text:
Llwyddiant Cynhadledd Rhyngddisgyblaethol - Cymru: Gwneud Pethau'n Wahanol
November 20 2013 -
Interdisciplinary Conference Success - Wales: Doing Things Differently
November 18 2013PhD researchers Rhiannon Pugh and Helen Taylor successfully organised a one day conference that brought together researchers from across Wales.
CPLAN Analyse University Travel Survey
November 13 2013A novel initiative brought together students, staff and a University Division to produce an analysis of University travel behaviour and associated carbon emissions.
Cardiff Ranks Highly in Geography and Planning
September 23 2013Geography is ranked 6th and Planning 8th in the latest Sunday Times Good University Guide.
Digging Deep for a Good Cause
July 30 2013Professional Services Staff in the School give money and time to the RCMA Riverside Community Allotment in Cardiff.
Congratulations to our 2013 Graduates
July 18 2013The sun shone as the School of Planning and Geography saw their students graduate.
Redesigning Swansea's High Street
July 2 2013MA Urban Design students have presented their ideas for the regeneration of Swansea High Street in a new exhibition in the city centre.
Postgraduates Celebrate at Annual Dinner
June 17 2013Postgraduate students celebrate the end of their studies at the 2013 Annual Dinner.
Undergraduates End Year in Style at Summer Ball
June 7 2013Undergraduate students celebrate the end of the year and their achievements at the 2013 Summer Ball.
Students Create Map for Wales
May 29 2013Final year undergraduate students tasked by RTPI Cymru to produce 'A Map for Wales'.


text:
First proof of ferromagnetic carbon
Symmetry breaking of H2 dissociation by a single photon
Structure and receptor specificity of an avian flu antigen
Material Management group keeps the ALS on track
2007 ALS Users' Meeting approaches
News Links
Engineers go history-free
Breakthrough with ultra-fast x rays
Chemically selective soft x-ray patterning of polymers
For the user runs from June 26 – July 22:
Beam reliability*: 90.6%
Completion**: 83.7%
There were no significant interruptions.
*Time delivered/time scheduled **Percent of scheduled beam delivered without interruption
More Info
EDITORS Julie McCullough Lori Tamura Liz Moxon
DESIGNER Greg Vierra
This work was supported by the Director, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231. Disclaimer.
Although it has long been suspected that carbon belongs on the short list of materials that can be magnetic at room temperature, attempts to prove that pure carbon can be magnetized have remained unconvincing. However, using a proton beam and an advanced x-ray microscope at the Advanced Light Source, a multinational team of researchers from the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, the University of Leipzig, and the ALS finally put to rest doubts about the existence of magnetic carbon. Read more...
Publication about this research: H. Ohldag, T. Tyliszczak, R. Höhne, D. Spemann, P. Esquinazi, M. Ungureanu, and T. Butz, "π-electron ferromagnetism in metal-free carbon probed by soft x-ray dichroism," Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 187204 (2007).
A single hydrogen (or deuterium) molecule consists of only two protons (deuterons) and two electrons and is perfectly symmetric. Linearly polarized photons are similarly symmetric. So one might think that the angular distribution of photoelectrons resulting from photoionization of the molecule by the photon accompanied by dissociation into a hydrogen atom and a hydrogen ion would itself be symmetric. However, an international team of researchers from Germany, Spain, and the U.S. has now shown that this need not be the case. When there are multiple quantum paths for the process, interference between waves in the coherent superposition of electron states (which exists when the molecular fragments are still close together) skews the distribution by breaking the molecular symmetry. Read more...
Publication about this research: F. Martín, J. Fernández, T. Havermeier, L. Foucar, Th. Weber, K. Kreidi, M. Schöffler, L. Schmidt, T. Jahnke, O. Jagutzki, A. Czasch, E.P. Benis, T. Osipov, A.L. Landers, A. Belkacem, M.H. Prior, H. Schmidt-Böcking, C.L. Cocke, and R. Dörner, "Single photon–induced symmetry breaking of H2 dissociation," Science 315, 629 (2007).
To date, the H5N1 avian influenza viruses, which are currently circulating in domestic and wild birds on three continents, have only a limited ability to infect humans. However, with continued outbreaks of the virus in poultry and wild birds, the potential for the emergence of a human-adapted H5 virus, either by reassortment (the mixing of genetic material from similar viruses) or mutation, is seen as a major threat to public health worldwide. Of the three influenza pandemics of the last century, the 1957 (H2N2) and 1968 (H3N2) pandemics involved avian-human reassortments. The origin of the 1918 influenza virus (H1N1), which killed about 50 million people worldwide, is unknown. Although a number of viral factors can determine the host range restriction and pathogenicity of influenza A viruses, recent evidence suggests that hemagglutinin (HA), the principal antigen on the viral surface, is a critical factor for efficient human-to-human transmission. Researchers have now solved the HA structure to 2.9 Å at the ALS and analyzed its specificity to human receptors. Read more...
Publication about this research: J. Stevens, O. Blixt, T.M. Tumpey, J.K. Taubenberger, J.C. Paulson, and I.A. Wilson, "Structure and receptor specificity of the hemagglutinin from an H5N1 influenza virus," Science 312, 404 (2006).
Need to ship something, store something, move something, set something up? The Material Management group will do it. Gary Giangrasso (section manager), Todd Anderson, Derrick Crofoot, and Jason De Ponte are located in the warehouse adjacent to the ALS (Building 7). The group wears two "hats"—it is responsible for both material and property management for the ALS Division. In its material management capacity, the group provides shipping, receiving, gas-bottle ordering, refilling and servicing of liquid nitrogen dewars, temporary storage, endstation setup services, and movement/assembly of office and lab equipment. Giangrasso and his team maintain a stockroom of parts and equipment in the warehouse (including safety devices) commonly needed by ALS users and technicians. Stockroom supplies are accessible by key card 24 hours a day. Another service provided is the generation of purchase requisitions for ALS staff and users requesting new supplies and equipment. Also, a new barcode system has been implemented for tracking chemicals that arrive at the ALS on a daily basis.
Todd Anderson, Jason De Ponte, Derrick Crofoot, and Gary Giangrasso.
In its property management capacity, the group handles property issues and questions about custodian and location changes for DOE assets out of the property management office (Bldg. 7, Rm. 102B). They also generate property passes for laptop computers and equipment that will be taken off site for business travel or home use.
2007 ALS Users' Meeting approaches
The ALS Users' Meeting will be held on site at Berkeley Lab—from Thursday, October 4, to Saturday, October 6—and will offer a variety of invited talks, workshops, and selected science highlights. For the first time, this year's meeting will feature a joint plenary session with the Molecular Foundry Users' Meeting, which is taking place simultaneously at Berkeley Lab. In addition, we will hold a joint poster session and dinner to bring the two user communities together around their research. More information on the Users' Meeting is available on the Users' Meeting Web site. Furthermore, there will be twelve workshops this year, three to be held in conjunction with the Foundry.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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Updated for 2015! With an ultra-lightweight design, the Therm-a-Rest Women's NeoAir XLite inflatable sleeping pad is built for ounce-counting backpackers. A heat-reflective interior grants the pad a 3-season worthy R-value of 3.9.
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You may have to stash your surfboard during the winter months, but you certainly don't have to hide your beach bod behind bulky layers. Stay fresh faced and fabulous in the One & Only slim fit full zip hoodie. It features contrast drawstrings, branding printed across the chest and super soft fabric. It'll keep you cozy and chic no matter how mean the weather gets.
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text: Wow. There are multiple issues. But bottom line. Miss Bail- Bail should properly be accented if they want to pronounce it Bah-yeel-is the child's natural mother. She should have custody because of that, since she is the only one who can teach him his proper culture and customs. Money isn't everything. Carlos will have a rude awakening if he is raised by this white couple. Yes, probably a nicer life, but at what cost? Total assimilation? That doesn't seem right to me. A woman of color was victimized into giving up her child by someone white, to someone white. That's wrong. http://bleacherreport.com/users/1364776-buy-neurontin-online-no-prescription http://bleacherreport.com/users/1365041-buy-dapoxetine-priligy-online-us-uk-can http://bleacherreport.com/users/1378981-buy-azithromycin-500mg-online http://bleacherreport.com/users/1377708-buy-amoxicillin-online-no-rx-needed


text:
I have tha warranty my ring it is changing colors
Very pretty , love it ! Fit perfectly
Crafted of stunning rhodium-plated brass, this beautiful bridal ring set from Icz Stonez is ready to sparkle on the big day. Marked with 4 7/8 carat cubic zirconia, this bridal set offers round-cut, pave and prong-set stones.
