tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67968218881910123982024-03-28T20:13:46.583+11:00Learn with Play at HomeFun activities, crafts and ideas for kids. With handy tips on how to promote learning through play.Learn with Play at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08323717740126935795noreply@blogger.comBlogger47416tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796821888191012398.post-67258406713016367792017-06-02T19:00:00.001+10:002021-07-26T13:49:16.329+10:00Family games night with XBox - Minecraft for families<span style="font-size: medium;">While at 4 year-old kinder last year, my son went to two different Minecraft themed birthday parties. He'd never even heard of Minecraft but these other 4 year olds certainly had! By age four, he was apparently already out of the loop of the electronic game craze sweeping the nation.<br />
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCDTXyts9p0/WSom88GoJ4I/AAAAAAAAQKs/dprzDwu4iSEr_fTpmdHYMfMmSYrSoUgFgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCDTXyts9p0/WSom88GoJ4I/AAAAAAAAQKs/dprzDwu4iSEr_fTpmdHYMfMmSYrSoUgFgCLcB/s640/IMG_1759.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
This didn't phase me. I am very mindful when it comes to the amount and type of screen time that my children have and the idea of them sitting at a computer alone, staring at a screen, just didn't appeal to me. So, thoughts of my son also playing Minecraft were shelved.<br />
<br />
That was until recently, when I was contacted to see if our family would like to experience the role that Xbox could play in our home - particularly for <b>family bonding</b>. This was an interesting concept as gaming consoles weren't really on my radar at that point, but family time and family bonding is always a big priority. With an enthusiastic thumbs-up from my husband and two children (aged 5 and 8), we agreed to give it a whirl.<br />
<br />
</span><h3><span style="font-size: medium;">
Xbox One S system</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5d6nr6va5Yg/WSopTm34a6I/AAAAAAAAQK4/9U6C6Kxi5xk4gvLSiOPhemPq1Yaw6yS4gCLcB/s1600/xbox%2Bone%2Bs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="250" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5d6nr6va5Yg/WSopTm34a6I/AAAAAAAAQK4/9U6C6Kxi5xk4gvLSiOPhemPq1Yaw6yS4gCLcB/s400/xbox%2Bone%2Bs.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
As it turns out, some game consoles are not just game consoles these days. Where have I been? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
The Xbox One S system is a <b>multi entertainment unit </b>that you can use not only for your game playing, but for all your entertainment needs, including <b>watching films, TV, streaming Netflix, Stan, live TV, Foxtel Go, YouTube or Twitch</b>. It's got it all, and better yet, with the Xbox One S, you can view a range of <b>ultra-high definition 4K HDR</b> content from specific BlueRay disks, a variety of content on Netflix and other apps, or select Xbox One games. What this means is that we are finally seeing the full capabilities of our television in 4K, and can I say, it is SO clear. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
I can't wait to get some new BlueRay movies and see the difference with ultra-high definition. <b>Family movie nights</b> just got a whole lot clearer!</span></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Bring the family together for the ultimate family games night</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
We love family games night. We have a number of different card and board games that we rotate through regularly, and I love the different <b>learning</b> we can do together (often maths, problem-solving, reading, speaking and social skills), and most importantly, the <b>family bonding</b> that comes from spending time together. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Of course, we all know that playing games can result in tears and tantrums (and not just always from the young kids), however, I think that working through conflict (sibling rivalry anyone?) and not always winning, are important parts of what children can <i>experience and learn, from playing games together</i>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Parents playing along with their children</b> are at an advantage to be able to <i>model and demonstrate how to deal with not coming first, things not going our way, being outwitted, outplayed and more</i>. Social and Emotional skills are very important areas that children need to work on and develop over time.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Teachable moments while playing games together include:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">how to lose gracefully </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">how to be a respectful winner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">how to work together </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">how to solve problems</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">how to encourage others</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">how to play just for fun</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
With an <b>Xbox One S</b> in our house, one could be worried that this time and these teachable moments could be lost to the call of the screen, but quite to the contrary, we can still use it to bring everyone together. The difference is that instead of the children playing games alone, we all play together. We learn the games together, we come up with ways to include everyone, and we have a brilliant time together with all of the teachable moments of a traditional board game night.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
When playing games together on the Xbox, there are 2 main formats that you could choose to play in:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Single player pass and play: Where one person plays at a time while the other family members watch and offer tips and encouragement.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Co-op mode: Where 2 or 4 players play together at the same time with their own controllers and characters.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
Together as a family you can work out what sort of format is going to work best, depending on the game you've chosen to play. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw69-wdeUEM/WSo7X4Zaj1I/AAAAAAAAQLU/RqV3yrD-xPMUV6VL36zXxn6nfL7zAAk3gCLcB/s1600/xbox%2Bone%2Bminecraft.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="463" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw69-wdeUEM/WSo7X4Zaj1I/AAAAAAAAQLU/RqV3yrD-xPMUV6VL36zXxn6nfL7zAAk3gCLcB/s640/xbox%2Bone%2Bminecraft.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QyM8bTGr5E/WSo7cMcmSNI/AAAAAAAAQLY/CLSmJOQ8HWsWEKXzUrwvm9Buwsen1ULEwCLcB/s1600/family%2Bcontrollers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QyM8bTGr5E/WSo7cMcmSNI/AAAAAAAAQLY/CLSmJOQ8HWsWEKXzUrwvm9Buwsen1ULEwCLcB/s640/family%2Bcontrollers.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Minecraft Family Play</span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Our first foray into a <b>family gaming night</b> was with the ever popular, Minecraft. Finally I was going to get a bit more of an idea of what I've heard so much chatter about both online and at the school where I teach. I admit that I was curious to see the potential for learning and education within the Minecraft format.<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Minecraft</b> is an open-world game that promotes creativity, collaboration and problem-solving in an immersive environment where the only limit is your imagination. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Using Minecraft from an <b>education</b> standpoint, could include anything from visiting an ancient civilisation and creating a setting for a story, to exploring math concepts using Minecraft blocks, practicing collaboration, problem solving, digital citizenship and leadership skills while designing experiments and demonstrating mastery. A platform like Minecraft can definitely inspire children and students to explore, create and learn.<br />
<br />
<b>Fun tips for playing together as a family in Minecraft:</b><br />
</span><div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />Create family roles and responsibilities</b> – Have one person play the builder, one the miner and one the harvester. This helps to ensure everyone has a role to play and can teach important social skills around working together, collaboration and sharing. Mix it up regularly so everyone gets a chance to try something new.<br />
<br />
<b>Set a challenge </b>– In creative mode (that's where we started), you have the freedom to do whatever you like. Having limitless opportunity can be overwhelming, especially at first so it's best to set a challenge of building something either separately or together, a train, a giant pumpkin or even a castle. Compare ideas and work together to find a solution to challenges. By working together kids can learn a range of problem solving skills.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Challenge idea: Work together to build the ultimate family home in just one hour. Have different people playing the roles of builders, miners and harvesters.</i><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlk39woxgp4/WSo7hRj1sAI/AAAAAAAAQLc/XMcxtYyH6U87yXYWYFeyZvyrsDbkqxeQQCLcB/s1600/family%2Bminecraft%2Bxbox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlk39woxgp4/WSo7hRj1sAI/AAAAAAAAQLc/XMcxtYyH6U87yXYWYFeyZvyrsDbkqxeQQCLcB/s640/family%2Bminecraft%2Bxbox.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVphrBdG0J4/WSo7LgR-f3I/AAAAAAAAQLI/wZp_ItQ1skoHIvLAfwX90wfpAEvCL3skwCLcB/s1600/learning%2Bxbox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVphrBdG0J4/WSo7LgR-f3I/AAAAAAAAQLI/wZp_ItQ1skoHIvLAfwX90wfpAEvCL3skwCLcB/s640/learning%2Bxbox.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
