Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
March Tips for Creating a Day of Rest
This month, Martin and Sylvia’s family has been considering the nature of work and asking lots of questions! If your family is anything like theirs, it might be a good time to snuggle up with a bowl of buttered popcorn and have a heart-to-heart chat. You might like to take a few notes during the conversation.
Sweet and Spicy "Circus" Peanuts
Long before the gooey, orange candy, vendors at traveling circuses sold “hot roasted peanuts” to nosh on as you watched the show. The recipe below is a nod to those original “circus peanuts.
SparkleCast Episode 13 – For the Love of Science with Podcasts "Tumble," "Brains On!" and "The Show about Science"
In this episode, Lindsay, Sanden, Eric, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Measuring the World,” recall what got us all excited about science when we were children, and then explore ways to introduce and strengthen a love of science in kids today.
FIFTY Study Page - New York: "All Have Our Part"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Immigration in the United States – especially through New York City.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of All Together Now
Now, more than ever, we need stories to help us retain our uniqueness and yet, learn to live with those that seem so different.
Friday's Kind Words: Awesome Things in a Troubled World
You're doing awesome things in a troubled world. I really appreciate it. Truly. ~Jessie
Indoor Obstacle Course
If it's rainy and cold where you are, you don't need a gym or special equipment to set up your own obstacle course. With just a few common household items and a little space, you can quickly have your kids off to the races — trying to beat their best times and burning off some of that “stuck inside” energy.
FIFTY Study Page – Florida: “Of Paradise and Peril”
“Of Paradise and Peril” is Civil War-era historical fiction about the meeting of two men in what is now known as Tampa Bay, Florida. One man, Wade P. Hood, is a sailor from a southern barricade runner (small steamboat) who falls from his boat and swims to shore.
Sparkle Kitchen: Post Race Snacks
Here are a few ideas for snack combinations that are delicious and satisfying after a day of heavy play. They're all three vegetarian, and (with the substitution of a gluten-free tortilla, which is easy enough to find these days), the first two are gluten-free.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Big Energy
What to do when our big energy doesn't really match the environment? Here are some stories that may help.
Friday's Kind Words: Great Conversations
My daughter and her friend loved the FIFTY stories and it helped us start into some great conversations about history and our current sociopolitical events. ~ Lindsey
Sparkle Craft: Peace Owl Amulets
These peace owl amulets combine owls and handicrafts — and a bit of light and wisdom, too. Think of them as a little reminder that you can slip in your pocket and rub between your fingers when you're tempted to jump to fighting without considering a more wise or peaceful strategy first.
FIFTY Study Page – "Idaho: A Brave Day Indeed"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of the Railroads – in particular the Northern Pacific Line and all the “railroad towns” that were built.
Exploring the Dry Gables Series - "All In"
Greetings, Sparkle Friends! Glad you are here to get comfortable with me while we spend some time with Dry Gables’ baker, Marta Bauer.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Being All In
When you are "All In," there is no holding back. There is only ahead. Here are some stories to help you and your children be more "All In."
Friday's Kind Words: Empathy, Understanding, and Compassion
Your work is so amazing and important!!! Stories seem so simple, and yet each story so quickly and easily transports you to empathy, understanding and compassion. Thank you for these offerings! ~Amy
Of Forests and Fairy Tales – a Child’s True Home
Children are at home in woods, on a farm and in their backyards. We know this is true. We can see it in the the way they wander around trees, the way they bend over to study a stone, the way they smile at a flower or widen their eyes at a mushroom.
FIFTY Study Page – "New Hampshire: A Meeting on the Green"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the inherent contradictions in the trajectory of history, and how one such significant dispute affects two young children as individuals and as friends.
sparkle craft: mixed media penguins
All you need to pull off these adorable, mixed media “penguin portraits” are markers, drawing paper, glue, and a few things from the trash.
Sparkle Kitchen: Orange Glazed Sweet Rolls
Making sweet rolls from scratch for breakfast is not difficult, and the actual hands-on work doesn't take that long. And these rolls are so worth it. They're so much lighter and fluffier than anything you'll find in a can.
