Game Day Eats

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September 30, 2019

Feeding your young athlete

When my son stole the basketball at the top of the key, driving to the other end to score a layup, I whooped with pride. Like any good mom, I like to take a little credit for my kids’ successes. I beamed at my husband and said, “It was the oatcakes.”

From the day our children are born, we parents obsess over their nutrition. From breastfeeding to introducing vegetables, we devote our time to making sure they eat the right foods for growth and development. Add sports to the mix, and now we have to think about their strength and performance, too. When children start participating in competitive sports at school, clubs or recreation programs, daily practices and games result in a lot of calorie burning and muscle building. Balanced meals and snacks can help ensure that your child has the fuel she or he needs to succeed and grow.

Start the day strong

Contrary to a classic commercial campaign, it takes more than wheat flakes to properly fuel your athlete. In reality, cold cereals are actually too refined to keep your child energized for long. Cereals digest too quickly, which can lead to a drop in energy and a sluggish performance.

Instead, a combination of high fiber carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fat will give your child a well-balanced meal packed with energy that will last the morning. For example, the oatcake recipe below contains oatmeal, a whole grain that is high in fiber; sunflower seeds, a healthy fat with fiber; and eggs for added protein.

Chocolate Chip Oatcakes

Ingredients

3 bananas, mashed
3 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup rolled oats
¼ cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
¼ cup semi-sweet mini morsels toll house

Toppings:
Berries and Whipped cream

Directions

Whisk together bananas, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt.
Fold in rolled oats, seeds and chocolate chips until all ingredients are evenly mixed and a batter is formed.
Oil and heat griddle.
Pour ¼ cup portions of the batter onto the heated griddle.
Cook 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.

Makes about 8-10 oatcakes. Serving suggestion: Serve with turkey sausage and a cup of milk for muscle-building protein.

Balance the brown bag

For lunch, make a high fiber sandwich with 100% whole grain bread. Add lettuce and tomato for even more fiber. Pack it with a couple ounces of lean deli meat and low fat cheese for power-packed protein. Round out the meal with a piece of fruit and a low-sugar yogurt cup. The carbs in the bread, fruit and dairy will help build and replenish the glycogen in your child’s muscles and liver, which is a key source of energy during exercise.

Snack smart

For after school practices or games, your child will likely need to fuel up first. Again, high fiber carbs will provide the main source of energy. Pack their backpack with a large fruit like a banana, which is high in carbs and a great source of potassium, an essential electrolyte for peak muscle performance. Add some trail mix for more fiber and energy. Whole food snacks like these are far superior to many protein bars that can be high in added sugar.

Energy Mix

Ingredients

2 Tbsp sunflower seeds
2 Tbsp cashews
2 Tbsp dried cranberries
1 Tbsp chocolate chips
*You can substitute a variety of nuts, seeds and dried fruit to suit your child’s needs and preferences.

Directions

Have your child measure and combine all ingredients in a small Ziploc bag. Have them prepare multiple bags at once for an easy, grab-and-go snack throughout the week.

Shake it up

After an intense game or practice, your athlete will be thirsty. A sweet smoothie made with milk, berries and nut butter not only will rehydrate, but will also replenish energy, electrolytes (potassium and sodium) and protein.

Recovery Shake

Ingredients

1 cup milk
3/4 cup blueberries or other berries
1 Tbsp peanut butter or other nut butter
3-4 ice cubes

Directions
Place all ingredients in a blender. Mix at high speed until smooth.

Fix dinner fast..together

After a full day at work and running around to practices and games, putting a healthy dinner on the table is a challenge for most parents. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that can help you provide a well-balanced meal at the end of the day.

Stock up on frozen vegetables. These can be steamed in the microwave in under 5 minutes.
Have your child poke several holes in a potato with a fork, then bake them in the microwave on high for 9-10 minutes.
Your child can tear lettuce while you slice tomatoes, cucumbers and other veggies for a fresh salad.
Cook a large pot of brown rice at the beginning of the week, then reheat as needed throughout the week.
Use easy crockpot recipes to have meals waiting for you when you come home. Crockpot meals are quick to throw together and a much healthier choice than the drive-thru.

Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas

Ingredients

3 lbs sirloin or top round steak, sliced thin
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oregano
1 lime
½ cup water
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 sliced onion

Directions

Set slow cooker to low.
Place steak into the pot and sprinkle all seasonings on top.
Squeeze the lime juice over the meat.
Add ½ cup water.
Top with sliced peppers and onions.
Cover and cook for 8-10 hours.
Serve with whole grain tortillas or over brown rice. Round out the meal with a fresh salad that you and your child make together.
Tip: For an easier morning, prepare the ingredients the night before. Combine the meat, seasonings, lime juice and water in a ziploc bag and marinate in the fridge overnight. Slice the vegetables and keep in a separate container. When morning comes, just pour the meat and marinade into the crockpot, top with the peppers and onions, and turn the crockpot to low.

Stay hydrated throughout the day

Make sure your child has a water bottle to refill throughout the day and for games and practices. If your athlete is eating healthy meals and snacks like the examples described here, he or she will get all the nutrients and electrolytes they need to fuel their day and their game without the need for sports drinks.

Set a good example

Preparing balanced meals and snacks with your young athlete will not only keep them strong and energized, but it will also teach them the skills they need to lead a healthy, active life on and off the court.

J. Barretto Patterson is a registered dietitian and a health blogger. Read more from her at thefeelingsnackyfix.com.

The Bedtime Story Isn’t Dead!

By

Digital Media

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September 30, 2019

But is screen time making books less fun?

Recent comments from HM Chief Inspector of Education at Ofsted, Amanda Spielman, have raised concerns that the bedtime story is a dying art, however new data from Kiddi Caru Day Nurseries Group shows that for one age group in particular this is thankfully not the case.

The study of parents with toddlers aged 0-5 years old revealed that 99% of parents still read to their children, with 83% choosing to do so in the evening as part of a bedtime routine.

It also revealed that despite fears of technology replacing the parent’s role as storyteller, 98% still prefer to read from physical books, with only 2% relying on a device to do the job for them.

Reading is key for development

The majority (89%) of parents asked started reading to their children before the age of one, with 97% agreeing that reading to babies younger than one helps their cognitive development.

Jackie Cambridge, education and quality care director at Kiddi Caru, said: “Reading to little ones, even before they can speak or understand words will help them become familiar with phonetics and sounds of words.

“The rhythm and rhyme of stories written for young children helps to encourage speech, broadens vocabulary and introduces early literacy skills, long before they learn to read themselves.”

Fun Trumps Morals

When asked if parents purposefully choose books with morals only a quarter said they do, with the remaining three quarters believing a fun story and bright illustrations was the most important feature of a children’s book.

It seems most parents just want their children to simply engage with books as a medium, rather than being concerned about content, as 86% are concerned the availability of entertainment on screens is generally causing children to enjoy books less.

Jay “Rinsen” Weik Dubbed Roshi, Zen Master

By

Erin Schoen Marsh

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September 30, 2019

Jay Rinsen Weik received Dharma transmission from Myoun Roshi at Inka Shomei last month, when he was officially bestowed with the title of Zen Master. With less than 100 in North America, “Roshi” means “old teacher” or “old master” in Japanese, the term is reserved for individuals who have completed the entire koan curriculum.

Buddhisttempleoftoledo.com

Preschool Playtime at Maumee Valley

By

Erin Schoen Marsh

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September 30, 2019

Maumee Valley is currently accepting enrollment of children aged 18 months to 3 years for its Preschool Playtime program, taught by members of the Early Learning Center faculty. Meeting once a week, the program will focus on teaching both children and their parents about parts of their child’s development, from language and literacy to social skills. Classes are small so space is limited. $100 for the eight-week course. Three eight-week sessions can be chosen from: October 1 through November 19, January 7 through February 25, and April 7 through May 26. Class will be held weekly on Tuesday from 9-10:30am.

