I love blogs about play that feature a variety of play activities. There is the argument, I guess , that if you are a generalist of everything then you are great at nothing! But I really enjoy giving a taste of things to my boys. There are plenty of blogs that write on ONE aspect of play that I read and follow as well. There is something about seeing another parent struggle with things but the children love it that I feel drawn to. After all play isn’t just about us but stepping out of our comfort zone to give them many different experiences. Both blogs are really candid about their outcomes, struggles and share their joy through clear photographs and explanations.
I feel they experience play with their little ones.
Now it’s your turn to share………..
Raising Playful Tots is an Internet radio or Podcast available 24hrs a day . Host: Melitsa Avila of Play Activities. Download each episode yourself visit each show notes to do this or have iTunes do this automatically for you.
Week 31st Jan 2010: Imaginary play. What do you do? How do you introduce it ? and how do you keep it fresh and exciting? Stef Green of Stefstation.com shares some novel ideas that work. She gives listeners a special early bird or should I say early owl offer. Listen to the show to find out about this special gift.
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This is a guest post by Tonya Wright. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.
10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Book for Your Preschooler
Unless you are looking for a specific book, walking into the local bookstore or neighborhood library can be overwhelming if you have no idea where to begin! Preschoolers are vastly different from the toddlers they once were. Younger children are quite happy with books that have simplistic illustrations and minimal text. Somewhere around the age of three, and sometimes around the age of two-and-a-half, children began to crave more sophisticated literacy experiences. Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you are wandering aimlessly amid rows and rows of books!
1. Are the illustrations appropriate, engaging, and relevant? Young children are understandably drawn to pictures before text, so choose books that have photographs or illustrations that depict emotion and/or activity. See if the illustrations reflect and enhance the text. Also, ensure that the illustrations are appropriate and reflect the values you want to instill. For example, some of the Curious George books, depict smoking. That is not to say that you have to avoid Curious George books, (I happen to like the little guy) but whenever you select a book, you should be informed about what you are purchasing.
2. Are the text and the illustrations bias-free? Look for books that fairly depict children of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities. Select books that do not perpetuate gender stereotypes. For example, in books about community helpers are the women depicted to be teachers and nurses while the men are depicted as fireMEN and policeMEN?
3. Is the text appropriate for my child’s developmental level? You want to choose books that have words that preschoolers can understand, but you also want to provide children with opportunities to learn new words as well. Preschoolers also like text that is predictable, rhythmic, and easy to memorize. And don’t be afraid to choose books that have NO WORDS! Wordless books offer great opportunities to create new stories over and over again!
4. Does the story inspire the imagination? Young children enjoy pretending; imaginary play is an important part of cognitive growth and development. Choose books that encourage children to think or imagine beyond the pages of the book.
5. Do you as the adult find the book interesting? As adults we often unconsciously pass on our own fears, likes, and dislikes onto children. Sometimes it is ok to choose books that YOU enjoyed as a child. Passing on your excitement and love for reading is a good thing!
6. Will your child be interested in the subject? Preschoolers enjoy books that describe experiences to which they can relate or ideas that they can imagine. Books about going to school, visiting relatives, or taking trips are relatable subjects for many young children. If your child has a particular interest, such as cars or horses, choose books on that subject. In addition, use books to expose your child to new subjects that they might not otherwise experience!
7. Does the book encourage interaction? Although not every book will be interactive, it’s a good idea to choose some that are. Books that encourage your child to follow directions, search for a hidden object, open/close flaps, or perform other actions help children to understand that reading is not a passive activity!
8. What is the purpose of the book? Select a variety of books that serve a variety of purposes. Some books are humorous, others are meant to teach a concept or moral lesson. Other books are written to give children information about various subjects and other books help.
9. Is this a non-fiction book, and if so, is it accurate? Preschoolers have a funny little obsession with they word WHY! Young children are natural scientists who have an innate desire to learn about the world around them. Encourage this trait by selecting books that will expand children’s knowledge about their world. When choosing non-fiction books such as biographies or informational books, do your best to ensure that you are selecting books that are easily understandable and accurate.
