tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79638707004860993142024-02-23T03:08:00.553+11:00Adventures at home with MumChild focused blog full of play ideas, inspiration and fun for little ones.Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-88650443689315621402019-09-24T21:13:00.001+10:002019-09-24T21:13:46.592+10:00Make a Calm corner with Zones of regulation check in Dice. If you have been wanting to create a calm corner to teach your children to self-regulate then now is the time. I have written an in-depth post about our "chill out Zone". You will find it over at <a href="http://play-based-parenting.com/zones-of-regulation-strategies/" target="_blank">PBP right here.</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzWpTSAx7mU/XYn4mWH1njI/AAAAAAAANxE/hmvUiGkue6sLqTsk3DriTdIFGdF_WBSowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Zones%2Bof%2Bregulation%2Bcoping%2BDice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1342" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzWpTSAx7mU/XYn4mWH1njI/AAAAAAAANxE/hmvUiGkue6sLqTsk3DriTdIFGdF_WBSowCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Zones%2Bof%2Bregulation%2Bcoping%2BDice.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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Head over and check it out. I have a free template of these Zones of regulation coping strategy dice. I use these along side our Zones coping toolbox that has tools to help bring the kids back into their optimal calm happy place.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfT6JFEvVvA/XYn6Yr7-UiI/AAAAAAAANxQ/3aWkOsN-KaAEvFB-nbepakSpMMU656XlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/File%2B23-9-19%252C%2B1%2B04%2B55%2Bpm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1409" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfT6JFEvVvA/XYn6Yr7-UiI/AAAAAAAANxQ/3aWkOsN-KaAEvFB-nbepakSpMMU656XlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/File%2B23-9-19%252C%2B1%2B04%2B55%2Bpm.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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Plus, you will find some ideas on what toys to put in a calm corner. How to set it up. Information about the Zones of regulation. A link to my poster and activity set. And some alternative calming activities. </div>
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Visit Play based parenting for more info :) </div>
Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-1840956900579268032017-11-29T14:06:00.000+11:002017-11-29T14:06:14.416+11:00Follow our adventures at play based parentingHello everyone.<br />
Just a quick little message to let you know that this once loved blog went off air for a while, I had a break from blogging and returned with a new perspective and wanted a new look.<br />
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I have Dimples and Little Miss T, over at Play Based Parenting.<br />
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You can now find our hands on, fun play adventures, kids activities, plus much more at <a href="http://play-based-parenting.com/" target="_blank">Play Based Parenting. </a><br />
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AND I am back on Facebook. So if you come across this blog and get exploring only to realise it is not active anymore, please pop over and visit me on the new website above, or on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/playbasedparenting/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/playbasedparenting/</a> and Pinterest <a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/playbasedparent/" target="_blank">https://www.pinterest.com.au/playbasedparent/</a><br />
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<br />Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-3654136533187032062016-06-24T16:39:00.002+10:002016-06-24T16:47:38.466+10:00Interactive Colouring-in characters with Crayola Color Alive <br />
<b><u>Product review- </u></b><a href="http://goo.gl/c9b0tn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Crayola Color Alive.</b></a> <br />
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<a href="http://goo.gl/2BkJQ1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crayola</a> is changing a child's way of colouring in with color Alive and its virtual colouring effects. The colouring-in books look like a classic book, lots of cool pictures with details characters to customize, plenty for a child to have fun with. However there is something really special about these books. <br />
Here are some pics of how we had fun using the Color Alive range, and what I really think of it...<br />
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<i>Capturing the imagination, creativity and focus of children (and adults).</i></div>
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<b><u>Customize.</u></b><br />
<a href="http://goo.gl/c9b0tn" rel="nofollow">Color Alive</a> combines colouring with a 4D interactive experience. The colourer-inner, aka creative child can customize their picture using any combination of the colours and then bring their picture to life in a 4D app. The anticipation for bringing a character or creature to life is really engaging. I found that Dimples coloured in so much more detail and he was focused for much longer than he usually would be. All because he really wanted to create his own pet. <br />
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<b><u>Transform.</u></b><br />
Watching the Colouring in that they just completed transform with a spinning magical portal, they'll see their design and creation transform into a 4D figure above their page. They have their own theme music and virtual tricks. They move and make sounds and have fun little individual characteristics. Dimples eyes widened as he seen the "portal" and all the magical effects before his pet dragon appeared. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdVedDUOVW0/V2zQGs7K6RI/AAAAAAAANho/pXxpa2N79SsDS9UBdtDDcUBFNP8q8sm8wCKgB/s1600/IMG_6336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdVedDUOVW0/V2zQGs7K6RI/AAAAAAAANho/pXxpa2N79SsDS9UBdtDDcUBFNP8q8sm8wCKgB/s1600/IMG_6336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<b><u>Interact.</u></b><br />
Children can bring Characters to Life, bringing them off of their drawing and then can interact with the characters, take ‘selfies’ with them, tickle them, play or poke them. They can also be saved as your own pets or characters for use anywhere, any time, with or without the colouring in page. Here Miss T laughed at her Medusa sitting on her head, and put it on a forest play mat. "Snake lady looks real there" she giggled...<br />
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Dimples was so excited to show his pop his creation, and they had lots of fun taking selfies of the dragon sitting in the palm of his hand, on his shoulder and on his head. You could get really clever with this and do some trick photography. Hey!! That gives me an idea... Stay tuned <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum/">to my Instagram</a>.<br />
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<b><u>Special effects.</u></b><br />
Children will love the "elements" that the characters and creatures represent. The new books by Crayola contain a set of special crayons can even create virtual Colouring Effects; Special Effects Crayon add animated effects such as comic symbols, fire, ice sparkles and pixie dust. Can you see the REAL fire on Dimples Dragon picture below? Pretty amazing really. Then he used his dragon pet in a balancing act and poked it for a while as it sit above his page. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMOxI-1V74k/V2zPzSicYLI/AAAAAAAANhk/lqLpDvcYqIsNoKKCChqMlPwsMbe5EGwJACKgB/s1600/IMG_6324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMOxI-1V74k/V2zPzSicYLI/AAAAAAAANhk/lqLpDvcYqIsNoKKCChqMlPwsMbe5EGwJACKgB/s400/IMG_6324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The products <a href="http://goo.gl/c9b0tn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RRP for $7.99 each</a> and are available from all good leading retailers. The Colouring in pack includes six Crayons, one Special Effects Crayon, 16 Action Coloring Pages, and a FREE app download that makes it all so much fun. <br />
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If you want to check out how amazing it really is, social media #CrayolaAU<br />
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<i>I would definitely recommend them, and I would say any child would love one of these magical books as a gift! They are fantastic and really have to be experienced to be appreciated.</i> </div>
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Happy Adventures :)<br />
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This review was brought to you<a href="http://www.nuffnang.com.au/blogger/nuffnang-policy-on-sponsored-posts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> by Nuffnang</a> and Crayola <a href="http://goo.gl/c9b0tn" rel="nofollow">ColorAlive</a>. </div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-29623118536433851842015-09-14T13:38:00.000+10:002015-09-14T21:38:22.906+10:00Spring Craft Yarn Dancing sticks & dreamcatchers<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Kids craft activities using yarn are always unique, giving children a different opportunity to create something individual and bright for them self or for a gift. <br>
We had lots of fun collecting and painting sticks for these spring time dancing sticks made with <a href="http://goo.gl/Fu515V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spotlights</a> colourful flinders yarn.<br>
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Using this silky smooth 100% cotton 8 ply yarn from <a href="http://goo.gl/Fu515V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight </a>in kids craft was great for developing fine motor skills, making patterns, discussing colours and the craft ideas are endless. </div>
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With our bright spotlight yarn we made Pom-Pom dancing sticks, a twirling wand and a zig-zag dancing stick.</div>
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The kids loved dancing around with them, twirling and waving them in the wind. after a cold miserable winter, the sun is finally shining and the air smells like Spring, these were a little celebration to inspire the kids to get outside and enjoy the outdoors again. Making them was a process that involved a bit of patience, focus and fine motor skills. Dimples did great weaving the yellow zig-zag yarn through his forked stick. Because this yarn is thick and smooth, it is great quality which made it easy for the kids to handle. </div>
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This yarn is available in the most bright and beautiful colours from <a href="http://goo.gl/Fu515V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spotlight stores</a>. you can find them <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Spotlightstores" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on Facebook.</a> </div>
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<span class="s6" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont20">Sp</span></span><span class="s6" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont20">otlight is a family owned and operated Australian business that has become as household name. Spotlight is a brand loved and used by many for all things crafting, fabrics and home wares. They also have an awesome party section.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s6"><span class="bumpedFont20"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aI3FCJfaFsM/VfaxqzbZZtI/AAAAAAAANcI/CBh-Kj5dzwo/s640/blogger-image-1470842297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aI3FCJfaFsM/VfaxqzbZZtI/AAAAAAAANcI/CBh-Kj5dzwo/s640/blogger-image-1470842297.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">With our bright yarn we had the opportunity to #getcreative and craft some spring time dream catchers and dancing sticks to have fun with.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><u><em><strong>What you need:</strong></em></u></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Flinders 8ply yarn <a href="http://goo.gl/Fu515V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">from spotlight</a> </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Rainbow painted sticks</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Feathers</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Metal ring</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Glue and scissors.</span></div>
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First have your children find some cool sticks and paint them in beautiful bright spring colours.</div>
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Talk about the colours, name them and point out other colours in nature. We sat by the lake on a grassy hill to paint our sticks. If your not a fan of painting with little ones, <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/tips-for-messy-painting.html" target="_blank">here are</a> some tis to make it easy.</div>
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Once dry, weave yarn around the sticks. Depending on the shape of your stick, they could thread it around, tie strings off one end like a wand or put two sticks in a cross and weave it around all four ends to make a pattern. </div>
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<u><em><strong>Pom-pom spring time sticks.</strong></em></u></div>
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These are awesome, they look about like mini Lorax tuffaluffa trees or big bright flowers. </div>
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First make a pom-Pom. its easy enough to do on your hand. </div>
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Next glue it to the top of your rainbow stick. Done. Isn't it cute? This was both Dimples & Cherubs favourite. <br>
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<em><u><strong>Dream catcher:</strong></u></em><br>
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Crochet a circle pattern, like a doily, as your centre piece feature (I cant knit or crocket so had Mum do some cute little ones we could use). </div>
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Shape wire into circle and cover it around and around with <a href="http://goo.gl/Fu515V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spotlights 100%</a> cotton 8 ply yarn. It was really easy to manage, it circled in evenly, covered all the wire smoothly and was not fluffy at all. </div>
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Then with a little help, get your child to thread through the doily and back to the sides in the pattern of a star. It's a little bit tricky and requires a lot of concentration but dimples had a good go of it and practiced tying knots at the bottom of it.<br>
Add hanging strings and feathers from the bottom. <br>
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We still have plenty of yarn left and will be making some more dream catchers to give as gifts. smaller kid friendly ones. with the rest of the bright colours, the kids was some more pom-pom sticks.<br>
Visit <a href="http://goo.gl/Fu515V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight </a>and check out their online catalogue to see what type of yarn and craft activities you can #getcreative with. <br>
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This product talk is brought to you<a href="http://www.nuffnang.com.au/blogger/nuffnang-policy-on-sponsored-posts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> by Nuffnang</a> and <a href="http://goo.gl/Fu515V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotlight </a></div>
