Family Activities Books - Page 2

Team Challenges: 170+ Group Activities to Build Cooperation, Communication, and Creativity

Kris Bordessa

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Education -> Education Theory -> Contemporary Methods -> Experimental
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Upbeet, Creative, Fun! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I am a therapist at a child and adolescent day treatment for kids with emotional and behavioral issues. It can be difficult to find activities that seem to motivate and energize the kids. They enjoyed many of the activities in this book. The activities are very hands-on and involve a lot of working together to build things out of all kinds of everyday materials. I highly recommend this book.

A wide variety of great ideas. 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book offers all kinds of great activities that will help foster cooperation, communication and creativity within whatever group of people you're using it for. The tasks range from mental activities to physical ones and are easy to understand, fun to execute and can be completed with objects that you usually have around the house. The book is a great tool for your own children, birthday parties, classrooms and it's also a perfect teacher gift!

fun team challenges 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I am a Destination Imagination team manager who is looking forward to getting my kids working on these team challenges. There are a variety of challenges in this book that are easy to prepare and set up for but they look fun, interesting and challenging. They are sure to make my kids brains work! Book contains good tips too!

Unplugged Play: No Batteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun.

Bobbi Conner

Amazon Price: $9.86 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Workman Publishing Company Amazon Marketplace: 60 new & used starting at $3.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

a reader from Ohio 1 out of 5 stars.
6 of 9 people found this review helpful.

After reading many great reviews I purchased this book thinking it would be a useful resource for games and activities for my children. I was greatly disappointed. Almost every activity is the same, just a different variation. Most require yet another trip to a store to buy some plastic "toys" If a parent already had what the author has listed as a "well-stocked" toy room they should have no problem thinking up the games listed in this book. For any parent or caregiver with even the slightest bit of imagination this book is unnecessary. In place of this I would recommend Playful Learning from Le Leche League or any book from Bev Bos. They require more imagination and less trips to a store.

Editorial Review:

From the joy of smearing glue on paper to the screaming delight of a bubble-blowing relay, kids love to play. In fact, it's every kid's built-in tool for experiencing the world at large. A parent-friendly encyclopedia, UNPLUGGED PLAY ("A wonderful guide," says Daniel Goleman) offers hundreds and hundredsof battery-free, screen-free, chrip-and-beep-free games and fun variations that stretch the imagination, spark creativity, building strong bodies, and forge deep friendships...and keep kids busy at the table while mom or dad makes dinner.

I Love Dirt!: 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature

Jennifer Ward

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Meets a Need for SOME People, Not All 3 out of 5 stars.
8 of 13 people found this review helpful.

The book is organized around the seasons. It is designed to provide one nature experience per week of the year, that is, a focused, narrow-topic nature activity is laid out for the family to do.

In my opinion this is for use with children under ten years old. The reason why is it not good for children over ten is that some of the activities are too babyish for older kids (go play in a puddle etc.). The shallow/introductory information is suitable for preschoolers and elementary grade kids. Kids aged possibly nine and ten may ask more questions than this book supplies.

The book basically gives activities to do with young children outside. If the adult knows not much about nature, this book provides talking points and ideas of what to do. Encourage the child to touch the water, swish in the water and see what happens and so forth. There are suggestions to have children do things and then to discuss what happens. Factual information is provided that is good if the adult doesn't know a lot about nature.

The educational talking point claims to fulfill a learning objective. Each objective is at the end of each chapter, such as "stimulates awareness of one's surroundings" and "stimulates caring and stewardship for all living things". I'm not quite sure why the author felt that the parents needed those learning objectives spelled out. Perhaps she intended that public school teachers would use this book and would need that information so they could fit it into their curriculum or into the No Child Left Behind's objectives?

Conversely if the parent or grandparent already knows this basic information then the book's information could be too simplistic and not very useful; it could be considered dumbed down and unnecessary for some adults.

Some of these things end up feeling staged to me. For example if the parent intends to discuss where animals go during the day, but the child doesn't take that bait and run with that topic, you are out of luck with your plans (and this book is all about planning). I sure hope the parent doesn't come down hard on the child for 'not following the plans'. Also if the parent prepares to do X with the child but they want to spontaneously explore other things (which is good in my opinion) the adult may feel frustrated that they prepared or ill-equipped to answer questions about Y.

The people who are more spontaneous in general may feel this book is too limiting, but those people may not feel the need to buy a book of ideas! For me, this book is too limiting and unnecessary, but everyone is different, so perhaps this book is just what you desire.

