tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76141006927827606792024-02-07T22:59:17.820-05:00Skip Run LearnChelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-18148970641612024702015-03-10T19:25:00.002-04:002015-03-10T19:25:45.077-04:00Peppa Pig and Zack and Quack 2 DVD giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is another great opportunity to win 2 educationa DVDS for your tot or preschooler!</div>
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**Skip Run Learn is not responsible for prize.</div>
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Welcome to the Easter giveaway!</div>
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Sponsored by <a href="http://www.kaboom-ent.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kaboom! Entertainment</a></div>
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Hosted by <a href="http://kathyssavings.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kathy's Savings</a>
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This giveaway is for the movies Peppa Pig Muddy Puddles and Zack & Quack Popping Hopping Easter. This is for the U.S. only. This giveaway goes from 3/9-3/23. You can enter below for your chance to win. Good luck to everyone.
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<a href="https://giveawaytools2.com/giveaway.php?sk=68016336719" rel="nofollow" target="_BLANK2">Entry</a><script src="//giveawaytools2.com/wid/embed.php?sk=68016336719" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="https://giveawaytools2.com/giveaway.php?sk=68016336719" rel="nofollow" target="_BLANK2">-Form</a></div>
<em>Disclosure: Kathy's Savings and all other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. The giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media. The winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. </em>Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-72144835149693020822015-03-10T19:18:00.002-04:002015-03-10T19:26:24.166-04:00Book Giveaway! DLees's Nighttime Scare!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If your little one is anything like mine, then it is simply impossible to have enough books in the house! My daughter is constantly asking me to read her story after story and "book" is one of her most used signs! I am half convinced that she would be happy with all books and no toys! If you are like me, then the idea of a child who loves books and reading absolutely thrills you! It's win win. Here is a great book with a great lesson to add to your collection! And best o all you can win a copy free of charge!</div>
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**Skip Run Learn is not responsible for prize.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0e5H3HBJ53kQLS8Kw7YFMqDELbOpT56FGH4beXHTfKij6Yl0yhCGeYC68AjzOM3GAZidNcTAZzzviO3Bdxe2o4CZVyVJpzu9fa7hDa8SxJiaR3nQq6-fW37umI1zZnIueP6dwVj12kgh/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0e5H3HBJ53kQLS8Kw7YFMqDELbOpT56FGH4beXHTfKij6Yl0yhCGeYC68AjzOM3GAZidNcTAZzzviO3Bdxe2o4CZVyVJpzu9fa7hDa8SxJiaR3nQq6-fW37umI1zZnIueP6dwVj12kgh/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hosted by<a href="http://www.momthingreviews.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> It's a Mom Thing Reviews & More</a></div>
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Sponsored by <a href="http://www.dleesworld.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DLee's World</a></div>
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Do your little ones enjoy reading? If they do than we have the perfect giveaway for you, a new book called<i> DLee's Nighttime Scare</i>! In <i>DLee's Nighttime Scare</i> DLee is trying to go to sleep but is afraid because of the spooky eyes she sees in her closet. She calls for her mommy and her mommy explains to her that there is nothing to be afraid of but DLee is still worried. After explaining to her mommy what the monster looks like her mommy turns on the light. Suddenly DLee's cat pops out of the closet!</div>
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This book is perfect to help teach little ones not to be scared at night and to help them to learn that things they see in the dark may not be what they seem. </div>
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Enter Below!</div>
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<a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/HosuN/dlees-nighttime-scare-giveaway" rel="nofollow">DLee's Nighttime Scare Giveaway</a>
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Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-65670112026856690942015-03-07T21:12:00.003-05:002015-03-07T21:12:57.911-05:00My Gym giveaway!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am super excited about th a giveaway because of how versatile the products are! There are so many possibilities for activities using these My Gym products, an all are guaranteed to be a hit-not only with my toddler, but with my 8 year old step daughter as well! </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">***My Gym is responsible for this giveaway. Skip Run Learn holds no responsibility.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I was provided with products for My Gym in order to write this review. All opinions are my own, thank you!</span></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">M</span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">y </span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">G</span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">ym</span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">!</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26m4sLIGkTAFo2B7ul2PFRX-zDyaKHMbAwUuH0rQpA7e_7GKdEiWV3z_MwmcVsr4yGHZ9TTTqNLG_Q85g9JfcGM_hy1ttCBJrAYkSwMCQwJOjDpsCELQ6MstrXQv8-Bu48cQFmvY2EYI/s1600/ball2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26m4sLIGkTAFo2B7ul2PFRX-zDyaKHMbAwUuH0rQpA7e_7GKdEiWV3z_MwmcVsr4yGHZ9TTTqNLG_Q85g9JfcGM_hy1ttCBJrAYkSwMCQwJOjDpsCELQ6MstrXQv8-Bu48cQFmvY2EYI/s1600/ball2.jpg" height="200" width="146" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrW1S0YmM_g6OULu9sZKDs3zwwxZxM_5jxJyW2b7q4tjaCUKNs7C3L6cSPAytXvTP4yXVso5eJzKx7St5ViklAgzMymPYW63p3Ml6LMlonmGuCzhLmiFUo8lO0cic7ENdFRlwVtwNX6yE/s1600/hoops2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrW1S0YmM_g6OULu9sZKDs3zwwxZxM_5jxJyW2b7q4tjaCUKNs7C3L6cSPAytXvTP4yXVso5eJzKx7St5ViklAgzMymPYW63p3Ml6LMlonmGuCzhLmiFUo8lO0cic7ENdFRlwVtwNX6yE/s1600/hoops2.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyuw6KosA6OT9egWBjX73WR8hDM5hIE8HfJJoZV9fouE42v_RPMJKsL2c_ygx258rHkFyG0cWX54ZwPeTT0ff81LQetgIfuYUPLhYg1pYwDpRa52P_xuiTnW1PG1PytX-jSYCrxfU230/s1600/beanz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyuw6KosA6OT9egWBjX73WR8hDM5hIE8HfJJoZV9fouE42v_RPMJKsL2c_ygx258rHkFyG0cWX54ZwPeTT0ff81LQetgIfuYUPLhYg1pYwDpRa52P_xuiTnW1PG1PytX-jSYCrxfU230/s1600/beanz.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">Established in 1983, My Gym [named #1 Children’s Fitness Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2014] is a leading fitness center destination for children with over 325 locations worldwide with over 30 new locations planned for addition in the next 12 months. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">Combining innovative, early physical education/pre-gymnastics classes with state-of-the-art facilities My Gym is set to empower children ages 6 weeks through 10 years by helping them acquire the skills, confidence, and positive self-image needed to become healthy young adults, with age appropriate classes and parties to stimulate and educate throughout...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 19.2000007629395px;"><b style="color: #222222;">My </b><span style="color: #073763;">My Gym</span><span style="color: #222222;"> <b>experience!</b></span></span><br />
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I have 3 biological children and a step son and if there is anything I have learnt over the years it is that getting up off of their butts, off of the computer and engaging their body [and mind] in other ways can sometimes be all the difference between lazy fun-times with a gadget and learning, having fun and staying active with a little imagination and MY GYM!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT-Sj7aZWhaQplo5LxN_bkF9v5zNOQZN1tSselYMO_LDiTUr5tfana_DwCX02svLINgMF96ckOPK5ORlwDDlAA74WdA_oa0LPNXugb7vXAZUKB0ZxkfgLu6CP_airwV4VmPVCHBr46qg/s1600/hoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT-Sj7aZWhaQplo5LxN_bkF9v5zNOQZN1tSselYMO_LDiTUr5tfana_DwCX02svLINgMF96ckOPK5ORlwDDlAA74WdA_oa0LPNXugb7vXAZUKB0ZxkfgLu6CP_airwV4VmPVCHBr46qg/s1600/hoop.jpg" height="320" width="316" /></a></div>
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Well, My Gym children's fitness accessories are a great way to bring life and fun to activities and I was lucky enough to get the chance to try out some bean bags, rubber rings and a ball from them, which, when combined, makes for a fabulous time. </div>
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I first utilised these as an added party game, where each person would have a team, a ring and a bean bag - there were 2 teams in total and the first person in each team would throw the bean bag, get it to land on the hoop and then run over, collect it and then tag the person behind them. Once all members of a team had finished, the game ended and they were the winners!<br />
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This game encourages working as a team, hand-eye coordination, active fitness running to and from the ring and patience. This is a simple, fun game for all and perfect for a party setting! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_63AxM0b72CdJi5pntlSeDjVQW3m8TI98kJ0RavtlIACOEfqENrwOkUfTeW_Ht6mv73o612vf4KKf4E3u3ic8m0aNS4jhK8yr83ip8zY5JviF54PPn2cxU1NNLsL1YCn7-PUG6umX7g/s1600/ball.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_63AxM0b72CdJi5pntlSeDjVQW3m8TI98kJ0RavtlIACOEfqENrwOkUfTeW_Ht6mv73o612vf4KKf4E3u3ic8m0aNS4jhK8yr83ip8zY5JviF54PPn2cxU1NNLsL1YCn7-PUG6umX7g/s1600/ball.png" height="320" width="316" /></a></div>
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Another way to get interactive is with the ball - my youngest 2 children (1.5 and 4 years old) like to hold, throw, catch and balance with the ball as well as trying out some of the activities recommended on the My Gym activity list that was included in our review kit! </div>
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Simple activities like rolling a ball, squeezing the ball, raising and lowering the ball etc are all stimulating and great sensory exercises! </div>
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There are so many things you can do with a child and a bean bag, some rubber rings and a ball, and they can have so much fun and not even realise it until it is over!</div>
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<b>Here are some great facts that you may like to know!</b></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Gym launched their new interactive Building Blocks Program to all enrolled children ages 2.5 years and older. The program helps children work toward specific milestones in their </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">physical, cognitive, and emotional development and then celebrates their achievements with stickers, progression ribbons, medals, trophies, graduation certificates and more in periodic Building Blocks Acknowledgement Ceremonies. </span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The My Gym television show, “My Gym At Home,” airs on BabyFirst, a 24/7 channel focusing on children’s development. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">There is a My Gym At </span><span style="color: #222222;">Home <b>app</b>, which is available for </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-gym-at-home-by-babyfirst/id893044413?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Apple/IOS</a><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">and for </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.babyfirst.mygym" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Android devices</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> respectively!</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">For more information about My Gym and the location nearest you, please visit </span><a href="http://www.mygym.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.MyGym.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can also head on over <a href="http://www.shopmygym.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> to learn [and buy] more!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Already a fan of My Gym?! Why not let me know and share your thoughts! I'd love to hear from you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">GIVEAWAY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Enter below to win 2 rings and a ball of your own from My Gym!</b></span><br />