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-61463693228262652412015-03-31T13:50:00.001+11:002015-03-31T13:50:09.436+11:00Frozen Theme Party ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Little <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/introducing-miss-cherub.html" target="_blank">Miss Cherub</a> is TWO - Can you believe it? and she is a little Frozen obsessed. You know the song all the frozen fans sing? she can sing all three words of it "let it go" over and over and over and over... So for her party we held a Frozen Theme party with a blue & purple theme, I pulled out our blue Christmas lights and it made it all so magical.</div>
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I used some glittery silk and chiffon material to create a frozen skirt that lined the kitchen area ( you can see it in the picture above), and as I have said before when we have had kids <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/pirate-party-part-3-cake-food-ideas.html" target="_blank">Parties for Dimples</a>, I always forget to take <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/pirate-party-games-part-2.html" target="_blank">photos of these small touches</a>. Its often the small touches that pull it all together. The fortnight before, I made a Frozen theme Backdrop for some photo fun. Miss Cherub helped paint Olaf, and Dimples helped cut out some paper snow flakes. It sat nicely among the Christmas lights and all the kids (of all ages) had a go at being Elsa or Olaf. <br />
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For party Activities we had a couple of awesome Sensory tubs thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sensoryplaygroundaustralia" target="_blank">Sensory Playground Australia</a> - They gave us some of these cool water bead cubes, they're firmer and more fun then water beads. The children tried stacking them and building Queen Elsa a castle before they crushed them and mixed them into a field of snow. One tub had large frozen glitter boulders (made in a balloon with glitter, food colour and water) as well as the cool water bead cubes and some frozen figurines. <br />
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I did some face painting for the kids, the boys wanted Olaf and snowflakes on their cheeks and the girls got a tiara above their brows. There were also frozen theme tattoos and a take home goody bag for the guests that consisted of stickers, a balloon, magic sand, bubbles, a frozen badge, tattoos, a bracelet and a small lolly bag.</div>
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The other Sensory tub had massive 'Amaze balls' also given to use by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sensoryplaygroundaustralia" target="_blank">sensoryplaygroundaustralia -</a> They were by far the most intriguing thing the children have seen. You can see the size difference between the usual water beads and the amazeballs.</div>
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If you want to get your hands on some of these beauties check out <a href="http://stores.ebay.com.au/Sensory-Playground?_trksid=p2047675.l2563" target="_blank">Sensory Playgrounds Ebay Site.</a> They have so many cool sensory resources that you can purchase for less then a cup of coffee. </div>
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Highly recommended.</div>
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There were balloons strung up every where, a starry background and lots of purple and blue things.</div>
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We had a bubble machine going, a ball pit full of balloons and balls, some silk materials hung up along the clothes line and lots of pink/purple food including; fairy bread, pink biscuits, strawberries dipped in white chocolate, watermelon and red grapes, pretzels dipped in purple or blue icing, strawberry & cream lollies, Blue jelly, baby spring rolls and party pies. </div>
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The cake was a castle of course. I made 3 layers each a different shade of purple, and cut stairs from them then covered it in blue roll out icing. I used a play dough roller with a brick pattern on it and decorated it with baby marshmallows to represent the snow balls. The tower was made from rice crispies and based on this <a href="http://pagingfunmums.com/2013/07/19/princess-castle-cake/" target="_blank">Princess Cake tutorial by Paging fun Mums.</a> </div>
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I think half the fun for the girls was dressing up in frozen outfits and chasing bubbles around, dancing among the streams and silk curtains and listening to their favourite song... You guessed it! Let it go.</div>
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There was also play equipment outside, a nice fluffy rug to sit on and various frozen books and colouring.</div>
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And the day after the Party, Miss Cherub was still having fun with those sensory trays. Who would have thought they were nice to use as a toe massager. <br />
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<b>Happy Adventures </b>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures Plus more by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting.</span></strong><br />
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-29732661444206816132015-03-01T07:30:00.000+11:002015-03-01T07:30:00.228+11:00Scented Instant Snow castles from play gel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Play Gel? What is play gel I hear you mutter as you read the title... You'll never guess.</div>
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A form of instant snow, if you have bought instant snow you will agree that it is not cheap, I got some years ago when I made <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/the-melted-snow-man-christmas-sensory.html" target="_blank">The Melted Snow Man sensory Tray</a> for Dimples. I think I paid $6-7 for one little tube that was used a few times. This play gel costed about $1 and is 3 times the amount.</div>
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I came across this one day browsing pinterest, <a href="http://www.sciencekiddo.com/2014/11/play-gel-new-sensory-experience-from.html" target="_blank">Science Kiddo</a> shared a pretty interesting post on how to do it. I was reluctant to begin with, knowing what it was made of, if I told Adventures at home Dad I let the kids play with **** today, I am sure he would have looked at me sidewards and questioned my sanity.</div>
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Have you guessed yet?</div>
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Here is how we made Castles from scented play gel....</div>
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*get a jug of water *add colouring *add essential oil or scented essence (we used peppermint essence) *Get an unused New Disposable Nappy *Open it and lay it flat with the absorbent side up and pour on your mixture *add more water as needed *cut along the side of the Diaper and empty the contents *add more scent, colour, glitter or water if needed. *Play</div>
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HNJGX33UJs8/VGg1KTs7ujI/AAAAAAAANTo/pIglNnZuBZs/s640/blogger-image--12401847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HNJGX33UJs8/VGg1KTs7ujI/AAAAAAAANTo/pIglNnZuBZs/s640/blogger-image--12401847.jpg" /></a></div>
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After a lot of exploration with their hands and fingers, Dimples and Miss Cherub used animals and buried them, poured more water on and explored with it for a long while. It just kept soaking up water, I was amazed. From one disposable Nappy they had a tray each full of play gel, it smelt so nice and refreshing and looked pretty cool to dig in to. After a while they turned to 'building' </div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8kECnrOLDZ0/VLS0hASBYzI/AAAAAAAANUk/JEaqjBX0KuE/s640/blogger-image-2102746506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8kECnrOLDZ0/VLS0hASBYzI/AAAAAAAANUk/JEaqjBX0KuE/s1600/blogger-image-2102746506.jpg" /></a></div>
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Using sand moulds, buckets and plastic cones they build 'snow castles'. This was quite a challenge, it took a lot of patience and skills because the scented play snow was not like sand, it didn't pack in tight and stay firm so the larger the castle the harder it was. Dimples mastered it with a slow steady technique and noticed that the cones and taller castles wobbled like jelly. It was definitely a fun and new experience, Dimples and I discussed the scientific side of the play gel and how it soaks water, what it is made from, what will happen after we let it dry. Miss Cherub and I labelled how it felt, the shapes we made and the colour/smell of it.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3UjA9AMccH4/VLS0ngSwRsI/AAAAAAAANU0/iD8ZB2gBeng/s640/blogger-image-1727401059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3UjA9AMccH4/VLS0ngSwRsI/AAAAAAAANU0/iD8ZB2gBeng/s1600/blogger-image-1727401059.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you are curious like I was, the stuff inside the diapers is similar to what is used in water crystals, water-beads and so forth. It is a form of polymer, and although it is manmade it is non-toxic and can not be absorbed through the skin <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_worry-watch-hydrogels-in-diapers_10353859.bc" target="_blank">see here.</a> However it is better to ere on the side of safety so for that reason it is not recommended to be consumed, due to the fact that it absorbs 50 times its weight in water (like water-beads) - Read <a href="http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/gel-balls-diapers-harmful-4431.html" target="_blank">this here</a> if you are concerned although it is labelled as non toxic and safe it is likely to cause irritation if consumed so as always, keep an eye on the kids as they play, don't leave them alone if you feel they will eat it and don't give it to babies or toddlers who mouth anything. </div>
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After playing, you can store it in a container in a dry and watch what happens as it dries out but remember that disposable nappies are not good for our environment so don't go pouring it in the yard, near a drain or down the toilet remember to dispose of it adequately as you would with other non-degradable waste. If you store it in a air tight container you can get a few play sessions out of it, just add some more water next time and away you go.<br />
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<b>Happy Adventures </b>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-55543528666267743442015-02-12T14:29:00.001+11:002017-11-29T14:09:05.237+11:00DIY Pallet Rockwall Climbing Frame & Slide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_bqBOktvMTM/VNLSxO9QEII/AAAAAAAANVM/G3adsCC_r40/s640/blogger-image-371250123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_bqBOktvMTM/VNLSxO9QEII/AAAAAAAANVM/G3adsCC_r40/s640/blogger-image-371250123.jpg" width="433" /></a> </div>
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We have another outdoor play addition to our yard, a DIY climbing frame with a slide and rock wall. It is made up of mostly recycled materials and was pretty simple to put together. It also doubles as a cubby underneath. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8BcQGykl5WI/VNLS7VVvx5I/AAAAAAAANVk/dwnkEIpHJIA/s640/blogger-image--1535047966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8BcQGykl5WI/VNLS7VVvx5I/AAAAAAAANVk/dwnkEIpHJIA/s640/blogger-image--1535047966.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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It was easy to make out of two wooden pallets, we angled them into an A point and used triangle shaped plywood off cuts to brace them together at each side making an A frame shape. Next we used some artificial grass over one pallet and across the top to cover the rough pieces of wood. This was secured on with a strip off cut of plywood that goes the length of the grass edge and along the top we put a platform of plywood. This works to double secure the frame together as it is screwed to both pallets and holding the grass firm as well & gives the children a sturdy place to gain balance after climbing the rock wall. <a href="http://amzn.to/2igwucD" target="_blank">you will also need these. </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NnIannJDliTvosUeCvZrCM9WnqTyMlpm1xKpi0gVrbin19UenzCk5gOOxhgcSGI2JWAZVQDLMdQg-HPEPJGNvE9OGLE1RFI-PYbKGHQ_qMawSz4ZyAryZa9g92Re3kDNxqvzi34cdpdj/s1600/IMG_7260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NnIannJDliTvosUeCvZrCM9WnqTyMlpm1xKpi0gVrbin19UenzCk5gOOxhgcSGI2JWAZVQDLMdQg-HPEPJGNvE9OGLE1RFI-PYbKGHQ_qMawSz4ZyAryZa9g92Re3kDNxqvzi34cdpdj/s1600/IMG_7260.JPG" width="521" /></a></div>
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The grass is secured on with some rock wall screw on stones <a href="http://amzn.to/2igJ6QK" target="_blank">Like these ones here</a>, at play equipment supplies or you could do it the recycled was and use blocks of wood. Next we secured the slide part of an old slippery dip that had a rusty broken ladder, we picked this up next to nothing from the buy back centre as someone had gotten rid of it. All we did was dispose of the old ladder and screw it to the top of the climbing frame.</div>
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The back of the pallet Climber works like a ladder, the front as a rock wall and a slide.</div>
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It did not take very long to build and has been a fun addition in the yard.</div>
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It challenges Dimples & Miss Cherub, aiding in gross motor skills, strength, agility and balance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvj_4lsYcNwWbtufNc4YyHdtV2qJnHcHPrSGUM7VTu-uag323L-RnzFyUn5mbX1rj-1H07bcPDVCj1FtXqWW9IPArBOfiXYAt5b28HwQj7fI8_kmShiWcZrpj2YzM-lWR_YMx3K961vUh4/s640/blogger-image-1228141888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvj_4lsYcNwWbtufNc4YyHdtV2qJnHcHPrSGUM7VTu-uag323L-RnzFyUn5mbX1rj-1H07bcPDVCj1FtXqWW9IPArBOfiXYAt5b28HwQj7fI8_kmShiWcZrpj2YzM-lWR_YMx3K961vUh4/s640/blogger-image-1228141888.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
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While the underneath gives a secret hideaway great for imaginative play, it has been a mud bakery, a place to <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/diy-textured-play-dough-printing-balls.html" target="_blank">take playdough</a>, a shop, a tent while camping in the wilderness, its been part of an <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/outdoor-obstacle-course.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Obstacle Course</a>, it has been a shop and a <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/natural-ingredients-with-coloured-water.html" target="_blank">sand/water kitchen</a> and it has been used in <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/outdoor-surface-rubbing-classic.html" target="_blank">Outdoor surface rubbing.</a> I am sure their imaginations will use it in many other ways as time goes by.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9SfrBcW5S0/VNsCRHhMUMI/AAAAAAAANV0/TJyf7NTryrA/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9SfrBcW5S0/VNsCRHhMUMI/AAAAAAAANV0/TJyf7NTryrA/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Are your children naturally drawn to the outdoors or do you need to encourage outdoor play?</em></strong></span></div>
