Imagination

Friday Faves: If Kids Ruled the World by Linda Bailey Illustrated by David Huyck

October 11, 2019October 11, 2019 kswemba

Such a fun, cute read that gets to the heart of kid’s imagination

Good morning everyone and happy Friday! I have a wonderful book to share with you today. If Kids Ruled the World is a delightful story that reminds us what the world would look like through the eyes of a child. The pages are filled with colorful illustrations of kids going on adventures both extraordinary (like sailing on pirates ships or blasting to the moon) and everyday adventures made special through the imagination of children (like a sidewalks made from trampolines or pets of any kind!) It reminds us how precious and special childhood is, and to remember the small things that matter, like using our imagination to have wholesome fun. I LOVED this book. My kids enjoyed the beautiful illustrations and all of the inventive things that the kids came up with throughout the book. It’s definitely worth the read! Enjoy!

Cloud shapes with kids

September 17, 2019 kswemba

Today, the best part of my afternoon was gazing at clouds with my son. We used our imaginations and created animals and objects from clouds. I remember doing this as a kid, and loved that I shared this with him. The best things are the simplest ones. What simple things do you love doing?

Gifts for kids 6 and under

September 12, 2019September 12, 2019 kswemba

Old school groove with a new school twist

I’m not sure about you, but I’m always on the lookout for hands on toys that requires kids to use their imagination. I know I remember loving certain toys and games from my childhood, and most of them didn’t involve a screen. (Well, with the exception of using the running pad at my friends house that hooked up to a video game!).

The following is a list that still thrills kids and you won’t believe how simple they are:

Play-doh. Yes, it can be messy, but so worth it.
Play foam – this stuff is magic! Less mess but super fun to mold
Bubble wands- my kids are 4 & 6 and still like bubbles
Chalk
Design rubbing plates – (see Melissa and Doug) you can create your character by putting plates together then run on top and you get your character to color
Craft supplies – craft sticks, piper cleaner, paper, google eyes
PUZZLES! These are so amazing! Kids can use their problem solving skills and work on their focus
Card games – Old Maid, Go Fish, Crazy 8s
Pinwheels – I know! But they can take them outside and play in the wind
Magna- tiles
Legos for older kids
Board games – Guess who, Hoot Owl Hoot, Sneaky Snacky Squirrel, Surprise slides (They have all different kinds) Sorry! (My kids really like this surprisingly)
Bead kits
Food and kitchen items (Melissa and Do ug)
Cash register
Old school phone
Memory game – ugh, I lose every time to my kids, no joke
Stamps and stamp rollers – can also be used in play-doh too
Train and wooden train tracks
Books!!!!!!

Anyone have any toys their kids love?

Friday Faves

August 23, 2019 kswemba

Happy Friday everyone! We made it! (Insert celebration dance here!) I have a super cute book to share with you today. Ally-Saurus and the Very Bossy Monster by Richard Torrey is a book about Ally (who refers to her self as Ally-saurus) and her friends who have a great time playing in their shared world of make believe. That is, until Maddie comes along and starts telling everyone the “new rules” she has just made up. It’s a delightful story that gently teaches kids about bossiness and the need to respect each other and our differences. A great message, with cute and unique illustrations makes this book my pick for the week. Enjoy!