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With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Cleland Wildlife Park has been able to reopen this week, and the animals can’t wait to see you!

An adventurous new audio-led theatre experience, Mountain Goat Mountain, has been created during isolation for families across Australia to enjoy at home. The work was created by Australian theatre company Threshold and developed with the support of Adelaide Festival Centre’s DreamBIG Children’s Festival, Arts Centre Melbourne, AWESOME International Children’s Festival and HOTA, Home of the Arts. Aimed at families with young children (aged five years and older) who miss going to the theatre, Mountain Goat Mountain is an interactive storytelling journey. DreamBIG Children’s Festival Creative Producer Susannah Sweeney: “We’re excited to be part of this project, and the great thing about Mountain Goat Mountain is that it is a totally new work and it’s perfect for the situation we find ourselves in. It’s a wonderfully fun and imaginative experience. “The artists behind this work have been part of our festival previously with Rain in 2017 and The Boy Who Loved Tiny Things last year, and we love what they create, so we are delighted to be supporting this project along with our interstate colleagues.” Through a series of activities that help families set up and step into their own magical imaginative world, participants will find themselves crawling through tunnels, crossing lava pits and swimming through underwater caves – all without leaving home. Guided by a narrative soundscape, families will embark on this 45-minute theatrical experience using only a charged audio device (computer, phone or tablet), a bed sheet (the bigger the better), a piece of blank paper (A4 will do) and their favourite pencils, pens or markers. The unique theatre experience created for children and grown-ups to share together was created in isolation by artists Zoë Barry, Liz Francis, Nikita Hederics, Tahli Corin and Sarah Lockwood for Threshold. Threshold is a new Australian company that use theatrical tools to create experiences that bring people together. Co-creator Sarah Lockwood said Mountain Goat Mountain was for families who enjoy adventure: “It’s for families needing a break from monotony and who are looking for a sense of occasion and a way to celebrate each other and this time together. Over many years I’ve been working with members of this creative team to create invitational spaces that encourage relationships to grow. When theatres started shutting down, we realised that we had a unique offering.” Co-creator Tahli Corin said as artists who live regionally and are raising small children, she and Sarah had been thinking about how to bring theatres into homes for some time: “Threshold launched in June last year, so we were already interested in how we could work to create theatre in people’s homes before the pandemic hit and made it a necessity. There’s a lot of commentary right now about what the world will be like post coronavirus, and Mountain Goat Mountain is an opportunity to imagine and explore a new world together.” Audiences can access Mountain Goat Mountain via The Show Must Go On, Adelaide Festival Centre’s new collection of online interviews and performances: adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/the-show-must-go-on Tickets cost $12.95 per family and are valid for 30 days, with all funds going to the artists who created the work. For more information about Threshold, visit: thethreshold.com.au

LA LA LOCAL – WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK So, you’re happily married, working full-time and raising kids (home-schooling at the same time, in fact, thanks to COVID-19) – but still manage to release a new single with a French label. That’s something to smile about at this crazy time. And Thom Lion has done just that. His new single “Not Your Bfrnd” was introduced to the world last Friday. Musically it was inspired by French band Phoenix who straddle the Indie Pop and Electronic genres with ease (playing in a pre-Daft Punk band and supporting AIR will do that). Lyrically, it was inspired by a doozey of a break-up. While the break-up was documented in a journal about 8 years ago it was only taken to the band last year. Rather than make it into a sad song they turned it into something effervescent and danceable. Inviting a celebration rather than a sulk. As Thom joked to me – like a Divorce party. I wonder if they’ll still be a thing post-Corona?? And for clarification, this song is NOT about the lovely TV presenter Jessica Braithwaite who is the person Thom is happily married to and raising children with. Now, this is such a good line I’m going to rip it straight from his press release – Thom Lion packs a musical punch, like Arcade Fire having a barbecue at Paul Kelly’s house – the beers are on, the songs are catchy, and each tells a moving story. And this track is no different. Note to self – look out for the little E when playing this track at home. An angry Thom knows how to let one rip. It’s only once, but it packs a punch. Thankfully the version I sourced for the ABC was clean. And while it wasn’t good news for Thom last weekend, when he lost his voice and had to postpone his Instagram performance, it might be for you. It’s on this weekend instead. 5pm on Sunday. Check him out. Now let’s rap. Or talk about it at least. I have three boys. They all love music. But their tastes vary. As do all of ours. The 10-year-old is partial to Eminem right now. And I get it. Eminem combines beats, angst and humour with ease. I can’t help but enjoy hearing him tackle the lyrics of Lose Yourself as he learns it on guitar. However, should you dig that song but prefer your kids don’t get a taste for an artist known to suggest alternative uses for staplers (in his tamer moments) I can recommend an alternative version for you to investigate. It comes from Ella and Sienna, talented young performers from Mt Barker, who well and truly support the theory that sibling harmonies are often the best. They’ve had a cracker of a year winning numerous awards and places in talent shows. And up in Tamworth Kasey Chambers surprised them by appearing out of the crowd to join them on-stage as they sang one of her tracks. Doesn’t get much better than that. Their music spans across acoustic rock, pop and contemporary country genres. So, for some family-friendly music inspiration look them up and follow them on Facebook. They’ll be streaming live from their loungeroom this Saturday night. Until next time, stay safe and healthy and support local music however you can. Kate x