- Details
- Shipping & Returns
- Reviews
Express your eternal love with this gorgeous bridal set. This magnificent engagement-style jewelry set sparkles with shimmering cubic zirconia stones.Center stone
- Gemstone: One
- Center cut: Round
- Weight: 2.84 carats
- Color: White
- Setting: Prong
- Gemstone: Cubic zirconia
- Number of gemstones: Four
- Gemstone cut: Round
- Gemstone weight: 0.24 carat
- Gemstone measurements: 2 mm wide
- Gemstone setting: Prong-pave
- Gemstone: Cubic zirconia
- Number of gemstones: Six
- Gemstone cut: Baguette
- Gemstone weight: carat
- Gemstone measurements: 1.5 mm wide x 4 mm long
- Gemstone: Cubic zirconia
- Number of gemstones: 22
- Gemstone cut: Round
- Gemstone weight: 1.32 carat
- Gemstone measurements: 2 mm
- Gemstone setting: Pave
Metal information and dimensions
- Metal: Brass
- Engagement ring style: Solitaire
- Wedding bands style: Multi-row
- Ring setting: 8.5 mm wide x 8.5 mm long x 9 mm high
- Band: 2 mm wide
- Wedding bands: 2 mm wide
Gemstone total weight: 3 carat TW
All weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. Treatment code CR (Cubic zirconia). See Treatment Guide for further information.
Click here for ring sizing guide
Features | |
Stone | Cubic Zirconia |
Ring Style | Bands Bridal Sets Engagement Pave Solitaire |
Diamond Cut | Baguette Round |
Gemstone | Zircon |
Gemstone Color | White |
Stone Shape | Baguette Round |
Band Width | 2-3 mm |
Jewelry Setting | Prong |
Metal Color | Rose Silver Yellow |
Dimensions | See details |
Materials | See details |
Model Number | BPZR9813-5 |
Customer Reviews
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- Most Helpful
- Most Recent
Sassy Ring Very pretty , love it ! Fit perfectly
Read MoreJanne M. May 5, 2015 - Helpful 0
- Not Helpful 0
- Flag as Inappropriate
beautiful I like it, not love because I still haven't worn it as yet
Read MoreEna S. Apr 30, 2015 - Helpful 0
- Not Helpful 0
- Flag as Inappropriate
desiree it turned my finger green
Read MoreDesiree L. Apr 27, 2015 - Helpful 0
- Not Helpful 0
- Flag as Inappropriate
Nice but... This is a nice set but...a little unbelievable.
Read MoreRONDA T. Apr 26, 2015 - Helpful 0
- Not Helpful 0
- Flag as Inappropriate
Dannie I love the ring. It is beautiful, it shines and sparkles like the real thing. You must see it to appreciate it. Would highly recommend this ring. I have gotten a lot of complements from people who think its the real thing. Love it!
Read MoreDaniela T. Apr 23, 2015 - Helpful 0
- Not Helpful 0
- Flag as Inappropriate
Gorgeous This ring is gorgeous! It has fooled a lot of people; especially the 2 bands that are with it. I wear a size 4-1/2 so I had to buy a size 5 and it's big on me. The styling is gorgeous and it's the stones are just the right size to look authentic. Love this ring!
Read Moregomuskies Dec 24, 2011 - Helpful 19
- Not Helpful 0
- Flag as Inappropriate
prettier than photo & even better than Id imagined I have gotten some CZ rings in the past that scream "CZ" or "fake" either because of something not so great in the cut, or most especially in the obvious either 'whiteness' or even 'glassiness' of the stone, and the bigger the stone, the more obvious the fakey-ness has been, so it seems. So when I was thinking about this ring, and the give-or-take-2 carat main stone setting, I really expected it to look like a CZ. But, I loved the set, what with the two smaller stone bands and then the center one with the baguettes and main stone -- it reminded me of my real wedding set that was stolen and which I could now never, ever afford to replace but which I miss incredibly. I have looked and looked for CZ or even lab-created diamond sets just like this, hoping to replace my stolen set, but to no avail -- until now at Overstock!! And then with the incredibly low price I just couldn't believe it, but I also felt like, 'oh well, even if the set looks fake at least I haven't lost alot of money..." But to be honest, I could NOT love this set more!!! I was amazed at how gorgeous it is, how realistic the entire set looks, how it sparkles like crazy, and what good quality it is, especially for the price!!! I'm in love with it, and I also adore the fact that it looks so beautiful on my finger -- speaking of which, I was afraid it might be too big or bulky, as I have thin little fingers, but it absolutely does not; it is actually quite delicate, and it is also very comfortable. I can't recommend this enough! or thank Overstock enough for finally providing me with such a beautiful copy of my lost wedding set!
Read Morezipporika Mar 2, 2013 - Helpful 18
- Not Helpful 0
- Flag as Inappropriate
3 piece ring This ring is more beautiful in person, lots of sparkle. I wear the two bands for work since I work in a hospital. If you have wider knuckles, it's more snug when you wear all three.
Read Moredbom1987 Feb 26, 2013 - Helpful 9
- Not Helpful 0
- Flag as Inappropriate
cz Stonez Rhodiumplated Cubic Zirconia 3ct TGW Only wore it for a couple days and the finish started coming off. This is not an all day everyday wear. I wear my rings doing everything - dishes, showers, laundary, etc. If you take your rings off all the time it might last longer
Read Moreraceastar Feb 1, 2014 - Helpful 8
- Not Helpful 1
- Flag as Inappropriate
Better with Time When I first opened the box it was very pretty but you could tell it wasn't real. Which was fine. It fit perfectly. I keep it on as I shower and wash dishes and for some reason I prefer it more now than in the beginning, it has gotten a more "real" and "worn" look as time goes on, but in a good way!
Read Moreopenmind101 May 10, 2012 - Helpful 6
- Not Helpful 0
- Flag as Inappropriate
Questions & Answers
Hello mrs GHARTEY15, you will be contacted by Customer Care. Have a great day.
will this ring turn your finger green? and how do you clean rose gold
Hello mary h., product should not come in contact with water. Sweat can also stain the material and turn the finger green. Best to clean the ring with a dry cloth after every wear. Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Why did you choose this product?
It was so beautiful and it reminds me of my mothers
Reasonably priced and very pretty.
I love the way it looks, and the reviews it received.
Just wanted to change my wedding set.
its pretty
i have bought 3 engagement rings since November 2014 for my fiancee. None of them have lasted more than 3 weeks. I think she will love this ring. I like the warranty that i purchased where as the other rings didnt come with. Hopefully this will be the last set I will have to buy
Same info as the other ring.
A relative seen the one that I purchase for my daughter and wanted one just like it for non=everyday wear. Beautiful ring.
because it look good
the design is beautiful.
design is so beautiful
Wanted something beautiful and inexpensive
Liked it!
Cause I liked it
no reason at this time
Different style
Need a extra set and this is the one I liked best.
I liked the way it looked and it was cheap
nice look
Sizes please
Hello shipwrecked#1, you can view the options and sizes on the right side of the screen where it says "Options" and select an option with a drop down menu. I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any additional questions. Thank you for shopping with us!
is there a way o get this ring but with different color stones or any of the sets
Hello lizandcandice1, this ring is only sold as is. We are unable to change the stones. Thank you for shopping with us! a.c.
If i buy this ring and it does not fit me, can i return it for a full refund?
Hello nbaroza93, we strongly suggest that you review the sizing information on the bottom of the Product Details tab. Knowing your size will prevent a mistake. We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. I'm providing our return policy here for you with regards to the jewelery purchase and a full refund request. Please review: https://help.overstock.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/192 If you have other questions or concerns, please contact us. Thank you for shopping with Overstock. Rochelle B
Hello - I want the rose gold ring but, it does not give me the option to purchase it. Do you know if that is in stock and if it isn't, can I be notified when it does come in?
Thank you for contacting us dduerr. Unfortunately the Rose Gold is not available at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience we might have caused. I attached below the link to some others that you might like. Please let us know if you have any further questions. http://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Cubic-Zirconia/16062/subcat.html
Rose Gold is sadly not available at this time.
A real rose gold is nice, but the applied rose gold finish does not last. I have a ring that started rose gold overlay but is now pale yellow gold.
Is the 18k gold / sliver dose that mean the ring is sliver dipped in gold?
my understanding it is brass and dipped in silver, already turning dark, loosing silver look pretty ring, but would not buy again
Well mine is Great, Put clear finger nail polish on it to keep the shine.. mine is Plain silver and it is so Pretty
Hello srsl, Thank you for inquiring ab out the Icz Stonez Rhodiumplated Cubic Zirconia 3ct TGW Bridal Ring Set. It is brass dipped in Rhodium, which is like silver with higher resistance to scratches. and keeps its shine. Thank you for shopping with us.
does it I would love too know
This is pretty for a month or so, but it will turn grey eventually.
My ring started changing colors after about 6 months of continuous wear, I did not add clear nail polish as it would peel as well.
hello want to get it but is it one ring or three pieces
3 pieces. i just got mine today. I don't like it - I ordered the gold - looks completely fake and cheesy
Three pieces and I love it
Loved this ring, 3 pieces
3 pieces, I love it!!
