Archive for February 17th, 2010


Get Out Your Typewriter and Build a Play Office

posted by Eva
February 17, 2010

Children are always seeking out new ways to play creatively. But, there is also ways you can help them.

Here is a unique way to use your old typewriter; and if you do not have one maybe I will sell you mine!

Children often have a parent who works in an office and you can have fun teaching them about how an office is set up just like the one you work in.  You can set up a mini office with the help of toy blocks by Smart Monkey Toys. These giant building blocks come in sets of Rainbow colors and can be ordered in any quantity you need from All I Can Imagine.

Set up the typewriter or maybe even an old keyboard on a child size table or a table made from the toy blocks.  Make another work table and provide your children paper, pencils, telephone, address book and other child-safe office supplies.  Set up another office and each of you will have fun interacting.

Children enjoy being creative and it will help them to make sense of the actual world we adults live in and they will especially love having you play with them.  When you provide role playing activities in a real life setting you will gain greater insight into your child’s life and help him develop necessary social skills.


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Can You Guess What Animal “Knuckle Walks”?

posted by gbowen
February 17, 2010

Like all great apes, gorillas have arms that are longer than their legs and tend to walk on all four limbs at certain times – a movement that is called knuckle walking. Adult males are known as ‘silverbacks’ due to the distinctive silver-colored hair on their backs.

Depending on the sub-species, the Gorillas’ appearance may vary.  The Western sub-species tend to be brownish gray in color, while the eastern and mountain gorillas tend to have a more blackish coat. Mountain gorillas also have longer and thicker fur which is adapted to their colder mountainous habitat. The three lowland sub-species of gorillas sport short, fine hair. Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest of the four subspecies.

Gorilla’s eat healthy foods such as leaves, shoots, roots, vines and fruits and are a popular zoo attraction at feeding time.  I grew up in Chicago and one of my favorite houses was the ape house.  It always fascinated me to watch the large Gorilla’s eating and interacting with one another.

When you take your children to see the Gorillas keep in mind that they are shy animals that are most active during the day. At dusk, each gorilla constructs a ‘nest’ of leaves and plant material in which it will sleep. Mothers usually share their nests with nursing infants.

Gorilla’s are an endangered species and if you home school you can teach your children about Gorilla’s during their science or geography lesson. Here is a craft idea you might like to try. http://www.first-school.ws/activities/alpha/g/gorilla.htm.

For other future lessons see our line of brightly painted 3d wooden puzzles.


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