Yum!


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Things to do with Yogurt: Patriotic Trifle Popsicle Dessert

Patriotic Summer Dessert: Things to do with Yogurt

Looking for a refreshing summer dessert for the Fourth of July? When brainstorming for this post, we found lots of things to do with yogurt and yogurt cups. Scroll down to see our favorites! To add to the mix, we created a patriotic trifle with yogurt, frozen fruit juices, and fruit. This is patriotic slushie with fruit and yogurt is a delicious recipe! Especially, with the new flavors of Yoplait® Yogurt.

For this yogurt slushie dessert recipe, we used the Limited edition Yoplait® Rainbow Sherbet Yogurt that we found at Walmart. It makes the perfect seasonal treat for summer snacking and Fourth of July get-togethers. Enjoy!

Refreshing Patriotic Summer Snack with Yogurt Slush slushy
Refreshing Summer Snack with Yogurt.

Freeze your juice in a shallow baking dish.
Scoop into clear, glass cup.

Patriotic Yogurt Popsicle Trifle Dessert Fourth of July Party
Layer with berries and Yoplait® Rainbow Sherbet Yogurt.
How to Make a  Frozen Yogurt Trifle Dessert Recipe.
How to Make a  Frozen Yogurt Trifle Dessert Recipe. Freeze for about an hour.




Things to do with Yogurt: Patriotic Trifle Popsicle Dessert
Things to do with Yogurt: Trifle Popsicle Dessert.

Things to do with Yogurt

Things to do with Yogurt Containers.
Things to do with Yogurt Containers.
Visit Color My Bliss Blog for details on this bracelet.


Make a bracelet from a recycled yogurt container.

Make a Mini Drum with Recycled Containers.

25 Things to do with Yogurt.


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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Yoplait®. The opinions and text are all mine.


Refreshing Summer Dessert Slush Patriotic Fourth of July Independence Day




Kabobs: Yogurt Ice Cube Snacks Recipe

Recipe for Yogurt Ice Cubes Kabob Snacks


Are you looking for a healthy, refreshing summer snack for children? We've combined Yogurt Popsicles and Yogurt Ice Cube Kabob Snacks in this fun, easy to eat, recipe for kids. After playing games outside, the kids will appreciate this cold treat. Enjoy!


Yogurt Ice Cube Kabob Snack Recipe.

How to Make Yoplait® Yogurt Ice Cube Snack Kabobs

First, head to your local Walmart and pick up your favorite flavors of Yoplait® Yogurt. We found some fun, new flavors for summer! The limited edition comes in an 8 pack with Watermelon and Harvest Peach. While you are there, be sure to purchase all of the supplies you need to make this tantalizing treat.


How to make Yogurt Ice Cube Snacks Recipe
How to make Yoplait® Yogurt Ice Cube Snack Kabobs.


You will need: Bamboo Skewers, Ice Cube Trays, Yoplait® Yogurt, Plastic Wrap, White Grape Juice (or your favorite juice flavor), Berries, Bananas, Watermelon, Grapes, and/or Pineapple.












First, empty two six ounce containers of yogurt into a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of juice. Blend together with a spatula.

Next, spoon the mixture into the ice cube trays and cover with plastic wrap. Place in freezer for at least two hours.

When frozen, remove yogurt from tray. Have the kids grab a skewer and build their kabobs, Yogurt cube, berry, yogurt cube, pineapple, and so on.

Finally, enjoy your healthy, homemade Yoplait® yogurt treat. Yum!


How to make yogurt popsicles pops.
Be sure to eat them quickly, like all popsicles, they melt quickly.


This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Yoplait®. The opinions and text are all mine.


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Best Parks in Indiana for Kids and Families

What is the Best Park in Indianapolis Area?


If you're like us, you probably go park hopping and hop from park to park, trying to find the best park in Indiana for kids. We've been all around the state, but we stick mostly to the greater Indianapolis Area. So, what is the best park in the Indianapolis area to have the best summer ever? You decide, we've shared our favorite Indiana park experiences!


Best Park in Indiana for Kids

Best Park in Indiana for Kids.


Finding your way to the best park takes planning. Before we make the trek, we consult Google and add the address to maps. After a visit to Walmart, we pack a bag with sunscreen, bug spray, water, bread, peanut butter, jelly, and grapes! Notice, I don't mention sandwiches. We are always in a hurry to get started, so I just grab the basics and we make the sandwiches at the park!


The Indianapolis Zoo is always a fun option. For hot summer days, be sure to bring a towel,  plenty of sunscreen, and a change of clothes, so you can enjoy the splash pad. Also, check the zoo's website for daily deals. They offer lower ticket prices on slow days.


