If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it,
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.

If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.
If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it,
If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.

If you’re happy and you know it, jump for joy.
If you’re happy and you know it, jump for joy.
If you’re happy and you know it, if you’re happy and you know it,
If you’re happy and you know it, jump for joy.

If you’re happy and you know it, smile.
If you’re happy and you know it, smile.
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it,
If you’re happy and you know it, smile.
If you’re happy and you know it, smile.

If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray!
If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray!
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it,
If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray!

If you’re happy and you know it, say haha!
If you’re happy and you know it, say haha!
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it,
If you’re happy and you know it, say haha!

If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it,
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
Clap your hands.

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Most people have spent a lot more time indoors this past year than they would have liked. Now that we are all starting to slowly emerge into the sunlight again, this is the perfect time of year to show our planet all the appreciation it deserves. With that in mind, here are five super easy ways to have fun while making a difference this Earth Day.

1. Family trip

It’s been said that passion starts with education. Instead of just filling up that blue bin this week, load up your recyclables into your vehicle and drive on down to your local recycling center. Seeing the large bins that separate each type of material, physically depositing items into the bins with their own hands, and witnessing the entire community contributing to this effort will leave a lasting impression on your children.

2. Have a contest

Over an entire week or for just one day, have everyone in the family compete to see who can collect the most recyclable items. Old newspapers, plastic packaging, cardboard boxes are all fair game. Just make sure the little ones don’t collect things that are still being used. Also be prepared to reward the winner with an appropriate prize. In our house that would be ice cream.

3. One person’s trash

Many items that are commonly thrown away could be repurposed in creative ways. You can use old paper towel tubes and some paint to make a beautiful pencil holder. Cut the tops of some paper milk cartons and use them to plant some herbs for your kitchen. Gather some large cardboard boxes, some scissors and a paint brush to make an awesome secret fort for your kids. Every little bit of reused trash makes a difference.

4. Paper of plastic? Neither

If you are like our family you have lots of cardboard boxes that either take up space in the garage or get folded into stacks for recycling. The next time you go grocery shopping, take some medium sized boxes cut in half with you. Instead of getting grocery bags, place all of your items into the boxes. Not only will they be easy to carry, but they also won’t spill everywhere while you are driving.

5. Farm fresh

An inordinate amount of trash is produced from the packaging of food. Try visiting a local famer’s market once a week. Even purchasing some vegetables and fruits you would normally buy at a store will reduce a significant amount of waste packaging over time. Oh and a great way to transport all of your farmer’s market loot back home? Those boxes you made in #4.

I hope you and your family will try at least one of the ideas in this list. Let’s all strive to tell the world that we learned something, we had fun, and we made a difference. Happy Earth Day everyone! Don’t forget to share your Earth Day activities with us by posting on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #mothergooseclub.

It’s December 23rd, and you suddenly realize you have not done a single bit of Holiday shopping all year. Instead of panicking, take a deep breath, be thankful we live in an age of technology, and keep reading! There are more options today than there ever were for the last minute shopper. Before getting into some gift ideas, let’s go over some of the best ways you can approach your last minute shopping list.

Option #1: Local bookstore

Although they are harder to find these days, locally-owned bookstores are great places to find quick gifts for children. Not only will you be supporting an independent business but you can often find books you may not find at other large retailers. Pick up a copy of one of your favorite childhood paperbacks, or select one from NPR’s 100 Favorite Books for young readers. Suggested item: This Old Truck $17.95

Option #2: Local toy store

Independent toy stores are ideally suited for the last minute shopper. Their selections are just as good if not better than what you can find at any superstore chain, but also offer some things you won’t find anywhere else. Many offer unique handmade products made by local craftsmen as well as rare toys that are difficult to find elsewhere. The best reasons to visit a local toy store though, are the holiday decorations and music playing inside that remind us of what the season is really all about.

Option #3: Physical gift cards

One of the best choices for gifts this year is a gift card. Local pharmacies offer a wide variety of gift cards that can be used at online retailers, specialty stores and even restaurants. With so many families spending more time at home this year, giving the recipient the choice of what movies to watch or what winter sweater to order may be the perfect gift. Make sure to check store hours as many locations will close early on Christmas Eve.

Option #4: You can’t go wrong with something yummy

Sometimes the best last minute gift is not a traditional one. Does your child have a favorite pastry or cake? Maybe there is a custard pie with their name on it at your local bakery. If you are like me, you know of at least one little one in your family who would easily choose a present that goes into their belly rather than under a tree.

Option #5: Surprise, it’s December 25th!

For those that woke up in a cold sweat at 6am on Christmas Day wondering if a frozen burrito from the local gas station would pass as a last minute gift, you still have options! Last but definitely not least on the list are electronic gifts. In less than 5 minutes, you can hop on a computer and email a gift card or purchase a subscription for your family streaming service or app. We recommend the Hellosaurus: Interactive Shows app on the Apple App Store $17.99 (3 month subscription)

If you have any last minute gift shopping tips, we’d love to hear from you. Post your suggestions on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #mothergooseclub. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Whether you are toning down your Halloween activities or skipping the tricking and the treating altogether this year, chances are we all will have more time on our hands. Why not spend that time crafting with your loved ones to create a spookier atmosphere both inside and outside your home? With just a few simple items, you can enhance the scare factor of your home instantly!

Materials:

Everything you need should be easy to find at a nearby grocery store or craft store. If you can find larger sheets of black construction paper, try making larger bats.

