365 Days of Play -- Review of a Book Full of Screen Free Activities for 6-12 Year-Olds

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It has been a long couple of weeks. Our school stops regular classes for two weeks starting with Presidents Day and the high school holds mini courses. Some of my colleagues and I are teaching a science of cooking and baking class. I have to say as fun as it is, it is tiring to teach cooking to fourteen high school students. I have come home most nights and falling asleep between 8:30 and 9:00. It has been crazy and I'm preparing for this coming week. Before I get to sleep early tonight, I want to share a fun new book with you that is perfect for every family of 6 to 12-year-olds. It is 365 Days of Play by Megan Hewes Butler and illustrated by Emily Balsley. 

From the Publisher:

With an activity for every day, any day is a great day to explore, learn, and create something new!

It's time to start your ULTIMATE year of games with 365 Days of Play! This go-to activity book for kids ages 4-8 includes an activity for every day of the year. An encyclopedia of play, it's everything you need to keep little minds and hands entertained--pages on pages of games, crafts, recipes, experiments, projects, jokes, songs, guides, skills, tricks, hacks, challenges, and everything else in the canon of kid. Follow the step-by-step instructions and illustrations to create a game wherever you are and with whatever you have--swing a pendulum, launch a parachute, shoot a confetti cannon, or throw a boomerang. Tie a square knot or untangle a human knot. Make an egg you can float, bounce, or keep forever. The hardcover book looks stunning on the shelf, toy chest, and coffee table, but will be well-loved by kids everywhere.

From Me:

According to licensed psychotherapy and program coordinator at Providence Saint John's Child and Family Development Center, Mayra Mendez, PhD, LMFT, "Play is important because it provides a primary foundation for learning, exploring, problem solving, and building an understanding of the world and your role in it." (Source) I know I have read reports of study after study about how important play is in the development of our children. For some reason we Americans are more interested in sending our kids to school and giving them homework than making sure they have time to play. Today's book will help you change that. The book is full of ideas that can be done individually or in groups. There are activities I remember from my childhood but haven't thought about since. 

It even has some scientific explanations in it like the page above so there is STEM learning too! I love how creative the book is. The activities range from crafts to games and so much more. There are indoor activities and outdoor activities. There are activities for the various weather from snow activities to ideas for cooling off on a hot day. It really has a bit of everything!

As you can see from the sample pages there are activities for everyone as well. From creative mud pies to hand puppets and so much more. There are even tutorials for origami money and other fun projects. So take those screens away and help your kids find new ways to play and entertain themselves. 

Pick up a copy of this book and find some time to play with your kids. You are improving their education more than you know as well as making memories with them!! Happy play time!