Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Storybox Playlist: What are Dragons?
In some stories they are fear, in others, they are power, and in others they represent the mysteries of the world. Here are a few of our stories that explore dragons.
Friday's Kind Words: Building Castles
Building castles while listening to the FIFTY Series. ~ Michelle Beatty from Instagram
Sparkle Crafts: Indigo Dyed Napkins
Learn how to make your own Indigo Dyed Napkins from the By Thistle By Thimble story, "Purple" with this tutorial.
September Tips for a Day of Rest
Here are a few tips to get you started in your thinking about Days of Rest during the upcoming festival season.
Sparkle Kitchen: Mason Jar Peach Cobblers
My philosophy on summer picnics is very low-fuss—some cheese and lunchmeat in a cooler, a box of crackers, a tub of hummus, and plenty of cool fruits and veggies. That being said, though, even the simplest picnic benefits from a good dessert, and these little peach cobblers fit the bill perfectly.
FIFTY Study Page: Iowa “Farmer’s Holiday”
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore labor union initiatives in Farming, Mining, Factory workers, etc. It also helps establish an understanding of farm subsidies and how they work.
“Helpers”: How to Support Children in the Wake of Natural Disasters
We live on this planet, and this planet is alive.
Storybox Playlist: Honoring Work
As we gear up for Labor Day, now is a great time to talk with our children about the value of hard work and the rewards and satisfaction that come along with it.
Friday's Kind Words: Silly Sun Hats
Kid made silly sun hats. Inspired by one of their favorite (Martin & Sylvia) stories. Glitter, patches, even felt wings. ~mjhans.at.home (Instagram follower)
Sparkle Craft: Simple Magic Tricks
These three magic tricks are classic fare, and all use common household items. They'll each take a bit of rehearsal to really pull them off well, but, with practice, soon you'll be hocus pocus-ing them up like a real magician!
A Sparkle Supply List for Back-to-School
What are your child’s fears? Her hopes? His questions? You have the honor of preparing your children for their first, and their second, and their fifth, and their twenty-fifth day of school.
Sparkle Kitchen: Lemon Ginger Chia Muffins
In our modern times, we take citrus fruit for granted, but not so long ago lemons and limes and oranges were actually rare and expensive. Even my own mother likes to tell how she used to get an orange in the toe of her stocking each Christmas morning and it was considered a real treat.
FIFTY Study Page: Michigan "The Gotham Hotel"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore “The Great Migration” of African Americans from the rural south to the industrial cities of the north as well as the history of Detroit and its African American Paradise Valley district.
Storybox Playlist: Homeschool Back to School!
The number of children schooled at home is on the rise, and parents, teachers, and students are looking for more content about what life is like in a homeschool family. Well, there are as many models as there are families, but here are a few stories to offer some perspective!
Sparkle Craft: Daddy's Pollination Game
A beekeeper once told me—about 30 seconds before he pulled the lid off of a box full of tens of thousands of stinging insects just few feet away—that no one has lukewarm feelings the first time they look inside a beehive. You'll either instantly be drawn closer in fascinated awe, or you'll want to run away as fast as your feet can carry you.
Friday's Kind Words: Changed Our Daily Routine for the Better
Sparkle Stories has changed our daily routines for the better and life is infused with so much more peace, inspiration and imagination. ~ Manda , on Facebook
sparkle kitchen: raspberry shrub
Do you know about shrubs? They're drinks made with fruit, sugar, and vinegar. They were popular in the colonial era—both mixed with alcohol and mixed with water as a non-alcoholic "day drink”—and are now enjoying a comeback as trendy craft cocktails and homemade sodas.
FIFTY Study Page: Maine “From the Ashes”
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to create a study of resilience in early America and to instill an appreciation for how difficult life was in the early days of the country.
Difference, Violence, and the Events of Charlottesville
Two years ago we posted the three stories below from our "Diversity" collection. After the events of this past weekend, we feel they are relevant and will offer talking points for families.
Vote for Sparkle! SXSW Edu Conference
SXSW Edu is one of the top conferences for educators. We want to join in 2018 and share David's storytelling techniques. You can help us win a spot by voting for our proposal!
