Reviews (45)

Doman's Reading book and Math book turned my baby son to be a
I was so lucky to read this book and 4 other books by the same author when my baby son was 9-mon, I spent 5 nights to read Doman's 5 books, and started to teach my son with Doman's method immediately. I started with 25 words and add 5 new words every day, 1 second per word, 3 times a day. To my surprise, my son absorbed every thing so quickly and after 3 weeks, he started pointing to the right objects so often when I showed him the word!However, two months later, he lost the interest of reading cards completely.I had to stop the reading program for a while, and put words stickers on every object possible in the house plus using picture cards and posters.
Too Late!
Any one trying to convince me not to buy Glenn Doman's Books is too late. I already have, and have taught scores of young children to read, using his methods. I have especially made use of the information in his book on multiplying your child's intelligence, with my own children, my nephews, and countless other children in day cares, kindergartens,etc., and have earned the undying devotion of many grateful parents.
Not as impressive as the review
I've read through this book although not the whole page and find it over-rated.
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Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Early childhood education    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Language Experience Approach    6. Reading    7. Reading (Early childhood)    8. Child care & upbringing   

Reviews (2)

Read Karen Miller's first book instead
While I agree with the first reviewer that author Karen Miller offers creative ideas on ways to interact with children, I believe this particular book is targeted mostly to teachers in a preschool setting - which is disappointing because I am simply a parent, not a preschool teacher.I wanted a book of activities I could do with my own children at home, not ways to decorate a classroom or how to get toddlers to interact with several of their peers.Sadly, the few ideas in this book that would work for parents are simply repeats of ideas already presented in Miller's first book, Things to Do with Toddlers and Twos.That said, I highly recommend her first book!I read both of them and found myself highlighting almost every activity in the first, while I ended up only skimming through the second.In Miller's first book, activites can be used by parents AND teachers, thus making it a more valuable resource for anyone wanting to engage toddlers in creative, hands-on activities.

Wonderful and creative ideas to encourage child development
This book is full of wonderful creative ideas that might never occur to you.So many of this kind of book are comprised largely of things you already do with your child or that are so obvious its not helpful.Thisbook is written from a child development perspective and covers all thebasics, from suggestions on ways you might set up your toddlers room tomaximize imaginative play, to fun activities that encourage languagedevelopment.We also have the first bookThings to do with Toddlers andTwos which is good, but this book is even better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth   

Reviews (3)

disappointing
I bought this book in preparation for an airplane trip with my family, including a 5 year old autistic daughter.As I am familiar with Kranowitz's book The Out of Sync Child, regarding sensory integration, I was disappointed that there was not more in the book that I could use with my daughter.Also, the ideas that could be used away from home are somewhat limited.
Great book!
It has lots of old ideas I'd forgotten from my own childhood and it has lots of new ideas. The writer understands the needs of children. They can behave a lot better if they have interesting little things to do like theideas that are in this book.

One basic problem with this book--
I have a basic problem with this book: it's too small! Although 101 activities sound like a lot, when you break them down into situations in which they are workable (at home, waiting in the doctor's office, in the car/train/airplane, sick in bed, etc.) a person might like more ideas. The activities presented in the book are simple. They are fun. And all of them I have tried work (many are old stand-bys that this grandma used with her own children-but many were new to me). I plan to use them soon on a long trip with my grandchildren. When could you use them next?! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Creative activities and seatwo    4. Creative activities and seatwork    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Parent and child    7. Personal space    8. Play    9. Psychological aspects    10. Advice on parenting    11. Games / General   

Reviews (4)

Good but outdated
This book is does an OK job describing activities for kids, but it is VERY outdated.Israel is changing rapidly and this book is in need of a new revised edition.It lists places like the Dolphinarium as a place to take kids.The Dolphinarium was turned in to a disco years ago.
An outstanding guidebook to a remarkable land
Barbara Sofer is one of the most knowledgable writers on everyday life in the land of Israel. In this outstanding guide she pays special attention to the attractions which will be especially appealing to families.
Excellent guide for parents taking their children to Israel
We used this book every day of our 2 week trip to Israel with 3 children aged 1-8.Our friends then borrowed the book for a 3 week trip with 5children aged 6-16.The sections of the book are broken down by geography,with handy maps to assist you in setting up your schedule, whether yourhotel is in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Tiberias or Eilat.The greatest benefitsof the book include the phone numbers of the tourist sites as well as thehours which each location is open.The author even recommends ideal hotelsand activities based on your children's ages. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships / Activities    2. Guidebooks    3. Israel    4. Middle East - Israel    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel / Asia / General    8. Activities    9. Family    10. Family Travel    11. Travel & holiday guides   

