Safety Recall Nov. 2012

Here's the list...I'm checkin' it twice. Gonna' find if it's unsafe or nice!!

Holiday Buying Guide 2012

Since I taught elementary school for many years, I often have parents ask what they should look for when buying holiday gifts for young children. I have some guidinglines to help you choose wisely.

For Babies and Toddlers:
When buying books, look for board books or washable cloth since they will take a beating. Images should be colorful and not crowded on the page. Simple images are the best and flap book where kids can lift to peek are really fun. Toys should let kids explore colors, shapes and music. Foam blocks and simple puzzles are also great.

Preschoolers:
Kids like stories that tell about the things they see every day, both in the home and in their neighborhoods. Animal stories are very appealing and kids are starting to enjoy humor as well. Toys are this age are starting to have more than 1 piece, often using cause and effect motions. Simple games are fun, especially if they foster cooperative rather than competitive play. Beginning art materials are appropriate now also, especially washable markers and lots of big pieces of paper, window and bath crayons, and soft clay.

Kindergartners and First Graders:
Beginning readers are easily found for kids this age. Children learn a lot about reading while watching you run your finger under the words as you read, and seeing you read top to bottom and when you turn pages. Now they can predict what will happen, and talk about their favorite character or favorite part of the story.
Non fiction books are especially helpful, since the children can more easily predict the words they might see and what facts the story will be teaching. Toys at this age should follow their interests. Many of them will require multiple steps and following directions. Games will require taking turns and some memory skills. At this stage, children will need to recognize numbers, letters and symbols to play. Don't forget to look for games on-line as well. Continue with arts and craft activities, introducing safety scissors, washable glue and watercolor paints.

As always, don't forget to follow the safety age recommendations required to be listed on all games and toys.
They are there for a reason...and you risk harm to children by letting them play with toys that have small or moving parts that are recommended for older children.
Check here every month for products that have been recalled.

Back to Sleep Campaign Still Going Strong

Review the current facts and research on the benfits of laying infants on their backs in their own empty cribs for safe sleep here.

Thanksgiving 2012 Books and Craft

Books for you to enjoy:
For younger children- The First Thanksgiving by Sarah Treu
                                  Thanksgiving Is... by Gail Gibbons
                                   My First Thanksgiving by Tomie dePaola
                                   Pilgrims by Mary pope Osborne (non-fiction)

For older children- Thanks You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie     Halse Anderson
                             Squanto's Journey by Joseph Bruchac
                             1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O'Neill Grace

Craft- Coffee Filter Turkey:
Supplies- coffee filter
markers
card stock or construction paper in brown and yellow
glue
scissors
wiggle eyes (optional)
First, lay one coffee filter flat. See first photo
Second, color the center and edges randomly with water based markers. Photo 2
Third, fold into a pie shape. Photo 3
Fourth, dip the point and edge into water
Fifth, wait until the water has absorbed into the entire filter, mixing the colors.
Sixth, after the filter has completely dried, draw shape of a turkey head and body, legs and beak from construction paper and use glue to adhere. Eyes can be draw and added or use wiggle eyes. Photo 4