Parenting - Play
    

Especially for Parents

 

 

 

Build A Bird Feeder
Here you'll find instructions on how kids can make a birdfeeder from a gallon milk jug. © National Network for Child Care.

Children and Gifts  
This is a brief article on making and giving gifts. © National Network for Child Care - NNCC.

Chippewa Dream Catcher
This article provides instructions for making a dream catcher. © National Network for Child Care.

Crayola
This site, from the famous Crayola crayon people, has many suggestions for activities. There is an inspiring idea for the day and, of course, many ideas for coloring projects. © Binney and Smith.

Cooking with Children: Kids in the Kitchen
This article offers some fun cooking ideas for small children. © National Network for Child Care.

Eggs-travaganza
You'll find a number of suggestions for creative fun with eggs at this site. The article begins with good information on the subject of food safety as it applies to eggs. © National Network for Child Care.

Environmental To Do's for Young Children
This site offers simple suggestions for teaching children about the environment by taking theme hikes. © National Network for Child Care.

Good Times Being Creative
This article explores the importance of creativity for children. There is an outline of "ages and stages" through the early school years. There are suggestions for some basic art projects.

Good Times with Music and Rhythm
This article describes the benefits to children of learning music. There is also an outline of "ages and stages" through the early school years and ideas for musical activities from making music to dance. © National Network for Child Care.

Music and Movement Activities
This articles offers more movement and musical activities for young children. © National Network for Child Care.

Play Activities For Children Birth To Nine Years (In Spanish)
This site outlines activity suggestions for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and early school age children. While it is written for child care providers, parents will find the information pertinent. © National Network for Child Care.

Puzzles (PDF - Adobe Acrobat Reader required.)
This article briefly outlines the benefits of puzzle solving and provides instruction for creating several types of puzzles. Provided by Iowa State University Extension.

Rainy Day Activities 
This article suggests a few creative indoor activities for children. © National Network for Child Care.

Recipes for Art Materials
This article provides "recipes" to make several types of play dough and other creative materials. © National Network for Child Care.

Scrounge: Toys and Materials from Home
This site points out the rich source of everyday materials that can easily be enjoyed as toys. © National Network for Child Care.

Sensory Awareness
This article explains the importance of sensory experience for child development. It provides more "recipes" and activities that help child explore their senses. © National Network for Child Care.

Seussville
This site offers learning activities and games for children. Seussville University is about having fun while learning basic science, math, reading and reasoning skills. © Random House.

Summer is for Field Trips
This site offers a few summer field trip ideas and tips for planning them. © National Network for Child Care.

Toys and Equipment
This article offers a toy guide by age group. The information is based on both safety and development issues. © National Network for Child Care.

Wee Recyclers Is Our Name: Recycling, reusing is our game
This article offers suggestions on how to introduce the concept of recycling to children. © National Network for Child Care.

Wet and Wild Summer Fun
This article covers water safety and offers ideas for fun activities for the hot, sunny, summer months. © National Network for Child Care.

What Do You Do with a Pumpkin?
This article provides both recipes for eating pumpkin and ideas for using pumpkins for creative activities. © National Network for Child Care.

Winter Is "For the Birds"
This article outlines activities children can engage in while learning the basics of bird watching. © National Network for Child Care.

Wonder, Investigation, Discovery
This brief article offers a few ideas for cultivating a sense of wonder and discovery in children. © National Network for Child Care.