Littlemummy.Com

Phat Mommy needs tips on planning a trip to Disney.

This post about dads spending time with their kids during the holidays caught my eye whilst perusing this weeks’ carnival of family life.

The importance of ‘daddy time’ is very well documented and any father worth his salt will want to spend time with their kids, however, could it be that some dads lack the creative spark or imagination or even knowledge to know what their kids will enjoy and what activities are most age appropriate.

1. Swimming

Babies through to teens they all love swimming. Cheap and fun its always a good option especially in the winter.

2. Bake Cakes

This isn’t as complicated as it sounds if you buy a box which provides you with cake mix, icing, and decorations…in fact all you need is an egg and some water and you’re cooking (literally!)

3. Trip to the Park

Ideal for toddlers through to primary age kids, great for letting off some steam (and giving mum a break!)

4. Imaginitive Play

Horsee and aeroplanes for babies, cops ‘n’ robbers and cowboys ‘n’ indians for preschoolers. These games are imaginitive games. Experts say that in todays society of computers and tv imaginitive play needs to be especially encouraged.

5. Skittles

Skittles is suitable for toddler and primary age children.

6. Ice Skating

In most big cities there is a winter wonderland with an outdoor ice rink, a real treat for primary age right through to teens.

7. Make a Den

Dads are best at making dens so I’m not going to offer any so-called advice here

8. Make Gunge

Dads will enjoy this one just as much as the kids!

9. Baby Ball Pool

This one is great for babies.

10. Check Out Kids Websites

Surf the net for websites for kids. Here is a good place to start.

11. Make a Happy Sun

An easy craft project, suitable for toddlers and preschoolers.

12. Make Chocolate Fondue

Suitable for toddlers, preschool and primary age children. Yummy!

13. Ice Cream Collage

Another easy craft activity, suitable for toddlers and preschoolers.

14. Exploring Textures

Babies can be difficult to entertain but this usually keeps them amused for a while.

15. Hand and Foot Printing

Messy but fun. Suitable for babies through to preschoolers and maybe a little bit beyond.

16. Play Doh

Easy to set up and easy to clear away. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy the most.

17. Christmas Shopping

18. Buy Tree/Decorations

19. Paper Flower Collage

Suitable for toddlers and preschoolers.

20. Baby Games

Easy games that babies really enjoy.

A blogger I respect a lot has written an article with a title very similar to that above. Sticking to my rule of ‘more than three lines and it warrants a blog post rather than a comment’ here goes.

Is internet access necessary in schools?

Yes it is.

We are living in a society that is dependant on computers. Practically every company out there has a website, most homes are linked to the internet, and kids need to be able to use computers and the internet efficiently if they are to succeed. Scientists use computers to analyse lab results, retailers use the internet to sell their wares and computer programs for stock taking, accountants, teachers, and police staff all require computer skills. At some time or another each will require the internet, to do research, to purchase something, to acquire contact details.

I don’t think it does take a lot of skill to use a mouse or type something into google, therefore, I don’t think it needs to be taught as a subject in itself but it should be available in all classrooms for research purposes and to help with projects. Textbook learning is fine but it does get dull. To fully engage pupils you need to be more creative and utilise all medias along with arts, crafts, quizzes and as many other ways you can think of to really bring the subjects alive, especially at primary school, where a love of learning needs to be nurtured and is perhaps more important than the learning itself.

And whilst I’m on my soap box I think ‘Wall Ball‘ is a perfectly acceptable yard game too

This weeks Carnival of Family Life featured my post on how to make a halloween pumpkin. There were many other posts that were far superior to mine here are my favourites;

Top 10 unusual reasons to stay at home is a refreshing top ten with a ‘moral behind the story’.

So too much work really does make Jack a dull boy! Hsien says children need more play and less work…

Father Vs Son who will win….pop along to scribbit and find out. I love this woman’s writing!