Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Storybox Playlist: Starting New Routines
Here are some stories about how to start and maintain new routines.
Sparkle Craft: Shrinky Dink Self-Portrait Zipper Pulls
This week's craft project is a celebration of some of that uniqueness — it's a self-portrait. But it isn't just any self-portrait. Oh, no! This week we're going a bit retro and making self-portraits out of shrinky dinks!
Sparkle Kitchen: Teeny the Toadlet Sandwich Stacker
If you're looking for ideas to help make those starting-a-new-school-year transitions easier, give this “Teeny” sandwich stacker a try. A spinach tortilla wrap does most of the work for you—just by being green—and you can customize the filling to suit your child's favorites.
FIFTY Study Page: Hawaii "Queens"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore how the Kingdom of Hawaii was formed and how the Kingdom became a Republic and then a state.
Storybox Playlist: What Makes You Unique
Here are some stories to help us honor what makes us ...us.
Friday's Kind Words: Inspiration & Creativity
Thank you for all the inspiration and creativity your stories provide.
Sparkle Craft: Salamander Pencil Pouch Patch
It turns out that our whole family has a lot of feelings about heading off to the forest of first grade.
And what better to way to help work some of that out than with a good, back-to-school art project.
Sparkle Kitchen: Raspberry Tarts
In The Schoolmaster, a boy named Micajah is looking for a teacher. Due to his father's job, Micajah's family has moved many times: from Concord, New Hampshire to Buffalo, New York to Rapid City, South Dakota to Denver, Colorado and finally to San Mateo, California.
August Tips for a Day of Rest
If you’re interested in sharing your Day of Rest with friends as Martin and Sylvia’s family does, here are a few tips to get you started
FIFTY Study Page: Colorado “One Hundred and One Nights”
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of the American West and Southwest as it shifts from Spanish to Mexican to American control.
Storybox Playlist: Back to School Launch
Whether your child is going back to the same school, changing schools or going to school for the first time, it is a big big deal. Mixed in with excitement and anticipation can be anxiety, doubt, self-consciousness and indeed fear. Here are some stories to help with the transition.
Fairy Teepee Project for Kids
This sweet teepee makes a perfect getaway for any local fairies (or favorite dolls) who need a special spot to relax in the great outdoors.
Sparkle Kitchen: Tuna Fish Kitty Cookies
Whether you need a bit of obedience or you just want to spoil your pet, give these treats a go for a guaranteed winner.
FIFTY Study Page: Arizona "Finding Planet X"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Astronomy and the Lowell Observatory.
Storybox Playlist: Stories of Fairy House Creation
We love making fairy houses — it is this wonderful mix of engineering, design, magic and inspiration. Here are some stories to inspire some fairy house building in your neck of the woods.
Friday's Kind Words: David Sewell McCann for President
You guys (and the beloved characters) are like family. David Sewell McCann For President!
~ Kathleen
Sparkle Craft: Soap Boat Races
Even if you don't live close enough to a river or lake to sail a real boat, you can experience a bit of the marvel of sailing in your own backyard with these carved soap racing boats.
FIFTY Study Page: Kentucky - "Electrification"
Citizens of Kentucky considered both the benefits and cost of bringing electricity to rural farms in 1953. This story from the FIFTY collection is historical fiction. The characters can be useful as reference points and inspirations. Read about our suggested topics for investigation!
Storybox Playlist: Growing Like Weeds — the Gifts & Challenges
Sometimes this growth can be welcome and exciting, but other times it can be intimidating and stressful — here are some stories that might help.