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Here are some of our Outdoor Play Areas and Activity Ideas to help get them outside for longer.</div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/outdoor-music-wall.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Music Wall</a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/balance-stumps-outdoor-play-decor.html" target="_blank">Bright Outdoor Balance Stump Yard Decor</a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/mud-kitchen-outdoor-play-renovation.html" target="_blank">The Outdoor Mud Station Renovation </a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/outdoor-pvc-pipe-water-wall.html" target="_blank">PVC water wall</a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/outdoor-play-spider-cave-maze.html" target="_blank">How to make an Outdoor Spider Web cave</a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/magical-gnome-garden.html" target="_blank">Secret Gnome Garden</a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/diy-dinosaur-theme-garden-in-recycled.html" target="_blank">DIY Tire Dinosaur Garden</a></div>
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<b>Happy Adventures </b>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting.</span></strong><br />
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-29596238431979980872014-11-18T15:15:00.000+11:002014-11-18T15:15:00.686+11:00DIY textured play dough printing Balls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WC95FQoKDZw/VGMWjsHbe3I/AAAAAAAANSc/o24ELYPZB2g/s640/blogger-image-1586079888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WC95FQoKDZw/VGMWjsHbe3I/AAAAAAAANSc/o24ELYPZB2g/s640/blogger-image-1586079888.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I made these cool salt dough balls with prints in them the other day so they could be used as textured printing balls in playdough. Little miss Cherub<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> (20 months) loves her playdough at the moment and squishing all sorts of things into it to see what pattern it will make so these worked really well. If you have a child with some measuring and cooking interests you could get them involved in the process of making these by introducing measurement, pouring, mixing, kneading, food prep and baking. Here is our easy DIY textured Salt Dough rolling balls for some super cool play dough printing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-szjlre_pExk/VGQWM64uQYI/AAAAAAAANTI/EWKD_UnjEDQ/s640/blogger-image-996152354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-szjlre_pExk/VGQWM64uQYI/AAAAAAAANTI/EWKD_UnjEDQ/s640/blogger-image-996152354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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DIY Salt dough;</div>
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Add 1 cup flour, </div>
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1 1/2 cup salt, </div>
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1 cup water and </div>
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1 tsp oil. </div>
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Mix into a dough consistency by adding a sprinkle more flour if it's too sticky or sloppy.</div>
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Mix together well, knead it for a few moments then let it sit for 5 so it expands and toughens a bit, (this isn't necessary but I found it made it easier to work with). </div>
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While you wait you should preheat the oven to 100- 120 degrees, remember your not going to stuff it up if you get the details a bit wrong 😊 it's a pretty flexible recipe.</div>
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Lay out some cooking paper ready on a tray & take the opportunity to clean up any flour dusted little hands (chairs, benches, walls and where ever else kids manage to splat ingredients on). Once your happy with the texture of the dough roll it into even sized balls about the size of a childs fist (great size for them to hold & roll).</div>
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To make our textures in the salt dough ball we used a tooth pick to puncture small surface holes; the handle end of a wooden spoon to get large round deep holes; a fork to Criss-cross thatch lines; and a print on an ornament that had snake tails, the key is to look around and think abstractly. </div>
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Look for deep textured or significant prints that are highly visible and will last the cooking process. You might find a crochet cloth works, a glass 3d print vase, wood carved furniture, utensils, jewellery, a weaved leather belt (anything really). </div>
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The trick is to roll the salt dough ball around it enough times that its printed deeply on every side and do so with as little skin contact as possible because the more handling the more you flatten or smooth out the pattern, you want deep and noticeable patterns so it prints well in your playdough. </div>
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Once your happy lay them on cooking paper and slow bake to dry them out for an hour at least, maybe even longer depending on how thick and large your salt dough balls are. You will see them dry out and lighten up changing colour as they cook, turn them a couple times just to even the process out & tap them to see if they're cooked right through. They should be very hard.</div>
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That's pretty much it, let them cool and they're ready to roll. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZa5My5fzrfddR07e853ztVRlEa1DsEq0lo3KwBzkF21nka4Jiloks_nSKbaUAxKB_8RUic8xNPVChH8mciOcG-qTlTSFIRFqYGaa0gyBDLNePEjDvPLboj3dtGJ2_MLngqByRSuzVgc9V/s640/blogger-image--719132657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZa5My5fzrfddR07e853ztVRlEa1DsEq0lo3KwBzkF21nka4Jiloks_nSKbaUAxKB_8RUic8xNPVChH8mciOcG-qTlTSFIRFqYGaa0gyBDLNePEjDvPLboj3dtGJ2_MLngqByRSuzVgc9V/s640/blogger-image--719132657.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now all you need is some silky playdough and someone keen to roll them around. Both Dimples and miss Cherub enjoyed this playdough extension and experimented with rolling the textured balls in different directions, pushing hard and soft, rolling fast and slow then around in circles, they tried just plain pushing it in a ball of play dough and all sorts of cause effect experiments. It was lots of fun!</div>
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZcgTOV-POg8/VGMW-rbDcUI/AAAAAAAANS0/6mmWQ6qt48Q/s640/blogger-image-1754297724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZcgTOV-POg8/VGMW-rbDcUI/AAAAAAAANS0/6mmWQ6qt48Q/s640/blogger-image-1754297724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>What do your children like to use on their Playdough?</strong></span></div>
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More Printing ideas;<br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/outdoor-surface-rubbing-classic.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Surface Rubbing</a><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/play-doh-printing-matter-of-texture.html" target="_blank">Play-doh printing everyday texture</a><br />
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More Salt Dough ideas;<br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/dinosaur-fossil-discovery.html" target="_blank">Dinosaur fossils</a><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/halloween-salt-dough-decorations.html" target="_blank">Halloween Salt Dough </a><br />
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<b>Happy Adventures </b>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-77130446093085145652014-08-08T13:28:00.000+10:002014-08-08T13:29:21.567+10:00Child-made Construction Small World Backdrop<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe0muZ8JSVI/U88sLGnBvjI/AAAAAAAANPQ/rEJCVg_9Ark/s1600/IMG_2616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe0muZ8JSVI/U88sLGnBvjI/AAAAAAAANPQ/rEJCVg_9Ark/s1600/IMG_2616.JPG" height="396" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few weeks before Dimples had his 5th Birthday Party, a construction themed party, I had an idea to make a back drop type play station for the party so the kids could play with all sorts of construction themed toys in a small world diorama. Some kids are sensory challenged and don tlike dirt, mud and getting their hands all gross so this was an easy outdoor option on a smaller scale.</div>
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We started with an open cardboard box and some paint, it developed from there with some roads and cotton wool dirt piles and a rubbish pile glue in one corner. On the day of his party I put some cocoa pops and rice bubbles out for the kids to "dig into". I had seen the idea of using rice bubbles a couple years ago on <a href="http://paintontheceiling.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/rice-bubble-sensory-tub.html" target="_blank">Paint on the ceiling</a> and always kept it in the back of my head hoping that one year Dimples would want a digging themed party. </div>
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This was it and it worked a treat. </div>
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During the weeks before, Dimples practised his scissor skills cutting out some buildings or 'skyscrapers' to stick on the back drop, he helped paint, glue and decorate the back drop. So the cardboard box which was just opened up on an angle and then stapled together so that it kept steady yet open enough for play slowly turned into a mini world full of construction. It was turning into a cool looking pretend play zone and Dimples had a blast making it come to life bit by bit leading up to his party.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TBrwM_xX-olKrW_V4Dc5ePI5WOMAlqSsOBzKjMqfyDV6NVMgwm15Zgz8F3SmjzuZEEO7kmH7fLPdbSXwbUb6h9E1YsaVVEb_jaysE3LB5GQufSbP9xzdCq8gaLwjAOMfN-DbZGjH1HNu/s640/blogger-image-327640943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TBrwM_xX-olKrW_V4Dc5ePI5WOMAlqSsOBzKjMqfyDV6NVMgwm15Zgz8F3SmjzuZEEO7kmH7fLPdbSXwbUb6h9E1YsaVVEb_jaysE3LB5GQufSbP9xzdCq8gaLwjAOMfN-DbZGjH1HNu/s640/blogger-image-327640943.jpg" /></a></div>
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Dimples loves craft, it was his idea to glue in some cotton wool balls and paint them brown to resemble a pile of rocks, and then in another corner he glued in "rubbish" which was ripped pieces of paper. I added some drawings, like a demolition ball on a crane and the windows in the buildings. It was looking more like a 3D small world by now. We added some road work signs and little traffic toys that he had along with a collection of construction vehicles and there he had his own construction area for pretend play. Dimples loves imaginative pretend play and small world areas, they give play time a realistic element. </div>
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It was a small construction zone for a couple of weeks before and he continues to love it for weeks after his birthday party, it proved to be a realistic little 3D small world on the day of his party and looked realistic with piles of pretend rubble. The coco pops and rice bubbles were a great sensory add on to the 3D world, they bought it to life and worked well getting dumped around and bulldozed over. The fit inside dump trucks and were able to get pushed around and cleared. The boys were happy to taste some and it is a safe alternative for younger kids as well.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VlaEm04UilM/U88sAmj0aQI/AAAAAAAANPI/4xqefLd9yLY/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VlaEm04UilM/U88sAmj0aQI/AAAAAAAANPI/4xqefLd9yLY/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I imagined that on the day they would get spread out everywhere but it was a risk worth taking, the boys were quite happy to play with them at the 3D small world construction station and used them in their imaginative play the way they were intended. They were able to spread them out all over the table and a majority of them did exactly that, carting, hauling, dumping and loading trucks tractors and construction vehicles all over the scene. It was definitely a fun alternative to digging in the dirt. </div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>What other alternatives to dirt and mud would your kids love to dig in to?</strong></em></span></div>
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Small World Play Ideas from around the Web</h3>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/the-benefits-of-small-world-play.html" target="_blank">Benefits of Small World Play - Happy Feet Penguins</a> By Adventures at Home with Mum</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylittlebookcase.com.au/activities/using-books-to-create-small-world-play-scenes/" target="_blank">Using Books to Create Small World Play</a> By My little Bookcase</div>
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<a href="http://www.oneperfectdayblog.net/2012/06/29/frog-pond-small-world-play/" target="_blank">Frog Pond Small world Play By</a> One Perfect Day</div>
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<a href="http://www.youclevermonkey.com/2014/07/rainbow-stacker-ways-to-play.html" target="_blank">A Rainbow Stacker small world</a> By You clever Monkey </div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/sand-dough-small-world.html" target="_blank">Sand Dough Small world Beach</a> By Adventures at Home with Mum</div>
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<a href="http://www.two-daloo.com/farm-small-world/" target="_blank">Farm Small World Play</a> By Two Daloo</div>
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<a href="http://picklebums.com/2014/06/24/printable-imaginative-play-mats-2/" target="_blank">Free Small World Printable</a> By Picklebums </div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/magical-gnome-garden.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Small World Magical Gnome Garden</a> By Adventures at Home with Mum</div>
