ActivitiesPreschoolers22 Comments
I’ve got a challenge for myself.
And for you too, if you’d like to join us!
Us?
Yep! Anna from The Imagination Tree and I have put together a 30 day challenge!
A challenge to play more hands on with your kids.
30 DAYS TO HANDS ON PLAY
What is 30 Days to Hands on Play?
A 30 day challenge to inspire you to play (at least) 15 minutes with your kids (no interuptions).
To become more involved with them.
To introduce yourself and your kids to new play ideas!
How will the challenge work?
The Imagination Tree and I will alternate (on our blogs) with a play activity challenge each day for the month of November. These play activities are meant to be simple, and to use what you have on hand.
We will each be doing each day’s activities together with you, and there will be further discussion that can be found on The Play Network to share what you did for that day’s challenge. Through these discussions we hope to inspire each other more through everyone’s ways they played that day.
What can I hope to accomplish during the Challenge?
Learn to play with your kids!
Ideas to get you out of the regular old routine.
The rest is for you to decide.
That’s your first task.
Starting today.
DAY 1 CHALLENGE:
Today’s Task:
Take mental note, or jot down, a simple mission statement of how you’d like to become more hands on with your kids.
Also, take time to learn about your kids in this process.
Jot down a few ideas of what your kids are interested in.
(Maybe also include what they’re not interested in, or their general behaviors.)
This will come in handy for the upcoming challenges.
Its best to use their interests to maximize their involvement.
I’ll go first.
My Hands On Play Mission Statement:
“I hope to focus more of my energy on my children during play time and not worry about errands, cleaning, or anything else that’s on ‘my list’. I hope to introduce my children to new ways to play and learn about my children in the process.”
Henry’s interests:
- tractors or other farm equipment.
- construction equipment (backhoe, excavators, etc.)
- bakery, baking, cakes, etc.
- He moves a lot, doesn’t like to sit still.
George’s interests:
- tractors
- mouths a lot of items still, most everything goes in his mouth at least once.
- likes to put items in other objects and take them out.
Your turn.
Share here or discuss with others on this Play Network Discussion
Tomorrow I’ve got your first ‘hands on’ activity that is a must for every household!
It uses common household items, so everyone can do it!
Get reminders in your Inbox for each day’s challenge:
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Heather says
My hands on play mission statement is simple: I want to fill my girl’s childhood with magic moments that allow them to find their way and to be discover their beauty that will make the world sparkle.
emily says
Hi! I started this with my 4 kids (5 and under last year) and would love to have a printable version of all 30days to keep handy – is this available? I try to keep my computer time to a minimum because I just get sucked in too easily – so I would love the option of not having to track down the day I need each morning :-)
Elizabeth says
So I'm a little late with this since I am just finding your blog via Lessons Learnt blog (via All For the Boys – whew what a blog string!). I'm super excited as I was just saying to my husband the other day – I need to regain my focus of what it is I have been given to do – be a Mama to three precious blessings! Thanks for this challenge – I believe I will start it in the new year :)
Toddler Approved says
Your play challenge was featured as part of our Best of November round up. Love it! Thanks for sharing!!!
Trisha @ clarionwren.com says
I just found your blog! I totally love this idea. My son and I are going to join in on the fun!
IamMyBeloveds says
I hope it's not too late to join. I just found your blog for the first time today. Excited to jump in with you guys. My little one is 16 months old.
Laura @Art For Little Hands says
Joining super late! I may not catch up, but I will just complete late. Sorry I am always behind on the times. Thanks for hosting this.
Erica @ ChildOrganics says
We're joining in a little late, but I think we can catch up!
Here's my blog post about us getting started: />Thanks!
Leigh Fisher says
I want my children to be able to play with me without 'sharing' mommy. As a home daycare provider they share me, their toys, and home with other children for much of the day. This will be 'our' time together and without me thinking about everything that still needs to be done!
M's (6 YO) interests: gymnastics, playing school, crafting
B's (2.75 YO) interests: cuddling and reading books, playing cars/trains, coloring/painting
meadmyagel says
iam a doctor sahm to my 11 mo old daughter…i take care of her 24/7 but lately iam feelig that she is gettig ored with all her familiar toys,games,surroudigs perhaps me too!
so i was searchig for play ideas …ad i foud this!!!thak you so much for the challege …for all the other eautiful thigs too…..we are followig you
my missio is to show to my kid how eautiful this world is…ad teach her to ejoy it….celerate life with her!!!
i will post my progress o my log …
FuNkY MoMmY says
We are following too! Violet 4 and Vintage 1
Jen says
I'm a day late, but I need to do this, so I want to join the challenge. Too often I sneak off when the kids are playing well (together or independently) to check email, read blogs, do dishes or laundry, etc. I'm happy for the serendipitous timing, of me feeling like I need to be more present with the kids, and you hosting this challenge! Thanks!
Mission: I hope to focus my undivided attention on participating in playtime with my kids and on engaging my own (dormant) imagination to involve myself with their play. I want to be a part of the giggles and fun.
C1 is 4.5 years old, and she loves coloring, reading, singing, and making up stories. She engages in LOTS of imaginative play, and playing pirates is a big favorite right now. She likes to lead and direct the play, to the point of being downright bossy! ;o)
C2 turns two this month. He loves playing with his cars and his stuffed friends. He likes push toys like the doll stroller and grocery cart, which he loads up with his cars and other toys and then drives around the house. He likes to figure out how things work. and get into things he shouldn't. He is mostly content to let his sister lead, but when he tires of that is when the fights break out.
Esther says
I blogged about the challenge today and our mission statement
http://creativitymypassion.blogspot.com/2011/11/30-days-to-hands-on-play-challenge.html
Ruth@cookarlo says
HiThank you for coming up with this great challange we´re in! I was away yesterday, so jumping on today. I love this idea and the perfect kick start we need just coming back from our holiday! I will write down my mission statement this afternoon and will follow and write up on this.
Toddler Titbits says
We're following and taking part too!
Kimira Curic says
I have posted my first day. I like the reflective nature of the challenge
http://anjalicuric.blogspot.com/2011/11/30-days-of-hands-on-play.html
Melissa says
Blogged about my mission statement already. I'm down!
Charlotte says
Yes, I'm definitely in and very excited.
Anonymous says
Fantastic idea, I am very keen!
abbie says
What a great idea! So many moms get wrapped up in choirs and the to-do lists (or blogging and tweeting!) and forget to actually get down on the floor and play with their kids.
Spreading the word.
KitchenCounterChronicles says
Fantastic idea! I'll work on my mission statement this afternoon and let you know! This sounds like fun!
Monica says
I would like to try as well :) Tomorrow I plan on trying weaving bracelets using straws, sorting items, coming up with a yoga adventure..and we'll see where it leads us!
Monica