This Starlight Day, Friday 1 May, Starlight Children’s Foundation needs your help to raise $250,000 to deliver fun and happiness to more than 5,000 seriously ill and hospitalised children around Australia. As Starlight’s biggest national fundraising event, Starlight Day aims to raise much-needed funds to support sick kids through its hospital services – the Starlight Express Room and Captain Starlight. With a Starlight Express Room in every children’s hospital in Australia and over 180 Captain Starlights nationally, every child admitted to hospital, regardless of their illness or injury, can access these vital services with their family. CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation, Louise Baxter, said: “Happiness is critical to a sick child’s development and to building resilience. The work Starlight does to support sick kids in every children’s hospital nationally is only made possible through the community, who we rely on for support.” “Being seriously ill shouldn’t mean missing out on the fun of childhood, especially when evidence shows happiness helps kids bounce back after going through tough times.” “While health professionals treat the serious illness, Starlight, through its hospital services (Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Room) is there to deliver fun to sick kids and their families when they need it most.” Anyone can make a donation today on the Starlight Day website, with all donations made before midnight AEST Sunday 3 May generously doubled by Starlight’s corporate partners. To donate today, please visit starlightday.org.au. About Starlight Children’s Foundation Starlight Children’s Foundation brightens the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children and young people by replacing pain, fear and stress with fun, joy and laughter. Since its establishment in 1988, Starlight has expanded to become the broadest reaching children’s charity in Australia. There is now a Starlight Express Room in every children’s hospital in the country and over 180 Captain Starlights nationwide. This year, Starlight will be refurbishing its Starlight Express Room in Newcastle. In 2019, Starlight granted 500 life-changing wishes with 100% of families recommending a wish experience to other families. Starlight also delivered over 610,000 positive Starlight experiences to seriously ill children, young people and their families. www.starlight.org.au

Want to straighten your teeth? Been thinking of having Invisalign treatment? The smile you’ve always wanted doesn’t have to wait. And you don’t even have to leave your home. Transform Orthodontic Care are excited to now be offering free Online Consultations! And they are offering $500 off all Orthodontic treatments* and free X-rays and scans worth $164, saving you $664 in total off your treatment. At Transform Orthodontic Care, their online consultation means they come to you…via your phone, tablet or computer. And, did we mention, it’s free?! Just book online at transformorthocare.com.au, send them some photos and they’ll work with you remotely. It’s the same service…but you can relax and do it from home. You will receive a free personalised treatment plan, free scans and X-rays (worth $164) as well as free teeth whitening at the end of your treatment. TOC also offer interest free payment plans over 20, 30 or 36 months. As a Specialist Orthodontist for the past 20 years Dr Daniel De Angelis has had the privilege of being a part of over 10,000 patients’ lives and, in some cases, treating generations of family members. His patients have always been at the centre of what he does, this is why looking after his patients and providing continuity of care is paramount in these unprecedented times. This is why, during the Covid-19 crisis, they chose not to shut their doors but instead adapt and innovate. Transform Orthodontic Care are constantly looking at ways they can provide their patients with innovative, state of the art, safe treatment. Book your free online consultation now, at transformorthocare.com.au. *T&C’s apply: Minimum spend $5,000. Excludes all other offers.