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<b><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c0045ecb70" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c0045ecb70/" id="rcwidget_i595ou4e" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Rules: You must be over 18 to enter and in the USA. You will be informed via email if you win and so please use a valid email address (we do not use, sell or supply your email addresses to any other party, these are for contact purposes only!). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to their winning email. A new winner shall be chosen should we not gain response from the original winner - this will continue until a winner is confirmed. Prizes are supplied by the sponsor and and are not the responsibility of Mom's Gone Bronson, nor any other participating blogger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Thank you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">GOOD LUCK!</span></div>
Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-75354103967658610052015-03-05T06:37:00.001-05:002015-03-05T06:37:21.920-05:00#Disneyside @ Home Party Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*I received a free party box with goodies from Disney and momselect in exchange for my honest. opinions. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFBHQWJPxr_RjFMYTZ-1bvPsnigN8WfPEJYadFO9_luvwbBV2yQsc-9McUrgDAVRyqBQHdDzkVBCmhM5xjE-oP0UX0_MmbsedF_25_tRO0arf-plcER6KQnT9D3pIdHL6bp4RwDjnpMGi/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFBHQWJPxr_RjFMYTZ-1bvPsnigN8WfPEJYadFO9_luvwbBV2yQsc-9McUrgDAVRyqBQHdDzkVBCmhM5xjE-oP0UX0_MmbsedF_25_tRO0arf-plcER6KQnT9D3pIdHL6bp4RwDjnpMGi/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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A while ago I posted about party ideas for toddlers. This past weekend our family finally had our party and it was a blast for everyone involved! A special thanks to disney and momselect for making this all possible! This post focuses on how the party went for my toddler.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigsPVHmhqcL0CPo7QZIibhr0lZvCeykMIcqGKsnkwXGXcOJoYIApjmPSoR9wsqUPaM-o5mxS076ZaXop2J2Y7NAFvwDx0SkK4-JAoNsy59zT5EMpKRcw23RTyED2lRi0v1CTlhQ-02n-n/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigsPVHmhqcL0CPo7QZIibhr0lZvCeykMIcqGKsnkwXGXcOJoYIApjmPSoR9wsqUPaM-o5mxS076ZaXop2J2Y7NAFvwDx0SkK4-JAoNsy59zT5EMpKRcw23RTyED2lRi0v1CTlhQ-02n-n/s1600/IMG_2662.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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For a month leading up to the party, Pumpkin and I enjoyed many Disney books together. I grew up on Disney, so it always feels so much more special when we read disney books together.<br />
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When it was finally time to have our party, I ended up not needing all the activities I had planned from <a href="http://skiprunlearn.blogspot.com/2015/01/over-5-party-activities-for-young.html?m=1" target="_blank">my post with toddler party activities.</a> Ultimately I ended up picking just a few that I thought my daughter would like best. We opened up our party with some sit down games-the word search for the older kids and coloring activities for Pumpkin. A quick trip to a local dollar store allowed me to get Pumpkin a brand new coloring book and a pack of 10 jumbo crayons for $2 total! pumpkin LOVED this activity as coloring is a favorite of hers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKDWTolG10JQh3_7rbd-WR76lnLK0FvjC9m3SBdsoLqT5i-wJnvrAuL515A-Nhwctwfqoqtb2KQP9mtCdCpZmiB6yu_ZT4RiryDGQXt4oiQzcAcfuoJFdVGN6WvSVkm0wMGkKbEA257gV/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKDWTolG10JQh3_7rbd-WR76lnLK0FvjC9m3SBdsoLqT5i-wJnvrAuL515A-Nhwctwfqoqtb2KQP9mtCdCpZmiB6yu_ZT4RiryDGQXt4oiQzcAcfuoJFdVGN6WvSVkm0wMGkKbEA257gV/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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After our quiet sit down games, we moved on to "Pin the Smile on Mickey." For this activity, Pumpkin went last. We let her watch as each of us were blindfolded and spun and pinned our smile. Then we spun her around 3x slowly (to feel included) and pointed to Mickey's head. My step daughter ended up winning, but Pumpkin actually did quite well considering I hadn't expected her smile to even make it on Mickey's face!</div>
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When it was time for us to all play Bingo, we brought Pumpkin to the table to color again.</div>
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Afterwards we moved on to "Snap," a card game that was included in our party pack. Pumpkin, at this age, is more interested in tearing and bending cards than playing a game, so we provided her with a small Disney Princess ball that I purchased for a dollar at our local dollar store. Pumpkin is a HUGE fan of balls so this kept her more than entertained. As we all played Snap, she had a blast throwing and chasing her new ball!</div>
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Our activities for Pumpkin may be fairly simple and open ended, but there is no doubt that she had a blast! By the end of the day she was completely exhausted and ready for bed. She enjoyed herself every bit as much as our family and other guests!</div>
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*I received a free party box with goodies from Disney and momselect in exchange for my honest. opinions. All opinions expressed are strictly my own. For privacy considerations, only my daughter and step daughter were photographed.</div>
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Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-55742147079715775162015-03-04T12:48:00.000-05:002015-03-04T12:48:16.877-05:00The Parent-Tot Indoor Obstacle Course!This morning while I was working, I put on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for Pumpkin and listened as they talked about obstacle courses. Memories of my childhood love of obstacle courses started playing through my mind until I decided that I was going to pass on the tradition to my 16 month old! So I started thinking about all the supplies I had on hand-toys, art supplies, features of the house and the skills I am working with Pumpkin on and inspiration took hold! Here is a simple obstacle course that parents can do with their toddlers. This course includes fine motor, gross motor, sensory, cause and effect and cognitive experiences all bundled together into a super fun activity that my daughter absolutely loved!<br />
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We started the obstacle course on her Minnie Mouse Train ride-on toy and went through the paper towel roll zig zag maze (I knew I was saving those paper towel rolls for a reason).<br />
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Next we walked over (or kicked over as Pumpkin decided kicking was more fun) the mega block mini walls.<br />
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Then we rode the big blue blanket over the hard wood floors...<br />
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...and stopped at the crayons and paper. I was hoping I could get her to draw a line across the paper, but sitting on the paper coloring was more fun. Which works just as well.<br />
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After she was done coloring we walked on the pillow balance walk. This was actually a lot more challenging than it looks for her, but with some help from Mommy's fingers for balance, she got the hang of it!<br />
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Then we copied mommy at putting the correct colored peg into the peg boards. She watched me do one and she did the other. Her sorting skills aren't very advanced yet, so I pre -arranged the colors. Plus she was in more of a "running around" mood this morning. Perhaps well do more with obstacle courses another day when she is feeling more calm.<br />
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Then we ran to the stairs and crawled up together (Pumpkin has been practicing stair safety for at least 4 months now and is very skilled or I wouldn't have used stairs at all. As it is I allowed this activity only because I was right there the whole time).<br />
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At the top of the stairs we found 6 different sizes and textures of balls ready to be thrown down the stairs. I saved what I knew would be Pumpkin's favorite for last. She LOVED this-each ball bounced down the stairs a little differently and throwing toys down stairs usually isn't allowed, so this was an absolute BLAST for her. For added educational benefit I counted the balls as she threw them.<br />
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And that's our obstacle course. Pumpkin loved it so much we did it 3 times and had fun each time. Indoor obstacle courses can be a great way to combat winter "stuck inside" boredom. It certainly gave us a break from our usual routine (and I liked that I was able to incorporate several of the skills we have been working on).<br />
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What are some of your indoor winter boredome busters?Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-16491254053284120422015-02-26T17:49:00.002-05:002015-02-26T17:49:29.181-05:00Cosco Convertable Car Seat Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbMGyOHVO2mr4hPDYLhsactivM0FjCd9ESuhGOui4aX42mRYpESpNNjj3XlaJkBN2XQ52WJEwz-zWLLKupkhGvzik0PqNWynG1-f6RJY60R7xfbKZMBQE-Bmlj_lXL1q3DfkePOCG5y8/s1600/Cosco+giveaway+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbMGyOHVO2mr4hPDYLhsactivM0FjCd9ESuhGOui4aX42mRYpESpNNjj3XlaJkBN2XQ52WJEwz-zWLLKupkhGvzik0PqNWynG1-f6RJY60R7xfbKZMBQE-Bmlj_lXL1q3DfkePOCG5y8/s1600/Cosco+giveaway+.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.sassymomof2.com/" target="_blank"><br />Sassy Mom, 2 Spoiled Bratz</a> and Cosco teamed up to bring you a giveaway for one of these awesome car seats!<br />
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As moms, we all want our children to be as safe as possible. One of the best ways to keep our children safe in the car is through a good car seat like this one! Car seat laws can vary from state to state, but it is generally recommended that a child stay in a 5 point harness car seat-such as this-until they have outgrown the weight and height requirements of the car seat (at which point they can move to a booster seat). In my state, the youngest a child can be out of a car seat like this is age 4 (unless other size requirements are met). Please protect your little ones! </div>
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Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-12534878147988212632015-02-24T18:58:00.001-05:002015-02-24T18:58:35.704-05:00Our Favorite AnthologiesI love to read to my daughter, and my daughter loves to be read to. I often find that the best way to satisfy this growing love of books is with the use of anthologies. Anthologies give more story for my dollar and take up less space. I've also found that my daughter often will go to these books first as well (not always, but at least half the time). This past month I decided to add to our little book collection. While at the book store, I found this anthology on the bargain table with stories like Courdory and Madeline, as well as a handful of others. I was very disappointed to find that most of the stories were poorly abridged. I understand that anthologies that are 100% unabridged are pretty rare, and that's fine, but if you are going to abridge a story, at least make sure you abridge it in such a way that it can stand as its own story. This book failed miserably at it. For example, the general gist of Madeline was that Madeline had to go to the hospital and stay overnight, so the headmistress lady woke up because something wasn't right, asked the children what was wrong: they were worried about Madeline...so she went back to bed and "that's all there is. There isn't anymore."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CCaq_CTNyeUnrmxwGL_OwU7s5IbiviBAmzn-yzfNBulzqjhUy9HhiyzLnKEA00iCSMtcltvVh1lkuNJNdtbJhLLfzidvqSLsbLMTr7eBaAPvjn2-Rjgr2s9SbOIZAYQ0J-RW27RtVnlU/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CCaq_CTNyeUnrmxwGL_OwU7s5IbiviBAmzn-yzfNBulzqjhUy9HhiyzLnKEA00iCSMtcltvVh1lkuNJNdtbJhLLfzidvqSLsbLMTr7eBaAPvjn2-Rjgr2s9SbOIZAYQ0J-RW27RtVnlU/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Even though my daughter is still quite young, I still require that stories at least make sense in their own. For Madeline to make sense, the headmistress has to offer some sort of words of comfort or wisdom. So I returned the book, and set out on a mission to find a better anthology for our collection. I also developed a deeper appreciation for the anthologies we already have!<br />
