Summer and Strawberries

Hi Readers,

Happy first day of summer! To start off the summer season, I went strawberry picking with my family this weekend. Let me tell you–it was a lot of fun!

Here’s a short list of things I didn’t know about strawberry picking:

1. Picking strawberries is hard work.
2. You can tell if a strawberry is ripe if the bottom is red.
3. Strawberries with green tips need a little more maturing before being picked.
4. To pick a strawberry, you gently tug at the end of the stem.
5. Strawberries have prickly thorns so you have to be extra careful when you’re picking.
6. They taste absolutely delicious!

Have you ever picked strawberries or any other fruit or vegetable with your family? Write to me at chickadeeblog@owlkids.com. I can’t wait to hear your stories!

Happy Summer!

Natalia

chickaDEE Editor

Mother’s Day Craft

Hi readers,

This Sunday is Mother’s Day! Treat your mom to a homemade bouquet of flowers… with a twist!

You’ll need:

• Coloured construction paper
• Glue stick
• Photos of you
• Scissors
• Tape
• Pipe cleaners for stems
• Vase

What to do:

1. Cut the construction paper into flower shapes.

2. Cut photos into circles. Glue your photos into the centre of the flower.

3. Tape pipe cleaners to the back of the flowers.

4. Put the flowers into a vase and surprise your mom!

From everyone at chickaDEE, Happy Mother’s Day to all the awesome moms out there!!!

Have a great weekend,

Mandy

Editor of chickaDEE

Photo credit: Kendra Brown

Celebrate Your Name Week!

Hi readers,

It’s Celebrate Your Name Week. It’s a fun week where you celebrate things about your name. Here are a few activities you can do:

1. Ask your parents why they gave you your name. Did someone else in your family have your name?

2. Find our what your name means. Does your name have a special meaning?

3. Make a fun name plate for your room. Click on the instructions below!

Did you find out what your name means? Leave a comment below. Have fun!

Talk to you soon,

Mandy

Editor of chickaDEE

Family Day Events

Hi readers,

For some provinces in Canada, Monday is Family Day! If you’re looking for something to do, here are some suggestions below. Click on the highlighted words to get to the websites for more information.

SASKATCHEWAN

If you live in Saskatoon, check out the the Family Day Skate Event. From 2-4 p.m. on Family Day, people can skate for free at Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval.

In Regina, The Saskatchewan Science Centre will be hosting events all day long. Try out rock climbing sessions, watch stage shows about the science of cotton candy, or catch the premier of Tornado Ally 3D!

ALBERTA

In Calgary, head to Family Quest at Heritage Park. There, families can work together to complete a variety of challenges and learn more about history. Go on a scavenger hunt, perform your very own radio show, dress-up in old timey clothing, or even build a car and race it!

The Edmonton Public Library has lots of free Family Day fun planned, including a screening of Shrek at the Stanley A. Milner Library.

ONTARIO

In Ottawa, families can play together at the Funatorium Explorium! Held at the CE grounds in Ottawa, you can ride a Gyroscope, help paint a massive canvas, and be a part of a silly string world record attempt!

In Toronto, you can catch some free flicks at the Bell Lightbox Theatre. Enjoy free movies (Feb 18-19-20) at the Bell Lightbox theatre in Toronto. On Family Day, there will also be some extra-special workshops and events.

What are you planning on doing for Family Day? Leave a comment below.

Have a great day!

Mandy

Editor of chickaDEE

Australia Day

G’day readers,

Today is Australia Day! In the November 2010 issue, we took chickaDEE readers on a journey to Australia. The issue was packed with cool Aussie facts, animals, stories, puzzles and games. We even showed you a recipe for Fairy Bread, a very special treat that Aussie children eat on their birthdays! Here’s the recipe again:

1. Take a slice of fresh white bread.

2. Spread a layer of butter or margarine on top.

3. Add colourful sprinkles.

4. Cut into triangles and share with a friend!

For a healthier version, you can replace the white bread with whole wheat bread and the sprinkles with dried fruit!

Talk to you later, mates!

Mandy

Editor of chickaDEE

chickadeeblog@owlkids.com