Play Archives - Page 7 of 7

Little Scientists

August 21, 2014/in Learn, Play/by Shine

Scientists may use complex lab techniques to make discoveries, but their first observations are much the same as a child’s. The questions children ask naturally are based on the observations they have of the world around them. Allowing them to flesh out their curiosity with hands-on explorations and experiments will provide a fabulous foundation for learning and a love of the different sciences.

Gathering and organizing information are core science skills, and information-hungry kids practice them naturally and enthusiastically. With a little organization from you, you could turn a child’s question into an afternoon of fun learning using the very grown up scientific method.

Look and ask: Pick up on an observation your child makes that inspires a question.
Guess: Ask your child to guess why it’s so.
Test: Create an experiment to put that guess to a test.
Find Out: Can your child make a conclusion based on the test?
Look and ask again: Finding answers leads to more questions and by generating new questions and tests, the whole process can start again.

Playground Rules

June 29, 2014/in Fun, Guide, Play/by Shine

Indoor playgrounds are just as important to kids as they are to their parents. Whether it be for inclement weather, lazy afternoons, or a just a fun, familiar place to meet friends, they are provided for the enjoyment of the entire family. That is why we are so concerned with safety and appropriate playground etiquette.

HE SAID:
Aaron Goldschmidt, founder & director, Shine

Here are 5 golden rules to keep in mind when at an indoor playground with mixed-aged children:

Keep older children out of areas designated specifically for younger children.
Avoid bringing your own toys as they often create conflict.
Remove jewelry, glasses, and extra pieces of clothing.
Do not allow physical or verbal bullying, “clubs” or exclusive play, violent play like war, or pretend shooting.
Stay alert! The playground is not an opportunity to take a break from adult supervision.

If there is a problem, discipline quietly or accompany the child from the playground until he\she is under control. Abusive language is unacceptable by adults and children. A brief “time out” in a quiet area usually works as an appropriate consequence.

SHE SAID:
Erika Thormahlen, teacher

Rules keep children happy and safe, but they don’t have to take the “play” out of playground: Read more

Tips for Choosing a Summer Day Camp

June 2, 2014/in Guide, Learn, Play/by Shine

I have always loved summer camp. From my days at large outdoor day camps in the rolling hills of Western New York to my summers at overnight camp in the Finger Lakes, my childhood was filled with memories of boondoggle, popsicle stick boats, field days, color wars, and hours of outdoor exploration. I believe camp should be an experience available to all children and with so many options choosing the right one for your family can be daunting.

Here are Shine’s top tips for choosing a summer day camp:

1. Target practice.
There is a big difference between a summer camp with a general, “classic experience” with lots of activities and one with a particular focus. Older children can target in on their interests easier than younger ones. Try to find out what he/she really loves and really wants to be doing over the summer and then look for a camp that specializes in that. Just because your sporty girl is on the field all year doesn’t mean she wants to go to sports camp. Ask. And for younger campers, look for camps that offer the classic, wide range of activities including arts and crafts, music, outdoor nature and science, and sports. Exposing younger campers to a variety of activities will keep them interested and engaged and help you and them figure out what it is they love most about summer camp.

2. Location, location, location.
If you have a younger child going to day camp, you may not be ready to put them on a bus. That means someone has to drop-off and pick-up. But since summer is already about juggling schedules, you may want to chose a camp that’s close to home or work to make it all a little easier. And having a friend or two with whom to carpool makes it even more so. Read more

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.