Grayson's Fifth

Since this 22 month old grandson of mine loves to climb, keeping him off of the piano has become a losing battle. Pulling himself onto the center of the bench is now routine. Once situated, he then proceeds to entertain me with not one, but many versions of Grayson's 5th. Although he's practiced this piece many times, it seems that it has a way of banging itself out differently each time he plays. Fortunately, this pleases him so much that he has a tendency to play louder at each performance. (Maybe I should applaud less :)))) I'm just thankful that he can't reach the pedals yet!
"Learning piano at a young age offers many benefits. It builds confidence and develops creative expression, and studying a musical instrument increases spatial awareness and helps children score higher in reading and math tests than their non-musical counterparts.", so states Bump.com.

Techniques for Teaching 2-Year-Olds to Play Piano 

Having had music lessons as a child, I offered it to all of my kids when they were young. Two of the three still enjoy playing today.
Please share your experiences with playing music yourself at an early age, or your kids or grandkids. Always love hearing from you!
Signing off for now, 
Bubbie and her grandbabies

Long Lines at the Gate

Yes, it was early in the day, but still the line was long. Patiently waiting, everyone eventually got their turn around the ottoman, past the bucket of blocks and finally back to the unloading zone. This preschooler was smart. As a creative business man, he gave free rides to his first group of customers, and then brought toy money into his storyline. He made out like a bandit! Thirty minutes later, with a pocket full of change, the animals were back in there respective bins and this little sweetie-pie was ready for a snack. I never know what is about to unfold as toys come to the floor, but it's always a blast to see what sits in the mind of a three year old!
I would love to hear about your grand kids and/or kids imaginative play. Also, if you have a favorite kid's link, let me know. Care to share :?)
'Till next time.
Bubbie and her grand babies
"Playing is how preschoolers learn, experiment and solve problems. In fact, play is vital for their overall development and well being."
Imagining, Creating and Play:Toddlers
Preschoolers at Play 

Plush Toys and Kids

It was a beautiful Thursday morning. My grand daughters and I arrived at the mall just as they opened, and we were off and running to pick out their birthday gifts. I told them how much they could spend and insisted they look in 3 stores before they make up their minds. We began our shopping spree in Justice, a kids clothing shop, followed by The Disney Store and last but not least we went into Build-a-Bear. Although they squealed with delight in the first 2 stores, their little hearts melted when they saw a room filled with stuffed animals. It was love at first sight and they had to have them. Not only did they have a blast, but it was great fun for me too! For an hour and a half they enjoyed stuffing, fluffing, brushing, dressing and naming their puppy and kitty. The hugging and loving part started the minute we walked out of the store and continued the whole drive home. I even got in on their love fest as I dropped the girls off and stole a few hugs for myself. 
Until next time, and thanks for stopping by!
Bubbie and the girls
P.S. This reminded me of how helpful dolls and plush were to my own kids when they were young. 
"These playthings have unique advantages over other toys, researchers say. Because kids know that a plush puppy or a princess doll represents a living thing, they can relate and attach emotions to it. Playing with these "friends" allows kids to explore their complex feelings."
Below find links to articles on playing with plush:

Teaching Toys 
The Importance of Plush Toys In Your Child's Life