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If you are looking for some anthologies to read with you children and would like the stories to make sense, here are some of our favorites.<br />
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3. The World Treasury of Children's Literature<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH86yw-41BjNCaSkVQ-SPNNZ_gM50HzxtADqpwLqrPpuqMdcOX2wED4LPLXvMxrPHhPzstZrxKX5E6Rqg3nivql5lWFniBQ5tRyoyXuKxQ-p4NUFgj-HebBfhWiqLcd7CVa7EuTihGPke/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH86yw-41BjNCaSkVQ-SPNNZ_gM50HzxtADqpwLqrPpuqMdcOX2wED4LPLXvMxrPHhPzstZrxKX5E6Rqg3nivql5lWFniBQ5tRyoyXuKxQ-p4NUFgj-HebBfhWiqLcd7CVa7EuTihGPke/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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These two volumes of the World Treasury of Children's Literature contain a great variety of stories, most of which appear to be fairly unabridged. There are not a lot of pictures, but the pictures included are wonderful. These books also have poems and just a great variety of stories in general. In spite of the limited pictures, Pumpkin does indeed enjoy these stories.</div>
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2. Disney Anthologies<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2r2fSfI4L5yMRV5I9RBoTlH4YuoWnZvEbTQzpb3MpOUYlJJttWjaYkV23DcfAuvriQrfWQMu8GW9vSa3_vrjl_4igBGsp7X4DK86jtYMnlOWKHq-fGoL65pnz936p6oWW_g8yQNhpdi1/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2r2fSfI4L5yMRV5I9RBoTlH4YuoWnZvEbTQzpb3MpOUYlJJttWjaYkV23DcfAuvriQrfWQMu8GW9vSa3_vrjl_4igBGsp7X4DK86jtYMnlOWKHq-fGoL65pnz936p6oWW_g8yQNhpdi1/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I grew up on Disney, so I love reading these to my daughter. The pictures are always amazing, and I love the stories, as does Pumpkin. The anthology that has the original stories are abridged, but they still make sense. Our favorite Disney anthology that we got so far is 5-Minute Snuggle Stories. In 5-Minute Snuggle Stories all our favorite characters go on new adventures. Since the stories are specifically written for the anthology, they all make sense and nothing feels like it is missing. </div>
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1. 100 Classic Stories<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKxNYvJ2bWITyln5jDGaBdo7OXOWZk5eX1sSY17rXTm07wtl2akKvoO-o-8hW5elEXu36hD4ffryqLPSsA-B-fDV6eM0bfPObciwQzyw_GUBTjDp7BQQf3nuZgQme62eaoPmdvdXLFF4F/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKxNYvJ2bWITyln5jDGaBdo7OXOWZk5eX1sSY17rXTm07wtl2akKvoO-o-8hW5elEXu36hD4ffryqLPSsA-B-fDV6eM0bfPObciwQzyw_GUBTjDp7BQQf3nuZgQme62eaoPmdvdXLFF4F/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is our newest addition to our book collection and I am quite happy with it. As the title suggests it contains classic stories like The Three Little Pigs and The Princess and the Frog, as well as Cimderella and other princess stories. The stories are not original, unabridged but they make sense on their own. Cinderella, for example follows pretty closely with the Disney movie, but leaves out Cinderella being friends with the mice and other of the more minor details. Often the stories are further watered down or contain some sort of moral or karma twist at the end. The prince in Cinderella makes the ugly step sisters do dishes once a week in the palace kitchen, for example. In the Princess and the Frog, the princess does not have to kiss the frog, only be nice to the frog. If you set aside the expectation for the stories to be the true classics, they are fun stories that I have no problem reading to my daughter. I would have preferred the originals, but these stories work well enough for now. Also I find the pictures to only ok-really they aren't bad, but I prefer a different style of picture.</div>
<br />Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-60920704423202027952015-02-23T05:07:00.000-05:002015-02-23T05:07:16.701-05:00Busy Books and Young ToddlersBusy books tend to be something I would normally associate more with an older toddler or preschooler, however I recently took a chance with my daughter and decided to try one with her. We were in the bookstore and Pumpkin saw a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse busybook with all her favorite characters as suction cup characters. The book was an instant hit with her as she carried it with her through the store. Even though the book was for ages 3+, I saw the pieces weren't that small so I asked her if she wanted to take that book home. She stood up, picked up her book, and started carrying it where I directed her. She was so excited!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wRw4gYfl-EMQQPYBH2rsUHNB1gD48LjtsihU5LATjsSVUznbg5p4M2xfmpiKWTDaihQ_Qz2ErbWT0PRhgvFNSnanadMdBG80SHTBninw4TU4_JwOukoh7OPwFygqh9JZDU7ngC0JFR9p/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wRw4gYfl-EMQQPYBH2rsUHNB1gD48LjtsihU5LATjsSVUznbg5p4M2xfmpiKWTDaihQ_Qz2ErbWT0PRhgvFNSnanadMdBG80SHTBninw4TU4_JwOukoh7OPwFygqh9JZDU7ngC0JFR9p/s1600/IMG_2638.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Naturally, when we got the book home I pulled out all the pieces to see what she would do with them. I started taking them out and placing them all in the book with the auction cups to show her how to play with the new book. Pumpkin promptly took all the pieces off and scattered them across the floor, but she had a blast doing it. After we had played for a bit I carefully packed all the pieces back up-I figured I would just save it till she got a little older (I definitely see some educational value in the busy book we got so I didn't want to lose any pieces). <br />
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Pumpkin had other ideas. She quickly learned where I was keeping the book in her room and started to ask for it when we were upstairs. So everytime she asks, I pull out the book and we play with the characters together, with me periodically putting the pieces in the book. Surprisingly, after we played with the pieces 4 or 5 times, something awesome happened-Pumpkin started to play with the pieces by putting them into the scenes of the book. Mind you, she isn't positioning the characters to act out scenes or doing the activities, just properly putting the characters in the book with the suction cups. Then she would turn the page and put the pieces back on. Then the car came out and she started to play pretend with the pieces and make the car "drive" around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLKwL-SR9kPBR5CGshHmHMI7mksYiCEDtdEgarxAmtj2tR6zycAfWhp6VK2-8g5FsnYDMTlmY58V3gTBP8AcV9hUaiYV92SLgvO4nbkmrZ1fvnc601MMyeVwaUIcdrMPMR4NiEyo7hdJB/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLKwL-SR9kPBR5CGshHmHMI7mksYiCEDtdEgarxAmtj2tR6zycAfWhp6VK2-8g5FsnYDMTlmY58V3gTBP8AcV9hUaiYV92SLgvO4nbkmrZ1fvnc601MMyeVwaUIcdrMPMR4NiEyo7hdJB/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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So my 15 month old definitely isn't doing activities on par with a 3 year old, and this definitely is not a toy I would leave her alone with to keep her "busy," but at her current developmental stage, I have found this kind of busy book to be a great tool for imaginative play and fine motor skill practice. The best part is that this is exactly the type of toy my daughter can grow into. I'm glad that I took the chance and bought this book for my daughter.<br />
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<br />Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-43353256316641863692015-02-20T16:41:00.002-05:002015-02-20T16:51:43.775-05:004 DVD Giveaway!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to the NCircle DVD's Giveaway</div>
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Sponsored by <a href="http://www.ncircleentertainment.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NCircle Entertainment</a></div>
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Great opportunity to get 4 great DVD's! I've watched several episodes of most of these DVD's with my daughter and I am impressed with the educational content in some of these movies! Don't miss out!</div>
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This giveaway is for four DVD's from NCircle. These DVD's include Octonauts, Pocoyo, The Wiggles and Wibbly Pig! The giveaway is open to the U.S. only. This will run from 2/20-3/6. Good luck to everyone.</div>
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<em>Disclosure: Kathy's Savings and all other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. The giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media. The winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. </em></div>
Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-9832003562418610212015-02-16T21:08:00.002-05:002015-02-16T21:11:02.063-05:00General Mills Giveaway!<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't know about your family, but mine absolutely loves out General Mills cereal-from my husband to my toddler! It's great to have a quick and easy breakfast on hand that everyone will eat. Plus the winner receives a skylander toy! A perfect giveaway!</div>
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Welcome to the General Mills Prize Package Giveaway</div>
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Enter to win General Mills cereals and an exclusive Skylanders game set. This giveaway is open to the U.S. only. The giveaway will go from 2/17-3/3. Good luck to everyone
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Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-87924331514134509582015-02-15T08:55:00.001-05:002015-02-15T08:55:52.011-05:00Gourmet Lollipops Giveaway!I remember in my youth when we used buy gourmet lollipops from Bob Evans on Sunday Mornings after breakfast. This giveaway brings back so many amazing childhood memories!! Now you can make new memories over these lovely gourmet lollipops with your children! (Very young children should be supervised with lollipops if you decide to share with them).<br />
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**Skip Run Learn did not receive a sample of this product, but Free For All Fans did. Skip Run Learn holds no responsibility for product delivery or winner selection.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This giveaway is hosted by </span><a href="http://www.freeforallfans.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8db724;"><span style="font-size: large;">Free For All</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #8db724;"><a href="https://ogfc.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8db724; font-size: large;">Original Gourmet</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Full review of Original Gourmet coming soon to <a href="http://www.freeforallfans.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Free For ALL</a>!<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enter Here to win a 100 Count Mini package from Original Gourmet Lollipops!</span></div>
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Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-42016698005326082742015-02-02T20:50:00.002-05:002015-02-03T04:35:12.129-05:00Starting More Focused Activities With a Young ToddlerThroughout our toddler homeschool experience thus far, I have advocated taking a very laid back approach to homeschooling my toddler; recently, however, as Pumpkin turned 15 months, I decided to take another look at the Early Learning Content Standards. To my surprise, Pumpkin has achieved all of the goals except for 4-pointing to named body parts (which she does know a few, but not enough for me to call her meeting this standard), pointing to named pictures in a book, matching objects that are the same or similar, and noticing obvious changes in quantity. All of these would require a bit more from me than merely providing exploratory materials for Pumpkin to freely play with, so I have decided to begin adding a few activities to our routine that are a little more direct, without adding undue pressure.<br />
