FUN FOR THE SMALL FRY

Fun for the Small Fry | The First Party | Birthdays Must Be Celebrated

FUN FOR THE SMALL FRY

If your tiny-tot has a birthday soon, celebrate the event with a party. The little people at this starry-eyed age are easy to please with a variety of activities.

One of the most attractive birthday parties our small one ever attended was held from three to five p.m. This gave Tad plenty of time to have his nap so he went to the party well refreshed. Because of the youth of the guests we mothers were invited too. However, when we arrived our individual responsibility ceased for the afternoon.

The dining room which joined the living room had been cleared of as much furniture as possible. Small tables and chairs borrowed from a nearby church nursery were scattered about. Large sheets of brown wrapping paper for would-be artists were piled on the end of one table. Nearby were plenty of crayons. Bright-colored magazines (old ones) and plenty of round-pointed shears —also borrowed from nursery school—were handy.

A big box of nursery blocks and all available toys owned by the small host were in this same room. Everything was ready when the small guests arrived. This was the chil­dren's room—the mothers stayed in the adjoining living room, close enough to oversee the youngsters yet far enough away so the youngsters felt free.

It was fun to watch the small fry. The little chairs were inspected first. One or two such chairs at home were no novelty but here was a whole roomful. They needed to be looked over, sat in and moved about. Soon even the shyest child was busy playing. The older tykes began drawing or cutting and soon the younger ones were fol­lowing suit.

After a period of free play the young host's mother produced a tiny bell and asked the children if they wouldn't like to play "Ring Bell Ring." All the children bowed their heads in their laps while Johnny, holding on to the bell clapper, ran and hid in the next room. When he was safely hidden the hostess called out, "Ring Bell Ring." The children then pointed in the direction of the bell ringer. This simple game delighted the children and had to be repeated again and again with a different bell ringer each time.

Then the hostess told a story about Mother Kitty and Baby Kitty. She chose a little lass to be Mother Kitty. Then Mother Kitty and all the baby kitties went fast asleep. While Mother Kitty slept four of the babies awakened and tiptoed away to hide. When Mother Kitty awakened and found her babies gone she cried, "Meow." The little lost kittens cried, "Mew." Mother Kitty had to locate her babies by sound. After her every "Meow," the babies answered, "Mew."

"Policeman and Lost Child" next delighted the young­sters. One child was Policeman, and Mother worriedly asked his help in searching for her lost child. The Police­man asked Mother to tell him what her lost child was wearing. Mother then described in detail the clothes of her lost child. The Policeman looked about at the chil­dren and brought to Mother the child answering the description.

A "Game of Touch" was next on the program. The hostess put three familiar objects in a cloth bag—a ball, a toy automobile and a pencil. Each youngster took his turn at identifying the objects by feeling them through the bag. For "Bucket Ball" the children formed a circle with a wastebasket in the center. Then each child was given a chance to throw a large rubber ball into the waste-basket. Young children are not very adept at aiming a ball, but they thoroughly enjoy ball games. In this game, if a youngster did get the ball in the basket he was given another throw.

Blowing bubbles is always tops in fun. This wise hostess placed a low flat pan in the center of one of the low tables. In it she had put a mixture of soapy water and a few drops of glycerin. She gave each child a straw. Soon the air was filled with squeals of delight from the youngsters as the bubbles floated upward. The straws were excellent blowers, made no mess, and were easily replaced when broken by chubby fingers.

After the activity of these games the youngsters were ready to settle down at the tables to try finger painting. Each child was fitted with a large paper apron to protect his party clothes. The bib-style aprons were made of heavy butcher's paper on which ties and halters of tape had been stitched. Finger painting of course is that fa­miliar childhood art of smearing finger paint onto large sheets of paper with the fingers. Our hostess made a generous supply of three colors of finger paint. Here is her recipe.

Dissolve one-eighth cup of laundry starch in a half cup of cold water. Slowly add to a pint of boiling water and cook about five minutes stirring constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Add vegetable coloring and let cool. For this party the hostess had divided the mixture into three parts—coloring one red, the second green, and the third blue. These were then put into little cold-cream jars so that each child could choose a color and work individu­ally. It saved much scrapping over jars.

Our hostess, knowing that nothing upsets young chil­dren's schedules more than party refreshments in late afternoon, solved the difficulty by serving a simple supper shortly before five o'clock. A gaily decorated paper table­cloth transformed the play-table into a festive board.

A big bunch of brightly colored balloons was fastened to the chandelier which hung directly over the center of the table, just out of reach of small groping hands. Each child was given a crown of stiff paper to wear. The crowns were all alike except the birthday child's which was deco­rated with three paper candles.

The menu was simple and in keeping with tiny-tot diets. Each plate held baked potato in half shell, a help­ing of buttered peas and a mold of fruit Jello. The dessert consisted of ice cream and the birthday cake. The cake held three candles. When the young host tried to blow them out he received a great deal of help from his guests.

