It's spring time and it's time to take the builder's tray outside for some messy play. Messy play outside is even more fun than messy play indoors. And it's still possible do messy play in a small space outside. For messy play with compost you just need enough room for a few flower pots and… Continue reading Messy play with compost and gardening with Mummy
Author: grannysmithsdiary
The Language of Numbers
Daisy uses a mixture of signing, gestures and speaking to communicate with us. She's started to put two words together to make little sentences like "Where ball?" and with her intonations we're able to understand. Then last week I spotted Daisy tracing one of her fingers around her palm saying "Round, around" and adding "One",… Continue reading The Language of Numbers
The Lid on a Teapot: fine motor control, the world around her and early number.
Recently Daisy became really interested and wanted to help whenever Daddy made Mummy a cup of tea. Each time she signs 'Hot', says 'Tea' and 'Stir' as she reaches to help Daddy. So it was an obvious choice to purchase a little tea set for Daisy. Mummy then enhanced the play by making a simple… Continue reading The Lid on a Teapot: fine motor control, the world around her and early number.
A Top Danish toy for active play; Mini Top
When Daisy was just six months old one of Grandad’s friends gave us a Mini Top made by the Danish company Gonge. This brightly coloured plastic child-sized ‘bowl’ is now so widely used in young physical education that it has become the logo of the company that makes it. Gross Motor Control It's important for… Continue reading A Top Danish toy for active play; Mini Top
Parent and Toddler groups: a guide for grandparents
After several wet days prevented us from visiting the nearby playground with Daisy we decided to visit a local Parent and Toddler group, and ended up returning on the following two wet days. It's the first time that Daisy's been to Parent and Toddler sessions and experienced some free play opportunities in a well-equipped environment, along… Continue reading Parent and Toddler groups: a guide for grandparents
Squeezing activities; jumbo pipettes in the bath
On the days that we see her, we're always involved in Daisy's bathtime routine.The bath toys are stacked up at one end of the bath and Daisy chooses what she'd like in the bath (usually that means everything goes into the bath) and she is now being encouraged to help to put the toys back… Continue reading Squeezing activities; jumbo pipettes in the bath
Using tablets and smart phones with toddlers
Last week my computer needed a bit of attention. Earlier that day I'd been reading this article and as he worked at my computer, I was chatting with the IT technician about using tablets and smart phones with young children. He told me that he doesn't let his children have access to a tablet or… Continue reading Using tablets and smart phones with toddlers
Exploratory play – Touch; Shape and Texture
Sometimes we plan and prepare play with Daisy. Sometimes her play is in an instant, led by her curiosity to find out about the world around her. So when Mummy had some felt to make up the Very Hungry Caterpillar costume, Daisy wanted to have some felt too.Daisy took some of the large pieces and… Continue reading Exploratory play – Touch; Shape and Texture
Balance and playball fun; dribbling with Daisy
When I watched Daddy and Daisy laying on the floor, singing and playing Sleeping Bunnies I then realised that I haven't written much about some of the more physical play we've been doing together. Sleeping Bunnies came after we'd been playing together with a soft ball. I put the empty laundry baskets on their side… Continue reading Balance and playball fun; dribbling with Daisy
World Book Day; The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Today's blog is to share Daisy's World Book Day dressing up outfit. Mummy created the fantastic hat and the cardigan is one that I knitting for Daisy and just happens to be perfect for her 'homage' to the Very Hungry Caterpillar. I hope this brightens your day as much as it brightens mine.
Granny Smith's Diary 