The Jar of Ideas

Apparently I like using jars and paper to keep us entertained.  A few years ago, I created "The Jar of Ideas".  This was created out of desperation to keep my kid engaged, learning (Shhh - don't tell him!), and unplugged during lazy summer days.

Every summer the jar is brought out - along with a journal - which is needed for some of the activities.  It is something that my son  looks forward to.  It's like an advent calendar for each day of summer. 

The sneaky thing about The Jar of Ideas is that it motivates other creative play.  Before you know it, a 10 minute activity has led to a day of fun.

My son is eleven.  Some of our ideas are:

1. Sit outside with your nature journal.  Write down how many birds you see and can identify.
2. Using water colors, paint a tree from our back yard.
3. Clean the glass on the sliding glass doors. (yes, sometimes it is a chore - bonus for the parents!)
4. Choose 5 plants, crush the leaves or flowers and smell them.  Describe their smell - and taste if edible-in your journal.
5. Wash 5 articles of clothing by hand. Hang them out to dry.
6. Write and mail a letter to a friend.
7. Learn how to make french toast.
8. Challenge a parent to a push-up contest.
9. Go on a flower hunt.  Draw the flowers in your nature journal. What is the name, color, number of petals, scent...?
10. Create a profile silhouette.
11. Submit a new flavor of ice cream to Ben & Jerry's.
12. Take the camera, photograph 3 different types of spiders, draw them in your journal.
13. Look through cookbooks. Find a recipe, make a grocery list, purchase items, and make it.
14. Draw our house using charcoals
15. Do 30 minutes of yard work
16. Play a board game
17. Lego challenge: Build a ship
18. Build an obstacle course outside
19. Make lunch today
20. Write a short story about a squirrel named Fred.