Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
FIFTY Study Page- Vermont: "Gift of the Dragon"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Vermont in relation to New York and New Hampshire.
Four Free Stories to Help your Family Process the Bombing in Manchester
We have posted these stories before — and the sad truth is that we will likely need to post them again — but our hope is that you and your children can listen to them together and absorb a series of images and words to use when processing the news.
"On the Go" Snacks Round Up
Whether you are headed to the park, a day on the trail or any adventure out of the house, these "on the go" snacks are healthy and will give you a boost of energy just when you and your kids need it.
Friday's Kind Words: The Way to Peace
We have just listened to the Fifty story about Texas. The beauty of Fritz's curiosity despite the situation was so amazing. ~ Sarah
Build Sponge Sprout Houses
You can use sponges to grow sprout inside as a quick, easy way to get fresh micro-greens with almost no space. Designing and building little sponge sprout houses for them is a fun way to get the kiddos involved and excited, too!
sparkle kitchen: homemade biscuits
Follow the simple steps in this Sparkle Kitchen recipe tutorial for baking your own homemade biscuits.
FIFTY Study Page- Wisconsin "Love Finds You"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Wisconsin Territory and Statehood.
Storybox Playlist: The Fairies All Around Us
There are so many fairies. Here are some of our favorite fairy stories.
Inclusion, Teasing, and Bullying with Kim John Payne. SparkleCast Episode 16
In this episode, Kim, David, and Rebecca use the Junkyard Tales story “Buster” to talk about what is traditionally called "teasing" and "bullying" and is a broader way of discussing "inclusion" and "exclusion."
sparkle craft- "move mountains" t-shirt stencil
If you've never tried freezer paper stencils before, you're in for a treat. It's an awesome way to jazz up a plain t-shirt or even strategically rescue a stained one.
Sparkle Kitchen: Banana Soft Serve Ice Cream
Did you know that if you freeze and blend bananas they turn into a substance with exactly the same creamy texture as soft-serve ice cream? It's a neat trick, particularly if you consistently end up with one leftover banana about to go bad. Follow the steps in this recipe to make your own!
FIFTY Study Page- Wyoming: "The Golden Rule"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of coal mining and railroad in Wyoming and the Rocky Mountains.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of "The Golden Rule"
Here are more stories about the golden rule and how it heals and builds community.
Friday's Kind Words: Lovely Stories
My son loves Junkyard Tales. He has built a whole Lego junkyard, complete with Ben and Sergeant, etc. ~ Giselle
Beaded Window Catchers: DIY Kid-Friendly Project
This week's craft project—a beaded light catcher—isn't a magic polish, but it will transform the light coming in your window into beautiful colors. What's more, it would be a great boredom buster for a kiddo who's feeling under the weather.
sparkle kitchen: rainy day ramen
If a chilly, damp spring is getting you down, give yourself a pick-me-up with a bowl of this “rainy day” ramen soup.
FIFTY Study Page: Texas "Natural Beauty"
In “Natural Beauty”, a German POW captured in North Africa gets off the train in Marfa Texas where he will be living until World War Two is over.
Storybox Playlist: In Celebration of Mexican Culture
Here are some stories celebrating festivals, culture, food and the international gifts of Mexico.
Friday's Kind Words: Thank you for the Magic
Thank you for the magic — we grown-ups are amazed at how you are able to create such consistently high-quality stories of so many different kinds!~ Dorian
