We love our Advent Calendar activities and by now you are probably well into your activities too!

We like to get a Christmas book each year to add to our collection . As they get older the books change.  The story is the same or is it? We all celebrate Christmas the same and differently. My children can’t imagine a Christmas when it’s not snow or cold.

Here are some books I would recommend to share with your family about Christmas traditions around the world.

Christmas Around the World

The Legend of Old Befana

Christmas Around the World

The Legend of the Poinsettia

What books do you have that show Christmas around the world?

Celebrate Christmas with a trip around the world is a post from: Play-Activities.com
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Well at least I believe so!

photo credit: Pinkpollyanna

I was surprised to see the link in the NYTimes over the weekend Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children

We love picture books here and I can’t imagine forgoing picture books and substituting them with chapter books.

I wonder if though if it’s something to do with who chooses the books that the children read. When I go to the library to get books I’m drawn to the picture book section. There are many ways that we choose our books. Sometimes I choose them all while they are at school but more often they come with me and we choose together. I love to find books with an aim and purpose in mind. It’s not often that I go to the library or bookshop with a totally open mind.

Recently  I have been on a quest to find books where my boys will see themselves represented as brown-skinned boys in a positive light. During the summer I was looking for books based on stories from around the world. Next month I want to find some art books.

However when my husband goes to the bookshop or library he is drawn to the cartoon section, authors that I don’t know, chapter books and magazines. We have widely differing tastes in books. Luckily for the children they get to experience both our styles.  If I or my husband solely choose the books I know the kids would have had a strong leaning to a type of book. We can’t help that. I don’t think that’s uncommon an approach.

Now we have the book shops layout themselves. I’ve always been disappointed with the shelf space devoted to hardback picture books in the two book shops that were local to me in the States; Barnes and Noble and Borders. Both seemed to have lots of space devoted to hardbacks that make us parents weep. Not just the cost but the dust jacket is easy to rip with little fingers. Hardback books just don’t stand up to the hardcore love that preschoolers inflict. Well certainly not in our home. I really didn’t want the books to be so special that they can’t be handled but the kids did need to treat them well. Skating on them was really a no-no activity even though they make excellent skis.

I preferred paperback  or board book picture books. I can buy another copy. We’re on our third copy of The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. The kids can handle them without the spine popping or pages coming adrift. At least that has been our experience. A well handled book is a well loved book.

So here is the dilemma!

There are hardly any paperback books on the shelf for me to browse and buy but there are heaps of hardbacks. I’ll walk by these then. I happily support my local library where they have many paperbacks and covered in plastic. It works for us. I have noticed in Waterstones that there are more paperbacks to view than I was used to in the States but these are just based on three local shops and not really representative of the countries . How is it where you live?

If you’re a family on a budget. You’re offered more hardbacks than paperbacks, a lot more in a book store. You’re hearing from school that they need to be reading more or more fluent it might be easier to take a stroll over to the chapter books.

I don’t know the solution. I know we love our picture books and will continue to buy both paperback and the occasional hardback book. We listen to stories as well via the computer or an audio CD, more so recently. We have chapter books but are mindful that the chapter book doesn’t become the be all and end all of reading. We have a lot of discussion around picture books and that skill I would not give up for all the chapter books in the world.

How do you choose your books? Do you have a preference about picture books vs Chapter books?

Picture books are here to stay is a post from: Play-Activities.com
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How do you come up with play ideas for your kids? And, perhaps even more importantly, how do your kids come up with play ideas for themselves?

During holiday periods I, like many parents, plan ahead for games and activities we will get up to – using blogs I love (perhaps ones I’ve recently discovered via the Raising Playful Tots Index) but I also want to give my kids the tools to plan and create for themselves, and a rich vein of inspiration for my two kids comes in the form of picture books I read to them. Although it doesn’t always happen (and even when it does, it can be weeks after we’ve read the book) often my kids will create their own games and activities inspired by what they’ve read and listened to.

Three great books we’ve recently enjoyed (with my hope that they’ll sow the seed of inspiration when the time comes) are all about what can be done when it seems like there’s nothing to do.

Something to Do by David Lucas

Perfect for toddlers, this simply illustrated book is full of the adventures a baby bear gets up to having bounced on his dad complaining that there’s nothing to do until Dad finally gives in. Using a twig to draw, baby bear and his dad create places to explore, with no set agenda, just following the lines they make with their sticks.

Nothing to Do by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin

Stunningly illustrated with immense detail this book is a delight for slightly older children. Nothing to Do celebrates how wonderful it can be to actually have nothing to do; instead of needing to rush to this activity or onto another class, instead of always being timetabled, days where there is nothing to do are actually something to be relished. Such days are full of endless, exciting possibilities – as you and your kids pour over the glorious illustrations you’ll all come up with ideas of your own, from making toy ships to watching clouds, from making paper airplanes to re-reading your favourite books.