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<a href="http://pagingfunmums.com/2014/04/11/monster-truck-sensory-play/" target="_blank">Monster Truck Sensory Track with Faux Dirt</a> By Paging Fun Mums </div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/penguin-sensory-box-styrofoam-ice.html" target="_blank">Styrofoam Ice Capsules and Penguins in water beads</a> By Adventures at Home with Mum</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Adventures </b>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following <i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-19254779499221483482014-07-25T13:25:00.000+10:002014-07-28T14:02:42.088+10:00A B C Reading Eggs Read-To-Cure Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33YUSrC-Gaebs-xXxa6cZXYng7C3msYtmbdXyBSNF7PMgW8x28e0ZpHIqXDcN2YpHFMVJ917BWFNUxXx3xb5MXNFa93Ua8dnkAEo_gvFrcoH8UwK9q85uTxfUbk_ZTLWhXfvj4xGm45Wc/s1600/RE+supporting+the+CCI.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33YUSrC-Gaebs-xXxa6cZXYng7C3msYtmbdXyBSNF7PMgW8x28e0ZpHIqXDcN2YpHFMVJ917BWFNUxXx3xb5MXNFa93Ua8dnkAEo_gvFrcoH8UwK9q85uTxfUbk_ZTLWhXfvj4xGm45Wc/s1600/RE+supporting+the+CCI.png" height="640" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dimples has been playing and learning with <strong>ABC reading eggs</strong> lately, its an educational site for kids ages 3-13 that helps and promotes a love of reading in children. Its really fun and easy to use, You just go to </span><a href="http://readingeggs.com.au/parents/signup/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Reading Eggs Webpage</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, create a log in and "add a child" then they can go online (or on an ipad if you have a wireless connection) and start completing books and learn to read activities. Sounds too easy right?</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_faXu5QMCs/U9XEdIkZkFI/AAAAAAAANQo/e4kh9ENyMzM/s640/blogger-image-883224955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_faXu5QMCs/U9XEdIkZkFI/AAAAAAAANQo/e4kh9ENyMzM/s640/blogger-image-883224955.jpg"></a></div></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well it is that easy, and from the <em>4th Au</em><em>gust to 1st September 2014</em> ABC reading eggs is offering <a href="http://readingeggs.com.au/adventures/" target="_blank">a <strong>5 weeks free trial</strong></a>. This is the second year they've paired up with the Children's Cancer Institution and parents to raise important life changing funds for the Children's Cancer Institution. </span></span><br>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkcItORCetE/U9HKucy4irI/AAAAAAAANQE/i1w2t4aTXGU/s1600/Areas+of+Learning+inside+the+RE+program.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LkcItORCetE/U9HKucy4irI/AAAAAAAANQE/i1w2t4aTXGU/s1600/Areas+of+Learning+inside+the+RE+program.png" height="400" width="400"></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <em>Read-To-Cure Challenge will be open on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_68110823" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4 August</span></span></em> and children who sign up will be encouraged to complete as many books and online reading lessons as possible, they can have their friends and family sponsor their efforts to raise money. Not only does the Read-To-Cure Challenge support an important cause, it also inspires young children nationwide to read books and improve their literacy skills with this <strong>5 weeks obligation free trial</strong>. <a href="http://readingeggs.com.au/adventures/" target="_blank">Click <strong><em><span style="color: red;">here</span></em></strong></a> to read more & sign up to take part in the challenge </span><br>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrok7LWz2cc/U9HKy-k0oEI/AAAAAAAANQY/fwfkplx8i8o/s1600/What+donations+help+help+achieve.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Y7r2baEA2a4/U9XKmcLNsOI/AAAAAAAANQ4/zMAfTnkrrIw/s640/blogger-image-1085608421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Y7r2baEA2a4/U9XKmcLNsOI/AAAAAAAANQ4/zMAfTnkrrIw/s640/blogger-image-1085608421.jpg"></a></div> </div><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_68110824" tabindex="0"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_68110824" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By joining in on the fun and signing up to be part of the ABC Reading Eggs <a href="http://readingeggs.com.au/adventures/" target="_blank">Read-To-Cure Challenge</a>, we aim to raise over $100,000 for the Children’s Cancer Institute. But not only this, there is another awesome benefit to all the children who join in; they will have the chance to win lots of cool prizes, too. There will also be<strong> prizes</strong> to children who complete the most books plus lessons, as well as to those children who raise the most funds. Its all for a good cause so why not give it a go? We will be. <br>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_68110824" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8lydBXM0-EM/U9Ddh3OwviI/AAAAAAAANPg/rYEnq4VEx9U/s640/blogger-image--1840912075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8lydBXM0-EM/U9Ddh3OwviI/AAAAAAAANPg/rYEnq4VEx9U/s400/blogger-image--1840912075.jpg" width="400"></a></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://readingeggs.com.au/adventures/" target="_blank">It’s educational, fun and 100% FREE to register.</a></em></u> </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_68110824" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">ABC Reading Eggs will provide <a href="http://readingeggs.com.au/adventures/" target="_blank">5 WEEKS FREE ACCESS </a>to their online reading program (ages 3-13). Not only this but your child can <strong>WIN fantastic prizes</strong> and <span style="line-height: 1.6;">Family/ friends can sponsor their reading efforts with all funds raised going directly to the Children’s Cancer Institute.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_68110824" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3afu5IzfcOJbYiH-L3ntC10qQ7gqxqj2Wdl2SUCrrJDJrwTM9OevvCt3dN3TxiHzcAIdzLDhCRNwtY2J-QgTwdNxHGlv_N3RibHTiL0WgEuPIe-ms0ji-5eoMPToT4cA8Ij9crCfq0sU/s1600/GirlOnLaptop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3afu5IzfcOJbYiH-L3ntC10qQ7gqxqj2Wdl2SUCrrJDJrwTM9OevvCt3dN3TxiHzcAIdzLDhCRNwtY2J-QgTwdNxHGlv_N3RibHTiL0WgEuPIe-ms0ji-5eoMPToT4cA8Ij9crCfq0sU/s1600/GirlOnLaptop.png" height="400" width="400"></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_68110824" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span><br>
<span style="color: black;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_68110824" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><u>Helping to find a cure for childhood cancer, one book at a time.</u></em> </span></span></span></span><br>
<span style="color: black;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_68110824" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Children’s Cancer Institute conducts vital medical research into finding a cure for childhood cancer. All donations raised go directly to supporting their lifesaving initiatives for the 625 Australian children diagnosed with cancer each year. Check out the picture below for some examples of how funds can help. </span></span></span><br>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrok7LWz2cc/U9HKy-k0oEI/AAAAAAAANQY/fwfkplx8i8o/s1600/What+donations+help+help+achieve.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hrok7LWz2cc/U9HKy-k0oEI/AAAAAAAANQY/fwfkplx8i8o/s1600/What+donations+help+help+achieve.png" height="327" width="400"></a></div>
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_68110824" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"></span>Learn to read in 5 weeks free abc reading eggs, an award winning program with many educational benefits. </span> Will you join in? </span>Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-63053809145792559442014-06-29T16:10:00.002+10:002014-07-17T12:41:07.064+10:00Mud Paint Torture - Radiant Review and Give away<strong>"<a href="http://www.radiantreturn.com.au/" target="_blank">Radiant Return</a> proves that Radiant keeps your colours looking newer for longer".</strong> <br />
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Have you heard this and wondered if it were true? <br />
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Well I was given a <a href="http://www.radiantreturn.com.au/" target="_blank">Radiant No Sort liquid</a> to try for myself and put this theory to the test. As you already know if you follow this blog, we love mess! Messy <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/rainbow-ice-crystal-science.html" target="_blank">Sensory Play</a>, Playing in the dirt and in the <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/mud-kitchen-outdoor-play-renovation.html" target="_blank">Mud Kitchen</a>, <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/splat-painting.html" target="_blank">extreme Painting</a> and <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/monster-slime-mess.html" target="_blank">slime making</a>, all of which messes up the kids clothes good and well. <em><span style="color: red;">CHILDREN CAN NOT HAVE TRUE FUN WITHOUT <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/tips-for-messy-painting.html" target="_blank">GETTING A BIT MESSY</a>!</span> </em> Its a fact of nature and as parents of these some times chaotic, crazy and messy little people, we must accept this and learn to live with it, or do we? <br />
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So lets have a little fun kids, here goes...<br />
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<strong><u>Before</u></strong></div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RfM6MSgDdhs/U65A1kpFpaI/AAAAAAAANNI/t28UHLccqHI/s640/blogger-image--2140191774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RfM6MSgDdhs/U65A1kpFpaI/AAAAAAAANNI/t28UHLccqHI/s400/blogger-image--2140191774.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<strong><u>Crafting with ink dabblers and markers</u> </strong><br />
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<b><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v-JG1QtIheI/U65A9V7U2PI/AAAAAAAANNY/hZmpsT-JGZc/s640/blogger-image--249702460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v-JG1QtIheI/U65A9V7U2PI/AAAAAAAANNY/hZmpsT-JGZc/s400/blogger-image--249702460.jpg" width="356" /></a></b></div>
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<strong><u><a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/baby-safe-yummy-painting-with-yogurt.html" target="_blank">Finger Painting with a 15 month old</a></u></strong><br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6AygCccBDNk/U65OYemOXTI/AAAAAAAANNw/LB8-HtBH2Lk/s640/blogger-image-1357223322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6AygCccBDNk/U65OYemOXTI/AAAAAAAANNw/LB8-HtBH2Lk/s400/blogger-image-1357223322.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u><a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/mud-painting-its-process-art.html" target="_blank">Mud printing and stamping,</a> our usual play outside in the dirt.</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--3a5FaaXgMA/U65Ob-ML57I/AAAAAAAANN4/PrMucPc72vY/s640/blogger-image-81918942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--3a5FaaXgMA/U65Ob-ML57I/AAAAAAAANN4/PrMucPc72vY/s400/blogger-image-81918942.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><u>After</u></strong></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nPKfh7M-TbQ/U65A5XVnEXI/AAAAAAAANNQ/nsWUqxdBsCg/s640/blogger-image-1418245765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nPKfh7M-TbQ/U65A5XVnEXI/AAAAAAAANNQ/nsWUqxdBsCg/s640/blogger-image-1418245765.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><u>No sorting and one wash</u></strong></div>
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<b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DWebvlsbzsA/U65OUiDinVI/AAAAAAAANNo/L897rpW2wK4/s640/blogger-image--1224195085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DWebvlsbzsA/U65OUiDinVI/AAAAAAAANNo/L897rpW2wK4/s640/blogger-image--1224195085.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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I was certain that the ink would still be slightly stained on the shirt and that the yoghurt paint around the neck wouldn't wash out first go, but it did. I was very surprised! In fact I think I had more trouble cleaning the children than I did cleaning the clothes. <br />
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Watch the video below for a real life torture test done by two best mates and one of their girlfriends on the actual brand new clothes they bought from a shop, they washed them in their own home and returned it (like new) to unsuspecting retail assistants... Did Radiant No Sort pass the torture test?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/sdduvnsFJjc" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Impressive, really impressive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're not convinced watch the other hilarious (and real life) Radiant Tests at <span lang="EN-US"><a class="c_nobdr t_prs" href="http://www.radiantreturn.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #0072c6;">www.radiantreturn.com.au</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 21px;"> or visit <a class="c_nobdr t_prs" href="https://www.facebook.com/RadiantAustralia" style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0072c6;">https://www.facebook.com/RadiantAustralia</span></a> to see what others think. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It worked for us and is suitable for both front & top loader washing machines!</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Radiant is available in<strong> 3 great variants, <em><span style="color: blue;">Brilliant Whites Sharper Colours</span></em>, <span style="color: red;">No-Sort</span> and <em><span style="color: orange;">Sensitive.</span></em></strong> Each variant contains Colour Guard technology which is how Radiant keeps your colours newer for long. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For more information visit the website. <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Cambria;"><a href="http://www.radiantreturn.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0072c6;">www.radiantreturn.com.au</span></span></a></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a sponsored post, I received a bottle of the product to try, all opinions are my own.</span><br />
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Closed!</h3>
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<span style="color: purple;">Now, one lucky </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487?ref=hl" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">Adventures at home with Mum </span></a><span style="color: purple;">Reader has the chance to win 1 x $50 Big W voucher that I have to give away. To enter, simply leave a comment in response to this question...</span></h3>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><em> </em></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">'Which variety of Radiant do you most need in your house and why?'</span></span></em> </h4>
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Now closed ; Winner, Rachel McGuire</div>
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-64027803303655121262014-06-15T17:47:00.000+10:002014-06-15T17:47:44.385+10:00Outdoor Music Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP7vMZt7ZLm2I1vw6NUlB4-NeEN4Yi-Mw1AxGm4vHzEJaGm-WA0o8v2Cy_ZvX9-hIEJyVqCIabGCImYd7OdZyFMjnifr7DK8KYScXwgJRLzZWYAlShUNUPPA8rD5ZpzOwwaUPRwRYa6hA/s640/blogger-image--1805431955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP7vMZt7ZLm2I1vw6NUlB4-NeEN4Yi-Mw1AxGm4vHzEJaGm-WA0o8v2Cy_ZvX9-hIEJyVqCIabGCImYd7OdZyFMjnifr7DK8KYScXwgJRLzZWYAlShUNUPPA8rD5ZpzOwwaUPRwRYa6hA/s640/blogger-image--1805431955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4TDEy7-RV5o/Uq-sJBIfZTI/AAAAAAAAIg0/slJ6gQ9SBHc/s640/blogger-image--891409463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4TDEy7-RV5o/Uq-sJBIfZTI/AAAAAAAAIg0/slJ6gQ9SBHc/s640/blogger-image--891409463.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Outdoor play is a must at our place, my kids go crazy if they're locked inside for the day so I'm always looking for ways to make our outdoor play space exciting, fun and full of adventures. I'm always trying to expand and improve our yard so Dimples & Miss Cherub have plenty to learn from, play with and enjoy. This is another gadget I have designed and rigged up outside for them to get creative with. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9lmb33FAQlc/UyO3FDnnbCI/AAAAAAAALyQ/BbyRHIseQQU/s640/blogger-image-858617973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9lmb33FAQlc/UyO3FDnnbCI/AAAAAAAALyQ/BbyRHIseQQU/s640/blogger-image-858617973.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The outdoor music wall stands above the sand pit and next to the water-wall, it makes a variety of chimes, clings and clangs as the kids bang on it with wooden spoons or drum sticks.<br />
