Materials needed:

* scissors, glue stick or white glue
* white craft paint, paint brush
* shoebox
* at least 6 popsicle sticks
* green construction paper
* other colored construction paper for balls

Directions:

*Paint a shoebox white to create the look of snow-covered ground, and cut 6 slits in the lid

*Number the slits 1 through 6

*Using green construction paper, cut 6 evergreens from the pattern

*Glue a popsicle stick to each tree

*Cut and glue from 1 to 6 balls on each tree

*Insert the corresponding tree into the appropriate numbered slit

Variations...

Have 2 or more children take turns placing the trees into the correct slits.

Make 2 or more games and see who can place all trees correctly first, second, etc.

Other ideas:

Take a walk along the river and look for fallen branches. Use your branches to paint a picture. When your picture dries, use masking tape to attach the branch or branches you used to create it, sign the bottom of the picture, and bring it into the RiverPlace office to be displayed.

This year, after you take down your Christmas tree, put it into your backyard and decorate it with popcorn strings and pinecones filled with peanut butter and birdseed. Now the birds can enjoy your tree for the next month or two!

Books to read:
Ellie the Evergreen by Jean Warren

The After-Christmas Tree by Linda Wagner

Fall 2007 Tadpoles ideas submitted by Carole Behling

What does RiverPlace offer to children?

The answer is obvious: Look inside! Now that summer is almost here, sunscreen and a vivid imagination are all that youngsters will need to explore the wonders of RiverPlace.

Visit the GoggleWorks or The Reading Public Museum. Take them biking or hiking on the Schuylkill River Trail. The natural wonders of the river are still engaging in todays technology-driven world, and are much more entertaining than video games.