water fun

As a teacher, I often had to step back and look at thing differently. The resources available to a teacher is often limited. But, you realize that you don't need the biggest and best to teach. I can't tell you how many strange items I've collected over the years to use in my classroom (for example: milk bottle caps, bread tags, keys, empty pudding cups, and so much more). Parents often think kids need the newest, best things that are available out there. Yes, my sons have toys, but we have tried not to go overboard on what we get them.

Blake loves to explore and this was evident when we were playing on the porch the other day. I brought out some paint brushes (yes the are fancy ones, but they didn't have to be), a wash cloth and some water. Here are some pictures of his play and tomorrow you will see the video of his play also.






















What kinds of things do you do to help your child explore his/her world??

Playing outside is fun!

Yes, I know it is Friday... but I don't have a video this week... oops! And, I wanted to post about our park visit earlier this week, but was busy with my toddler bed updates. So, you get a story and pictures today instead (o:

As a teacher, I recognize that children need to develop their gross motor skills first before they can master their fine motor skills. I always took my class outside for recess and as well as doing movement activities in the classroom. Children need these out lets for gross motor development, as well as to burn off some steam!

The other day was cool for Florida (ok the weekend we saw highs in the upper 80s ... like 87/88 kind of thing), Tuesday I decided to take Blake over to the park. It was only in the mid-50s at the time... that is why he is wearing a sweatshirt and jeans... yes I know you don't see him wearing this type of clothes often.

We play outside 6 out of 7 days a week most of the time, but don't often venture over to the park, which is pretty sad since it is probably a 3 min walk from the house! But, let me tell you after our visit on Tuesday we went again on Wednesday and may even go back today (depending on when he wakes up.

The last time I took Blake to the park (before Tuesday) he could climb up the steps and cross the bridge, but other than that he needed help to play on most any of the equipment. This time other than helping him sit down at the top of the slide I just shadowed him from the ground. It was great to see him run around, climb and have fun!

At our playground they have a fenced in area for little ones and then a bigger playground for older kids. I know it won't be long before he outgrows the little equipment and is ready to conquer the rock wall of the bigger playground!

Playing outside

As a teacher I used to tell the parents the first week of school... dress your child to play outside everyday. We will be going out unless the weather is really bad! I then went on often to explain what dressing to play outside means, for some reason parents don't always understand that frilly dresses and sandals make climbing and running very hard! Now, for all you parents of little girls, I have/had no issue with dresses (I did encourage parents to have their daughter wear shorts underneath), but would rather see slip ons, or buckle shoes rather than sandals (yes even her in FL).

Blake LOVESSSS to play outside. If he had a choice, I think he'd stay out for hours on end! Most of my best pictures are of him running and playing outside. I know there are parents who do not take their little ones outside and I just don't get it. Blake loves to play in the grass. He brings out his wagon and some of his trucks, but would be just as happy to run around and look at the birds, the sky and feel the wind blow his hair.

There is so much learning that takes place when he plays outside. He learns the colors when we talk about the things that he sees. He learns that sticks should not be chewed on even if Abby does! He is very good at listening when I ask him to put things down and /or not put them in his mouth. He knows where the doors are on both sides of our screened in porch and tries to open them (he has a ways to go with that since the latches are over my head!) He hears the birds and other animals playing and we talk about them as he listens.

Oh and don't forget the best benefit... exercise! What is better to wear out an energetic toddler than to run and run and run and run????