Catch a leprechaun today!



Need some gold?  Tired of looking at the end of every rainbow only to find yourself disappointed that those pesky leprechauns fooled you again?!  Why not build a leprechaun trap?  It's a great way to fuel your child's imagination, as well as their fine motor, visual spatial and symbolic play skills.  

I received some inspiration yesterday from one of my favorite preschools that had their students come up with ideas from materials ready for recycling.  Children chose from cardboard boxes, glass jars, shredded paper, wrapping paper scraps and strawberry containers.  They were then told that leprechauns love shiny, sparkly things, so children eagerly decorated their traps with vigor.

Try to have your child visualize what a trap may look like.   What will lure the leprechaun inside?  Where will the leprechaun enter?  How will it get trapped?

Here is a simple trap made from a plastic container with a lid and a paper towel tube.  Nothing too fancy (it was done by a 3 year old).  I guess leprechauns love potatoes, so one was put inside so the little bearded creature could smell it via the "tunnel".  

An abstract idea that can be carried out for a day or two is excellent to keep children connected to a single idea and to work on delayed gratification.  Be sure to let your child know that leprechauns are very tricky and mischievous.  I say something along the lines of, "I have tried for years to catch one, and I never have.  We can try... but those leprechauns always find a way out."

I'm sure your child will come up with a ton of questions for you to creatively answer.

The leprechauns in my house come at night when everyone is sleeping.  They like to play with toys and then leave a mess to let you know how mischievous they can be.  Leprechauns also leave behind gold glitter wherever they walk.

Get as creative as you like... your kids will eat it up.

Here is a kid-friendly link for more leprechaun trap ideas.  I also like this link that provides ideas for geeky traps, if you really want to go all out. 

You didn't know the Post Master General lives in your house?

Well, it's true!

It doesn't take much to make your little one a confident and competent Post Master General.  This is a great activity around Valentine's Day because chances are that your child will be mailing and/or receiving some packages and letters this month.

I always like to link play to real life experiences.  So, start with a trip to the post office.  This is a great opportunity to pre-teach the post office concept before you play it.  Before you go, help your child make some valentines, put them in envelopes to grandparents (g-parents love getting valentines, btw), address them and show your child how to affix a stamp.  Kids really enjoy stuffing envelopes, licking them shut and sticking on stamps.  Just be sure to explain that stamps are not stickers.  (I've made this mistake only once!)

You may also want to work on prediction skills and ask your child, "What do you think we'll see at the post office?"  Maybe even make a list and check off the items that you see once there.  My little guy responded "lions, dragons and sculptures."  He did get one checked off.

Once at the post office, take the time to look around and point important things out to your child like the scales to weigh the packages, the special forms, the postal workers, the items other patrons are mailing, etc.  It's also important to note the sequence of action since this will take place in your play -"First, we get our package ready to mail - then we pay for our postage - then the postal worker puts it in a bin for the mail carrier - then it gets delivered."

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to take photos inside a federal building, so don't tell on me.  I'm also not sure if I'm allowed to take one of everything at their preparation desks for us to play with later, but I did anyway. 

At home, set up a few stations, if you have the room.  A mail preparation area, a postal worker area complete with scale and cash register, a mail box with a slot (the slot makes all the difference for kids) and a delivery area.

Here is a preparation area.  Writing out the words that your child will use is a great early literacy tool.  Even if your child can't write his/her letters, having a model is a great start to show letter formation and just the idea of word usage.  I also like to use old stationary and envelopes to add to the mood, as well as stickers to use as stamps.  A hole puncher is also a good additon since it works on building fine motor muscles and helps kids make holes (they love that).

Let your postal worker weigh the package and tell the customer charges.  I also like to challenge the child to read the zip code off the package and type the same numbers into the cash register to work on number recognition.  Then, let the postal worker place the package in a mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up.  I like to use real messenger bags to increase the effect.

Finally, it's delivery time! 

