Playful Parenting
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A truly excellent book
  • Great Book
  • We liked the concept
  • this book is awesome
  • I love this book, learn to romp with your kids!
Playful Parenting
Lawrence J. Cohen
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:
  1. Health o Meter  HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
  2. Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0345442865
Release Date: 2002-04-30

Amazon.com

Tag, you're it! In Playful Parenting, Lawrence Cohen demonstrates that parents need to lighten up and spend a few hours giggling with their kids. Play is inherently educational for children, he claims, and parents can learn plenty by examining the games kids play--from peekaboo to practical jokes.

Cohen is quick to point out that no matter what your child's temperament, she has a playful side. In its most basic form, play is a way to communicate. The author examines, with plenty of hilarious personal anecdotes, the details of play at every age and across genders. From his daughter and a new male friend discussing how "cool" nuclear weapons are and how "gross" a love song is, to a younger child zooming full-speed around a park at a birthday party, we're shown the exuberant truth behind playing: not only is it just plain fun, it can spark a variety of important sensations. One short section discusses the common phenomenon of happy giggling turning instantly to tears. Cohen suggests that "the fun play opens the emotional door to let out the giggles, and a flood of other feelings come pouring out after." Some specific ideas for games are included, and you'll find recommendations for everything from play wrestling to gentle storytelling. One chapter focuses on how to cope with play you don't find enjoyable, and how learning to appreciate these games can lead to surprising emotional insights. This is where Cohen's years of practice come in handy--it may be true that we all play, but not everyone immediately grasps the underlying messages. This is not simply a book filled with family activities, but rather an exploration of play for all ages. --Jill Lightner

Book Description


Have you ever stepped back to watch what really goes on when your children play? As psychologist Lawrence J. Cohen points out, play is children’s way of exploring the world, communicating deep feelings, getting close to those they care about, working through stressful situations, and simply blowing off steam. That’s why “playful parenting” is so important and so successful in building strong, close bonds between parents and children. Through play we join our kids in their world–and help them to

• Express and understand complex emotions
• Break through shyness, anger, and fear
• Empower themselves and respect diversity
• Play their way through sibling rivalry
• Cooperate without power struggles

From eliciting a giggle during baby’s first game of peekaboo to cracking jokes with a teenager while hanging out at the mall, Playful Parenting is a complete guide to using play to raise confident children. Written with love and humor, brimming with good advice and revealing anecdotes, and grounded in the latest research, this book will make you laugh even as it makes you wise in the ways of being an effective, enthusiastic parent.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A truly excellent book.......2007-08-01

Mr. Cohen brings to light important and practical ways to get closer to your children. This book -- based both on sound research and everyday applications -- will be a great help to any parent who desires closer bonds with their child. After all, parenting should be fun and Cohen teaches the reader how be a thinking and playful companion to a child.

5 out of 5 stars Great Book.......2007-07-20

I love this book!!!!!!

I read Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn and loved it, but I felt I needed ideas on alternatives to punishments and rewards because you can't always reason with a 2 year old. This book was just what I needed. It has given me great ideas on handeling situations with my toddler. Instead of things turning into a power struggle we are now being silly and laughing.

4 out of 5 stars We liked the concept.......2007-04-07

My husband was already practicing "Playful Parenting" but I am sure others would benefit from some of the concepts presented. We have connected with our adopted daughter through playful parenting-she is very attached to us.

5 out of 5 stars this book is awesome.......2007-03-24

I am so glad I found this book in a local library. However, it is so chock full of ideas to use that I think I need to buy it, because my child is just a baby now and I need to remember the many ideas as she grows. I will be re-reading it often I can tell. There's a lot in this book, all helpful, and especially touching is his advice on what not to do. As a child, my parents thought locking me in my room was good discipline. I don't forget that and needless to say our relationship is not good to this day. It's hard reading this book because my parents did a lot of the things he highlights as things to avoid, and I have to put the book down often because it's too much to digest emotionally. I wish I had had an ideal childhood, but this insightful book can help me ensure that I don't repeat those mistakes. I'm very thankful I came across it.

