Wednesday 29 June 2011
It’s a question often whispered amongst parents. We don’t want to ask out loud for fear of judgment, but most of us admit to using it. The TV. The question is… how much is too much?
I spoke on air recently about screen time. If you missed it on the radio, you might like to listen to the podcast below:
96Five Radio Podcast
Here are some of my thoughts:
I’m not against television viewing. In fact, I quite often review children’s programs here on the blog. BUT… I think as parents we should select what we allow our kids to watch, rather than leaving...
Monday 20 June 2011 -
47 Comments »
Lately I’ve been hearing a message I really dislike: Keep your kids out of the winter weather. I’m not sure where the message is coming from, or why. Of course we have to make allowances for weather, but there is no need to keep kids indoors. Outdoor play is an important part of a child’s day – every day.
Almost a year ago to the day, I wrote here on the blog about Playing Whatever the...
Thursday 16 June 2011 -
8 Comments »
It was a cold afternoon, and after being outside all I could think about was wrapping my hands around a warm cup of tea. I put the kettle on, and suggested the kids set up their own tea party for afternoon tea too.
They brought their “kids” along (a baby and a bear), then set the table with a tablecloth and our Plan Toys wooden tea set. The three of us enjoyed the role play as we made tea, fed the “kids”...
Friday 20 May 2011 -
16 Comments »
It’s such a simple piece of equipment: two ropes, five bits of wood, and a ring at the top to hold it all together. But this unassuming rope ladder has provided the kids with wonderful physical and cognitive challenges, and loads of fun!
There is quite a lot of skill involved in climbing a rope ladder. Where do you put your hands? Where do you put your feet? Where do you look? How do you get to the next rung? ...
Tuesday 10 May 2011 -
5 Comments »
Patterns are fascinating. From simple to intricate, patterns are found in the world all around us. There are also patterns in literacy, science, technology, music, art, and of course numeracy. Being able to identify the repeating segment of a pattern, and predict what will come next is an important skill.
Monday 25 April 2011 -
12 Comments »
Where do you and your family go when you really need to get away from it all? For us it’s the rainforest. When I’m there my heart rate slows down, my brain stops buzzing quite so loudly, and feel like I can breathe. We have just returned from a wonderful week away at Springbrook. Here’s what a fun but refreshing family holiday looks like for us.
Bushwalking together (Miss 4 walked 4.6km on her...
Wednesday 20 April 2011 -
11 Comments »
Do your children like to dance? Mine do. This morning we twirled and whirled in tutus together – yes, I put one on too. My daughter asked for “dancing music” so I flicked through the CD collection until I settled on one.
I didn’t choose The Wiggles, even though Dorothy rather considers herself a dino-ballerina.
I didn’t choose Justine Clarke, even though she’s hands down my favourite...
Thursday 14 April 2011 -
8 Comments »
Blob.
Swirl.
Squelch.
Slide.
Blend.
Marvel.
Explore.
Create.
Delight!
Monday 11 April 2011 -
3 Comments »
I need to be upfront and tell you that Christie from Childhood101 and I aren’t just blogging colleagues – we’re friends.* And when I say I like her ebook – I mean I love it. So much so that I contributed a few photos, helped with editing and I am a proud affiliate. (That means if you purchase the ebook because I said it’s awesome, I get a percentage of the profits too.)
What is it?
ART...
Thursday 07 April 2011 -
7 Comments »
Spray bottles are a regular play item in our backyard during the warmer months, but with Autumn in the air it’s been a little too cool for this:
So instead I’ve been encouraging the kids to use the spray bottles differently. They’ve enjoyed using them to water in new plants, and lightly mist delicate fern leaves. They’ve had fun squirting them high into the air. Most of all, we’ve enjoyed...
