Reviews (4)

Fabulous!
This book has great ideas for activities that are simple to do at home! It's straight forward and a must have for anyone wanting to help their child with sensory issues.

who would know?
WHO would know that just simple things around the house along with some brilliant ideas can help you get your child throw a sometimes ruff difficult day. What an "EXCEPTIONAL BOOK" when in your heart of hearts your seaching for answeres and need HELP this book offers a wealth of information.
sensory fun
this is a great book for parents who have autistic kids.the activities are easy to do. I highly recomend it ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Children with Special Needs    4. Education / Teaching    5. Family & Relationships    6. Parenting - General    7. Sensory integration dysfunction in children    8. Special Education - General   

Reviews (5)

The most accessible book on Montessori ever

No Montessori home should be without it!
This book has been the clearest and most concise version of the Montessori method I have found yet. The introduction is excellent and seems to cover all the history of Maria Montessori and her philosophy without confusing issues or making it over complex. It gave me a real feeling of being able to implement her ideas in my home without having to hugely change the way my daughters lived. I found the descriptions of the materials and how to present them excellent; simple, as the presentations should be, ordered, so I knew what I should tackle next and with lots of varieties, so I could make good use of the materials I made or bought. I found a lot of confidence from this book - partly in my parenting techniques and partly in my ability to take to the do-it-yourself stores and make my own materials using his descriptions! If you are going to have one Montessori book - have this one!

Very informative, but will never use
Yes, OK, Montessori is a great way for children to learn with play. Yes, many children can benefit greatly from this method. Yes, this book explictly lays out guidlines for this method, and includes lots of activities for preschoolers to do.BUT, even as a stay-at-home mom, I cannot imagine doing more than two or three of these activities at home.WAY too complex and involved. If you are a teacher, this book is for you. If you are a mom looking for educational activities to do with your children, look elsewhere.I was very excited about recieving this book, but it just didn't cut it for me. I don't have a sand table at home, and I don't have time to read this whole book (which is surprisingly substantial). Can't I just do flash cards or some fun crafts instead? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity programs    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Education / Teaching    4. Education, Preschool    5. Montessori method of education    6. Preschool & Kindergarten    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - Classroom Planning    8. Organization & management of education    9. Philosophy of education   

Reviews (6)

Lots of great information
It's almost overwhelming. There is no way you can spend this much time teaching everything, but it's nice to be able to pick and choose fun things to do with your baby. It's easy to use in a well thought out layout from birth on, divided by sensory perception.

What do you do with a baby?
As a first time mom,of a child with special needs to boot, I had no idea. This book and the others in the series are great resources for finding things to do with your child other than watching Teletubbies for the thousandth time. If your child needs extra help in a certain area, like fine motor or listening skills, you can easily find a variety of exercises to help here. The later books in the series (Threes, Fours, and Fives) would also be a great resource for a homeschooling parent.

Active Learning for Infants
Not just for daycare!I am a first-time, stay-at-home mom and needed away to tell if I was "doing all the right stuff" in regards toplay, development, speech, music, etc.This book gives you exercises thatare so easy for each stage of the first year of life.There is not a lotto read like a typical baby care book, but each section outlines what thechild should be accomplishing and gives you exercises to ensure that yourchild reaches those development milestones.If you can look past the ideathat it is written for daycare providers, you will find this book extremelyhelpful.I knew I was giving my child all he needed because I had theseexercises to use as a handy guide.Good luck to you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Activity programs    3. Children: Babies & Toddlers    4. Day care centers    5. Development    6. Early Childhood Education    7. Education / Teaching    8. Games & Activities - General    9. General    10. Infants    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Parent Participation    13. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    14. Child & developmental psychology   

Reviews (4)

From the Creativity Editor at BellaOnline.com
Team Challenges is a resource book packed with ideas and activities for encouraging and developing children?s creativity, lateral thinking, and communication skills.
Must have! Wish I'd had it years ago!
We're a homeschooling family, and have started using this book in our co-op. It's so amazing to watch the idea of "team" unfold as we go along. This book is fantastic, so well organized and well written, and full of so many different ideas, you're bound to find something unique that works for every personality. We've participated in Oddessey of the Mind in the past, and I think this book should be on every group leader's book shelf. If you like helping kids and adults learn to work together, this book will take you to new levels of cooperation, and will likely teach you more about yourself than you ever thought possible.