Maumee Valley Country Day School,
1715 South Reynolds Rd. | 419-381-1313
mvcds.org/playtime

A Healthier Halloween

By

Kimberly Feldkamp

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September 30, 2019

Treats kids AND parents will love

Ghosts, goblins and sugar–oh my! Halloween is right around the corner, and while your youngsters may be deciding on their costumes, you might be dreading the candy influx that comes with this spooky holiday. Whether you want to nix the sugary treats or simply be more mindful of what you’re handing out to trick-or-treaters, there are plenty of options that kids and parents alike can agree on for a healthier Halloween.

Spoonfuls of sugar

Sugar seems to be found in abundance in our diets these days, and all of the sweetness doesn’t add up to a good bill of health. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that eating and drinking too much added sugar puts kids at risk for obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.

“The AAP and American Heart Association say no more than 24 grams of added sugar, or 6 teaspoons per day,” says Cadin Jardin, Registered/Licensed Dietitian with ProMedica Flower Hospital. Jardin recommends taking a look at how much sugar your child consumes in a typical day, since that’s what will significantly impact their health long term, and not just what they consume around a holiday like Halloween.

“Sugars that are in packaged foods and drinks are what the concern is. Don’t worry about the sugar in whole fruits.” Jardin explains that it’s important to limit the sugary cereals, granola bars, fruit snacks and juice boxes. “There are a lot of birthday parties, holiday parties and other times that kids want to have sweet treats, and they should, but this is why it’s critical that their regular diet items…aren’t already increasing their risk of chronic disease.”

A balancing act

Like most things in life, moderation is the key. And that’s what Katie Thomspon, a busy working mom of three from Perrysburg, has found works best for her family.

“The night they trick or treat they want all of the candy,” Thomspon said. “I usually let them have a little bit because it seems their desire for it the next day dwindles. I also keep it in a bowl on the top of the refrigerator and that way I can monitor it because we have to get it down for them.”

“Let them eat the Halloween candy,” agrees Jardin. “Don’t panic. Let them pick out their favorites and decide what to do with the rest. Don’t make your kids feel like they are restricted…That’s just going to make them binge and want as much as possible when they have access to it.”

Success for the long haul

Jardin encourages families to look at their grocery carts as a place to start monitoring food items with higher sugar content. “Most people have the same 20-30 items in their cart each week. Look at the grams of sugar in those items, make changes to the ones with the highest content first and work your way through your cart. It’s not the mini Snickers bars the week of Halloween that are increasing your child’s risk of a heart attack in their future; it’s those sugary items they’re eating every day.”

No tricks, all treats

Nothing says that Halloween treats have to be candy. Halloween trinkets are perfect to pass out if you want to stay away from sugar. Added bonus: these treats are favored for kids with allergies, too:

Temporary tattoos
Glow sticks
Halloween pencils
Mini erasers
Stickers
Spider rings
Play Doh

Here’s to a happy— and healthier—Halloween!

2019 Halloween Happenings

By

Digital Media

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September 30, 2019

by Aya Khalil

DON’T MISS THESE FUN FALL EVENTS

MacQueens Apple Stir and Crafts festival
Oct. 5 and Oct. 6, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
7605 Garden Rd., Holland
macqueenorchards.com
This yearly event will have barrel train rides for the children, a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables and children’s performances. Make sure to taste the funnel cakes and donuts and to pick your own apples!

Pumpkin Extravaganza at Erie Orchards and Cider Mills
Oct. 5 and Oct. 6, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Johnston1235 E. Erie Rd., Erie, MI
erieorchards.com
Time for pumpkin-picking this weekend at Erie Orchards and Cider Mills. There will be hayrides, a corn maze, pony rides and more. Sip on cider and munch on donuts during this fun family- friendly event.

43rd Annual Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest
Oct. 13, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Downtown Grand Rapids, Ohio
applebutterfest.org
This fest covers all of the bases: live music, food and historical reenactments along the Maumee River. This event draws in 40,000 visitors every year. Parking is $15 to help fund local nonprofit groups and school activities.

