kidfunandmore.com - Creative Ideas to Share with Young Children

Playing School

Published on May 26, 2010 by Sharla Feldscher in General Fun, Inside Fun - Rainy Days and More

Playing school! Do you remember doing that? One person was the teacher. If you were lucky enough to have a chalkboard, the teacher got to use the chalkboard to “teach” her class. I actually thought it was fun.

Well, my old friend and KIDFUN reader Eileen Shorr told me how her young grandchildren always love her Grandma Fun Books. She explained that in her books … “they get to write their name at the top of the page and they even give themselves a star. They learn their colors, letters, numbers, do blends and much more.” She buys Phonetics books and other educational books from Amazon.com and her grandchildren think it’s a real treat! They ask HER if they can “play” with Grandma Eileen and write in her Grandma Fun Books!

Talk about making learning fun! I guess I woulda’ liked to play school with my Grandma, too!

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"It’s a beautiful day, Mommy!"

Published on May 25, 2010 by Sharla Feldscher in Being Sentimental, General Fun

Did you ever drive in the car, hear a voice on the radio and KNOW you know it, but can’t place it? That happened to me this morning.

I was listening to Oprah, must have been a re-broadcast of an interview of her TV show, and she was calling this person a “STAR!” You know how Oprah speaks … “You are a S T A R !!!” So, I was curious who it was. The person sounded so familiar.

The “star” talked about her twins who are five and her 2 1/2 year old. Oprah said, “Aren’t 2 1/2 year olds so wonderful?” The “star” said, “To me, every age is wonderful.” Then she told a story about being on a movie set, waking up early and one of her kids saying when she woke him up, “It’s a beautiful day, Mommy!” She said how she laughed when he said that because it was 5:30 a.m.! What a way to wake up!

I thought this is so refreshing, I just have to share it on KIDFUN.

Oh, by the way — the “star” was …. (drum roll) … JULIA ROBERTS! She not only shines on the outside, but on the inside, too.

I hope YOU have a beautiful day!

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Crackin’ That Bubble Wrap

Published on May 24, 2010 by Sharla Feldscher in General Fun, Group Fun, Inside Fun - Rainy Days and More, Waiting Times - Restaurants, Doctor's Offices and More

This definitely fits into one of those categories of … “who woulda’ thought?” What I mean is, “who woulda’ thought” when I bought that funky piece of metal sculpture, its wrappings would be so much fun. Of course, it was covered over and over with fabulous bubble wrap … and it was perfect fun for Chloe, Hannah, Mady and Ryan last night while waiting for dinner to be served … AND after!

Not only is bubble wrap fun for any aged person to crack with their fingers. Imagine the crackling sounds of four little girls jumping to their heart’s delight on this long sheet of popping plastic heaven!

KIDFUN Tip … Save bubble wrap and keep it tucked away in a safe place. You never know when it will brighten a dull moment!

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Little Cleaners

Published on May 23, 2010 by Sharla Feldscher in Clean Up Tips, General Fun, Inside Fun - Rainy Days and More

It’s hard to imagine someone looking forward to cleaning — actually thinking it’s fun! Well, it could be that these little ones will think so for years to come because they’ve started at a very young age.

Ozzie Sacks, not even two years old, couldn’t be happier than doin’ a little window cleaning and dusting! Give him a rag and he’s off to town. I saw his parents Jennifer and Craig last night and they said it’s just so cute to watch him. He follows them … even with a vacuum! Sounds like a great plan to me.

And, speaking of plans, taking our 2 year, 9 month old to see the new “Shrek” might not have been the best idea. She actually says “I love Shrek,” but lasting through the movie was an impossibility. Somehow we found ourselves in the ladies room for part of the movie and Ryan saw a broom there. So while our family watched the film, Ryan swept the ladies room — and had a great time doing it! This made her happy for 15 minutes or so. At one point, she caught her reflection in the mirror and used the broomstick for another purpose. It became her microphone and she entertained the “other” ladies singing away. Cleaning and singing at the same time — sounds like a good plan to me.

Thanks, Jennifer and Craig (and Michael and Didi, Ozzie’s very proud grandparents) for sharing this great KIDFUN story with us. Hope our readers try it, too!

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Silly Shopping

Published on May 22, 2010 by Sharla Feldscher in General Fun, Inside Fun - Rainy Days and More, Outdoors

Shopping with a toddler is not always so easy, but it sure does help if an extra person is around! Often, I’m the extra person with my daughter and granddaughter so Ryan and I keep ourselves occupied all sorts of ways. One is by taking advantage of those long aisles between departments in a large store. And, when it’s not crowded, it’s the perfect place to play follow the leader!

We’d look pretty silly if people weren’t so occupied selecting items to buy — but who cares. We’re being mice taking tiny steps, elephants taking giant steps, soldiers who are marching and then shouting out commands of FREEZE and GO every now and then! I love it when Ryan gives me that look with arms bent at her side and says, “Ready? Let’s race!”