Fun Stuff for Kids
This book is full of fun stuff for kids of all ages. The building and role playing activities work wonderfully as birthday party games and the verbal challenges are excellent diversions on long car trips. It's a very hands-on, exciting book to read--guaranteed to give you lots of good ideas. I have three children and recommend this book for anyone who has a big family.
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Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children's 12-Up - Education    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    4. Creative Ability    5. Critical thinking    6. Decision Making & Problem Solving    7. Experimental Methods    8. Group problem solving    9. Problem-based learning    10. Social Group Work    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Sociology - General    14. Education / Decision-Making & Problem Solving    15. Reasoning & problem-solving    16. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (1)

Great book!
This book is great! There's never a dull moment when you have Kuffner's Busy Books around! My tot loves the ideas! I loved the whole Busy Box concept and he has a lot of fun exploring it too! Great idea, great buy, thanks Trish! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Creative activities    4. Creative activities and seat w    5. Creative activities and seat work    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. General    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. Handicraft    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Parent Participation    12. Parenting - General    13. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (3)

We love this book!
A great find, so many fun and challenging activities - it's a wonderful book for rainy days, babysitters, and grandparents.

parent-friendly and great for kids
I checked this out of our local library and found it easy to follow, bright and fun to look at with color photos, and full of resources like pages to photocopy in the back.Also, the activities made me really excited about Montessori methods.The math section was especially nice.I am online today to order my own copy because three weeks to borrow it was not long enough!

Lots of Fun!
We were given the book as a gift and love it!A great variety of fun and educational projects for all ages.The writing is warm and concise and easy for parents and children to follow. We especially enjoyed the science section - filled with fun and imaginative activities to encourage our son's curiousity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Activity programs in education    3. Education    4. Education (General)    5. Education / Teaching    6. Montessori method of education    7. Parenting - General    8. Preschool & Kindergarten    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    10. Education / Preschool & Kindergarten   

Reviews (20)

A great resource idea book!
I get a TON of ideas from Wonderplay by Fretta Reitzes. I'm a home daycare provider and I'm always looking for ideas to do with my daycare kids. I don't know what I would do with out this book. It'a MUST have for home daycare providers and parents of small kids

Not really worth it
This book is just barely okay.There are only a couple ideas that even come close to being original.Also, there isn't much explanation of any suggestion.Skip buying the book and do some brain-storming.You will come up with everything in there.

Really not that useful
We found this book more annoying than helpful.It includes the words for many songs, but not the music, so if you don't know the tune, you can't sing the songs.The recommendations for infants didn't include anything we hadn't thought of before.Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Amusements    3. Child development    4. Children: Babies & Toddlers    5. Education    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. General    8. Play    9. Preschool & Kindergarten    10. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    11. Interactive & activity books & packs   

Reviews (5)

Education Yourself while You Educate Your Kids
This book is a real find.It is full of inventive and fun little games that teach skills needed for reading and math in such a way that children have so much fun they don't even realize they are learning. Kaye introduces each game with a description of the student and the learning problem she designed it for, and there is a key next to each game with suggested grade levels, both of which help the reader to pick out the best games for their kids or students.She aslo explains what each game teaches.
Best book of its kind.
The parenting section of my local bookstore contains several shelves of workbooks designed for parents who want to help their kids with schoolwork. The books are nothing more than page after depressing page of the same dull exercises most kids get plenty of already in school. I assume they must be selling well, or the store would not order so many of them. But looking at those workbooks makes me want to cry. I think it is wonderful that parents want to help their children do well in school, but the parents who buy those books are getting cheated (and so are their children). The last thing kids who are struggling need is more worksheets. And they are even less useful for kids who are ahead of the curriculum and need more challenges. Helpful, FUN book!
Whether you are tutoring, a classroom teacher, homeschooling, or a parent you will find this, and Kaye's other books, chock-full of great ideas to enhance learning.The best part is how FUN these activities are and how easy she has made it for you to implement them with any child. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Activity programs    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Education, Primary    6. Educational games    7. Elementary    8. Games    9. Games/Puzzles    10. General    11. Kindergarten   

Reviews (8)