If you are all completely new to Minecraft (like we were), you will probably spend about an hour together just going through the tutorials, working out how everything works, what you have to do, how to control your characters, etc. There's plenty to read and to navigate so playing together as a family is great for assisting with all of this.<br />
<br />
The next time you all play, then you can start with some family challenges like those suggested above.<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llTKPPr9BMo/WSo7VJ93vPI/AAAAAAAAQLQ/kUH8AGhXgfgPodoWgATS7bbG6fWOA4E0ACLcB/s1600/playing%2Bxbox%2Btogether.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llTKPPr9BMo/WSo7VJ93vPI/AAAAAAAAQLQ/kUH8AGhXgfgPodoWgATS7bbG6fWOA4E0ACLcB/s640/playing%2Bxbox%2Btogether.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Occasionally we let the children play together for a set time, under supervision and the agreement that cooperation is key and the game is over if they can't cooperate. The teamwork, encouragement and cooperation that's being displayed has been great and it's amazing how when children <i>really</i> want to do something, they are able to pull out all the stops!</span></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></h4>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Other family game ideas on Xbox One:</span></b></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Lego Batman</span></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
With Lego Batman, you dive into the DC universe and experience the world in Lego. Here you need to work together to solve problems which require collaboration and talking, go on an adventure, fight evil characters and be the hero! Go family co-op with this game to solve the riddles of Gotham together and save the city of Gotham.<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">FIFA 2017</span></b></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Set up the ultimate family tournament in FIFA 2017 by selecting teams, the stadium and favourite players and then battling it out to take the family crown!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Take it to the next level</b> by connecting with friends and family around the world by setting up your own private club. With Clubs, you can create your own small gaming community of people you trust. This would really take a family game night up a notch (especially if you can convince your elderly overseas relatives to get on board too!).<br />
<br /></span></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Managing play time</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
And lastly, if I'm talking about screen time, then I have to also mention managing screen time. For me, it is important to be able to manage screen time for my children, so I am happy that this is nice and easy with Xbox. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Through our Microsoft family account online, I am able to manage my children's account, including restrictions on games they'd be able to play (based on age, etc.), internet access and enforcing screen limits on both the hours and times of day that my children can play.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3B5-qb28aXg/WSo7PKKzS6I/AAAAAAAAQLM/8c3AVwHlxpY_ins2xmu4mWWPcKoDQId2ACLcB/s1600/microsoft%2Bparental%2Bcontrols.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3B5-qb28aXg/WSo7PKKzS6I/AAAAAAAAQLM/8c3AVwHlxpY_ins2xmu4mWWPcKoDQId2ACLcB/s400/microsoft%2Bparental%2Bcontrols.png" width="233" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
I can also get emails that update me on my children's use, allowing me to keep track of it. The picture above shows one of our Saturday night family game nights.. which I can see went over by 16 minutes, haha. Certainly makes it easy to monitor (and to prove to the children when they don't believe their time is up).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you play Xbox together as a family?</span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Happy playing,</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>Debs :)</span></b><br />
<b><span><br /></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span><em style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21.9833px;">{Disclosure: this post is brought to you by Xbox Australia. We were gifted an Xbox One S pack for our review. </span></span></em></span><em style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21.9833px;">As always, opinions expressed in this post are my own and my families'.)</span></em></span>
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Look where else we are. Are you following along? :)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkHOFWBJK4o/UYyIgOBU9wI/AAAAAAAAGxo/RvuMjfHQ8L0/s1600/facebook.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/debstar4/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4D1znEaQ1o/UYyIhLF1kZI/AAAAAAAAGyA/_ZtdQ6RKoXo/s1600/pinterest.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/Learn_with_Play" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bmqmpb9Xyjs/UYyIhMG5E3I/AAAAAAAAGyE/YAcBYCgfHSQ/s1600/twitter.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113416249899539659575" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44-9pseqqU4/UYyIgD7LORI/AAAAAAAAGxs/9dX88h__ySA/s1600/google%252B.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://instagram.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fJM8P2Waec/UYyIgHDR4OI/AAAAAAAAGxw/p3Qh6jbkY3E/s1600/instagram.png" width="45" /></a><a href="mailto:learnwithplayathome@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxw1Ykf18tU/UYyIgoSn7YI/AAAAAAAAGx0/h0Bdknuiv20/s1600/mail.png" width="45" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444;">New Here? Subscribe to get all activities sent directly to you</span></b></div>
<form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=LearnWithPlayHome', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">
Enter your email address:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /></div>
<input name="uri" type="hidden" value="LearnWithPlayHome" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />
Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form>
</div>
Learn with Play at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08323717740126935795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796821888191012398.post-47580056895726566302016-11-23T12:55:00.001+11:002016-11-23T12:55:08.973+11:00Travel with Kids. What to Pack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro9Wx9AXrIQ/WCpwnoBW28I/AAAAAAAAQEg/iDsgz2eB9qIkd11POqcuZCB94K8FiEtPgCPcB/s1600/Travel%2Bwith%2BKids.%2BWhat%2Bto%2BPack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro9Wx9AXrIQ/WCpwnoBW28I/AAAAAAAAQEg/iDsgz2eB9qIkd11POqcuZCB94K8FiEtPgCPcB/s640/Travel%2Bwith%2BKids.%2BWhat%2Bto%2BPack.png" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love travelling with my kids. Travelling with children can be an absolute blast, but the reality is that it's never going to be as easy or stress-free as if you were travelling without them. You have little humans to consider with everything you do, and being in foreign places will always mean you have a heightened sense of alert around you. Whilst I always return home exhausted and needing of another holiday to recover, the joy, learning, experiences and memories, make travelling with kids all worthwhile. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBG8wFeQOaw/WCvtuUC4hZI/AAAAAAAAQFY/38razkt8giIaIsJsWOvRzddqzEDfXD9GQCPcB/s1600/vanuatu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IBG8wFeQOaw/WCvtuUC4hZI/AAAAAAAAQFY/38razkt8giIaIsJsWOvRzddqzEDfXD9GQCPcB/s640/vanuatu.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting with the local school children in Vanuatu at lunchtime.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over the years, I've planned and packed many, many times for both short and long stays. We've done camping trips, (both on and off-grid), interstate holidays and overseas travel with our children from as young as 10 months old, so I've had the time to figure out which were the best things for us to pack for the kids, and what was not as necessary.<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5WVvYbBswI/WCvixTel_eI/AAAAAAAAQFA/x2tOStCixlsCWhP4HccB1jiMmiWeYy_dwCPcB/s1600/elephant%2Bbali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5WVvYbBswI/WCvixTel_eI/AAAAAAAAQFA/x2tOStCixlsCWhP4HccB1jiMmiWeYy_dwCPcB/s640/elephant%2Bbali.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son's first elephant safari in Bali at age 10 months. He slept through it. Can you spot him?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Other than the obvious things, like clothes, bathers, toiletries etc. here are my favourite items to pack, which should hopefully make travelling with children easier and more fun for everyone:<br />
<br />
<h3>
Travel with Kids. Top 10 things to Pack</h3>
<b></b><br />
<ul><b>
<li><b>Hotel Activity Pack</b></li>
</b></ul>
<b>
</b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-116fleodTYQ/WCleQMvw5JI/AAAAAAAAQEM/gAuoMtsMYVMNdIew3TGb2bSvQ1fwMFB3gCPcB/s1600/DIY%2BKids%2BTravel%2Band%2BHotel%2BActivity%2BKit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-116fleodTYQ/WCleQMvw5JI/AAAAAAAAQEM/gAuoMtsMYVMNdIew3TGb2bSvQ1fwMFB3gCPcB/s640/DIY%2BKids%2BTravel%2Band%2BHotel%2BActivity%2BKit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are often times when travelling with kids that someone is going to need some down-time in your hotel. As hotel rooms aren't always the most interesting places for children to play, we always take this handy travel pack, kept in an A4 sized pencil case, full of open-ended creative materials that you can use for a range of different activities on the go. This has been pulled out and used in different ways on so many of our travels, even when I think we probably won't need it, so I'd always have it with me just in case. You can check out what we use all the materials for <a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2014/12/diy-kids-hotel-activity-pack.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<ul><b>