Editorial Review

The 20th-century reclamation of Goddess traditions has evolved from a small counterculture revolution of the mid-1900s to the birthright of an entire generation of children and young teenagers. However, the parents--who were adults when they first turned to paganism--are discovering that raising children in a pagan tradition can prove difficult amidst the near void of resources to assist them in teaching this way of life. Relying on age-old learning methods, such as songs and storytelling, Read more

Reviews (50)

A Good Start, but Seriously Lacking: I wanted advice, not a history lesson
I would recommend this book for the stories and the recipes. It gives a wide variety of stories for the Goddess has many faces in many cultures. There are some neat recipes (one of which I am in the process of making at this moment). It gives descriptions of each Sabbat that are kid-friendly. There is also a portion dedicated to involving your children in your rites, but never forcing it upon them.
Practical for any earthbased celebrations
As a Pagan aunt I frequently wonder how I can make my seasonal celebrations more kid friendly. This book answers those questions. As a participant in a UU congregation, I frequently get asked how to incorporate earthbased spirituality into seasonal and world religion kids Religious Ed. This book answers those questions. Finally, as a pagan who enjoys my theology in the form of story and activity, as much as in the form of discourse and scholarly writing, this book feeds me.
Really taken aback
I expected this book to have ideas, rituals, projects, etc. to share with your child/children on the traditions of the god and goddess, which it did.What I didn't expect was the small section on Youth and Maiden Lovemaking, and the irresponsible advice it touted.Written by a 14-year old (which is surprising enough) who obviously has no idea what he's talking about, it opens with "A lot to being a Pagan is being a good lover.My attitude is, why not start sooner than later?"This child is 14!Our kids are already out there experimenting at early ages, and now we have this boy promoting that?!Next he talks about STDs - "You may hear about STDs, and the fact is, the *only* way to prevent STDs are condoms and outercourse."Uh, no...the *only* way to fully prevent an STD is abstinence, but since that is not a realistic way to think, why not say that condoms will *protect* you from STDs, but not always *prevent*, so make sure you use them correctly and responsibly.And you can't get an STD from "outercourse"?Really?I think this kid needs to go back and do his homework on this one.
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Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Alternate Spirituality    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Child rearing    5. Family    6. Family & Relationships    7. Goddess religion    8. Parenting - Child Rearing    9. Religious aspects    10. Religious life    11. Spirituality - General    12. Witchcraft    13. Witchcraft & Wicca    14. Body, Mind & Spirit / New Age   

Reviews (1)

November Idea Book: A Creative Idea Book for the Elementary
These are THE coolest books to use when regular schoolwork becomes so very, very boring!There are things to color, awards, bookmarks, puzzles, and so much more pertaining to the particular month the book is titled.I would recommend these books to teachers and homeschoolers.My daughter LOVED them (and so did I)! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth   

Editorial Review

Filled with great ideas and enthralling art activities,Read more

Reviews (11)

Valuable insights and info on how to teach art to kids
I found this book to be very valuable even though I do not agree with 100% of her theories.She gives a great overview of several medium and as well as the actual products she recommends and the best way to teach children how to learn through art.I can see how my kids have already benefited.
excellent book from wonderful woman
Living near Susan Striker, I have had the opportunity to meet her on several occasions including having my oldest children (only at the time) participate in workshops with her.She is fabulous!The ideas in the book are easily incorporated and make a huge difference I think in inspiring children to work at their own level and enjoy the process.It has also helped me as a parent and home educator to feel more confident in guiding the process as well as selecting those rare excellent programs for children in art.Too many even "art schools" focus too much on the outcome or product.Doing it at home actually allows the children to be more of themselves.I also have personally witnessed the effects education wise on my children.My oldest is now 7 and reading at a junior high level.I followed this book and he was, on his own, writing his letters, name, etc at age 3 (well before his personal peer group) and I think this is because of the freedom giving to him in experimenting before then.His early markings were deemed valuable by us and so he kept wanting to do more and then copy us.I am purchasing another copy of this book for my sister and her just turning one year old son so they can enjoy art together as well.

this book is an absolute must
quick but to the point:this book is an excellent resource for parents and teachers, of which i am both.it is developmentally appropriate and her theories can be used in any setting of children ranging from special needs right up to gifted.this book allows me to never say "what do i do now with my 2 1/2 year old daughter?" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Activity    3. Art    4. Child Development    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    7. Parenting - General    8. Study & Teaching    9. Study and teaching    10. Study and teaching (Early chil    11. Study and teaching (Early childhood)    12. Advice on parenting    13. Art techniques & materials    14. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (2)

