Kids who regularly use their imaginations to pretend play develop better social skills and vocabulary than kids that do not. I love finding toys that encourage pretend play — usually toys that are open-ended and battery free. How about you? For the 2015 holiday season, here’s what’s new and interesting for pretend play gifts. Update: 2016 Pretend Play […]
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 […]