Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Friday's Kind Words: Amazing Story Weavers
I am a HUGE fan of sparkle stories. We have been listening to the podcast for a year, and I continue to recommend you to my friends and family. ~ Jess Laxo
Craft Your Own Personalized Hiking Stick
This week's craft project will hopefully get your kids excited to go on some adventurous fall hikes with their bright, new, personalized hiking sticks.
Sparkle Kitchen: Overnight Apple Spiced Oats
These overnight apple spiced oats are a satisfying, portable breakfast that can be made up on the weekends and used as needed through the week. Their secret ingredient is a dash of cardamom — something that always gives me an extra hint of fall that I don't quite get from plain cinnamon.
FIFTY Study Page: Indiana "Geodes and Gnomes"
This story from the FIFTY collection is historical fiction that focuses on geology through Indiana state history. The characters can be useful as reference points and inspirations. Read about our suggested topics for investigation!
Storybox Playlist: Enthusiasm — The Gift of Autumn
Autumn is the time of hard work — for harvesting and preparing for the cold months of winter ahead. And what quality makes all the hard work easier? Enthusiasm!
Friday's Kind Words: We are a Sparkle Family
We play Sparkle Stories every night and every day. We are a Sparkle family.
~ Ana Yemaya Inacio, Facebook
Sparkle Craft: Super Spy Finger Print Powder
From chemistry to computers, spies must be well-versed in science in order to complete their missions. This week's craft project brings a classic strategy of spy science — collecting fingerprints — into your kitchen.
Sparkle Kitchen: Forest Caterpillar Snack
This week's recipe takes its inspiration from all of the weird and wonderful caterpillars who live in the forest.
FIFTY Study Page: Georgia "All in Translation"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Muskogee and Creek People. We also take a look at prison reform initiatives and political challenges between English colonies and Spanish (Florida).
Storybox Playlist: Our Five Most Popular Stories
We've collected the top five streamed stories from this year and have put them all together for you here.
Friday's Kind Words: A Treasure in Our Home
Sparkle Stories is a Treasure in our home. Our two boys love the stories, and our pet mouse even comes out especially for them! ~ Beth Swan, Facebook
Sparkle Crafts: Dragon's Roar Megaphone
This dragon megaphone takes just a few minutes to put together with materials you probably already have. Make one up and keep it on hand for the next time someone in your house really needs to let out a good ROAR!
Sparkle Kitchen: Pesto Toast Tangram Dragons
Topped with the tail end of this year's fresh pesto, these two dragons are an easy—and delicious—introduction to tangrams. Couple them with a few slices of bell pepper (or, “dragon fire strips” if you want to keep with the theme), for a healthy, savory snack.
FIFTY Study Page: Oregon " We Will Vote"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the History of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and of the Louisiana Purchase.
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.
