Hamsters and Hedgehogs Play Mat

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with teeny tiny toys. I think most kids are. Lalaloopsy, My Little Pony, Schleich, Safari, Palo, Palace Pets, Calico Critters, etc. All teeny tiny.

I never really grew out of that obsession, and, now that I am a nanny, I get to keep playing. I loved imaginative play with my daughter's then later with my preschoolers.

When I am thinking about play, I take the theme or the child's interests in mind OR I surprise them with something totally new and not yet seen.

I set the scene for play - an invitation to play if you will. This scene says, "Come play with me. Make up a story. Include me. I want to play with you."

The scene should be uncluttered - only 3 to 5 Toys. (too many can be overwhelming to the child) The golden rule of thumb is the simpler the better. Simpler allows the imagination to take over, expand, and fill in the story.

Play mats can be created in your own or I sell them in my etsy store. See more at www.mybigworld2015.etsy.com

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Good Luck Play

Everyone needs a little good luck or at least the hope of luck, right?

Safari Ltd has a whole plethora of good luck creatures - dragons, unicorns, animals, roses, butterflies. So many.

You could pop them in a lunchbox for your kiddo to brighten their day or mail to someone. Or just play with them like we did above.

Play Mat available in my etsy shop at www.mybigworld2015.etsy.com

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

What in the World - a geography game

Have you ever played this? We take a random animal toy and try to place it properly on the map. Some animals are easy, because they can live almost anywhere. Some animals - thank you, platypus- live in only one area. If we don't know, we do "research" - in books or online and read a little about that animal. It's fun and educational. I learn new stuff all the time.

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Toys R Us calls it. Masterpiece

Here is what Toys R Us said about my garden playscape play mat! Sooo sweet

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Rainbow Fruit Tray

Is your mouth watering? Mine is! I did this Rainbow Fruit tray up for a special surprise of yummy yummy goodness. Who says lunch had to be boring? Not me. Make it interesting. Make it fun. Kiddos are more likely to eat it if it's fun!

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Photographs of Childhood that You Don't Want to Miss

 They are only little for long. Take lots of pictures. That's the best advice I may ever give a new parent.

 Take pictures of them at birthdays and with older family members and when they are playing and quiet and sleeping.

And take pictures of their little hands working, playing, exploring.

Have a fun and playful day
Mel

Playdough Pasta and Straws - Toddler Sensory & Small Muscle Exercise

What I love most about playdough is the toddler educational benefits.  Playdough is probably the number one way to play to strengthen those small muscles in little fingers.  While they are molding and smooshing and manipulating the playdough, those little toddler finger muscles are getting a workout.  And strong finger muscles are needed to hold a pencil properly and control it and write.  Who knew playdough was so amazing, right?

You can set up the scenario at the table for your kiddo.  I started with a glob of playdough and poked 3 thin straws into the glob.  Roo immediately knew what to do, but if your toddler needs help, you can model what they are supposed to do.  Fit the pasta onto the straw and let it slide down.  Repeat again and again.  Toddlers learn through repetition.  You may go bored with it, but a while a toddler is exploring, they are learning.

This activity held Roo (who is 21 months) for about 30 minutes.  That's a looong time in toddler time!  Let your kiddo experiment and play until their attention span wears thin.  It could be 2 minutes.  It could be 22 minutes. 

Have a fun and playful day
Mel