Raising Playful Tots | Simple Parenting

Amanda Morgan joins the show today to talk about How to teach sharing to under 5 children in this  36 minute podcast. Come listen! Visit Amanda's   twitter :: facebook :: website Complete our survey Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device   Show notes:: We talk about and share ideas about How do we teach a child to share? What to do when friends are coming around and favourite objects? Proactive steps to encourage sharing the value of sportscasting the benefits and use of social scripts during playtime how to cope with sharing when you're out and about especially when they have different rules than you. why is sharing such a struggle? Why we need lots of playdates and struggles Some personal insights.. Book review of Parenting with positive guidance Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)  

During playtime we all get excited by what they've done. Our kids do great things ....Is there a right or wrong way to praise them? Seems like there is,as there's mounting evidence that the way we praise them during their under 5 play will have lasting effects into school and future life. Ashely Merryman joins the show today to talk about her New York Times best seller Nurture shock that she co authored with Po Bronson. We discuss the first chapter of this book and take a pop quiz about sleep. Will you pass? Visit Ashley's   twitter :: facebook :: website Complete our survey Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device   Show notes:: We talk about and give new ideas about Why our instincts about children can be so off the mark The most effective use of praise longterm effect of praising for intelligence for the over 5s ( You're so clever!) The problem of the "Good Job" tic the difference between encouragement and praise. The problem of  using praise for encouragement and the impression it gives to other children Empty praise, struggling children and compliments Effects of excessive praise   (Carol Dwek Study) the benefits of talking about mistakes. How do we encourage children to work hard when they come against problems. startling tips from the sleep chapter with implications for preschools on up and intelligence. 32:40 Take the Pop Quiz- Did you pass?   Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)  

Is a Forest School or Forest Kindergarten right for my child? Today  Juliet Robertson of Creative Star Co. gives us the scoop on the benefits of Forest schools, Outdoor education and preschools who operate outdoors. This was a whole new world for us and we explore it together in this 63 minute podcast. Visit Juliet's   twitter :: facebook :: website Complete our survey Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device   Show notes:: We learn about outdoor education creating an early years woods Ins and out of setting up an early years wood How many is too many in a small wooded area? Forest Kindergarten or Forest schools Benefit of going to a Forest school Outdoor preschools or nurseries and how it supports children's learning. about clothing and shelter in winter Stones vs LEGO Multi-sensory activities encouraging different levels of thinking St Paul's Nursery pilot project Where would you find a good Forest School?   Try Facebook: Forest education initiative group about the types of activities we would likely see in a Forest school or Kindergarten Supervisory or assisting what's the practice of the adults there. Developing a passion for the outdoors Wasp drills :) the type of child that's is likely to be suitable for a Forest school Questions to ask in an indoor preschool about outdoor education. about encouraging maths in the environment around them especially to and from school about rain or shine nurseries about examples of working Forest schools-Nature preschool walk in Seattle :: Sweedish outdoor preschool Practical outdoor activities : I'm a teacher get me outside. Juliet's blog. :: Cumbernauld Making things as safe as necessary.......  Conscious Discipline: Shubert stories  :: Dr Bailey video ::  31 days to a more playful tot  Download the play audit Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)  

Today I'm talking to Sue Gascoyne , Author, speaker, consultant and owner of PlaytoZ about Sensory play activities; one of our favourite topics. Follow Sue on Twitter Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device Show notes:: We learn in this 32 minute podcast: inspiration with the small things about treasure basket play about problem solving with resources watching listening and learning about taking a step back and reflecting on their play Sensory rich resources Links: 31 days to a more playful tot  Download the play audit Complete our survey :: More from Sue on Sensory play Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)           We're talking about Sensory Play Activities | j.mp/zTY6oU #ece with @playtoZ — Melitsa Avila (@playactivities) February 3, 2012

Transmitting your values and goals via a mission statement is one of the most effective ways of ensuring a direction for your playtime. You can overcome many obstacles to good play experiences that recur daily.  Dan Miller is the creative thinker, career coach, speaker and author of 48 Days to the Work You Love and No More Dreaded Mondays. He's appeared frequently in the media, writing for major publications and on TV shows. He is the president and leader of  48 days.com Follow Dan on Twitter:: Facebook :: Community Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device Show notes:: We learn: why every family needs a family mission statement. what we should include the type of values that work best in successful mission statements how to prepare for that first meeting without being derailed or sidetracked about the benefits Dan has received from writing a family mission statement the best times to start a mission statement how to develop this mission statement overtime. Links: 31 days to a more playful tot  Download the play audit ::Restaurant football game :: Lightening bug craft:: Valentines craft :: Kara's SimpleKids- Pinterest guide for family :: Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)          

