Play & Learn With Your Kids
I have heard new parents wonder what they’re supposed to do all day with their baby. You can only spend so much time rocking, walking and staring at black and white toys, right?
Honestly, the baby thing came easily to me and I’m good with the K-5 crowd, but between the ages of 2 and 5 I’m a little short of ideas.
I recently read Play & Learn: 1001 Fun Activities For Your Baby and Child from the supposed world-renowned Gymboree company. I say supposed because I was shocked to learn that Gymboree was more than a cute kids clothing store. Yes, I live under a log.
The 1001 activities are sorted into 11 age groups (from 0+ months to 5+ years) to meet typical developmental milestones. The design is colourful and engaging and it’s easy to read cover to cover or pick up and point to one activity you’d like to try that day. The activities cover every topic, including music, arts & crafts, science & nature, family interaction, active play, outings and more.
This is an awesome book and one that I’d highly recommend for parents of newborns right up to pre-schoolers. It would also make a great baby gift.
Also from Gymboree, my son has been reading Shapes and Numbers. Though not enthralling in any way, they’re great for their simple illustration and the inclusion of the words in French, German, Spanish, and Italian in addition to English. My two year old loves to point and label and these books are just right for that type of kid. And if I ever need to know how to say “crescent” in German, I’m all set.
Win it! Win a copy of Play & Learn: 1001 Fun Activities For Your Baby and Child – just click the image above to view the book online and leave a comment telling us one activity you find in there that you’d recommend to a parent needing ideas. Contest closes April 8, 2008.
Get up to two additional entries into this contest!
1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.
2. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).
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Maximum three entries total per person.
CONTEST CLOSED
April 4th, 2008 at 9:58 am
I would recommend “Dance to the beat” as a good activity, not only with a baby, but with toddlers and youngsters as well. My wife and I both do this with our baby, she loves the music and the movement, and the closeness involved. Someday I hope to open a toddler disco in our neighborhood, with kid sized lounge furniture, juice bar, disco ball, music (duh) and most especially, hidden cameras so the adults can watch the kooky stuff their kids do. Kind of like http://www.babylovesdisco.com but kids only are allowed in. It is important to start teaching dance moves early, so start with your baby, but don’t forget to do the hustle with your toddler too.
John Hobby
http://www.colestoyblog.com
April 4th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I would recommend lying under a tree with your newborn. So simple yet we don’t think of it!!!!
I hope to get this book!
Really like the new design now!
April 4th, 2008 at 10:56 am
We name animals here and say the sounds they make. By age one my son may not have been able to talk very well but by golly he knew the sounds animals made. LOL! Looks like a great book.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I blogged about you here:
http://mommainflipflops2.blogspot.com/2008/04/play-and-learn-book.html
Andrea’s last blog post..Play and Learn Book
April 4th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I like the “dust the baby” activity! Very original.
Andrea’s last blog post..Wait…
April 4th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I also blogged about this contest here: http://www.jonathanandandrea.blogspot.com/2007/09/countless-contests.html
Andrea’s last blog post..Wait…
April 4th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Trace the tootsies!
April 4th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I like the jazz up a shirt with celery stamping… gotta try that one!
Naomi’s last blog post..Vote for Jasper!
April 4th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I would recommend walk about. I love to be outside and it is nice for the baby to get fresh air.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I would definitely recommend “Wear Your Wee One”. I did thatwith both my little ones and loved it. Not only do they benefit (from what I’ve read anyway), you can also get a lot more done that way including some nice walks!
April 4th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I am going to record a book on tape with my four year old. He’s gonna love it! What a great idea! That sounds like a wonderful book.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
My fav was dance to the beat as well, however dust w/ baby sounded cute & so did trace the tootsies.
mcginnisfamily5(at)gmail(dot)com
April 4th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I blogged about this giveaway here:
http://kristiesnotes.blogspot.com/
April 4th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
The Bug a Boo Dances sounds like a must try! Sensory activities such as Dust the Baby and the Tantalize with Textures are great for babies! I work with special needs infants & toddlers – this sort of play is invaluable. Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway & resource!
