Play Archives - Page 7 of 7

Play: Zero to Four Years

January 15, 2014/in Guide, Play/by Shine

It’s only mid-January and so many of our younger students can barely remember what they received as presents over the holidays. While it’s fun to both give and receive gifts we at Shine think the best presents at any age are less about the cost and packaging and more about giving something that lasts far beyond the moment. Whether it’s books and reading together, instruments and music, costumes, art supplies, cooking and baking together, or hitting the town on a City Adventure, the best gifts are the ones that provide experience, community and togetherness.

In our blog article this week, Kristin Michaelson, M.Ed, president of Advantage Development, provides some helpful at home play tips for children under 5. All of her suggestions continue to support ideas of connection and creativity while reinforcing important developmental stages.

Continue to shine your light –
Aaron Goldschmidt, founder & director

After the holidays, parents are faced with an amazing amount of new toys and games in their home. Instead of these new acquisitions causing clutter without sustained periods of play by your children, use the below ideas to inspire your at-home play. Note: while these activities or toys do not stop being helpful to development at the end of the given period, this is when introduction can be most beneficial.

Birth to 12 months: Using new instruments and CDs

Interacting with your child, and acknowledging your child’s attempts at interaction, is essential during this period for development and bonding. One of the ways that parents often choose to play with their baby is by singing. Try leaving a few words out when singing a familiar song, instead pausing for a moment. Even if your child cannot yet speak their little brains are working on figuring out the word that you left out. This exercises their memory and allows your child to participate in the song. Use those new instruments and CDs, along with waving around winter scarves, to sing and move with your child. Repetition of songs and movements will cement them in your little one’s brain. Read more

Holiday Music

November 6, 2013/in Celebrate, Play/by Shine

The holidays are upon us. And that means so is holiday music. I have to admit I used to dread the month in between Thanksgiving and the new year and all the seasonal songs I heard over and over in stores, on the radio and even sung in many of our classes. But a few years ago something happened. A switch was flipped and suddenly I became obsessed with the very music that used to make me cringe. There is something in the spirit of holiday music that really inspires me as I end the year. I don’t love it all and am discerning of course, but now I make it a mission to find new holiday songs every year. My collection is vast and ranges from classic soul to modern pop to vintage country and everything in between. I can listen to Ella Fitzgerald’s Swinging Christmas on repeat and think Mariah Carey makes a great Christmas album. It has noting to do with my faith or my any of the commercial aspects of the season. It’s just the music in my heart and when you find that, play it loud… no matter how many times you’re told to turn it off!

In our music classes and holiday workshops shine educators love to riff with the students and make up their own holiday songs. Here, Shine Music Specialist Taylor Shapiro shares some other creative ideas on how to infuse wintery inside time with music and togetherness.

Keep cranking that holiday music (or whatever music inspires you) and keep shining your light –
Aaron Goldschmidt, founder & director

Oh, the weather outside is [getting] frightful, but the indoor possibilities are so delightful! So, it’s officially chilly outside and those days of comfortably throwing a Frisbee around at the park in the sun, going for a bike ride and outdoor intramural sports are over. This doesn’t mean it’s time to plant your family on the couch in front of the TV for the latest Doc McStuffins episode. Don’t get me wrong, I love some creative and educational television for children, especially TV musicals, but try some of these first: Read more

Shine’s Top Picks from the January 2013 NYIGF

January 28, 2013/in Fun, Play, Style/by Shine

Every January and August, the creative team at Shine makes it a priority to attend the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) and see the latest products for children. It seems like it was just yesterday we were here cruising the aisles for inspiration and ideas for our classes and community. We are always amazed by new designers and the way classic, everyday children’s items are re-imagined to meet the needs of the modern family. We still love the companies and items we reviewed in August, so click here to read about those. Below are a few other picks from the current show at the Javits Center in NYC.

Party City

Honestly, gift bags at parties usually underwhelm us. When we produce an event we like to fill gift bags with quality over quantity and items kids will want to keep and use, not just candy or disposable toys. We were very inspired this time around. Our friends at Kido just came out with a really attractive and modern spin on some classic gift bag goodies. Their tops, bird whistles, animal bead tilts and wobble toys are perfect for young children. Read more

Shine’s Top Picks from the August 2012 NYIGF

August 20, 2012/in Fun, Play, Style/by Shine

Every January and August the creative team at Shine makes it a priority to attend the NYIGF and see the latest products for children. We are always amazed by new designers and the ways classic, everyday children’s items are re-imagined to meet the needs of the modern family. Here are our picks from the current show at the Javits Center in NYC.

BLOCK PARTY!

Blocks are fundamental for children’s development, but Uncle Goose has taken block play to a whole new level. Of course we’ve always loved the Classic ABC blocks, but the Foreign Language blocks are rocking our mundo! With 16 languages to choose from, these blocks are so special for children growing up with multiple languages or those just getting a head start on learning a second one. Other favorites are the President block set and Egyptian Hieroglyphics block set. Handmade in the USA and modern with a nod to the past, Uncle Goose blocks look fresh in any playroom and make the perfect gift.

Brinca Dada’s architectural blocks had our grown-ups drooling. Ideal for the playroom or the office, these blocks are sure to inspire children and adults alike.