A wooden spoon isn’t always a spoon. A cardboard box isn’t always a box. Sometimes the most ordinary objects become the starting point for extraordinary ideas. This challenge is all about seeing everyday household items in new ways. Gather Your Gear - One or more everyday household items - Paper - Pencil, crayons, or markers - Optional: tape, string, cardboard, recycled materials, or other supplies if you decide to build your idea. Steps 1. Explore your home and choose one or more everyday household items. For an extra challenge, pick one item from different rooms of the house. 2. Look closely at each item and ask, “What else could this be?” Write down or say as many ideas as you can before choosing a favorite. 3. Sketch your favorite new use or invention. Don’t worry about making it look perfect. Focus on showing your idea. 4. If you can, build a simple prototype using the item and any other materials you have available. 5. Test your idea. What worked well? What surprised you? 6. Finish by asking: - What would I keep the same? - What would I change next time? - What new idea did this inspire? Twist Combine two unrelated household items into one brand-new invention. For example, what could a whisk and a flashlight become? Or a laundry basket and a pillow? Variations by Age Ages 3–6 Choose one object together. Ask questions like, “Could this be a hat? A telescope? A dragon tail?” Draw one favorite idea, then use the real object to pretend together. Ages 7–12 Challenge yourself to think of at least ten different uses before choosing one to sketch or build. Add labels to your drawing to explain how your invention works. Ages 13–17 Think like an inventor or product designer. What real problem could your new creation solve? Build a simple prototype if possible, then reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how you would improve Version 2.

Greetings! As we welcome new members from other platforms like Facebook and Instagram, navigating Skool can be a bit confusing but after a day or two, it’s pretty easy to navigate. Here are some quick explanations. I’m working on a visual too. The landing page "Community" tab at top will be general discussions. This is where I will let you know about new items play prompts, games, and general conversation. Join in the conversations! We value your perspective. The "Classroom" tab is where you will find all labs and other resources. This is for you. The "Members" tab shows you all members of the community. The "Map" tab shows where all members are located on the earth The "Leaderboards" tab will show people that are engaging within the community. This platform was designed for human engagement (which I love because I'm a “online people person"). If you click on your profile picture, you'll see your engagement score. You have a different engagement scores for each community you join on the platform based on your engagement in that space. Jump in and join a conversation. I’m so happy you’re here! I’ve tagged our newest members. Why not pop in and say Hi? @Caitlin Siegers @Jake Newton @Dana Britton @Becca Kluchka @T M @Sophie Swallow @Leah Connolly @Kaitlyn Fair @Samantha Cross @Lauren O'Rourke @Lyndal P @Shelly Boyes @Tania Petrone @Natalee Pinnock @Sarah O Toole @Biyinzika Joshua @Neha Verma @Lani Carey @LaWanda Walker @Ashleigh Pollard @Senka Kovacevic @N Nijdam @Corrie Herrin @Stacey Hayward @Iryna Miroshnychenko @Abs F @Hira Palla @Dan Mowinski @Gen G

Is there anyone else in this community that’s also in Crust & Crumb Academy. I know @Sandy Chong and @Gwen Roach are. I’m asking because I don’t want to bore you but I want to encourage you and the kids in your life to come up with a kitchen ritual that works for you. Why kitchen and why ritual? First, it gives everyone something to look forward to. It doesn’t have to be weekly, it could be tied to a holiday or some other fun family activity. Second, you’re creating long-term memories. The kids may not remember the exact food item but will often recall the feeling kitchen time evoked. Third, but not least, kitchen time, opens up so many avenues of conversation. The kitchen creates opportunities for light conversation, exploration, and so much more. So, what’s your kitchen ritual or favorite kitchen memory?

I’m not sure what the weather is like where you live but here in Tennessee, the heat and humidity are back. Let’s talk about our favorite treats to beat the heat. Choose one from the poll and share your favorite memory, later today, I’ll share a fun kitchen activity or you can check out the Curious Kitchen #Day 3: Magic Oobleck for something fun.

I had the pleasure of having brunch with community member and Unplug & Play Summit speaker @Betty Jo Winters. We had a lovely meal and a great conversation. Have you meet a Skooler in real life?