You’ve heard about it before—parents going through considerable time, effort and expense to select just that perfect toy. Usually it's the latest and greatest, but , more often than not, their little one seems much more interested in playing with the packaging it came in. How about you? Did your kiddo have more interest and fun ripping wrapping paper off and away than playing with the gift inside? Children don’t need a lot of bells and whistles to PLAY. In fact, I’d go so far as to say all … [Read more...]
Dear Dinosaur: T Rex on Tour, A Book Review
Dinosaur Week at preschool was always an anticipated time. Everyone's imaginations was captivated by dinosaurs! So I was very excited to read the copy of Dear Dinosaur: T. Rex on Tour by Chae Strathie I received from B-E-S Publishing. OVERVIEW The general story line: A young boy named Max visits his local museum of history with the intent of viewing the dinosaurs. Once there, though, he discovers the exhibit is closed as the dinosaurs are on tour. Following a suggestion that Max write T. Rex … [Read more...]
PEPS–A Family Affair
When I am invited to speak at a PEPS group I look forward to it for many reasons. I’m very happy to be able to share the importance of PLAY, and its many benefits, of course, with new parents. I love to give them PLAY-based learning activities they can do with their babies. And, I like to take every opportunity to emphasize the importance of immersing babies in language right from the start. But the BEST thing about speaking at a PEPS group? In a word: BABIES! I am over-the-moon thrilled to see … [Read more...]
PLAY for ALL at the Child Safety Fair
PopUP PLAY Date for Preschoolers
“Will you be here tomorrow?” Words from the mamas that had brought their kiddos out to my PopUP PLAY Date at the Kingsgate Library. Well, I wouldn’t be doing another one the very next day, but it DID make me feel good to know they’d have wanted that! A couple of the Moms went to the info desk to share how much they loved the event (sadly the librarians did not show any enthusiasm: “It’s not a library program.” Hmm, maybe it SHOULD be!!) Mr Teacher Karen is pathologically objective—trying to … [Read more...]