Easy Sensory Activities for Kids

I'm not so interested in discussing Kiddo's tactile sensitivities on this blog, but we engage in a lot of sensory play around here to help him with his tactile defensiveness. Over at LIFEclectic, a new global online parenting magazine, I've shared my go-to Five Easy Sensory Activities For Kids. Don't miss it, they are good for the general population, too.

What are your favorite sensory play activities? Leave comment and let me know.

Pay It Forward Australian Style

Remember when I hosted a leg of the Pay It Forward game? Well, if you didn't get chosen and still want to play, head over to Pea Billy Bean and maybe you'll get a little treat sent to you from Australia. Plus you can see what we sent... since I know you are curious.

It's A Jungle Out There! (Giveaway)

Jennifer Ward, the author of I Love Dirt!, has a new book about raising nature lovers in the city, It's a Jungle Out There! 52 Nature Adventures for City Kids. Perfect for us! In fact, inspired by a suggestion in the book, Kiddo has already taken a tally of all our water usage during one day, and New Kid and I rescued some worms stranded on the asphalt after a storm. The book is chock-full of activity ideas and insights to help you and your children connect to nature even in the midst of the concrete jungle. As side note, I also love the design of this book! I asked Ms Ward a few questions about her book, which she graciously answered.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and why you decided to write this book?


JW: My background is in education with an emphasis on science. During my career as a teacher, my first children's book was published (Way Out in the Desert, Rising Moon, 1998). I wrote and taught for many years, and I believe it was after my third children's book was published (Over in the Garden, Rising Moon, 2002) that I decided to resign from teaching and write full time. As far as why I wrote It's a Jungle Out There - Well, I wrote my first parenting book, I Love Dirt! as a resource to help connect parents and kids to nature in sensory, simple ways (minimal materials needed). It's a Jungle Out There  came about due to the fact that most families today live in urban spaces (80% of us!), and this is a trend that will continue to grow. I believe connecting to nature, even for five minutes a day, is vital to keeping sane. Presently a city-liver myself (albeit a small city), after years of living in the wilds of the Sonoran desert near mountains and endless sky, I had fun creating simple, sensory ways parents and kids can connect to nature on sidewalks, streets and in urban spaces, a la, It's a Jungle Out There! 52 Nature Adventures for City Kids.

There are a lot of noisy and visual distractions in the city. How can I get my kids to get past them and focus on the natural environment?


JW: Yes, there are a lot of loud city sounds and visual distractions in urban spaces. Honking horns, tires on pavement, sirens, lawn mowers, planes. It can be a challenge to focus on the subtle sounds and sights of nature among all the human traffic and concrete. But they're there, and actually, It's a Jungle Out There offers 52 super-simple ways to go above and beyond the distractions of a hustling-bustling civilization. For example, activity #28, "Now You See It", encourages kids to notice things outside they wouldn't normally take time to notice: a plant growing through the crack in a sidewalk or the texture of bark on a tree or the variety of colors in a flower's petals. Activity #5, "Pot Your Spot", encourages kids and parents to plant a container garden in creative ways (using recycled materials), whether it's upon a window, on a balcony or on a stoop. As a parent, you can challenge your kids to spend thirty seconds to a minute specifically listening for sounds in nature, such as a bird's call, among the prevalent sounds of traffic. This helps children really focus, and it will be a true challenge, but a rewarding one, and one so easy to partake in.

What about when we are stuck inside our apartment? What kind of activities can we do to experience and learn about nature inside?


JW: It's a Jungle Out There offers an entire section of activities devoted specifically to enjoying nature while indoors, such as "Thunderrific", Activity #46, that teaches children how thunder is created and helps children scientifically gauge a storm's distance between lightning and thunder. Activity #47, "Spy Games", teaches kids to spy on nature from a window. And Activity #51, "Sunshine on My Shoulders", encourages us to simply find a sunny spot while indoors to curl up and enjoy (particularly lovely on chilly, winter days!). And Activity #49, Easy Breezy Wind Sock, guides children into creating windsocks, which can be hung indoors and enjoyed when nature (a breeze) invites itself into our homes.

If I can't get to the park, do you have any suggestions for other urban environments from which we can experience and observe nature?
JW: Indeed! Patches of gardens or greenery on city streets. Trees lining sidewalks and roadways. The sky above. Sidewalk cracks. Observing urban wildlife, such as pigeons. Activity #12, "Pigeon Pals", encourages kids to join Project Pigeon Watch through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where children can document their pigeon observations and help scientists at the same time. The activity is also packed with cool pigeon facts and offers a means to do a pigeon scavenger hunt, of sorts.

And lastly, do you think experiencing nature in the city can have any advantages over a rural setting, or does the country always win out?


