The following is a list of things I LOVE for my own kids. We’re pre-k-ing it right now, so this is all suitable material for 3-4 year old girls, & probably beyond. I’m posting this a little before I think it’s ready, simply because it’s Earth day & I feel like I should blog but don’t have time & have been adding to this post for a few weeks…

Books:

Little House on the Prairie (and series)
We have a “read-aloud” version which is great. Big words & extra pics.
Fancy Nancy Stories (b.c that’s just the kind of girl I have on my hands)
Honey in a Hive along with most the books in the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series has great images that even help adults understand nature.
Child’s Play by Leslie Hamilton
Very simple crafts, generally using things we already have around the house. There’s a great system for age/development appropriate craft choosing. Some instructions are a little vague, but love the simplicity of this. I’m about to purchase Child’s Play in Nature (by the same author).

Websites:

starfall.com
terrific learning to read resource with all sorts of free printouts & games, etc.

sesamestreetworkshop.org
a friend of mine has played a huge role in the re-development of this website & it’s great. Not only are there games to learn, but you can browse & find relevant short films from your childhood to use along side what your child’s interests are.

primeraescuela.com
lesson plans, print-outs, activities, crafts–all available to help your little ones familiarize themselves with Espanol.

Toys:
Kapla Blocks
If you haven’t tried these, they’re addictive. If you’re looking for something that makes dad want to get on the floor & play with the kiddos for a while, this is it.
There’s also Kapla block night at the local Library & they have them at ArtQuest (at the Cultural Arts Center).
Geomag Magnet builders
We got a big set of these for $.75 at a yard sale a while back & just pulled them out the other day. The whole family can entertain themselves with these for a while!
And of course, sand. Nothing keeps Naomi’s attention longer than some wet sand…gotta love the sandbox.
Crafts:
I’d like to try this
I’m also making a “Little Red Riding Hood” hat for Lebo (Naomi’s doll). It’s a little out of season, but her head’s not getting any bigger 😉 & I wanted to challenge myself with some knitting.
I’m modifying a really old pattern & so far so good, I’ll post about that later…
& We made Lebo’s first shirt. It’s not quite perfect, but Naomi’s pleased & I learned a ton so they’ll only be better from here.
Plants:
So, we’re planting outside now, what beautiful weather. We’ve even got some tomatoes in & I wanted to make a note about how delightful Cherokee Purples are. If you don’t have some & have a place to, do them. I insist. They’re the best tasting variety available & are heirloom to boot.
Giant Sunflowers. We planted a bunch of these & hope they grow the way we anticipate. Drew had an idea to make Naomi a fort out of them, but instead of taking up more yard room, we planted them all along the slide & the swingset. Perhaps they’ll eventually provide some summer relief from the powerful southern sun.
Oh, and stores:
wow, what a-mazing & great selections! Love it!!
Love these toys, of course…

1 Comment

  • Joy Posted April 22, 2009 7:17 pm

    I’m loving the chance to read what you are up to. My kids loved those “lets read and find out” books a couple of years ago. We have quite a few of them. I’m sure Finn will discover them in the next year or two. Good luck with the doll-making. That’s one I’ve never attempted. 🙂

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