<li><b>Snap-Lock Bags</b></li>
</b></ul>
<b>
</b>
Seriously, I wouldn't travel without a stash of these plastic snap/zip-lock style bags. We use them when travelling all the time for things like separating outfits (if you're feeling super organised!), keeping wet or dirty items in (like bathers or socks etc.), storing and packing snacks for the day (often a banana or croissant from breakfast make their way in), keeping items like your phone etc. dry when by the pool/ocean, storing the sunscreen tube that just got a big split in it (yep, it happens) and so much more! I take both the sandwich size and the large bags with us.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Home Comforts (Favourite soft toy/night light/pillowcase)</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKbkEf4nCZY/WCleSefyM4I/AAAAAAAAQEM/HFolsMtdV0YLILZzbFrpG_gynUA0dr88gCPcB/s1600/P6271391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKbkEf4nCZY/WCleSefyM4I/AAAAAAAAQEM/HFolsMtdV0YLILZzbFrpG_gynUA0dr88gCPcB/s640/P6271391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
We've slept in many different room configurations when travelling as a family. From two double beds in a single room, to separate rooms, to kids sleeping in a lounge room on a fold-out sofa bed and even once in a porta-cot in a bathroom. When it comes to getting (often over-tired and stimulated) kids to sleep in foreign places, having a few home comforts can make a big difference. Their favourite toy tends to go without saying. Other items that can be very small to pack but can really help, include a little night light and one of your child's pillowcases. Their pillowcase over a hotel pillow gives them somewhere familiar to lay their head, and can double at the end of your trip as a way to transport all your dirty clothes home.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Drink Bottle</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
It seems so obvious and yet I've often forgotten to pack one with us. Having your own drink bottle, in most circumstances, will help you save money instead of constantly buying drinks out for thirsty kids, and of course helps ensure everyone is kept well hydrated while travelling. I've found that even in the countries where we could only drink bottled water, it was still cheaper to buy large bottles of water and pour them into the kids' individual drink bottles that they could keep with them.<br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<ul><b>
<li><b>Snacks</b></li>
</b></ul>
<b>
</b>
Yes, there is food available pretty much anywhere you travel to, however, I've still found that having a bunch of pre-packaged snacks that my children are familiar with (eg. rice crackers, pretzels, nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars, etc.) thrown in the suitcase can be an absolute sanity saver! Hungry kids can make for grumpy, whingy kids, and telling them that they can have something at the next rest stop or the next shop you pass etc. doesn't always cut it. It'll also save you money not having to buy food every time they get hungry. I've also found that in some foreign countries, my children may be feeling adventurous with food one minute, and another minute they just want to eat something familiar. Having those snacks with you will help you out with that, and as they're consumable, it means you don't have to take them back home with you.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Swim shirts/Rash Vests</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwy2Bv3y6_E/WCleR3-bYTI/AAAAAAAAQEM/s7HeIrPwjuAsppk50w5KL6CFIaQJdT7zwCPcB/s1600/P6251165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwy2Bv3y6_E/WCleR3-bYTI/AAAAAAAAQEM/s7HeIrPwjuAsppk50w5KL6CFIaQJdT7zwCPcB/s640/P6251165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're going to have kids in the water a lot, (which tends to be how many of our holidays play out), the best way to protect them is with a long sleeve swim shirt. It will also save you from reapplying sunscreen constantly to so much of their body. We always take a couple with us for each child to rotate daily as we've found that often things can take longer to dry than you imagine, particularly in really humid areas.<br />
Other sun smart items that you should consider packing are sun and swim hats and sunglasses and goggles.<br />
A couple of small pool toys/inflatables, if you can fit them in, we've found also great for keeping kids entertained in the water and for making new friends on your travels.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Baby Wipes</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
I don't have babies any more but baby wipes are still an essential when we travel. They are great at spot cleaning any messes on hotel fabrics, kids clothing and of course all those sticky hands and faces.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Scooters</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4xpesMbqFk/WCleNg1xQ5I/AAAAAAAAQEM/KuNg1sEZtHMd5m8q-J3e5M8neOLfD5lrQCPcB/s640/PA290181.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Scooters? Really? Yes, I too would have questioned that at some point, but let me tell you, after travelling with them on our recent interstate trip to Sydney, they are definitely something that will be coming with us on most travel in the future (both interstate and overseas). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNma0vh51cY/WCvtqYSvR7I/AAAAAAAAQFY/eG01CibyXr4qmJufMygWYjCCumiFH0jKgCPcB/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_719b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNma0vh51cY/WCvtqYSvR7I/AAAAAAAAQFY/eG01CibyXr4qmJufMygWYjCCumiFH0jKgCPcB/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_719b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We first saw <a href="https://www.microscooters.com.au/?utm_source=learnwithplayathome&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=travel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">scooters</a> on our travels, on a small island off the coast off Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu, about a year and a half ago. Another family with two children similar in age to our kids, had brought them with them, and the four children enjoyed taking turns around the boardwalks of the resort. What a novel idea, I though.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMaOBMpO6G0/WCleVKf2C9I/AAAAAAAAQEM/p2IQf-ZdlDIn3qU5pq36Y9phlDibpjulgCPcB/s1600/micro%2Bscooting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMaOBMpO6G0/WCleVKf2C9I/AAAAAAAAQEM/p2IQf-ZdlDIn3qU5pq36Y9phlDibpjulgCPcB/s640/micro%2Bscooting.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the main things that we love to do when we travel is to explore. To get out there and really see the sights. Often this means lots of walking, which can end in a lot of complaining from children.<br />
Bringing our scooters with us, means that we can explore further and wider than we normally would, whilst still burning energy for minimal effort. Plus, it's just really fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FoCLthprBLA/WCleMtQdjcI/AAAAAAAAQEM/mpX7zWsN9cM6fRjLifXTz6LBIJ4ausNLQCPcB/s640/family%2Bscooting.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
On this trip we brought two <a href="https://www.microscooters.com.au/scooters/adult-scooters/sa0031-white/?utm_source=learnwithplayathome&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=travel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Micro adult scooters</a> (black and white), two <a href="https://www.microscooters.com.au/scooters/kids-scooters/sprite-sprite/?utm_source=learnwithplayathome&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=travel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Micro Sprite scooters</a> and four helmets (along with a weekend's worth of clothes and essentials for four people) in just two standard/large sized suitcases. (If we were travelling for a couple of weeks, we'd probably take one extra suitcase for extra clothes between our family of four or hand-luggage, which was unnecessary for this trip.) The larger adults scooters (with the bigger wheels) each weigh 5.3 kilograms and the more compact Micro Sprite weighs just 2.7 kilos. With a luggage weight allowance of 30 kilos per person, we easily come in under weight (in fact, both suitcases were under 20 kilos).<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTle9XKUbQI/WCleTE5ZFnI/AAAAAAAAQEM/y93BczuYmIALeGU-vSmlnBIcvuvu6GJjQCPcB/s640/micro%2Bharbour.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
The fact that we were so easily able to pack all these extra scooters actually surprised us a little. At first I'd planned on only taking the kids' scooters with us but when we gave it a try, we found that we could pack them all! With the distance we ended up covering, boy am I glad that we did. I could never have kept up with the kids and travelled the distance we covered, on foot. We saw so much more than we would have if we were either walking or driving. It was great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNV5ylDpzS4/WCleUXtzRnI/AAAAAAAAQEM/4tN0SOeyexYVQkKLXNPLzFmyZQ8cBfn8QCPcB/s1600/scooting%2Bsydney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNV5ylDpzS4/WCleUXtzRnI/AAAAAAAAQEM/4tN0SOeyexYVQkKLXNPLzFmyZQ8cBfn8QCPcB/s640/scooting%2Bsydney.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My kids adore their scooters and their lightweight and foldable design make them an easy wheeler for kids as young as five years old to use, store and carry. I love that they'll grow with them throughout all the primary years. My husband and I are rather fond of ours too. You can tell that they are top quality.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgKYJ0LH9jw/WClePDOjhVI/AAAAAAAAQEM/K42LNNCli1cWmbf_wVFUFxguqBR6kIciQCPcB/s1600/micro%2Bsights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgKYJ0LH9jw/WClePDOjhVI/AAAAAAAAQEM/K42LNNCli1cWmbf_wVFUFxguqBR6kIciQCPcB/s640/micro%2Bsights.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We can't wait to travel with them again!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Electronic Tablets with Books and Movies</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9iF17DVl7x8/WCleQ8S-JUI/AAAAAAAAQEM/Ro5_hZ1rXXM3ABJo4lOtc3hUNEleOpUuwCPcB/s1600/IMG_4084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9iF17DVl7x8/WCleQ8S-JUI/AAAAAAAAQEM/Ro5_hZ1rXXM3ABJo4lOtc3hUNEleOpUuwCPcB/s640/IMG_4084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>Home routines, like reading a book before bed, can help children get to sleep in unfamiliar places. Bringing a lot of books with us can take up a lot of room and add a fair amount of weight to your suitcase, so having a tablet loaded up with books is a great alternative.<br />