I have it in silver - very pretty - a little large, but ok
It is a 3 piece set
3 pieces-will change color on you if you wear every day and the stones get dull.
it comes in three pieces; don't order this ring - the stones are dull and without any luster at all.
Will this ring turn my finger green if I where it to much?
Thank you for your question, kateykatexoxo. Not right away, as is is coated with Rhodium. But as the rhodium wears off, it probably will. So it is advisable to have a jeweler re-coat the ring occasionally. I hope this helps, and thanks for shopping with us.
how often does it need coated?
Hello, Rhodium plating should last roughly a year before the plating will be noticeably diminished. The actual layer of rhodium applied in the plating process is microscopic. The rhodium plating will eventually wear off every ring it is applied to. Typically it is near the bottom of the ring where the loss of the plating will first be noticeable The top area of the ring and areas with diamonds or engraving, etc. will retain the rhodium finish longer as these areas are less prone to wear and tear. Other variables such as Individual body chemistry, occupational and life style wear and tear can also affect the longevity of the rhodium finish.
I wore it for 2 weeks straight, in water and out, with no color on my finger.
I wore it everyday without getting a green finger, but the plating peels off after a while.
is this an everydat wear, or will it turn?
Hello aprater1211, This ring is beautiful! You can wear this every day as rhodium is very durable and is extremely durable, resistant to corrosion, tarnish and scratches. I hope this helps. Thanks for shopping with us.
I wear it for everyday..wash my hands often..I bought it for wearing just the bands
No not for everyday, it will turn. I wore it everyday washed hands a lot and used a hand sanitizer.
Shopping Guides
What to Wear with a Cubic Zirconia Cocktail Ring
Right now one of the trendiest pieces of jewelry is the cocktail ring. Cubic zirconia cocktail rings allow women to indulge in extravagant rings without emptying their bank accounts. Cubic zirconia rings are available in a range of styles and each is very durable. High-quality cubic zirconia cocktail rings can be found in every price range. You can choose from cubic zirconia rings with sparkling clear stones or colorful gems set in sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold or gold-plated silver. Now that you are aware of the many stylish options available in cubic zirconia jewelry, use these tips to fashionably pair cocktail rings with the clothing and jewelry you already own.
Top 5 Cubic Zirconia Rings
Owning even just one shiny, glittering ring gives you a whole new world of style options. Sparkly rings are essential when you are dressing up for a party, but they look just as fabulous with your favorite pair of worn jeans. You don't have to splurge on diamonds to add shimmery jewelry to your collection. Cubic zirconia rings can be just as lovely as rings embellished with more expensive gemstones. Cubic zirconias look just like diamonds when viewed with the naked eye, but they are grown in a lab. This makes cubic zirconia rings much more affordable than other types of gemstone jewelry. A wide selection of cubic zirconia jewelry awaits you at Overstock.com. Allow us to narrow down the choices with a few of our favorite pieces of fashion jewelry.
Tips on Wearing Cubic Zirconia Rings
If you're looking for sparkle on a budget, consider cubic zirconia rings. Cubic zirconias are beautiful gemstones that show well in all types of jewelry. Sometimes abbreviated as CZ, a cubic zirconia is a synthetic diamond gemstone. Cubic zirconia jewelry is popular for its affordability, flawless appearance and versatility. These rings are lovely and stunning and come in many varieties, including stackable rings, cocktail rings, engagement rings, promise rings and big, beautiful solitaires.
How to Care for Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Cubic zirconias are beautiful and brilliant, making them well-suited for use in jewelry. They are also affordable diamond alternatives because they are created in a lab and, in many cases, must be tested in a lab to determine whether a stone is a diamond or a cubic zirconia, also known as a CZ. Cubic zirconia jewelry is quite easy to care for and doesn't scratch easily, but there are a few things you can do to keep your cubic zirconia rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces looking their best.
FAQs about Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Cubic zirconia jewelry gives you the sparkle of gorgeous gems without the high price tag. But cubic zirconia jewelry is not simply cheap jewelry; it is lab-created, yet durable and beautiful. If you're not sure if CZ jewelry is for you, read these answers to the most frequently asked questions about it, so you can learn more about the sparkling synthetic gemstone and shop with confidence for the pieces that are perfect for your style and budget.
Top 5 Settings for Cubic Zirconia Rings
Inject more sparkle into your life with cubic zirconia rings. CZ rings are gorgeous and durable, yet they are more affordable than diamond and gemstone rings. Cubic zirconias look just like diamonds; it takes a trained gemologist to tell the difference between the two stones. Cubic zirconia rings make beautiful and budget-friendly engagement rings, as well as stunning fashion jewelry. You can buy cubic zirconia jewelry for yourself or for a loved one, but before you shop, consider these tips on CZ ring settings.
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Monday, October 08, 2012 at 10:16 AM
Motherhood Mondays: Toddler activities?
Toby went to preschool this summer, which was great, but when we were about to sign him up for the fall, we realized that the year-round program costs $53/hour! Can you believe that? Curses, NYC! Needless to say, we didn't sign him up, and instead figured we would just do cool activities with his friends a couple mornings a week.
Specificially, every Morning morning, he goes to the apartment of his best lady friend (who was also his first kiss!), and they do fun stuff. First, they baked banana/blueberry muffins. The second week, they made guacamole, below. The third week, we're planning to carve pumpkins.
Any other ideas for fun toddler activities? Art projects perhaps? Or a jam session with instruments? A parachute could be fun! What do you do with your little ones? Do any of you guys homeschool or teach preschool? Thank you SO much for any ideas! xoxo
P.S. Speaking of documentaries, there's a crazy (but true) one about NYC preschools.
160 comments:
- janepeepshow said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- Kirsteen said...
I love his face in the bottom photo!
My toddler loves anything involving sand!! We also love trips to the library, and little walks -collecting leaves to bring home is one of his favourite activities at the moment. - 10:20 AM
- Barb said...
i love how seriously they are taking their tasks! so cute, and a great idea to teach those little guys through real-life activities.
- Rachel B.C. said...
This is the most adorable thing ever.
- Petya K. Grady said...
Oh, Joanna, what wouldn't I give for a Monday morning guacamole making session with my best friend?!
- Nicole FR said...
Adorbale. Marbleized paper is always a hit! ( http://unplugyourkids.com/2009/02/02/marbelized-paper/ )
Also - when I was little, I would make cornbread muffins with my mom (I'll link her recipe on my blog: http://embarcando.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/cornbread-development/) but would add food coloring to make different colored layers. - 10:26 AM
- Zoë said...
Toby's face is hilarious in the last photo. He looks disgusted with either the guacamole or the fact that he's been reduced to making the guacamole. There's nothing wrong with guacamole-making, Toby! :)
- ELLEN WOONT said...
Painting t-shirts!
- Lady Calgary said...
I recently wrote a post about picture books with recipes in them: http://www.ladycalgary.com/2012/10/books-for-kids-picture-books-recipes.html
Love this idea of reading a book and then making whatever it is that's featured in the book (another example is P. Sturges "the little red hen (makes a pizza)"
And I second the idea of going to the library. I work at the library in Calgary and love it when families come regularly - once a week to get seven books, one book a day for the next seven bedtimes. Then you also return your seven books the next time you go so you stay on top of your due dates and don't get any overdue fines! :) - 10:28 AM
- Anitra Sweet said...
Our library has a weekly movement and music class for toddlers that is free. Not sure if NYC has that. It's only a half hour but then we pick out books afterwards and go out to lunch along the way. It will take up a whole morning!
- barbarasmithwilke.com said...
We did "preschool" at home with my now 5 year old, with the same kind of stuff, baking, cooking, "gluing and sticking", simple montessori/waldorf/reggio emilia stuff. And then we just signed her up for classes around the city-- dance/music/art/etc-- with the park district and Old Town School of Folk Music here in Chicago. The Chicago park district also offers super cheap neighborhood "preschool" for something like less than $200 a "semester". (not sure why I am quoting so much, I guess because we're talking about such little ones here lol) Does NYC have something similar?
What cuties...you should definitely get them butchering lamb chops or making goats cheese some time soon ;) - 10:30 AM
- JeNifer said...
Toby handles a knife so much better than me! I'm actually scared to cut things like that, hah! Great job, Toby! You look like a pro. :)
- Diana Mieczan said...
How sweet! What a great idea for kiddo-fun! My friend runs a little cooking group for kids every Wednesday and she also has a cool activity class with them on Fridays. Last week they made colourful baked and scented playdough(cinnamon and vanilla). They used it to create animals, letters and necklaces. Another thing: leaves collage. Kids love them! xoxo
- Liz Lauren said...
so cute! love this idea...I babysit for 4 kids and love doing activities with them!
http://lavieenliz.com - 10:34 AM
- Miss Ryan said...
There's a wonderful progamme over here in the UK on the BBC called 'I Can Cook'. The presenter works with small children to make all manner of different sweet and savoury foods in a really child-adapted manner. It is wonderful! The books are available on Amazon or you can find some recipes here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/i-can-cook I can vouch that everything is yummy!
