Kids Crafts: Balloons, Bubbles & Balls #3

Craft: Balloon BrushesNote: Always use caution with broken balloon
Activities: Balloon Battle, Balloon Yo-Yos!, Bubblepieces and children. Discard of broken latex
Bubble Pop Pop!, Scoop 'n Tossballoons immediately.
Snack: Coconut BallsBubble Bubble Pop Pop!
Reading Selection: Zachary's Ball by Matt TavaresNeed:
Craft# bubble solution
Balloon Brushes# white paper
Need:# food coloring
# 1 package of balloonsTake bubble solution, white construction paper,
# sticks or dowelsshallow pans, and food coloring outside with your
# rubber bands or floral wirechild. Pour bubble solution into several shallow pans.
Gather a bunch of balloons (deflated) around aSqueeze drops of different color food coloring
stick or dowel. Take a rubber band or floral wireinto each pan. Help your child dip the bubble wand
and secure the balloons to the stick or dowel.into the pan and blow bubbles onto the paper -
Have the children dip the "balloon brush" into paintmake sure you use all the colors!
and explore!Scoop 'n Toss
Activities/GamesNeed:
Balloon Battle#empty gallon milk jugs
Need:#foam ball
# BalloonsCollect two one gallon milk jugs and a foam ball.
# stringCut the jugs to form a scoop. Use sandpaper to
# inflated balloons.rub away any sharp edges. Take your child
Designate a certain color for each team. (If yououtside and have fun playing toss. Make the
have a LOT of children you can have moreactivity more difficult by moving farther apart.
teams or you don't have to have teams at all)Have Fun!
Tie a balloon to each players ankle. Each teamSnack
tries to burst the other's balloon first. The teamCoconut Balls
with the last balloons wins. As your balloon isNeed:
burst, you withdraw from the game.# 1 12oz. package semisweet-chocolate pieces
Balloon Yo-Yos!# 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
Need:# 1tsp. vanilla extract
# 9 inch balloon# 1/8 tsp. salt
# Long rubber band# 1/8 cup coconut flakes
# WaterIn a heavy, 2-quart saucepan over low heat),
This yo-yo balloon is about the size of a baseball.melt chocolate pieces. Stir in condensed milk,
You'll need to fill it with water and air to make itvanilla and salt until well mixed.
that size. (Aprox. 3/4 cup water and then blow toPut into the refrigerator for about 45 minutes or
make it the right size!) The air is very importantuntil it is easy to shape.
as it acts as a cushion for the water. The ratio isWith buttered hands, shape the mixture into small
1/4 water to 3/4 air.balls. Roll each ball in the coconut flakes.
Tie it off. Snip the rubber band and tie a loop inThis recipe is a wonderful treat for young children
one end. Tie the other end snugly around theto make with adult supervision.
balloon stem. That's it! The kids can use markersReading Selection:
to personalize these. They're a LOT of fun andZachary's Ball by Matt Tavares
cost about 3 cents apiece to make. They alsoPlease use care when using balloons around small
make great party favors! Enjoy!!!children. Balloons can be a choking hazard.