31 days of unplugged play: story themed playscape

by on October 3, 2012
in play learn explore · 7 Comments

Written by Kara Fleck, Simple Kids editor and Rockin’ Granola mama.

Welcome to day three of 31 Days of Unplugged Play. Today’s unplugged play idea is a storybook playscape. 

What is a playscape?
A playscape is simply a scene that is put together to inspire creative play around a theme.  You are “setting the stage” so to speak.

Supplies and materials

  • a favorite book or story
  • toys and simple objects from around your home that relate to the story (blocks, small dolls, play silks, etc.)
  • a clear space on the floor or on the coffee table or other space where the scene can be set and your kids have room to play and interact with the playscape

[Read more...]

31 Days of unplugged play: stuffed animal zoo

by on October 2, 2012
in play learn explore · 6 Comments

Written by Kara Fleck, Simple Kids editor and Rockin’ Granola mama.

Today’s unplugged play idea involves lions, tigers, and bears (oh, my!).  Today we’re going to create and visit a stuffed animal zoo.

Stuffed animal zoo

Gather up:

  • laundry baskets
  • stuffed animals

Basically, we’re going to turn our laundry baskets into exhibits for a stuffed animal zoo.  Then see where the indoor “zoo day” adventures lead.

[Read more...]

Unplugged play: no batteries required!

by on September 30, 2012
in play learn explore, Unplugged Play · 54 Comments

Written by Kara Fleck, Simple Kids editor and Rockin’ Granola mama.  Update:  I didn’t quite get the original 31 days series written back in October, but this is a work-in-progress and I’ll keep adding Unplugged Play ideas as we go.

Today’s the day!  We’re beginning our much anticipated series on  Unplugged play:  no batteries required.

It seems, at times, like play and childhood are becoming obsolete.  We live in such a hurry-up world that it can be easy to forget that life doesn’t have to be that fast-paced and play doesn’t require batteries or the endorsement of a television character.   I invite you and your kids to slow down and reconnect with simple play.  It is time to get back to basics and have a little fun doing so!

Unplugged Play

Each idea will feature a short post with a simple idea or two for “unplugged” play – no batteries or power cords required.  Whether or not you choose to unplug from all other electronics (video games, television, computer, other screen time, etc) is up to you.

[Read more...]

Newer Posts»