Here is a simple game that combines the fun of using a smart phone with physical activity. Print out the QR code hunt from growingplay.wpengine.com. Cut out the 8 QR codes. You will need to download any app that will read QR codes (just search the app store and some free ones will come up). […]
Here are some simple ideas to make to add to your playing doctor and hospital kits. Above is some homemade band-aids made out of felt. If you do not like to sew you could just glue on the different colored felts. I love felt for simple projects like this since it is very economical and […]
During this time of year, children usually have many new toys and gadgets to play with. Parents can play a supportive role in encouraging play skills and get in some fun bonding time. Here are several tips when playing with children: Turn off all cell phones, televisions and computers while you are playing with your […]
Children love to play school. Here is a simple recycled project using an old picture frame to make some props for pretend school. If you have some younger ones in the house, they will enjoy these for regular playtime instead of props. Go to growingplay.wpengine.com/freefelt for the step by step directions to create your own […]
This was a great activity we did last week. The kids have been very interested recently in using real tools. At first I was hesitant but figured why not try it. I guess I better mention use all tools with adult supervision. So they decided they wanted to make a balance beam. We had lots […]
Here is part two of activities with the bicycle pump (see here for Part One – Straw Rockets). After making the straw rockets, the kids realized that you could pump up balloons using the bicycle pump. Not just any balloons, the kinds that you can twist into objects (as you know these are impossible to […]
Today the kids had hours of fun with a bicycle pump and some straw rockets. All we did was cut a plastic straw to about 6 inches. An adult used a glue gun to put a dab of glue on the top of the straw to seal it shut completely (make a few extra, each […]
Today we made a simple teacher’s pointer to use when playing school. It can also double as a magic wand. Let your child’s imagination and creativity decide what it is. Perhaps they will play wizard school. Read more about this easy project at GrowingPlay.com.
You can get a free download of printables to set up a great Santa’s workshop this week before Christmas. There are several signs, toy design sheet, reindeer testing and toy testing ideas to get children’s creativity flowing. Set up the space with a construction area (i.e. blocks, tinker toys and legos), invention area (loose parts, […]
Print this Play Outdoors flyer. Children can tear off the activity ideas for suggestions when they head outdoors. Hang it by the back door to remind the kids (and parents) that children need play time outdoors. Visit GrowingPlay to download the flyer.