5 out of 5 stars I love this book, learn to romp with your kids!.......2007-01-31

I've always thought wrestling with your kids was good, and I was very glad to find a book that actually agreed and gave explanations for why this is so. It truly helps with teaching about giving people space, being gentle and sharing; my son is one of the most non-confrontational in his playgroup, and I know it's in part because of the things we've taught him from this book. I love it!
Games for Writing: Playful Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Write
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great for Homeschooling
  • Wonderful resource
  • great games
  • Games for Writing
  • Wonderful Writing Tools! Creative and Clever!
Games for Writing: Playful Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Write
Peggy Kaye
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0374524270

Book Description

There is no skill more important for a child to master more than writing - and none more difficult or fraught with anxiety. Peggy Kaye, renowned teacher and author of the widely praised Games for Math, Games for Reading, and Games for Learning, now gives parents more than fifty ways to help their children become skilled, confident, and enthusiastic writers.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great for Homeschooling.......2007-08-15

This is a wonderful book for the homeschooling environment. First, the author is a tutor for children struggling with public school methods, so she offers enjoyable, imaginative alternatives to the plug and chug kids get in school. Second, as a tutor, the author works with children primarily one-on-one. These games, therefore, lend themselves naturally to the experience of home schooling. Third, the author provides meaningful explanation of the kinds of writing and thinking skills each game addresses; in this sense, these games are more than games. Finally, many of these games can be tied in easily to whatever other content you may be covering at the moment. For example, I found a wonderful game in here that I plan on using when my son and I cover the artistic concept of "line". I also appreciate the chart in the back of the book that categorizes each game according to grade level.

On the whole, the author takes a "bottom up" approach to writing. Ditch the spelling tests and grammar grind for now, and teach kids to love writing by providing writing exercises that they'll love. She respects and celebrates the kidness of kids.

You can really get several years of use out of this book, even with no other writing book.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful resource.......2007-03-20

This is a great book. I just received it and have put it to good use with my students. I look forward to using it with my own children too!

5 out of 5 stars great games.......2007-03-18

I wish I had had this book when my son was younger. He learned to read and do math at grade level, but not writing. After I read this book in the library I decided to purchase it so I could work with him in the summer on improving his writing skills. This is a great book if your child is not having other learning disabilities, but struggles with writing.

5 out of 5 stars Games for Writing.......2007-01-15

Excellent, fun games for early elementary kids. Lots of variety, good explanations about what each game is teaching.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful Writing Tools! Creative and Clever!.......2006-04-07

I am so impressed with this book. Having children who have struggled with fine motor control, i was curious as to what this had to offer. I really enjoy the games from prewriting all the way to composing lengthy stories. I will be using this book for years. If you have a child that hates to write, or hasn't learned yet, don't hesitate. Buy this book! It's very creative and clever. I really like it.
Playful Parenting
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • This is probably not the book you're looking for
  • Solve your parenting challenges -- Playfully!
  • Don't bother
  • A Great HELP ME! Book
  • Creative and succinct approach to common parenting challenge
Playful Parenting
Denise Champman-Weston
Manufacturer: Tarcher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:
  1. Health o Meter  HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
  2. Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0874777348

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars This is probably not the book you're looking for.......2006-11-21

Are you reading this book because a friend told you "Playful Parenting is the best parenting book ever!"? Then you probably should be looking at Lawrence Cohen's book "Playful Parenting".

5 out of 5 stars Solve your parenting challenges -- Playfully!.......2003-01-09

This book, written by licensed play therapists, offers fresh, creative approaches to solve common behavior problems. The authors utilize a mix of positive parenting ingredients in a variety of playful "recipes" which target specific parenting concerns such as: overactivity, moodiness, anti-social behaviors, self-concept, and more.