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It's quite simple, an old wood pallet (painted and stood up) with a line of tin cans that have been painted in the colours of the rainbow and screwed on to the pallet bottom facing up from smallest to largest.<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XwlNscYYtP4/U51L8iMArFI/AAAAAAAANMw/SbWj4Nn1qeQ/s640/blogger-image-786130109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XwlNscYYtP4/U51L8iMArFI/AAAAAAAANMw/SbWj4Nn1qeQ/s640/blogger-image-786130109.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dimples helped paint and order these, they make a great mini drum set. There's a DIY chime, it's made from a bunch of old keys strung to a metal tin box with wire and another DIY chime made from a milo can with metal can lids threaded below with wire so they hang close together and some more keys for some extra rattling sounds. The keys sound the most musical as they can be rattled, shaken, hit or chimed from left to right and have lovely quite tones. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP7vMZt7ZLm2I1vw6NUlB4-NeEN4Yi-Mw1AxGm4vHzEJaGm-WA0o8v2Cy_ZvX9-hIEJyVqCIabGCImYd7OdZyFMjnifr7DK8KYScXwgJRLzZWYAlShUNUPPA8rD5ZpzOwwaUPRwRYa6hA/s640/blogger-image--1805431955.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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At first we started with the rainbow cans like a big xylophone and we have slowly built on to it from there. I am sure we will continue to improve it over time and add more as we collect some suitable musical items to screw on. Down lower there are now 3 large metal mixing bowls and some old metal camping bowls that are screwed on loosely so they're able to spin around (see below). They are like super large symbols or can be used like drums. </div>
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Dimples sits in the sand and uses them like steering wheels in his imaginative play and miss Cherub bangs them with a wooden spoon and giggles because they have the best effect, sounding like large symbols and very loud compared to the cans. I have attached a string to the wooden spoons so they get hung up and are always near by. <br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DVFl6eHT-08/UyO3Ae8RW5I/AAAAAAAALyI/cxCNA6bFvts/s640/blogger-image--556974943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DVFl6eHT-08/UyO3Ae8RW5I/AAAAAAAALyI/cxCNA6bFvts/s640/blogger-image--556974943.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Cans and tins, milo can lids and strung up bottle tops, hanging keys and metal bowls all make different sounds. Both the kids and their friends have enjoyed making music, singing and dancing around in the sand with huge smiles on their faces. They love experimenting with sounds and instruments, they love using the wall as different instruments from a xylophone, a chime & a drum set. It's been a great creative outlet for their play space.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVb2W8YrFft7F_PPTQ8VlyMD_WO9vFNtqHpYWgu33FXOy3isR1PeaLhhh-tj8Su7lDWFZcDf2m7zYen8v3HzjIuMcZ1P8Z5EuyALTinRqZcyKqpZz7p0cqEH9eK3BXh38Qg0bVXz4EDAL/s640/blogger-image--390320523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVb2W8YrFft7F_PPTQ8VlyMD_WO9vFNtqHpYWgu33FXOy3isR1PeaLhhh-tj8Su7lDWFZcDf2m7zYen8v3HzjIuMcZ1P8Z5EuyALTinRqZcyKqpZz7p0cqEH9eK3BXh38Qg0bVXz4EDAL/s640/blogger-image--390320523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you haven't already you can check out some of our outdoor play spaces here</div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/mud-kitchen-outdoor-play-renovation.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Outdoor Mud Kitchen </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/diy-dinosaur-theme-garden-in-recycled.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">DIY Dinosaur Garden in a Tyre</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/outdoor-pvc-pipe-water-wall.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">PVC Pipe Water Wall</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/balance-stumps-outdoor-play-decor.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Outdoor Balance Stumps</span></a></div>
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<b>Happy Adventures </b>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-38868241899667847762014-05-06T14:35:00.001+10:002014-05-06T14:35:39.249+10:00Demolition Ball Construction Party Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrYRFlzqGn0/U0yw3eNWtGI/AAAAAAAANAc/KP_s4mezuU8/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrYRFlzqGn0/U0yw3eNWtGI/AAAAAAAANAc/KP_s4mezuU8/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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While getting some Construction themed Party inspiration off <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/party-ideas/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for Dimples 5th Birthday Party I came across many Demolition party games, or "wrecking ball" type games where the children construct a tower out of blocks, pretend bricks or wrapped boxes and knock them down. With 8 little boys I knew this would be a hit! <br />
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In the weeks prior to the party I held on to any boxes we had and asked family to keep them, then Dimples helped me wrap them up as bricks. We had a large collection from shoe boxes, electrical appliance boxes and cereal-food packaging boxes all wrap in red, orange and yellow ready for the Construction theme 5th Birthday Party for Dimples. <br />
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In the week leading up to it Dimples had his trial of the game and we were happy with how that turned out and just knew that it would be much more fun on the day. The demolition or wrecking ball, was simply a beach ball covered in contact with a pipe cleaner stuck in as a hook to tie some string to.<br />
We were right! Every one had a ball, there were kids laughing and giggling, yelling with excitement at who can knock the all the blocks over.<br />
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It was a huge hit, all the boys got a turn, some enjoyed it so much they stayed at it helping one another stack up towers and taking turns with the wrecking ball. There were towers and multiple towers being built and large piles of boxes flying all over the place. It was a good outlet for the sugar boosted energy they all had and for the party excitement they came with on the day and it was an ongoing play area that they all kept returning to. If you missed it you can see what other construction <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/construction-theme-party-games.html" target="_blank">party games we had here.</a><br />
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<b>Happy Adventures </b>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-47132525512737033632014-04-28T09:00:00.000+10:002014-06-27T15:50:21.274+10:00Closer to Nature Soothers Give Away closed<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlL2mVrxlD4/U1cJx0jB8UI/AAAAAAAANGg/MjMCCCmIL-w/s1600/Giveaway+Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlL2mVrxlD4/U1cJx0jB8UI/AAAAAAAANGg/MjMCCCmIL-w/s1600/Giveaway+Image1.jpg" height="113" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>The new range of soothers from closer to Nature<em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">® are so cute. Don't you think? </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They're more like a fashion trend</span></em> for Baby, so many cute options and there is one to suit every occasion.</strong> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">closer to
nature® </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">have developed a new range of soothers, designed to<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ease the in-store shopping experience for
parents and optimize baby acceptance, meaning less time and effort spent in the
shops picking and choosing different <a href="http://www.socialmums.com.au/" target="_blank">soothers for baby to try</a>! The new soothers
come in 4 new styles - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fun, Anytime, Night Time</b> and
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Air</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new large, long, flat teat is easy to
hold in baby’s mouth (just like a bottle teat), and in tests, the new soother
design was accepted first time by more babies*</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>The closer to nature® soothers are suitable to use from birth and are designed with an orthodontic silicone teat to support healthy oral development. </em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">closer to nature® </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have been
watching mums shopping for soothers and listening quietly to what they have to
say for some time, with two main findings...</span><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Mums
struggle to find what they are looking for when buying soothers, with 1 in 3
mums buying on impulse in store<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 1cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -28.9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Baby acceptance of soothers is down to trial and
error, often with several purchases before </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><strong>Closer to nature</strong><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><strong>®</strong> Global Marketing Manager, Katy</span><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> Pigg<span style="color: red;"> </span>comments, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We have been listening to the issues mums
have when buying soothers and have addressed them with our new soother
range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new packaging makes it much
easier for mum to find what she needs when she is in-store, and the new baby
approved long, flat teat means baby is happier too!” </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">(*68% of babies
accepted this new style soother first time, compared to just 43% for the old
style closer to nature design – in an independent product trial conducted in
the UK by Swift research, February 2013)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>The closer to nature® new
soother range<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is available at stockists
nationwide from April 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are 4 ranges – <em>Air, Anytime, Night time
and Fun</em> to choose from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more
information on the entire ranges, please visit: <a href="http://www.closertonaturebaby.com/"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">closertonaturebaby.com</span></span></a><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> I </span><a href="https://facebook.com/closertonaturebaby">facebook.com/closertonaturebaby</a><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> I @closertonature1</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MlL2mVrxlD4/U1cJx0jB8UI/AAAAAAAANGc/-1qfoiICnHk/s1600/Giveaway+Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MlL2mVrxlD4/U1cJx0jB8UI/AAAAAAAANGc/-1qfoiICnHk/s1600/Giveaway+Image1.jpg" height="141" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">How can you get your hands on the closer
to nature® new soother range?</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Turn your roaring tiger into a purring kitten
with the </strong></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">closer
to nature® new soother range.</span></strong> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><strong>Be the first
to trial the new baby approved soothers</strong> – Register your interest for samples </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><a href="http://www.socialmums.com.au/" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">There
are 4 new styles – Air, Anytime, Night time and Fun to choose from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The soothers are suitable
to use from birth and are designed with an orthodontic silicone teat to support healthy oral development </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">$11rrp
for a twin pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For stockist or for more
information, please visit</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #404040; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: </span></i></span><a href="http://www.closertonaturebaby.com/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">closertonaturebaby.com</span></span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I <a href="https://facebook.com/closertonaturebaby">facebook.com/closertonaturebaby</a></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I
@closertonature1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></i> </div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><em><span style="font-size: large;"> Now Closed</span></em></h3>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For your chance to win all 4 styles, tell us in
25 words or less </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">which is your favourite style in the range and why
(ie. Fun Style, Anytime, Night Time or Air Style)?</span></span></strong></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></o:p></span> </h2>
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remember to register your interest for a <a href="http://www.socialmums.com.au/" target="_blank">free Sample HERE.</a> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrCcjaX-0EA/U1cJdE7da9I/AAAAAAAANGU/cbPuVeXLRvg/s1600/image3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrCcjaX-0EA/U1cJdE7da9I/AAAAAAAANGU/cbPuVeXLRvg/s1600/image3.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a></h4>
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<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;">(Disclosure: I was not paid for this post, however I did receive a closer to nature product for the purpose of writing this article. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.)</span></span></o:p></span></div>
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-83855930705492944082014-04-15T15:35:00.000+10:002014-04-15T15:35:06.868+10:00Construction Theme Party Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><u>Piñata:</u></strong> A construction Themed Piñata stuffed with lollies, Dimples was five so he went first with 5 hits and each child got 5 swings at the piñata. <br />
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<strong><u>Dance Freeze:</u></strong> This was the game that Dimples insisted we played, I put some music on and the boys danced away showing us there best dance moves. It was such a happy sight seeing a bunch of kids enjoying them self, they looked so cute wearing construction vests, hats and boots grooving away.<br />
Then Using a Stop Sign, I paused the music & held up the sign, they had to freeze and who ever moved was out, and so the game went until there were 2 left. They had a few goes and everyone ended up being a winner.<br />
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<strong><u>Wrecking Ball Game:</u></strong> With a beach ball wrapped in contact and hanging above a grassy mat the boys stacked up towers of boxes we had wrapped as bricks and took turns demolishing them. <br />
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<strong><u>Pass the Parcel:</u></strong> Most people know this classic Party game. A parcel of news paper with hidden prizes inside each layer. The children pass the parcel until the music stops and if it stops on them they get to open a layer. The prizes were construction themed stickers, balloons, bouncing balls, removable tattoos, notebooks, chocolates and crayons.<br />
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<strong><u>Construction Theme Play Station:</u></strong> In the week leading up to the party Dimples create a diorama kind of backdrop for the play station, it was a construction site with a bowl of construction toy cars, diggers and trucks, then using a bag of coco-pops and rice bubbles it was set up for some pretend play and digging.<br />
