Learning Through Play

Kids’ Gymnastics

gym

Mel takes Reuben to check out the kids’ gymnastics class at Gymkidz.

Like any mum with an active toddler I am always looking for fun activities that will both stimulate Reuben, teach him some new skills and hopefully tire him out so he has a good nap! Reuben and I were lucky enough to recently try out Gymkidz at Newtown in Sydney’s Inner West which definitely fulfilled all these criteria. Reuben currently participates in soccer and swimming, but at Daycare he has taken a great interest in the past few weeks on balancing on high beams, climbing up ladders and jumping off beams onto mats. He spends a large part of the day doing these activities, so I thought a structured class where he can learn some more advanced gymnastics type skills could be great.

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Wobbel Board

wobbelIf you are looking for a gift that will entertain your little ones for hours on end, then this is it. I had never heard of the Wobbel board before, but was immediately intrigued. It seemed to have so many different uses for a child, and it really didn’t disappoint.

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Self-Inflating Ball

self-inflating-ballAfter a gift that will keep on giving? This self-inflating ball by Talkin Toys is the perfect idea.

Cassie is a very active little girl, and living in an apartment doesn’t help this situation. We are very lucky to have a nice big balcony out the front, along with some grass out the back. But more importantly, we have plenty of parks and ovals around us to get outside and keep her entertained.

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Stocking Grass Head

stocking-grass-headWhat could be more fun than creating your own stocking grass head and watching him grow!

This might be an activity you remember doing as a child. It is so simple and easy to set up and has so much to teach young kids, from practising their fine motor skills with the cutting out of the face, to teaching them about caring for a living object and teaching them how to look after it. It’s an experiment the whole family can join in for, creating your very own grass head family to show off to any visitors.  Read More

Science For Toddlers

science-for-toddlersComing up with new and great play ideas for little ones is no easy feat. Here are some ways you can get into science for toddlers.

I am one of those parents who isn’t great at sitting idle and am always on the lookout for fun things to do. The only problem is, my daughter is just 15 months old and isn’t quite up to a lot of the activities…but I have fun anyway. Science experiments are my all-time favourite. There are so many new and different ones out there, and they are a great learning tool for littlies and put their inquisitive minds to the test. If you’re looking for some great ways to keep your kids entertained these school holidays, here are four great experiment ideas for your budding scientists:

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Celery Stamps

celery-stampsWho knew creating artwork could be so much fun. Get imaginative with these celery stamps.

Materials:
Yoghurt paint
Paper
2 x celery (chopped in half)

Painting with paintbrushes is so last year with this creative craft idea. You can even get your kids thinking about different veggies and fruits they could also use to create fun stamps. You don’t even have to limit it to celery. If your kid is older, get them to suggest fruits and vegetables you have on hand that may work for this activity. By involving them in the process it will make them even more exciting to get creating.

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