Carmen’s last blog post..Culinary scents
April 4th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Play favorite lullabies for your baby at bedtime to calm him after a busy day and help hime get to sleep.
Martha W.
ki4ggs(at)yahoo(dot)com
April 4th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Dance to the beat! When my daughter was an infant we did this all the time together. Now, she loves music as much as her Daddy does.
Wendy’s last blog post..Better Music Through Commercials?
April 4th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
“Dust the baby” sounds funny!
Jenna’s last blog post..Oh, the Fabulousness of it All!
April 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I love “wear your wee one!” I love baby-wearing!!
April 4th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Wear your wee one. I can’t think of anything better, or better advice!
April 4th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
sitting under a tree and noticing all there is to naturally notice sounds really appealing right now!
April 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
blogged about it! http://bridget.updraftsolutions.com/?p=354
April 4th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I think the activity for newborns where you lie under a tree and just observe with your little one is a good activity. great giveaway, thanks!
Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland’s last blog post..Win a Bed Pal Maternity Strap!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I like the dust the baby activity. I think that it would be a great activity! I will be trying it on my 9 month old.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
blogged ya:
http://mommyland512.blogspot.com/2008/04/win-copy-of-play-learn.html
thanks again!
Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland’s last blog post..Win a Bed Pal Maternity Strap!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Wear Your Wee One
April 4th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
look her in the eyes
April 4th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I like the “change diapers playfully” idea. My 3 month old has just started to, um, participate in his diaper changes and it’s already become playtime instead of just a chore. Thanks, book looks great!
Lo’s last blog post..Daycare, Day 1
April 4th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I like the trace the tootsies game! Dust the baby is cute, too. Crossing my fingers I win!
April 4th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I think the idea of giving baby fabric of different textures is great. Definitely helps them develop their sense of touch and awareness of different senses. And, as the book said, might help baby sleep! Mine always had a favorite ‘blankie.’
AtHomeMom&grandma,too’s last blog post..Readiness for Learning
April 4th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I would say dust the bay, sounds really fun. Why didn’t I think of that before. Thanks for the great give away.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Me, again …. I blogged you at:
http://athomeblog.com/?p=69
AtHomeMom&grandma,too’s last blog post..Book Giveaway
April 4th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I like the tantalizing with texture activity! great idea.
Tara’s last blog post..Sunshine Inside
April 4th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
i’d recommend the tickle baby with a feather duster “toy”. using different textures on baby’s skin, especially the tickly feather duster is a great way to develop baby’s sense of touch…and a responding playful parent helps, too!
Dolly’s last blog post..On the Fly
April 4th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I think that “dusting your baby” sounds like an excellent idea. If you’re having a hard time getting your baby to giggle, I’d definitely try this!
April 4th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I like the change the diaper song and the dressing alike. Great book!
April 4th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
http://www.thenormanfamily-brentandsarah.blogspot.com
April 4th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Hello! What a fun book! I like the way it is made with tabs and how the chapters are age appropriate. It would be a wonderful gift book! I like their idea of hiding an object that makes noise, a clock, plush toy and let the baby crawl and find the object. They are sharpening their auditory tracking skills and gain a sense of mastery when he/she discovers the object! Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,Cindi
April 4th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I think “Wear Your Wee One” is a great activity. Fun for the baby and a chance for you to have a hand free to do other things as well.
Katie’s last blog post..Vote Pedro! No wait, that isn’t right?
April 4th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I like the lie under a tree. That is great for all ages!!!
April 4th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
#385- Throw things!
I love the idea of going outside with a variety of different weight and shaped items and letting my son just throw things.
Ellie’s last blog post..Happy Birthday little man!
