Sparkle Stories Blog
A home for Sparkle audio stories, crafts, recipes, and kind words!
Storybox Playlist: In Honor of Martin Luther King — Stories of Civil Rights
Each January 18th here in the US, we honor the memory of the great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He worked tirelessly during the 1960's to bring change and create equal rights for the African American citizens of this nation. He was and still is a hero to many and for that we honor him this week with stories about civil rights.
Friday's Kind Words: Try It!
For anyone wondering if it’s right for their family, I say TRY IT! We have loved Sparkle Stories for over a year now and can’t imagine life without them anymore. -Noreen
Nature School Project: Tree Buds
When we see trees with budding branches, it is often spring that comes to mind. But if you look past the showy and colorful leaves of autumn, you may find something surprising waiting among them: trees begin their preparation for their spring showing of buds and blossoms many months ahead of time.
Sparkle Kitchen: Cloudberry Cream
They're real, but rare—a golden-colored, arctic berry that is mostly wild and only grows a few months of the year. They taste like raspberries but less brazen, and with a hint of something wine-like. If you can't find fresh, luckily, jam works just as well for one of the most traditional uses for cloudberries—cloudberry cream.
Nature School Project: Tracking
Learning to find tracks is a great way to deepen your connection to nature and hone observation skills. Use this Nature School Project Tutorial to find out how!
Nature School Project: Snow Candles
What better way to celebrate the winter than to make snow candles? All you need is beeswax, some candle wick, popsicle sticks and some snow.
NINE Winter Recipes and Crafts
Winter Solstice is just around the corner. With the cold weather comes an urge to snuggle in and to slow down and reflect on the past seasons. This week we've got a whole round up of winter-inspired recipes and crafts to keep you in a cheery mood and inspired to create.
Exploring the Dry Gables Series - "Marta Bauer The Baker (and Peacemaker)"
Our Martas are the peacekeepers, and they create harmony and ease among their fellow friends (and even adversaries).
Sparkle Kitchen: Roasted Chestnuts
In this week's Martin & Sylvia: More Adventures story “Singing Together”, Mr. Weber invites Martin and Sylvia's family to come downtown to sing wintertime songs at the local shops.
The Winter Spiral: A How-to Guide
Create your own Winter Waldorf Advent Spiral during this holiday season. Here's a helpful how-to guide along with some inspiration to get you started.
Friday's Kind Words: Love the App and Website
I just wanted you to know that my husband and I love the app and website. And we all love that we can search for a story or character. -Raheli
Friday's Kind Words: Gratitude and Congrats
Thank you for this - you guys are some of the most thoughtful, kind people! We are so thankful for Sparkle Stories in our home. ~ Emily
Nature School Project: Wrappings
Use this nature school project tutorial to learn to make your own nature motif gift wrap paper.
Sparkle Kitchen: Butternut Squash Chili
My favorite chili involves lots of canned goods, which are so much easier to keep on hand. It's also nearly vegetarian, with a butternut squash standing in admirably for the typical beef. Pop these ingredients into a pot, give it a stir, and enjoy the warm smell of it bubbling away!
New Stories for This Week
We have THREE new series out this week with brand new stories! You'll find these on the new Sparkle Streaming website.
Sparkle Kitchen: Gyoza
This week's recipe is another magical gift in a magical package—Japanese dumplings, called gyoza.
The Martin & Sylvia PRINTABLE Advent Calendar!
Here's a lovely little printable calendar to go with the Martin & Sylvia Audio Advent Calendar!
Nature School Project: Nature Touch Drawing
We are joined by Monique who will show us how to do nature touch drawings. Enjoy this engaging activity to help children improve their observation skills and deepen their understanding of nature.
Friday's Kind Words: A Bedtime Staple
Your stories are a bedtime staple for us and have helped give my kids a voice to their fears & their feelings of being overwhelmed. - Lisa
Sparkle Kitchen: Pizza Spirals
Fresh out of the oven, these pizza spirals make a terrific lunch after a morning of moving stones or even just raking leaves. Enjoy!