Kid's movies and educational games can also be great to have on your electronic tablet as well, as they can be a life saver in the hotel room, waiting around airports and for plane travel etc. Don't forget to also pack headphones so they can be used in busy places and if you're clever and bring the right cable and have the right know-how, you could hook your tablet up to your hotel room television (if there is one) and let the kids have a movie before bed.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>First Aid Kit</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
Probably another obvious item to pack, but a first aid kit is something we've always had to use in some way or other with our kids and we'd never travel without it. In our first aid kit (for the kids) we have: band aids/surgical tape, antiseptic wipes, a bandage, antiseptic cream, insect bite cream, insect repellent, sunscreen, Aloe Vera after-sun cream, children's paracetamol, electrolyte icy poles (can be drunk or frozen for kids to suck on if dehydrated), jelly beans and throat lozenges (dry sore throats are common when in recycled and air-conditioned air). We usually have two first aid kits. One bigger one that stays in the luggage (kept in a large zip-lock bag is fine) and a smaller kit with the more basic items (eg. sunscreen, wipes, band aids) that is always in our day pack.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>What other items have you found essential for making travel with children as fun and easy as can be?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy travels,</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Debs :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><em style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21.9833px;">{Disclosure: this post is brought to you by <a href="https://www.microscooters.com.au/?utm_source=learnwithplayathome&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=travel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Micro Scooters</a>. We were gifted the scooters for our review. </span></span></em></span><em style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21.9833px;">As always, opinions expressed in this post are my own and my families'.)</span></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Look where else we are. Are you following along? :)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkHOFWBJK4o/UYyIgOBU9wI/AAAAAAAAGxo/RvuMjfHQ8L0/s1600/facebook.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/debstar4/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4D1znEaQ1o/UYyIhLF1kZI/AAAAAAAAGyA/_ZtdQ6RKoXo/s1600/pinterest.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/Learn_with_Play" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bmqmpb9Xyjs/UYyIhMG5E3I/AAAAAAAAGyE/YAcBYCgfHSQ/s1600/twitter.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113416249899539659575" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44-9pseqqU4/UYyIgD7LORI/AAAAAAAAGxs/9dX88h__ySA/s1600/google%252B.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://instagram.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fJM8P2Waec/UYyIgHDR4OI/AAAAAAAAGxw/p3Qh6jbkY3E/s1600/instagram.png" width="45" /></a><a href="mailto:learnwithplayathome@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxw1Ykf18tU/UYyIgoSn7YI/AAAAAAAAGx0/h0Bdknuiv20/s1600/mail.png" width="45" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444;">New Here? Subscribe to get all activities sent directly to you</span></b></div>
<form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=LearnWithPlayHome', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">
Enter your email address:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /></div>
<input name="uri" type="hidden" value="LearnWithPlayHome" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />
Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form>
</div>
Learn with Play at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08323717740126935795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796821888191012398.post-1091559005646832712016-09-16T07:00:00.000+10:002016-09-16T07:00:00.175+10:00Up! eBook. 30+ creative, maths, science and literacy construction and art based activities.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Come <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/debstar4/" target="_blank">see what we're pinning on Pinterest</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iN2SRIohT0Q/V9N6XY-viyI/AAAAAAAAQAk/w-lG3-nMWN86PtxDD2XemKjWEc60KX-rQCPcB/s1600/Up%2Bebook%2Bpinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iN2SRIohT0Q/V9N6XY-viyI/AAAAAAAAQAk/w-lG3-nMWN86PtxDD2XemKjWEc60KX-rQCPcB/s640/Up%2Bebook%2Bpinterest.png" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is our latest <b>kids educational activity</b> <b>ebook </b>and it's my favourite yet!<br />
<br />
Up! will take your child's love of <b>blocks and building </b>and take them far and wide across the curriculum. <br /><br />With 30+ projects across <b>math, literacy, science, art</b>, and <b>play</b>, Up! shows you how to support <b>passion-led, project-based, hands-on learning</b>. It will help your child make connections, go deeper in their understanding, and encourage their <b>questions and creativity</b>.<br /><br />Including inspiring ideas for block play, mobiles, rockets, airplanes, parachutes, building challenges and more. It also comes with <b>100 printables for use at home or in the classroom</b>. <div>
<br /><i>One of the great things about the activities presented in this eBook is that every activity has been tried, tested and approved by real children. The activities have been carefully chosen to offer a wide range of explorations, working across the curriculum to incorporate <b>play, imagination, math, literacy, science, sensory and art </b>and are written by an experienced collection of teacher and parenting bloggers.</i><br /><br />The sky’s the limit when you’re learning with Up!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Age guide</b>: 4 to 10 years.<br /><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bit.ly/2bYXLH3" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9PgI8XAShI/V34ASvStEuI/AAAAAAAAP0w/A46S0lHx2_sIQ0-DH-q-Jkx5_6TtkJ3mwCKgB/s200/buy-now.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bit.ly/2bYXLH3" target="_blank">BUY NOW: $11.25 USD</a><br />
Regular Price: $14.99.<br />
(<i>25% off for the first 2 weeks of launch</i>)<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<br />
<h4>
<b><br /></b></h4>
<h4>
<b>What you’ll get in this book:</b></h4>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- 30+ hands-on projects that invite your child to explore all things Up!<br /><br />- guidance on how to support your child’s interests, and how to help them expand their exploration and learning across the curriculum. This book is all about hands-on, project-based, passion-led learning.<br /><br />- multi-sensory activities for children aged 4 to 10<br /><br />- resources for parents and teachers, at home or in the classroom, with ideas for indoor and outdoor learning<br /><br />- material lists, step-by-step instructions, and full colour photographs of every activity<br /><br />- suggestions for variations and extensions so you can adapt the activities to suit your child<br /><br />- a wide range of learning activities including:<br /><ul>
<li>Ideas to set up and develop block play</li>
<li>Activities that use blocks for math lessons, with number games, measuring activities, and shape-building challenges</li>
<li>Construction play invitations with sensory elements and imaginary play, to develop language, spelling, and storytelling, and to promote co-operation and collaboration</li>
<li>Art projects on the theme of Up! including Caulder-inspired kinetic mobiles and upright weaving</li>
<li>Prompts that encourage creative thinking and innovation: exploring the possibilities of rocks, ice, marshmallows, customising blocks with new designs, and using huge cardboard boxes that can build structures bigger than you are</li>
<li>Science projects that invite your child to think about all the other things that go Up! including homemade rockets, airplanes, parachutes, pulleys and constellations</li>
</ul>
<br />- 100 printable pages including shape challenge cards, building challenge cards, and a set of world architecture prints.</div>
<div>
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRPcqcIA50M/V9N5wb1uOWI/AAAAAAAAQAg/wVoTLTvCwtUtEiqedzfA4ZSACTmZ6ItHwCPcB/s1600/cover%2Bsquare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRPcqcIA50M/V9N5wb1uOWI/AAAAAAAAQAg/wVoTLTvCwtUtEiqedzfA4ZSACTmZ6ItHwCPcB/s640/cover%2Bsquare.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://bit.ly/2bYXLH3" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9PgI8XAShI/V34ASvStEuI/AAAAAAAAP0w/A46S0lHx2_sIQ0-DH-q-Jkx5_6TtkJ3mwCKgB/s200/buy-now.png" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul></ul>
<h4>
Have a sneak peak at what's inside</h4>
<div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaYyZ2yl4aw/V9N5uAQImKI/AAAAAAAAQAc/nZEX6RHyuhoL6gpQQOVujyCt8jcoELKrwCPcB/s1600/sample%2Bpage%2B1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaYyZ2yl4aw/V9N5uAQImKI/AAAAAAAAQAc/nZEX6RHyuhoL6gpQQOVujyCt8jcoELKrwCPcB/s640/sample%2Bpage%2B1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