April 4th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
The activity I would recommend to a parent is to “change diapers playfully”. Diaper time can be a wonderful time for bonding between parent and babe when the little one is tiny. And when they get to be older and more wiggly and tantrum prone, being playful is such a great way to distract a kid. I find that it helps keep power stuggles at bay.
disarray at onebox dot com
April 4th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
#518 – Paint rocks. We’re spending a lot of time in our garden, and I think the kids would love this!
cass’s last blog post..Take yourself seriously
April 4th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I would definitely share the “Walk About” tip with a new parent. Going for a walk outside never failed when my daughter was an infant, and at a year old she still loves it. Sometimes when she’s whiney we’ll walk out to the mailbox at the end of the drive and just hang out there for a minute. It works wonders!
April 4th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
I like dust the baby, just use a new duster
April 5th, 2008 at 4:10 am
I love the idea of dance to the beat because my son loves music, but when younger we did a lot of babywearing so to a new mom I would probably recommend wear your wee one.
April 5th, 2008 at 4:38 am
“Dust the baby” looks like fun!
April 5th, 2008 at 5:16 am
Color the Snow. I was really starting to get sick of it this winter and this might have cheered up the boring white yard for awhile! My kids would have gone nuts too, it would remind them of The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, where they get pink spots all of the snow….Only I don’t have “zoom” to clean it up.
April 5th, 2008 at 6:04 am
I would recommend the Puppet show !! Its so much fun for even young babies.
April 5th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Dust the Baby activety is my fave.
April 5th, 2008 at 6:45 am
I like “226. Record Her Voice”. What a simple, but neat concept for baby to learn.
April 5th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Wear your wee one. My son is 5 months old now and I just bought a baby carrier. I wear him around the house and he loves it. I can’t wait till summer when we can go hiking and to the beach. After all, stroller’s don’t work so well in the sand!
April 5th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Read to your Infant. Probably one of the most important activities you can do with your child.
April 5th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Dusting the baby sounds interesting.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:07 am
dust the babies
April 5th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Really fun! I liked the dance to the beat (who doesn’t like to shake it?), and trace the tootsies.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:58 am
This is just the neatest book! #23 (Change Diapers Playfully) is a great one…That has gotten me through some messy situations a little easier! LOL!
April 5th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Dance to the beat!!! Fun for baby and parents!!
April 5th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I like the trace the tootsies.
April 5th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Thanks so much for this giveaway. This book sounds wonderful. I love the playing with Mr. Fork and Mrs. Spoon idea while out to dinner. What a fun book. Thanks again and please enter me.
April 5th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
“Revel in His Reflection”! My son spent loads of time in front of the mirror watching the ‘other boy’. He’d change his expressions so quickly. It was hilarious!
April 5th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I would recommend lying under a tree. Always worked for my son! When it was too cold, when he was a newborn, it worked to just stand on our deck beside a tree so he could look at the leaves.
April 5th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
There is another great book called “Slow and Steady Get Me Ready” that has activities for every WEEK of your child’s life from birth to age 5! There is some great stuff in there. It was developed to get children ready for Kindergarten without having to worry about preschool or anything complicated.
“Look out the Window”…this activity has been a boon to me as a nursery worker. It is great for distractability when a baby is crying.
April 5th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Wear Your Wee One,an I blogged ya below:thank you so much great fun
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8201671808169217327
April 5th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Dance to the beat because my kids love to move.
April 5th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
dance to the beat is good excercise for everyone and teaches coordination
April 5th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
“Produce Funny Sounds”. We do this now and really have fun and laugh. Looks like a great book. Thank you for the giveaway.
April 5th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Dance to the beat, baby!
April 5th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
I like the baby dusting activity! A lot of these are common sense ideas but would be great for new parents who have not spent a lot of time around babies.
April 5th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
i’d say the dust the baby
April 5th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
the activities I like best that are in the excerpt are wearing your baby and playing familiar music. I think it’s a great idea to wear your baby and keep them close. This is something I’m especially interested in as we are adopting our first child. It helps to facilitate attachment. I also like the idea of playing a soundtrack to baby’s day…maybe soothing music when it is a time of day for baby to be calm, more invigorating music when it is time to be active, etc.
