Like I said before, the feeling of summer being over and fall pushing its way in is definitely being experienced around here (in every way except the weather—it’s still wicked hot here!). One of those signs is the return of my oldest to her weekly dance class. Actually, this year (her fourth), it has become “classes.” This is the first year that we’ve allowed her to take two classes, and that was provided that they both fall on the same night (I’m only doing so much driving each week!).

The return of dance reminded me of the past …read more

Mega Brands America, Inc. has expanded its recall of the dreaded Magnetix sets. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has more information. A Mom at Magnets Can Kill has a comprehensive history of Magnetix magnetic toy injuries and recalls.
To date, CPSC and Mega Brands are aware of one death, one aspiration and 27 intestinal injuries. Emergency surgical intervention was needed in all but one case. At least 1,500 incidents of magnets separating from the building pieces have been reported. Although the hazard was initially thought to be a problem primarily for children younger than six, it has since been learned …read more

Do these Automoblox cars come in big people sizes with real engines? Let me know when they do because I’d love to cruise down the street in these beauties.
Inventor Patrick Calello in the Baltimore Sun:
We like to say this is the reinvention of the classic wooden car. What we really wanted to do is bring great styling, craftsmanship and heirloom quality to children. Essentially, what we’re combating is the disposability of the mass toy industry.
The mass-market toy market is all about flash, bells and whistles, noises and distraction. And we’re trying to bring substance and quality and real learning benefits.

For all the talk about kids being too wired to be able to enjoy simple toys, my son’s favorites are still building sets. This week, we got him his first box of “real” LEGO and he’s been busy building rockets, houses, airplanes, and anything else you can imagine. Not once has he asked for an on switch.
Like many parents, educators, and journalists, Seth Porges at CrunchGear would like to take a whack at the ugly head of modern technology and how it has ruined toys. I’m not sure if I agree since my personal observations tell me that kids might …read more

A carnival and a play? That would make for a fun day, don’t ya think? Actually, I’m referring to the fact that Char, of our b5media sister blog, Weary Parent, is hosting this month’s Family and Relationships Channel’s blog carnival. Head on over to see what we share on the topic of “Education.”
I came across a post by Mary Jo at another b5media blog, The Seattle Traveler. She shares information on an American Girl Doll play based on the story of the doll, Addy. Head on over to her post to read more about it. …read more

The kids received Cranium’s Hullabaloo for Christmas this year. They are having a blast with it! The music starts, and the kids listen to the instructions to swim/hop/jump/fly from one little colored shape to another. While it’s listed for ages 4 and up, our 3 year old can follow along enough to get the gist of the game. That is, if he’s staying focused long enough to actually hear the instructions and not just run around laughing (which is fun, too!). I also like that the game is easy to travel with so that we …read more

It always fascinates me the way my son can take a standard toy and play with it in ways I never imagined. This Play Doh constructed keyboard is one example.

Here are the keys up close. How did he make them? With this:

It’s the same old refrain – Kids aren’t allowed to be kids anymore. Karen Uhlenhuth of The Kansas City Star has more on the crisis of children’s play.
Playing up playtime: It’s kids’ learning gift

These are hard times for child’s play:
Testing pressures have squeezed much of the play out of kindergarten, according to many activists and researchers. And those pressures are even trickling down to preschools.
Parents worried about their children’s safety — and maybe hankering for some time to themselves — keep them indoors, often tethered to a television, a computer or a video game.

Cranium is one of my favorite games. It is a unique combination of tasks and questions that allows every person to feel that they can contribute, and have a blast playing.
I was so excited when we found that Cranium has a complete line of games for children of all ages. My oldest received Balloon Lagoon for Christmas this past year, and it is as much fun for her to play as it is for us to play Cranium. And even cooler? We have a blast playing Balloon Lagoon with her as well. Yes, it is …read more

Here are some pictures from the fantastic Climbers and Creepers playground at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London. I’d like to showcase playgrounds around the world. Won’t you share a few pics of your neighborhood playground or a special one you visited? (No identifying details needed if you’d prefer to keep your location secret!)

Click for larger images.