Falling out of Summer

With a beautiful day and some free time, we decided to make a visit to a local farm/winery/pumpkin patch over the weekend.  There was lots of playing, and even a little learning to be done.

Here's our list of signs that were introduced/re-introduced:  PUMPKIN, TRAIN, PIG, FAR-AWAY

The big kid has also loved re-living the fun by telling Nana, Grandpa, and whoever else will listen about his trip to "go to the farmer."

And a couple of pictures from our fun day as well!

We've found that the more we can engage the big guy's large muscles the more cooperative he is in general.

Little Guy's Daddy and I decided we'd put him in the corn box to have a sensory experience.  We thought it would last about 30 seconds until he tried to eat the dry corn and it became a choking hazard.  We were happily surprised that he actually lasted several minutes before he toppled over and got some corn in his mouth.

PIG

PUMPKIN

What fun autumn activities have you participated in or have planned for this year?

Take A Load Off

Just before a play class session starts, I send a welcome e-mail to the families who will be participating.  I always share the fact that we'll spend most of our time down on the floor, and that if thier little one is not yet sitting un-assisted they might wish to bring something along to help support him or her.  Some families choose to take me up on this offer, and others don't, which is exactly what I had in mind.  However, I never imagined how many different versions of support I would see from those who brought something along!

When I send this e-mail I always envision one of two things - a C-shaped nursing pillow or a molded rubber seat.  I just the last session I saw 3 other types of molded seats, and some inventive uses of pillows as well as mom and dad's legs/knees.  I never knew there were so many options out there!

What's your favorite tool to provide support to your pre-sitter?

More Grads to Congratulate!

Please join me in congratulating Jacob M. and Sophie M. - the two newest Signing Smart Beginner Play Class grads!

These two energetic kiddos are well on their way to reaching the 3 Signing Smart milestones. May their love of play, singing, and signing will bring them nothing but continued success!

Congrats Grads!

I would like to share my congratulations to Miss C. and Mr. L. and thier families.  Miss C. and Mr. L. just finished their Signing Smart Beginner Play Class.

In addition to all the fun playing and singing, they've both shown their first signs and and are working on adding to their vocabulary.  Keep up the good work!

A "Dino"-mite Day at the Zoo!

During a recent visit to the zoo, I finally got my big guy to cooperate and caught a few pics of him signing! He won't often sign just because I ask him to, but if it's his own idea, or if I ask him to show baby brother, he'll usually run with it for a while.

This particular day was all a result of asking big brother to show baby brother signs for some of the animals we were seeing.  I also caught a few of Daddy using signs to teach Mr. I. some facts about dinosaurs inside a special summer exhibit.

DONKEY

Daddy telling Mr. I. "Some dinosaurs hatched from EGGS." 

The BEARS were play-wrestling when we saw them.

BEAR

What is your child's favorite animal to see at the zoo?

*Milestone Alert*

Please join me in congratulating Miss C. on her first sign!

What new things has your little one one this week?