BOOK A PRINCESS TO YOUR DOOR! Little party people rejoice because Star Academy is helping with your birthday happily ever after! It’s as easy as: Select a Princess/Character Select a time Princess will ring the doorbell and sing a special happy birthday to the birthday girl and boy (of course with social distaning in mind) Character will interact with the birthday girl/boy learn something in relation to the character – ie. a little dance or some superhero moves, they will have opportunity to take photos of the characters before they leave.  Star Academy is now also offering themed parties online via zoom with a character of your choice. The 50 minute parties are jam packed with dancing, singing, games, photos and more! The best part? They also come with Party Bags delivered to the Host Family to distribute to friends! You can also add cupcakes and or a personalised balloon delivered to your door. If you want to be even more extra, they are even offering party grazing boxes (party food delivered to your door)! Iso Kids Party Boxes You can also add an ISO PARTY BOX to your party (or they can send these on their own) – a themed box filled with everything you need to host a mini party at home – themed cups, plates, cups, decorations and little favours. Send to a friend – or to your child!  Choose from the following themes – Frozen – Ballerina – Disney Princess – Unicorn (my fave) – Moana – Superhero – Disco (also my fave) These boxes can be added to the virtual parties OR can be sent on their own OR.. can be delivered by a PRINCESS/CHARACTER… adelaidevirtualparties.com.au

ENTRIES NOW OPEN 2020 DESIGN A MINI FLOAT COMPETITION Entries are now open in the 2020 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Design a Mini Float competition. Children aged from 5 to 16 years of age are encouraged to put pen to paper and draw their ultimate Pageant design. The winning mini float will be built and take part in the 2020 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant to be held on Saturday 14 November 2020. First introduced in 2007, the Design a Mini Float competition calls upon students to enter a world of fun and fantasy with a Christmas theme. Since 2007 the competition has had thousands of designs submitted. Brian Gilbertson, Pageant Director, National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, said children are invited to let their imaginations run wild and take inspiration from the world around them. “Be inspired by fantasy, fairy tales and magic all with a look and feel for Christmas,” said Mr Gilbertson. “We’re looking for an original mini float that will bring a new theme or story to the Pageant, something that is unique from everything else already on display.” A mini float is a small mobile set that is light enough to be pushed or pulled along the Pageant route. Each entry will be viewed by a panel of judges and the lucky winner will receive a prize of $500 thanks to National Pharmacies and a reserved space for their family, friends or classmates to see their mini float debut on Pageant day. They will also experience a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Stardust Castle, the home of the Pageant where their design will come to life. Vito Borrello, Chief Executive Officer, National Pharmacies, said this is an outstanding opportunity for young South Australians to get involved with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest public parade and National Pharmacies is proud to partner with the event to continue captivating generations of Australian children. “The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant has brought the community together and entertained millions of people since the event started in 1933, and it is a great honour for us to continue bringing the event to the people of South Australia,” said Mr Borrello. “We strongly encourage children to see what their creative minds can conjure to imagine, craft and create a Pageant mini float, whether they present a drawing, painting, model or video of the design process,” he said. Entries are now open and will close on Tuesday 30 June 2020. The elves at Stardust Castle will commence building the winning mini float in July and will be announced to the public in September. Download the Design a Mini Float entry guidelines and get your entry forms from www.christmaspageant.com.au. Entries are open to children aged five to 16 years. Honour Roll – National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Design a Mini Float 2018 Lolita Casey, Port Noarlunga Primary School (Port Noarlunga) ‘The Kindness Tree’ 2017 Sophia Ivanica, Para Vista Primary School (Para Vista) ‘Snowman’ 2015 Maddy Nyp, St Michael’s Lutheran School (Hahndorf) ‘Get Well Soon’ 2013 Casey Van Heuven, Pedare Christian College (Golden Grove) ‘Ringo the North Pole Hotline’ 2011 Sharni Tansell, Woodside Primary School (Woodside) ‘Naughty or Nice Meter’ 2009 Owen Primary School (Owen) ‘Rodney the Red Bi Plane’ 2007 St John’s Grammar School (Belair) ‘Cupcake Christmas’ The 2020 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will be held on Saturday 14 November 2020. For further information visit www.christmaspageant.com.au #adlpageant