Little Boo at the Zoo
Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
2 Hippo Way | toledozoo.org/boo
Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the zoo while they admire our Toledo Zoo animals. Crafts, games, puppet shows and character meet and greets will keep everyone entertained! The Zoo provides perfect Halloween activities without being too spooky for young children.

Coco Movie Night
Oct. 18, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center
1225 Broadway St, Toledo
sqacc.org
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with family and friends. Admission is free. There will be a concession stand with Mexican pastries, candy, walking tacos and more.

Fall Festival: Truck or Treat at The Shops of Fallen Timbers
Oct. 19, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
3100 Main St., Maumee
theshopsatfallentimbers.com
Enjoy a fun afternoon at The Shops of Fallen Timbers filled with activities and food. Trick-or-treating will be at large vehicles. The event will take place in front of Dillard’s at the mall’s main entrance.

Sylvania Fall Festival
Oct. 20, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Main Street, Downtown Sylvania
sylvaniachamber.org/sylvania-fall-festival
Hosted by Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce, this Sylvania tradition is fun for all ages. Craft and food vendors, a parade, and performances will keep everyone entertained at the 34th annual festival.

Haunted Escape at Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Oct. 22, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
3340 Dustin Road, Oregon, OH
events.toledolibrary.org/event/2184902
Attend this Haunted Escape event at Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Oregon branch — a perfect event for teens looking for a creepy challenge. Participants will solve puzzles to unlock clues and make their escape. Make sure to check out some spooky books afterwards!

Halloween BOO! Cruise
Oct. 24-27, see website to schedule
The Sandpiper, 1 Jefferson Ave, Toledo
sandpiperboat.com
Book a spooky Halloween cruise for the family this October! There will be festive Halloween activities and treats during the 30-minutes cruise. Prices range from $5 to $8/person.

Olander Park Halloween Hike
Friday, Oct. 26, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
6930 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
olanderpark.com
Bring your family and friends for the 22nd annual Halloween Hike! Kids 12 and under will enjoy treats and story-telling. This is one of the park’s most popular events of the year.

OctoBOOfest
Oct. 26, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Downtown Perrysburg
downtownperrysburg.org/events
OctoBOOfest is back for their third Harry Potter event with a Horcrux scavenger hunt, costume contests, performances, trick or treating and more! Some of your favorites businesses will look like you walked into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sponsored by the Perrysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau and Mercy Health.

Children’s Halloween Pizza Train with Count Wakula
Oct. 27, 4:30PM boarding with 5:00PM departure
Blissfield, MI | murdermysterydinnertrain.com
Includes a 2-hour train ride, costume contest, pizza, salad, bread sticks, donuts and cider with a performance by Magician Count Wakula!

17th Pumpkin Harvest Festival
Saturday, Oct. 12, 10am-6pm.
Visit the farm and garden center in Holland for the 17th annual festival. Activities include games, crafts, straw maze, pumpkin and face painting indoors, and a petting zoo, hayrides, pumpkin patch, and pony rides, and local food vendors outdoors. Hoen’s Garden Center, 1710 Perrysburg/Holland Rd., Holland. 419-865-6566. hoensgardencenter.com
Free

Scarecrow Workshop & Contest
Tuesday, Oct.15, 5-7pm.
Create a fun or scary scarecrow using provided materials. Bring your own clothes to use. Prizes up to $100 will awarded. Register to enter. 5-7:30pm. Wood County Historical Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. 419-352-0967.
woodcountyhistory.org Free

Trunk or Treat
Tuesday, Oct.15, 6-8pm.
Get spooky at this fun family event. The metroparks will have treats hidden around the park, storytime, and
a scavenger hunt. Toledo Botanical, 5403 Elmer Dr. 419-270-7500.
metroparkstoledo.com
Free

