Sensory play is only one of many developmentally appropriate activities for 6 – 12 month olds. At around the time of the 6 month mark, most families with new babies are beginning to settle in to a rhythm. There may still be some tweaking to do, but things are certainly a little calmer than they Read More
Play
There is truly not enough to say about the importance of play in lives of young children. Kids learn through play. Successful development in all areas (gross motor, fine motor, social-emotional, cognitive, sensory, etc.) is supported by giving children opportunities to play in both child-centered and adult-directed experiences. Playing with your baby or young child teaches them new things, helps them to feel loved and safe, and allows them to explore their world. A child who “plays in the presence of” a secure adult learns to take risks, manage disappointments, and marvel in their successes. Here you’ll find more about how incorporating play sets the stage for a lifelong love of learning in your child.
Baby, Its Cold Outside! (Part 1)
Yet another way of empowering parents, caregivers and teachers. Let’s be honest, as it gets darker and colder, no one really wants to take young children to the park. It’s always been remarkable to me that children don’t seem to feel the frigid temperatures in the same way adults do. From an educators’ standpoint, gross Read More
2 More, Fun (And Educational) Fall Activities
1. Decorate A Pumpkin: Babies can explore the texture, weight, smell, size and let’s be realistic, taste, of a pumpkin, simply by having it in their play space. Toddler will love using craypas or face paint crayons to decorate them. Older toddlers can peel stickers for decoration and preschoolers will love using paints. Children in Read More
3 Fun (And Educational) Fall Activties
Fall is here in full force. Whether your child is transitioning into school for the first time or has headed back to grade school, chances are you are looking for ways to enrich their learning…not to mention have some fun together! Here are 5 activities that are perfect for the Fall. 1. “Collected Leaves” Collage: Read More
My Favorite Things: Homemade Play Dough
Next time there’s a snow day (or sick, rainy, “I’m bored” day), be prepared! Keep the ingredients in your pantry and you’ll always have a project. Homemade Play Dough 1c Flour 1Tbsp Oil 1c Water 1/2c Salt 2Tbsp Cream of Tartar Food Coloring of Choice Mix all ingredients except food coloring in a pot. Nonstick Read More
The Value of a Cardboard Box
I can’t tell you how many times I hear from parents and friends that they bought their child a wonderful new toy, and the child was more fascinated by the cardboard box. My father, beaming with pride, recounts the story of buying a new refrigerator in the late 1970’s and giving my ecstatic brother the Read More
Plan to Play: Tell A Story
Recently, I wrote an article for a website about preparing young children with special needs for mainstream kindergarten. Needless to say, this had me thinking about the skills I would hope all children entering kindergarten would have. Before entering kindergarten, most 4-5 year olds should have the ability to speak in sentences, understand the sequence of story, Read More
5 Do-It-Yourself Warm Weather Science Activities Kids Will Love
Sometimes the park can keep children busy for hours, and other days it’s just doesn’t cut it. Be prepared! These activities are sure to keep your children engaged and may even teach them a little about science along the way! 1-Use Water– Go to the dollar store and keep spray bottles, paint rollers and paint brushes in Read More
Plan to Play: The Animals on the Bus
For most children, farm animals are a standard toy chest item. Two of my favorites are Soft Touch Baby Farm Animals and Aurora My Barnyard Friends Carrier with Sounds. For a barn and animal set, the Fisher Price Little People Animal Sounds Farm is a favorite! The problem is, one can only play with animals Read More
Plan to Play: Feed The Baby
As far as I am concerned, all young children (yes, even boys) should have a baby doll. Feeding a baby doll is a great way to introduce young children to pretend play. What You’ll Need: -Baby Doll -Real or pretend spoon, bowl, saucepan, bottle, napkin, and any other items you might use to prepare a meal Read More