To the youngsters, many of whom at home were in the habit of eating in a high chair and wearing a bib, it was a delight to be sitting at a table with a group of their own age. Plates were cleaned in surprisingly short order.

At Good-bye time the balloons were untied from the chandelier and given one to each child. This was one Tiny-tot party that was enjoyed not only by the wee ones but the mothers as well. We blessed our thoughtful host­ess when we tumbled our tired, happy, well-fed young­sters into bed and served the family dinner without in­terruption.

THE FIRST PARTY!

Will your "So-Big" be three years old his next birthday? What fun to give him his first birth­day party! He'll talk about it days beforehand and play party for many days after. That is, if he has en­joyed his first party. And he is sure to if you plan it prop­erly.

Parties for these small fry need not, and should not be elaborate affairs that cost a lot of money. His guests should be a small group of his own friends—not limited to the children of your friends. And it should be carefully planned to avoid any youngster upsets the following day.

In the first place, nothing upsets the schedules of small children more than party refreshments in the late after­noon. An early supper solves the refreshment problem. And their mothers will be grateful indeed because on arriving home the tired children can all be popped into bed immediately and the family dine undisturbed.

From three to five o'clock are the best party hours for small children. Three o'clock doesn't interfere with nap time, thus allowing each child his undisturbed rest and putting him in good spirits for the party. Since parties for children under six years of age should never last more than two hours each, small guests will have abundant time for play and will be ready for home by five o'clock.

If because of transportation difficulties mothers must be included, ask them to bring their darning. They should have a separate place in which to visit so they may not be annoyed by the youngsters' activities nor be tempted to interrupt the children's play.

Party entertainment for these little kiddies must be quite different from that of older children. These small fry do not visit like adults, therefore something must be prepared ahead of time to occupy each guest as soon as he arrives.

For this very special party, whenever it is possible, clear a room of big pieces of furniture. In place of the grown­ups' dining table substitute a long, low children's table. Such a table and accompanying chairs can be borrowed from a nearby Sunday school or library room. This im­provised playroom will delight even the shyest child. If a few small cars or a doll or two are out on the table to interest the early arrivals, a trying moment of the first party will be bridged.

As soon as all the little tousle-heads have arrived, be ready to start the program of games. By all means, and this is so important, have all activities for the afternoon planned with not the slightest detail left to chance.

Seat the guests around the table and give each one a sheet of white construction paper upon which you have previously drawn or traced the outline of some animal— an elephant, a cat, or a dog. Pass a box of colored crayons, one for each child, to be used to color his animal. If the child can't keep his coloring inside the lines, ignore it— he'll enjoy the coloring just as much as if he did.

When the children have finished the coloring to their satisfaction, give them round-tipped scissors with which to cut out the pictures they have colored. The youngsters will be very proud of their animals and will love lining them up on the mantel for exhibition. You'll find the children returning again and again to the mantel to admire their handiwork. Of course, each child will take home his own colored animal.

After this concentrated effort the youngsters will enjoy a story. Pick a simple story like William and His Kitten, by Marjorie Flack (Houghton). Assign to each child one of the characters of the story. For instance, let Tommy be the kitten, and every time the kitten is mentioned in the story, Tommy mews. One child may be the postman, another the grocer, etc. When the postman is men­tioned, the boy having that part whistles, the grocer says, "humph." With a bit of ingenuity you can find some­thing for each child to do. When you read the story slow up a bit as you come to the characters, thus giving each child time to realize his turn has come. This makes the story much more exciting to the young participants and holds the attention of even the most active.

After the story these little ones will want to move about a bit. "Drop the Handkerchief" is a good game, and the children will especially enjoy it if accompanied by a song. All the players except the one who is "IT" stand in a circle. Encourage the children to sing the old favorite "A Tisket, A Tasket" with you, as "IT" runs around the outside of the circle carrying a hanky. At the words "I dropped it," "IT" drops the hanky behind a player. As soon as this player discovers the hanky behind him he quickly picks it up and runs around the circle trying to catch "IT" before he reaches the vacant place in the cir­cle. For small children it is better to let each one take a turn at being "IT" rather than insisting that "IT" be caught each time.

A tis-k«t, a tas-ktt, a green and yel-low bas-ket, I

sent a let-tcr to my love, and on the way I dropped it.

A Tisket, A

After this active game the children will enjoy a ringer play. "Five Little Squirrels" was always a favorite with our small lads.

Five little squirrels lived up in a tree.

Said the first little squirrel, "What do I see?"

Said the second little squirrel, "Let's have some fun."

Said the third little squirrel, "I smell a gun."

Said the fourth little squirrel, "Let's hide in the shade."

Said the fifth little squirrel, "I'm not afraid." When "Bang" went the gun And away they did run.