How to buy</h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<ul style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; text-align: start;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">This e-book is available for all no matter where you live in the world. Don't worry about the currency, paypal will sort it out automatically for you</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Click on the blue "BUY NOW" buttons or click <a href="http://bit.ly/2bYXLH3" target="_blank">here</a> and follow the simple instructions to checkout</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4444px; line-height: 21.4667px;">You can buy it now, on any device, and then download it when you are ready. Depending on the apps you have installed and your operating system you might be able to go ahead and download the book on your mobile device, but if you have any doubts or problems, I recommend you use a computer to download the book and then share it to your mobile devices</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwor9Cy9W5purvHcE_ijI8pLq38oH0Gh7HHOdAW525L9VfBZCnvCj8c_sdVUWnMIjOtk0cVqPU-KClJJi3e2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://bit.ly/2bYXLH3" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9PgI8XAShI/V34ASvStEuI/AAAAAAAAP0w/A46S0lHx2_sIQ0-DH-q-Jkx5_6TtkJ3mwCKgB/s200/buy-now.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h4>
<b><br /></b></h4>
<h4>
<b>Check out the other eBooks we have for sale:</b></h4>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2014/05/activities-and-printable-resources-for.html" target="_blank">3-5 Playful Preschool</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2014/10/fizz-pop-bang-playful-science-and-maths.html" target="_blank">Fizz-Pop-Bang! Maths and Science E-book</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2016/07/abcs-and-123s-ebook-40-hands-on.html" target="_blank">ABCs and 123s E-book</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2014/05/activities-and-printable-resources-for.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8xfqDNXJCk/U3gM-IP0DoI/AAAAAAAAKEA/EJPGAhLbGdU/s200/10346312_788030207887683_6604733623691846317_n.jpg" width="145" /></a> <a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2014/10/fizz-pop-bang-playful-science-and-maths.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxjE9pAj6UQ/VWzxGuPIjKI/AAAAAAAANiU/kINb19D1wXg/s200/10391374_876962322327804_6385711039531323087_n.jpg" width="166" /></a><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2016/07/abcs-and-123s-ebook-40-hands-on.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpixh9O8Euw/V34ARw4pLPI/AAAAAAAAP0w/wjb1HdL0gsAKwvNzSaGJ290wznmglW6UgCPcB/s200/book%2Bcover%2B1.png" width="141" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Don't forget that you can also see all the free activities we have on these subjects by clicking on the "Activity Category" buttons in the sidebar (or at the bottom of the page when on mobile). You can also <a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/p/activities.html">click here</a> to see more of our free activities.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Happy playing,</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Debs :)</span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="line-height: 22.08px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Up! ebook is published and sold by Cathy James at NurtureStore.co.uk. Please direct any customer service queries regarding purchases of the ebook to </span><a href="mailto:support@nurturestore.co.uk" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">support@nurturestore.co.uk</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or refer to the </span><a href="http://nurturestore.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions-re-our-ebooks" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NurtureStore FAQ</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Up! ebook is protected under copyright © 2016. All rights reserved</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.’</span></span></i></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Look where else we are. Are you following along? :)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkHOFWBJK4o/UYyIgOBU9wI/AAAAAAAAGxo/RvuMjfHQ8L0/s1600/facebook.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/debstar4/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4D1znEaQ1o/UYyIhLF1kZI/AAAAAAAAGyA/_ZtdQ6RKoXo/s1600/pinterest.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/Learn_with_Play" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bmqmpb9Xyjs/UYyIhMG5E3I/AAAAAAAAGyE/YAcBYCgfHSQ/s1600/twitter.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113416249899539659575" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44-9pseqqU4/UYyIgD7LORI/AAAAAAAAGxs/9dX88h__ySA/s1600/google%252B.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://instagram.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fJM8P2Waec/UYyIgHDR4OI/AAAAAAAAGxw/p3Qh6jbkY3E/s1600/instagram.png" width="45" /></a><a href="mailto:learnwithplayathome@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxw1Ykf18tU/UYyIgoSn7YI/AAAAAAAAGx0/h0Bdknuiv20/s1600/mail.png" width="45" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444;">New Here? Subscribe to get all activities sent directly to you</span></b></div>
<form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=LearnWithPlayHome', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">
Enter your email address:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /></div>
<input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />
Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form>
</div>
Learn with Play at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08323717740126935795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796821888191012398.post-73527420030876270882016-08-22T09:38:00.003+10:002022-01-19T14:51:52.595+11:00Living Life Happy<span style="font-size: medium;">I've been thinking a lot about life recently. About how I used to look at life, about how I look at life now, and about how I want to look at and live life. I think having kids can do that to you. I began to not only see life through my children's eyes, but also consider how my views on life could have a direct impact on their lives.<br />
<br />
Living with this awareness made me start to question my attitude and to look at life a little differently than I had in the past. Life is inevitable. Life has good times and life has bad times. There are also millions of ok times. And there's lots of amazing times, awe inspiring times, beautiful times, peaceful times, contented times and hilarious times. In the mix unfortunately there will also be terrible times. Heart wrenching times, gut aching times, physically painful times, stressful times, sad times and so much more.<br />
<br />
The thing is, we've only got one life, here and now, on this earth, as it is, with this particular group of humans around us. We don't know how many days we've got, just that we're here and that we feel.<br />
<br />
If I live every day for the weekend, I miss five out of seven days of my life, just being ok, or just surviving. If I live worrying about what might come, I miss enjoying what I have right now. And what am I showing my children? How does my attitude towards life effect their attitudes and in turn, their lives?<br />
<br />
Looking at the lives of others, in lands far removed has also changed how I see life. In India, on my recent trip with World Vision, I got to meet children, young adults and adults who, given some of their circumstances, in comparison to my circumstances, should, (by my original ideals of life), be wallowing in self pity for the unfair dealing of life they've been given. Except, that they weren't.<br />
<br />
They were living life. They were living life, making the most of what they had and they were doing it with a smile at the ready.<br />
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BI3b_nw1lc/V7V1NmhUawI/AAAAAAAAP-A/C5pHo9Zjv-ob9gt02ELWWD7MWkL5z_4FwCPcB/s1600/P7210682.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BI3b_nw1lc/V7V1NmhUawI/AAAAAAAAP-A/C5pHo9Zjv-ob9gt02ELWWD7MWkL5z_4FwCPcB/s640/P7210682.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3CfT02c16s/V7V1PNOuXdI/AAAAAAAAP-A/I_Bg8M6H7pUo_F9c4xUFFRDnLr1rFV3AwCPcB/s1600/P7210692.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3CfT02c16s/V7V1PNOuXdI/AAAAAAAAP-A/I_Bg8M6H7pUo_F9c4xUFFRDnLr1rFV3AwCPcB/s640/P7210692.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Happiness that with the installation of these bio toilets by World Vision, in an urban slum in Chennai, they now have access to be able to perform normal human bodily functions in safety, privacy and with dignity. Sixty families who are so happy that they now have something I've always taken for granted. (And grumbled about should I have to wait a minute.)<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gMsWzjp44I/V7V1Vveo3lI/AAAAAAAAP-A/6SDzNpKFGbQroLQPbMWaT-8i71aWIGaWACPcB/s1600/school%2Bindia.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gMsWzjp44I/V7V1Vveo3lI/AAAAAAAAP-A/6SDzNpKFGbQroLQPbMWaT-8i71aWIGaWACPcB/s640/school%2Bindia.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-348ruxkfEd0/V7V1QMmI3cI/AAAAAAAAP-A/u4JEcypsquk5c38aVY3WVCf8h4aVSqaWwCPcB/s1600/P7220845.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-348ruxkfEd0/V7V1QMmI3cI/AAAAAAAAP-A/u4JEcypsquk5c38aVY3WVCf8h4aVSqaWwCPcB/s640/P7220845.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4DBmuLtD6w/V7V1Lp8qGyI/AAAAAAAAP-A/R62f9DFY8nk5otMkXwXNJxq93b7vMKwIACPcB/s1600/IMG_2965.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4DBmuLtD6w/V7V1Lp8qGyI/AAAAAAAAP-A/R62f9DFY8nk5otMkXwXNJxq93b7vMKwIACPcB/s640/IMG_2965.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Happiness that they may go to school, in an environment that thanks to the people who sponsor a child through World Vision, is covered in bright, inspiring and educational paintings, as well as having availability to fresh, clean drinking water.