South Australia leads the world in a targeted resource –  Family, nature and COVID-19 In an Australian first, South Australian, not for profit organisation, Nature Play SA has today launched a free, online guide to support families across the country and the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nature, Family and COVID-19, is a guide for families everywhere. This beautifully presented 85-page, e-book offers credible information, strategies, and practical ideas to help children, families and communities adapt to social distancing and self-isolation measures. Executive Director, Community and Family Services at Department for Human Services, Ann-Marie Hayes said:  “Bottomline, there is no other guide like this and we encourage everyone one to check it out and whether you do two or 20 of the activities, rest assured you’ll love them and you’ll be doing something proactive for your family’s mind and body.” There is a strong focus on nurturing the mental health and wellbeing of families, including providing accessible, nature-based methods that can be practiced at home or in the local neighbourhood. Family, Nature and COVID-19 has been developed by Nature Play SA with funding support from the South Australian Government, through the Department of Human Services. Nature Play CEO, Sarah Sutter said: “Whether you are social distancing or self-isolating there are over 200 practical ideas and tips throughout that can help fill the days with lots of fun. “We believe a key objective for this guide and Nature Play SA is to raise awareness of how nature connection can support health and wellbeing during social distancing and self-isolation.” Families and the community are increasingly looking at ways to develop strong mental health and nurture wellbeing. The guide lists many nature-inspired methods that can form part of an integrated approach to strengthening your mental health and wellbeing. Executive Director, Community and Family Services at Department for Human Services, Ann-Marie Hayes said:  “Autumn is a season of change. Perhaps, we are undergoing no greater change than now, as our global community navigates Coronavirus.” The guide is divided into two sections. The first is titled, Nurturing your mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19 and the second is titled Practical ideas and inspiration to do as a family during COVID-19. Ms Sutter said: “Section one is basically a one-stop-shop, it brings together all the information Nature Play SA has collected from both our own references but also from like-minded organisations across the State.  “It is everything in one practical guide at your fingertips and if you need more information, then we have listed the various organisation’s details and websites.” Some of the key themes include: ‘Turn to nature’, ‘Keep active’ and ‘Eat healthy’. All of which have five practical tips for engaging activities that focus on nature as a conduit to improving overall wellbeing and mental health. The second section is a collation of four years of research and development by Nature Play SA. It brings a collection of nature-based activities into one comprehensive guide.  This section includes expert tips and practical activities from our Nature Play SA gurus, including Nature Play SA ambassador and gardening and environment aficionado, Sophie Thomson. Some family activities include: Provide a message of hope to your community: paint or draw a rainbow to display in your front window; place a teddy in your window for others to spot; or take to your driveway with chalk to draw rainbows and leave messages of hope Start a nature journal – each day after time spent in your yard or outside write, draw or paint something you noticed. See where nature journaling takes you (there is no right or wrong way) Tend to a garden and plant something you can nurture, harvest, eat and cook Go to the Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au) website and learn how to read the weather, tides and about indigenous weather knowledge Set up for ball skills or your favourite sporting practice in your yard (get creative with how you could set up your space, like making cricket stumps from what you have at home) The resource can be accessed and downloaded at natureplaysa.org.au

Daddy day-care: new-look flexible work options, thanks to pandemic Words: Dr Ashlee Borgkvist The COVID-19 pandemic is putting flexible work on the table for thousands of fathers as they prove that working from home can be just as viable as working in a traditional office environment. It’s a welcome move for many fathers, who despite wanting to be more involved in caring for their children, continue to face barriers when it comes to arranging flexible work. University of South Australia researcher with the Centre for Workplace Excellence, Dr Ashlee Borgkvist, says the working from home phenomenon is providing significant benefits for dads to play and engage with their families, while also delivering clear evidence for employers that it can work. “In Australia, most dads tend to work full-time, limiting the time they can spend with their families. Now, as so many businesses have shifted to work-from-home scenarios, the current norm is changing, with everyone – children, families and workplaces – realising the benefits,” Dr Borgkvist says. “Until now, most Australian fathers have not used flexible or part-time work arrangements, despite these options being available to them through their employer. “The reasons why are multifaceted, often linked to men’s perceptions of the ideal worker, workplace cultures, and long-held constructions of masculinity. “But ideas of what comprises an ideal worker or good workplace culture will inevitably be challenged because of COVID-19, as all tiers of workers – managers and executives alike – embrace social isolation measures. “It’s now that fathers will be able to show how working from home can be as productive, if not more so, than working in an office. And in turn, boost their confidence that working at home is an acceptable and possible workplace construct.” While family employment patterns have shifted over the past 40 years, from models of the ‘breadwinning’ father and the stay-at-home mother, the shift has seen an increase in mothers’ employment (generally part-time) while remaining the primary caregiver, but little change in fathers’ employment. Gender imbalances occur in working hours and working arrangements, with fathers of children under 12 years of age working an average of 40-46 hours a week, in comparison to mothers who work around 28 hours a week. Similarly, most fathers are in full-time work, with less than a third taking advantage of any flexible work arrangements, and fewer than 10 per cent on part-time work arrangements. “Broader societal ideas that mothers should be responsible for caregiving in families, continue to seep into the organisational context and can influence cultural support for men’s use of flexibility, as well as how policies are discussed, offered, and implemented by supervisors and the organisation as a whole,” Dr Borgkvist says. “In my research, many fathers said that they weren’t sure of workplace policies or options and entitlements for r flexible work, in their workplaces, so there’s certainly a need for transparency within organisations because this can be a real barrier to requesting flexible work in the first place. “Concerningly, we’ve also seen very little movement among Australian fathers to work more flexibly, with statistics showing barely any growth over the past 10 years. “As a society, we need to change this. Not only because it will help balance work and family responsibilities, but it will also enable men and women to contribute more equally. “As research has shown time and time again, a good work-life balance delivers a more productive and efficient workforce. “We need to see more organisations model and support flexible working arrangements for dads which will help build a positive and supportive culture for men who might want to use flexibility. We need open communications and transparent workplace policies about flexible work for all; and we need dads to step up and challenge organisational and societal norms. “COVID-19 might have been the catalyst for forced workplace flexibility, but the lessons we take from this unprecedented time could be extraordinarily positive.” Information provided by UniSA Dr Ashlee Borgkvist’s work on fathers and flexibility is based on her doctoral research undertaken at the University of Adelaide and published here 