Nothing cleans like shaving cream

I worked at an occupational therapy clinic for years and learned quite a few things about the many uses of shaving cream.  Sounds crazy, I know, but those OTs really love their shaving cream!  And they should because it can be quite entertaining when used in play.  Kids love to feel it squish in their fingers and can't resist smothering toys to only reveal them again with a squirt of water.

A shaving cream snow storm is a good idea, so is a shaving cream car wash which I show here.  Don't feel like you can only use it in the bathtub, having some towels and a tray make shaving cream play possible just about anywhere that is cleanable. 

Start by gathering your materials:

• Shaving cream - a half-way full to a full can is best to avoid messy, watery mishaps.  I also buy the sensitive skin brand since it can be irritating to little fingers.
• A squirt bottle - adjust the spray so that it is a wide spray versus a direct one.  A direct, hard spray could kick-up shaving cream into eyes. 
• Brushes - Paint brushes are great, but I love these brushes from Alex.  They look a lot like the brushes at the actual car wash.

Alex Toys Little Hands, 3 Funky Brushes

• Towels - for obvious reasons
• A tray - allows you to play at the kitchen table or on the floor.
• Toys - the sky is the limit.  Cars, animals, superheroes - ask your child to find toys who would like to be washed.  This is a good time to discuss the properties of materials - what can be washed, what can't and why.

As you can see from this child's selection, Buzz Lightyear, a baby and a dinosaur joined a tractor and a bulldozer in the fun.

Some tips for play:

This play scenario is excellent to work on your child's sequencing skills.  Talk about what happens first, second and last at the car wash.  Ask your child how you will get the toys wet, soapy, dry, etc.

 Let your child do the squirting.  The squirt bottle is fantastic for strengthening your child's hand muscles that are necessary for fine motor control.

Try and make the play as symbolic as possible.  Have your child put the toys in line waiting their turn to get washed.  Encourage your child to talk to the toys and tell them what is happening.  He may even want to collect money from the drivers.  This is a great time to introduce some vocabulary like "wet" "dry" "spray" "squirt" "soapy" "dirty" "clean" "steering wheel" "driver's seat" "tires" "hood" "trunk."

Toys waiting in line...

You may want to take on roles so that your child has to wait his turn and watch you or a sibling do a job.  If one job is coveted (I guarantee it will be the person in charge of the shaving cream), help your child take turns.

For children who are hesitant with messy play introduce the shaving cream slowly.  Put a little dab on a brush or on the tray and encourage your child to just use the brush to apply it.  If your child is really sensitive, latex gloves can be used to cover their hands.  Once your child begins to acclimate, put a tiny bit of cream on their finger before encouraging them to dive in.  The best thing to help tactilely sensitive children feel comfortable is to model it for them.  A mom or dad who is hesitant to get messy will most likely have a child that is the same.  So, dive on in!  It's just shaving cream - easy, easy clean-up!

Finally, you may want to take a trip to the real car wash before or after this play.  It will make the experience of playing car wash together much more meaningful for both of you! 

Sand from the moon puts me over the moon

I have a love/hate relationship with Moon Sand.  For those of you who haven't encountered this strange substance, it feels like sand with some properties of play-doh.  Unlike the real deal, you can mold Moon Sand without adding water.  Although it doesn't quite hold a sturdy shape (it is sand, after all), little ones love to roll it into balls, cut out shapes and use their imagination to make all sorts of creations.  It also doesn't dry out which gives it a one-up over play-doh in my book.

It is for all the above reasons that I love Moon Sand.  I do find myself cursing Moon Sand once play is over.  Bringing sand into your home leads to a mess - on the table, on the floor, in my child's case - in the hair, down the shirt... you get the picture.  But, I have to remind my anal-retentive tendencies that this is "messy" play.  It's okay to get the house messy and the child messy.  It's easy enough to clean-up and the fun your child will have makes it all worth it.  (Remind yourself of this when you find sand in your child's eyebrows.)

The Moon Sand people make a plethora of sets to choose from.  They all come with a plastic sheet to make clean-up easier and, depending on the set, sometimes even an inflatable tray with raised sides to assist with the mess.  The sets are nice because they lend to some symbolic play, but with a free form material like this your children will love letting their creativity show.