If you prefer free options, we've got 'em. Keep reading for the best parks in Indiana. 

Have the best summer ever at one of these great Indiana parks!


Plainfield, Indiana: Hummel Park


There are many little parks tucked away in Plainfield, but several of the city parks are all in one place! From Main Street (State Road 40) to Hadley Road, you'll find a skate park, an older park with a merry-go-round, baseball diamonds, an old-fashioned curly slide, and even a little gazebo for weddings. Coming from State Rd. 40, Hummel Park is on the right just before Hadley Road.

Plainfield, Indiana: Hummel Park

Plainfield, Indiana: Hummel Park.


Hummel Park in Plainfield is full of surprises. White Lick Creek runs through it, there are hiking and biking trails, a play area, a splash pad, and so many things to do. When you cross the bridge over the creek, you'll find an amazing wedding pavilion and additional play spaces.


Walk or bike the path around East Co. Rd. 600 S, and you'll discover a lake perfect for fishing.

Indianapolis, Indiana: Garfield Park


Garfield Park is one of the most beautiful city parks. There are many free things to do scheduled year around. They also offer activities that only cost a few dollars per person.

Indianapolis, Indiana: Garfield Park



They have an awesome pool at the Burrello Family Center. It also has gyms, food, and seasonal special events. The Garfield Park Arts Center offers many classes for children and adults. In the past we even taught a few drama classes here. Don't miss their Halloween and Christmas events.


Things to do at Garfield Park: Halloween
Things to do at Garfield Park: Halloween.

Indianapolis, Indiana: Eagle Creek Park


Is as big as state park! Eagle Creek Park offers a beach, many playgrounds, shelters, wedding pavilions, an ornithology center, a yoga retreat, canoeing, a zip line, and an earth science center... all for the price to park your car. Read more about it: Things to do at Eagle Creek Park.


Indianapolis, Indiana: 100 Acre Woods

Indianapolis, Indiana: 100 Acre Woods
Indianapolis, Indiana: 100 Acre Woods.


Avon, Indiana: Washington Township Park


Offers a fishing lake, beautiful trails with bridges, a splash pad, wedding area, playground, sledding hill, and seasonal events.


Danville, Indiana: Ellis Park


Offers a nearby public pool, playground, baseball diamonds, wading creek, and seasonal events including a holiday light display.


Mooresville, Indiana: Pioneer Park


Offers a seated zip line, a pool, many playgrounds, camps, hiking and bike trails, baseball diamonds, and seasonal events. This is our pick for the best city park in Indiana.

Mooresville Park PoolMooresville Park Pool.

Halloween Trail activities at Pioneer Park in Mooresville.
Halloween Trail Activities at Pioneer Park in Mooresville.


Speedway Indiana: Park


Offers a nearby soccer field (at the school), a unique playground, a gazebo, and seasonal events.

Meadowood Park in Speedway
Meadowood Park in Speedway. Photo from Speedway Daily Photo.


New Castle, Indiana: Memorial Park


This is a huge county park. It offers a sledding hill, fishing lakes, more adorable ducks and geese than you can imagine, many shelters for events, 4-H events, several playground areas, a beautiful golf course, an amphitheater, and so much more.

Memorial Park New Castle IndianaMemorial Park New Castle Indiana.


Noblesville, Indiana: Forest Park


Offers a pool, a train museum and train rides, camps, hiking and bike trails, sand volleyball fields, baseball diamonds, a carousel, mini golf, and seasonal events.

Noblesville Forest Park CarouselNoblesville Forest Park Carousel. Photo by Erinne Sikcih.


Spring Mill, Indiana: Spring Mill State Park


This historical park is 90 minutes from Indianapolis, but worth the drive. Beautiful historic buildings include the old mill and a blacksmith shop. The park also has picnic shelters, hiking trails, and playgrounds.

Spring Mill State Park
Spring Mill State Park.



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5 Gadgets for Dad: Father's Day Gift Ideas

5 Father's Day Gift Ideas: Gadgets for Dad

These 5 gadget gift ideas for Dad for Father's Day are the perfect, unique gadgets for Dad under $25.00. Does your Dad buy everything he needs? Not all Dad's wear neckties or have a mustache! It is difficult to come up with a unique, inexpensive idea the kids can give Dad for Father's Day. We found a few things that might make Dad smile. Enjoy!



