Treasure Hunt

There has been lots of hunting going on in the Aussie household lately. Of coarse we had a lovely Easter egg hunt but I have also been using this lovely treasure hunt idea from Kate Pickle.

Before school pick-up I have been writing up a little list of things to find and we have been using it as a fun afternoon activity on the walk home from school.

It is a nice way for Junior to practice his reading and number recognition (with the help of some pictures) and a lovely way to unwind after a busy day at school. It is a great excuse to stop for a play in the park and everyone can join in.

It also acts as a bit of a speed bump on too much TV and is a great way to enjoy some outdoor time with the boys each day.

What outdoor games have you been playing this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

Small world beach

Since both my big boys enjoyed playing with the dinosaur small world I set out a few weeks ago, I have tried a few different variations including;

insects,

and cars - but they definitely like the dinosaurs the best.

This weekend I set up a beach scene which they both really enjoyed.

The two little people on the beach had a picnic,

made sand castles,

went for a swim (and predictably for boys) were attached by the shark!

“Come over and play at the Childhood 101We Play link up”

We play with Chalk

This afternoon I thought the boys needed to let of some steam so I started to set up an obstacle course outside. I grabbed some sidewalk chalk to make some footprints on the pavers for them to follow and they both joined in. They were far more interested in colouring in the bricks than following the footsteps. Quick easy entertainment - just how I like it!What quick and easy play activities have you been enjoying this week? “Come over and play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

Gotta love our library

The boys and I took a quick visit to the local library yesterday and I happened to mention to the librarian that Junior is an avid reader but that Bub was far too busy for such sedinatary persuits. He only engages briefly when I try to read to him and only seems interested in books with pictures of babies in them.
We try to restrict screen time for the boys and I managed this well with Junior for the first couple of year - as a result he really likes his books. I don't think he saw any TV for the first 12 months of his life and it was sometime before he knew that there was more on than the cricket (generally the only time TV is on much during the daytime here is when a test is on and hubby just can't help himself).
However, once Junior discovered Play School there was no turning back and now every afternoon (when bub has his afternoon nap) Junior announces what he would like to watch for his quiet time. I know this isn't idea but it gives me a chance to catchup on a few chores and organise dinner.
Anyway, on mentioning the difficulties of reading to my second boy (mainly due to the distractions an older brother provide) our friendly local librarian recommended a couple of books and also gave me this fabulous Better Beginnings bag full of lots of useful information, activities and a great baby book (all free!). This really made my day - that and the fact that I also picked up a book to keep me happy this weekend too. Happy Reading!