Hundreds of Fun Ideas
I really love this book. It is full of substantive and whimsical ideas for brief and longer activities with kids. Newman has an uncanny eye for what children most enjoy -- and how parents can have a good time too!
Not For Stay At Home Parents
I think there should be some sort of qualification on this book that it is geared for parents who both work full time outside the home and spend most of their day away from their children. The book is written to help these "busy parents" [what parent isn't busy?!LOL!] fit "quality time" in for their children - and it is broken down into 5 minute or less things to do, half hour things, weekend things etc.
Valuable Suggestions for Sensitive Parenting
This book is a wonderful resource for parents that provides a plethora of ideas and valuable inspiration on how to establish meaningful ties and a strong connection with their children that will last a lifetime.The premise is to offer a "think tank" for parents to find ways to be involved in their children's lives and to establish as many connections with them on a daily basis as possible regardless of how busy and hectic the family routine may be.Although the book is full of suggestions and ideas to do just this, I was a bit disappointed that they were listed in small vignettes in an almost laundry list fashion.I would've enjoyed more detail and depth as well as an easier way of navigating the book to find ideas.I find chapter titles such as "weekend fun" and "five minutes more or less" to be a bit vague.All in all, most of us inherently know that the little things in life are what count the most and are most memorable and the ideas offered in this book, when put into use, will build fond childhood memories, solidify the parent-child bond, and nurture a warm, loving home life.I highly recommend this work to all families. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child rearing    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Miscellanea    6. Parenting    7. Parenting - General    8. Child care & upbringing    9. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (8)

Great Book
This book was great for helping plan my son's kindergarten valentine party.The snack ideas were super and pretty easy to assemble.The highlight of the book is the valentine bingo game where everyone wins at the same time.The children just loved the game as they all shouted "bingo" at the same time.We also did the ice cube game and the cupid game.Both were also big hits with the children!I would highly recommend this book for any class parent needing some creative ideas for kids from 5+.

Valentine's Daywill never be the same.
With all the crafts, snacks, and games, you will have everyone entertained for years to come. This book is great for classrooms, parents, day cares, work, & more. Perfect paired with Valentine Boxes.

Valentine School Parties: What Do I Do?
Wonderful Book - Pleae make more like this!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Arts And Crafts    3. Children's parties    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts for Children    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. General    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. Seasonal    11. Valentine's Day    12. Handicrafts    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Holidays & Festivals / Valentine's Day    14. Vocational Subjects & Skills   

Reviews (8)

How to play with Toddler
Good book, lists lots of games to play with child.Shows developmental goals you child should be hitting.

Creative Resources Review
The item arrived promptly and in the condition promised.The seller e-mailed the shipment tracking number and the date of shipment.

A need for infant and toddler caregivers!
I took the Early Childhood Education program and did work in a toddler program. This book was so useful and all the activities in this book were very age-appropriate and creative. It has a wide variety of activities and I like the fact that they start from infants to toddlers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Development    3. Development    4. Early childhood education    5. Education    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Infants    8. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    9. Reference    10. Toddlers    11. Education / Elementary    12. Educational resources & technology    13. Pre-school & kindergarten   

Reviews (3)

Delightful!
I received this book as a gift and love it. There are activities for babies, nursery rhymes, short stories, songs, recipes, poetry and wonderful art work. Not only do I use it with my grandsons but I visit a woman with special needs every week and we sing songs, read stories and poetry from the book and we love to look at the pictures.
wonder book for mom, dads ,grandmothers & grandfathers
This is a great book - for grandparents it is somewhat nostalgic.
"little" it isn't!
I got this book for a new grandmother and she **loved** it. It was the hit of the party. It's full of wonderful illustrations, stories, poems, recipes, and songs. Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children's literature    3. Collections    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Grandmothers    7. Literary collections    8. Literature    9. Parenting - Grandparenting    10. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    11. Family & Relationships / Grandparenting   

Reviews (13)

Reading Rescue
I was desperate to find something to help my son with his reading.I followed the recommendations in this book to the letter, and did the activities with my son, but did not see any change.I finally had my son tested and they found he had a reading disability.After 2 years of intensive reading instruction at school, and support at home, his reading has improved dramatically.I did not find the dramatic results promised.

