Learning New Words

A quick post today about toddlers and pre schooler's learning new words.

And it is to have a copy of books such as 'My First 100 Words' or a 'Big Book of First Words' truly they are a must in any home of toddlers and pre schoolers.

We use this version and it is a well loved, favorite activity for the girls to go through - if we ask them for a book they drag this out currently nine times out of ten.

Children love to pick out familiar pictures, name objects and pointing out objects they don't know for you to name so they can learn new words all important components of developing speech and learning to read.

Does your house have a similar book? Did your little ones benefit from them?

Happy Play Times :-)

Similar One Hundred Word Books From Amazon That Your Little One May Love

Book of the Moment - Dogs by Emily Gravvett

When your little ones start becoming aware of dogs it really is the cutest thing.

A walk out and about will greet you with squeals of delight or if like us and you have a pet dog it offers up hours of endless entertainment as they watch (safely and supervised of course) the dogs antics of the day. In fact it is one of the earliest words children can say!

Therefore any book about dogs at the upper end of the first 12 months is a huge hit.

And one of my favorites is "Dogs" by Emily Gravvett, the illustrations are beautiful, the wording simple and easy to teach as first words. We really have so much fun reading and sharing this book at story time.

You follow dogs that are spotty, sloppy, big, small, hairy and bald to find out which one is the child's favorite of all....

I highly recommend this book for your youngster it is sure to become a well loved and favorite book in the collection and of course for this age group it comes as an all important slobber proof and chew proof board book!

Perhaps you have read it and would like to share your opinion or we would love to hear of other dog books or animal books to add to our collection.

Happy Play Times :-)

Book of the Moment - Little Quack Loves Colors

This is a bright fun story that follows the two little ducklings, Little Quack and Piddle.

It is entertainingly written and takes children into the colorful world of little quack loving the bright blue sky and piddle loving sparkly white sand…. The illustrations are bright and gorgeous.

These two little ducks are my personal favorite characters – I get as much fun reading the book as the children do listening.

The target is really for newborns to about one year/eighteen months.

I have so loved this book that I personally wrote a review on Amazon, the first time I have ever done so.

If you have youngsters I highly recommend having them fall in love with Little Quack.

Happy Play Times :-)

Book of the Moment - Dear Zoo

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell is a lift and flap book taking children on a journey through the zoo to find the perfect pet.

I wish I could film how excited my daughter Scarlett gets when she see's this book appear to be read. It is usually our after lunch book before nap time.
The excitement and anticipation as we fold back the flap to discover elephants, lions and snakes is priceless.


It is fun and educational and what child does not seem to have an inherent love for the animal kingdom.
The book has stood the test of time and is 25 years old - it was given to us by family who read it to their children.

Amazon parents in fact have 114 people review and rate it 5 out of 5.

When reading this to your children be sure to act out the noises it makes it way more fun! 

Happy Play Times :-)

Book of the Moment - Where is the Green Sheep

The smile that spreads across my daughters faces at 6.30pm each night as I say "Where is the Green Sheep BY Mem Fox & Judy Horaeck" is one of my favorite times of day.  It signals the end of our day of fun and we snuggle in to enjoy the wonderful experience of books.

Not a child I've ever met does not love this timeless classic as they find sheep from the color blue one to the star and the moon.

As they find the sheep fast asleep it signals bed time for sleepy heads.

My personal opinion is this book teaches anticipation (where is the sheep and what will we find next) and patience (when will we finally find the green sheep!)

Amazon Mum & Dad's seem to agree with 38 out of 45 giving the book a 5 star ranking.

I promise you will say this book in your sleep and you will probably go through several worn copies before your little one grows tired of it!

Happy Play Times :-)

Give your Child the Greatest Gift - A Love of Reading

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." — Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

Book of the Moment - Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

This book by well know children's author and a lady from my home town of Adelaide Mem Fox teaches your children about counting and their body parts.

And at the 3-4 month of age mark their hands and feet are a source of wonderment and play as they work out how they are different and what they use them for.

In this book your children will learn about where children are born from a town, to the hills, in a tent or on ice all babies think this book is pretty nice.

My girls love the sing song rhyming sounds and the interaction I give by playing and wiggling their fingers and toes at the appropriate times.

This children's book fulfills 2 key criteria for me (1) the reading component to build your child's language skills and bonding time for carer and child (2) learning and interacting with multiple senses as they explore and understand through sight, sound and touch.

I am not the only parent who thinks this the book is well respected amongst other parents and receives 40 **5 Star** votes on Amazon.

Happy Play Times :-)