AFL Max, Australia’s first football skills and family entertainment venue, is well versed in hosting kid’s birthday parties. However, the temporary closure of the venue has forced many kids and families to postpone their celebrations. Like many businesses, AFL Max has been working on creative ways to adapt their services, by taking them online. Forced to think differently, AFL Max has developed and is set to launch Virtual Birthday Parties. AFL Max Virtual Parties will enable kids to connect with their friends online and enjoy their birthday party from the safety of their own home. Kids can even invite AFL Players to their birthday party. The 100% online party platform connects the party guests online, with a dedicated AFL Max party host in each party. With their host, the kids will be guided through a range of activities, combining physical and mental challenges, games and quizzes. AFL Players can also be invited to join the party for a Q+A session, sing Happy Birthday with the group – or send through a personalized video message for the birthday child. James Podsiadly, Managing Director of AFL Max said, “We believe no kid should have to miss out on their birthday party, no matter the environment.” The Ex-AFL Player’s vision, when creating AFL Max, was to build a safe and interactive venue where all people feel welcome, which is what he hopes the Virtual Parties will continue to offer AFL Max fans, while the venue is closed. “We want kids to still be kids! We want to help them stay connected with one another and celebrate their birthdays together! “We also want to give them their footy fix, which is why we’re excited to offer the opportunity for kids to invite AFL Players to their parties.” he said. The Virtual Parties also aim to give parents a break, while the kids enjoy time online with their friends, facilitated by an experienced AFL Max party host, “We’re excited to give both kids and parents something to look forward to, given the unprecedented amounts of time being spent at home, together!” he said. The Virtual Parties will be open for booking from Thursday, April 9, with the first weekend of parties set to commence on Saturday April 18. Parties will be hosted Thursday – Sunday each week. Bookings can be made at: aflmax.com.au/parties_virtual/

In times like these it’s important to stay informed, but somewhere between obsessively refreshing your news updates and realising the doom and gloom is fear-mongering it can become unproductive. Sometimes staying positive is as important!! So here are a couple of Insta’s to put a smile on your dial! Feel free to DM us with more suggestions. We are all in this together 🙂  @Yourzenmama Admins @teresapalmer and @swrightolsen make a space for mamas, papas + caregivers to feel empowered, inspired, accepted + supported. @bodyimagemovement Positive body image inspiration from Taryn Brumfitt: 2019 Australian Year Finalist, Embrace Film Director, best selling Author, International Speaker and lover of people. @the_happy_broadcast Anxiety-free news! A counter hate & fear project that features illustrated positive thoughts & news from around the world @upworthy Delivering you the best of humanity and good deeds @sh*tyoushouldcareabout A constructive approach to news you should care about @robineleyartist The Australian artist live-streaming a quarantine oil painting workshop to help you get creative!  