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To start off, I reviewed my state's suggestions on how to encourage a child on the goals she is still working towards. Then I thought about my daughter and came up with my own ideas for how to encourage Pumpkin towards her goals and came up with a unique plan for Pumpkin and I to dive into. For example, I know that my daughter really likes socks. Socks tend to have an exact match. So I went upstairs and grabbed 3 of Pumpkin's most colorful, uniquely patterned socks and laid them out on the floor between us. To encourage her on learning to find matches, I would grab a sock and ask her to find the sock's match. Instead of grabbing the match, she would usually grab the sock she wanted to and ask me to put it on her foot. Not quite what I wanted her to do, BUT it was our first attempt. Instead of getting frustrated, however, or making a big deal out of it, I simply put the sock on her foot and asked her to find the match for that sock instead. Usually she would find an entirely different sock. I would then take off the first sock and replace it with the new sock, and carry in with the activity. The message I wanted to get across to her is that socks must match if she wants to wear both of them. Meanwhile, Pumpkin still had fun playing with the socks, and was not frustrated.<br />
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Another direct way we are approaching our goals is by singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" whenever the fancy strikes me. I know my daughter loves songs and dancing, so it seemed perfect. As I sing I will point to the appropriate body parts and Pumpkin will watch me with her adorable, huge grin on her face. But, I have also noticed that she is pointing to the body parts named in the songs more often throughout the day! Not bad progress for only one week of the new changes.<br />
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We have added several other activities to our week also, but these should give you a few ideas for how to begin targeting specific goals together! Always keep your toddler and her personality in mind, and try to pick activities that will hold her interest, but also don't be afraid of trying something totally new! After all, you don't know that your toddler doesn't like an activity if she has never done anything like it (I learned this week that my daughter really likes the shape shorter, for example, but if I hadn't brought one out to try, I would have never known.) Above all else, make sure you both are continuing to have fun! If one of you is getting frustrated, put up the activities and play a game of chase or peek a boo or do a silly dance!Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-51234540067409865022015-01-27T08:17:00.000-05:002015-01-27T08:17:42.945-05:00Baby Signing Time Review<div>
*I purchased the items presented in this review and am writing the review with permission from Two Little Hands Productions. I was not compensated for the review. All opinions are my own.</div>
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I have been wanting to try Baby Signing Time with my daughter for some time now, but with all the information floating around about TV before age 2 being at best a bunch of flashing lights or at worst a hindrance to development, I was very skeptical that I would be wasting our money by buying this product for our 14 month old. However, after trying the first 2 DVD's in the Baby Signing Time series for 3 weeks, I am having some serious doubts about the validity of any study that claims that a child under 2 cannot comprehend and learn from educational TV. My daughter's progress with these DVD's has been truly outstanding, and my concerns were entirely unfounded!<br />
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Prior to beginning Baby Signing Time, I had been working with my daughter for months, and she knew 4 signs. Once she opened the Baby Signing Time DVD's on Christmas morning, the only thing that changed was that we would watch the DVD together once a day, 5 days a week (and in the car). She now knows 22 signs after just 3 weeks with this new routine.by the end of the first week, my daughter had added 4 new signs to her signing vocabulary. By the end of week 2 she had added an additional 4 signs. Given her pace learning signs prior to using these DVD's, I was positive her pace would slow, but much to my surprise, she added an additional 10 signs to her vocabulary by the end of last week (week 3)!<br />
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Baby Signing Time has not only helped my daughter's signing vocab improve, but it has done it in a fun and engaging way. My daughter absolutely loves when we sit down to watch our Signimg Time together! As soon as I start the DVD and sit down she is all smiles as she runs straight to my lap. The songs are the perfect length to keep her engaged as we dance and sign through the DVD.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKykgKh1a_S_IDUULS2fwsqYpoggmerOJeF3qRRZ2WPKtyiLVdyfQqJyPYr8lJXlhJ__8XFNLUSnXtTIElUa3Ps6OohDMn4yeqtIo7NORVw7q0XlBe4v_coxi3G20v2jZEGUQZZ8SOOtR/s1600/IMG_2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKykgKh1a_S_IDUULS2fwsqYpoggmerOJeF3qRRZ2WPKtyiLVdyfQqJyPYr8lJXlhJ__8XFNLUSnXtTIElUa3Ps6OohDMn4yeqtIo7NORVw7q0XlBe4v_coxi3G20v2jZEGUQZZ8SOOtR/s1600/IMG_2539.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Each individual Baby Signing Time DVD comes with both the DVD and the audio CD for $21.99. Package deals are also available in addition to the Signing Time website's frequent sales. I got my Baby Signing Time DVD's for the amazing price of $10 each! When I purchased the DVD's-which contain 25 signs each-I had intended for them to last a full year so I could catch the amazing sale again, however, based on Pumpkin's progress, I highly doubt this will be the case. These DVD's, however, are worth every penny and I will gladly pay a higher price to keep Pumpkin's progress moving at the pace Baby Signing Time makes possible.<br />
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<br />Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-24938505873797703242015-01-25T21:34:00.001-05:002015-01-25T21:34:37.995-05:00Over 5 Party Activities for Young Toddlers*I received free products to host a #disneyside @ home celebration. All opinions expressed here are my own.<br />
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My family recently was selected to host a #disneyside party! Our party kit included many fun games and decorations to help us host a party for people of many ages, however there is one age group that is overlooked which I think would be capable of enjoying the party. Toddlers. Admittedly, I failed to plan activities for my own daughters first birthday-writing things off as the first party being more for the parents and there not being anything she could do. However, our trip to Disney World last month-where our 14 month old had the most fun of any o us-has shown me that toddlers are also fully capable of party games.<br />
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Much like the activities I do with Pumpkin in our toddler homeschool, toddler activities that I am planning for the party are usually going to be fairly open ended where I will provide the materials and the toddler(s) will decide what to do with them. Here are a few ideas to get you started-all Disney themed to go along with our Mickey Mouse theme!<br />
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<b>1. Disney Sensory Bottles</b>-these can be used with parental supervision for children even younger than 1 year. If they can grab a water bottle, they can enjoy this mess free activity-magic pixie dust themed!<br />
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What you need:<br />
-1 empty water bottle<br />
-water<br />
-oil<br />
-glitter<br />
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Simply combine all the ingredients together in the empty water bottle. The oil will slow the glitter's fall on the way to the bottom when the water bottle is flipped over, so start with a small amount of oil and continue adding until you are getting your desired effect. Likewise how much glitter you would like can be experimented with. The result is a pretty cool effect that will likely fascinate your toddler.<br />
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<b>2. Fun with Disney Balls and Water Bottles</b>-again, children old enough to grab a ball can enjoy this activity also. All you need is some balls with Disney characters and some empty water bottles. There are endless possibilities for ways to use these items. Stand the pins up and let the toddlers throw the balls at the pins. The toddlers will likely also have fun squeezing the water bottles to make the crunch sound and simply throwing the balls and watching them roll away!<br />
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<b>3. Coloring</b>-this is likely appropriate for ages 12 months and up (with supervision). Disney themed coloring books and jumbo crayons can usually be found at the dollar store for a dollar each. They may not be coloring in the lines, but there are few things that my 15 month old likes more than coloring.<br />
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<b>4. Playing with Balloons</b>-Pumpkin absolutely LOVED playing with the helium balloons from her first birthday with her big sister, so I am quite excited to try and find some disney themed helium balloons for each child going to the party (kids of all ages love balloons)! Parental supervision required as the strings on the balloons are pretty long, but Pumpkin loved pulling the balloons down from the ceiling and shaking them!<br />
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<b>5. Confetti Play</b>-when our disney side party kit arrived in the mail, Pumpkin's favorite part was the confetti! The confetti was basically thin paper strips that were crinkled up to look like crinkle fries. Pumpkin could not get enough of pulling all the confetti out of the box, then putting all the confetti back in, and I fully plan to use this activity-exactly as is-at the party. It will be the messiest activity at the party and it will be as hard to clean up as grabbing a sweeper and sweeping.<br />
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<b>6. Pin he Smile On Mickey</b>-in with all the activities sent in my disney side party kit, there was one that I feel my daughter can participate in! For this one I will give each toddler their smile to pin on Mickey and let them place the smile without being blind folded or spun. Chances are they will be every bit as far off as the older children's-if they even make it onto the wall!<br />
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<b>7. Disney Story Time</b>-this one probably won't happen at the party, but in the weeks leading up to the party we will be reading all disney themed stories for our storytime, and our bedtime story will also be Disney themed. Since Punpkin loves Mickey and Minnie so much, it should be a blast!<br />
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*I received free products to host a #disneyside @ home celebration. All opinions expressed here are my own.Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-8154791251352168142015-01-21T20:31:00.001-05:002015-01-21T20:31:49.149-05:00Toddler "Chores"This past week or two, I started "giving Pumpkin chores." It may sound strange to hear that a toddler has chores, but Pumpkin actually seems to really enjoy helping mama. In fact, the whole idea came to me because Pumpkin was showing an interest in what I'm doing. If I'm in the kitchen cooking, she is always trying to figure out what I'm doing. If I'm im the laundry room Pumpkin runs straight to the open drier door (and if I run to get a sock I see on the floor real fast she quickly finds a toy or shoe to put in the drier. If I'm feeding the dogs-she is right there watching. So I decided to take advantage of this natural curiosity.<br />
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Whenever Pumpkin is watching me, if there is something I can have her do, I include her. I'm the kitchen she will help me by picking up any veggies that fell on the floor during chopping and throwing them away, and after I peel the potatoes she puts them in the pot for me. In the laundry room, when she runs up to the drier, I hand her the wet clothes to put in the drier, tell her to close the door when we are done, then I lift her up and point to the buttons that need pressed. When I feed the dogs, I have her grab the scoop and help me feed the dogs. When it is time to clean up toys so I can sweep, I encourage her to put toys in the basket too. Then when I sweep I will slow down when she approaches, lean the sweeper all the way back and let her help me sweep. If I am washing the hard floors I can give her her own rag to wash the floor too. After she helps me I clap and praise her. It is THE biggest thing in the world, and she smiles with her huge beautiful smile and seems to stand just a little straighter. She is so proud of herself for helping!<br />
