[a phe a f + OEae eel rd em VAL fat > = eS wi isS Had It With Musical Chairs? Try Zoboomafoo Bingo At Your Child’s Next Birthday Party (NAPSA)—Parents are always looking for ways to make their children’s parties more memorable. And now, a popular PBS KIDS Sprout show builds on expert advice to help them do just that. “The Birthday Show,” with host Kevin, features ways parents and children can spend quality time together planning special birthday parties—and experts say involving kids in their birthdays can have lasting effect. Plus, on what other program can kids learn how to play Zoboomafoo Bingo? “Family rituals, celebrations and traditions are very important in a child’s life,” said Dr. Renee Cherow-O’Leary, a professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College and president of the Education for the 21st Century consulting firm. “Singing songs such as ‘Happy Birthday,’ playing unique games and eating festive foods heighten these ‘life cycle events’ and create treasured memories.” The newly expanded program is part of the year-old PBS KIDS Sprout network, which is the first and only 24-hour, on-air, on- demand and online service devoted to preschoolers, their parents and caregivers. Operating on the notion that “every day is someone’s birthday,” it features party-planning tips, food segments, and real kids and parents demonstrating simple and creative activities in party- like settings. Birthday cards can also be sent in to the show for a chance to have them read on the air. The show’s Website features instructions to help make the cards, as well as tips and fun craft projects that parents and kids can spend quality time doing together. Among “The Birthday Show”’s most fun tips: TV’s “The Birthday Show” gives parents and kids fun new ideas for memorable parties. Party With Friends Get some of your child’s favorite characters involved in the party. For instance, with a few supplies, party guests can make a Grover Funny Fruit Face. You'll need some paper plates, blueberries, hard-boiled eggs, plum tomatoes, raisins and red raspberries. Set out the ingredients in bowls, give each child a paper plate and have them create their own Grover face from the edible ingredients: bowlfuls of blueberries for the face; eggs and raisins for the eyes; raspberries and raisins for the mouth; and a plum tomatofor the nose. Fun And Games A simple game can help keep kids engaged. Here’s how to make and play Zoboomafoo Bingo: Get some markers, cardboard, a ruler, matching sets of animal stickers, a bowl and animal crack- ers. The party host draws a grid for each player on a piece of cardboard. Then the players place an animal sticker in each square and its matchingsticker in the bowl. The host pulls stickers from the bowl, and—if a player has the sticker— she puts an animal crackeroverit. Thefirst to fill in a line of animal crackers in any direction yells “Zoboomafoo!” and wins. For more tips, ideas and daily show times, visit www.sproutlets grow.com. Check with your local cable or satellite provider for channel listings and availability.
