Count down to school with cool crafts

An incredible edible garden

Grow an indoor windowsill garden – look for fast-growing herb kits like mint and cilantro that can be snipped directly out of the pot and incorporated into the dinner menu. Late summer herbs tend to like direct sun, so choose a sunny spot.

(Teaches biology, resourcefulness and sustainability)

Gifts from the heart (made by hand)

July and August are big birthday party months. Have your child create a handmade birthday card using his or her friend’s age or name for inspiration. Try turning a name into an acronym (e.g., Marvelously Impressive Adorable, Mia). Or, translate “Happy Birthday” into different languages with a little help from the Internet and some paper crafts, and create a card with international flair.

(Teaches creativity and compassion)

A box full of “me”

Creating an inspiration board is a great way to get kids to identify their passions. Try an inspiration box instead, using a shoe box. Browse through kids’ magazines and catalogs to find images that they find interesting. “Collage” them by pasting outside and even inside the box. Encourage them to use the box to store things that are special to them.

(Teaches individualism and self-confidence)

Give me Origami!

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into figures. Kids love it because it involves colorful, patterned paper and working with their hands. Pick up an instruction book and a pack of special Origami paper for under $10 and enjoy hours of artistic expression.

(Teaches principles of geometry and fine motor skills)

With the back-to-school countdown ticking, I hope these activities help give special meaning to your family free time (and a whole lot of fun, too).