Indoor Play Outdoor Play Using Play Prompts Small World Play With And Without Books
How to Plan For The "Please Play With Me" Moments
So many of us parents secretly want our kids to play on their own -That is why they resort to computers, phones, television and other technologies. What if we had a proper response? How bad can it be to play with your kids? Seriously- I don't get it. Take a break from the stress of trying to fit too many things into your schedule and just have fun with your kids and participate in open ended play or unstructured play.
It's an opportunity to teach compromising and cooperative play skills and an offer to just cut loose and play like a kid again. Here's how that works in our home:
Now I don't like pretend play as in pretending to be a pirate or princess (role play) for extended periods of time, but I love small world play. I get physically sick in the heat of a summer afternoon outside, but mornings are cooler than afternoons outside...and then there's waterplay. I hate snakes and bugs, but I love exploring nature or to walks to collect nature's treasures for a collection or art. I love to add in moments of learning into any play, but my kids hated it. It came natural to my as a teacher, but it killed the fun vibe of cooperative or free play 99% of the time. Russ was into building and construction activities and a bit of of science geek but could enjoy pretend play (inside or out) with the littlest children for hours. I was best at guided or process art and kitchen activities. So this all plays into being successful in responding to their request.
If you have an only child, and they do not have a playmate over- you need to play with them or at least get them started in an activity. If you have a child that is on a differerent cognitive ability than your other children, you need to play with them. They need loving interactions with you more than the other children.
My boys played together all the time. All I did was set up a morning and afternoon play prompts for them. Now Hope was born later in life and when it came to play, she was for the most part an only child. You have to have a plan, or they will resort to screens again.
Here is how to use the environment as play prompts. Cubbies make great play prompts because you can separate the activities.
My favorite parent play prompt for Hope was a basket, bag or container on the refrigerator. I would have different color bags for art, floor playdates or playtime, kitchen activities, building and science- For one time use prompts organization.
Outdoor play spacesallows you to include books in their play or set up a one time use prompts on a tray or in a basket. DIY play spaces often allow us to play comfortably with them.
Daily Book baskets, bins or bags are also great portable prompts to set out in playrooms pictured above.
A shady spotlike this allows them to stay out of direct sunlight and bring out their blocks, action figures and Small World play outside. I love the little garden spots in this one. But if you leave some of them out and build counter space for small world play, and pretend play...construction yard, retail store or Salvation Army shop, restaurant, kitchen, floral shop, grocery store, craft store etc. The supplies can be portable in wagons, wheelbarrows, bins, baskets or gift bags.
Here are a bunch of my portable outdoor play prompts Science and nature play, art, constructive play mats, and pillows for outdoor movies. (My play yard is usually set with one or two of these prompts at a time.)
This simple DIY mud kitchen for kids is the perfect solution. Creating this easy outdoor activity gives kids all the fun and joy of a traditional mud kitchen.
Creative Small World Play are usually something that they get immersed in when we create and play with them. When they are related to a book or other media it gives them a springboard effect to create from. then you can transition them into open-ended play or freeplay for a more joyful and creative experience.
When the play is unstructured and unscripted, they just innately play longer.
Board books, picture books and some storybooks can be tipped on their binding for the background as in the top picture. TIP: I often use a rubber band on each side to keep the pages open to the desired scene.
I often filled my story baskets or story bags with small world style props. So as I read the story she would have a reference and que for play or acting out the story with the loose parts on the bag or basket.
For independent play, she would look at the pictures and build or create the scene in the book. She loved to paint (Watercolor) backgrounds so sometimes she would paint on a box or cardboard for the play mat or picture for the background of the small world playscene.
Create a story basket learning invitation for homeschooling or creative centers. These are great for elementary kids to learn and practice retelling stories, which is an important literacy skills. Easy for pre-readers and for readers! Lots of tips and suggestions in this post.
What is a “story bag” and some story bag ideas A story bag is fantastic activity for you and your child to to have fun while supporting their learning and literacy. It...
When you’re starting, keep it as simple as you can. I also suggest you start with resources that can be used in a few different interest based scenes. When choosing materials, using a variety of tones or shades as well textures will enrich the play.
The link between block play and child development is undeniable. The benefits of kids playing with blocks are priceless. In a previous post, we discussed the value of block play in your child’s early years. Read our detailed post on the benefits of block play.
Through block play, children build skills in the following development domains:
We want to be clear that open-ended and unstructured play is still a critical part of block play. Kids need free time to build and develop their imagination and creativity. So, be flexible. Start with a plan, but let your children take the lead. Keep it fun, and let them be imaginative!
Give children toys that are powered by their imagination, not by batteries.
H. Jackson Brown
What’s important is keeping a balance between child-led play and adult-guided activities. This interaction builds cooperation between children and adults while encouraging adults to play.