We all start doing it and gradually we do it less and less. There are many reasons why we should be reading aloud. Today in the show I share  some Simple steps to cultivating a read aloud habit. We get past the humps in the road and find solutions in this 29 minute show. Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device Show notes:: We learn: 3:35 why we should be Reading aloud and not just following the crowd  via resources. http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/index.html 4:00 ways to pick a book  with Amy of Let's Explore Getting Started With Chapter Books 4:45  tips on creating a plan 6:15  revising your when 7:20 Getting over the passive read aloud methods for wriggly toddlers and preschoolers ( Yes that all of them!) Amy Mascott  of TeachMama : Read aloud series 10:15 how easy it is to link books to the real world 11:00 No more boring read aloud sessions 11:35 Join a read aloud challenge via  Footprints in the Butter each Thursday 12:20 Should you skip this section? Join with others in your community with World Read Aloud day: March 7th , 2012. 14:55 How do you choose a really good read aloud book? 15:30 Have a look at book trailers via Mr Schu  MrSchuReads- via YouTube 17:00 Finding your springboards 5-6 year old Read-Alouds (for Parent) :: Kindergarten Family Read-Alouds :: Pre-School Read-Alouds (a list of 50) 18:30 Picture books to inspire via Zoe of Playingbythebook.net. 19:10 Quick tips- Goodreads.com :: Wishlist via Amazon :: Schools :: Librarians :: audiobooks :: Kidlit radio and news 23:20 Must read: Avoiding problems with Boys and reading via Mr Schu and his interview with Pam Allyn. 25:10 Read alouds are a brilliant gateway into other areas like writing. Melissa of Imaginationsoup.net: Word jar. Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)   {Image credit}          

Hands up if you have a flexible and able problem solver at home? In today's interview we talk about how we can raise flexible and problem solving children. We also talk about a new series and some updates behind the scenes.  Laura Sydonie, actress, parent and business owner  is passionate about early years, special educational needs and drama. She's performed and taught in many different countries around the world. Currently Laura is the director of Theatre tots where she combines her experience and work with her two young children into Theatre tots. Theatre tots was a finalist in the 2011 best interactive business award from the Mumpreneur awards. Follow Laura on Twitter:: Facebook :: Newsletter Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device Show notes:: We learn: about Laura's passions and how it lead to Theatre Tots about the importance of drama and creativity in the early years about the best ways to encourage participation- or not! the importance of creative expression for all children by being inclusive practical ideas  to encourage creative expression, imagination or creativity? creative at home..... how to encourage children who don’t want to do it? details about the courses/classes on offer. 31 days to a more playful tot :: Simplemom questions :: Download the play audit :: Play-Activities.com Play-Activities.com/blog Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)          

Listen to our favourite bits of 2011 in our end of year show. Listen::   Listen to this week’s show   | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)        

Three women who share their experiences of intentional international living while raising playful tots( and a business). Join Courtney, Esther and Emilie of the boutique Babyccinokids.com  as they tell their stories in this 38 minute podcast. Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device   Show notes Country vs City? 5:42- Where we've lived- how differently we do things like celebrating birthdays 9:06 What is a playdate like where you live? + school hours 11:50 What's the best thing about raising a family in Europe? 13:35: regional differences :: Languages ::food :: cultural variety and diversity 15:32 What toy,book or activity do the children love to do? 16:58 What happens in daily life for these three families 18:36 Spontaneous or planned activities? 20:00 Tips when you're moving with kids what to do? 22:20 How did Babycinno get started? 24:58: Perils of blogging and travelling 26:08  explaining blogging and friendships to your offline friends 28: 00 What they really wish they could take with them wherever they live? 30:30 What type of playdough- homemade or storebought? 31:57 Toys shops and negotiations   Stories about moving country :: Simplemom- living abroad    ::Manic mommies- moving to Czech Republic   Podcast question of the week: If you could live anywhere in the world with your family , where would that be? Audioboo: One way of limiting gifts for the kids. Favourite bits of 2011 survey Holiday play activities board on Pinterest Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)    

