January 27th, 2012 31 days to a more Playful Tot {Day Twenty seven} Books to read to discover play Posted by Melitsa in 31 days, Memes, play activities

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?

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January 26th, 2012 31 days to a more Playful Tot {Day Twenty Six} Quick 5 minute activities Posted by Melitsa in 31 days, Memes, play activities

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.

January 25th, 2012 31 days to a more Playful Tot {Day Twenty Five} Asking the children Posted by Melitsa in 31 days, Memes, play activities

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.

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January 24th, 2012 31 days to a more Playful Tot {Day Twenty four} Goodness for your ears Posted by Melitsa in 31 days, Memes, play activities

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.

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January 23rd, 2012 31 days to a more Playful Tot {Day Twenty Three} Problem solving Posted by Melitsa in 31 days, Media, play activities, Sites to visit

Some days you just get blown away by the simplicity of a message. Today was that day.

Do you ever find yourself  doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. What about the children do you see that in them? How do you get them to move to a point where they can set simple goals and achieve them. Concentrate and persevere in an age appropriate manner.

I’m a totally a visual person so really appreciated Dr Becky Bailey  demonstrations and explanation on the importance of developing the executive state in the frontal lobe. Before you switch off thinking oh no brain science how will this impact my child let me encourage you with a few highlights.

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