Block play for toddlers is usually simple. Typically, a 2-year-old can build a 4+ block tower, while a 3-year-old may build a 6+ tower. Keep these general milestones in mind when planning your block activities for toddlers.
Have each person build their own block tower. First, stand close, and as it gets easier, move further back. Then, use different balls (i.e., tennis, soccer, bouncy, Wiffle) to knock them down.
Create sheets of paper with numbers using 0-9—one number per page. If you want to use them repeatedly, laminating will protect them. You could also use floor tiles with numbers written on them.
Next, have your child start creating corresponding towers. 0 blocks go on the 0; a 1-block tower goes on the 1; a 2-block tower goes on the 2; and so on. Younger toddlers may only be able to complete up to 4 or 5 towers. Use the number of sheets to match your child’s skill level.
Tower Building
Here is a twist on a classic. Take turns with your child and create different types of towers. For example, why not create one using the largest number of blocks instead of the tallest tower? Or how about the most exciting or creative tower?
This game is fun for toddlers and preschoolers to strengthen their counting and fine motor skills. Start with some snap-together blocks like the Building Toys – Plus Plus® BIG and a die. The goal is to see who can build the tallest tower before the blocks run out.
Taking turns, players roll the die and then stack the same number of blocks on their tower. When all the blocks are gone, the winner has the tallest tower. While the idea is to stack them on top of the other, your child may choose to be creative and go wide and tall.
Remember, it is not about the “right” way but that they are using their fine motor skills and counting. Are you looking for more ways to build fine motor coordination? Check out our post on Fine Motor Activities For Preschoolers and Toddlers.
Block Floor Puzzles
Using painter’s tape (please test it first before putting it on your floor), mark off a square or rectangle on your floor. Usually, about one to two feet works well, but it depends on how many blocks you have to fill it in and your time frame.
Then, let the kids fill in the square with their blocks. They may also want to stack them, which is fine until they run out of blocks. At this point, you can suggest they go back and use those to complete filling in the square.
Block Activities
Use your imagination when planning your block play activities for kids. As your kids’ skills increase, their block play will become more complex. Now is an excellent time to add more block-center materials for imaginative play.
Using blocks and other props from your block play area, have your child create a maze on the floor. The complexity will vary by age. Have your child blow lightweight balls (i.e., ping pong, pom-poms, or other hollow, light plastic balls) through the maze using a short, wide straw.
Pushing cars through the maze using their hands (not the straw) is also fun.
Block Obstacle Course
Here is an adaptation of the above maze for toy vehicles or balls. Create an obstacle course using blocks and other items found around the house. Add things of interest, like cardboard tubes for tunnels and cookie sheets make fantastic ramps.
By including magnetic blocks like Tegu Blocks, they can create obstructions on the sloping ramp that will stay in place. Watching the cars or balls bounce off the obstacles on their way down the ramp is a lot of fun!
Fill In Block Shapes
Take 5 or 10 square blocks and create the block shapes. Create different patterns with the blocks on a sheet of paper and trace each one, creating an open design.
Next, give your child either the 5 or 10 blocks you used and ask if they know how to fit them into the shape. You can create several layouts for variety, increasing the number of blocks as your child becomes more proficient.
Block Measuring
Kids love to measure things! One fun way to get them involved is to have them stack blocks to measure things.
The height of a table or a chair
End to end to measure a doorway or the length of a couch
How many blocks tall is their truck or doll?
Have them measure other children or you. Lie on the floor and line up blocks from head to toe. Then they can count how many blocks tall they are.
Block Rainbow
For this activity, it is helpful to have pictures of rainbows available to visualize. For younger children, draft a rainbow on a large sheet of paper. Let older kids draw their own rainbow.
Next, have them sort some colorful blocks by color. Then, by placing the colored blocks along the matching color arc, have them build the block rainbow.
Block Play and Art
Using blocks in unusual ways models creativity for our kids. For this activity, colorful, simple-shaped blocks work best. Have your child build a quick design using the blocks.
Next, your child will recreate the design with paper and paint. By encouraging them to tell you what they see, you can discuss colors, shapes, and relationship vocabulary (i.e., on top, next to, under).
Shape Blocks And Picture Cards
Build some designs using the shape blocks. Create simple and more complex ones (multiple blocks of the same color, unusually stacked, or multiple layers). Now, take a picture of each model and print them out in color. You can attach them to an index card for stability, and if you plan to use them repeatedly, lamination helps keep them in good shape.
Invite your child to build and match the picture cards. Then, photograph it and create a card with their model! Once they master it, you can ask them to develop their own design.
Block Picture Cards Variation
As your preschooler’s building skills develop, you can create a more intricate version of the picture cards using real-life photos of famous formations—for example, the White House, Eiffel Tower, Machu Picchu, or Big Ben to inspire.
Simply print out pictures from the internet and display them in their block area. Have too many to show individually? Hole-punch them and tie them together like a book.