One of my favorite recipes in the book was "The Feeling Box." It suggests certain items to include in a box your child may visit whenever his feelings (sadness, anger, attention-wanting) become difficult for him or her to handle.

Contrary to another reviewer's opinion, I felt the book's "recipe" format was clear, concise, innovative, and extremely easy to use. These are not the "same old tired ideas" found elsewhere. As an avid reader of parenting books, I found many new techniques to try. And, yes the ideas worked beautifully!

However, this book IS different from the other Playful Parenting. The other book encourages incorporating more play time into family life. It also offers great ideas, but the book's mission is simply different from this Playful Parenting. Though the titles are confusing, either would be welcome additions to any parenting library.

Hope this helps. Play nice!

1 out of 5 stars Don't bother.......2002-03-20

I bought this book by accident when I was looking for a different book, also called Playful Parenting. This one was hard to follow, confusing, and a rehash of old tired ideas.

5 out of 5 stars A Great HELP ME! Book.......2001-04-27

I ordered this book at the recommendation of my sister. Being so close to me she knew of the "problems" I was having with my 3 1/2 year old. Well let me tell you, this book is just full of great ideas for handling various "problems" with children. I used the "S.T.A.R." idea, changing a few things to better reflect my daughter's personality and I can very happily and gladly say that-IT WORKS!! I have also used other activities mentioned in the book with success. Everything is easy to understand and easy to follow. I highly recommend this to anyone. You can facilitate the activities as they are given or add/change things to suit your child's personality. We know our children better than anyone and this book gives you the tools to implement their wonderful activities geared toward having a calmer more organized home life.

5 out of 5 stars Creative and succinct approach to common parenting challenge.......1999-01-22

After three consequetive check outs, the library made me give the book back. This is a highly useable resource in its layout, and it feels good to put the ideas into practice. My children really do respond to the suggestions in Playful Parenting. Every Parent should have these recipes on hand for those times when all you can seem to think of is yelling at your young'uns.
Playful Reading: Positive, Fun Ways to Build the Bond Between Preschoolers, Books, and You
Average customer rating: 2 out of 5 stars
  • playful reading: positive fun ways to build the bond between preschoolers, books, and you
Playful Reading: Positive, Fun Ways to Build the Bond Between Preschoolers, Books, and You
Carolyn Munson-Benson
Manufacturer: Search Institute Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:
  1. Health o Meter  HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
  2. Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 1574828576

Book Description

Emphasizes early literacy skills, reading for pleasure, and the eight asset categories as ways to create memorable moments between children and the adults who read to them.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars playful reading: positive fun ways to build the bond between preschoolers, books, and you.......2007-09-17

This book may be helpful to parents who work one-on-one with children, but not so helpful to caregivers and preschool teachers who work with a group of children at any given time.
The Learning Power of Laughter: Over 300 Playful Games and Activities That Promote Learning With Young Children
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The Learning Power of Laughter: Over 300 Playful Games and Activities That Promote Learning With Young Children
    Jackie Silberg
    Manufacturer: Gryphon House
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 087659268X

    Product Description

    Over 300 playful games, activities, and ideas that promote children to be creative, learn sequencing skills, develop phonemic awareness, use their imaginations, develop listening skills, and work with rhymes and language. Children (3-6 years olds) and teachers will love the creative, fun activities that enrich their classroom. 128 pages.
    The 7 O'Clock Bedtime: Early to bed, early to rise, makes a child healthy, playful, and wise
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Awesome book. Misleading title.
    • Take what works and leave the rest
    • Good ideas, but impractical for working parents
    • Good ideas, but preachy
    • A must read book
    The 7 O'Clock Bedtime: Early to bed, early to rise, makes a child healthy, playful, and wise
    Inda Schaenen
    Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0060988894
    Release Date: 2001-05-08

    Amazon.com

    You think parents don't get enough sleep? Inda Schaenen argues persuasively in this slim yet thought-provoking book that parents who have to wake their kids up every morning can't be the only ones suffering from sleep deprivation. She points to substantial pediatric evidence that sleep deprivation is a serious problem for children, with consequences ranging from grumpiness to (according to some experts) the exacerbation or even creation of disorders such as ADHD. And she insists that none of the activities consuming evening time are as important to a child as adequate rest.

