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Toddlers: Indoor Playtime, Never Boring
by Sandy Mitchell
Who says that staying inside has to be boring?
Imagination is the joy of childhood. Encourage your grandchildren's creative inclinations while keeping them entertained indoors with games and adventures that rely on make-believe. Go on an imaginary plane ride to the far corners of the globe; look for clues and surprises with a treasure-map adventure; or take a make-believe visit to the zoo. Chances are that you and your little ones will all learn something.
Airplane Adventure
Toddlers will love packing their bags and pretending to soar through the sky bound for some exciting destination. Once the passengers present their tickets to gate agent, board the plane, and fasten their seat belts, you can take on the personality of the airplane itself by extending your arms, taking off, leveling out, and showing passengers scenic sites. Don't forget to check out the mountains and the clouds, then come in for that smooth landing.
Treasure-Map Adventure
Surprise your grandchild one unhurried morning with a simple, hand-drawn treasure map made of construction paper rolled up and tied with a frayed rope. The map should depict simple symbols and an "X" over an obvious location (refrigerator, chair, dog's bowl) to indicate treasure. The map should bear the child's name and be placed where it will be easily spotted. Once found, announce: "Ahoy, matey, it's a map for a treasure hunt!" You might have to help the little ones with the clues and what to do next, but they'll quickly catch on. When the location is figured out, another rolled-up map with a clue awaits. After four or five locations, leave a small surprise: a family movie to watch, bubbles, or a new book. This unexpected adventure will surely inspire pleas for future treasure hunts and bounties.
Zoo Pretend Adventure
Take your young grandchild on a visit to the zoo without ever leaving the living room. First, on your own, find zoo animals featured in books or on the Internet. Many zoos now have websites that feature interesting facts and photos of animals in their care. Then, together, make a list of animals your grandchild would like to see on an imaginary visit to the zoo. Using the books or Internet as a guide, visit the animal areas one by one and talk about each animal. How tall is an adult giraffe? How big is a hippopotamus? What is the difference between a monkey and an ape? Your grandchild will love hearing these facts about wildlife. Best of all, the pretend visit will make him much more informed when he visits the zoo for real.
Adapted from The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (© 2007 by Sourcebooks, Inc.).
PLAYSKOOL and BUSY are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2007 Hasbro. All rights reserved.
| I have searched high and low to find the answer to this question. What is "Kid Planet"? There is construction going up saying it is a future Kid Planet with games and rides and food and play. We are in Hesperia, Ca. You can call me if you want. 760 9474874. I have 4 grandchildren and would maybe take them there. Thank you. Julie
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