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<strong><u>Free Play:</u></strong> Of course until all the initial excitement wore off a little the boys<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/magical-gnome-garden.html" target="_blank"> explored the garden</a> and found some smurfs, then looked at the <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/diy-dinosaur-theme-garden-in-recycled.html" target="_blank">Dinosaur hide out </a>, they played in the sand pit together getting to know each other & tinkered around in the <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/mud-kitchen-outdoor-play-renovation.html" target="_blank">Mud Kitchen</a>. They played together in the tree house and went over <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/balance-stumps-outdoor-play-decor.html" target="_blank">the balance stumps</a> and ran around all dressed up in their construction gear.<br />
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<strong><u>Jelly Bean Bounce & Pop Game: </u></strong>We blew up a heap of balloons and in some we put jelly beans, then we put them all in the trampoline. The boys enjoyed this game the most, they had to jump and pop the balloons by sitting on them or jumping on them. There were plenty of giggles and they continued until there were no balloons left in the trampoline, a couple of boys asked for more and wanted to do it again.<br />
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<strong><u>Digging Work Zone:</u></strong> Of course no Construction Party is complete without digging in the dirt. After a couple of weeks of rain we were lucky to get a sunny day and the have the mud dry out a bit. Dimples had spent the days before digging and burying little skeleton dinosaurs, little treasures and wishing stones for the kids to find. We decorated the area like a real construction site and had a bunch of diggers, dump trucks, excavators and shovels ready. It was a huge hit and the boys kept returning to find more hidden treasures.<br />
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Happy 5th Birthday Dimples.Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-91857550787675270582014-03-25T13:44:00.000+11:002014-03-25T13:44:02.387+11:00Natural ingredients with Coloured Water in the Mud Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/mud-kitchen-outdoor-play-renovation.html" target="_blank">Our Mud Kitchen</a> is honestly the best and most used kids play thing in our house, no toy compares. If you're considering making a mud kitchen for your children or a preschool, don't feel as if it will be limited to Mud only and messy play, there are so many ways to play in an "Outdoor Kitchen". <br />
Sometimes Dimples asks to go play in the Mud Kitchen but I don't feel like cleaning up muddy clothes so instead of allowing him to get really messy I give him some containers filled with coloured water (tap water and a drop of food colouring) & we go on a hunt for natural cooking ingredients.<br />
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This is just as fun as making mud pies but without the mess. Miss Cherub enjoys tinkering in the coloured water just as much as Dimples enjoys making rose tea and Sweet gum nut soup.<br />
In the past we have done some pretty messy Mud play in this Outdoor Kitchen; <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/mud-rally-sensory-box.html" target="_blank">A Mud Rally Box full of cars and diggers</a>, <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/mud-painting-its-process-art.html" target="_blank">Process Painting with Mud</a> & <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/making-mud-brick-house.html" target="_blank">Making a Mud Brick House</a>. If you missed it I have also done a Post on <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/8-benefits-of-playing-in-mud.html" target="_blank">Eight Benefits of Playing in the Mud</a>, however the coloured water was a nice change.<br />
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Before making some colourful concoctions, Dimples and I fill up his orange buckets from the <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/mud-kitchen-outdoor-play-renovation.html" target="_blank">Renovated Mud Kitchen</a> with Natural ingredients. Gumnuts, flowers, seeds, twigs, flower buds, and little bits and pieces found in the yard in preparation for his cooking session. Then he creates some beautiful concoctions, mixing together the colours and 'cooking' them, or boiling the water first then adding natural ingredients to stir through.<br />
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This type of play is so fresh and calming, Dimples and Miss Cherub could do this for hours. Actually, come to think of it they play happily together for a long time which doesn't occur to this extent in any other play space. There is something very tranquil about enjoying the sunlight coming through the trees on to the outdoor mud kitchen while the two kiddies play silently together with beautiful flowers and colourful water. They look so at peace in the world; nothing else matters. </div>
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Dimples & Miss Cherub explore the outdoor environment, search for natural ingredients, experiment with mixing colours, use great imaginations to create and cook up a serve, they role play as they cook and serve me fabulous looking dishes, they are also getting the social advantages of turn taking, sharing, cooperating and playing together. They are also getting hands on experience as they stir, pour, sift, transfer, mix, lift, empty and measure out the water and ingredients.</div>
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<b><i>Learning concepts:</i></b></div>
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Benefits of being outdoors</div>
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Exploring Nature</div>
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Mixing Colours</div>
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Gross Motor - They're always moving as they lift, pour, mix, transfer, measure, stir etc.</div>
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Role Playing real life</div>
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Imaginative Play</div>
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Social Skills - cooperation, sharing, turn taking, collaborating, working together & helping one another.</div>
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<b>Happy Adventures </b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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<script src="https://admin.leadbex.com/gateway_jsfloat.php?cid=2GfkIstW431b5wOEZetHASCCEJc/8MD56GjFakt1ClQ=&tmp=3tcmWmtU3Cmt/+v+2fR9HILQ6gR/hWD7Dy+O33OI06E=&cus=+SCr5MWM6wXs9cStCuqq7OoEX0ggOchacg2sJ17m4WE=&bid=531ddaa43af3b5332f0bfc2c&uid=1395021773633" type="text/javascript"></script><br />Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-19162417701824755992014-03-17T13:03:00.001+11:002014-03-17T13:03:36.301+11:00Egg Sounds : A Listening & Critical thinking Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Listening doesn't come naturally to Dimples. It really is something we need to work on. </div>
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I guess there is so much going on and so many things to do that stopping to listen to boring ol' mum just isn't a priority of his and with a stubborn streak, parenting this strong willed little man can sometimes feel like a challenge. </div>
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By being proactive in the way we speak to Dimples, getting on his level, touching his arm to get his attention and eye contact first and by praising the times he does listen we are aiming to improve this. Another way we have been trying to address it is through listening games. <a href="http://childhood101.com/2013/07/learning-games-for-speaking-listening-thinking/" target="_blank">Childhood 101 has 5 listening games</a> that we have been playing lately and this new one I came up with, Eggy Sounds. </div>
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All you need is a plastic egg, we used an old pavlova shell and some small objects made from different materials, different shapes and sizes and weights. Depending on your childs skill level you can add more or less varying the complexity of the objects used. </div>
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First I laid them all out on a tray so Dimples could see what was there. I then put the tray up high and asked him what sounds he thought they would make. Starting with the obvious, what sound would the bells make?</div>
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This part of the game gives a heads up as to what sounds they should be listening for and acts as a memory match, meaning they have to recall what objects were on the tray that could match the sound and rule out the objects they've already guessed correctly. </div>
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I placed an object or group of objects into the egg and asked Dimples what sound is it? He shook it and moved it about listening carefully, some things such as the bell and the pebbles he guessed straight away, then others were a little bit trickier. This is where the critical thinking came into play, I asked him questions to encourage him to think outside the egg!</div>
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What type of material does it sound like? does it sound as if there are one or more things inside? is it heavy? </div>
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Then if he couldnt guess it I asked him to listen carefully, shake it slow, then fast, then rotate it, after he did that he was allowed to ask me questions. Is it one thing? Is it plastic? I would then ask him to think about what else was on the tray that might make the same sound as ____ or what else was the same material. </div>
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This encourages problem solving by elimination and critical thinking as well as drawing on scientific concepts to solve the problem, all the while listening carefully. </div>
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<em><u><strong>Learning concepts:</strong></u></em><br />
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Listening skills</div>
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Memory - visual recall</div>
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Critical thinking & problem solving</div>
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Questioning & elimination</div>
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Scientific concepts - materials, gravity, how things move, weight and sound</div>
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Vocabulary </div>
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Linking auditory and visuals to enhance focus </div>
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<b>Happy Adventures </b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBo4gvTpAIk/Uw1BZPwscEI/AAAAAAAAIkc/jsz3GiaxjPY/s1600/newblog8-064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBo4gvTpAIk/Uw1BZPwscEI/AAAAAAAAIkc/jsz3GiaxjPY/s1600/newblog8-064.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
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Are your children fascinated with Animals? Mine are.<br />
Its a great idea to follow a child's lead and provide them with enriching play areas based on their interests. If they're interested in something they pay more attention, enjoy themselves more and this means that they learn more.<br />
Both Dimples & Miss Cherub love animals so I set up this little Pretend play barn yard.<br />
If you missed it, I have this <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/benefits-of-pretend-play.html" target="_blank">post that goes through WHY Pretend Play is so important</a> in early childhood and the benefits of it. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wV2jMPvrOYI/Uw1BjCmaDnI/AAAAAAAAIk0/UChIk8-UST0/s1600/newblog8-067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wV2jMPvrOYI/Uw1BjCmaDnI/AAAAAAAAIk0/UChIk8-UST0/s1600/newblog8-067.jpg" height="262" width="640" /></a></div>
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I still strongly advocate the<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/benefits-of-pretend-play.html" target="_blank"> benefits of pretend play </a> so following the interests of both Dimples and Miss Cherub I set up this Farm barn play area on a low lying coffee table that they both could access freely and explore easily. I aimed to use materials that resembles a real life farm yard in order to capture their imagination and attention for longer more enjoyable pretend play. I think it worked! They love it.<br />
I added some artificial grass covering the play table to give it a realistic look and feel. This enhances the imaginary play experience and makes the play area more inviting. I then added a pebble patterned mat (it was a small shower mat), a blue foam cut out in the shape of a pond and a fake silk plant to really give the Grassy Farm area a realistic feel.<br />
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The farm area is complete with a little plastic barn and of course a variety of plastic farm animals. Both Dimples and Miss Cherub have enjoyed the area and engaged in pretend play together and alone at different levels of play. Dimples, nearly 5 has a vivid imagination and pretends it a real working farm, the dog does the herding, the sheep need to be sheared and the cows eat grass, the rooster crows at the crack of dawn, the tractor maintains the pastor, the pig rolls on the edge of the pond and so on. He labels the animals and is learning the different names based on the animals gender eg. a sow, a boar & a piglet. In the book shelf next to it I have some farm yard board books for him to expand on.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0x127528bk/Uw1BcqsT3fI/AAAAAAAAIkk/rQ1kwIpamZI/s1600/newblog8-065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0x127528bk/Uw1BcqsT3fI/AAAAAAAAIkk/rQ1kwIpamZI/s1600/newblog8-065.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
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Where as Miss Cherub (nearly 1) explores the texture of the grass with her finger tips (and sometimes her mouth) and the feel of the foam pond, she is following Dimples through imitation and makes Moo sounds, "roff roff" barking sounds and she gets the horses to trott up and down clicking her tongue and jiggling around as if she is riding a horse. Its so cute to watch her learning through observing the way big brother plays. This also gives me an opportunity to introduce new vocabulary to her by labeling the animals for her.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8TAbZGCC4g/Uw1BmBHaMAI/AAAAAAAAIk8/wfTVW4oE3dE/s1600/newblog8-068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8TAbZGCC4g/Uw1BmBHaMAI/AAAAAAAAIk8/wfTVW4oE3dE/s1600/newblog8-068.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Learning Concepts:</b></div>
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Pretend Play & Developing imaginary play scenes</div>
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Early vocabulary</div>
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Turn taking and sharing,</div>
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Learning animal names, sounds, diet and place in the farm.</div>
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Exploring real life concepts</div>