5 Gadgets for Dad: Father's Day Gift Ideas


Things to do in Indianapolis in Summer: Great Times

Have a Great Time this Summer in Indy


This summer has taken forever to get here, but we see the signs, and we're following them! If you are looking for things to do in Indianapolis this summer, we've got a fun activity for you. Don't forget to bring the BANANA BOAT® Sunscreen, you'll need it with all of the great, summer, outdoor activitiesIndiana weather changes minute by minute. You never know what kind of weather you're going to get! We decided to spend the day exploring all of the fun things to do at Great Times in Indy. The best activities are the outdoor ones. That's why we stopped at Walmart to get some BANANA BOAT® products.



BANANA BOAT®  Sunscreen has products for swimming, sporting, and lounging on the beach.
BANANA BOAT®  Sunscreen has products for swimming, sporting, and lounging on the beach.

BANANA BOAT® has a tons of products for kids. Whether you are sporty, swim in a pool, or on the beach, BANANA BOAT® has you covered. If your kids are like mine, they hate being covered in sunscreen, especially if they aren't swimming. The spray on sunscreen from BANANA BOAT® is perfect for kids in a hurry to get to the fun activities.

What is the best sunscreen for Summer Activities for kids?
What is the best sunscreen for Summer Activities for kids?

So, you need to make it as fun as possible. We made up a song to sing while applying sunscreen. You've heard you are supposed to sing your ABC's to brush your teeth, why not sing to apply sunscreen too! Each time you reapply, be sure to sing the sunscreen song! The lyrics to our song are shared below. Make it a part of your sunscreen routine.
  • Sunscreen, sunscreen, protect my skin while I play.
  • Sunscreen, sunscreen keep me safe all through the day.
Did you know that sun protection requires 1 oz.every 2 hours in the sun? I didn't. Be sure to apply about 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to yourself and your kids' entire bodies 30 minutes before going outside and then reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
So, now that we're all prepared for a great time in the sun, let's talk about Great Times Family Fun Center. We went on a Thursday and to our delight, all activities were all inclusive from 11-6 with the purchase of an $11.50 per person, three hour wrist band. Yep, we spent 3 hours in the sun! And guess what... You guessed it! No sunburn.

First, the bumper boats!

Bumper Boats in Indianapolis at Great Times.
Bumper Boats in Indianapolis at Great Times.

Their favorite thing to do was ride the go-karts, the ride is nice and long. These are on an all concrete track in full sun, so don't forget to reapply your sunscreen.

Go karting at Great Times is a fun thing to do in Indy in the sun!
Go karting at Great Times is a fun thing to do in Indy in the sun!

There's also a very cool miniature golf course.


Things to do in Indianapolis in Summer: Great TImes
Things to do in Indianapolis in Summer: Great Times.

After all of the fun in the sun, you can go inside for a bite to eat, play games, or climb through the maze room. We'll be spending a lot of time here this summer. Good thing we have our trusty BANANA BOAT® SPF 50.

Banana Boat Sunscreen SPF 50
Banana Boat® Sunscreen SPF 50 Kids Free.


This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Banana Boat® . The opinions and text are all mine.





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Universe Lesson Plans: Solar System Activities

  • Solar System Lesson and Activities

  • So many Solar System Activities, so little time! In these universe lesson plans, we've rounded up the most unique solar system projects and shared them in this online Solar System Lesson with fun, free games. Scroll down for activities for each grade level. Enjoy!

Universe Lesson Plans: Solar System Activities
Universe Lesson Plans: Solar System Activities.

  • This Solar System activity is perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. Of course, even older kids will get a kick out of making a hat and parading around the classroom!

Find this Solar System Activity at Primarythemepark.com


Younger children will enjoy Astronomy Ad Libs with Curious George.

NASA has many universe related lessons, but this one on how to estimate star size is pretty cool and targeted for kids in grades 6-9.

NASA comparison of Star Sizes chart.

Is there life on Mars? Brainpop.com has a free video on Mars with quizzes, games, and activities. Subscribers can watch a video on the SOLAR SYSTEM and one on the OUTER SOLAR SYSTEM too! Be sure to read the FYI's for interesting solar system facts, and do the online activities.

Want to size up the universe? This free interactive universe game from Smithsonian is a fun way to learn through edutainment!


Universe Lesson Plans: Solar System Activities
Click the image for Sizing up the Universe from the Smithsonian.

Practice Solar System Grammar and Vocabulary with this Hangman Game from eslgames.com.

Free online solar system games
Click the image to play Solar System Hangman.

For more solar system language arts, do these Space Libs.

Solar System Switcharoo is a fun game from NASA.


Interactive Science Space Game.




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Learning Resources Giant Magnetic Solar System*

Moon Lesson Plan

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National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Space *