Goldie + Ace have compiled a list of things to do with the kids to pass the time at home whilst we’re social distancing. Let’s stay calm and embrace the family time!  1. Get Crafting Hand in Hand Activity Kits We’ve been using these kits with our kids for a while and they’re amazing! With step by step instructions, you’ll be feeling like the craft expert parent you always wanted to be. Recycling Project Book (Available on Goldie + Ace site) Filled with fun craft ideas using everyday household items. @Mer_mag instagram A gorgeous Instagram page full of aesthetically pleasing crafting ideas. Supplies Spotlight Craft & Hobbies Range 2. Build a cubby house! Pull out the blankets and torches! Create a cute homemade cubby. Or! if you want something more ready-made, check out these Bodey colour-in cardboard houses, for hours of fun! 3. Baking Simple, easy, and fun! Plus, who doesn’t love Honey Joys!? Here’s Nana Betty’s recipe 4. Movie time! Pop some popcorn (old school in the saucepan of course!) and snuggle up in front of the T.V for some serious flash backs to our childhood favourites. Our top 6 nostalgic faves 1. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids 2. The Goonies 3. Back to the Future 4. Flight of the Navigator 5. Home Alone 6. E.T 5. Dance off! Turn up the tunes and dance like no one is watching to these beats.. Our Top 10 dance-off hits! Party in the U.S.A — Miley Cyrus Mickey — Toni Basil Brave — Sara Bareilles Pompeii — Glee cast Havana — Camila Cabello Can’t Stop the Feeling — Justin Timberlake Happy — Pharrell Williams Roar — Katy Perry Shake It Out — Florence + The Machine Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard — Paul Simon 6. Games Pass the time with these favourites for all ages! Hungry Hungry Hippos UNO Memory Game Twister The Game of Life Connect Four Free Games! No boards, mats, or tokens needed. Minty Minute! All players put their head down and close their eyes (except the judge) and counts out 60 seconds. As soon as each player thinks 1 minute is up they raise their hand. The judge/timekeeper awards a Minty to the most accurate time. (Warning..may only kill a few minutes). Hide + Seek. A tried and trusted favourite. ” What’s the Time Mr. Wolf? “ One child is chosen to be Mr Wolf, who then stands at one end of the playing area. The other players stand in a line at the other end. Mr. Wolf turns his back to commence play. The players call out, “What’s the time Mr. Wolf?” and Mr. Wolf turns and answers with a time (i.e. 3 o’clock). He then turns his back again while the children advance again chanting “What’s the time Mr. Wolf?” To which Mr. Wolf will continue to respond until the players come very close. Once the line of players is close to Mr. Wolf, he can respond to the chant with “It’s dinner time!” at which point, he will chase the players back to the starting line with the aim to catch one of them, who will then become Mr. Wolf for the next round of the game. 7. Brighten someone’s day Whether it be an elderly neighbour or simply a friend who lives alone, let them know you are thinking of them by leaving something on their doorstep. Maybe a craft project, some baked goods or simply a few rolls of toilet paper. Teach your kids that kindness is important in times like these. CHECK OUT THE NEW GOLDIE + ACE COLLECTION HERE 

SELF-ISOLATION DIY WITH MINI MAD THINGS : RAINBOW COLLAGE Everybody loves rainbows! This craft activity is a winner every time and fantastic for younger children age 2 years and older. The inspiration for this project came from the amazing ART BAR BLOG, we urge you to go and check out Barbara’s website for the most amazing kids craft activity ideas. Rainbow collages are a great activity to encourage colour recognition with little ones and to talk about the science behind rainbows with older children. You can either prepare the collage materials before hand or you can get your children involved in cutting up the scraps of paper, which is fantastic cutting practice and great for developing fine motor skills. We always save scraps of paper, card, fabric and old paintings to use for collage, there is something I find very satisfying about sorting items into colour groups! MATERIALS: Cardboard Glue Scissors Items to collage like coloured paper, fabric scraps, pom poms, match sticks and old paintings HOW TO: Begin by cutting out rainbow shapes in cardboard for the base of your collage. Sort all your collage materials into colour groups and then begin gluing. For younger children you can draw the rainbow sections onto the cardboard to give them a guideline for where to glue. MINI MAD THINGS want to SHARE in your fun, share your crafty creations inspired by our MINI MAD CRAFT projects on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK by tagging your posts #MYMINIMADCRAFT FOLLOW Mini Mad Things on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM for daily craft inspiration and dress up fun!