Thursday, July 22, 2010

Not Just for Laid Off Parents: Kids Activities Ideas

This article is geared toward parents who've gone through a lay off and are suddenly home with the kids all day, but I thought it had some good ideas for all parents. In fact, thanks to this article, I found a splash pad in my area. Never heard of 'me before, nor would I have without reading this article.

From Lay Off to Stay-at-Home-Parent: Keeping the Kids Busy

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Hot Toys for Summer

The Today show had a segment this morning about summer toys for kids. There were some interesting ideas in there, although they all require purchasing something. Still, it's worth a look.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Monday, July 12, 2010

Baby Beluga Song By Raffi Becomes Book

At the bookstore the other day, I chanced upon a new board book called Baby Beluga. I have a life long love of the ocean and its animals, so I was delighted with the book and, with what is happening in the Gulf of Mexico, it seems especially bittersweet now.

Little did I know that Baby Beluga the book is based on a popular children's song performed by Raffi.

What a great pairing; a book and a song in one!

Our toddler loves this book and the song. Yours will too. Order the book here.

Here are some 'music videos' of the song to share with your tot.



Saturday, July 10, 2010

Free Activities for Kids: 5 Things to Do Today with Your Kids

Here are five simple and fun activities for kids that take minimal preparation and set up--perfect for summer's slower pace.

1.Watch the clouds while laying on a blanket and eating a popcicle.

2. Do the Hokey Pokey. Seriously. Just do it. Here's a video with music to get you started.


Now do it again!

3.Balance a ping pong ball on a spoon. Put a ping pong (or similar) ball on a spoon and see who can carry it the longest without dropping the ball. Create an obstacle course if you're feeling really ambitious.

4. Play 'What am I?'  This is a fun guessing game that works critical thinking skills. Adjust the clues accordingly for age. Here's an example.

I am small.
I have wings.
I'm red and black.
I'm a real lady.
What am I?

5.Play I Spy with flashlights in the dark. This is best done at night, but a dim room would work too. Use flashlights as pointers. Kids love to play with flashlights! We do this a lot at bedtime and there's no more complaining about having to got to bed--they can't wait to turn on their flashlights.

Great Free Preschool Curriculum

Check out this simple and wonderful preschool curriculum at Letter of the Week.com. Lots of great ideas and things to do that will keep busy toddlers busy.

Did I mention it appears to be a free preschool curriculum?

Can't beat that!

Note: This is not my preschool curriculum that I was working on in March. That has been shelved temporarily since I was seriously ill shortly after that last post.