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All her help may not actually help me get my work done faster; in fact, it may actually slow me down in some cases, but look at how much she learns. She is learning that it is fun to help people, practicing fine (picking up chopped veggied and throwing them away) and gross (helping sweep the floor) motor skills, playing with sensory activities (touching skinned potatoes), and she actually is learning how to do the chores themselves also. She is learning about life-that chores a part of everyday life, so when it is time for her to do chores on her own it won't be such a shock.<br />
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Pumpkin's chores give her a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Today I was rushing a load of wash over because I was short on time and Pumpkin saw and came over wanting to help-I had already loaded the drier and she wanted to push the buttons. Her chores make her feel important, and the praise she gets for doing them makes her feel appreciated. Even though a year ago I would have said someone was crazy for giving a one year old chores, I am really seeing so many benefits in it for her, and she really enjoys herself.<br />
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Even though Pumpkin will usually rush to help me with a chore, sometimes she does not, and that's ok. If she is having fun playing, I let her be-she has her whole life ahead of her where chores will mandatory, but for now I will let her be a toddler-except when she WANTS to help.<br />
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<br />Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-16020319872785464312015-01-16T22:22:00.001-05:002015-01-18T19:55:13.007-05:00A Few Twists On Reading To A ToddlerWhen most people picture a parent reading to a toddler, they probably are picturing the pair sitting contentedly reading a picture book with one sentence per page. I know because I used to picture the same thing. As a first time mom I dutifully tried to stay motivated to read to my infant daughter daily, but I was bored out of my mind and it didn't last long. Around Pumpkin's one year birthday, I decided I was going to change things-I was going to do a "toddler homeschool." This naturally led to researching homeschooling in general-I actually was looking for a curriculum, but there are not a whole lot for the age group. However, I kept stumbling upon the term "Charlotte Mason." Finally I caved and looked up what the heck a Charlotte Mason curriculum was.<br />
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Charlotte Mason was a teacher around the late 1800's and early 1900's and she definitely was onto quite a few good ideas! Of all the homeschooling methodologies, I find myself most in agreement with this format-of course, she lived over one hundred years ago, and consequently I find <i>some</i> of her philosophies a bit outdated. However, a few philosophies really stood out to me. Charlotte Mason believed that children should be read quality literature from an early age-literature should be every bit as interesting to a ten year old as a five year old. She did not think that young children needed "dumbed down" books. She also believed that children should be exposed to a variety of subject matter because no one knows what will inspire A child's imagination. Of course, she meant for her philosophies to be applied to children a bit older than a one year old, but I ask the question why not apply some of her principles to toddlers?<br />
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Scour the Internet all you want. You will find all kinds of resources on why it is important to read to your kids, and all kinds of benefits, but I bet you will not find a single source that says ONLY brightly colored picture books with one sentence a page should be read to toddlers, and it is imperative to read the books word for word as they are written. So why not spice things up and make a more interesting reading experience for both you and your toddler?<br />
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<b>Why Read?</b><br />
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Before we endeavor to change our reading habits, let's take a look at why reading is important. Here are 5 reasons to read to your child (besides the fact that children that are read to tend to have bigger vocabularies).<br />
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1. Reading is literally a part of every school subject-including math. Establishing many positive memories for your child to associate with reading could be just the ticket to inspiring a life long love of reading-and when kids love something, they tend to get good at it!<br />
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2. Depending on book selection, books can teach-or help teach-children important concepts-like counting, animal sounds, and colors. Even a book without such concepts can inspire your child's imagination and consequently inspire creative play!<br />
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3. Books model well spoken language. That doesn't just mean exposing a child to new words, but it models grammar and proper use of words in sentences. If the child is looking at the book with you, then it is also exposing the child to letters!<br />
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4. It prepares the child for preschools-regardless if you are planning to homeschool or not. When I was researching curriculums, I saw many that indicated that a child not used to being read to may take over the intended one year, whereas a child who is used to being read to may be able to complete the curriculum in its intended period of time. Just because I read this about homeschool cirriculums does not make it any less true for a child who will be attending traditional schools-they too will struggle to get used to having to use their attention span for longer periods and extract information from books.<br />
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5. If nothing else, reading together is great for bonding. There is just something about curling up on the couch together on a cold winter day and having adventures together that is so precious, and dare I say it--fun!<br />
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<b>How To Make Reading More Fun (for both of you)</b><br />
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Here are some tips and tricks for making reading a more interesting, fun experience for everyone involved!<br />
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1. Read a variety of books. This doesn't mean reading a constant flow of new stories, what I'm referring to is reading different kinds of books. Read long books, short books, books with pictures, books with very few pictures, poetry, nursery rhymes, educational books, books with a good message, books that are just plain fun, new books, and classics (to name a few). In our household, our daily storytime is a long book (sometimes with a lot of pictures, sometimes with very few pictures) and our bedtime story is a book that has a good message to it. Meanwhile, throughout the day Pumpkin is free to bring me any of her books that she would like read to her-and I probably read her a good 10 stories on a normal day. As I said earlier though, I'm not necessarily reading her a constant flow of new stories-our long story is read everyday for a week. In the beginning of the week she will climb off my lap after a few pages (and I will read while she plays), but by the end of the week she is happily enjoying the familiarity of the story (by Wed she will go get our long book to remind me if I forget)! Our bedtime story is read nightly for a month! Repetition is soothing at this age. <br />
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2. Don't be afraid to stray from what is written on the page. As we read together, different pictures will spark an interest in Pumpkin-or sometimes the same page. It's ok to stop reading and talk about the random squirrel in the background that has just been noticed. Similarly, if your toddler has been showing an interest in animal sounds, for example, why not stop at the end of the page and point t the animals you can find so you can talk about the dogs barking and bears roaring?<br />
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3. Try reading in an interactive way-it's ok to be animated! I often point to body parts on Pumpkin when they are mentioned in a book. I change my voice. I ask pumpkin to find colors on the page. Pumpkin recently learned that a sheep says "ba ba," so everytime we see a sheep I ask her what sound a sheep makes and then make a HUGE deal out of it when she says "ba ba." She Beemer with pride at her accomplishments. If a booke mentions stinky toes I smell her toes and pretend they are so stinky-it delights her everytime.<br />
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You can read anything you want to your toddler, and you can read it anyway you want! So before giving up on reading to your toddler as something mind numbingly boring, try switching things up-not only is it more interesting for you, it is more interesting (and I would argue better for) for your toddler too! You will know you have found what works for your family when you both are enjoying your story times together.Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-60102404057610191112015-01-14T21:37:00.001-05:002015-02-05T20:17:45.846-05:00Never Underestimate Your ToddlerIt's a mistake that I have made quite a few times already-our family will be in a situation where I will believe Pumpkin is too young to understand something or wouldn't be able to figure something out, only to have her completely shock me by accomplishing the task with no problem at all! I can sit here and name about a dozen examples of times that Pumpkin has exceeded all expectations of what a kid her age can do. Just to name a few:<br />
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We have been frequenting storytime since Pumpkin was 8 months old. After storytime, we go to the children's section of the library to play with the toys, along with one of the other attendees and her mom. When my daughter sees them leaving the story room, she will point at them, look at me and yell for my attention. After I gather our things-a good few minutes after our post-storytime playmates have left-I follow Pumpkin out the door, and low and behold she knows exactly which way we need to go. She was around 12 or 13 months old at the time.<br />
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This past December, my family went to Disney World. We planned the trip mostly for my 8 year old step daughter and we expected Pumpkin to, at the very best, just enjoy being outside all day-there is NO WAY a 14 month old could possibly "get" what disney world is. My husband and I agree, she enjoyed herself the most out of anyone we went with. In downtown disney she was dancing pretty much all evening. It was a blast for her. In magic kingdom we stopped for a street show on Main Street USA where Mickey and friends were performing and Pumpkin's face lit up so brightly. She had a grin from ear to ear and kept pointing to her favorite characters. Then she would look at me like if she couldn't believe her eyes. This show was THE highlight of my trip. When we met the princesses and Mickey Mouse at the meet and greets, she was absolutely infatuated by them-as long as she was allowed to keep what she deemed was a safe distance. She didn't really care to go up to anyone-just stare. It truly was amazing. All that from a trip where we didn't think she would have a clue.<br />
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Now Pumpkin is 15 months old, and I talk to her all day, thanks to baby sign language. I am amazed by just how much she has to say. Of course she talks on one word sentences, but it is enough for talking to her to be a fun and easy experience. Some people may think I'm crazy for reading Pumpkin short stories instead of exclusively reading picture books geared toward babies and toddlers, but one of Pumpkin's favorite anthologies is Disney's 5 Minute Snuggle Stories. If she sees that book, it's story time! Anyhow, this morning after story time, she still wanted to look through the book (how about that attention span!) and I pointed out a picture of a dog and signed dog. This evening, she wanted to look through the book again. She saw a duck on a page and started signing bird! We had never before looked through books with intent of labeling pictures, so she grasped this concept in less than a day!<br />
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Last week I began working with my daughter on using a shape sorter. I initially had to line the shapes up with the correct holes so she just had to push them in. This week I can point to the correct hole and she will put the shape in properly as long as she only has to twist the shape minimally.<br />