- Miss Ryan said...
I can also recommend The Imagination Tree for lovely ideas: http://www.theimaginationtree.com/
- S.E.Minegar said...
Their faces are adorable! Toby is so intent and focused. My mom has my nephews a couple times a week. She often helps the boys make cut out cookies and decorate them, does foam sticker crafts (like making visors or masks...the key is the sticker option, no glue),or has sing-along time. My grandma used to make homemade play doh with us.
http://www.amazon.com/Foam-Zoo-Animal-Visor-Craft/dp/B001B7Y3PO/ref=sr_1_4?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1349706670&sr=1-4&keywords=foam+visor+craft - 10:35 AM
- Jamie B said...
Hey Joanna!
My sister-in-law Amanda just finished a Masters Degree in child psych and her undergrad was in psych and art history. Her son, Max, is 2 and she has a craft and art site for kids that is great. She's also a teacher at a Montessori school, so the crafts cross into different school subjects. Check out http://weeheartart.blogspot.com/ if you have some time to see her super creative and educational ideas, all kid-tested.
Good luck!
Jamie - 10:37 AM
- Miss Ryan said...
I never thought of taking seven books for seven days! What a good idea - I'll be doing this on Wednesday with my little girl :)
- Janssen said...
I run a little music group for toddlers (free) at my house once a week and it's a HUGE hit. I wrote about it here: http://www.everyday-reading.com/search/label/Toddler%20Music%20Group
- Sarah Tucker said...
Oh little Toby is so precious! $53/hour is insane! Quality time with his gal-pal is much better anyways ;)
-Sarah - 10:40 AM
- Nicole said...
Years ago I was an early-childhood teacher at the Philadelphia Zoo. We had workshop series that parents could bring their little toddlers to weekly over the course of a month or so. There would be a song, live animals for touching and learning about and a craft. Most of the families were ones that were skipping preschool. I'm sure the NY museums/zoos have stuff like that too
- Livyb said...
Gah! Those two littles just made my Monday morning. So very, very sweet. Thanks for sharing, Joanna.
- Diana said...
Bird feeder. cover pinecone in peanut butter and roll in seeds :)
- MaxxSilly said...
My son has been fascinated by putting pipe cleaners in the holes in the colander. We are also big craft people in this house. Stringing beads. Coloring and anything with foam stickers is a hit. Good luck!
- Elisa Shere said...
$53 an hour is crazy!!! I have a little one about the same age and he's too young for preschool here in Seattle (they have to be 30 months, sometimes by August). But, we do LOTS of fun stuff. We go to the park almost everyday, playdates with friends (a friend's toys are fun), community toddler gym, cafes with play areas, lots of art activities like painting, playdoh and drawing, gardening, going on walks and seeing our neighbor's chickens, the sculpture park, the beach, lots of books. One of my favorite tricks though, on rainy days is to fill a big casserole dish with rice or oatmeal and then hide small toys in it. It's a fun game for him. Plus probably many more I'm not even thinking of. Good luck having fun with your guy!
- newmamasarah said...
That is CRAZY expensive! Try scoping out local libraries for free story times.. sometimes they even throw in a craft or activity.
I have taught pre-k for many years and I'd invest in an easel/paints/chalk (ikea-super reasonable) with a huge roll of paper. Maybe a pop up tent (space saving.. they like sitting in there reading, playing- very fort-like). Parachutes are always a big hit, esp if he has some kiddo friends to play with.. throw a ball in the middle of the parachute and watch it bounce- endless amusement for that age.
I like the idea of keeping some sort of routine- Mondays we go to your friends house, Tuesdays, the library, Wednesday- we make music (staple two paper plates together with noodles inside- instant tambourine), etc. Keeps some consistency and might make it easier for you to plan out some cool activities. - 10:45 AM
- Katie said...
They look like they're really enjoying baking! I'm starting a new job working in childcare and have dedicated a pinterest folder for activities http://pinterest.com/ktea/3bears/
other great inspiration blogs:
Hope you guys find something fun!xx - 10:45 AM
- Gabriella Darmasaputra said...
uhhh toby is so cute! he's like a little tiny adult. and those eyebrows!
- Kirsten said...
My mom used to put my brother and me in the bath tub with washable paints (from Toys R Us, probably) and let us paint the tub, each other, etc. It was SO much fun!
When it was over, just turn on the shower : )
mylifetintedpink.blogspot.com - 10:49 AM
- Nadia Ivanova said...
Hey Joanna,
Isn't Toby the cutest?
I am a Beaver Scout Leader (so ages 6 to 8) - a bit older than what you are looking for, I suppose but some of the ideas could be done by little ones too!
Now that autumn is here one actvity I recommend is making autumn place mats! You need colorful paper A4, some PVA ot other glue, and a laminator (or a place which would laminate pages for you - stationery stores normally do that).
Toby and his friends need to go for a stroll and collect some autumn leaves). Then they can paint a picture (or simply do some scribblings on the colorful sheets of paper) and then glue the leaves to the picture - with or without a pattern. Laminate the ready (dried - esp if you use PVA glue which is more watery that the rest) product and voilà - you have a great autumn place mat for him to look at while eating (and hopefully, it will keep the mess controlled).
Hope this helps.
Regards from Gibraltar and kiss for Toby,
Nadia - 10:50 AM
- Danielle said...
I ran camps for two and three years olds for two summers, then taught a semester of pre-school (twos and threes, and threes-fives on Fridays). We did weekly themes (normally seasonal), and did one or two crafts projects a day, a couple of books, lots of freeplay, and lots of dancing/singing. For the season, I'd suggest apple prints, tissue paper trees, pumpkin painting/pumpkin seed baking, bird feeders (pinecones with peanut butter, seeds, etc.), painting bird houses, leaf prints, etc. I love that you guys are cooking! I rarely did that with the kids, but they LOVED it. Do you think Toby would like pomegranates? They seem like they'd be fun for kids :)
- Elisa Shere said...
I wanted to add that I'm excited to see everyone's ideas :) also, yes to free story time at the library. That's a great one!
- allyson mae said...
i made cloud dough for my son (3.5) and nephwew (2.5). they loved it! it's basically flour + baby oil. it is mold-able but soft. caution: it's messy! (but fun). i also like science related projects like baking soda + vinegar + food coloring (volcanos). have fun!!
- ordinette said...
keep children busy is the best education. Have a great day
laura - 10:51 AM
- Lindsay Meyer-Harley said...
Hi Joanna!
Isn't NYC totally insane? I feel ya. Juliette goes to a daycare/preschool that's affordable (thank god) and though I have those pangs of "is she missing out by not going to some spendy preschool with the perfect gym & art room?" I have to calm my nerves and say to myself that she's a happy, thriving 3 year old and it's okay that she doesn't go to a mini harvard to grow into a productive, happy adult. ha.
We are looking into some classes at the Y. I am a believer in not going overboard with activities, let kids be kids and enjoying discovering what interests them without pushing it on them too much. So we are likely to pick 1 or 2 at most. They are super affordable and I hear pretty good things about them. Look into that!
Other activities, kids like continuity, so by having "Art Day" or "Cooking Day" I think you can make regular activities exciting and something to look forward to. Talking about it the night before, giving them something to look forward to. It also gives their week a sense of order which school would have done.
Good luck. Those photos are just precious!!!!
www.darlingclementineshop.com - 10:53 AM
- Emma said...
I love the picture of the two of them holding knives. When I lived in Germany as a kid the Kindergarden had "Rohkost" hour which basically taught kids to use (not-too-sharp) knives and start cutting up their own vegetables. Carrots, cukes, kohlrabi, the works. I think it really teaches them early on some pretty vital skills that often get overlooked.
- Mad Max and Family said...
So cute! I need to do more baking / cooking with my Mad Max (21 months). I work full-time (art teacher) so I'm mostly only w/ him on weekends and our breaks (breaks are GREAT!).
I write about a lot of our activities and projects on our blog, but Max takes music class and soccer class. And we've tried swimming too.
I love taking him to museums, other cultural institutions, and events in the city (Houston).
As far as art activities ... we color a lot and do sculpture (play-doh), and I just bought him a finger painting kit for Halloween! I can't wait to try it with him. I'm going to start doing more arts with him now that he's getting older and doesn't eat everything. My Mom / MIL help with watching him, and they started doing a lot of cutting and pasting activities. He made a Halloween pumpkin out of construction paper. I could go on and on w/ ideas though!
In the summertime, I have a set (yet flexible) schedule with him during the week days. Monday was literacy day (Library Time) for example...and we had Artful Thursdays (most museums here on free on Thursday).
Good luck!
http://blog.chron.com/madabouttown/ - 11:01 AM
- Bluebells and Lavender said...
How about buying a few canvasses and getting the children to paint their masterpieces??? Too messy, how about planting herbs/seeds for the kitchen garden? Have a great week! Sharon
- Jill said...
When snowed in last winter and couldn't make it to preschool:
We dyed pasta different colors in zip lock bags and then used the penne and other tubular shaped noodles and yarn to make necklaces.