Heather
http://www.russianblessing.wordpress.com
April 5th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Play on a blanket. It all looks fun
April 5th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Dust the baby seems very creative and provocative.
April 5th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I like the Diaper Changing Routine of singing “Up goes the bottom” “On goes the diaper”. There are lots of great suggestions in there. A book for every new parent!
Thanks for a great giveaway!
Marissa
April 5th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
i DEFINITELY recommend looking out the window, listed under 0+ months. i do this with my little girl several times a day. you don’t realize sometimes that everything they see at that age is something new and cool, and being in the house all day, we take outside for granted!
April 5th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Wear your Wee one!! I wish we had done it more when Connor was younger but we do it all the time now.
I blogged your contest on Prize-A-Tron as well!
http://www.prizeatron.com
April 5th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I’d have to suggest the “dance to the beat” activity. Even now, my toddlers still enjoy doing this !! And so do I! ( meg.wilson@gmail.com )
April 5th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
i think the best activity for newborns is the one that says hold them to your chest. at the neonatal unit at my hospital, we have volunteers come in and hold the baby at times that the mom isnt around/sleeping.
constant physical contact is proven to be good for a baby’s metal, physical and emotional growth. so if the baby is crying…lie him down on your chest.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Lie with your newborn under a tree.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
revel in your reflection- so handy when you’re trying on clothes or shoes too!
April 5th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I liked #14, Play on a Blanket (on her tummy.) Ever since pediatricians started recommending that young babies not sleep on their stomachs, many moms don’t put their babies on their tummies at all! Babies need that experience, and the practice of pushing themselves up as they get a little older. Don’t forget to turn her over if she falls asleep, though. Thanks for the offer!
April 5th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
I would recommend wearing your baby and talking through all the daily tasks as you experience them with your child right there with you! What a fabulous book. Pick me!
April 5th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Tickle your baby with a clean feather duster! I like that idea!
Milk Mama’s last blog post..Scripture Sunday
April 5th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I would recommend walk about. It’s such a great way to see things through the eyes of the children and get exercise as well. Thank you for the contest!
April 6th, 2008 at 4:54 am
We moved from TN to Idaho in September. The color the snow would have been fun for the six feet of snow that stayed in the yard from Dec to April. It was great at first but got old really fast.
April 6th, 2008 at 6:29 am
This book would be great for my daughter who has a two year old and a newborn. The activity I would recommend is record the child’s favorite story. This is nice to take to a babysitter, it helps to calm the child if they hear their mothers voice.
April 6th, 2008 at 9:43 am
I like the idea to put your child on a stability ball and let him work on balance.
April 6th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I would have to say blowing bubbles.
April 6th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Another vote for Dance to the Beat!
April 6th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
dust the baby
April 6th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I would recommend “imitate animals.” Thanks for the giveaway.
April 6th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I also like dance to the beat, it would be good for kids of all ages.
April 6th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I would recommend “get out the muffin pan”, my nieces love to put things in and out of a muffin tin.
April 6th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Wear your wee one!!!
I love babywearing!
April 7th, 2008 at 5:20 am
Paint rocks (we have several gardens just waiting for them) and Wear your wee one.
April 7th, 2008 at 6:02 am
I would vote for wear your baby! I wore my son all the time. it was my favorite thing.
April 7th, 2008 at 6:47 am
I would reccommend lying under a tree with your newborn. My husband and I could not figure out why our son was constantly looking out he window. It turns out he was facinated by the sound and motion of the moving leaves.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:12 am
i like change diapers playfully
April 7th, 2008 at 9:44 am
dance to the beat
April 7th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I think dust the baby is such a cute idea!