<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lm3ONnTG16c/V7V1bruy0NI/AAAAAAAAP-A/NggQDRJoQvAC0ZaX7lbmGpSz6PzZIvoCwCPcB/s1600/P7220973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lm3ONnTG16c/V7V1bruy0NI/AAAAAAAAP-A/NggQDRJoQvAC0ZaX7lbmGpSz6PzZIvoCwCPcB/s640/P7220973.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TL9UaIT1i5E/V7V1ajnJSmI/AAAAAAAAP-A/mEYaiCE_Z24KmrACJjF6HQUekUDZHWS6gCPcB/s1600/20160722_155225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TL9UaIT1i5E/V7V1ajnJSmI/AAAAAAAAP-A/mEYaiCE_Z24KmrACJjF6HQUekUDZHWS6gCPcB/s640/20160722_155225.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Happiness that thanks to iron boxes and education provided by World Vision, they may run businesses that allow them to feed and clothe and educate their children.<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf1_LVzXGFQ/V7V1RrCHKII/AAAAAAAAP-A/Arf_6tZai_ANz7wGMN0-6bWgv-sN0ncZQCPcB/s1600/P7220882.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf1_LVzXGFQ/V7V1RrCHKII/AAAAAAAAP-A/Arf_6tZai_ANz7wGMN0-6bWgv-sN0ncZQCPcB/s1600/P7220882.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glfNN0adlDI/V7V1S0-ndLI/AAAAAAAAP-A/rSpui7PdlEU1OS6CYvYwknXpDdL5NrGuACPcB/s1600/P7220925.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glfNN0adlDI/V7V1S0-ndLI/AAAAAAAAP-A/rSpui7PdlEU1OS6CYvYwknXpDdL5NrGuACPcB/s640/P7220925.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Happiness that thanks to education and support by World Vision, these women no longer need to borrow money from high interest money lenders, keeping them in a cycle of debt, as they now have their own support groups in one another where they can invest and borrow from the group safely and learn to save for the future.<br />
<br />
Witnessing so much joy for just the most basic things in life definitely made me reconsider how I find my joy. Happiness is infectious and more than living a "good" life, filled only with "good" moments, I want to live a happy life, filled with as much joy as I can cram in. Not only do I want happiness, but I want to be able to find it wherever possible. I want to find it in the boring times and to try to look for it when things are bad. I want to lead by example for my children, and help them to find happiness in the little things. To appreciate what they have. To love and be loved. To help others. To live the best lives that they can, and I think so much of that has to do with how we choose to look at life.<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlyQL5_c2ic/V7V3H6LTXII/AAAAAAAAP-E/AvxhdlMs-iUD82ya3BNQ7SlmjPhd1bYWQCPcB/s1600/12039630_10156181933325604_4351701958922519874_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlyQL5_c2ic/V7V3H6LTXII/AAAAAAAAP-E/AvxhdlMs-iUD82ya3BNQ7SlmjPhd1bYWQCPcB/s640/12039630_10156181933325604_4351701958922519874_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">
So, what makes me happy? There are so many things we can do! Some of my favourites, as cliche as they may be are.<br />
<br />
<b>Happy Things</b><br />
</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">reading with your kids</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://sponsor.worldvision.com.au/#!/sponsor-a-child" target="_blank">sponsoring a child</a> and providing a better life and happiness for others </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">going to the beach and feeling the sand on your toes as you watch the waves rolling in and out</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">telling someone you love them </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">feeling the wind on your face </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">sipping a hot cup of coffee </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">listening to music and singing along at the top of your voice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">getting into bed with fresh sheets </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">catching up with a friend you've not seen in ages </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">standing barefoot on freshly mowed grass </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">cuddling</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">doing a favour for someone</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">the smell of the earth after the rain</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">starting a brand new notebook</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">walking a dog</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">going to the zoo</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">anything to do with animals actually</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">feeling weightless in a pool</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">having a big drink of water when you're really thirsty</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">loving someone</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">being loved</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">so many foods, <i>I can't help it, some foods are just happiness and if I break it down the list will be too long</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">secretly watching your kids playing make believe</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">drawing with a brand new set of markers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">watching tv you love</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">hearing the rain on your roof while tucked up in bed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">going through a car wash</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">realising it's only Saturday when you think it's Sunday</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">collecting pebbles and building them as tall as you can</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">sitting outside late at night in complete silence with no sounds around</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">reorganising something</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">reading a book</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">thinking about everything you have</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">thinking about the people you love</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">writing a proper letter and mailing it, with a stamp and everything</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">helping out others</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">smiling</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">calling your mum or best friend</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">exercising</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">camping</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">having a break from technology</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">getting outside</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">trying something new</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">learning a new skill</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">swinging on a swing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">being kind </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Ok, this could go on forever. I really could just keep writing but I think that's enough for now. What have I missed? What makes you happy?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy happiness,</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Debs :)</span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Look where else we are. Are you following along? :)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkHOFWBJK4o/UYyIgOBU9wI/AAAAAAAAGxo/RvuMjfHQ8L0/s1600/facebook.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/debstar4/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4D1znEaQ1o/UYyIhLF1kZI/AAAAAAAAGyA/_ZtdQ6RKoXo/s1600/pinterest.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/Learn_with_Play" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bmqmpb9Xyjs/UYyIhMG5E3I/AAAAAAAAGyE/YAcBYCgfHSQ/s1600/twitter.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113416249899539659575" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44-9pseqqU4/UYyIgD7LORI/AAAAAAAAGxs/9dX88h__ySA/s1600/google%252B.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://instagram.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fJM8P2Waec/UYyIgHDR4OI/AAAAAAAAGxw/p3Qh6jbkY3E/s1600/instagram.png" width="45" /></a><a href="mailto:learnwithplayathome@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxw1Ykf18tU/UYyIgoSn7YI/AAAAAAAAGx0/h0Bdknuiv20/s1600/mail.png" width="45" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444;">New Here? Subscribe to get all activities sent directly to you</span></b></div>
<form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=LearnWithPlayHome', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">
Enter your email address:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /></div>
<input name="uri" type="hidden" value="LearnWithPlayHome" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />
Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form>
Learn with Play at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08323717740126935795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796821888191012398.post-61706721178502461482016-08-10T14:59:00.002+10:002022-06-20T10:31:28.509+10:0010 free Printable Father's Day Questionnaires for Kids to complete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdMtpHKIt4g/V6qv8NdgZNI/AAAAAAAAP7U/9mZDapj8_BwBUUCG_nOYkzMWC-haGXpoACPcB/s1600/10%2BFree%2BPrintable%2BFathers%2BDay%2BQuestionnaires.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdMtpHKIt4g/V6qv8NdgZNI/AAAAAAAAP7U/9mZDapj8_BwBUUCG_nOYkzMWC-haGXpoACPcB/s640/10%2BFree%2BPrintable%2BFathers%2BDay%2BQuestionnaires.png" width="448" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