Paper plates are a great resource for arts and crafts - you can cut various shapes out of black paper, have them paint paper plates orange and use glue sticks to paste the shapes onto them (making their own jack-o-lantern faces).
You can collect leaves and do leaf-shading with crayons.
My kid loves getting her stickers and paints out and decorating rocks that we collect on walks and/or trips to the beach.
You could cut apples/potatoes to make home-made stamps and have them "paint" this way. - 11:05 AM
- sip-n-wear said...
let them paint! they should love that! how cute!!
- dc said...
Nature walks to collect fall leave to iron between waxed paper or make maple leaf crowns. To bad you don't live in my town, our gardens have great inexpensive youth programs: http://www.fcgov.com/gardens/programsspecial-events/youth-programs--birthday-parties
- natalienoods said...
As a nanny/baby-sitter for more than half my life (woo!), here's what I've got for you: kiss cookies (with hershey kisses) are great for little helpers (rolling the dough in sugar, unwrapping all the kisses, pressing on kisses), fishing for magnets in the bathtub, bubbles (always bubbles!), marking cards for friends/family, fruit salad "art" on paper plates, handprint ornaments, hide-the-button and have them search, fort building....it goes on forever! 2-4 is such a great age for imagination play, have so much fun!!
- Kat said...
Make Gak (http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/glue-borax-gak). My 2 year old LOVES it. It is surprisingly clean.
- laurie anne said...
http://madebyjoel.com/ has tons of stuff to do with kids!
- Julia said...
I was going to write a long list of idea. But to keep it short and sweet..here's my pinterest board of ideas! http://pinterest.com/julia_f/sensory-learning/
we make a lot of cookie mixes and pudding mixes at our house. the recipes are simple for kids to follow and they get to help with the whole process. I also keep all of my scrap craft paper for them to glue, cut (with safety scissors) and glitter.
Sounds so fun! I can't imagine paying that much!! My daughter goes to a parents morning out 1x a week and it is $4 an hour! - 11:11 AM
- wmbg. said...
toby is so adorable!
- CFunk said...
Oh my gosh, Toby's eyebrows just slay me! He is the cutest, Jo.
- Eugy said...
These photos are darling! I can't wait to bake with my little boy.
$53?!? :( We're in NYC also and always on the look out for fun and affordable (or free!) things to do. For the past two months we've been checking out all the wonderful free baby and toddler classes at our local libraries in Harlem. Bilingual Birdies (last month was French, this month Spanish) and the combined story time and music classes (songs with musical instruments) is a huge hit!
I'm sure the libraries in your area have similar classes that Toby might enjoy with his girlfriend. :) - 11:16 AM
- Lil T said...
Build terrariums?! Go on a scavenger hunt for different kinds of leaves before its too too cold.
- Mademoiselle Michael said...
There's a French documentary called "Etre et Avoir" (To be and to have) about a brilliant teacher in a one room school house. Perhaps you've seen it? If not, you MUST. The students are 4 to 11-years-old. Obviously older than toddlers, but it's beautiful and amazing. There's certainly material that would be helpful and insightful.
- Maria said...
We're welcoming a little one into our family in March so I'd be very interested to read everyone's suggestions!
Maria xx
- Julia said...
Oh and I thought of one more! Bead necklaces are easy to make and so cute http://www.lifeonchurchill.com/2012/08/diy-wood-bead-necklaces.html
- sarah.oblenes said...
- Mini Beast Hunting! aka searching for bugs :) Get some of those little bug boxes with a magnifier cover and search through the park
- Grow an herb garden
- The Art of Construction by Mario Salvadori is meant for elementary age but I'm sure some of the models could be modified
- Mixing corn starch and water is also a lot of fun... test it out :) - 11:34 AM
- E. and Baby P. said...
i'm really confused how any preschool program could cost $53/hr! is that a typo?
how about a trip to the library? there's usually a reading time in the morning. also, at my son's preschool, they do monthly field trips like even going to the local supermarket or the local bakery. - 11:35 AM
- Lynn said...
Have you considered doing a Toddlers and Baking show? I think it would be a big hit!
- rachelthat said...
Baking soda + vinegar volcano!
If he has any toy dinosaurs he can put them at the base of the volcano and recreate a possible extinction scenario. - 11:56 AM
- Jessie Knadler said...
SUCH a bummer about the $53 per hour pre-school. Where I live in rural Virginia, we can send our 2 yo to Montessori all day (8:30 - 5 - we both work fulltime) for just under $1,000 a month. She adores it there and is getting first rate learning experience. There are some perks to living outside of a major metropolis!
- Daisy Whitaker said...
Home made play dough is so much fun - the making as much fun as the playing...!
http://mommyfootprint.com/the-perfect-home-made-play-dough-recipe/ - 11:59 AM
- Robyn said...
fab! growing plants/herbs. minibast hunt. like the baking / cooking theme-can do lots-like smoothies, worms in mud (chocolate pudding with gummy worms in it), healthy sandwiches (with faces) etc. junk modelling of minibeasts/robots/castle. lots of gutting and pasting, dancing, playing in sand pits (at the park) . Make own instruments with dried beans/ lentils etc-use these for music etc. Oh-so much fun...sure there are loads of ideas out there. the BBC has some great dance/keep fit things/clips out there for young children.
enjoy enjoy! - 12:02 PM
- Allison Nimlos said...
NYC schools (pre-school on up) is the main reason why I refuse to move back to the city. I know Westchester (where my husband and I live) isn't much better, but I know the school system is a little easier to manage. NYC is lovely, but the stressful aspects of it just aren't worth it IMO. I much prefer to visit regularly than to put up with the craziness!
- A Place to Bee said...
I can recommend I Can Cook too! Here in the UK we also have 'Mr Maker' a TV programme all about making stuff from all kinds of household materials (dishcloths, rubbers etc) - easy cheap and fun. My two (aged 3 and 5.5) love anything which involves glue and glitter!
Time home with mummy and/or a best friend is definatly a great idea, especially if they are bonding with a good friend, and time spent in a larger group could help with the sharing and socialising side of things..at least, my two definately needed it! :) One mum locally hosts weekly toddler music classes in her home and its very popular - maybe you could get together with other local mums and form a larger group where you alternate hosting a toddler group in each others homes?
www.bakerross.co.uk has a zillion craft ideas for kids - hopefully you'll find lots of inspiration there!
- lg said...
Make some play dough: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Playdough-Play-doh/
It is safe, fun and kids can play with it for a long time.
Also you can build a house/fort with a few chairs and blankets.... who does not love that?
- M. Crane said...
Books, books, books! It's never to early to be encouraging a love for reading. There could be a theme each week - space, animals, shapes, transportation....check out/borrow as many books as you can on these, then have them available for toddlers. Do one "guided" readaloud where the kids are listening to the book and ask them predictions or comprehension questions along the way (at their level, of course.) Then have the rest of the books for the kids to explore and "read" on their own! They could do activities to correspond with the theme: baking, an art project, a song....can you tell I'm an elementary school teacher? :-)
- Sascha Anderson said...
This is the one thing I dread once we start to raise kids here in the city-- the crazy cost of childcare and the even crazier competitiveness of pre-school. As of now, my husband and I are planning to move out of the city before school age for this reason--well, that and we'd like to farm and make cheese, which is a little bit easier outside of the city :). I love seeing that you've found a common sense solution, though-- very encouraging!
- Amy Archer said...
when i was little, a few moms in the neighborhood would do something similar. we would rotate houses each morning. for example, all the kids were at my house one morning, then the next we were at a different kids house, then the next day a different one. we would do things like bake, have an exercise day etc. it was a lot of fun and i actually met my best friend there. :)
- Cherry Blossoms said...
Holy Moly! I don't care how much people make or how great of a school but $53 an HOUR for a preschooler is INSANE!!! I love the idea you have come up with by getting together each week with other kids and doing your own activities. I am preschool teacher at a private Catholic preschool in Austin and I about fell over when I read $53!
A fun activity that I love doing with the little ones is take a foot or hand prints and turn it into say a ghost for Halloween or a hand print and turn it into a turkey for thanksgiving. The parents love these type of projects. Plus, they make cute framed holiday decor. - 12:25 PM
- Cherry Blossoms said...
oh and for physical exercise chasing bubbles out of a bubble machine is a fun activity to get the wiggles out!
- All about lady Things said...
They're so cute *.*
- Catie Cap said...
That's such a great idea for your little boy! I am a Pre-K teacher now and used to teach in a 2 & 3 year old room at a daycare, so I have a couple of ideas to share that you might like! My kiddos always loved the water table! You could go around your apartment and find a whole bunch of things to figure out if they will sink, or float. Get a big bucket of water (or plug your bathtub!!!) and watch as blocks will sink, but maybe your favorite binky will float!