    For most of the book--including a final section full of recipes and tips--Schaenen is wearing her Mom hat. She details the daily mechanics of getting children to bed by 7:00 and talks at length about exceptions. The regime she follows, and recommends to parents, isn't easy: she plans the after-school snack for as close to 3:00 as she can get it, allows after-school play until 4:30, has dinner on the table at 5:00, starts the bathroom routine at 6:00, and settles in for storytime from 6:15 to 6:45. By 7:00, she's saying good night.

    Of course many working parents may find her routine impossible. But Shaenen's main point sticks: if mornings are tense, you should be thinking long and hard about what family restructuring is necessary to ensure that your children are getting the rest they need. And, as she points out, the moms and dads who get an hour or two of downtime each evening are happier, saner, better parents. --Richard Farr

    Book Description

    Are children hardwired to stay up late, scarfing down cookies and soda and surfing the Internet? No, says Inda Schaenen, who advocates a no-nonsense, nurturing approach that will help you get your kids into bed by 7 o'clock -- and help you make a saner life for yourself.

    Most kids today are overscheduled, and consequently they're often wound up and active until late in the evening. But when kids are exhausted, bedtime becomes a struggle and everyone loses.

    The solution? Put your kids to bed at 7 o'clock and reap the benefits:

    In this revolutionary book, Inda Schaenen helps you restructure your children's daily schedules from dawn till dusk, suggesting dozens of lifestyle changes that will reduce crankiness, improve school performance, and give you back control of your life. You'll learn why your kids need a 7 o'clock bedtime and, most important, how to make it happen. The book includes a detailed timetable; advice for dealing with vacations, school breaks, travel, And illness; and quick and healthful recipes. And Schaenen's wise, reassuring tone will inspire you to make this important and beneficial change.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Awesome book. Misleading title........2007-10-04

    Despite it's title, this book is not just about a bedtime. It's about a way of life, and of viewing the world that is completely counter-cultural to the way most people live modern life.

    Several reviews complained that the authors advice is 'unrealistic'--for any number of reasons, that I will not get into here. This is a completely INSANE claim, although quite understandable considering the powerless way that most people view their lives today. Most people act as if they have no choice but to enroll their children in multiple extracurricular activities; that they have no choice but to have both parents working outside the home so that they can afford a huge home, brand new cars, flat-screen tvs, credit card debt, etc. --all of which they are, of course, forced to have. Hence, they are forced to make more money to pay for all of the above. (Note: this rant is NOT directed at parents who genuinely both have to work minimum wage jobs to afford rent, food & health insurance.)

    Of course having a peaceful family life and quiet evenings is unrealistic if you are simultaneously 'trying to have it all.'

    The author gives extremely sane and sound advice about paying respect to the ultimate best interest of children; this includes the right of children to live unhurried lives in which there is time for unstructured play, freedom from stress, and plenty of sleep. She puts this need for sleep on par with parental responsibilities such as providing food and shelter.

    Bottom line: because parents insist on leading overloaded lives, their children suffer. And whether they realize it or not, so do these parents.

    This author is right on the money, but she also humbly acknowledges in her book, that most people don't want to face their own unwillingness to sacrifice/compromise other things in life, to give their children what they REALLY need.

    As she says in Chapter 4, entitled, 'Facing the Consequences':
    "I sympathize with the salmon; It's not easy swimming against the current."

    Today's current is very strong--emphasizing materialism, achievement & performance from a very young age, scheduling every single moment of the day, tv-watching to the detriment of early bedtimes...and so on, and so on.

