Children and Mother Nature--I’ve said it before and I’ll said it again: Children are supposed to BE in and amongst Her! Here’s just a brief summary of some of the benefits of children and Mother Nature: ● Just as PLAY addresses all developmental areas in children, so too, does being in Nature by... ◦Supporting Problem-Solving and Creativity ◦Increasing Children's Ability to Focus ◦Improving Social Relations ◦Supporting Physical Development ◦Improving Impulse Control and … [Read more...]
March’s Lion with a name Tornado? DIY Tornado in a Bottle
Tornadoes? Whatever happened to March coming in like a Lion and going out like a Lamb? It appears after yesterday’s report of a tornado—touching down in Monroe—I’d say the Lion is still here! It was my understanding, though, the PNW wasn’t considered part of Tornado Alley! But a tornado can be the basis for an activity for your child. Add a classic movie and you’ve got the makings for a fun and memorable project, one that has some science behind it too! Yours in Play! Teacher … [Read more...]
The Night Sky
Not too long ago there were seven (7!) new Earth-sized planets discovered! They orbit around their own 'sun' but don't appear to have any moons. Of course, at a distance of approximately 40 light years away, these planets probably aren’t going to be visited by humans any time soon. Recall 1 light year is a shy 6 trillion miles. That would put these planets 6,000,000,000,000 miles! But we can use this discovery to spark an interest in our NIGHT SKY! Over the Moon About Books... There are some … [Read more...]
Supporting Their Development Through Play: Your Toddler
As your child transitions from a baby to a toddler, the number one characteristic you’ll notice is their growing need for autonomy... Independence and self-determination comes through loud and clear: “I do it!” or “MINE!” Asserting herself and expressing himself verbally is completely normal for children this age and something parents need to encourage. The more you can support their desire to make decisions and to figure things out the better! In fact, studies indicate this strategy of … [Read more...]
Make Time for Forts! Fort Building for FUN
FORT Building 101 Fort building is FUN—obviously, but also: 1. Building forts channels and develops your child’s inner engineer. I have to support that! Fort building requires problem-solving, divergent and creative thinking--all skills needed in engineering! 2. Fort building will consume your child’s interest and focus for long periods of time! Time needed for decision-making and planning—making use of rudimentary architectural skills; Time for actual construction—employing … [Read more...]