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<b>What's My Point?</b><br />
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Like many parents, I can go on and on talking about my kid. However, this article isn't an excuse to brag, it's to illustrate just how capable such small humans are! My daughter has really opened my eyes to just how detrimental it can be to underestimate a toddler. In fact, I think underestimating toddlers is one of the biggest disservices we can to them! I use the term disservice because if I had continued to underestimate Pumpkin, she would be deprived of so many things that she enjoys! I think about how boring it would be to be so curious, and stuck in a boring routine that never challenges her. If the first 6 years are truly the time of the most growth (including mental and cognitive growth), then its my job as her parent to take advantage of this time-to give her the tools and freedoms she needs (albeit in a safe, supervised environment) to grow and explore all things she is curious about!<br />
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<b>Lessons Learned and Changes Made</b><br />
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When I began my mission to create a toddler homeschool for Pumpkin, I thought I was doing an experiment for myself-my husband and I are considering actually homeschooling her when she is school aged and I truly wanted to see if this is even a possibility. Can I make enough time in my day? Am I really going to stay motivated to socialize her properly? While I truly am discovering a lot about how much I can accomplish and make time for, however, Pumpkin is gaining so much more from our time together than I ever would have imagined. it is exciting as we move forward to know that she is gaining so much from all that we do together-that the time, effort and money I'm investing is for something bigger than a mere experiential. Even if we do not homeschool when she is school aged, I am giving her a wonderful gift, and we are making so many memories together!<br />
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So I move forward in toddler homeschool with a new goal-I am NOT going to underestimate Pumpkin anymore. I know her well and no matter what it is, I am going to give her the chance to participate! I'm going to stop looking at toddler homeschool as an experiment for the future, and focus instead on making memories and teaching my toddler.Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-20360438218110954812015-01-08T22:05:00.001-05:002015-02-09T21:18:44.317-05:00Where to Start-Making a Toddler Homeschool Curriculum From ScratchThere are trade offs with everything in life and staying home with a child or sending him to daycare is no different. If you are a working mom, you probably send your child to daycare where he is read to and worked with on various developmentally appropriate skills while mom and dad make money to support him. If you are a stay at home mom then you get to enjoy being the one reading to your toddler and helping him take those precious first steps, but perhaps you have worries about if you are working with your child enough between the laundry, cooking, and other chores. Or maybe you are like me and work from home (in my case full time) and worry that your child is really getting screwed as far as attention goes, but at least you are still there for all the milestones and your family enjoys the benefits of two incomes. For those of you that want to spend time working with your toddler, but don't know what to work with him on or where to start, this is for you.<br />
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<b>Early Learning Cotnent Standards</b><br />
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Each state in the U.S. has something called "Early Learning Content Standards." To find these, simply type in the name of your state + the phrase "early learning content standards." Of the states I've looked up it tends to be within the first couple sites on Google and should be a .gov website. These content standards are not a curriculum, but more of a list of achievements and goals for each age group. They are like more in depth milestones for toddlers and pre-school aged children (there are also "content standards" for upper grades. According to my teacher friend these are used in schools to guide teachers. It sort of makes sure the schools are in the same page). <br />
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These standards can seem overwhelming at first. I remember the first time I looked up the content standards, I read through the age range Pumpkin was in, and then completely disregarded everything because Pumpkin seemed light years away, and I remember thinking I could never come up with a routine to work on all of the skills listed. It's ok-these lists encompass a very big age range. I suggest crossing off any skills your child has already mastered, and then looking only at the skills you think your child is close to. You will know what these are when you see them-pick maybe 4 or 5 that you want to work on.<br />
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<b>Daycares</b></div>
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Another way to gather ideas for what your child should be working on is to Google local daycares. Most daycares have some sort of website, and on that website they usually tell you a bit about the daycare and what types of practices they use in each room. So find the room where your child would belong in-Pumpkin is kind of at an in between age where some daycares would have her in the infant room, some toddler, or if they offer it the "early toddler" room. When I did this in my area and clicked the page for the room she would be in, there was almost always a list of what skills they generally work with kids on. Stuff like "drinking out of a cup," "tummy time," "walking," "crawling," "sign language". In the rooms that didn't have infants there might be things like "color recognition," or "potty training." It will probably give you a pretty good idea if the main skills that your toddler's peers are working on-at the very least.<br />
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<b>Personal Goals</b></div>
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Chances are that there are some things you feel are important, regardless of what else is going on. There was, at the very least, a reason you wanted to begin workings with your child, right? My personal goals for Pumpkin are to instill a love of reading, use baby sign language with the intent of building ASL into a second language, encourage Pumpkin to obey commands-especially with regard to safety, and to have fun with her. I wanted a way to make sure I take time everyday to give Pumpkin attention.<br />
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<b>Put the Lists Together</b><br />
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Now that you have an idea of what goals other toddlers are working towards, put together a list. I recommend your personal goals being the first priority-you know your child best and what your child is ready for better than anyone else. You also know what your family's individual values and your reasons for even wanting to do this in the first place are better than anyone else, so use it.<br />
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Personally, my next priority is the early learning content standards. I have found the list to very complete. If I am ever feeling in a rut, I know I can turn to the standards to find a new goal to spice things up and it is much easier than running through all the daycare websites I can find.<br />
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<b>Conduct an Experiment </b><br />
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Once you have an idea of what direction you want to go in, you are ready to try it out. I'll be the first to tell you that my initial plan is nothing like what we actually do. I was overwhelmed by the early learning content standards and tried to do too much-especially in terms of trying to do things that weren't important to me. For example, reciting nursery rhymes at diaper changes absolutely did not last. I like nursery rhymes, and one day I will teach Punpkin them and maybe read some mother goose books, but it just isn't important to me right now today. Likewise, trying to think in terms of traditional subjects wasn't working for me personally. Through several failed toddler homeschool models, I came to find that we are most productive when I pick a handful of goals and work towards them. Right now a typical day for us consists of daily storytime(s) and Baby Signing Time and something of a block schedule for the goals: Monday will be quantity themed activities, Tuesday night be matching activities, etc. Then we just play together with whatever other free time I manage to find. It's simple, but fun and effective.<br />
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<b>A Few Final Thoughts</b><br />
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My daughter and I love our toddler homeschool time, and to top it off she is truly thriving! She amazes me every day with what she can do, and our bond continues to grow. I attribute our success to how much fun we have together. Toddlers seem to just absorb information, and when I take the time to supply the information, she learns pretty fast. If she doesn't get something right away, however, I know it's because she probably just isn't ready yet. Don't make toddler homeschool a super high pressure thing. Expect your toddler to not get every concept right away, and expect to have to change things up a lot. Even with a homeschool plan that works beautifully right now, in a few months we might be doing something totally different! it's just part of keeping a growing curriculum for a growing tot.</div>
Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-27935802983406376852015-01-06T21:07:00.001-05:002015-01-14T19:29:03.193-05:00Road Trip with a 1 year oldOver the river and across the country<br />
To Grandmother's house we go...<br />
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Ok, maybe not QUITE across the country, but my family did just survive two 17 hour road trips with a 1 year old-1 road trip to get there, and 1 to get back. Contrary to what you might think, it wasn't all that unpleasant. In fact, my daughter was having so much fun that she refused to nap on the way down to grandma's and I'm pretty sure only managed to nap on the way back because she wasn't feeling well (however, my little trooper hardly shed a tear on the way back either). So how does a parent make a road trip fun for a 1 year old?<br />
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#1: The best thing we did was buy a headrest DVD player for the car. My 8 year old step daughter was also with us, so we needed the kind with 2 screens. Total cost was about $100 and worth EVERY penny. If you can afford it (btw there are also 1 screen options for cheaper), definitely go for it. I also suggest NOT installing it until the morning of the road trip. It will help the amusement to last longer. When we got into the car tht morning, Pumpkin was beside herself with delight at the tv. There were lots of pointing and smiles for quite a while.<br />
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#2: Plan to sit in the back for a large portion of the trip. It may not be quite as spacious and comfy as the front seat, but it is a lot easier to entertain a 1 year old from that vantage point. There is more to it than handing her a toy and expecting her to entertain herself. All the toys are much more fun when mommy (or daddy) is playing too. It also made it easier for me to see my daughter asking for food or milk (if you are a signing family).<br />
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#3: You are probably going to be making stops. Even if you pack food, everyone needs a break from the car. Typically we were able to go 250-300 miles between stops and I consider that to be VERY impressive. I was thinking we would stop a lot more than that. We tried to make each stop around 30 minutes, and we let everyone-even Pumpkin- get out and walk. As tempting as it was to simply leave her barefoot and carry her around a bit before her diaper change, she needs to really stretch too ;) and she enjoyed exploring the merchandise in the "new stores" (aka gas stations).<br />
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#4: Make a bag of tricks/toys. Or a few bags. I went on the philosophy it was better to have too much than too little. It started out very neat and organized and by the time we reached the destination it always ended up as a heap under foot, but it's ok! It worked for us. What should you put in your bag of tricks?<br />
