Candy Land or Bust

 

Candy Land was one of my all time favorite board games growing up! I loved the bright colored board and the huge assortment of candy that dreams are made of for kids. Setting-up was quick and it always drew big crowds. There was often a player or two sitting by just waiting to jump in when a seat at the board would empty. We didn't worry about recharging, screen eye strain, or being alone at play as often happens with electronic games. Laughter, chatting and discovery were ongoing as time was spent socializing with family and friends. These memories incentivized me to introduce this game to my grandson.

I was thrilled to see him take to it like a duck takes to water. He dove right in, and with minimal instruction we were moving up and/or across the board with delight. He couldn't wait to draw his next card, giving his red gingerbread man a chance to run towards the finish line. His enthusiasm was contagious. I heard he hasn't tired of the game and it's been weeks since his adventures in Candy Land began. I'm already debating on which game I'd like to bring over on my next visit. Little ones are so much fun, especially when I get to sneak in reliving some of my most precious childhood moments!

Virtual love, 

Bubbie and her Grandkids

Board Games vs. Video Games

A Brief History of Board Games 

13 Ways Playing Board Games Benefits Your Child

Candy Land Was Invented for Polio Wards 

Fighting Boredom During the Shut-In

Have your kids or grandkids been shut-in a little too long? Are they literally climbing the walls like my grandson, Elliot? Fortunately, there are still an enormous amount of things he hasn't seen or tried yet. Spending just a little time scanning the web, I was able to point some sites out to Elliot which I'm also happy to share with you in the links below. A few favorites of ours are, Mo Willems Lunch Doodles at the Kennedy Center, for those who love drawing and Dance Along to Pharrell Williams' HAPPY, for those who have a lot of energy and whose parents would like them not to climb their walls, clean feet or not!
Stay safe, and be well!
Virtual hugs, 
Bubbie and her Grandkids
Fighting Kids' Boredom during Covid Outbreak
Keeping Kids Pre-K thru 5th Grade Busy 

Coloring Books Verses Blank Paper

Draw anything your little heart desires...imagine that! 
All you need is a piece of blank paper and a writing tool and you're off and running...I mean drawing!
This little sweetheart jumped right in with his blue marker and a plan. He clearly had something in mind as he drew his loop-d-loops, squiggly lines and came to his big finish with lots of dots. It was then off to the refrigerator for display and then back to the drawing board for his next dive into a million possibilities.
Although I have coloring books on hand, I usually offer white paper with crayons or markers for coloring fun. My grandkids never turn down the chance to show me what they can do. It's always exciting to hear the stories that lie within the lines. 
Share with us your coloring ways with your kids and/or grandkids. Always enjoy hearing from you.
Best, 
Bubbie and her Grandbabies
Scholastic/Coloring Inside the Lines
"Preschool (and kindergarten) is a time of exploration, experimentation, and creativity. It is best not to expect your child to try to work within the lines or to try to make perfect letters at this stage."
Why I Don't Buy Colorinng Books for My Kids
"If you want to raise creative kids, skip the coloring books and give them paper and crayons. Encourage them to draw for themselves."

To Pretend City or Bust

"We build better brains at Pretend City Children's Museum"
After reading this,  I decided I'd better take in as much as I can, since I'm not getting any younger! But for this youngster, without any effort, the learning kicked into high gear from the moment we stepped through their doors, until the need to bribe him to leave. With so much to do, his first decision was where to start. It wasn't too tough to come up with an answer once he spotted a police jacket, hat and car. The outfit stayed on throughout his visiting and working in their store, restaurant, garden, and even performing on stage. What a blast he had!  More visits will be coming up in order to explore some more of this beautifully designed play experience.
Although I've been to many great please-touch-me museums over the years, this one has impressed me the most and surely has left a lasting impression on my grand baby! We'll be back!!!
Pretend City Children's Museum
Please share your experiences to museums with your kids and/or grandkids. Always looking for more ideas.
Thanks,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies