veraciousjess's Profile

(I should clarify that the infant insert is the one provided by Combi with the car seat and not an after market modification, and the car seat was also installed/inspected by a licensed technician before the kidlet was born, and checked off as safe.)

I named my beloved santoku Glamdring. Because I am a GIGANTIC NERD.

Lovely toys, most definitely! The only downside I can see is that it's unfortunate their dolls section features row after row of exclusively white dolls. I guess if they're only using a brand manufactured in Germany it might be more difficult to get some diversity in there, but still, it definitely sticks out.

This is my biggest interest right now - I'm so happy someone asked this question, and I'm looking forward to reading the comments.

I second the above recommendation of the playscapes/playground design blog. Furthermore, I recommend the book "A Child's Garden" by Molly Dannenmaier (http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Garden-Ideas-Children-Archetype/dp/0881928437). Joseph Cornell has a classic book called "Sharing Nature with Children" (http://www.amazon.com/Sharing-Nature-Children-20th-Anniversary/dp/1883220734/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268341544&sr=1-3), and also you might like "I Love Dirt" by Jennifer Ward (http://www.amazon.com/Love-Dirt-Activities-Discover-Wonders/dp/B002YX0AQA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268341544&sr=1-4).

Google phrases you're looking for might be for "adventure playground," "natural playscapes," and "nature playgrounds" (or variations on those words). Finally, definitely check out Rusty Keeler's Earthplay website (http://www.planetearthplayscapes.com/) as well as the earthplay yahoo group. The latter is geared more towards educators and park planners, but has loads of great discussions regardless, I bet especially if you search for the word "toddler" or "preschool". Keeler's book "Natural Playscapes" is also super but a bit expensive and definitely also geared to the public space planning person.

Overall thoughts - think about engaging all the senses. Smell, touch, sound, taste, and sight. Include lots of movable parts and found objects and places for collections - empower the child to change and influence the playscape as well as having hardscape things that are a bit more permanent.

Finally and obviously, when planting things don't forget to think about what plants or toxic or skin irritants. :)

Have fun planning and implementing your ideas!

As a mushroom hunter outdoor playscape loving gal, I am so making this in a couple years. With broader bases to prevent the wobbliness. :D

I mean this in the fullest sense of the word:

LOLWUT

Not quite a sleepover, but at our school I've now led (with another teacher) three summer camping trips for 10 five and six-year-olds. We pack into two big tents for two nights out in the woods in various state parks about an hour away from school. It is such an amazing confidence booster for these children, it being for many of them their first time away from family. So far we haven't had anyone needing to go home - and only one child with even a case of the wibbles (which were cured by hugs and sleeping next to me). These kinds of experiences build true independence that you can really see the results of in the child's day-to-day life!