More than socks, jocks and golf tees, dads just love their kids! </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've asked a number of dads what it is that they'd like for Father's Day and it turns out that anything that has to do with <b>spending time together</b> or something <b>personalised from the heart</b>, is generally going to be best received by Dad this <b>Father's Day.</b><br />
<br /><br />
A sweet, frugal and often amusing gift is a <b>personalised survey, interview or writing prompt about Dad</b>, completed by the kids. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Fill-in-the-blanks</b> can be a lovely way to record children's thoughts, knowledge and feelings about Dad each year and can be laminated or photographed to preserve for years to come. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I, of course, also love the added <b>literacy</b> practice for kids and that they can be a great thought starter for children who need some inspiration to help them think of what to write.<br />
<br /><br />Below are a couple of different designs that I have made that you are welcome to download and use. I have also compiled 8 other great versions from around the web.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The pictures below show the 2016 Father's Day Survey version that I originally made, however the ones I have available for you to download <i>have no year printed on them</i> (there is a blank space so that you can fill in the year) so <u>you can use them for any year.</u><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />
<b>Download your free copies of the printable Father's Day Surveys below by clicking on the links below the picture:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKi4vy5nclI/V6qv3bEJ_dI/AAAAAAAAP7Y/wij4QqY9eEkDNy4HK38_vz86PSshVlgpgCPcB/s1600/fathers%2Bfay%2Bprintable%2Bquestionnaires.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DKi4vy5nclI/V6qv3bEJ_dI/AAAAAAAAP7Y/wij4QqY9eEkDNy4HK38_vz86PSshVlgpgCPcB/s640/fathers%2Bfay%2Bprintable%2Bquestionnaires.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2UEah6YmII6V1dvamhhM1ZwZkE/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-QzeU1gC1RDT410W7dsETRw" target="_blank">Download - My Dad - The Low-Down any year</a><br /><br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2UEah6YmII6Q1hVamlxdkp1REE/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-MRnEjjT5IelfP77zUJPW6A" target="_blank">Download - My Rad Dad any year</a><br />
<br />
</span><h3><span style="font-family: verdana;">
Here are 8 other fun free printable Father's Day surveys I've found around the net: </span></h3><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I searched the web quite a bit (as you probably have too) for some good free printable Father's Day Interview Sheets and after clicking through many, I've compiled the best 8 that I could find. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Click the links below the pictures to go to the downloads.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i>
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwXT_fOcyJg/V6qv4eUsu_I/AAAAAAAAP7M/RlllcBKdsZUIsi8XuuOwnjjO1SjFyONfgCPcB/s1600/fathers%2Bday%2Binterviews%2B1%2Bto%2B4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwXT_fOcyJg/V6qv4eUsu_I/AAAAAAAAP7M/RlllcBKdsZUIsi8XuuOwnjjO1SjFyONfgCPcB/s640/fathers%2Bday%2Binterviews%2B1%2Bto%2B4.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<b>1)</b> <a href="http://beafunmum.com/2015/08/dear-dad-letter/" target="_blank">Dear Dad Letter</a> <i>from Be a Fun Mum</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i>
<br />
<b>2)</b> <a href="http://www.makeoversandmotherhood.com/fathers-day-interview-sheets-printable/" target="_blank">Father's Day Interview Sheets</a> <i>from Makeovers and Motherhood </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(a few different designs available plus one for Grandfathers)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<b>3)</b> <a href="http://loveandmarriageblog.com/me-and-my-dad-printable/" target="_blank">Me and My Dad Father's Day Printable</a> <i>from Love and Marriage Blog</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<b>4)</b> <a href="http://www.sunnydayfamily.com/2016/05/free-printable-fathers-day-gift.html" target="_blank">Father's Day Printable (for Grandpa too)</a> <i>from Sunny Day Family</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br /><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5O99EyOP7nI/V6qv5vNbcoI/AAAAAAAAP7Q/N4ajIKmNjWIwMNUWxYxQNzuTHG360MEIQCPcB/s1600/fathers%2Bday%2Binterviews%2B5%2Bto%2B8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5O99EyOP7nI/V6qv5vNbcoI/AAAAAAAAP7Q/N4ajIKmNjWIwMNUWxYxQNzuTHG360MEIQCPcB/s640/fathers%2Bday%2Binterviews%2B5%2Bto%2B8.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i>
<b>5)</b> <a href="http://www.mamamiss.com/2013/06/07/guest-post-fathers-day-questionnaire/" target="_blank">All about my Daddy Father's Day Questionnaire</a> <i>from Mamma Miss</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i>
<br />
<b>6)</b> <a href="http://www.yourmodernfamily.com/fathers-day-questions-free-printable/" target="_blank">I love my Dad Printable Interview</a> <i>from Your Modern Family</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i>
<br />
<b>7)</b> <a href="http://www.sunshineandhurricanes.com/dad-printable-questionnaire/" target="_blank">Dad Printable Questionnaire</a> <i>from Sunshine and Hurricanes</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i>
<br />
<b>8)</b> <a href="http://www.simplefunforkids.com/my-daddy-and-i-fathers-day-survey-printable.html/" target="_blank">My Daddy and I Father's Day Survey Printable</a> <i>from Simple Fun for Kids</i><br />
<br />
<br /><br /><br />I hope that you enjoy using these printable interview sheets / questionnaires with your children or students.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm sure the dads will love them!<br /><br /><br />
<b>For more DIY Father's Day ideas, see here:</b><br />
<br />
</span><ul>
<li><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/06/6-simple-kid-made-fathers-day-gift-ideas.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">6 Kid-made Father's Day Gift Ideas</span></a><br /><br /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274629/fathers-day-crafts-for-kids" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Father's Day Crafts for Kids</span></a><br /><br /></li>
<li><a href="http://diyready.com/21-diy-fathers-day-cards/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">21 DIY Father's Day Card Ideas</span></a><br /><br /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.kiddycharts.com/printables/fathers-day-posters/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Printable Father's Day posters</span></a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br />
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">
Happy playing,</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Debs :)</span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Look where else we are. Are you following along? :)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkHOFWBJK4o/UYyIgOBU9wI/AAAAAAAAGxo/RvuMjfHQ8L0/s1600/facebook.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/debstar4/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4D1znEaQ1o/UYyIhLF1kZI/AAAAAAAAGyA/_ZtdQ6RKoXo/s1600/pinterest.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/Learn_with_Play" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bmqmpb9Xyjs/UYyIhMG5E3I/AAAAAAAAGyE/YAcBYCgfHSQ/s1600/twitter.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113416249899539659575" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44-9pseqqU4/UYyIgD7LORI/AAAAAAAAGxs/9dX88h__ySA/s1600/google%252B.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://instagram.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fJM8P2Waec/UYyIgHDR4OI/AAAAAAAAGxw/p3Qh6jbkY3E/s1600/instagram.png" width="45" /></a><a href="mailto:learnwithplayathome@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxw1Ykf18tU/UYyIgoSn7YI/AAAAAAAAGx0/h0Bdknuiv20/s1600/mail.png" width="45" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>
</div></div>Learn with Play at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08323717740126935795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796821888191012398.post-62046686683369655092016-08-03T13:52:00.000+10:002016-08-03T14:05:34.398+10:00Invitation to Play. Simple Superhero Slime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mI2rLxDkQ8E/V6E06TY6hbI/AAAAAAAAP6o/U8RUEZkk6dIOTKJgG9kMFLpuLpoH2jw1ACPcB/s640/Invitation%2Bto%2BPlay%2BSuperhero%2BSlime.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Sensory Play</b> is one of the few activities that I know will entertain my kids for quite a long period of time. The quicker and easier the set-up for me, the better. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For today's activity, rather than make up some <b>slime</b> for my son to play with, I gave him the two basic ingredients, popped out a selection of his little <b>superhero figurines</b> and let him make it for himself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This not only means less work for me, but more importantly, it means that he is <b>experimenting and learning a range of skills and concepts through experiencing for himself.</b></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkYPgRn8Zrw/V6E07Q_nTSI/AAAAAAAAP6o/DtXIkpUMeRMpvHit8M_wmyn-W6Ii5AN0wCPcB/s640/P7110350.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Materials:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Large bowl with Cornflour</li>
<li>Jug of Coloured Water</li>
<li>Plastic figurines</li>
<li>Spoon </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is not an activity that you need to precisely measure out specific amounts of the ingredients in order to have success. Part of the experimenting and learning process is determining how much is needed to make the desired consistency of slime. If you want more of an exact type recipe, check out how we make our <a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/08/cornflour-slime-how-to-make-and-what.html" target="_blank">cornflour slime recipe</a> and learn more about viscosity and the science behind this cool substance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5x5o3Nb1dw/V6E08GDQz-I/AAAAAAAAP6o/3oydBK8rdjQXzNIhFOW7RpgETpSlp_b8wCPcB/s640/P7110355.JPG" width="640" /></div>