Here are some of my favorite sets:

For a budding Bob the Builder -

Moon Sand Demolition Kit

For a future Julia Child -





Moon Sand Bake Shop Playset

For the aspiring Lancelot or Guinevere -



Moon Sand Treasure Kingdom

You can also just buy the Moon Sand and use your own sand toys that are taking a break in storage for the summer. 

Moon Sand Party Pack - 6 Different Colors

Here is a sand toy set that I had at home that makes ice cream cones.  Your little ones will love bringing the beach indoors on a cold winter day!



I, of course, encourage you to get in on the fun and join your child in some messy play.  I, frankly, find some catharsis in playing with sand.

If your child has any tactile defensiveness, this is a wonderful activity to help ease your child into a new tactile experience without the unpredictability of sand from the beach.  There are no surprises with Moon Sand and what better way to support your child in, what is to them a scary tactile experience, by doing it with them? 

I feel pretty, oh so pretty...

I can remember when both my grandmothers had standing, weekly appointments at the beauty shop.  They'd go in, get coifed and be ready for the weekend.  My Grandma Rose even wrapped her hair in toilet paper before bed so it wouldn't get smooshed. 

Times have certainly changed.  We moms barely have time to put on mascara, let alone make sure all our hairs are in place.  But, this doesn't mean that your kids won't love playing beauty shop.  And, yes, I said kids - meaning girls AND boys.  I have witnessed many a boy getting pretty intense about shampoo and scissors.

A great way to start is by asking your child to think about all the things a beauty shop might need.  Make a list together (if your child can't read, write the word and draw a picture).  Some ideas might be: comb, brush, bows, rubber bands, hair dryer, scissors, curling iron, nail polish, toe separators, towel, hand mirror, squirt bottle, shampoo, dress-up wigs etc.  Next, either use a mirror that can be set on a table top or put a step stool for your child in front of the bathroom mirror. 

 Talk to your child about what happens at a beauty shop, such as hair washing, haircuts, styling, manicures, pedicures, making appointments and payments, etc.  Let your child decide what role they will try first, and try to help them stick to that role until the play is completed.  This will help with their sequencing skills in play by asking them to figure out what happens first, next and last at the beauty shop.  For example, your hair gets washed before the haircut and the styling comes last.

Have fun!  It's okay to ask for silly things like putting on all the bows or even some lovely, blue streaks in your hair.  As long as your child is being safe, let them experiment with your hair.  Don't let vanity get in the way!  However, I do need to give you this warning:

Unless you want an eye-popping, stranger-staring-at-you-in-the-street look, do not trust your child with actual scissors.  Even the best listeners can get carried away in the play when they have scissors in their hands.  Play scissors (you can find them with most play-doh sets) are a must for this play.

Some great vocabulary to use in this play: "Do you have an appointment?"  "Do you want it cut short or just a trim?"  "Is the water too hot?"  "Can I interest you in a beverage before we begin?"  "This is exactly what I wanted!"

Some books to read before or after you play "Beauty Shop:"

Now, go get pretty.

It's not even Thanksgiving!

I know, I know... it's not even Thanksgiving.  But, I know that there are a ton of moms out there already freaking out about what to get their kids this holiday season.  And, if the moms aren't freaking out, they have already received a phone call from at least one relative freaking out and wanting some tips. 

So, I thought that I would do one post a week for the next month of so with some suggestions.  I play for a living and have very strong opinions about what toys are best.  Frankly, I get the best toys at garage sales, but since kids typically like to open new presents, here are some ideas. 

Just please, BEWARE: These toys do not have buttons or speakers and don't make noise.  I know, it's odd in these technologically advanced times to expect our children to use their imaginations to make their own sound effects and move their toys with their own volition.  But, I feel they are up for the challenge.

These toys are all best for kids ages 3 and up and are for symbolic and representational play... you know - it's what the kids call "pretending."