Reading improved in 2 months!
My 9-year-old daughter is a smart young lady. I home school her and she's probably reading at a first grade level. She doesn't dislike reading but she really struggles. She substitutes the third letter of several words for the first and pronounces every letter instead of blending. Because she reads like this she can't comprehend what she was reading. I was at my wits end when a friend recommended this book to me. She is now reading whole words without pronouncing every letter sound and doesn't do the third letter substitution and she can remember what she reads. She is sitting down and reading books by herself. This is just after two months. I am truly amazed.
Our Family Has A Successful New Reader!
Our son was rated as an emergent reader at the end of first grade.This rating was not up to school standards for a first grader and we were very concerned about the difficulties he would have in his next year of school.My husband and I are not teachers and struggled with helping our son learn to read better.
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Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Parent participation    7. Parenting - General    8. Reading    9. Reading (Elementary)    10. Reading Skills    11. Remedial teaching    12. Advice on parenting    13. Family & Relationships / Parenting    14. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (8)

Don't buy 120 things you do naturally & 5 minor things you don't
What a waste of trees to make this book. 120 things you do naturally & 5 minor, unimportant things you don't. DON'T BELIEVE THE REVIEWS WITH MORE THAN ONE STAR. ALL THE POSITIVE REVIEWS WRITTEN BEFORE MINE except one have only reviewed books by this author, all that they give high grades for, most likely FRIENDS OF THE AUTHOR. If there are other reviews by them check the date, it will be after my posting. I checked their reviews because I couldn't believe anyone would give this book 5 stars. Some "games" listed are and I am quoting "Let's Watch" this is where the baby just watches whatever is happening around her. "Diaper Song" sing to your baby as you change its diaper, the pages brain research section states "singing to babies facilitates genuine bonding between adult and child". There are about a dozen different games of peek-a-boo offered. You can play it with a loud voice or try singing peek-a-boo. For a real change of pace you can put a puppet on your hand to hide for peek-a-boo or any number of ways you already play peek-a-boo. Only buy this book if you're looking for clutter for your bookcase.
Useful book of neat baby games
I have 125 Brain Games for Babies and love it.It has many little games that I knew but had forgotten about; but it has many more that I never would have come up with.It does a good job of simply explaining the specifics of brain development and it�s importance in the first months of a child�s life.This is a good, handy basic book for a new parent.

Easy, structured play with your baby
I thought this book was a nice way to do simple activities that stimulated various senses with my baby.I also worked part-time and I gave it to my nanny when I was away to give her ideas of things to do, which she really enjoyed.I liked the specific reasearch linked with each activity to help me understand why a particular activity was helpful.While some of the activities were things I was doing, many were new and I just liked having an easy reference to grab when I wanted to do something I might not have thought about.I also think it's a nice gift for a new Mom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ability in children    2. Ability in infants    3. Activities    4. Child Care/Parenting    5. Child Development    6. Family & Relationships    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. General    9. Infant Psychology    10. Intellect    11. Learning (Psychology)    12. Learning, Psychology of    13. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    14. Parenting - Child Rearing    15. Problems, exercises, etc    16. Advice on parenting    17. Child & developmental psychology    18. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Reviews (22)

Great!
Contains a good range of projects to keep the little ones interested and on-focus.

horrible
this book only has about 20 crafts and almost all oif them use thread or pipe cleaners.They should have all of the supplies in the book but they make you go to the store and buy it.The crafts arenot interesting and very boring.I suggest you don't buy this book.

Family Fun is Great
I have bought Family Fun magazine for years just for their craft section.They have great crafts for all ages, many made of inexpensive and easily available materials. I have not only used the crafts with my grandkids but also use them with my Sunday School class, with an age range of 4-13 years old. Many of their crafts make easy and attractive gifts for children to give at Christmas, etc., and they have a collection of things to make for school parties.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Crafts for Children    5. Handicraft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crafts for Children    8. Handicrafts    9. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Editorial Review

Nan Jeffrey's classic guide to adventure travel is not to be missed by any family interested in--or even curious about--traveling off the beaten path. Jeffrey, who has traveled with twin boys Read more

Reviews (2)

Inspirational and also very practical
I still haven't had a chance to use the tips from this book, since our trip to Greece with our one-year-old is planned for a few months from now. I can say that reading so many real-life, much more complicated examples of Ms. Jeffrey's family's own travels have made planning a few weeks in Greece seem like no big deal, though. World class book for world class adventures...with children
There are many travel books on the market, and there are many travel books for those who have children.This books stands out because the author actually took her kids on wonderful, real "adventures," not justtame camping trips in the U.S.She and her husband traveled to remoteplaces (Morocco, Spain, Bali, Nepal, New Zealand...), kids in tow, andshare the experience with us through text and photos.They sailed, biked,hiked, and drove about, and lived for several weeks in differentcountries.Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Special Interest - Adventure    3. Special Interest - Family    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. Backpacking    7. Camping    8. Canoeing    9. Handbooks    10. Manuals    11. Outdoor Life    12. Recreation    13. Sports    14. Tourism   