April 7th, 2008 at 10:07 am
First of all, I would love to win this book. It looks great! One activity I would recommend to a parent needing ideas would be to Dance to the beat as well. This is an activity that most children enjoy (infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and older children). This activity never really looses its charm. I would also suggest singing and use of musical instruments (eg. a tamborine).
April 7th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Trace the tootsies is a great idea
April 7th, 2008 at 11:16 am
What a great idea! It’s hard to choose just one, but lying under a tree drew my attention.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:34 am
“Lie under the tree” is good idea.
I find it nice to just involve the children in everything I do.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
(Feather)dust the baby!
April 7th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I love the idea of trace the tootsies.
So Cute!
Thanks so much!
April 7th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I loved dance to the beat and dust the baby.
tigerjennv at yahoo dot com
Jennifer B.’s last blog post..PRINDLE
April 7th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Celery stamping, wow, that’s original.
Paige’s last blog post..Lessons from the MP3 player
April 7th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I would recommend Play with your baby to help develop her muscles and sensory abilities. Play is the key thing of helping the baby. So while laying under the tree… play!!
April 7th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Tantalize with texture
April 7th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Magic carpet sounds good. I love imaginary play.
April 7th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I really like “wear your wee one!”
April 7th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Trace the toosies!!!!!!
April 7th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Tantalize with Texture and walk about, the book sounds great!
April 7th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Great Book! The Balancing on the Ball is fun!
April 8th, 2008 at 5:33 am
Wear your baby! The best thing I ever did for my kids (and me too)!
April 8th, 2008 at 5:56 am
trace the tootsies
April 8th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Look her in the eyes…how simple.
April 8th, 2008 at 7:25 am
love Dance to the beat or trace your tootsies for my little one
April 8th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I would recommend “Dance to the beat” as a good activity.
April 8th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I love cooking with my kids so “Whip Up Some Jellies” sounds like a lot of fun!
April 8th, 2008 at 10:59 am
dance dance dance
April 8th, 2008 at 11:36 am
dust the baby
April 8th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I’d recommend Wear your Wee One. I love to wear my baby, and it is so beneficial for everyone!
Tara’s last blog post..Jelly beans
April 8th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I would recommend “Dust The Baby”. Thanks for sharing this book!!
April 8th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Dust the baby sounds great!
April 8th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Walk about is such a great idea. There are so many things to see if you step back and look through a child’s eyes…
Lisa O’s last blog post..Thankful Thursday
April 8th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Dance to the Beat is my favorite. Best of luck to all who enter. Thanks
April 8th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
I’d recommend “Sing a Song of Teeth” to a parent needing ideas for an activity to do with their baby. It’s never too early for oral care and you need to make it fun!
April 8th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I like the idea of looking out the window with your baby. Thanks for the contest; I could certainly use this book!
April 8th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Trace the tootsies
April 8th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
“Listen to familiar tunes” is a great one. If you can find some songs your little one likes, it can help when trying to soothe him or get him to sleep.
April 8th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Dance to the Beat…babies love (and learn through) music!
Caryn B’s last blog post..Never Take Mama for Granted…
April 8th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
I love this book. I’ve bought it for new parents, but never gotten a copy for myself.
Breeze’s last blog post..Chicken Korma, better without the cat hair
April 8th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I would recommend the Produce Funny Sounds. Funny sounds were always a big hit for my baby!
April 8th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I love “Dance to the Best”: I love dancing with my baby and 3 year old nephew It really makes them appreciate & love both Music and Dance.
The joy of dance & movement is essential to developing health, grace, motar & movement skills, rhythm and beat, not to mention so many of great things.
run. Learning to express oneself with one’s body and music is a gift. Learning he different types of tones, tunes, music, even lyrics..where words are super meaningful are just a few of the wonderful skills learned from “Dnace to the Beat”
I really enjoyed seeing the celery stamping and other ingenious techniques, games, ideas.etc.. Wow! Super Cool Book!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I like Dance to the Beat! Sounds like a great book!
Risha’s last blog post..Singing the Praises of Vinegar