Bendy Straws and Fuzzy Sticks

Looking for a way to pass two hours with your kids free from whining, fighting, crying and complaining? Buy a bag of bendy straws (at Wal-Mart, these are in the juice aisle) and a bag of fuzzy sticks and let them go nuts. We were supposed to be making native Brazilian flutes, but those were boring, and Simon discovered that you can make a bendy straw look like a person by attaching fuzzy stick arms. We had little stick-on rhinestones too, which make great eyes. I'm sure this taught them something (fine motor skills?), and they loved it. And, unlike many art projects, it didn't turn into a mom-will-you-make-this-for-me whine fest. Although I do make a pretty cool bendy straw bug.

Pumpkin Pie in a Pumpkin

I'm supposed to be planning a First Thanksgiving lesson for our homeschool group, and I'm desperately trying to find ideas. This one came courtesy of my grandpa, and it looks like the perfect blend of messy, gross, authentic, and delicious. Pumpkin pie baked inside a pumpkin? That is cool. Check this out: http://www.forkandbottle.com/cooking/recipes/pumpkin_pie_in_a_pumpkin.htm.

Other ideas:

Make our own pin and ring game: http://www.nativetech.org/games/ring&pin.html

Make our own pilgrim hats: http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/make_a_pilgrim_bonnet.htm

Read (fictional) letters from pilgrims and the Wampanoag: http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/letters.asp

Do some kind of activity that re-enacts the journey on the Mayflower (climb into our "boat" and ...?)

Have the older kids act out a pilgrim/Thanksgiving-related skit for the younger kids?

Modern-day devotional about giving thanks?

This is a lot of pressure. Homeschool moms are very creative and good at teaching and not easily entertained. Eek.