Let’s do nothing by Tony Fucile

A great all-rounder this book will have everyone in the family laughing! Two young boys have done everything they can think of doing and all that is left to try now is – quite literally – doing nothing. It turns out, however, that doing nothing is much harder than anyone had realised! The comic strip style illustrations are full of energy and there are jokes for the adults as well as the kids in this pacey debut from one of the animators behind Finding Nemo and The Incredibles.

One of my stock go-to activities if we seem to have run out of anything to do is to put on some music and just dance with the kids. Here are some great songs that go wonderfully with these three fantastic books about doing nothing:

And if you do want to prepare some activities for your kids taking your cue from these books, here are some I think would work brilliantly alongside reading these stories:

Zoe Toft is a mum of two young girls and they really love words and they really love to make stuff.
Sometimes they make or do something and they want a good book (or poem / song / audiobook) that continues the game, that captures some of the magic we’ve enjoyed. Sometimes it’s the other way round and they read a great book which inspires them to get the glue and glitter out.

Either way, they’ve always got plenty of books around the house, boxes of “crafty stuff” and a desire to have fun. However, her memory is /terrible/ So Playing by the book is Zoe’s way of celebrating and reminding herself of many of the things they get up to as a family, of the books they’ve read and loved and that you might just fall in love with too.

What to do when “there is nothing to do”? is a post from: Play-Activities.com
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Back in January I outlined a few books I wanted to read this year because I wanted to parent more intentionally.

How?

By seeking out information as I would for anything I’m learning.

As usual I’ve been sidetracked and have read lots of others things but I will get back to my list.

Since I read a lot of books for pure pleasure and escapism and the non fiction usually has an immediate purpose or need. I was happy to see a book that was written to inspire me.

Lighting Their Fires: Raising Extraordinary Children in a Mixed-up, Muddled-up, Shook-up World

First of all, I love books written by teachers. I feel like I’m in the classroom with them and so much of what they write I feel empathy towards.  Rafe is an elementary school teacher. I have a son that is in elementary school. Also I felt that whatever he had to say could relate to the rest of the family. I wasn’t wrong.

The book was split up into innings. The game metaphor goes throughout the book which for me was tough going as I am not into this particular sport. However, it didn’t spoil the reading of the book and I got the gist of what was being said even if I didn’t quite understand the play by play. Rafe has a easy reading style that mixes common sense parenting with real examples and ideas of how he’s seen it work.

As with all inspirational work. There was a lot of head nodding with agreement and “Yep. Done that.” But the difference in this book wasn’t that he was trying to teach some secret formula to happiness but instead, I feel, he was reminding us the secret is in what we give to our children. The gifts of things that can’t be bought but nevertheless need to be taught or is that caught.

The typical layout of the book is a story about the game the students are watching or what happens while they are in the stadium. He points out some elements of the story and how he would deal with it to illustrate his point. The final section of the chapter are ways that we as parents can work on these points with our children.

Some of the many points he hits on that had meaning for me

1. Using weekends to teach time management.
2. Punctuality and its ramifications in life.
3. Time and history
4. The intellectual backpack
5. Paying attention and working to focus

Throughout the book , Rafe illustrates his points with movie and book titles and examples to direct you towards making this happen in your family. He does make it look easy but he’s had plenty of time to develop this style. However the points hit home and the ideas are possible. He’s not an extremist but does have some firm views on television, reading, Shakespeare and a few other things that may surprise. Fortunately these are ideas not a method that you must follow to the letter so it’s easy to dip and choose what will work well for your family without feeling that you’ve taken all the fun things out of life. He offers lots of fun ideas but they do require a willingness to change your world view.

As with all inspirational books or how to books. If you’re reading it is because you need it, usually, and where you’re at now and where the book is leading maybe poles apart and seem unrealistic or even unobtainable. However, this book mustn’t be overlooked because of it’s commonsense notions. The story give you a chance to substitute your family and see how it would work for you. Slow implementation is one thing I got from this book as well as be intentional about what you want your children to be.

The opportunities they have later are reduced by the choices we give them now. That’s not always about money. There are plenty of things we can work on with our children that have nothing to do with money.

I read the hardback version and with 195 pages is a quick read. I read small sections at a time and took my time with the book making notes and really thinking about how I would apply this to my family. It would have made a good non fiction book club book to share with other parents. Especially for the opportunity to share resources and experiences. This is what I enjoyed the most about this book was talking to others, mostly my husband. It gave us a chance to put into words what we thought we both knew about raising our children. Namely that we want them to  be “..extraordinary in a mixed up muddled up shook up world” and the way to do this is have a plan, a path, and a direction that we both agree on- said out loud.

I’ve read before some book and movie reviews and people are disappointed if they are not wowed by the entire book. I guess I’m easily satisfied because I’m happier to have a few take away points from the books I read. This book wasn’t an electrifying read. I did learn a lot of things and it made self reflective and talk more. He talks a walk I’m familiar with so there were a lot of head bobbing moments. I’m all for having more ideas and examples up my sleeve. Raising children……… I’ll take everything I can get.