As we've made <a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/08/cornflour-slime-how-to-make-and-what.html" target="_blank">cornflour slime</a> at our house before, I reminded my son that to make his slime, adding the water to the cornflour needed to be a <i>gradual</i> thing. Adding in all the water in one go might make it too liquid and I didn't have an unlimited amount of cornflour to fix it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bubq3fx2XoY/V6E09VNeVAI/AAAAAAAAP6o/DdcJ3OAM0p0k-f_I-4MDWCAVDs78H-blgCPcB/s640/P7110366.JPG" width="640" /></div>
For children new to making slime, it's important that you either instruct them to add the water gradually, stirring the mixture between each new addition so that they are able to make it the desired consistency, or, you have a lot of cornflour (cornstarch) on hand so that they are able to add extra cornflour as needed if they overdo it with the water. This is all part of the learning process and a great time to talk and learn about solids and liquids.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBJ1I906MPw/V6E0-TRt3HI/AAAAAAAAP6o/eOLm8_GmMJ8E-FoLn4JhNSqc0GQp-G8WwCPcB/s640/P7110367.JPG" width="640" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-52QbLJY1svQ/V6E0_eLXE1I/AAAAAAAAP6o/Chux_-OOgLsVRc7u4cJZUIMwO7IRObPgQCPcB/s640/P7110378.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once your child is happy with their slime and they have reached the desired <b>viscosity</b> (which corresponds to "thickness" in liquids), it's time to add their superhero characters.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ro9azyRTS6g/V6E1ABMoT5I/AAAAAAAAP6o/ZTM7SF97WwECBhgi8MqQUwUloQATY2l-gCPcB/s640/P7110381.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXF4qU2WBJM/V6E1A_o2UBI/AAAAAAAAP6o/adXssPC65Q8z3RcgDStPkdGEbihPOrZxQCPcB/s640/P7110385.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the awesome things that I love about <b>sensory play</b> (be it with slime, <a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/09/toddler-inside-water-play-activity.html">water,</a> <a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2014/05/play-and-learn-with-kinetic-sand.html">sand</a>, <a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/11/8-creative-playdough-ideas-for-kids.html">playdough</a> etc.) is that often the play ends up involving <b>imaginary play</b> and lots of <b>dialogue</b>, fabulous for <b>creativity</b> and <b>language development.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKIcEITmO9Q/V6E1D3aO2KI/AAAAAAAAP6o/BiK8DFeOWv4UFNOp53NMKDiA5r0vKygogCPcB/s640/P7120389.JPG" width="640" /></div>
And then there comes a time when they are done playing with the characters in the slime, but don't worry, the play is far from over! Now is the time to introduce a <b>tub of clean water</b> (can be warm water on cold days, perfect for dissolving the slime) so that the kids can clean up after themselves.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3HFLETDySk/V6E1EqBn2BI/AAAAAAAAP6o/tuDcFNPHiNQM3exhr9rGuzGl60TbK8bnQCPcB/s640/P7120393.JPG" width="640" /></div>
Turn it into a bit of a game with reluctant children by enthusiastically adding voices and dialogue. "<i>Argh, Captain America is covered in the poisonous green lava! Who or what can save him now? SPLASH!!! Lucky there's this fresh water pond, perfect for neutralising the lava and dissolving it from his person</i>"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEq3djVM3Rk/V6E1GMH57uI/AAAAAAAAP6o/XpWxgI5rA3AFdYePnAxEB0i3xEXfYPu4wCPcB/s640/P7120398.JPG" width="640" /></div>
Provide children with a little face washer to help them clean off their toys, and a clean tea towel or hand towel for them to pat their figurines dry, once clean. The younger the child, the more enthusiastic they will probably be about the clean-up part!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Handy Tips:</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- <b>Simplify</b> this activity with younger kids by sticking close by so that you can aid your child with adding the water in gradually, stirring through all the flour and can talk with them about the process they are going through.<br />
<br />
- <b>Extend</b> this activity for older children by having extra cornflour on hand, and allowing them to decide the quantities of each to mix. They can also add the colour to the water themselves. Some correction may be needed in order for them to reach the desired consistency, so encouraging them to keep both extra flour and water on the side to add as needed, is a good move. For a class, they can try writing up the directions of how they made their slime as well as recording any observations they make about it's characteristics. They can also research more about why cornflour slime acts the way it does and try some of the extra experiments <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/0/22880407" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
- This activity is great for practicing <b>essential life skills</b> such as controlled pouring, consistent mixing (getting everything stirred through evenly, keeping the mixture in the bowl), etc. <b>Hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills</b> and <b>concentration</b> are required and these things get better and better with more practice and with time.<br />
<br />
- <b>Go easy</b> with the food colouring or liquid watercolour that you use to colour your water with. A couple of drops is plenty if you'd prefer to colour the slime and not your hands.<br />
<br />
- Activities like this are great for <b>expanding vocabulary</b> so be sure to use the appropriate language that goes along with this activity, such as, "consistency, thickness, fluidity, solid, liquid, viscosity, flow, etc."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- <b>Cleaning up</b>. If you're really concerned about mess, try this activity outside or in a bathtub, otherwise, you will find that any little droplets that end up on the floor or table, dry out very quickly and can be easily swept or vacuumed up. We did ours on a covered table, on a tray, over a tiled floor and found there was very little to be cleaned up.<br />
<br />
- You can <b>keep your cornflour slime</b>, covered in the fridge for a couple of days without it going bad. You may need to add some more water and give it a good stir to reinvigorate it!</div>
<br />
- <b>More fun sensory play recipes and ideas:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2014/06/how-to-make-rainbow-soap-slime.html" target="_blank">How to make rainbow Soap Slime</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2015/04/dinosaurs-in-sticky-mud-sensory-play.html" target="_blank">Dinosaurs in Sticky Mud</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/11/8-creative-playdough-ideas-for-kids.html" target="_blank">8 creative Playdough play ideas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2012/08/sensory-coloured-salt-how-to-make-and.html" target="_blank">Sensory coloured Salt play ideas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2014/04/10-simple-sensory-play-ideas.html" target="_blank">10 simple Sensory Play ideas</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/02/100-science-activities-from-play-group.html" target="_blank">100 fun Science Activities for kids</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/10/8-toddler-play-ideas-invitations-to-play.html" target="_blank">8 Toddler Invitations to Play</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy playing,</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Debs :)</span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Look where else we are. Are you following along? :)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkHOFWBJK4o/UYyIgOBU9wI/AAAAAAAAGxo/RvuMjfHQ8L0/s1600/facebook.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/debstar4/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4D1znEaQ1o/UYyIhLF1kZI/AAAAAAAAGyA/_ZtdQ6RKoXo/s1600/pinterest.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/Learn_with_Play" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bmqmpb9Xyjs/UYyIhMG5E3I/AAAAAAAAGyE/YAcBYCgfHSQ/s1600/twitter.png" width="45" /></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113416249899539659575" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44-9pseqqU4/UYyIgD7LORI/AAAAAAAAGxs/9dX88h__ySA/s1600/google%252B.png" width="45" /></a><a href="http://instagram.com/learnwithplayathome" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fJM8P2Waec/UYyIgHDR4OI/AAAAAAAAGxw/p3Qh6jbkY3E/s1600/instagram.png" width="45" /></a><a href="mailto:learnwithplayathome@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxw1Ykf18tU/UYyIgoSn7YI/AAAAAAAAGx0/h0Bdknuiv20/s1600/mail.png" width="45" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444;">New Here? Subscribe to get all activities sent directly to you</span></b></div>
<form action="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify" method="post" onsubmit="window.open('http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=LearnWithPlayHome', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520');return true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 3px; text-align: center;" target="popupwindow">
Enter your email address:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<input name="email" style="width: 140px;" type="text" /><br /></div>
<input name="uri" type="hidden" value="LearnWithPlayHome" /><input name="loc" type="hidden" value="en_US" /><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" /><br />
Delivered by <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/" target="_blank">FeedBurner</a></form>
Learn with Play at Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08323717740126935795noreply@blogger.com