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January 28th, 2012
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Yesterday in {Day Twenty Seven} I shared my first books to read to discover play. Today I finish off this list with a brief review.
Out of sync child has fun 
This book and the other books by the author are well thumbed in our home. For what seemed like a long time we were looking at Sensory processing disorder and we were recommended this book. I enjoyed the clear explanations and the practical activities. My boys thrived on these activities when product and sit down work wasn’t working. The range of activities based around the senses really helped support our simple ideas. The games are totally fun whether they are sensory seeking or not.
How children learn
A core text from University that took on new meaning when I had my second son. Lots of nod the head moments but the revision is well worth it. Now with two children this was really important for me to see how they were both learning at different rates. Yes everything I knew but this sleep deprived mum needed to read it again and be reassured and try newer methods
How children learn
Once I hit the preschool age with my first I began to notice all the different types of school. Even having heard of many before I really was curious to the principles and underlying methods of learning. With 28 different learning styles there was a handy place to look up brief ideas. This handy book helped me see how it’s often elements of different learning will help my child and not a dogged observance of one only. There are familiar people mentioned in play and this book talks about each of them.
Play = Learning: How Play Motivates and Enhances Children’s Cognitive and Social-Emotional Growth
All so often we just know that something is right. this book is a classic textbook with illustrations, research and analysis. Again not a read from cover to cover but certainly a fascinating read. I was excited to interview Dr Golinkoff and Dr Hirsh Pasek on the play podcast where they were able to take their research findings packed in this and other books to us all.
Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn–and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less
My all time favourite book buy for new parents. full of practical information. Another dip in and out book if you choose but easily a book to read from cover to cover. Lots of useful information that’s not just rehashes from things you already know. Really gives you pause for thought and challenge your play ideas. I’ve written about this book also here
What book have you read that have really influenced your play habits?
Click here to read the rest of the posts in the series, 31 Days to a more Playful Tot.
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January 27th, 2012
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We’re often locked in a way of play and playful thinking that’s based on our experience. More often than not that gives us some ideas but things change as our learning about play and young children increases. We also find we have children that behave differently and wish to tackle play in a different way than before.Wherever we are along this journey of play there are so many inspiring books to learn ideas and feel inspiration.
Today I’d like to share some of the favourites from my bookshelf.
Baby minds
This was probably one of the first books I saw that I loved the problem solving ideas for babies and young toddlers. it’s written by psychologists and child development experts. It wasn’t about do this and you’ll get amazing children but research based analysis and it really didn’t encourage the buying of stuff. It really fit with my newly developing ideas of how we wanted to raise our children. With ideas and tips for parents along with stories and evidence, this wasn’t a prescriptive approach. Plus it was easy to understand and use immediately.
Your child at play 
one-two years-Exploring, learning, making friends and pretending. I loved the reminders about how to integrate my work and my developing baby into the everyday routines. With down to earth ideas and lots of photographs I really had a strong feel from this book of how I could easily use everyday things around me in playful ways.
What’s going on in there? 
Much more a scientific book with explanations. I remember not a planning on reading this cover to cover but dipping in and out as needed. I enjoyed Chapter 14 Language and the developing brain and Nature, nurture and sex differences in intellectual development. The depth of knowledge is good for those tat want to dip further than the surface.
For more books see { Day Twenty Eight }
What books have been the foundation of your play learning?
Click here to read the rest of the posts in the series, 31 Days to a more Playful Tot.
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January 26th, 2012
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There are times when you have a spare 5 minutes and want to start something with the children. It helps to have an idea about where to find things to reduce the time spent in frustration looking for that one things. And yes it usually is one final thing that derails us and causes us to abandon the activity due to frustration, high emotions, and lack of time now.
We all need some back pocket go-to activities that can be found at a moments notice.
Here’s a start………….
Pinch and clip
Find everyday objects that pinch and clip and a willing partner. Read full instructions.
Sibling dice game
For those starting to count the idea of flipping numbers is exciting. Keeping one game altogether and out of reach is perfect for that quick 5 minute game. Everything is altogether and bonus is it is special as it only comes down when the parent takes it down. Read the instructions.
How curious?
Collect :: mount:: discuss all the while you are doing it together. Here we were in nature. Try magazines, newspaper or junk mail. . For full instructions.
What are your go to 5 minute activities?
Click here to read the rest of the posts in the series, 31 Days to a more Playful Tot.
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January 25th, 2012
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We do a lot of things on their behalf. We make sure they have good food, good play experiences and good times. I still get battles with my three year old though. He doesn’t often /always appreciate the choices he has…..can we say in a small voice- tantrum or melt down.
“It’s not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?”
~Henry David Thoreau
Have you listened to parents talk in the corridors; you on one side and they on the other . We have the funniest conversations. It makes you wonder what the children really think about things?
Today is the day to find out for fun.
This will work on your chatty under 5s.
Read More…
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January 24th, 2012
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Did you get a smartphone, ipod, or Kindle recently? Chances are you are loving the freedom of looking things up at a moments notice. Audio and video is something to look out for in the Early Childhood world. No I’m not talking about our little tots this time. I’m talking about us. We don’t always have time to flip through a book or magazine but we do have time when we’re going up and down during the day or perhaps folding laundry or working out when we have time to listen.
Read More…
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