JW: Wouldn't we all prefer to gaze at an endless body of water or other seemingly infinite, natural landscape, vs. miles of concrete? It's really apples and oranges. But to answer your question, no, the rural setting does not always win out. If one chooses to experience nature in the city, it will be a winning experience and the advantages will far outweigh not making the effort to connect with nature at all. Studies have proven that time spent in nature eases stress, instills a sense of wonder and curiosity and overall increases physical and mental well being for children, as well as adults. Experiencing and spending time with nature is a winning experience regardless of where it's enjoyed. But the truth of the matter is that the majority of us live in urban spaces. That said, let's get connected to the nature that's offered to us, and help our kids to do the same.

For the Giveaway:

Shambala Publications is giving away one copy of this book to a reader.
The giveaway rules are:
1. You must leave one comment on this post with your favorite nature activity.
2. Comment must be posted before July 8, 11:59 pm EST.
3. U.S. Addresses only.
4. Anonymous entries will not considered.
5. For contact purposes you must either: link your profile to a blog, email, or leave an email address in your comment.
6. I reserve the right to pick a new winner, should the winner not respond within 72 hours.

Of course I would love it if you followed me, blogged about, tweeted or facebook-liked this post/blog, but fair is fair: one entry per person, please.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes, but it in no way affected my opinion. I received no other compensation. You should know I am extremely picky about the review opportunities that come my way and only review products (usually books) and offer giveaways which I believe have value for parents and kids.

EXTREMities

Kiddo loves the EXTREME Dot-to-dot books that he received from his grandparents.

I love them because they keep him EXTREMEly busy. After all, connecting 1500 dots takes time.

Notice how he is studiously avoiding using the correction grip on his pencil. Ugh.

I've linked this up to: Favorite Resource of the Week.

Weekend Snapshots

I'm thinking of making "Weekend Snapshots" a link-up post (where other bloggers can link to their own Weekend Snapshots post). What do you think? Would you participate from time to time?

We don't always spend our days in the city.

I Have a Post at LIFEclectic. You Should Read It.

I've started blogging for a new online parenting magazine, LIFEclectic. I'd love if if you head over there and read my first post, especially if the words "library" and "bed bugs" interest you. Don't forget to leave me a comment and then read some of the other great stories.

I'll be posting over there a few times a month and will be sure to update you when that happens, because I'm sure you want to learn as much about me as possible. Right?

Naptime Pastimes

During the school year I relish New Kid's nap time as my only break during the day, but with two long months of summer vacation coming up, I need some sort of plan to keep Kiddo occupied and quiet during his brother's nap time.

Although, we plan to spend most of our summer outside. I've decided that we must return home for nap time and a much needed break for Mom.

I've told Kiddo I want nap time to be a time he and I can do something together, but that sometimes I might need him to do something by himself. He's pretty good about that so we came up with a list. He can add to it throughout the summer, if he wants.

Wish me luck!

How do you keep your older kids occupied during nap time?

Friday Do-Over: Frozen Word Hunt

I first published this as a bath time activity, but when it's 90 degrees out, why not take the frozen cube outside and watch it melt? Or chisel the toys and letters out? Someone asked where I got the letters. We have a set of these bath letters and numbers, but no need to buy something new! Just look around and use what you have. First published 08/11/09.

This is something I used to do all the time last year because the surprise factor helped Kiddo get in the tub when he was going through an "I hate baths!" phase. It's really easy... just freeze some small toys in a plastic container. When you put it in the bath, the ice slowly melts to release the toys.I decided to try it again this year but with a literacy twist. Instead of freezing random objects I chose a couple of fish toys and the letters F I S H. Kiddo liked the idea of a scrambled word mystery and asked me to do it again for tomorrow's bath.

Summer Reading Lists

Kiddo is not one of those kids who needs to keep a summer reading log in order to maintain a steady reading pace. During just one of New Kid's naps last week he read 4 chapter books and several non-fiction books. He's a maniac. Nonetheless, after going to the library's summer reading program kick-off he wanted to make a list -- with 65 spaces. that ran 4 pages. Actually, he wanted more, but I wasn't sure I should print out 20 pages of numbers for him.

It's been well established that kids who see their parents reading are more likely to grow up to be readers themselves. My sons do see me reading a lot, but I thought it would be fun if I also kept a summer reading log. Kiddo loved the idea of my keeping a list, too. He thinks it will be interesting to see the names and types of books I read. My list is a bit shorter, since I also have to do cooking and cleaning (and blogging) and such things, but I am hopeful I might still pass the 20 books mark. After all, I expect to be done soon with Just Enough Jeeves.

Many thanks to Abby the Librarian for this idea (although she gears it towards librarians).

What about you, do you keep track of the books you and your kids read?

The Writing Box

You might think, based on the number of posts in which I mention Jennifer Hallissy's The Write Start, that I am being paid to promote this terrific book. It just so happens that I'm not, but if you don't have a copy yet, I'm not sure what you are waiting for (read my review here).

In her book, Hallissy suggests that each child have a writing station, filled with all sorts of goodies to inspire creativity. Of course, a lovely desk at which Kiddo could work independently would be wonderful. However, that is not an option in our tiny apartment. I had an idea to find a cool vintage briefcase to fill up with papers and pens that he could tote around, but even though I love the thought of scouring flea markets for some forgotten treasure, I realized that was never actually going to happen!