Extending Block Play
Is your child bored with building the same old things? Which, by the way, is perfectly OK.
Are they in a rut?
Kids need time to be bored; That is how creativity is born.
By adding a few simple props to the block play area, you can inspire your child’s building activities. Remember, these are not meant to be adult-guided activities but add a new perspective to encourage kids in their block play ideas.
Encourage your child to visualize their own town or city. What are some of their favorite places? Where would they build them? It is important not to stifle their creativity with too much reality but rather let their imagination soar.
business signs- some premade (school, library, playground, bakery, grocery store, gas station, fire station, police station, etc.); more can be made based on the child’s request
natural elements like stones, leaves, and small trees for creating parks and landscape
interlocking road or train tracks (black masking tape makes an inexpensive, quick, and easy alternative)
photographs of cities, parks, and playgrounds
Block Activity: Build A Zoo
Has your child been to the zoo? Encourage them to think about that time. If they haven’t been, ask them to imagine it. What would they want to see? Adding some of the following props will stimulate their imaginations.
create cold spaces by wrapping some blocks in aluminum foil
natural elements like stones, leaves, and small trees for creating animal habitats
pictures of zoos
Block Activity: Build An Airport or Transportation Hub
Has your child ever been to an airport? Train or bus station? If so, what was it like? If not, have them picture it. Adding some of the following props will spark their creativity.
Let’s explore learning through play activities for your energetic toddlers and imaginative preschoolers.
From block play to imaginative role-playing, our playful learning activities encourage your little ones to discover and develop their social, emotional, language, cognitive, and motor skills.
Get ready for hands-on activities designed specifically for your toddlers and preschoolers.
DIY Outdoor Playscapes and Play Station Activities!
Earlier this week I wrote about the importance of playing and learning outside. If you missed it, you will definitely want to stop by and see why it is so important that your children and students spend time outside.
There are ideas in here for every size, space, and budget! I hope you feel inspired after looking through here to find something that and your children or students can enjoy. Even a simple garden area will get kids outside and experiencing some of the other benefits I talked about here. The best part about these ideas is that you can tie them in to any curriculum at any age level! If you want specific ideas, I'd love to brainstorm with you.
25+ DIY Playscapes & Outdoor Learning Station Ideas!
Create a fun and exciting backyard playground for your child or your daycare for free or for few dollars! You don’t need expensive toys and fancy equipment to have an outdoor play area that will thrill your kids. These inexpensive ideas for a backyard play space will make your yard the funnest place in the neighbourhood.
There’s our play-house, and sandbox, which are popular for sure. However having an extraordinary outdoor play space doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Click the links or photos below for the full instructions for each play yard feature.
They’re kind of our backyard version of the building block – completely open-ended, they can be whatever the hooligans want them to be. See 10 ways that we use our stones and rocks here.
Sand Wall
Much like the water wall, our sand wall is also made entirely out of scraps and recyclables. It’s positioned in our sandbox, and it’s provided loads of entertainment over the years. Read about our sandbox and sand wall here.
And there you have it! 48 inexpensive, super-fun, super-cool things you can add to your outdoor play space this summer! Your kids (and your neighbours’ kids) will love you for it!
Sometimes it can be hard to know how to connect to nature. It can be difficult to get started. And many of us with mental health problems face barriers that might stop us connecting with nature.
Exploring nature with kids doesn’t have to mean hitting the trail, heading to the mountains or going camping (though those are all fine ideas). Connecting with nature is as easy as heading out the back door. [Read more...]
Drinking enough fluids helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, protect organs, and eliminate waste through various bodily functions
Why is hydration important?
Body temperature regulation: Water helps maintain a stable body temperature through sweating.
Joint lubrication: Water acts as a lubricant for joints, preventing stiffness and discomfort.
Organ protection: Water cushions and protects vital organs and tissues.
Waste removal: Water aids in the removal of waste products through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.
Nutrient and oxygen transport: Water helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells throughout the body.
Improved cognitive function: Proper hydration is linked to better mood, memory, concentration, and reaction time.
Reduced risk of health issues: Adequate hydration can help prevent kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and constipation.
How much water should you drink?
General recommendations suggest women aim for around 11.5 cups of fluids per day and men around 15.5 cups, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
However, individual needs vary based on factors like activity level, climate, and overall health.
You can also gauge your hydration level by the color of your urine; pale yellow is a good indicator of proper hydration.
Tips for staying hydrated:
Drink water throughout the day: Don't wait until you're thirsty, as thirst is a sign of mild dehydration.
Carry a reusable water bottle: This can serve as a reminder to drink water regularly.
Drink more when active or in hot weather: Sweat loss requires increased fluid intake.
Choose water as your primary beverage: Limit sugary drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.
Eat water-rich foods: Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, strawberries, and cucumbers can contribute to your fluid intake.
Consider other hydrating drinks: Herbal teas, milk, and coconut water can also help with hydration.