    Gee, I wonder why our country is going down the tubes.

    3 out of 5 stars Take what works and leave the rest.......2007-05-02

    I subscribe to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach to bedtime and sleep. The reason I got this book was that things were in need of some fixing in our home. Bedtime was creeping later and later and I was becoming resentful.

    Schaenen's overall theories that children need more rest, parents need more rest, and bedtime can be viewed as the beginning of nighttime rather than the end of the day are all valid and helpful. I am also in agreement with her that children need to have unstructured playtime everyday, preferably outdoors, that television, video games, and computer are simply unnecessary for children, and that nutrition plays an important role in healthy children and sleep habits.

    Her emphasis on family ritual and routine were also useful.

    What I did NOT like about the book was Schaenen's endorsement of the Ferber method of sleep training for infants and young toddlers. It doesn't fit my parenting philosophy at all. We follow an attachment parenting approach in our home, and share a bed with our infants. Rather than setting Schaenen's book aside as another book contrary to my beliefs, though, I decided to overlook our philosophical differences about family bed & night nursing, and use the good pointers about getting my children off to bed earlier and more restfully.

    I also appreciated the candor with which she shared anecdotes from her own family. I always enjoy books in which the author shows their own family life rather than just proclaiming what everyone else should be doing. It's always comforting to see a glimpse into another family's real life.

    In summary, I will use many suggestions from this book regarding getting my kids off to bed in a timely manner. I will choose to overlook the recommendation to sleep train my infant.

    3 out of 5 stars Good ideas, but impractical for working parents .......2007-02-11

    We're in Silicon Valley. No person in high tech gets home before 7. We eat at 7:30. We hang out with Daddy until 8:30. Bed is at 9.

    They get up at 7:30. They take naps from 3-4:30.

    She has nice ideas, but her schedule is highly unrealistic for most of the working world.

    3 out of 5 stars Good ideas, but preachy.......2005-03-15

    I found this book after seeing that my 3 1/2 year old needed...SOMETHING.... to help with her sleep habits. The 19 month old falls right in line with the 7 bedtime, but ahhh...that strong-willed first child! I am also in a position to share ideas with other parents that might work for them. We had instituted the quiet time and had a good bedtime routine, as most practical parents do. She just wasn't ready for sleep by 7.

    After I read this book, I implemented some of the ideas I found within Schaenen's wandering, "let me share with you how my family is perfect" (and strange), idyllic, description of her three children sitting around reading, listening to show tunes, and playing nicely together. Even when they are at their worst, I am still feeling like we are not getting the whole picture. The lengthy ramblings and examples don't fit my style as a reader or as part-time teacher/full-time mom looking for support.

    With that said, I felt compelled to write my first-ever review. This is a book that might be overlooked due to this off-putting (in my opinion) style of imparting what I feel to be worthwhile, valid, suggestions that might help the AVERAGE family. Most of the information will not be new to the seasoned reader of parenting books.

    What it does offer is a nice balance between doing what is right for your children (talking- and really listening to them, encouraging play for play's sake, and getting good sleep time) and having a little bit of your own life (after 7, of course!) Being a scheduler by nature, this book also offers me what many do not-an actual play by play of how this might work-rather than the usual theories without a plan for putting it into practice. I just could have done with less of the off-topic (condescending!) diatribes into the evils of TV, sugar and overscheduling- that is covered in later chapters.

    Overall, a worthwhile tome to be read with care, thoughtfully considered, and worked into your own family dynamics. The practical suggestions are just difficult to glean, given the author's water drinking ("yum"-and I quote!), hard-to-relate to, style.