Delightful Book, Somewhat Misleading Title
365 GAMES BABIES PLAY is a delightful little book. Overall, I am glad I picked it up.
Helpful book!
I am a first-time SAHM who is trying to figure out the best way to interact with my child.I found many helpful ideas in this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    7. Parenting - General    8. Child care & upbringing   

Reviews (6)

Great for new parents
This book was bought due to my concern with, "What do I do with this baby,now that I've got her home?"I've taught fifth graders for many years, but didn't quite know how to begin to "educate" my baby.This book gave me some very quick, easy and simple ideas of games to play to help my child learn.It is also broke down into ages (ie. 0-3 months,12-18 months, etc.)I definately recommend this book to parents that want to begin the learning process in a fun manner early on.
are you kidding?
This book is a waste of money. Most of the "games" that they suggest are so OBVIOUS you'd have to be a complete idiot not to figure these things out on your own. And in that case you have bigger problems than how to entertain your baby. One such "game" goes as follows, 'say things like good night sweet baby or rest, rest, rest your little head'. Are you serious? Gee, I don't think I would have thought of that all on my own. What I want to know is who are all these people that are giving it such a high rating? Well, I guess anyone can be a parent.

Finally, a WELL-ORGANIZED idea book!
Just as a I said:Finally, a well-organized idea book!I can look up activities to carry out in my classroom by category (Bath and Dressing Games, Going to Sleep Games, etc.); by age (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 months); AND by theme (just for fun, colors, etc.).The activities are simple and clearly described in one page each.But they are not all commonsense ideas, or I wouldn't like this book, and neither would any other experienced under-threes teacher :p.I HIGHLY recommend this book to under-threes teachers and to new parents. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Games    7. General    8. Infants    9. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    10. Motor ability in children    11. Parenting - Child Rearing    12. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking & Food    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Family    7. Methods - General    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Cooking   

Features

• Engagement Calendar

Reviews (1)

amazing organizer
This was the first organizer that I used completely. It was wonderful especially if you have more than 1 child and have alot of activites.There are spaces for everything, pockets for everything and even a few things that I wouldnt have thought I needed. There is a short page at the back that has babysitter notes and address pages. There are rip off 1/4 pages for grocery shopping and wonderful spaces to jot down notes that you may need during the week or month.I am getting next years as well because I can not do without this calendar. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Calendar    3. Calendars & Diaries    4. Calendars - Family / Parenting    5. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Development And Rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Infant Care    7. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    8. Preschool & Kindergarten    9. Family & Relationships / Activities   

Reviews (4)

Too hard to use, very focused on major skills
I just bought this to use with my almost 7mo who just started crawling.Rather than exercises, it seems to be better described as tips to help your baby hold his/her head up, roll over, crawl, stand, and walk.My child can crawl, but doesn't meet the skill requirements for standing.Yet, the book gives no suggestions to help with those requirements.It just describes some things that may make learning to stand with stability easier.I didn't find the "exercises" all that helpful at all, and will be reselling my copy.

Eh, not so hot.
I was less than impressed by this volume.Its indexing is poor--I wanted to find the exercise for babies with tummyaches for a mom in my classroom, and I had to sit and flip through the book till I found it.What a waste of time!I'm sure the book is a great resource for physical therapists and under-threes special ed teachers working with infants with physical delays, but the exercises are not organized in an accessible manner.

A great resource
I'm a stay-at-home dad who craves any and all information that can assure me that I'm "doing it right."This book is a wonderful resouce for expaining what skills are needed for my son to accomplish the major goals of his young life (rolling over, sitting up, crawling, driving the jeep . . .) One example of how the book has helped us concerns "tummy time".Like most parents in this day and age, my wife and I have been drilled constantly on not letting our son sleep on his stomach.As essential as this advice is, the necessity of making up the time on his stomach so that he can work his back muscles while awake has been a great help.Knowing that taking the extra time to work on these skills will only help him sit up sooner. On the technical side the book's pictures probably need to be re-shot to make them look a little more professional.The text and organization though are right on target ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Exercise    4. Exercise for children    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Health - General    8. Health and hygiene    9. Infants    10. Infants & Toddlers - Infants    11. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    12. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    13. Parenting - General    14. Postnatal care   

Reviews (4)

They'll beg for your next "Family Night"!"
We had tried family devotionals before and our children's attention span barely made it through reading a few verses.We never had time to discuss and apply it to their level of understanding until we came across this series by Heritage Builders.Fun activities are interspersed that all relate to the message and have our kids requesting family nights time and time again.Instructions are given to help you adjust for various age levels.We started these when our kids were about 4 and 7 and usually set aside one night per month.Of course it would be even better to do weekly!Currently we are into the "Holiday" volume which is great too!