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<b>Other ways to create a play space to enhance imaginative play</b><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/mad-scientist-play-colour-explosions.html" target="_blank">A fun Science Lab conducting real experiments</a><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/magical-gnome-garden.html" target="_blank">Magical Gnome Garden</a><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/the-bank-learning-to-sort-save-and-give.html" target="_blank">Banking & Sorting: using real money & a trip to the bank</a><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/ice-cream-dough-and-sprinkles.html" target="_blank">Sensory Play: Ice cream dough</a><br />
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<i>Have you used any materials in a play area to immitate real life?</i></h3>
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<b>Happy Adventures </b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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<b>I love reading your comments </b></div>
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-40704499610702565732014-02-15T14:31:00.000+11:002014-03-13T21:44:26.168+11:00Mud Kitchen Outdoor Play Renovation<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Summer time in Australia means outside play for us, we are lucky to have a large double yard with some big shady trees to play under. </div>
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Over a year ago we made this Magnificent <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/the-mud-kitchen-recipe-for-marvellous.html" target="_blank">Mud Kitchen</a> which has been well and truly used, enjoyed and utilized in many ways which adds to the outdoor adventures but it was time to update and add some more elements. There are some new storage pots, a few jugs, his own toaster (our old one with cord cut off) and a spice rack with jars among other things. </div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Here it is.....</i></div>
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I love to encourage Dimples to play outside, although he is such a movie/TV lover, i think if I put the TV or a movie on he would sit in front of the screen all day! So most days the television stays OFF all day, and to avoid the question of "can i watch a cartoon?" and encourage some active, imaginative and outdoor play we have been renovating (so to speak) Dimples outdoor Play space; We have been working on a music wall, a large sandpit, <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/outdoor-pvc-pipe-water-wall.html" target="_blank">A PVC Pipe Water Wall</a> and <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/diy-dinosaur-theme-garden-in-recycled.html" target="_blank">a Dino themed play garden in a tyre.</a> </div>
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its a work in progress and it is coming along nicely. </div>
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We have updated and renewed the Mud Kitchen in many ways....<br />
First I laid down some rubber mats under the mud kitchen, then i dug a dry creek bed that goes under a sweet little bridge (just to add the element of imagination into the play setting) I bordered the entire area off and laid down some plastic, then got a heap of bark chip in so now Dimples <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/balance-stumps-outdoor-play-decor.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Balance Stumps</a> are embedded in the bark chip. He still has his Pirate tree house there, hop-scotch and many climbing apparatuses. <br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsUoyW3H1EDMDPjfEUPcG2MycyOZwY8aJcy-9u9biUaDl6CclIwan9ia-axuQZU3xbuIq5oColPj-MBjb5eROUsa5WJx78mh5hp6nZqS3mAS9EH3NkjFWHsUsGnGr9yCWQHd0Yfh3a3rM/s640/blogger-image--217576922.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="480" /></div>
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I added some pots and utensils to the Mud Station and screwed in these cute Orange metal buckets across the front so that Dimples could store his cooking ingredients in them. They make the area more practical and more appealing as everything Dimples needs is within arms length.<br />
He can now tie in some Nature Play by collecting his own seeds, rosemary from the garden, seashells when we are out, gum nuts, dandelions, pebbles and flowers to store in the orange pots and use in his cooking creations.<br />
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A favorite meal is still <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/wombat-stew.html" target="_blank">Wombat Stew</a>.<br />
He often cooks meals, chatting away to himself, narrating his own pretend play "just a table spoon of this, a sprinkle of that, mix it, cook it for 15 minutes, add a handful of this" I love his role playing and listening to his vocabulary develop. <br />
He enjoys pretending to be a Master Chef at the "Dog Club Cafe" and serves up dishes full of things from the garden, add some mud, water and sand to season then he gives it to our 3 dogs.<br />
Get this.... they actually sit and eat it (or sit there and lick the water out but Dimples is convinced he cooks gourmet style).<br />
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Another coat on the chalk board renewed its life. Its been a great addition to the mud kitchen, it aids in early literacy by providing a writing surface to practice/pretend writing a menu. I usually write a menu up to read to Dimples of he will ask me to write certain things, like Wombat Stew and watch me.<br />
The soft outdoor rubber Mats underneath mean we don't have grass popping up everywhere any more and if Dimples drops some ingredients they can be scooped right up and reused. They also give it an indoor feel, like its a real kitchen.<br />
I think out of all our outdoor play and DIY projects this has been consistently the most used and enjoyed.<br />
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<i style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Do you have an Outdoor Kitchen?</b></i></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><i><b>What is the most loved ingredient to create with?</b></i></span></div>
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<b>Happy Adventures </b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span><br />
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<b><i>I love reading your comments</i> </b><br />
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Do you have an old tire floating around? Tires can be re-purposed for so many things. We have one stuck in the ground to climb all over and another was recently turned into a dinosaur garden. </div>
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We have been expanding our outdoor area, near by we have a cool <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/outdoor-pvc-pipe-water-wall.html" target="_blank">Water Wall out of PVC Pipe</a>, & of course our <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/the-mud-kitchen-recipe-for-marvellous.html" target="_blank">Magnificent Mud Kitchen</a> that we are in the process of renovating (stay tuned for that), then we have some <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/balance-stumps-outdoor-play-decor.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Balance Stumps</a>. Now for the DIY tire Garden, its cute, little and practical for any size yard and you could really do it in any theme... Fairies, gnomes, bugs, farm animals to give you a few ideas!</div>
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To make this outdoor play space all I did was put the tire into position, spray paint it fluro bright yellow, fill with soil and then Dimples helped create a Dinosaur garden for play and to create a fun feel to his outdoor play space. First we started talking about what we need to do to keep the plants growing, how to look after them and then the discussion lead to herbivores & dinosaurs, their habitat and environment, what they eat/drink and so on which fueled his pretend play. </div>
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We added a couple of soft succulents that are cheap and tolerable to harsh conditions. Then a curved piece of drift wood fit perfectly around the center of the tire, from there on Dimples added stones and shells. The dinosaurs needed a drink or a pool so we planted an old bowl filled it with water and then the finishing touches were of course the dinosaurs. After playing for a while Dimples added a small stick for a bridge and some lucky stones. It makes a cute addition to the outdoor play are and encourages outside physical and imaginative play</div>
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<b><i><u>Learning Concepts:</u></i></b><br />
Recycle & Reuse<br />
Planting and keeping plants<br />
Physical/Active Play<br />
Connecting with the outdoors<br />
Imaginative & Pretend play<br />
Dinosaur Habitats & environments<br />
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<b><i><u>Follow on:</u></i></b><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/dinosaur-fossil-discovery.html" target="_blank">DIY baked Dinosaur fossils</a><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/digging-for-dinosaurs-d-activities.html" target="_blank">Dig for dinosaurs near by </a><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/jurassic-play-stomping-and-learning.html" target="_blank">Dinosaur Paint Stomping</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span></span>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">How do you get the kids to be enthusiastic about Outdoor Play?</span></i></h3>
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I love reading your comments </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><i>Happy Adventures</i></span></b></h3>
Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-59314417857554419112014-01-21T13:39:00.001+11:002014-01-21T13:39:24.655+11:00Outdoor PVC Pipe Water Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Australia it is extremely hot with sweaty Summer days, we live on the coast so we are lucky that we get an ocean breeze but other parts of Australia aren't so lucky this time of year. Its been that hot lately that Dimples hasn't even wanted to go outdoors to play. I don't blame him! </div>
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But after re-vamping Dimples Play area, Renovating his cubby house &<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/awesome-water-wall-tree-house.html" target="_blank"> his water wall</a> we are back outside playing under the trees in the shad with some good old water play. </div>
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Here is our new Water wall that is still off the side of his <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/the-mud-kitchen-recipe-for-marvellous.html" target="_blank">Mud kitchen</a>. </div>
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The Outdoor Water wall is easy to make if you're a little handy or have a handy man, even if you don't I am sure you can pull it off. All you need is a sheet of ply wood structured up, some PVC pipes, preferably the same width so the water flows easily & directly in the center of the next one, a drill and screws. </div>
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I have spray painted the wood surface blue and I asked Adventures Dad if he could cut the PVC pipes in half length ways on his bench Saw with some different lengths and angles then I sprayed them yellow. </div>
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That is the easy part. Putting it all together takes a little more patience and a great little helper with a bottle of water. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DiZBzFRfj_I-NLqHpOicOBcO3acHq3fP_PDLRRXrIy_fiT_ssIF7RfF8N7BwJb-eIbPiJxefU5uAQg19xcbsmQ6XAT2gdYMWDqjlgnt28ALd3v4tevKt770xpObw5f1xrwjRurEmyDYx/s640/blogger-image-2054826050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DiZBzFRfj_I-NLqHpOicOBcO3acHq3fP_PDLRRXrIy_fiT_ssIF7RfF8N7BwJb-eIbPiJxefU5uAQg19xcbsmQ6XAT2gdYMWDqjlgnt28ALd3v4tevKt770xpObw5f1xrwjRurEmyDYx/s640/blogger-image-2054826050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used a drill to attache the pipes on to the wall. First I held them in place as Dimples, the willing helper, stood by with a bottle of water to "test" the water wall placing. This is a crucial part.... If you just screw the pipes in any old way it wont flow smoothly so we tested the water flow before screwing them on. </div>
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If they are too close the water splats and splashes out, mean less makes it to the bottom of the water wall, if they are too far away you might miss the mark entirely, also the water speed depends on the angle of your pipe. Dimples enjoyed testing the way the water flowed and helping get it just right.</div>
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Then is was time to use it and see which tunnels worked best and how much water made it down to the bottom. Dimples was narrating play and making inferences about which way the water will flow if he poured it down a certain pipe. It was a fun way to cool down and the good thing about doing a PVC water wall is that the pipes are wide enough for marbles and can double as a ball run. </div>
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Hope you like it.</div>
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Dimples sure does and Miss Cherub does too. She sits at the bottom waiting for the water to come rolling down, wont be long until she is trying to pour the water as well.</div>
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<b>Learning Experiences</b>:</div>
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Involvement in the Design & construction of the Water wall</div>
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Scientific investigation</div>
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Open ended Play</div>
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Outdoor Play</div>
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Hand eye coordination (lift, Pour, control, move)</div>
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Concept of gravity</div>
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Peaceful and calming water play that increases focus </div>
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Tactile and sensory learning</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><i><b>Adventures at Home with Mum</b></i></span><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"> on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">How do you get the kids to cool down on a Hot Summer Day?</span></i></h3>
<div>
I love reading your comments </div>
<h3>
<b><span style="color: red;"><i>Happy Adventures</i></span></b></h3>
Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-85408285665018113012014-01-10T09:50:00.002+11:002014-01-10T09:50:54.417+11:00Baby Safe yummy Painting With Yogurt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Baby Painting! Of course that will be messy right? But is it safe to expose babies to paint, after all most of it will end up in their mouth, all over their face and in their skin. </div>
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Well even though there are many of alternatives like making your own paints using natural safe ingredients or non-toxic "safe" varieties many parents just won't go there. </div>
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So here is an easy, not so messy way to introduce baby to colours, textures and paint play while they learn some hands on skills needed to self-feed.</div>