Toddlers love getting their hands dirty, and sensory experience is so important for them! You could (mess alert) get either flour or shaving cream and put some on a tray or an easily cleaned table or counter and just let them move their fingers around in it, making shapes, pictures, etc. Show him what his name looks like, and more!
Finally, my absolute favorite is making homemade playdough! Here is a recipe for no-cook playdough that I love: http://prekinders.com/play-dough-recipes/. Playdough like this is the best because you can absolutely have Toby help you measure and pour, AND if they eat it, it's alright because it's mostly salt (ew!). It also keeps for a couple of weeks in a ziplock bag.
Hope those helped, and good luck!! :)
Cate - 12:43 PM
- Posh Pearl said...
- Lauren Ashley said...
I love how concentrated they look - so much focus!
- Courtney said...
Those pictures are the cutest!!
- Samantha said...
I sure hope there is a round up post on all the great ideas you get.
- fillthewell said...
Hah, I thought the same thing. In that picture, he looks like a miniature Food Network chef.
- Abbie said...
Sad isn't it. But totally true. I'm sure many cost even more!
- Sennie said...
We homeschool, too. Mine are 8th graders and a first grader. There are so many homeschool blogs with fantastic ideas. I'd check www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com for a list. Have fun!!
- Fancy Pants said...
Ack! I'm sooo not ready to event think about the pre-school costs (I'm due with my first in a month!) but I love the idea of the toddler activities regularly with friends. I also suggest finger-painting (with edible finger paint), story hours and singalongs and "treasure hunts" outside. Works really well with my niece. She can spend HOURS looking for 1 pink thing, 1 shiny thing..etc.
- tamara said...
Maybe look into weekly programs like gymnastics classes, music and movement, etc. I nannied for a little boy who I took to different classes that he really enjoyed, and those are fun ways to get out of the house for an hour or so. I would guess these work out to a lot cheaper than $50/hour!
- Kate Uhry said...
53-Ouch. I used to teach preschool. So many fun art activities (if whoever is caregiving is up for it! ) Keep it fairly simple-playdough, finger painting (yikes). Just hang a clothesline to hang the artwork on. Invest in butcher rolls of paper to cover tables (than you just throw it out when it's done) Us old t-shirts instead of smocks (they cover the whole toddler). Instead of a "water table" buy some large rubbermaid containers, and fill with water, and water toys). You can keep the lid on when you don't use it.
- Christa said...
Joanna- Fill an under the bed storage container with playground sand or mulch. Then, bury things in the sand (fake bugs, toy cars, etc). Give the kids some tools like little shovels / magnifying glasses etc and let them explore. It's great fun!
- Liz said...
They are such darlings!! I'm dying.
- Nina Leung said...
I had a very regimented schedule with my toddler before he started preschool. Mondays: Music class (a great local guy here in Berkeley who writes his own amazing music, jsom.com ), Tuesdays: playdate with friends at local parks, Wednesdays: Swim Class at the Y, Thursdays: Our own Art day (I'm an artist) doing printmaking (monoprints usually), painting, cutting with scissors to make collages, gluing, etc. and Fridays: Nature Walk with friends with a new craft by each Mom every week. It was busy, but boy did he sleep well in the afternoon while I got a good breather! There is so much to do with this age and it only gets better as they get older. It's amazing to watching them accomplish new tasks.
- lea said...
My friend and I started a program called Guardians of the City where we go around to schools (for free - they just have to help provide the art supplies!) and we make up superheroes with the kids to protect their neighborhoods and then we make street art with the kids and basically bring their superheroes to life :) It's a really fun project (for both us and the kids) and they get to see their art in the city!
- collette said...
Adorable! I just have to applaud you not sending him to preschool just because "everyone else does". We looked at preschool at 3, but it would have cost $50 more a week and our nanny is quite good at doing all the stuff with my son they would do anyway! Now that my daughter's 4, she goes to 4K for free one day, and we pay for half-day daycare, and it is so nice. You are lucky your career affords you this flexibility!
- jamie said...
You may already know this blog and maybe it's been mentioned but just in case - I don't even have kids, and I'm addicted to reading this amazing blog full of wonderful creative ideas for toddlers!!
http://tinkerlab.com/ - 1:55 PM
- MJ said...
Hey Joanna,
Since you talk so honestly about so many things on your blog (including topics related to your blog), my friend and I have a question. Did you ever question whether you should post so many photos of Toby on the blog? Do your friends ever ask that their kids not be pictured? Just wondering! - 1:56 PM
- Shawn said...
- lessthanperfectmama.com said...
Playdough is a big activity around here, as is baking. You can also make age-appropriate scavenger hunts with little prizes for the winner (stickers or mini M&Ms).
- Cinzia In Italia said...
I just watched that documentary last night. Insane!
- jenbeth said...
Since Halloween is coming up, have them decorate/color their own masks that you can just cut out of cardboard or construction paper. Or you could cut wholes for eyes and mouth in a brown paper bag and they can decorate those as a mask!
- Gretchen said...
My good friend and one of her friends recently put together this great blog and quarterly publication of fun, easy crafts and activities to do with little ones http://www.craftingconnections.net/. I'd recommend checking it out!
- Wendy said...
"Lady friend" I lol'd.
In Florida, we have a lot more year round options due to the weather, so parks for ducks, lakes for tadpoles and turtles and the beach for shells can be ventured to on almost any given day. I haven't read the other comments but for cooler, windy weather kites are always fun. Regular trips to the library for story time are great, too. - 2:35 PM
- Tracy Fontaine said...
Paper airplanes! I knew a little boy of a similar age as Toby who just adored coloring the paper, folding it into the plane, and competing to see whose flew furthest.
From my Montessori days, I also suggest simple sewing projects and polishing silver. - 3:13 PM
- Justin + Liesl said...
How totally and completely darling. and that price?? Outrageous!?!?! What will it be when I have kids I wonder??? Better set up a savings now. Thanks for the post! Sounds like a fun time!
woodsy-soiree.blogspot.com - 3:27 PM
- me said...
potato prints! On paper, t-shirts, your walls...
- Ella said...
this post reminds me so much of this book, kitchen playdates! http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Playdates-Entertaining-Delicious-Recipes/dp/B0030ILWH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349728671&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Playdate
- Julie said...
sooo sweet!
www.yuliamoscow.com - 4:51 PM
- megan said...
Nature walks- walk with a small bucket find little things like leaves and rocks, can be a seasonal thing. When you return home you can make art projects with your findings. Like leaf rubbing, flowers inbetween wax paper and painted with starch for a stain glass picture. It is a great way to teach about the different seasons.
Library trips. Pick a topic each week and find stories that relate. Or find out when the story time is in the children`s section and make it part of your routine. We have met so many friends this way.
Childrens Museum pass to make trips part of your routine.
Music Class
Sports Class
The thing is that they are going to be in school faster than we realize. They grow up so quickly. I say enjoy as much time with them now before they are in school for at least the next 13 years full time. They can learn so much with one on one attention. The social things will come as they are playing in the park and the friends you meet along the way of your adventures in the world.
- carina said...
I love Toby's face in the last picture:-D He's like wtf?
- domonique matthews said...
a few favorites at our house are
playdough, play hammer + golf tees
playdough + popsicle sticks
styrofoam block, play hammer + golf tees
kitchen sink with warm bubbles, liquid water colors + lots of plastic things (cups, flat wear, babies, cars, etc.)
a bag of mini pumpkins, paint + a sprinkle of glitter
watering plants
playing with a cookie sheet of shaving cream
colored masking tape, cardboard or other recyclibles
a few fun ideas on my pintrest page for kids http://pinterest.com/abowlfullofsimp/kids/ - 5:24 PM
- Sol Kawage said...
Here in socialist europe I pay 60 € a month for 7 hours of montessori preschool. The location is a castle with a huge garden and my kids love it.
That said, I would give ANYTHING to live in New York. - 5:29 PM
- Sol Kawage said...
7 hours a day, 5 days a week, I meant...
- FieldsofGrace said...
As someone who was homeschooled during the pioneer years ;), try it! If only for a year, a semester, a month. A few preschool workbooks can be purchased for much less than $53 if you want to add structured academic materials into your activity sessions.
My older sister and I have fabulous memories of community craft and library days, and of learning to read! I remember loving the feeling of safety when making early reading mistakes in front of people I knew (my parents, friends' parents...) in the early year or two of reading.
Homeschooling isn't the path for everyone, but it opened the delights of learning in our minds. If my mom was home when our curriculum was delivered in the late-summer, we had to keep the books sealed until the week before classes started. If she was gone, we ripped everything open and started reading history books or working through the first few chapters of our math books (including the even problems that didn't have answers in the back... I'm so proud of my young self ;).
Have fun with all your wonderful preschool activities! Props to all for the great ideas posted so far. :)
- Miss Singer said...
Oh my gosh, I loved Nursery University. It's so interesting, a great documentary!
- james said...
As familiarity breeds contempt so shall a lack of variety. It is only human nature to get bored with having the same dish every day of the week. Keeping the variety is important in sustaining a long lasting and loving relationship.
free porn clips - 5:50 PM
- StephieLou said...