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A) toys-old and new. Our road trip started Christmas morning after the kids opened gifts, so there was a mix of old and new toys. In the mix of new toys were a baby doll (her first) and an electronic alphabet dog along with a bunch of stocking stuffers (mostly from dollar stores). Among the list of old toys were some imaginative play toys (horses, a car, etc) and musical instruments-bells and electronic instruments like her guitar and drums, etc.<br />
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B) gifts-again I relied on the dollar store. I spent $10 per kid per way and it stretched plenty far. I even wrapped them up so they could have the joy of opening a gift. Pumpkin needed help, but by the time we got there she had learned that exciting things come out of the wrapping paper. YAY! Among the most popular were a cookie tray for each of them. Cookie trays are magnetic so I got them magnets also but the real reason that they were a hit was because both kids discovered that you can draw on them with crayons (whatever works, right?). A close second was the toy I saved for last-a little set of toy keys with buttons to beep a horn, etc. Worthy of an honorable mention is the light up toys for night.<br />
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C) Homemade toys-using items we had at home and some dollar store finds, we brought an ice cube tray, Pom poms, empty bite size Oreo containers, empty "ice cube" gum container, mid individually wrapped soft mints, and random containers. We had all sorts of fun grabbing the Pom poms or mints and placing them into slots on the tray, opening and closing lids, and putting magnets and Pom poms into the containers and shaking them. Simple, yet very effective-especially if you play with her.<br />
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#5: consider keeping your child rear facing until the trip. We didn't really need to use this one until the ride home when mommy got tired of the back seat, but it is a good one to have up your sleeve. Turning forward facing was indeed new and exciting. Not quite for as long as I had hoped, but it bought a small break at least.<br />
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#6: bring snacks and drinks. If no eating in the car is a general rule for you, perhaps you might want to consider an exception. Otherwise you will definitely need more stops. Our main ones were those little food punches they sell (for a healthy option) and fish crackers. We also filled a cooler with ice and threw in a half gallon of whole milk and brought a cup from home.<br />
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#7: Download a few child friendly apps. There are a surprising amount of apps that would entertain a toddler. My daughter usually LOVES to play my phone so I had expected these to be a bigger hit, but as it turns out it wasn't a big hit. Even though it wasn't a big hit for this particular week, apps have been big with her before when I needed to get some chores done, so it is quite possible you will have better luck with this than we did. Either way, it doesn't hirt to have a few "just in case." If you don't use them you can always delete them. If you are worried about your phone's safety, try getting a toddler case for them-I know fisher price makes an "apptivity" case for apples (which is what we use).<br />
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So with a little advanced planning and some flexibility, taking a road trip with a 1 year old was nowhere near as bad as I had thought it would be. Frankly I enjoyed all the time with my daughter-actually my whole family, but as the article is about a road trip with a 1 year old... I Definitely would be happy to do this again!<br />
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<br />Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-81423162156109124352014-12-23T21:03:00.004-05:002015-01-14T19:26:17.891-05:00Making Cookies (sensory activity)This year when we made christmas cookies at grandma's, even Pumpkin was included in the fun!<br />
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<b>What you need:</b><br />
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-flour<br />
-optional: cookie dough<br />
-optional: cookie cutter<br />
-optional but very useful: high chair<br />
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<b>How it works:</b><br />
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Figuring out how to include a 13 month old was something I was initially not very optimistic about, but we worked it out. In order to include her, we put her in her high chair by our work surface. Then I sprinkled some flour on her tray. This alone was awesome to her-it's a very different texture than anything we had worked with. The area around her high chair (not to mention her face) did get pretty messy from the flour but she had so much fun.<br />
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To add to her involvement, I would take a small amount of the cookie dough, just big enough to fit the cookie cutter on, and I would press the cookie cutter into the dough, then I would slap the cookie cutter. Pumpkin always copied that part without fail. Usually several times. Then she would pick up the cookie cutter and I would grab the cookie. I let her play with the left over dough for extra sensory fun. All in all she didn't understand that we were making cookies, but she had fun making a mess and playing with the different textures.<br />
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<b>How to make this activity grow with your toddler:</b><br />
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The older the toddler, the more involved he can be in the whole process. An older toddler may be able to sprinkle the flour, use the cookie cutters by himself, help roll the dough, or add ingredients to make the dough-the possibilities are endless!Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-37104751637483931792014-12-23T18:45:00.002-05:002015-01-14T19:17:12.730-05:00Stair Climb (gross motor activity)Here is one that we started with Pumpkin before her first birthday even. This is one we do almost daily.<br />
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<b>What you need:</b><br />
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-stairs<br />
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<b>How it works:</b><br />
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We start at the bottom of the stairs and Pumpkin must get up the stairs however she can, with me RIGHT behind her the whole time, ready to catch her if she falls or slides. It is absolutely important that this activity is only done with an adult there and ready. To change things up, sometimes Pumpkin likes to hold my hands and walk up the stairs.<br />
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<b>How to make this activity grow with your toddler:</b><br />
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For an added challenge, try helping your toddler figure out how to go down the stairs safely. We started this within the past few weeks over here. I start by telling her to go down on her but and she will grab onto my arm and work her way close to the stairs then sit on the top step. I will slide down one step and wait for her to copy while clinginging tightly to my arm. This has been a great exercise in safety for my daughter as she no longer attempts to walk down any stairs. At grandma's house there are two short steps between their living room and kitchen and my daughter will get on her but by the stairs everytime when she wants to go down. She has gotten good enough at it that we allow her to freely go up and down those steps (only those steps cuz it's such a short fall).Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-401596769023746132014-12-23T18:33:00.001-05:002015-01-14T19:15:19.719-05:00Oatmeal Box activity (fine motor skills)My 14 month old sorta discovered this activity for herself and I really liked it.<br />
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<b>What you'll need:</b><br />
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-1 box (the box with instant oatmeal packets is what we used but any food box will work)<br />
-oatmeal packets (or other individually wrapped product)<br />
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<b>How it Works:</b><br />
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Give your child the packets and the box and let her have fun! At first your child may just explore the packets (or cereal bars or whatever item you are using) and the box separately which is also good. The fine motor skill really comes into play though if you can get your child to play putting the packets into the box and taking the packets out, which is the stage my daughter is naturally at right now. If however your child isn't there yet, you can try putting a packet into the box and shaking it to try to get her interested. If your child just isn't feeling it, that's ok too. Maybe in a couple of weeks you can try again.<br />
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This activity can also double as a meal time distraction. My daughter always needs something in her hands to explore, so getting her to sit down for a meal is tough, but activities like this are sometimes all it takes to get her to eat.<br />
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<b>Ways to make it grow with your toddler:</b><br />
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If your toddler grows bored of the box, try cutting slots in the box for your child to attempt to fit the packets through. You can also find different shaped objects and make a shape sorter using the box. Some rectangle cereal bars and round Pom poms, and a skinnier rectangle for some sort of packet. Then simply cut out the slots for each shape and let your older toddler fit the shapes appropriately.<br />
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<br />Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-46438698568382117052014-12-23T15:03:00.002-05:002015-01-14T19:12:32.504-05:00Baby Sign Language<b>What is Baby Sign Language?</b><br />
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Baby sign language is the practice of communicating with a baby or toddler using signs and gestures-usually using American Sign Language signs. The idea behind it is that a bany can use basic signs much sooner than she can form recognizable words vocally.</div>
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<b>Do you have to use American Sign Language?</b></div>
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No, you can use any signs you like. The important thing is that you, your child and any caretakers for your child all know the same signs. In our house, however, we use American Sign Language because it makes more sense to us. When I decided to travel down this road I decided that if I am going to put in all the effort of giving my daughter communication skills in this way, I might as well make it as useful as possible to her. If down the road we decide to pursue sign language, American Sign Language is often recognized as a second language so we will have a good grounding in the basic vocabulary of the language-not a bad place to start (note: there is much more to ASL than learning a few signs. American Sign Language is its own seperate language from English and has a seperate grammar system)!</div>
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I also recommend teaching real American sign language because it is easier to keep track of signs. As a real language, American Sign Language has many references available-for free or pay-to help keep track of what each word means. In a made up sign language you will be responsible for remembering all the signs and what they mean. I can personally say that my 14 month old goes through phases of interest. Sometimes I will learn a sign to use while I talk to my daughter and then go months without using it again and have to look up a word again. </div>
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Lastly, I recommend American Sign Language because there are just more resources available to help guide you if you use it. There are options such as flash cards, posters for the wall, books and DVDs targeted to babies and toddlers learning sign language. Such resources can be great for reinforcing sign language, but if you make up your own signs then it is highly unlikely you will find any ready made resources like those.</div>
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<b>Why teach baby sign language?</b></div>
