Teaching Kids to Milk without a Critter

Once upon a time,

back when I taught preschool,

we were doing a 'farm unit.'

We live in a rural area so the children were aware

that milk came from cows (not all children know this.)

It somehow came up that I asked

how many of the children had ever seen a cow being milked

or even had the opportunity to try themselves.

None.

Me being me of course,

I asked if they would like to learn how to milk a cow.

You should have seen their little eye widen.

The next class-time was a lesson in milking.

Kids from other classes would come in and ask if they could try.

They milked the cow during free time.

Even the after school kids had fun giving it a whirl.

Isn't it ironic that a once dreaded chore was being sought after for fun?

The supplies are simple and cheap.

You'll need a latex/vinyl glove, a bit of string and water.

You only need one glove.

I got these (a pack of 10) at the dollar store - for $1.

Fill the glove with water then tie off like a water balloon.

Tie one end of the string to the knot on the glove.

Then hang it over the sink - 

if you want to do this in summer, you could just tie it to a tree branch outside.

Now choose a finger and using a pin or needle,

poke a hole in the tip of the finger

being careful not to tear it.

(Their little fingers will fit much better than mine.)

You are now set to teach the children how to milk.

They will first do just like they always do and squeeze the finger all at once

which produces no "milk."

It saves your critter from 'churning butter in the utter' as we call it.

It also renders the child much more knowledgeable and useful

when it comes to tending the animals. 

Have fun.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Family Activity ~ Campfire Popcorn Popper

The holidays are approaching soon.

If you need a little project to keep the young

and/or young-at-heart busy,

here is a fun little project you might try.

There are some pretty simple supplies needed:

a tin can (with lid - see below)

a stick - appropriate length 3' or so

a small nail or a wood screw
a drill or screw-driver

a dab of butter

some popcorn kernels

salt (optional)
possibly a chop saw or small hand saw

a campfire (or suitable substitute)

 Go ahead and gather your supplies.
When I open a can, I leave about 1/2-3/4 inch uncut so I can use it as a lid.
And oh yes, wash can - do I really need to say that? But if I didn't:)

 Cut one end of the stick blunt.

 I tapped a hole in the side of the can to make it easier.

Then use either a drill or screw-driver to attach the can to the stick.

Now go ahead and add butter and popping corn.
Note: I found only one option for actual popping corn.  All the other
options were for the microwave which I think is a bit sad.

 Close the lid so the kernels don't pop out.
If you have young ones doing this, warn them about the lid and
teach them how to 'use' it so they don't get cut.
(My belief is to teach children how not to get hurt rather than protecting 
them from the possibility of getting hurt, but that's me.)

 If you don't have a campfire, you could use a wood stove like I did here,
a simple stove top burner, or the burner on the BBQ.
Be patient. . . hear it?  One popped!
Let it keep going.
I have to say, the little kid in me lit up when it started popping.

You may then either eat your popped corn or string it up for the tree.

I do have a confession to make.
I don't usually eat or make popped corn, but I think it looks great on the tree.
Keeping that in mind :) my first go round,
I put the can in the very hot coals/flame and burnt it.
So the second go round, I only added about a tablespoon of kernels
to the can to pop.
This time I just found a moderately hot spot and waited.
They popped up beautifully, but that's why there's not much in the bowl.
Nothing like the smell of burnt popcorn in the house.
Go ahead and laugh, and learn from my mistake, I would.

It is a fun activity for young and old alike.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches