Halloween Time

I can hardly believe that it is October already, let alone that it is time for Halloween, but the aisles in the stores tell me that is so. While I enjoy watching the kids at this time of year, I also experience great angst over the deciding and designing of costumes for what they want to be. I think I finally have my oldest son convinced that he would enjoy being a cowboy, as I already have a costume and the props for that idea. But, that is always subject to change until the last minute. Luckily, the youngest is too young to voice his opinion so he will be a dog (an old costume of my older son!). With that taken care of, all that is left is to get the month rolling with some fun activities and to remind and teach my son safety tips for a fun AND safe evening! Enjoy!

Some fun craft activities for kids (both young and young at heart):

FOOTPRINT GHOSTS
1 sheet of black construction paper
glow in the dark star stickers or white crayon
white tempra paint
a pair of feet
1 child's fat paintbrush

Paint the bottom of a child's feet with white tempra paint (do not get it to thick or it will not be defined between the toes.) The heel is the head of the ghost and the toes are the bottom. Have the child step onto the black construction paper with their toes spread apart. Let dry. When dry, stick on glow in the dark star stickers or draw stars using a white crayon. The child can add fences, haunted houses, etc. Also, put wiggle eyes on the ghost or draw them on. ( Great keepsake for how your child grows too!)

GAK
Mixture One:
1/4 c. white glue
1/4 c. water
food coloring- green is nice and scary!

Mixture Two:
1/8 c. water
1/2 tsp. borax

Mix mixture 1 in one bowl, and mixture 2 in another. Make sure both are well-mixed. Add mixture 1 into mixture 2.

Reach in and pull out your GAK! Knead for 1-2 minutes until formed. Store in a plastic ziplock bag.

Great at parties for both young and old!

SPIDER WEB
Have the kids paint a paper plate with black tempera paint and let it dry. When the plates are dry, using a single hole punch, punch holes around the outside edge of the plate. Using white yarn, tie one end to one of the holes on the paper plate and the other end to a plastic needle. Have the kids lace in and out of the holes in what ever directions they want to create a spider web. When they are done, knot off the remaining end to the paper plate and make a construction paper spider to go on the web

Gather white paint, dark colored construction paper, a tin pie plate, and some old marbles
First place marbles in the white paint and roll around. Then cut the construction paper to fit the pie pan. Then drop a couple marbles covered in white paint and roll around in the bottom of the pie pan, creating a web effect.

For other great craft ideas for all ages, check out these sites:

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/halloween_crafts.htm

http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/halloween/index.html

http://www.halloweenkids.com/

http://www.newcelebritystudios.com/poohsrainforest/PoohHalloween.html ( Winnie the Pooh- for younger kids)

Halloween Safety Tips

With witches, goblins, and super-heroes descending on neighborhoods across America, the American Red Cross offers parents some safety tips to help prepare their children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday. Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and following some common sense practices can keep events safer and more fun.

	Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street.
	Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying brooms.
	Cross the street only at corners.
	Don't hide or cross the street between parked cars.
	Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards, and brooms, too!)
	Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.
	Carry a flashlight to light your way.
	Keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flammable.)
	Visit homes that have the porch light on.
	Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house.
	Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.
	Be cautious of animals and strangers.
	Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don't eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.