imaginative play

Toys That Require Imagination . . . Cardboard

Kids are naturally wired to play and imagine. But when we (I’m guilty of this myself) give them tons of toys that do everything, they don’t need to imagine anything. So give your kids a cardboard challenge – to find the hidden objects in the boxes like Michelangelo did with blocks of granite. The boxes […]

How to Extend the Magic of Harry Potter Books With Playing and Writing

“Expelliarmus!” shouts one daughter to her friend, pointing a wand at her. In our house, Harry Potter isn’t just a book to read, it’s hours of imaginative play.It’s the world’s best loved chapter book series and the perfect book for reading, pretend play, and creative writing. Act Out Harry Potter Scenes Help your kids with […]

Ideas and Activities for Summer Learning, Ages 3 – 6

If your kids are ages 3 to 6, you want to find easy ways to keep them engaged, playing, and learning throughout the summer. Don’t worry, I got you covered with some snazzy, new ideas and resources. (Those of you with kids 6 – 10, you’ll want to read yesterday’s post about getting organized and […]

Pretend Play Veterinarian

Any age can pretend play animal hospital doctor or veterinarian. Use your love for animals and let my 3 p’s of pretend play — props, plan and play — guide your make-believe time into a delightful journey of imagination. Props: – stuffed animals – pillows and blankets – band-aids of all sizes – doctor’s kit […]