    5 out of 5 stars A must read book.......2005-03-12

    I love this book and recommend it to everyone I meet. Are my kids in bed by 7:00 PM? No. We homeschool and have no reason to be up early for school every morning by 6:30 -7:00 so we moved everything back an hour. it works much better for our family while still giving us an early bedtime and enough sleep. I look around me and am saddend by all the over tired children I see, thier angry exhausted short tempered paretns who are keeping them up in the name o quality family time. My chidlrens behaviors changed dramatically when I instituted an early bed time. htier morning wake time did not change. We don't get all legalistic about keeping her rules but the closer we stick to them and the more routiened our days are the better bed time and sleep are for my children. Having the early bedtime also has reeduced thier night walking!! what a bonus.
    The Playful Preschooler (Growing and Learning)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Playful Preschooler (Growing and Learning)
      Becky Daniel
      Manufacturer: Instructional Fair
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

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      1. The Playful Toddler (Growing and Learning) The Playful Toddler (Growing and Learning)
      2. Preschooler's Busy Book: 365 Creative Games & Activities To Occupy 3-6 Year Olds Preschooler's Busy Book: 365 Creative Games & Activities To Occupy 3-6 Year Olds

      ASIN: 1568229550

      Book Description

      Help your child thrive. The Playful Preschooler is a wonderful resource for parents who want to interact with their child while building skills in him or her necessary to success in life. The activities included in this book help develop grossand fine motor skills, language skills, emotional and social skills, and cognitive abilities. Three- and four-year olds have different developmental needs. Because of this, Playful Preschooler is divided into halves. The first half offers activities andgames appropriate for three-year olds and the second half focuses on the needs of four-year olds. Your child will love the fun games and activities included in this great book.
      Ready, Set, Read and Write:  60 Playful Activities for You and Your Child to Share
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Great for parents and teachers!
      Ready, Set, Read and Write: 60 Playful Activities for You and Your Child to Share
      Marlene Barron
      Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      GeneralGeneral | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
      Household HintsHousehold Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
      Language Experience ApproachLanguage Experience Approach | Contemporary Methods | Education Theory | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
      Study SkillsStudy Skills | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
      Family ActivitiesFamily Activities | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
      ParentingParenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books | Babies & Toddlers | Child Care | Discipline | Emotions & Feelings | General | Health & Nutrition | Morals & Responsibility | School-Age Children | Single Parents | Teenagers | Twins & Multiples
      Similar Items:
      1. Ready, Set, Cooperate (Ready, Set, Learn Series) Ready, Set, Cooperate (Ready, Set, Learn Series)
      2. Ready, Set, Count (Ready, Set, Learn Series) Ready, Set, Count (Ready, Set, Learn Series)
      3. Montessori Read & Write: A Parents' Guide to Literacy for Children Montessori Read & Write: A Parents' Guide to Literacy for Children
      4. Montessori Play And Learn: A Parent's Guide to Purposeful Play from Two to Six Montessori Play And Learn: A Parent's Guide to Purposeful Play from Two to Six
      5. Teach Me to Do It Myself: Montessori Activities for You and Your Child Teach Me to Do It Myself: Montessori Activities for You and Your Child

      Accessories:
      1. Health o Meter  HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
      2. Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

      ASIN: 0471102830

      Book Description

      Start together on a lifetime of learning— the greatest gift you can give your child

      A trip to the supermarket. A drive to the mall. A refrigerator. A telephone. A television. Transform these everyday experiences and household items into a world of words and wonder for your child.

      Early childhood education specialist Marlene Barron shows you how to stimulate your child's natural interest in reading and writing by sharing 60 imaginative and entertaining activities. Each one is:

      The Ready, Set, Learn series was created to help parents and children explore concepts and develop skills necessary to succeed in school. In addition to dozens of activities, each book contains a substantial overview explaining children's developmental needs. Also available in the Ready, Set, Learn series: Ready, Set, Count; Ready, Set, Explore; Ready, Set, Cooperate.