This is a unique book. If this helps some parents get outdoors with their kids and have the children spend more time in nature then this book will have done its job (even ithe parent doesn't fully use the book as intended or if they don't get to do everything outlined in the book).

It is a very good idea to get kids outside more and outside exploring nature with their children. Hooray for that!! I applaud the author for writing this book which seems to be trying hard to give parents some tools and ideas about how to explore nature with their children (and throw in some education in the process).

Editorial Review:

I Love Dirt! presents 52 open-ended activities to help you engage your child in the outdoors. No matter what your location—from a small patch of green in the city to the wide-open meadows of the country—each activity is meant to promote exploration, stimulate imagination, and heighten a child's sense of wonder.

To learn more about the author, Jennifer Ward, visit her website at jenniferwardbooks.com and to learn more about the illustrator, Susie Ghahremani, visit her website at boygirlparty.com.

A Ghostly Good Time: The Family Halloween Handbook

Editors of Woman's Day SIPS

Amazon Price: $8.79 List Price: $10.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Filipacchi Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $6.23

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excellent Guide for all Things Halloween 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I picked this up with Matthew Mead's, "Halloween Tricks & Treats" and I'm glad I did!

Both books are completely unique so together you have a multitude of ideas and projects for an Awesome Halloween. While the focus of Mead's book centers largely on recipes, "A Ghostly Good Time" leans more towards costumes and decorating the home and yard.

The idea's are colorful and light on the creepy factor, this is, after all a book geared towards families and children. Both books are written and/or compiled by special interest magazines so the collection is fresh while throwing an easy nod to tradition.

Another must for all of you Halloween addicts out there, and we know who we are!

Editorial Review:

Everyone can have as much fabulously spooky fun as the witches and goblins this Halloween with this handy guide from the editors at Woman's Day Special Interest Publications.

Jam-packed with recipes, games, decorations and costumes, it's the quintessential resource to make any Halloween the best one ever. With over 200 instructional and inspirational color photographs, this book has everything you'll need to plan a Halloween party, have the most fun trick-or-treating or enjoy a family Halloween at home. It contains:

* Halloween Headquarters: eerie exteriors and rooms with a boo * Dressed to Thrill: costume designs * Little Workshop of Horrors: creepy crafts * Devilish Delights: snack and treats

With so many spook-tacular ideas for both children and adults, this guidebook is sure to be the favorite manual for anyone who loves Halloween.

Toddler Play (Gymboree)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Must have for new parents! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

We bought this book when our oldest was two years old and now we are still using it to keep his 18 month old brother busy. Lots of cute activities, songs and games. Most require no supplies and the ones that do usually require things that can be found around the home.

My husband just loves these books 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

These are great books for first time parents and dads. (Moms, you probably do most of these things with your baby by instinct). But I love them (we have toddler play and baby play) because it give me clear ideas as to how to play with my daughter on those days when I feel like I just don't have a clue. My husband thinks it is fun to pick a new activity each weekend to try with our daughter--it has really helped them to bond.

Full of Great Ideas 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I spent many days with my toddler playing games from this book.
Well organized, great pictures and ideas. I would just look up my daughters age by month and start playing using things available around the house. Great fun and ideas !! Highly recommend.

Editorial Review:

Direct toddlers with interactive activities that are easy, skill building and fun to do. Over 100 toddler-tested activities for quality play time. A variety of activities organized by appropriatemess for each month of life. Developed in consultation with the play experts at Gymboree.

Teach Me to Do It Myself: Montessori Activities for You and Your Child

Maja Pitamic

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Based on the key Montessori principle that children learn best through active experience, Teach Me to Do It Myself presents simple activities through which children explore and develop their skills. These skill areas include sensory perceptions, body coordination, language, understanding of numbers, and movement. This practical, color-illustrated parenting book is filled with activities and instructions for overseeing children as they carry out a variety of learning activities. Most activities will seem simple to parents, because once mastered, adults perform them automatically. However, toddlers experience a sense of accomplishment and self-worth when they learn to perform them independently. The many activities start with dressing and personal hygiene, then go on to include . . .

• Pouring activities
• Threading and sewing activities
• Peg activities
• Cutting with scissors
• Sorting activities by touch
• A color matching game
• Making musical scales with bottles and water
• Using alphabet tiles to make words
• Growing things in a window box
• Making finger puppets

Activities are described in detail and include checklists of needed items, as well as variations and related activities for children to try.