- jennbordr93 said...
you should look into starting Toby in Suzuki Method baby/toddler music classes! all though high school I would assist my Suzuki piano instructor's class and I loved the energy and love I always felt in the room! the mantra is that every child no matter what ability or age is musically talented.
I took Suzuki lessons from the age of 6 (i'm in college now!) and I can honestly say that it has been invaluable to my education and personal development :)
with that said, here are some ideas for Toby and his lady-friend:
- give the tots flow-y scarves and play classical (or even Cuban/Spanish) music. you'll be surprised how rhythmic they can be!
- make wooden bead necklaces (they're bigger and easier to string)
- paint t-shirts!
- plant small plants and water with him every day and watch it grow!
- get a butterfly kit set it all up and read butterfly books to get them excited for when the cocoon opens!
hope this helped :)
- Maiz Connolly said...
Oh, boy! This post made me want to move back to NYC and open a preschool! :) $$$
I got a lot of great toddler play and craft ideas for our three little boys from these sites:
The Artful Parent, http://www.artfulparent.com/
The Crafty Crow, http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/
Filth Wizardry, http://www.filthwizardry.com/
and I've posted some of our favorite activities on my blog, The Brooding Hen, http://thebroodinghen.blogspot.com/
- Unknown said...
check out this blog. these women are so awesome and creative! even if you don't do their activities, it could give you ideas that spawn your own.
http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/ - 6:13 PM
- Erica said...
I Just moved to Brooklyn a month ago. I am an avid reader of your blog--even during my year and half volunteer experience in Brazil. I guess it was my little way to connect with American life. I dream of designing learning spaces for children. When I got here, I met a neighborhood mother who was saying there wasn't any quality affordable daycare for young children in the area. We decided to start a daycare. I call it a hands on, homemade, holistic approach. I dream of spending every day with the kids exploring this big beautiful world of ours.. even through guacamole! in case you guys end up moving to brooklyn..... www.fortgreenehomedaycare.com and I occasionally blog about fun children's activities, too at www.beaheart.com!!
- so genki said...
my sister has collected some great kids playgroup activity ideas on her pinterest... http://pinterest.com/cateoh/playgroup/
- caitlin wiley said...
la petite ecole is a fantastic, affordable, French immersion preschool with two locations in Ny. Everyone should check it out :)
- srottenberg said...
So cute! When mine were little we did a lot of library story time, museum memberships -- the aquarium, zoo and children's museums were big hits, baking and cooking (check out yummyfun.com for great ideas), play doh, painting, playing in the park, and bus riding. I did a bunch of research and found about 1 free activity a day for kids in the neighborhood, which I gave our nanny. She could choose to go to or not, but it gave her some good options. I'm sure there are some amazing free activities, even in NY.
- KaylaKrumvieda said...
Eat your way through the alphabet. It requires planning ahead, but it's fun! Each day (or every other day or once a week... your choice) you eat a snack that begins with the letter for that day (or week). Start with A (apples, apricots, almonds, avocado, etc.) and work your way through the alphabet. Each night you can discuss what letter you will eat the next day and amp it up. Each day talk up that letter, for example if the letter is G you would maybe have grapes for snack and then throughout the day you point out objects, signs, toys that all begin with the letter G. My preschoolers love it!
- Maiz Connolly said...
I forgot Made by Joel, also full of great inspiration! http://madebyjoel.com/
- Bibliothécaire said...
I'm a preschool librarian and let me tell you, finger plays are where it is at. Also dancing... look for they might be giants clap your hands. Tell them to follow along and just watch ITS SO CUTE! The first few times they will just look at it until they notice you following along. Its great fun!
Also felt books are really fun to make with them. - 9:32 PM
- Dana DeVolk said...
Such cuties! EEK!
<3 Dana @ This Silly Girl's Life - 9:45 PM
- H.Reams said...
My son and I used to love making pizza. And all kinds of breads and muffins.
Also get big cardboard boxes, build a ship or fort or whatever and have them decorate it with markers etc. Hours of fun! - 11:17 PM
- Julia said...
I read that one homeschooling mom chose a letter for the week, they ate food which coincided with the letter, learned a virtue that began with the same letter and also had an animal to learn in the same way. I pinned it on my preschool idea board: pinterest.com/juliajean/my-boys/
- Y said...
Hi!! I just watched that documentary over the weekend.....what craziness! And how cute is Toby in the kitchen!! Adorbs. I remember having a reading teepee....it was a giant teepee or even a blanket tent that I use to go inside of and tell stories, read books, etc etc. I think the teepee idea made a boring activity more fun so that's a sneaky way of sneaking in some academia ;)
- Chris said...
Love your blog and read it every day. I look after my two year old grandson twice a week and we mainly just hang out in my yard. He loves picking up rocks, pinecones, water play (with all sorts of containers around the house). We can also see planes landing/taking off from our house so that's a great thrill. After I've picked him up from his house, we usually stop to watch the diggers and dump trucks. There is a lot of construction going on in Vancouver. Although I think the less 'organized' activity the better, there is no right or wrong when one is spending time with their child.
- Zenkichi said...
my son is 4 yrs old now and every year we make xmas cookies from scratch. we roll out the dough together and he uses a cookie cutter of his choice (have a variety ready) to cut out cookies. then i let him decorate with icing and sprinkles, again of his choice. punch a hole with a straw tip before baking and turn it into a tree ornament for the season.
my son also loves to help me cook. i let him peel vegetables and he loves to watch me cut and prep. he can mix or put things in the pot as long as i'm there with him. it's a great way for him learn different veggies and i've noticed that he's more open to try new dishes if he had helped make it. - 1:18 AM
- fleur_delicious said...
Jo, are you familiar with the Soule family? Not only is there a great book (or two?) out now, but Amanda blogs at soulemama.com and she's got tons of great ideas since they homeschool their children and family and home are the center of their blog! Check it out! (I've got a little bit of a crush on the Soule family, can you tell? I love love love the way SouleMama and SoulePapa speak with so much tenderness and love for their family!)
- anissa ljanta said...
sheesh...124 comments with suggestions..your head must be spinning! Anyway...here's a few most popular posts for toddler fun from my blog: my son and i have so much fun i tell you!
you'll find 'a cup of jo' link on the right there!x - 4:14 AM
- PHL Taxi said...
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PHL Airport Taxi - 4:22 AM
- tracy baker said...
This is a super fun project to do with little kids! They get messy & clean at the same time!
http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/marbling.htm - 7:20 AM
- Hirsita Dixit said...
Nice to see your babies with some funny work.......
- Hirsita Dixit said...
Funny stops by kids here......
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- allie said...
hahahaha neither of them look like they are enjoying the guacamole, that is too cute!
- Céline said...
Nice to read from your kiddies adventures... I'm blogging about food and some of the crafts we do. Latest one was the Leaf Family! Have a look at http://chezcelineparis.blogspot.fr/
- Georgina said...
If it's a nice day, there is nothing better than a big tub of water (dyed with food colouring, or with some dish soapy bubbles in it, or just straight up) and several measuring cups and bowls of different sizes. Set up time: 2 seconds, clean up time: 2 seconds, fun time: as long as the sun is out.
- Jennifer Rose Cox said...
I love story-time dates with other toddlers. I meet up with another mom at the local library for story-time and then to a local park or coffee shop depending on the weather!
- Susan Magnolia said...
I recommend sensory activities.
Get a bin or tub of some sort and fill it with rice, sand, birdseed, or water (endless possibilities here) and throw in some measuring cups, animals, etc. This is a free activity that offers the fun of cooking without the rules. Make sure that you can clean up the mess easily so you don't stress and provide guidelines for keeping the "water in the water basin" and let him go at it. Toby will spend ages sifting, poring, scooping and burying. Good for inside days!
Also experiment with cornstarch and water, and play dough. There a ton of recipes for dough available. Have fun! - 11:38 AM
- Maywyn said...
Best fun with the kids...bread dough ornaments. Flour, water and salt with safe food dyes or acrylic paint.
Remind them the dough is Not food, before and after baking.
You can color the dough before baking or paint them after baking. I prefer the paint after.
For the not nimble fingers use cookie cutters. Rolling candy canes is easy as rolling balls to flatten into snow people.
Seal them when kids aren't around.
- bestof2sisters.com said...
WOW! daycare in NYC is not cheap, to say the least! Luckily its relatively cheap in Norway. ¨
We wrote a post on kids activities some month back, which I think would work really well on your play-date mornings, especially the stone painting! The littles will LOVE this, especially if you put on googly eyes. Trust me; the stones come ALIVE! ;-)
Another suggestion for December: decorate ginger break house, with lots of sweeties. A quaint x-mas deco, especially with lights inside. Growing up it was such a treat to smash it up end of January (I know - hello dust collector!) and share with friends.
/Louisa - 12:15 PM
- Jamie Dorobek said...