Reviews (10)

Great
This is the best devotion book ever!!!!!!!!! My teacher has it and it is fun to listen too. It makes me happier to listen to God's word in the morning at school!:-)

Good idea - but geared more towards middle school kids
I have to agree with previous reviewers. This book is based on a really good idea, however, I find a lot of the entries are not really appropriate for my 8 year old.He does understand the concepts, and it makes it a lot easier to help "expand" on the idea and open up further discussion, but most of the situations presented aren't relevant to any child under 12 years old.
real situations
this devotional is great. I have 1 and 2 and I read it everyday. The stories are situations the kids can find themselves in. Then there is a question to answer and bible verses to point them in the right decision. I love it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Christian education    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Family Relationships    6. Devotional    7. English    8. Family    9. Home training    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Prayer-books and devotions    12. Religion    13. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    14. Religious - General   

Reviews (14)

Great to share with my own kids
I also grew up listening to this music.I bought it for my son and he absolutely loves the silly poems and the upbeat music.I hope my baby girl enjoys it as well.As a female stockbroker who scaled back to 2 days per week in order to spend more time with my kids, I think this is a fabulous collection of songs and stories to make you think outside the box.I know it encouraged me to be strong and stick by what I want to be when I grow up- somedays I wear dresses that show off my knees and other days I wear trousers twice as long (or sweat pants!).As for the poor reviewer who said it robbed her of her femininity- I really don't understand how that's possible.The whole point of the book is to encourage individuality and inner strength to be true to yourself.Cry when you're sad.Be what you want to be.Love everyone as they are.Sounds good to me.

Entertaining, Well-written and StillRelevent
I grew up with this book and album.I still know many of the songs and stories by heart.
Free To Be You And Me book and cd
My kids love this book and cd as much as I used to love the book and record at their age. The songs and poems speak candidly about growing up and what they may face as far as selfishness, gender identification, confidence, peer pressure, believing what commercials on tv say. Lots of actor's voices you will recognize, catchy tunes that stay with you for the day. There are even poems written by Judy Blume and sheet music to some of the songs. My children think it is fun to follow along with the book and cd together.
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Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. General    5. Juvenile Fiction   

Reviews (17)

A great resource idea book!
I get a TON of ideas from Baby Days by Barbara Rowley. I'm a home daycare provider and I'm always looking for ideas to do with my daycare kids. I don't know what I would do with out this book. It'a MUST have for home daycare providers and parents of small kids

not worth the money
I bought this book based on the good reviews, but after reading it myself it's not worth the money.The activities she comes up with are too simple- fingerpaint or play ball. I thought of them on my own!! I was hoping for ideas that were not so obvious. She also has alot of ideas that use toothpicks?! not a toddler friendly item!!!

Looks good
Took this book out of the library first and was impressed. Now I have ideas what to do with my 15 month old son when we are home over the Xmas holidays. The messyness factor is a very good idea. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Creative activities    3. Creative activities and seat w    4. Creative activities and seat work    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Infants    9. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    10. Parenting - General    11. Play    12. Toddlers    13. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (4)

Lots of suggestions
This book covers many festivals, or holidays, throughout the year.For each, a selection of poetry or very short stories excerpted from longer works is provided.Sometimes the legend(s) behind that day are given.Also included are games, recipes, and craft projects. The recipes use British measurements and ingredients, so for Americans they will require some adjustment to find ingredients in some cases.
I liked the itdea but not this book.
I found this book did not meet my expectations.I was delighted to find that the book All Year Round was just what I was expecting and enjoyed it much more.Great ideas, but a bit cluttered.

Nicely organized-
I was looking for a book exactly like this one.It is organized by Seasons and Holidays, with songs, stories, crafts and recipes that relate to the season/holiday.It is very easy to come up with nice additions to your family celebrations with this book.The holidays tend to be European Christian holidays, which is different than the typical American holidays, but not so much that you can't work in many of the activities in the book.Plus, you may discover new holidays.We have added Michealmas to our celebrations- it is a great way to distract my kids so that we don't have to start Halloween in September! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Cooking    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Holidays - General    5. Reference    6. Interactive & activity books & packs    7. Pageants, parades, festivals