      "Marlene Barron's special understanding of people—children, parents, teachers—has led to these very special books. The activities here will allow children to construct a deeper, more complex understanding of their world and will be fun for both parent and child. I recommend these books to anyone who works with children." —John Chattin-McNichols, Ph.D. Associate Professor, School of Education, Seattle University Vice President, American Montessori Society

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Great for parents and teachers!.......2001-02-19

      As the mother of a 3 year old son, I found the book to offer great insights for his current age - allowing him to choose what is showcased on the refrigerator, having him "read the pictures" and encouraging him to be happy that he "reads like a 3 year old", as well as providing games and projects for us to work on as he progresses. I found it to be very helpful, easy to read, and broken down into small tasks/projects that are very easy to follow.
      The Playful Toddler (Growing and Learning)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        The Playful Toddler (Growing and Learning)
        Becky Daniel
        Manufacturer: Instructional Fair
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        GeneralGeneral | Activity Books | Sports & Activities | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        Marriage & FamilyMarriage & Family | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
        Family HealthFamily Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
        Child DevelopmentChild Development | Babies & Toddlers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
        Similar Items:
        1. The Playful Preschooler (Growing and Learning) The Playful Preschooler (Growing and Learning)

        ASIN: 1568229542

        Book Description

        The Playful Toddler is a wonderful collection of brain-boosting activities, created especially for the 18- month to two-year-old child. The simple games included in this book offer your child visual, tactile, and kinesthetic experiences.Parent and caregivers can use this resource to provide rich and supportive learning environments for young children. Play is the place where a young child can develop into an individual. These delightful, simple games offer yourchild learning opportunities and valuable time with you.

        Download Description

        Looking for ways to help your child reach important milestones? Need some creative ideas for fun educational games? Searching for tips on selecting and guiding activities to help your child develop his or her skills? Here at your fingertips is a treasury of quick, developmentally appropriate activities for you and your child to enjoy while playing and interacting with each other.
        The Playful Baby (Daniel, Becky. Growing and Learning.)
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Appealing especially to former teachers!!!
        The Playful Baby (Daniel, Becky. Growing and Learning.)
        Becky Daniel
        Manufacturer: Instructional Fair
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        GeneralGeneral | Activity Books | Sports & Activities | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        Marriage & FamilyMarriage & Family | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
        Family HealthFamily Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
        Child DevelopmentChild Development | Babies & Toddlers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
        Accessories:
        1. Health o Meter  HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
        2. Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

        ASIN: 1568229534

        Book Description

        The Playful Baby is a wonderful collection of brain-boosting activities, created especially for the newborn to 18-month-old child. The simple games included in this book offer your child visual, tactile, and kinesthetic experiences.Parent and caregivers can use this resource to provide rich and supportive learning environments for very young children. Play is the place where a young child can develop into an individual. These delightful, simple games offer yourchild learning opportunities and valuable time with you.

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Appealing especially to former teachers!!!.......2001-08-02

        Recently, I resigned from my teaching position to focus on raising my baby full-time. Each activity is a normal every day activity most everyone does with or encounters with their babies: using a rattle, nursing, walking, crawling, etc. No special equipment required.

        Becky Daniel has set this "manual" up in easy to use "lesson plans" with the objective, set-up, process, assessment (how did you and your baby do?) and an "encore" to advance the technique, if you like. This is such an easy book that explains why and how certain types of play are essential to baby's development. Why not know why play works, rather than poo-pooing it as though we're just "playing" ??? Enjoy this book thoroughly, I am!

        Books:

        1. Positive Coaching: Building Character and Self-Esteem
        2. Problem Solving for Oil Painters: Recognizing What's Gone Wrong and How to Make It Right
        3. Purple Hibiscus: A Novel
        4. Raising Your Spirited Child Workbook
        5. Rich Dad's Advisors: How to Attract Other People's Money for Your Investments--The Ultimate Leverage
        6. Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
        7. Shopaholic & Baby (Shopaholic)
        8. Simply Natural Baby Food: Easy Recipes for Delicious Meals Your Infant and Toddler Will Love
        9. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel
        10. Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems

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