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With Kids in Mind

I grew up climbing trees and spending lots of time outside in southern Connecticut. As a young girl I also liked making things and learned to create my own designs. As a child of God, I loved reading the Bible and still do!

Creativity is the ability to turn something in your imagination into reality. Creativity may be applied to any area from problem solving to new works of art. Creativity is more than coming up with ideas. It is a process of birthing those ideas, testing them, and applying them in real life.

We are all creative, but that creativity may be in different ways.

Types of creative people:


I have made dozens of puppets and even hosted an educational TV series on puppetry, called Puppets on Parade.
  • Some people are creative in their social skills. They come up with great ideas for parties and play and solve problems between people. They may become diplomats or party planners.

  • Inventors create new gadgets and technology. They have learned to apply science in new ways.

  • Other people may be original in art and great at crafting new crafts, designs, or paintings.

  • Still other people may be great problem solvers or trouble-shooters. This may include being able to organize a mess, figure out how to put puzzles together, and see how to use a substitute when something needed for a recipe or craft is not available.

  • Storytellers and writers see how lives can weave together to change people and write them down as stories. They can make people laugh or cry by how they combine words to tell a tale.

It takes knowledge to be creative. If you have never sewn it would probably be hard to design and create a new type of clothing. You first need to know how to sew, understand patterns fabrics. Once you master a skill that's when your mind can take over to develop new ideas, new patterns. Or new crafts.

Unleash your creativity! Once you have mastered a skill, then let your mind dream and consider new possibilities:

  • Consider how to apply a skill with different materials. That's how new yarns have been created and new styles of clothes.

  • Think of new twists to a game or activity. That's how new games are designed.

  • Don't worry about failure. People consider Thomas Edison a great inventor. He invented the light bulb, phonograph, and the kinetescope that led to movie cameras and moving pictures. But he also failed at making the light bulb 97 times before he got it right. Each test brought new knowledge.

  • Learn to overcome obstacles. When something doesn't come out the way you expect take a good look and try to figure out what happened and what changes could make it turn out to the way you imagined it.

  • Explore an idea by trying to follow it in your mind and see what might happen depending on the choices you make.

  • Observe how people, things, and materials react to see how to make a difference that causes a reaction.

  • Experiment with everything. Test out materials, changing games, and discussing problems with people.

  • Capture your thoughts and ideas. Brainstorm and write down any new ideas, observations, and challenges.

  • Spend time with people you think are creative. Ask questions about how they think and come up with ideas. Ask why they are not afraid to fail and what's fun about trying new things.

  • Most of all, believe you can do great and new things. Believe anything is possible.


Home Schooling Tips with Karen's Books

The Beatitudes

The book includes drama and art as well as word and logic puzzles to develop critical thinking. The cut and tell story fascinates children and inspires them to see what they can imagine and cut from paper! It also encourages children to serve others and reminds them of Christian values that are good for students.

Family Devotional Builder

This resource full of activities makes a great start for the day. Each week has a value that you can explore. As there are activities in science, art, drama, cooking, and more, it can enrich any curriculum. Some families tell me they use it to start the day because it wakes up minds and connects children to God plus it's easy.



Activity Kits

Puppet Theater Kit: An easy way to use the drama and fun of finger puppets to bring favorite Bible stories to life!

Kit Includes:
  • Puppets
  • Stage
  • Scenery
  • Scripts for two (2) plays
    • Donkey Talk
    • Jacob's Ladder

    Ages 5+

Puppet Theater Kit
Order Now! - $3.00 + S&H
Autographed to (optional):  
Bible Window Stories - O Little Town of Bethlehem: This overlay booklet tells a story while fitting together to forma picture. Just color, cut, and assemble to form booklets. Watch the story's scenes develop page by page!
    Ages 5+
Bible Window Stories
Order Now! - $1.00 + S&H
Autographed to (optional):  
How-To-Highlights

Nylon Net Banner



Life can be tough and sometimes tragedy happens. Naomi and Ruth discovered God brings comfort and new delight into our hearts when we trust in Him. Make banners that let light in as reminders to praise God always, even in hard times.

Complete instructions can be found in Karen's book, God's Girls #2
Framed With Imagination



Lois passed her faith unto her daughter Eunice and her grandson Timothy. Scriptures formed a framework for her life and actions. Use your imagination to make a beautiful frame as a reminder of Lois's life.

Complete instructions can be found in Karen's book, God's Girls #2
Fruitful Journaling Basket



God filled Elizabeth with His Holy Spirit. In the gospel of Luke we can read Elizabeth's words of joy. Decorate a basket and use it to hold a journal and pens for journaling your thoughts about God.

Complete instructions can be found in Karen's book, God's Girls #1
Prayer Chain



Hannah wept as she prayed, hoping God would give her the longing of her heart. She prayed for a long time. Make a chain to remember to keep on praying even when it seems your heart is breaking.

Complete instructions can be found in Karen's book, God's Girls #1
"I Can" Candle



Ruth discovered that she could do hard work and face tragedy when she put God first. Light up your prayer life with this candle and keep God first!

Complete instructions can be found in Karen's book, God's Girls #1
  
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