Practical tool to teach Christian values
This book has made it fun for all of us to do "family nights" (devotions). In fact, the kids are always asking when we're doing it again! They look forward to it, and their enthusiasm makes our job - raising themwith sound Biblical principles - that much easier.With this book at yourdisposal, you'll never have to struggle with family devotions again!

Family devotions that we all look forward to!
Our three kids, 6,8,and 10, just love the fun activities from this book. Their teachers tell us to keep doing whatever it is because they go to school and tell everyone about it. My husband and I like the fact that wedon't have to think up the great ideas, we just have to do them and havefun too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Family Relationships    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Recreational Activities    4. Family & Relationships    5. Parenting - General    6. Religion    7. Religion - Marriage & Family   

Reviews (4)

SUPER Ideas for Parents!
I wish I could give this book six stars instead of five!I have a 22-month-old daughter and wanted to find new, creative ways to interact with her while also teaching her important skills.I discovered this book while browsing on Amazon one day and was thrilled at the various, numerous ideas it offers!Best of all, you don't have to buy special materials to do most of these activities; they require simple objects you probably already have in your home.For instance, Miller provides recipes for homemade fingerpaint, shares instructions on how to make shape-matching games, and tells how to create a picture file to expand a child's understanding of categories.This book is a must-read for parents who want to stimulate their toddler's mind!

A classic work in the field of toddler development
This book is a classic and it has been recommended to me by virtually every toddler/preschool teacher I have ever encountered. If you are looking for a book that will give you tons of age-appropriate activity ideas (and explain why those activities are so great for young children), this is the book for you. It's a fabulous resource that is still as relevant as the day it was published.

This is a GREAT resource book!
I found this gem at the library, now I'm going to buy a copy for myself! There are so many great ideas in here! I've read other books on the subject but haven't been very impressed. These ideas are practical, inexpensive,and clever. It includes recipes for things like playdough, and instructionsfor making your own affordable alternatives. Karen Miller had spent overtwenty years in the business when this was written and it really shows inthis wonderful, thoughtful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Activity programs    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Day care centers    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Toddlers   

Reviews (11)

Just ok...
This book was alright, but a lot of the ideas were sort of no brainers.There were a few new things that I never thought about, but a lot of it is stuff that is in magazines, books and things that are just basic common sense.The pictures in the book are of fabulous quality and there are some great songs and fingerplays in the book.

Slick but not very useful
I saw this book at a friend's house and was very impressed by its slick production and the blurb on the back. I bought the book but was very disappointed. Most of the ideas, like "hide and seek" for example, are obvious and will be arrived at by most parents on their own.

A Perfect Parental Guideline
I had alot of ideas of how to interact with my daughter, and this book assisted me with expanding on our fun times together.All the creative ideas keeps it exciting and more entertaining for her on a daily basis. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Games    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    7. Play    8. Recreation    9. Toddlers    10. Parenting    11. Childcare   

Reviews (1)

An Amazing Book!
This book truly embraces the beauty of Islam, and the teachings of Islam, with respect to all the religions. I highly recommend this book to anyone out there who wants to learn more about, or research in depth the truth about this serene and peaceful religion. Happy Reading to all! :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Family & Relationships    4. Holidays & Celebrations - Other, Religious    5. Islam - General    6. Religion    7. Religion - Islam    8. Islam    9. Religious festivals & pilgrimages   

Reviews (2)

From the Board Games Editor at BellaOnline.com
The Great Big Book of Children's Games is full of fun games of all sorts: Ball Games, Water Games, Chase Games, Card Games, and so on.Many of the games are well-known childhood classics, but many of them are either foreign or totally new.
What a great book!
I do not own this book, but I put it on my "wish list".I currently have it checked-out from my local library for the second time.What a wonderful book for such a great price!I plan to use it for birthday party activities, kids church activities, etc.This book is well worth the price! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. General    6. Parenting - General    7. Family & Relationships / Activities    8. Hobbies, quizzes & games    9. Indoor games    10. Sports & Outdoor Recreation   

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Children    3. Children's clothing    4. Costume    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Crafts / Hobbies    7. Design - Textile & Costume    8. General    9. Handicraft    10. Hobbies/Crafts    11. Textile Arts    12. Dress & costume    13. Dressmaking & tailoring    14. Fashion design   

Reviews (1)

A Great Resource
This is a great resource for early childhood educators - toddlers through kindergarten. School age teachers as well, will find valuable gems to enhance the block play experience in their classroom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Activity programs    3. Block building (Children's act    4. Block building (Children's activity)    5. Building    6. Education    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. General    9. Parenting - Child Rearing    10. Structural engineering    11. Study and teaching (Early chil    12. Study and teaching (Early childhood)    13. Education / General