10. Will my child want to read this book more than once? Think of choosing a book as an investment. When you invest in a new car or a new couch, you plan on using those items over and over again. Think of a book the same way! When your preschooler asks to read his favorite book for the 100th time, realize that children learn with repeated exposure. So choose books that you and your child will want to read over and over.
Tonya Wright has over twenty years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She has taught preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten. She has professional interests in Reggio Emilia, the project approach and the RIE approach and has a deep passion for early learning with a special interest in language and literacy. Tonya’s undergraduate work is in Early Childhood Education and Psychology and received her Masters Degree in Educational Technology. Tonya has been published in various national, state, and local teacher magazines and newsletters. She is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Recently Tonya began her Room to Grow blog and she also writes for Literacy Connections.
What was interesting about this activity was that I didn’t show him what to do. I put down a coloured pencil and paper. Then I put him inside the high chair.
Then went off and waited………………. I was close by doing something else but I could see him. Many times I’m happy to let him play by himself but today I wanted to watch him a little. Do you still watch yours a little? We used to watch them a lot when they were newborn babies. They were so cute and snuggly we listened to their snuffles and their little movements. I know that now I’m often redirecting redirecting……………did I say redirecting? and playing with him that the observing part gets lost.
I had a moment where I looked busy but was really watching him.
In that short period of time between observing and snapping that picture here’s what I saw.
investigation
experimenting
tasting
touching
movement
flapping
following his own agenda
independence
fun
concentration
talking to the paper
talking to me
rolling the pencil
examining
looking over the edges ( dropped pencil)
At the end there was one line, a broken pencil and paper on the floor. So much learning and fun had taken place. Not everything in play is visible and obvious. I’m glad I took time to observe him playing. I highly recommend it.
So I have a big confession. This is the first time in over 6 years that I will be leaving my children for 4 days and 3 nights.
I know. I know I should have done this a lot sooner but being a military wife and having a husband with an all over the place work schedule has meant that I have been flexible to our families needs and well………neglected my own somewhat!
New year new priorities. I have been blogging for a while and decided that this year I would be going to Blissdom in Nashville, Tn. I want to meet more people like me in real life.
I’m totally excited, anxious & nervous because it’s this week!
As a military family we’re used to irregular work schedules and moving but the common denominator in all of this has been me. I’ve always been there. I’m sure they will be fine without me. I want it to be a positive experience for everyone. I don’t want to come back to a nightmare after experiencing Bliss. From past experiences it is hard to keep them focused on the here and now. They were always on the countdown to when Daddy was coming home or we would see daddy.
Since I blog about play activities here are two easy activities that took less than 15 minutes to do ( 10 of that was finding the books). I guess I could print out a few activities from the newsletter ( right sidebar) since I have the inside track but I think this time Daddy has plenty of play activities up his sleeve.
So what do you do for your children when you decide to go to a blogging conference ?
Use the conference material
We received some popcorn in our Blissdom packages. (Plus a lot of other amazing goodies) I know they will be munching those and eating my share on Friday night during family night fun. We can connect through that. They get a larger share ( always welcomed with popcorn). I also bought their favourite pizza so they should be lots of smiles that night. We received two packets so we get to share one together when I get back.
Record bedtime stories
I know I will be busy so as much as I want to check in with everyone I don’t know if I will and when. While they maybe happy not to hear my voice I think really they will miss hearing me around the house.
I’ve recorded three stories for them to listen to for bedtime. This is a special treat in itself because they don’t get on the computer that much and here is mum saying come on the computer anytime and listen to a story.
It is really easy to do. Download Audacity. Install. Connect your headphones with mic or use your current computer. Record your story. For more instructions on how to do this see create your own. You can also burn your home stories to CD to play in their room. But I know mine will love to come to the computer and listen. That will be special for them. Doning the headphones and grabbing that book.
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books, (I happen to like the little guy) but whenever you select a book, you should be informed about what you are purchasing.
For the BG
For the LO
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