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Hello hello! Hope you're doing well today.

Hungry for some creative-artsy-parenting ideas? Here you go...

1. TinkerLab Art Starts Book. It was fun spotting my newest book on the Mini Mad Things Instagram feed (photo above). Art Starts is filled with simple open-ended art prompts that meet toddlers and preschoolers where they're at. The book is currently half price on Amazon, in case you've been eyeing it and waiting for a good time to buy.
2. October Sketchbook Challenge. Gather a sketchbook or paper and art-making materials such as markers, paint, collage papers, and glue. Give yourself a few minutes each day for this challenge. Interpret the daily prompt. Download the free guide here.
3. Turn old book pages into paintings. Try this playful technique at the art table. Old book pages, cardboard scrapers, paint, and bubble wrap = a spontaneous art making session to try with kids or on your own.
4. Conceptual art or breach of contract? As a former museum educator, I'm enjoying this story about an artists breaking contract with a museum to make a point about fair trade for labor.
5. Creative backpack alternatives. Four schools in Idaho banned middle school backpacks as a safety precaution, and I appreciate the humor and ingenuity behind these solutions for carrying books to class.
6. School picture day humor. It's picture day season! If you've ever labored over which picture package to order or stressed over helping your child get the clothing choice just right, this collection of picture day tweets is for you.​
7. Why kids love dinosaurs so much. If you have a dinosaur expert in your home, this article explains why.
8. MacArthur "Genius" grants awarded. I first learned about this grant 20 years ago when the founder of the Los Angeles-based Museum of Jurassic Technology, David Wilson, won the award. The museum was like none I'd visited and helped me see the world through a different lens. This year's no-strings-attached $625,000 award was given to 25 people, and the list is inspiring!​

Thanks for reading. If you enjoy the newsletter, feel free to forward it to a friend.

Warmly,

Rachelle

Founder, TinkerLab

p.s. If you'd like to lay the foundation for hands-on making with your child, enrollment in TinkerLab Schoolhouse™ opens this Friday, October 1.

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