You Are Your Child's First Teacher

Rahima Baldwin Dancy

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great approach, encouraging, do read critically though. 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very interesting book. Great to reinforce things we already know and suggest ways to enact our ideals as parents. I especially liked the specific suggestions for kinds of toys and for activities. Gentle, realistic, and encouraging suggestions regarding discipline. Good citations of studies to back up concepts. Those new to Steiner, Waldorf, and Anthroposophy should be aware it is very "Stainer oriented" and the realities within this "spiritual science" are considered a given, though not pushed aggresively. For example, the ideas about the incarnation process and life forces are used as part of explainations. Read carefully and critically and accept only what you like, study the rest objectively. Spiritual ideas aside, it's a good look at interacting with children in developmentally appropriate ways and nurturing their holistic (all around) growth.

Editorial Review:

Details what parents can do with and for their children, from birth to age six. This resource book offers new ways for parents to understand their children and provide opportunities to increase their confidence in what they are doing while making the most of the early years. 384 pages.

Montessori Play And Learn: A Parent's Guide to Purposeful Play from Two to Six

Lesley Britton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

We all want the best possible starts in life for our children, and one of the best possible starts in life, educationally, is the "method" pioneered by Maria Montessori and taught successfully today throughout the world.

Now, Lesley Britton, the leading Montessori practitioner in England for more than twenty years, will show parents how to bring Montessori home. If you would like to facilitate the development of your child's unique personality, make it possible for him to develop to his full intellectual capacity, and help him become socially and emotionally well adjusted, then this is the book for you.

Montessori Play and Learn is packed with ideas, activities, and games that can fit into your normal routine and help supplement preschool learning for your child. For planning your home, introducing your child to the supermarket or the neighborhood, and helping him discover other people and cultures, this book provides valuable tips and insights that help parents and children grow and learn together.
-- Create hundreds of learning opportunities from everyday life
-- Learn dozens of games and activities to help prepare children for mathematics, reading, science, and writing
-- Make your home environment as stimulating for your child as the best Montessori preschool.

Starting Sensory Integration Therapy: Fun Activities That Won't Destroy Your Home or Classroom

Bonnie Arnwine

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Fabulous! 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful.

This book has great ideas for activities that are simple to do at home! It's straight forward and a must have for anyone wanting to help their child with sensory issues.

sensory fun 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful.

this is a great book for parents who have autistic kids.the activities are easy to do. I highly recomend it

who would know? 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful.

WHO would know that just simple things around the house along with some brilliant ideas can help you get your child throw a sometimes ruff difficult day. What an "EXCEPTIONAL BOOK" when in your heart of hearts your seaching for answeres and need HELP this book offers a wealth of information.
Ardith

Editorial Review:

Winner of a 2006 iParenting Media Award! This book is a great resource for busy parents whose children are starting therapy. Bonnie Arnwine, the parent of a child with sensory processing disorder (also called dysfunction in sensory integration) has packed this book with fun activities, timesaving tips, and quick cleanup techniques. This is a must-have for every family starting sensory-based therapy. You and your child will have days of fun with the activities in Starting Sensory Integration Therapy. Spend quality time on school vacations, weekends, or just a few minutes at the end of a busy day.

August '08 - September '09 BusyBodyBook Personal & Family Organizer: Blue

Joan Goldner

Amazon Price: $12.21 List Price: $17.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: About Your Time LLC Amazon Marketplace: 9 new & used starting at $11.60

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The BusyBodyBook Personal & Family Organizer is the unique time management solution for EVERY busy Mom and her family. The BusyBodyBook award-winning Weekly GRID format is the key. Five individual and spacious columns give Mom and each family member their own designated place to plan and schedule routine and special activities while coordinating with one another SIDE by SIDE! No double booking, overbooking or overlooking! Students use BBB to stay on top of their school subjects, after-school and personal activities. And, business professionals use BBB to track clients, project management, goals and personal appointments. BBB's versatile columns help manage chores, plan meals and lessons, track personal diet and fitness goals and much more. Other BBB features include a planning calendar for birthdays and anniversaries, another for next year's important appointments and events, plus one more for a months-at-a-glance view; perforated shopping lists; contact information pages; two large inside cover pockets; a special bookmark to mark the current page and NOW an even sturdier cover! Thanks to the feedback of BBB's loyal nationwide customers, the 5th edition of BusyBodyBook is the most efficient and beautifully designed time management tool for EVERY busy person.