Marie LeBaron talks today about her new craft books; Make and Takes for Kids. Marie is owner of the popular parenting blog Make and Takes and the author of the kids craft book Make and Takes for Kids. She's the mother of 3 living in Seattle, with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Always having a love of crafts, she enjoys getting messy with glue and glitter. There’s always some sort of project going on, her kitchen table is often cluttered with crafts. When she’s not crafting and creating with her kids, she loves to read, run, and blog! If you're looking for inspiration then have a listen to Marie. Listen to the show for details of how to enter to win the book. Follow Marie on Twitter:: Facebook Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device   Show notes Audio review and interview with Marie about her craft book Make and takes for kids   Win the book! Winner: Roopa! Congratulations Contest closed! Holiday play activities board on Pinterest Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)          

Water,blueberries and hot tea is how we kick off this show. Catherine Oehlman, onscreen personality, speaker and writer of the popular website and blog  Squigglemum  and I talk about Christmas activities and keeping it special for the children and time to enjoy it ourselves.    Catherine on Facebook:: Catherine on Twitter Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device   Show notes:: We learn some typical Christmas traditions ( 5:26) Joining and melding of family traditions ( 7:58) cookie exchanges (  10:10 ) Carols by candlelight (12:27) Christmas crafts ( 14:12) Truth in the Tinsel ebook Simple Advent calendar ( 14:55) Toilet rolls and the nativity (15:17) Christmas angels via muminthemadhouse.com ( 15:56 ) Making a nativity set ( 16:23) balancing out Christmas and Santa ( 19:09) Our crazy Advent calendar schedule ( 20:06 ) using photographs to jog memory and provide prompts  (22:20)  wrapping gifts  and handmade  gifts and writing cards (23:01) stress free and reason for the season (24:34) Good givers and receive gratefully (25:49 ) Worldvision & Compassion (26:53) Buying for charity giving (27:05) Grocery store questions ( 31:05) Buying handmade online(33:10) Dealing with pressure ( 37:10) Holiday play activities board on Pinterest Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)        

How to choose the right daycare, Nursery or preschool? and What do you do when your choice doesn't work out? Should you stay or should you go? Plus Christmas play activities in this 27 minute show.   Dr Kathy Hirsh-Pasek is the  Stanley and Debra Lefkowitz Professor in the Department  of Psychology at Temple University where she serves as Director of the Infant Language Laboratory. She written numerous books including my favourite Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn--and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device Show notes:: We learn What to look for in a good school? How do we choose which philosophy ( Montessori, Waldorf, Outdoor etc) works the best for our child? about the Learning illusion About one of the best educational toys The importance of using and learning about the 6cs' Collaboration Communication Content Critical thinking Creative innovation Confidence What type of language development you may expect to hear and see in schools? When things aren't going well at the educational establishment ( daycare, Nursery, Preschool etc) what should we do? (16:49) Will it harm your child to move them away from friends? (19:44) Christmas Activities ebook Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands Share:: If you enjoyed today’s show please tell your friends. Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)            

What if you there was a resource that helped you with your holiday gift buying that focused on play and not marketing? Written by Early childhood educators and parents and free. TRUCE have done exactly that and today's interview is all about media, marketing, holiday gift guides with  Dr Diane Levin Professor of Education at Wheelock College in Boston, author of  several books and hard working play activist and founder of CCFC and TRUCE Diane .E. Levin Listen:: Listen to this week’s show | subscribe through iTunes | on-the-go device Show notes:: We learn about TRUCE- teachers resisting unhealthy children's entertainment Toy and holiday guide { resource} how to counteract the  harmful impact of marketing and media on children with examples{ resource} how the guides help parents deal with extreme gender divisions, violence, sexualisation and remote controlness about using the guide as a starting point with parents/friends/family to help parents ways to spread the message about TRUCE the TOADY awards ( CCFC #27):: Einstein refund So sexy so soon toys Vote in the TOADY awards  Voting is open until November 28 and the winner will be announced on November 30 CCFC on Einstein refund recap Benefits of advocating The War Play Dilemma: What Every Parent And Teacher Needs to Know (Early Childhood Education Series (Teachers College Pr)) (Early Childhood Education (Teacher's College Pr)) :: So sexy so soon:: Beyond remote control childhood how Diane became passionate about play developing routines and rules around media banning music or books or certain media- Does it work? Just saying no won't solve the problem Shoebox gifts Toys, play and learning action guide Toy selection guide practical advice about protecting our children during this holiday season Microphone correction mentioned in the interview. Teaching gratitude to little ones Share:: If you enjoyed today’s show please tell your friends. Have your say:: “Like” us on Facebook Join in with the topic of the week from the Podcast Add an honest review on iTunes :)