Instead, I bought this lovely blue box (because blue is Kiddo's favorite color). I like the way it stays open with a ribbon like an old-fashioned portable writing box (I also thought about trying to find one of those).

I filled it with some writing paper, a pencil case, ruler, post-its, and several kinds of notebooks that I found lying around. I also put in a receipt book because Hallissy suggests incorporating such things to encourage writing as in integral part of pretend play. Plus, it's made with carbon paper... so much fun!

I also like that Kiddo can keep his papers and drawings in the box instead of letting them float aimlessly all over the apartment. I have several other kinds of "surprise writing materials" which will magically appear at various times in the box, such as to-do lists (Kiddo loves lists), blank books, etc. I love how this box has inspired him since it made it's first appearance.

In case you are wondering...  my other posts inspired by Hallissy's books are:
The Writing on the Wall
Accounting for 6 year olds
Secret Messages (Although I didn't mention the book!)

Great Lift-the-Flap Books Kids AND Grown-ups Can Enjoy

No offense, but Where's Maisy's Panda? and Spot Goes to the Farm get old for parents fairly quickly. However, it's hard to ignore the kid-appeal of Lift-the-Flap books.

Therefore I refer you to:


Go! Go! Go! Roxie Munro has created "More Than 70 Flaps to Uncover & Discover!" Horizontal, vertical, double, triple, quadruple, flaps-within-flaps, racing flaps, hiding flaps, oh my! My favorite is the firetruck, which though a single flap, horizontally races down the street, then vertically raises its ladder to skyscraper heights!

See Inside Math Fun flaps will convince even the most jaded and math-resistant kid that math holds hidden surprises. My favorite is the shapes section in which flaps lift up to form pyramids and cubes. (You should check out this entire See Inside series, it's quite appealing.)

What are you waiting for? Lift some flaps!

I'm linking to What My Child is Reading and Book Sharing Monday.

The Right Fit

Another post I wrote a million years ago and forgot to publish! Now he builds his own tunnels and the cute "neat feet" mispronunciation has corrected itself. *sigh*

Kids can learn through play all by themselves of course, but sometimes it is fun to add in a new element for them. I built a Lego wall with tunnels just the right size for each of New Kid's vehicles. Every time he drove one through, "Neat feet!" he exclaimed. (Translation: "It fits.")

Added bonus: he played a bit longer by himself and I may or may not have read a few pages of my novel.

Shut the Super Box!

Are you familiar with Double Shutter? I am quite addicted to this game and it is terrific for building math skills. Kiddo loves it because he is a number crazy fool. But my favorite use for it is to give it (sans dice, of course) to New Kid and watch him open and shut the numbers.

I can also pretend that in keeping him thus occupied I am helping him build his number recognition and fine motor skills.

And it's also pretty cute the way he says the numbers.

Tearing It Up

I think sometimes parents feel that every activity must have a purpose in order to be worthwhile. For example, you might be under the impression that if your child is to tear up little bits of paper, you should then get out the glue and make a collage.

Not so! Just let the kid tear up the paper, for heaven's sake.

New Kid finds this so entertaining. I find ultra-cheap construction paper works the best. If you are feeling frugal (as I usually do) you can put the leftover bits in a shoebox for collage at a later date.

I guess the purpose of this activity is help Mom get through the day with her wits intact.

5 Favorites You HAVE heard of

I really love writing about books, though, judging my the traffic my book posts generate they not the most popular topic on this blog. In fact, you prefer posts like the one in which I shared a great toddler puzzle. I can't believe how much that post was facebooked (that's a verb, right), tweeted and shared on mom groups or through email! But I digress...

 Last week I introduced you to 10 favorites you haven't heard of... and was impressed that, indeed, except for one person, you actually hadn't heard of them!

This week, here are some favorites you have heard of. It's not easy, but I'll stick to only 5 since you've already heard of them.... or have you?

My Father's Dragon. You'll never travel without lollipops again.

Henry and the Clubhouse. Everyone loves Ramona, but for Henry, she can be a real pill.

Peter in Blueberry Land. I want to JUMP inside this book!

The Wizard of Oz. Have you really only seen the movie?? Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Tuesday. It is too hard to pick a Weisner favorite, but if pressed...


I'm linking to What My Child is Reading and Book Sharing Monday. What are your kids' favorite classics?

First Painting Experience

I wrote this post a long time ago and forgot to publish it! We've done a lot of painting since then!

In Young at Art, Susan Striker suggests black is the best color to start your young painter out with. The contrast with the white paper captures their imagination. Whatever your thoughts on that, I think she is right on the money when she says offer only one color at a time for the very smallest artists (It's good for older artists too, IMHO). Otherwise, the process of painting becomes more about dabbing on color after color than it does about the action of brush and paint on paper. I also like these no-spill paint containers, although I find a small amount of paint in an old tray works well, too.

New Kid loved his first painting experience.

And what would be art without vehicles of all sorts?