I love Melissa and Doug .  Their toys are fantastic simply because they are simple.  They are also organized into fantastic themes - like "birthday party" or "mailman."  The quality is exceptional and almost everything is either wooden or plush.   Here are some of my favorites:

Awesome castle, complete with a dragon. Plus, it folds up for travel and storage.

I love this barn. It looks great in any playroom and comes with just the right amount of farm animals. The only thing missing is the farmer.

Love this mailbox. It's sturdy and big enough to hold lots of letters and packages.

Here are my favorite play food sets. The cupcakes are especially cool because the set comes with dry erase markers to use like icing to decorate the cupcakes.

Have a child who loves aggressive play? I know quite a few. Helping channel that tenacity through play is a surefire way to keep your child emotionally healthy and regulated in his/her relationships. I have found that dinosaur and pirate play are excellent mediums for this.

Check out these dinosaurs. They are big so that when your child makes them stomp, it really feels like a dinosaur. I also like the additional volcano.

When it comes to pirates, Fisher Price has them covered with this fantastic set.

I also like this pirate set from Matchbox. You can use it in the bathtub and it comes with a hammerhead shark that actually swallows the pirates! You just pull them out of the shark's stomach to get them out. ARRRR!!

Also fun is this treasure chest complete with pirate booty.



I'll post some more ideas next week, but hopefully this will get you started on shopping and keep you out of the stores! I own or have personally played with each of these items, so if you have any questions or comments, let me know!

You always wanted to be a veterinarian when you grew up.

Whether those were your aspirations or not, you can't deny that most kids love pretending to help their poor, little pets get better.

My job as a developmental therapist often requires me to visits to preschools in the Chicagoland area.  One such preschool at the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Forest, had a fantastic set-up to play what they called, "Pet Vet."  Many of their ideas can be readily reproduced in your home.  The teachers started by setting up the veterinary office first - before the children arrived - so that the kids could jump right into play with some structures already in place.  The office consisted of a dress-up corner complete with doctor smocks,  a table that held all the doctor tools, a table with an old Mac laptop, telephone and pads of paper, and a bin of animal puppets.  In my opinion, the best part of all of this was two clipboards that had pictures of a dog eye, ear, tail, etc. that the children could use to circle the part of their pet that was hurt, and then they could hand this to the "doctor" when it was their turn.  I made a reproduction here:

This sheet did wonders for the kids in the room.  Many children often love to play doctor, but don't yet have the skills or vocabulary to lengthen and expand the play beyond "my dog is hurt - listen to its heart - give it a shot - it's better."  A sheet likes this gives those children more ideas, more vocabulary and helped them organize these ideas and come up with a plan before entering the rigors of play.  I could go on and on about how it assisted children with language and learning difficulties, but more than anything, it helped those children stay engaged with their peers in symbolic play for longer periods of time. 

If you want to create something in your house similiar to First Presbyterian, don't feel like you have to set up every aspect of the vet office like they did.  You might just have one or two animals, some doctor tools, a phone and that handy dandy sheet.  I personally enjoy these doctor toys, but any will do...



I found some other ideas for props to include in Preschoolers at Play: Building language and literacy through dramatic play a book that is, of course, out of print by Alice Wiggins.  If you can make these happen, add them into your "Pet Vet" repertoire.  Your kids may like going on the hunt for some of these items in your bathroom.  Before you go, help your child think about what else you might need at a vet's office. Here is what Wiggins suggests:

Band-aids, cotton, dry pet food, q-tips, gloves, popsicle sticks for splints, blankets, overturned laundry baskets for cages, dog bones, leashes, money/credit cards, small flashlight, surgical mask

She also suggests modeling phrases for your child that will help with vocabulary acquisition.

"I will look into your dog's ears"  "He may need a vaccine."  "He sure is furry."  "I will take him out of his cage."  "Can you help me with my sick kitten?  She isn't feeling well."  "I am brushing her fur."

All right!  So, go play - right now!

If you would like me to email you my "Pet Vet" sheet please let me know.

For more information on the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest Preschool, click here:

http://www.firstchurchlf.org/preschool/index.html