Ghosts of Providence
Friday, Oct. 18, 7pm.
The Towpath Trail will be visited by ghosts of the past! Take a guided hike encountering historical reenactors as they share their spooky tales of pioneer life in Ohio. The event will be hosted throughout the month of October. $7. 7pm. Providence Metropark, 13801 S. River Rd., Grand Rapids.
419-407-9700. metroparkstoledo.com

at the Zoo
Saturday, Oct. 19 & Sunday, Oct. 20, 10am-4pm.
Visit the Zoo for a spooky walk through the campus. Encounter costumed characters, trick or treating, magic shows, bounce houses and more. $8-$18 plus admission.
Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way.
419-385-5721. toledozoo.org/seniors
Free

Annual Fall Festival
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 4-9pm.
The Historical Museum will host its annual fall festival. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, scarecrow and carved pumpkins on display, a cider press demonstration, and tricks and treats for all ages. Wood County Historical Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. 419-352-0967.
woodcountyhistory.org
Free

Howl-O-Ween at ONWR
Saturday Oct. 26, 1-3pm
The boardwalk loop will be decorated and costumed volunteers will be passing out treats. Kids will answer a nature question at each station in order to get their treats! It’s a fun trick-or-treating event that’s also educational! Spooky storytime and a crafts station will also take place in the Visitor Center.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, 14000 OH-2, Oak Harbor.
419-898-0014. friendsofottawanwr.org
Free

THROUGH THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

Country Lane Tree Farm
3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa.
419-461-1298 | countrylanetreefarm.com
Facebook: @CountryLaneTreeFarm & @PanicInThePines

The big-time Family Favorites winner— who earned the titles of Best Place for an Outdoor Birthday Bash, Best Horseback Lessons, and runner-up for the Summer Day Camp, Family Activity and Animal Encounter categories— will be home to autumn activities and fall fun throughout October.

From 11am-4pm on Saturdays and Sunday in October, the Family Fall Festival offers interactive animal encounters, hayrides to a U-Pick Pumpkin Patch, a straw maze, corn wagon, corn cannon, an animal tour where kids can milk a cow, hold baby ducks, chickens and bunnies, the opportunity to feed larger animals, and more family-friendly fall day activities. Admission is $10 per child and $5 per adult and includes every single activity on the farm. Pumpkins cost $0.30 per pound.

For thrill-seekers, adventure into the Panic in the Pines Haunted Hayride, Trail and Woods for some seasonal screams on every Saturday in October. Ticket sales begin at 7pm, with the last ticket sold at 10pm. Tickets are $20 each and include all three attractions. The first hayride of the night begins at 8pm. For more info, visit panicinthepines.com. This attraction is not recommended for young children but is a blast for teens and adults.

Boyd’s Retro Candy
954 Phillips Ave, Toledo
boydsretrocandy.com
One way to guarantee you’re the coolest house on the block this Halloween? Handfuls of candy from Boyd’s Retro Candy! Be the only ones in the ‘hood handing out Bulls Eyes, wax bottles, Razzles, candy buttons and more.

Cedar Point Halloweekends
1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky
419-627-2350 | cedarpoint.com/halloweekends
At Cedar Point’s annual Halloweekends, guests will be scared silly from haunted mazes, live shows and outdoor scare zones. Check the website for the select dates and times. For the little ones, not-so-spooky activities will be at The Great Pumpkin Fest on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy arts and crafts, mazes and trick-or-treating.

The Corn Maze at Wheeler Farms
11455 Obee Rd, Whitehouse
419-872-1731 | wheelerfarms.com/corn-maze
There are four mazes at Wheeler Farms with different designs every year, and visitors are welcome to try all four mazes or just one. Pop into the adjacent Butterfly House to see hundreds of beautiful butterflies. Rates vary from $8 to $10 depending on age. Those under 3 are free. Open Fridays 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday noon – 11:00 PM, Sunday
noon – 8:00 PM.

Fleitz Pumpkin Farm
7133 Seaman Rd, Oregon
419-836-7613 | fleitzpumpkinfarm.com
Fleitz Pumpkin Farm offers several corn mazes: a free mini corn maze, a one-acre corn maze and a five-acre corn maze. After or in lieu of the maze, kids can hop in the corn sandbox and enjoy a hayride. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM until Oct. 31.

Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm
13639 Mulberry Rd, Ottawa Lake
517-486-2237 | gustbrothers.com
Spend the day at Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm this fall picking out your favorite pumpkins, squash and gourds. Make sure to check out the farm animals and get some warm donuts and apple cider slushies. Free parking. Open from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily. Hayrides on Saturday and Sunday.

Johnston Fruit Farms
2790 Airport Hwy, Swanton
johnstonfruitfarms.com
Johnston Fruit Farms has apple and pumpkin picking, fresh donuts, and even a petting zoo! If you’re lucky, there might be a few sunflowers available for picking, which includes the vase. A not-so-spooky family excursion with all the fall feels.

Kackleberry Farm
6421 North Stoney Creek Rd, Monroe, MI
734-240-0825 | kackleberryfarm.com
Spend the perfect day at Kackleberry Farm: reserve a bonfire to stay warm, walk the 12-acres of corn maze, shop and eat. Enjoy the pumpkin patch, barrel train rides, hayride, Little Farmers Playland and more. Prices start at $8. Thursdays from 5PM – 10 PM, Fridays 5PM – 11 PM, Saturdays noon – 11 PM and Sundays noon – 10 PM.

ScreamAcres Haunted Attractions
0064 Co Rd 16, Napoleon
419-599-1570 | screamacres.com
Walk through ScreamAcres haunted fields, filled with terrifying monsters and research specimens that broke loose and mauled everyone around them! The PanDEMONium Project is a haunted, high-action activity for teens and adults. If those are too scary, head on over to the Barnyard for fun activities for children: face-painting, inflatables, pumpkin-picking and plenty of food options as well. See website for dates and times as they vary.

Trabbic Family Pumpkin Farm
1560 E Sterns Rd, Erie, MI
734-848-4049 | trabbicpumpkinfarm.com
Trabbic Family Pumpkin Farm is a year-round working farm with over 40 acres of pumpkins. The whole family will enjoy this farm that has been in the business for over 100 years with rides, donuts, cider, animals and a corn maze.

HALLOWEEN MONSTER MASH PARTY

How to throw a party that will be a graveyard smash
By Raegan Nelson

With minimal cost and resources, you can host the best Monster Mash Halloween party for kids of all ages. Get the scoop on these simple decorations, snacks, and activities to create the most Spooktacular event for all the little monsters in your life.

Party Decorations

Monster Door
Using craft paper, tape, and paper plates, transform your door into an adorably scary monster. Experiment with several eyes, crazy-colored hair or silly teeth.

Monster Garland
These easy monster garlands are the perfect way to decorate for all of your ghoulish guests.

Supplies

Craft feather boa
Hot glue gun
Smooth foam balls
Googly eyes
Twine or string

Directions
1. Cut the length of the boa that you need to wrap around the outside of the foam ball.
2. Using a hot glue gun, glue the boa around the circumference of the ball, leaving the middle open to make the eyeball.
3. Glue the googly eye to the middle of the white, exposed circle.
4. Glue the backside of the eyeball to twine or string so the eyes don’t move around.

Monster Snacks

Monster Rice Krispie Treats
Dip your rice krispie treats into different colored candy melts and decorate with candy eyes for monster-ific treats.

Monster Sandwiches
Grab a circular cookie cutter and all your favorite fixings to throw together the cutest monster sandwich all the kids will love. Between the two circles of bread and meat, add cheese teeth by simply cutting jagged edges around half of a slice of cheese. Add eyes by putting olives on toothpicks and inserting into your sandwich.

Spooky Crafts

Paper Bag Monsters
Using the folded side a paper lunch bag, decorate using anything you have around- googly eyes, pom poms, scrap paper, paint, sequins, etc. Turn the fold of the paper bag into the monster face by adding eyes to the top and teeth or a tongue under the flap.

Monster Headbands
To help the kids get into character, grab a few plain plastic headbands, glue on some pom poms, and add a few googly eyes.