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I used a children yogurt that was baby safe and mixed it into 3 different containers, using one drop of natural food colouring I mixed a yellow, pink and blue shade of yogurt. I gave the containers to Miss Cherub when she was on her high chair so she could explore them safely on her table. It was a bit of an experiment and i wasn't sure how she would react but she loved it and it was easy to clean up and wash off after.<br />
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I left the spoons in the containers so she could get some practice using and handling the spoons. She is at the age now she is interested in self-feeding but needs to further develop her gross motor skills and hand/eye coordination in order to succeed. So she did enjoy some colourful yogurt but the majority of it was paint.<br />
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The splatters and drops she tipped out of the container on to her tray were poked out and smeared in every fashion possible. She explored the squishy texture between her fingers and payed close attention to the colours after she mixed them around with her hand.<br />
It was a yummy bright Baby painting expedition.<br />
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Miss Cherub enjoyed herself tactfully experimenting with the containers; handling them, tipping and turning them to see the yogurt drop out, putting the spoon in to scoop it out and eating some, while some she flung and splattered on the tray. She used her fingers to scoop some out, and them in different ways she run her fingers through the different colours, some times with her pointer finger, sometimes trying to grab it in a pincer grip but mostly she rushed her palms through it smearing it together. </div>
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Clean up was simple; wash the tray & containers in the sink, wipe the baby clean. done! </div>
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<u><b>Learning concepts:</b></u><br />
First Colours & Colour mixing<br />
Exploring Textures<br />
Sensory Play<br />
Confidence with food<br />
Bilateral coordination<br />
Hand/eye coordination<br />
Self feeding skills<br />
Developing pincer grip and handling containers<br />
Gross Motor Skills<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following Adventures at Home with Mum on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span>
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<br />Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-19874917406204491152013-12-03T14:01:00.000+11:002013-12-03T14:01:14.983+11:00DIY Smell & Shake Discovery Bottles for Babies & Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made these DIY Scented <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/scented-sensory-discovery-bottles.html" target="_blank">Sensory Bottles when Dimples was younger,</a> they were a definite hit. He still has the Coffee Bean one and it<em> still</em> smells so good. I decided to do a new and improved batch of scented discovery bottles for Miss Cherub.</div>
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Dimples was a great helper, he came up with some ideas while he made these for his baby sister.<br />
First we gather our materials, we tried to stick to a theme of a colour. Because these are scented the materials need to be able to hold and soak up the essence and essential oil.<br />
<ul>
<li>Dimples designed a Eucalyptus one using, blue and white pom-poms, some blue knitted wool daisies, some blue pipe cleaners and some metal bells. We added eucalyptus oil in. It smells and sounds great.</li>
<li>The Lavender one had some real lavender flowers in it, lavender incense oil dyed rice <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/lavender-rice-mini-zen-garden.html" target="_blank">from our Lavender Zen Rice garden</a> & a little butterfly. </li>
<li>The Rocking Rosemary had fresh rosemary from our backyard and some dried herb rosemary from our spice rack. Simple!</li>
<li>The Christmas one had Peppermint scented red & green Rice from our <a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/christmas-scented-sensory-rice-play.html" target="_blank">Christmas Rice Sensory Tub</a>, some sequins and a plastic candy cane. </li>
<li>We still have the plastic Dinosaur in coffee beans &</li>
<li>The old Lavender one that had silk purple flowers and lavender rice. </li>
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All you need to make these are some old baby Bottles, stocking, a hot glue gun and your materials. <br />
Take the teat out of your bottle so your left with a hole, put all your materials in the discovery bottle and the essence or essential oil, and hot glue gun a piece of stocking tight over the lid, then hot glue gun a circle over this and screw your lid on tight. Done! <br />
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They smell so sweet. </div>
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Miss Cherub loves sniffing them, shaking them and transferring them from hand to hand listening to the sounds they make. </div>
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Dimples plays I-spy with me and while he had a cold the past week he slept with his eucalyptus one by his pillow. </div>
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The Christmas themed one looks so festive at this time of year and has been placed up with the Christmas ornaments. <br />
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These are a really handy DIY toy that uses all the sense; smell, shake & listen to them, rattle & bang them around, look and see what you can spot. Considering the coffee bean one still smells years later I think this set will be rotated around frequently with the Christmas one getting packed away with our Christmas decorations until next year. </div>
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<strong><u>Learning concepts:</u></strong></div>
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Colour coordination</div>
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Learning with the senses;</div>
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Defining between different scents</div>
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Listening to different sounds</div>
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Search & find, I-spy games</div>
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Baby grasp, transferring between hands. </div>
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Happy Adventures :)</div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following Adventures at Home with Mum on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span>
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Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-81771922860380829302013-11-25T14:17:00.001+11:002013-11-25T14:17:08.662+11:00Christmas Scented Sensory Rice Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our first Christmas Spirit Play experience this season is a Peppermint Scented Red & Green Rice Tactile tub. I dyed a heap of rice with red & green colouring, then as it dried I added Peppermint essence to give it a christmassy smell. It was divine!</div>
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Once ready I put in a bag of Christmas themed sequins and glitter, plastic candy canes, some Christmas decorations and Christmas tree baubles. Dimples contrasted the red and the green baubles with the red and green rice. I had taken the ends off the bauble and Dimples started putting grains of rice into them. The hole was tiny so this was a great fine motor task for him & to add to the sensory delight, he found that if he shook them they made a musical ding.</div>
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Eventually he mixed the colours around, enjoyed some pretend play with the reindeer & elf figures, they made tracks, the elf rode the reindeer around and then they tripped over the decorations and got buried. Dimples commented on how yummy the rice smelt.<br />
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There was a stray bauble that ended up smashed on the ground, they are plastic so I think Dimples had something to do with it 'smashing' he used this cue and filled the open bauble up to plant candy canes in it.<br />
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The tactile tub was a great sensory experience with the contrasting colours that were visually appealing, the sound of the rice pouring and flicking around, along with the scent but it also provided a goo imaginary Christmas scene. After a while Dimples decided to fence in the reindeer so they could escape. He very carefully piled up rice and made a rail out of baubles and plastic candy canes.<br />
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After a while when he started to lack interest I added some more elements. Funnels and large plastic kids tweezers. He did his usually pouring and experimented with the different funnels then very cleverly used the large tweezers to grab the large Christmas sequins. More fine motor practice and sorting through the rice to find the same sort of sequins. this was time consuming and required lots of focused attention.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Have you played with scented Rice before?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>What Scent have you used?</i></b></span></div>
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Here are some of our previous posts using rice. They're always a hit! </div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/a-coloured-rice-quarry-pretend.html" target="_blank">Coloured Rice Construction Bin</a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/lavender-rice-mini-zen-garden.html" target="_blank">Lavender Dyed Zen Rice Garden</a></div>
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<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/bright-sparkley-rainbow-rice-box.html" target="_blank">Rainbow Rice Play</a></div>
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<b><u>Learning Concepts:</u></b><br />
Sensory Play<br />
Tactile experiences<br />
Imaginary & pretend play<br />
Exploring Christmas Theme<br />
Fine Motor skills<br />
Sorting<br />
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<b><u>Ideas for Extending:</u></b><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/split-pea-funnel-tree.html" target="_blank">Make a funnel tree like our split pea funnel tree</a><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/barley-measurement-early-math-play-tub.html" target="_blank">Early Measurement principles</a><br />
Use small figurines to make it a small world<br />
Use sand equipment, like a sand mill to pour rice in<br />
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Happy Adventures<br />
<br />Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963870700486099314.post-4279260771390612552013-11-12T12:02:00.000+11:002013-11-12T12:02:06.033+11:00Alphabet Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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When it comes to direct learning which isn't hidden in some form of play Dimples finds it quite a bore, looses focus and doesn't want a bar of it. He hasn't really been interested in the alphabet, reading or identifying letters besides his name until recently so to foster this new interest of early literacy in a fun hands on way that isn't plain boring letter recognition we read the funny story Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and made a Felt Alphabet tree to go with it. </div>
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We started with two large postal tubes (you know the ones you send posters in), filled one with some sand to weigh it down, duck taped them together and Dimples painted our soon to be tree trunk brown. <br />
Then we did the branches using paper towel rolls painted green, these were cut and shaped to fit into one another at the top of our tree trunk, then they were also taped down firmly. <br />
Next we used some felt cut in the shape of palm leaves big enough to fit over the rolls, these were hot glued down using a hot glue gun. Dimples helped position and press them down.<br />
What is our tree missing? Dimples come up with the idea of using paper bags scrunched into balls to resemble our coconuts. He carefully helped glue them into position and then we were only missing our Alphabet letters. <br />
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The Alphabet letters were also glued onto the felt with a hot glue gun. I found some cheap wooden letters off eBay for a few dollars, you could use those plastic magnetic ones or foam letters but these wooden ones did the trick and stuck nicely with hot glue. First we ordered our alphabet along with the story, finding each letter as we read the pages, then once our tree and glue were prepared I called out letters and Dimples went and found them for me, helping to stick them out. This was great for letter recognition and he found fetching them as quickly as possible lots of fun.<br />
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The story gives a good opportunity to discuss why we have upper and lower case letters. Why do we have two of each letter? it also goes over the alphabet with visual cues in both the story and the illustration. Its a very upbeat fun story using rhyme and humor. <br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_8aWvwS-peY/UnuRSO01p_I/AAAAAAAAIak/sEXsjtwcOP4/s640/blogger-image--1359291222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_8aWvwS-peY/UnuRSO01p_I/AAAAAAAAIak/sEXsjtwcOP4/s640/blogger-image--1359291222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once our letters were on we re-read the story and Dimples reenacted it pretending to be certain letters going up the tree and shaking it when they all fell out. Now we use the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree in many ways, as a story prop and along with letter identification when we read the story. Dimples points to the letters as I sing the alphabet, we combine it with an Alphabet Abacus and a Alphabet placemat and play letter match, we play I-spy; mixing it up so he can search for individual letters.<br />
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<strong>Learning Concepts:</strong><br />
Early literacy<br />
Learning the Alphabet<br />
Benefits of craft<br />
Letter recognition<br />
Identifying individual letters<br />
Discussing upper and lower case letters<br />
Connecting literature, hands on craft and fun<br />
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<strong>Ideas to Extend with:</strong><br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/letter-shape-matching-puzzle.html" target="_blank">A DIY Letter Puzzle</a><br />
Alphabet match using other forms of the Alphabet. <br />
I-Spy Letter search<br />
<a href="http://adventuresathomewithmum.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/name-recognition-sensory-bag.html" target="_blank">A name Letter Recognition Sensory Bag</a><br />
Use magazines and news papers to go on a letter Hunt for a drawn Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree<br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">You can keep updated with all our Adventures by following Adventures at Home with Mum on<b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventures-at-home-with-mum/152901161472487" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,</b> follow us on <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/adventuresathom/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, or </b>check us out on <b><a href="http://instagram.com/nae_adventuresathomewithmum#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b></span>
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<br />Rez phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14714872906761868375noreply@blogger.com10