It sure does brighten a dull moment. Try it outside a restaurant while the others are waiting in line! What could be better than being silly together!

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I Remember When - A Personal Book on Tape

Published on May 21, 2010 by Sharla Feldscher in Bedtime, Being Sentimental, General Fun

Share a bit of yourself with your child … a bit of your childhood. After all, what would make him more curious than imagining YOU the first time you rode a bike, your first day of school, you playing with a sibling or a cousin, and on and on. And, do this anytime — in a car, at a restaurant, when you put him to sleep. Call it “I Remember When” stories. And, if you record it and add to it each time, he’ll have his own “book on tape” that he can listen to when you’re not around. A babysitter could play it as a special treat when he’s dozing off to sleep. Then he can listen to your loving voice share your childhood stories once again.

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Books Come Alive - Even at Unexpected Moments

Published on May 19, 2010 by Sharla Feldscher in General Fun, Inside Fun - Rainy Days and More, Outdoors, Waiting Times - Restaurants, Doctor's Offices and More

Do you have a favorite story you read or tell your young child? Mine has always been Caps for Sale. Last night, we attended a special ceremony and it was just too much for Ryan. At only 2 1/2 we didn’t really expect her to last.

When I joined her in an outer room, we found some props and before you knew it, there she was the man who sold caps, piling them up so carefully on her head and then losing them to a bunch of imaginary monkeys.

It reminded me just how much fun creative dramatics is for young children. And, what’s perfect — it works anywhere! While waiting for a doctor in an examining room, waiting for food at a restaurant or hanging out on a rainy day. Bring your books to life, even without the printed page!

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That Good Ol’ Kitchen Cabinet

Published on May 17, 2010 by Sharla Feldscher in General Fun, In the Kitchen

What is it that is so intriguing about opening a cabinet or drawer in the kitchen? I guess there’s just so much cool stuff inside for a toddler and preschooler. Drums (pots), cymbals (lids), drumsticks (large wooden spoons) … and plastic containers for stacking over and over and over.

My cousin, Jackee Swartz, a former principal and teacher who just loved the school environment, is just as enthusiastic about being around her grandchildren — whether it’s in her home or her kids’ homes. She knows what a gift grandchildren are.

Jackee suggested this for KIDFUN readers … Designate one kitchen drawer or cabinet for your little one. Fill it with wooden child-size sandwiches, cookie trays, all sorts of imitation mommy activities. She said about her two year old granddaughter, “Eden loves having her own drawer in the kitchen to do her “cooking” while mom and dad are working in the kitchen too.” She continued … “Label all these things with words to help develop recognition of word and object. It is beginning reading and works!”

Thanks, Jackee … Remember, we’d love to hear your ideas, too.

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Sunday Breakfast

Published on May 16, 2010 by Sharla Feldscher in General Fun, In the Kitchen, Inside Fun - Rainy Days and More

I remember a wonderful Sunday breakfast, served to me in bed, on a tray presented by my two daughters (now adults) one lovely Mother’s Day.

When I awoke this morning, I thought that should be a special family ritual - a KIDFUN activity — where you allow your young children (or help them) to make a wonderful breakfast for everyone in the family. Even breakfast in bed! They can help pick the menu and, it could be as easy as cereal and toast. What it is doesn’t matter, doing it does! And, don’t wait for a holiday … make any Sunday special.

Hope you have (or had) a lovely Sunday.

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Dear _____ !

Published on May 14, 2010 by Sharla Feldscher in Being Sentimental, General Fun

This KIDFUN idea is so easy, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t thought of it yourself. Perhaps, you have!

Write a letter to your special child. Write many … in fact, keep them stored in the computer and let them go on and on. I’ve been writing to Ryan since she’s six months old and, so far, I have 18 pages.

My letter started as a love letter, which they always are. But they’ve become a journal of her growth. I remember the first time she ate cereal and spit all over us! She’ll love that story when she’s old enough to read it!

The letters are like a baby book, too. Her mom just doesn’t have time to write down all those firsts, the things you always wish you remembered, like the first time she walked and talked. It’s actually even better because I share how I felt the first time I saw her take a few steps, speak a few words, the first time she called me … “Gammy,” which was supposed to be Grammy.

I also share thoughts about her personality. It’s so interesting to compare from when she was six months, ten months to now, that she’s um … 34 months. I would notice how she always made eye contact with people, when I carried her in a restaurant as a baby. It were as if she wanted to talk to everyone, to wave hello. She’s still that friendly and outgoing today. You know, those little observances are fun to record.

And, be safe. My letters are so precious to us that I send copies to her mom and to her dad to store in their computers, just in case something happens to mine. I’d hate to lose them.

I think it’s funny, too, as I read back. I always think I could never love my granddaughter more than I do at that moment! And, there it is in black and white. I love her even more.

Gotta’ go … I have to write to Ryan about that voice mail she left me the other day! You know, the one that made me melt!

And, here’s a P.S. — I wonder if she’ll actually read them. It almost doesn’t matter!