It’s a rainy, yucky, terrible, no-good week! And that makes it perfect for a few fun at-home projects.

Here’s a recap of some of the best “make your own fun” projects we’ve featured over the past six months. Almost everything you need is probably already in your house, and I promise these projects are much easier than most YouTube tutorials!

Strega Who? This easy art project, based on the beloved children’s book “Strega Nona,” will keep the kids busy so you don’t have to.

Tactile Table: This is part science, part magic, and all educational fun. Once made it can be saved in a ziplock bag to be used over and over again.

Art To Keep Cool: Are you finding this summer heat unbearable? How about some art that’ll keep the kids cool while they get creative?

Feed The Birds: This bird feeder is not only zero-waste, it will also provide an afternoon activity that gives kids a chance to observe nature from their window for several days afterward.

I’m Huuuuungry! This healthy hummus will keep children’s fingers occupied and their tummies full.

For even more fun DIY projects, and to post pictures of what you make, feel free to join our DIY summer camp group by scanning the QR code below.

KEEP READING: DIY Summer Camp Week 2: Natural Shapes

Images: Unsplash

Children can understand basic fundamentals of money and its value by age 7 according to a University of Cambridge study. We asked TKè, a company that provides workshops for children to get more hands on experience with technology, for an app recommendation to assist in this. TKè works with schools like 3e International School to provide technology-based afterschool activities. According to the organization, “We believe improving children’s interpersonal skills and technological know-how will help them overcome the challenges and grasp the opportunities posed by 21st century technology.”
The app they recommend is the PiggyBot, a free iOS application for teaching children about money. The major drawback of the app is that the app can’t be synced across your iPhone, iPad, or iPod but can be downloaded on to each device. “This electronic piggybank’s simple interface and limited vocabulary makes it easy for children ages 6 and up to navigate. However the app does not explain what an allowance is, nor the difference between spending and saving; it facilitates that conversation between parents and their children. Parents can use the app to indicate how much allowance each child gets, and how much of that allowance must be saved or shared.”
“Once the electronic I owe you (IOU) is dispensed, each child can open his or her account and put the “money” into their respective “bins” (Spend, Share, Save). Children can then list their target purchases (e.g. a cupcake) and upload a picture of the item. They can also indicate who they want to share their “money” with, as well as remove “money” from their savings account (with parental permission). When a financial target is met, children can carry out the task with their parents’ help (e.g. purchasing the cupcake) and then indicate their accomplishment on the app. Once parents confirm the accomplishment, the child receives a badge!”
“Finally, parents can tap on a child and add a list of bonus chores the child can complete for extra money. Privacy is not an issue with this app, as it asks for nothing other than a parent’s email address for password recovery. No actual money is being transferred through the app, but it’s a great way for children to get used to online banking, and thinking of money in more abstract terms (i.e. debt and credit cards).”
“If you’re a busy parent, with older children, Green$treets may be the better choice. In this virtual world, children complete electronic “chores” to earn in-game currency. They can then use the currency to decorate their virtual playroom and rescue endangered species. The app implicitly teaches children the difficulty of earning money, and the importance of saving and donating what you earn.”

Green$treets
Platform: iOS
Price: Free

Piggy Bot
Platform: iOS
Price: Free

Contact Celia_y@tketech.co for info on camps and classes.

This article originally appeared on page 35 of the September 2016 Issue of beijingkids magazine. Click here for your free online copy. To find out how you can obtain a hard copy, contact distribution@truerun.com.

PHOTOS: Moneyisland.com, iTunes.com

It’s hot, it’s muggy, and it’s getting awfully close to Monday.

Here are some fun indoor activities to wile away your Sunday.

Bowling at Gongti 100

Who doesn’t love a good ‘ole game of bowling? Whether you strike out or only get gutter balls, it’s always fun, healthy competition. And if you’re looking for more activities in the area, check out our previous What’s Fun In Gongti here.

Explore China Science and Technology Museum

Science doesn’t get any more exciting than the China Science and Technology Museum. For a walking tour, click here. If you’re still in the mood, wander around the Bird’s Nest and cool off with water rides within the Happy Magic Water Cube Water Park.

Still lost on what to do this Sunday? Sign up for our weekly Top Picks Newsletter here.

Photo by Flickr user Ivanwalsh.com