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Here are two great activities for parents and/or teachers of preschoolers.

I pulled them from my award-winning book that is filled with hundreds of simple craft projects and easy healthful recipes just like these.

COOKING: DREAMY FRUIT SALAD

This makes a wonderful dessert that provides healthful fruits as the main ingredients.

You will need: 1 large package vanilla instant pudding, 1 ½ cups milk, 1 diced apple, 1 peeled navel orange, 2 bananas sliced, ½ cup blueberries, ½ cup sliced strawberries and a large bowl.

1. 1.    Mix the instant pudding and milk in a large bowl.  Chill for 10 minutes.
2. 2.    Add diced apple, orange sections, bananas, strawberries and blueberries and mix together gently.
3. 3.    Makes 4-6 servings.  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
4. 4.    Creative tip: use your imagination and substitute different fruits.

CRAFTING: HAT-MAKING

Kids love to play dress-up…and role-playing gives parents and teachers a wonderful opportunity for observation and discussion.

You will need: 1 circle of felt material (about 12 inches across), ribbons, buttons, silk flowers and/or other items to adorn the hat, glue and a pair of scissors.

1. 1.    Cut a hole in the center of the felt circle to fit your child’s head without slipping down over the face.
2. 2.    Arrange the ribbons, buttons, silk flowers, etc. and glue in place.

Tomorrow I’ll review the picture book story that completes this unit of activities: ZARA’S HATS by Paul Meisel.

Right now, I’m off to listen to my interview with Lisa Hein on her show, Everyday Parenting at 10am EST today on www.RadioEarNetwork.com