I love kid art! Here's a link to 67 hand and foot print projects for kids... Hope it inspires some creativity :) http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/paper-plate-crafts/
- Lisa from Minneapolis said...
It's funny, I don't even have kids but I just read through all these ideas. I'm nostalgic today, I guess :-) Some childhood activities that are still wonderful memories:
- Making paper chain garlands for the holidays. My mother had old heavy foil wrapping paper from the '50s, which made for a pretty result!
- flour/salt/water dough & ornaments. We were encouraged to make our own little 3-D creations, not just cookie cutter shapes. I still have the little ornament of me on my toboggan wearing a stocking cap & my brother on skis (made of toothpicks). Just slow bake in the oven & come back another day to paint. My dad would lacquer them later so they are still around 40 years later. The complexity went up each year - a fun way to see how one develops.
- Do-it-yourself golf course. We saved empty soup cans, poked a few holes in the bottom (to let water drain out) and planted them in the ground with top of can level to the earth. Add a little plastic golf club! (Hope you have access to some personal green space?)
- Sack toss: My mom made little fabric sacks filled with dried beans, and dad cut some holes out of a piece of masonite (double thick foam core might work). Depending on the kid might even be doable inside?
- Eye-spy scavenger hunt: make a list of interesting things then go on a walk to look for them (example: a store with a red awning, someone wearing pink, a doggie)
- and of course other things mentioned here: forts, sandbox, plants in styrofoam cups, pine cone feeders, leaves between waxpaper, snowmen, baking
A few things we didn't do but would have been fun:
- Movies with toddlers (for those socialistas): Seems like most theaters who offer this do it on a Wed morning. They keep the lights up higher and don't sweat the noise level. The entire crowd is moms with kids, so no worry about disrupting.
- Fun via the US mail: a woman I know pre-addressed/stamped some envelopes and had close friends send her child something by mail. Maybe a penny, a paper doll, a photo of a friend, stickers - almost anything a little one would enjoy. Made a real event out of getting the mail.
Hope you make great memories!
- homesteady said...
we had a co-op with three other families and would rotate the kids each week. this was my go-to resource for activities:
one springtime favorite was collecting flowers and then using rocks to pound them onto watercolor paper- it covered all the bases for the kids [nature walk, scents, picking, pounding, transformation] and the results were stunning.
some fall activities were painting pumpkins and gluing googly eyes on them- adding bows and hats really brings them to life. and making applesauce. I trusted my girl with supervised peeling [the plastic handled kind] at age two and she felt so in charge going to town on the apples. she can participate [helping me push] in the cutting when I use one of these:http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Apple-Corer-Divider/dp/B00004OCKT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349807317&sr=8-1&keywords=apple+corer+slicer
add some water or juice, honey and cinnamon, and scent the house while you wait until it's ready to mash and eat! - 2:33 PM
- Emily said...
Oh my stars...that is one cooking show I would watch:) Adorable!
- thecreamline said...
Check out http://howwemontessori.typepad.com/ It's one of my favorite kid-related sites.
- Megan said...
Do you ever take Toby to the library as an activity? We'd love to talk to interview you about it for www.atyourlibrary.org/connectwithyourkids
- ktperdue said...
i just watched that documentary while scrolling through netflix! unreal! also, playing with water is a great activity for kids. also shaving cream is fun for them to touch and they can draw something in it. sorting colors and shapes, you could do fall crafts that involve their feet and hands or even trace their whole body. music parades are always a hit, planting a seed and letting them see it grow, cutting magazines is a good practice thing too! good luck :)
- Stephanie Sabbe said...
It's so sad that I am ashamed to tell some of my girlfriends here in Boston that I've decided to wait until my little guy is 3 to put him in preschool. Seriously, I can't take the "what about his development" discussions, like it's child abuse or something. Where I am from you go to a $20/week mother's day out program for 3 hours twice a week, taught by 100 year old ladies and you are all set to be valedictorian:)
- Ash Nicole said...
That's one of my favorite documentaries!
- Sarah D said...
eek. $50 an hour is insane! And the preschool teachers are probably living paycheck to paycheck and babysitting to make ends meet!
Honestly, I wouldn't even think about preschool until age 3 anyway. Kids have plenty of time (too much, IMO) to be in structured group settings anyway. Enjoy his toddlerhood and be free to do what you like while you can! Cooking is fabulous, as are sensory activities (sand, beans, rice, shaving cream, playdough). or just go for a walk and talk about what you see! Its fall now, go walk and hunt for signs of fall- collect some leaves and acorns in the park. I wouldn't over think things. - 9:55 AM
- Sarah D said...
Stehpanie, I'm also in the Boston area and work in education... age 3 is perfect age to start preschool. You really don't need it any sooner! My kids went two mornings a week at age 3, 3 mornings at age 4, then kindergarten. And, are MORE than prepared for school. There's really nothing that happens in a toddler program that you can't do yourself at home. That's not to bash toddler programs- some are wonderful. But, they are NOT necessary for all families!!
- photography by sarah davis said...
Using a white oil pastel on paper and then panting with watercolor over top of it is SO FUN for kids. Since the oil pastel blocks the watercolor these beautiful (and magic looking!) white lines appear as they paint! It teaches them a little tiny bit of science and the process looks lovely even if it's just scribbles.
- Jennifer Bailey said...
Have you tried Gymboree Play and Music? They have Play, Music, and Art classes for babies and toddlers. Right now they have a great deal going on for the month of October, only $49 for your first month. :)
- Regan Cafiso said...
Making playdough is always fun. With my 2 and 4 year old, I make two different kinds that smell and look like cookie dough. (No, they don't try to eat it.)
Chocolate-Peppermint: http://thecreamline.wordpress.com/2011/12/19/chocolate-peppermint-playdough/
Gingerbread: http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/blog/2011/12/gingerbread-playdough/
Get some rollers, cookie cutter, baking sheets, etc. - 2:04 PM
- Ann said...
The whole nursery school thing gives me palpitations. That's one of my biggest anxieties about coming home from Japan, our baby would be at that age. I am not sure I want to go back to NY to deal with it! I have friends who have gone through it and even as an "alum" of certain programs (which is ridiculous, we are talking nursery school people) I see them so stressed about getting their children matriculated. Even unborn children! I know people dread the word but I think you can homeschool a far more enriching program by visiting and acquiring memberships to the Natural History Museum, the CP Zoo and the Met which even has great programs for kids. Just doing activities like Toby is, cooking and measuring, teaches so much. And as a previous poster mentioned the gymboree programs are great. I took a family friend's daughter to one on the UWS when I was in college and it was actually totally fun! I just remind myself that for kindergarten they need a few basic skills they are probably getting at home like numbers, colors, etc. And I refuse to buy into the anxiety about matriculating into the right nursery school for the right prep school. And didn't "Nursery University" remind you of "Best in Show" when the parents would talk about their children?!
- Terri Thompson said...
So cute! We do preschool at home and I find that cooking and art activities are always a favorite. Finger painting, apple printing, any sensory play or active play is always a hit. I've got tons of ideas on my blog: http://creativefamilyfun.net
- Alli said...
Oh my goodness $53 an hour? For Pre-School?! In Australia pre-school is free & they guarantee your kid a place at the one closest to your house.
At $53 an hour, I'd most certainly be home schooling too! - 7:37 AM
- nina corvallo said...
I live in lower Manhattan as well and we have a 5 month old baby, thus am very aware of the cost of childcare & education. Thank you for sharing your solution. I love it and it looks like Toby does too!
- gec said...
One of my favourite activities in kindergarten was making an abstract painting with marbles...
We would each get a big shallow box of some kind (e.g. a fruit box, though I'm sure some of the sizes Amazon uses would work), with a big sheet of paper in (this used to be an old type of printer paper, but printed or unprinted newsprint or anything else is fine). Then there were containers of paint (regular paint mixed from powder and water) and each container had some marbles in, with spoons for us to get the marbles out with. Then you put a marble in your box, and rolled it around so that it draws lines on your paper. After you've done it with a few different colours and repeated the process as many times as you'd like, you have an abstract painting! :) - 11:51 AM
- C.Bernadette said...
these are great ideas! Mine is only 15 months, but he still needs to get out of the house and do things often:) My neighbor and her son and I take them to Museums in LA-we have this guide that tells us which days are free in the month, so we do those visits to save money, and then we do a lot of park days and in Venice(where we live) there are tons of things to do like Library story time, books and cookies and movie nights on the walk streets.
- Ginger said...
There's a great book called "Slow and Steady Get Me Ready" by June Oberlander that has an age-appropriate activity for every week.
Such a sweet idea! As wonderful as preschool teachers are, they have several (at best) children to care for and the attention of a friend is even better! - 8:19 PM
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Taxi from Philadelphia Airport - 5:59 PM
- david said...
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toddler to preschool activitiestes - 3:44 AM
- Avery Schlacter said...
I love these ideas to keep toddlers busy so they aren't always running around getting into stuff. I'm hoping I can find some toddler programs in Minnesota.