• Black construction paper 8.5” x 11”
• Scissors
• White colored pencil
• Tape
• String

Step 1 – Fold and Draw:

Fold your construction along the longer side so that you end with two 8.5” x 5.5” folded halves. Then draw an outline of a bat on the folded half with the white colored pencil. Pay special attention to the ears and the shape of the wing. You should be able to outline two bat halves on each sheet.

Step 2 – Cut

Carefully cut along the outline with your scissors and unfold the bat shape. Feel free to experiment with different sizes of bats.

Step 3 – Tape and Decorate!

Tape the bats to your wall or door, if there are white lines visible you can flip the bat over and tape the other side. If you have some extra string lying around, you can also hang some bats from the ceiling.

Share With Us!

We would love to see how your bat decorations turned out! Share some photos after you are finished on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #mothergooseclub.

Happy Halloween!

Strong dental hygiene is a must, but developing this habit can often be a major obstacle for young ones. Crafts are a fun way to engage children in developing positive habits and important new skills – try this one together by following the simple instructions below. Once your alligator is ready to go, practice the brushing motions while talking about the importance of making this a daily habit. Keep the craft in a visible spot around the house as a daily reminder!

For some additional reinforcement, follow along with Mary, Teddy and Jack in “Brush Your Teeth” as they use song and dance to teach the importance of brushing each night, especially after some late-night ice cream!

Materials:

All the materials you need are below. Most everything can be found around the house or at your local store. Get creative, improvise and let us know what works for you!

• Cardboard (roughly 14” x 7”)
• White lego pieces
• Black sharpie
• Toothbrush and floss
• Glue
• Scissors

Step 1 – Draw:

Referencing our example above, start by drawing the outline of your alligator on the cardboard.

Step 2 – Cut and Fold:

Parents should take the lead for the cutting. And remember – it doesn’t have to be perfect. Feel free to approach your design differently, or even try making a different animal!

Follow these steps while referencing our example above:

• Cut off the corners of the cardboard, along the diagonal lines we just drew. Then, cut along the curved lines and push the flaps out to create the alligator’s eyes.
• Next, apply some glue in the middle section where we drew the dotted line (try to avoid going over the solid lines with the glue).
• Fold the cardboard along the dotted line and apply some pressure. The glued area should stick together, leaving the flaps (mouth) free to move.

Step 3 – The Teeth!

Add in those pearly whites! Glue the lego blocks along the open mouth. Just the bottom can work well for this exercise, but if you have extra lego blocks and glue, fill out the top too.

Use colored markers to add some finishing touches – we drew in eyes and nostrils!

Share With Us!

We hope this craft inspires some fun playtime and positive habit-building in your household! Share your creations with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #mothergooseclub.

Happy brushing!

This Mother’s Day, celebrate the moms in your life with a homemade gift. Store-bought items can be great too, but a handcrafted one adds that extra sentimental value and heartfelt thoughtfulness that can’t be replicated elsewhere. And this craft can also double as a family activity and eventual memorable keepsake!

Moms put up with a whole lot, so remember to show your love and appreciation all year-round!

Materials:

All the materials you need are below. Most everything can be found around the house or at your local store. Get creative, improvise and let us know what works for you!

• 2 cardboard squares
• Yellow foam (or construction paper) base
• Yarn
• Pipe cleaners
• Pom poms
• Hole puncher
• Glue
• Scissors

Step 1 – Cut:

Draw an ‘M’ onto each piece of cardboard, and then cut them out.

Step 2 – Design:

Place some glue onto your cutouts, and then begin tying your yarn around them.

For something a little faster and simpler, you can also use markers to color the cutouts, or wrap them with colored construction paper.

Step 3 – The Heart:

Twist your red pipe cleaner into the shape of a heart, and then glue it down.

If you’d like to hang up the finished product, punch two holes into the top of your yellow base and then pass another pipe cleaner (or string) through the holes.

Step 4 – Finishing Touches:

Glue down some colorful pom poms within your heart, and glue down both of your ‘M’s.

Let it all dry, and then find a homey spot to hang it up!

Share With Us!

We hope this craft makes for a memorable activity and gift for your family! Share your creations with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #mothergooseclub.

Happy Mother’s Day!

It’s that time of the year! Back-to-school is either well underway or just around the corner – so add some style and flare to your new outfit and supplies with this simple character-themed craft. All you’ll need are a few household materials and a bit of creativity!

Materials:

All the materials you need are below. Most everything can be found around the house or at your local store. Get creative, improvise and let us know what works for you!

• Keychain/accessory holder
• Colored foam (or construction paper)
• Hole puncher
• Glue
• Scissors

Step 1 – Start Cutting:

Start creating your character! Above, we cut out Mary’s hair, bows and outfit. If you don’t have foam readily available, you can alternatively use construction paper.

Step 2 – Glue It All Together:

Using a white outline for the base, start gluing your character’s elements on top. Once your character is ready, glue on the keychain/accessory holder. Let it all dry!

Step 3 – Make Some More!

Draw a smiley face for the finishing touch, and you’re all done. Now make some more! We added Jack and Bo Peep to our collection.

And don’t forget to attach the finished accessories to your backpack or supply case!

Share With Us!

We hope this craft inspired joyful learning and back-to-school excitement in your household! Share your thoughts and creations on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #mothergooseclub!

And best of luck to all of the families navigating another school year! Mother Goose Club will have plenty new videos, blogs and free resources year-around, so check back often!