It is well first to show the children the game. Then re­peat it and let them do it with you. It is played this way. Start with each hand doubled into a fist. When the first squirrel speaks, the little fingers rise; when the second squirrel speaks, the fourth fingers rise; the third squirrel, the third fingers and so on until the thumbs rise when the fifth squirrel speaks. At the word "Bang" clap your hands and on the last line quickly put them behind your back. If you're not already familiar with the words, memorize the verse and actions so that the children can follow you without hesitation. The youngsters will love this game and want to repeat it again and again.

Just before time to eat bring on paper crowns made of gay-colored construction paper, one for each child. The birthday child's can differ from the others in that it can be cut across the front to represent three candles. While the children are trying on and admiring their crowns, cover the low table with a paper tablecloth and matching napkins. For the table centerpiece use gay balloons on sticks thrust in a vase.

The youngsters will adore the bright table with only their own friends eating with them. Children greatly prefer foods that are familiar to them so it is foolish to spend hours preparing an elaborate meal. Meat loaf, baked potato and creamed carrots or peas are foods that will satisfy most children. And, of course, the inevitable ice cream and cake will finish the meal.

After supper each guest is given one of the balloons to take home with him along with his crown and his colored animal. When you see all the happy little guests so proud of their possessions and hear your own child prattle about his party, you'll know that the party has been a success and well worth every bit of effort you have put into it.

BIRTHDAYS MUST BE CELEBRATED

The secret of entertaining small children suc­cessfully is to have a variety of activities, none of which lasts too long. Children adore making things; kindergartners as well as older children. At a recent five-year-old's birthday party the children made small paper baskets, which pleased them much more than any ready-made baskets. Here is how they are made.

Bright-colored construction paper is the most attrac­tive to use. For the basket proper the paper is cut in squares six by six inches. Then crease the paper into six­teen small squares by folding it in half four times. On two opposite sides slit the corner squares to the first crease. These corner squares are folded over and pasted on to the two end center squares, forming the ends of the basket. The handles are also cut out of the same colored paper. They can be five or six inches long and about one-half inch in width. A cut-out paper animal or fowl can be used for decoration.

The baskets are pasted first, then the handles pasted on and the little decorations pasted on last. Little scissors are provided and the guests fringe the edges of the bas­kets.

Spread out upon a table the cut and folded paper for the baskets, handles, and decorations. Let each child make his own choice of color for his basket, handle, and ornament, and then paste them together. This may sound difficult but it is not. The children love to make the baskets and you'll have a big surprise at the good-looking baskets. When the baskets are finished place them on the mantel where they can be admired and later filled with candy to be taken home. Older children may be permitted to make the initial cuts and folds for the baskets.

Little children like to play familiar games. "Going to Jerusalem" is an old standby. For this game line up a row of small chairs or stools, backs together—one for each guest. The children march around the chairs to the music. While they are marching remove one chair. The instant the music stops everyone scrambles for a seat. The child left without a chair then sits on the side lines while the same procedure is repeated. The one holding the last chair is declared the winner. We find that if the group all clap for the winner it leaves a better feeling than if prizes are awarded.

"Dropping Clothespins into a Bottle" is another de­lightful game for small youngsters. Remember it? Place a milk bottle on the floor back of a straight chair. The youngster kneels on the chair facing the back. Then he is given five or six clothespins to drop into the bottle, one at a time. Each child keeps track of the number he can get into the bottle. The winner is cheered.

Every child loves a motion song. One that our older boys learned at camp delighted our group. The words are rather silly and the motions sillier but that's part of the fun. Each child puts his thumbs to his ears with the fingers free—donkey fashion. Then all sing to the tune of "Turkey in the Straw."

Do your ears hang low?With thumbs to ear, wave fingers.

Do they wobble to and fro? Hands together in front, wav­- ing back and forth.

Can you tie them in a knot?

Go through motions of tying aknot.

Can you tie them in a bow? More motions of tying.

Can you sling them over your Sling folded hands over shoulder.
shoulder?              

Like a continental soldier? Salute.
Do your ears hang low?      Hands wobbling at ears.

The song starts slowly and with each repetition gets faster, finally ending in a burst of hilarity.

Other games accompanied by songs such as "London Bridge" (London Bridge is falling down) and "Drop the Handkerchief" (A tisket, a tasket, a green and yellow basket. I sent a letter to my love and on my way I dropped it) are very popular.

"Button, button, who has the button?" and "I Spy" also are fun. All of these games require no expensive equip­ment and keep the youngsters happy.

A birthday cake and ice cream or sherbet complete the birthday party. At this time bring the baskets to the table and fill them with small candies. The children are proud to take home baskets they have made themselves.

Suckers, tied with gay streamers of crepe paper to the dining-room chandelier, give the room a festive air, and also can be given the youngsters to take home.

Take a bit of your busy time in these hurried days and help the little people celebrate the important days. It pays big dividends.

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