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There are any number of advantages to teaching baby sign language. The big ones include reduced frustration and fewer tantrums for the toddler, increased verbal vocabulary by age 2, increased self confidence, and it helps to form a stronger bond.</div>
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<b>Lowers frustration and tantrums-</b>a lot of toddlers try to communicate a want or need with a caretaker, only to find the caretaker has no clue what he wants. As you can imagine, this is very frustrating to him and soon he goes into a tantrum of frustration. Knowing sign language, of course, won't illiminate tantrums-when you know what your toddler wants and tell him "no," he is still going to have a tantrum. My daughter isn't quite to the age where tantrums are common, but I can honestly say that if my daughter does have a tantrum then it is because she is REALLY tired. Even if my daughter does not know how to sign something, she is becoming quite skilled at communicating her want or need nonetheless. It truly amazes me at how efficient she is at telling us what she wants. </div>
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For example, she hasn't quite mastered "diaper" yet, but the other night when daddy was watching her she goty husband's attention, then walked over to the pack n play (it has a changing table where we always change her), and pointed to the changing table. My husband checked and sure enough she needed a diaper change. She also will tell me when she wants her face wiped and when she wants to play my phone. Her sign for "play phone" was a tricky one to figure out, but because Pumpkin is confident that I will figure out what she wants she kept trying. Since I didn't understand the sign she had made up, and she couldn't see my phone to point, she went and found her fisher price apptivity case and brought it to me for me to give her my phone. If you notice in the story though, her first attempt was to use her hands to try and sign what she wanted. When she makes up a sign, I try to learn the proper sign and sign the correct ASL sign back.</div>
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<b>Increased verbal vocabulary by age 2-</b>Contrary to what you might expect, learning sign language does not cause a language delay, and actually is widely believed to help develop language skills faster. The idea is that learning to communicate increases the baby's desire to communicate more. I can't vouch for this personally as my daughter is not yet 2, but I can say that my daughter is on track in all of her verbal milestones and uses her sounds to try to say the words while she signs.</div>
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<b>Increased self confidence-</b>When your toddler can successfully communicate what she wants to you, she feels good about herself. Just think of the message you are sending-"hey, what you have to say matters." </div>
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<b>Helps form a stronger bond-</b>I'll admit I don't think I've read this last benefit anywhere, but it is my favorite part of signing with my daughter. My daughter and I are learning a language together (sort of-as I said, unless you learn the grammar too, you are not fully learning a new language, but at this age toddlers aren't known for impeccable grammar skills anyway). I can understand her without guessing. I am amazed at how much she knows that I otherwise might have missed. She has known that a dog's bark comes from a dog since before she was one, and let me tell you-she LOVES dogs. We have 2 of them and she is always asking to see them or telling me where they are! I've also learned that she likes to have the kitchen lights on while she eats-even in the daytime. It really is amazing to be able to communicate like this already!</div>
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<b>When should you start teaching sign language?</b></div>
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It is never too early to start teaching sign language. You may start as young as you like, but to avoid some frustration I wouldn't expect your child to sign a whole lot before at least 8 months. I started learning some signs and signing to my daughter for fun when she was around 2 months old. My daughter didn't REALLY start signing until around the one year mark. There were occasional signs when she was a baby, but it wasn't like she does now. However, I'm glad I started learning so early because it allowed me to really develop the habit of signing in my daily life. I've occasionally been caught signing to people that are NOT my daughter because of my habits.</div>
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<b>How do you teach Baby Sign Language?</b></div>
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It takes a LOT of of time and consistency to teach a new sign in such a way that Pumpkin starts using the sign. I have been successful teaching my daughter her signs just by using them in day to day life, but it must be EVERY time. Now, I'm not perfect-no one is-so I'm sure in a day I forget to sign as I go sometimes, but to teach "milk" I had to sign "milk" everytime I nursed Pumkin for weeks. Same with "All done." I used the sign everytime she seemed to be done eating and right before I started washing her up to get back to playing. She will recognize words and signs earlier than she can communicate them usually, but it definitely is a commitment to teach a baby to sign. I found it is important to be patient and have fun. I've found it helpful to sign because I enjoy it, and not so much with the focus of counting vocabulary words or trying to formally teach a word. I want communicating to be a positive element of o</div>
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ur life, not a stressful one, so if you go this route, keep it light!</div>
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<b>Helpful resources:</b></div>
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-free: lifeprint.com offers a free course in American Sign Language for anyone interested in learning the full language and a free ASL online dictionary if you are just looking up words to use with your child</div>
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-DVD: Signing Time and Baby Signing time. These brands also offer a number of useful tools like board books, posters, and flash cards. We recently ordered two of the Baby Signing Time dvd's for Pumpkin for Christmas, so we will soon see how it goes.</div>
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-book: Baby Sign Language Basics by Monta Z. Briant-this is the book that got me started and I highly recommend it. It has a lot of useful tips and ideas for how to get others involved in signing and fun ways to incorporate signing to your day.</div>
Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-11887185132900755612014-12-20T22:31:00.001-05:002015-01-14T18:54:44.921-05:00Ice Cube Tray Play (fine motor activity)I started doing this activity with my 13 month old this week. You will need:<br />
-1 ice cube tray<br />
-some wrapped candies (we used soft mints)<br />
-bonus: bring a couple other types of containers to play<br />
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For this age, I tend to not have any real objective in mind. I just emptied the mints out onto the ground and let her play. For us we also had a large tub that the mints were stored in that we brought out to play also. Pumpkin took right away to throwing the mints in the big tub and at the ice cube tray. Then she would take the container and shake it all up so that the mints would fly out.<br />
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After the fun of randomly throwing the mints wore out, I started putting the mints in the tray myself and Punpkin joined in on that fun! Sometimes she would see that her sister or I had the ice cube tray almost all the way full and decide it was a good time to start over by shaking the mints out of the tray. Then my step daughter would try and hurry up and fill the tray again and it became a race. We all had a good time. It's always interesting to see where these kinds of activities go.<br />
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If you have an older toddler that is into sorting a fun variation could be to paint (if you aren't going to be using these trays for food purposes) the cubes different colors and use m&ms to make a color sorting activity.Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7614100692782760679.post-23942506441621374912014-12-18T21:12:00.000-05:002015-01-14T18:48:29.413-05:00Making the TimeEveryone is really busy-from stay at home moms to work outside the home moms to work from home moms. So how on Earth is it possible to find the time to actually do activities like these? Well I'll be honest-sometimes I don't. I can fill out the schedule and have it all planned out and ready to go, but let's face it-life happens. But I find the easiest way to make it work is to spread activities out through the day. I might say a nursery rhyme at all the diaper changes, play a music cd while I'm working (I work from home) and periodically get up and dance with her, read a book on my lunch break and then do a game (fine or gross motor activity) after I get off. Sometimes I'll even pull out a container and Pom poms to entertain her on my lap while I work, or pull out some pots, pans and balls while I do some housework. Don't get me wrong, some activities I know I will be right there supervising the whole time, and some really don't need much more than her regular toys.<br />
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Sometimes, even planning like that, things don't happen and that's ok too. Just the other day I decided to watch a tv show instead of an activity because it was just that kind of day and I just needed a break. It's ok to stray from the plan. The main thing with this age is just having fun and bonding. If I've been working and running around like a chicken with its head cut off for the last 2 or 3 days and I'm totally exhausted then I'm probably not having fun, and it's far better to have an unstructured day now and then than it would be to force it and create a child that grows to dislike such activities.<br />
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I do, however, pick a few things that are important to me that I never-or rarely-skip. I make them things that I think are the most important, and what I feel is important may be different than what you feel is important. My two things are reading and socialization. Pumpkin gets a bed time story at least 5 days a week, and usually 7 (if we are staying the weekend at a grandma's house we usually do skip it), we have a storytime during the day at least Monday through Friday, and I read Pumpkin any book she brings me throughout the day. By my figuring, a love of reading might be the best, lifelong gift I can give to her, so I make sure I do not deprive her of stories. Even when I read a long-ish book, at this age we are talking at most 5 minutes and usually less than 1 minute per story. I also make sure I take her out of the house and get her around other kids at least once a week. This one is big with me because I work from home. Unlike a stay at home mom, I can't go out and run errands unless I want to make up the work hours later, and unlike a work outside the home mom my child doesn't go to daycare. In short, with this lifestyle it would be all too easy for us to stay shelled up in the house, so these little activities to get around other kids are very important for both of us!<br />
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Everything else I don't get upset if we miss. My daughter works on fine and gross motor skills everyday regardless if I have an "activity." A little secret-half the time I come up with my toddler school activities by watching her ;). Then I expand on them. Like most toddlers, my daughter is very curious and she comes up with experiments on her own-I just provide the new materials-and if I don't she finds something that wasn't quite baby-proofed well enough. So you see, she will develop just fine without me forcing it, and your kids will too. But then there are those days when you just want to spend time with your toddler and feel the need for some direction. On those days, I use my bag of tricks and pull out something new-or old for that matter.<br />
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That's all there really is to it. Don't worry if you don't do everything on your list, every day. Just have fun and enjoy your toddler-the time really does fly by. </div>
Chelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06967905511514662524noreply@blogger.com