It’s a book I would recommend to parents anytime up to before their children go to elementary school. It gives you a school overview and perspective namely that parents and teachers must work in partnership and not us and them. If that is a radical concept then this book will knock your socks off. For those almost there or there then this book will show you concrete ways to inspire your children to be less mediocre and more extraordinary. Extraordinary in an age appropriate way.

Lighting their fires is a post from: Play-Activities.com
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Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn–and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less

Contest winner & comment:
Larry H. (cakeblast)
cakeblast.comThe best parenting book I have ever read is “To Train Up A Child” By Michael and Debi Pearl.
Larry H. (cakeblast)´s last blog ..Funny Foto Friday XXl My ComLuv Profile

Congratulations! Book on its way

Einstein contest winner is a post from: Play-Activities.com
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Thanks for the entries this contest is now closed

I have a few favourite books that I have out a lot ,read and comment about. I was talking to a friend the other week and we got to talking about how hard it is to find books that teach and are practical. As the conversation went on I knew I had to share my top favourite book Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn–and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less

Cover via Amazon

We were walking and talking.  As we got home I was happy to show the book but really couldn’t give up my dog eared copy. I was wondering if we could make a virtual parenting play list……..what books have you read that you feel every parent should read?

Since this is a blog about play books that are play related would be great but parenting books in general are fine.

Contest

• What parenting book is your Top 3 must read list? It touched you in someway and you talk about it all the time or would recommend it?
• Leave the book title ( and author if you know it) in the comments. If you can share a little bit about the book that would be great but optional.

For an additional entry

• Tweet: @playactivities My must read parenting book ” add your title”

Contest is open to Canada, US and Europe. Is there an Amazon in Australia? Void where prohibited.

Contest is open today, Monday 15 February and closes Midnight Sunday 21st February 2010 MST.

Winner is chosen by random.org.

Winner is contacted via email left in the comments. It’s automatically captured once you enter it once in the second box. ( name, email, comment)

Winner must reply with postal address within 48hrs otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Looking forward to your entries……………………..

(Disclosure: I will be buying and sending the book. )

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 7th Feb 2010: There are no mistakes in Art! Help! You want to try Art but oh not really…. MaryLea of  pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com shares her inspirational art ideas for the little ones and shares some practical ways to try Art suitable for all levels and stages. Listen to the show .

Keep up to date with new show by signing up for the newsletter. When you sign up for the newsletter you get a free 11 page special report 10 ways to extend your child’s play. New show on Wednesday!

Einstein never used flashcards contest is a post from: Play-Activities.com
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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 100^th time, realize that children learn with repeated exposure. So choose books that you and your child will want to read over and over.

Find an example of each book over at Tonya’s blog

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.

10 Questions to ask when choosing a book for your preschooler is a post from: Play-Activities.com
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“Use your imagination”.

One of those things I heard and now utter myself. In order to use your imagination you have to have one. So how do you get an imagination? One way we like to start is with books.

Just letting your kids browse is a great thing to do. Whenever you can, especially rainy days or snow days when you’re feeling like curling up with a book anyway. Wrap everyone up and head to the local bookshop or library.

One thing I love is to receive books for the kids from other people. Other people choose the best books. We all have our own likes and ones we gravitate towards, favourite authors and publishers. Other people give us a gift as we bring these new books into the family.

Here are two books we received!

You Choose!
and Mixed Up Fairy Tales

Having thumbed through it myself I thought it would be fun not to say much about it but give it to the two older children.

You choose is a series of pictures on the page. You choose what you need from each page to make up your story. You can live in the country and the city, farm or lighthouse. The point is…………..You Choose. Each page is full of huge range of objects and places. We have silly stories as well as serious ones. For the child that is not reading this is a lovely way they can make up a story based on the mechanics they already know from listening to stories. Those learning to read here is a fun way of ‘reading’ a story without the pressure. We have great opportunities for read aloud storytelling sessions using voices and everything.

Mixed up Fairy tales is an excellent flip through book. We have a treasury book of fairy tales that we go through. They love to hear the same stories over and over. The mixed up fairy tales gives them a chance to play with the stories by randomly flipping the flaps and mix and matching the story. The biggest fun so far is trying to give a new title to the story.

Reading is a pleasure when it is fun. If you enjoy a book you’re likely to try another. There are plenty of funny books that appeal to the little ones. We like these two because we get to play around with stories. Something we don’t usually do. It feels special to mix them up and make something up that is totally mine. They have the scaffold of the familiar tale or the objects and places they see but what they produce is totally theirs……….they get to use their imagination.

I see that teddy, the LO, the dog and anyone within range is ordered to sit down while the MO or the BG read them a story. To see little boys reading, laughing and trying another version over and over again is always worth seeing.

What books do you recommend that are short on words but encourage you to make up stories from what you see?

2 books that encourage imagination in young children is a post from: Play-Activities.com
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