tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482Fri, 20 Sep 2024 22:23:06 +0000Child MindingChildcareVacationsAll Grown UpCommentsmothers dayChristmasFloridaHappiness.HolidaysLove.Making Toys and ActivitiesOrlandoPositive outlookSpace CentreTheme parksVaction.Walesbookchildren discoveringmemories.nature.pancakes.springInformation and experiences from 32 years of professional childcare. As a guide to parents, guardians & carers or those starting out in childcare.http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)Blogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-7359360705256938864Mon, 06 Jan 2014 12:23:00 +00002014-01-06T04:23:20.660-08:00Here are a few tried and tested activities I found to be fun educational and inexpensive. Home Made Play Dough 2 cups flour 1 cup salt 1 tablespoon cooking oil 1 cup water Food colouring Mix flour and salt, add water oil and colouring. Mix well. Keep in an airtight container. I often let the children help out in mixing measuring and stirring. This activity encourages; sharing conversation,http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2014/01/create-your-own-toys-and-activities.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-8679493335004432459Tue, 31 Dec 2013 17:35:00 +00002013-12-31T09:35:21.684-08:00Recently I have noticed an increase of web sites and blogs on the subject of children's activities, (mostly homemade). I guess the 'word' can now be easily and quickly spread around the groups of people that have childcare in mind. In my opinion I think it's wonderful, because the simplest and inexpensive ideas are making people aware that everyday objects and materials can be used to promote http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2013/12/learning-through-play.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-6480515713507297704Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:30:00 +00002013-11-12T04:30:43.984-08:00 Simple rhymes or songs are a great way of bringing in language learning, for example:- The Leaves are Falling.   The leaves are falling one, two, three, Help me count them as they float from the tree, Tell me the colours that you can see…… Red, yellow, brown and green, How pretty is this autumn scene? From this, children will pick up language, counting and colour recognition,http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2013/11/language-learning-with-simple-rhymes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-6480108782408019359Fri, 01 Nov 2013 12:46:00 +00002013-11-01T05:46:26.033-07:00 I would like to pass on a link to a site that has many wonderful ideas for activities to try out with children, using objects and materials that are easy and inexpensive to come by. http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/11/phonics-spy-discovery-bottle.html  http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2013/11/great-ideas-from-imagination-tree-site.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-99357433608020557Fri, 11 Oct 2013 11:51:00 +00002013-10-14T02:02:39.289-07:00For an insight as to how a mother feels about her child, read this short poem. A Mother’s Thought. Looking into my baby’s eyes When cradled in my arms, She stares at me so quizzically With innocence and calm, Her eyes are searching, seeking, for the knowledge that I hold, There is so much to teach her, Many stories to be told. Her thirst for wisdom will be endless, I hope I teach her well, Withhttp://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2013/10/thoughts-from-mother.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-7717438542089294710Fri, 04 Oct 2013 12:18:00 +00002013-10-04T05:18:31.891-07:00As today is World Smile Day how appropriate to support The Smile Train Charity their work is dedicated to helping children all over the world who suffer from being born with a cleft. http://www.smiletrain.org.uk/.http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2013/10/help-children-smile-on-world-smile-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-892996753138188377Mon, 09 Sep 2013 11:39:00 +00002013-09-09T04:39:42.346-07:00 Just watched a film called 'What Maisie Knew'. It's how a little girl called Maisie copes with modern day life and watches her parents relationship, seeing it through her eyes! The filming is amazing they capture the scenes well, the acting is really good especially by Onata Aprile who plays Maisie, it is not violent or explicit but is extremely thought provoking and for anyone with children is http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2013/09/film-to-inspire-good-parenting.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-4241998096462467311Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:23:00 +00002011-10-07T06:29:46.835-07:00Happiness.Positive outlookI have experience of caring for children for 32 years.I have looked through their eyes and seen their simplistic and uncomplicated view of life and most of the time they are happy bouncy and full of life.As we get older, independent, making our own decisions, we seem to get bogged down by pressures around us and loose sight of the innocent natural happiness we had when we were young.If we could http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2011/10/innocent-natural-happiness.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-6896513202292488401Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:38:00 +00002010-03-08T01:53:09.772-08:00Love.mothers dayMothers Day is a great time for doing activities with young children, home made cards, flowers picked from the garden, flowers made from tissue paper and drinking straws, little models made from clay, or make cakes with the children to take take home....Whatever the gesture it will make the children aware of how important their mothers are and give them the opportunity to show how much they love http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2010/03/mothers-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-1050195737774329088Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:30:00 +00002009-12-14T03:44:21.740-08:00ChristmasChristmas is coming, children and adults are getting excited, trees are being put up, shopping is being done, lots of cooking, lots of festivities, lots of cheer, people greeting with smiles and goodwill messages, pantomimes and plays where children can pretend and dress up. Music, singing. Christmas songs and melodies everywhere you go.What a wonderful time.There may be critics, and religious http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2009/12/merry-christmas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-3353863744997821348Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:32:00 +00002009-04-06T06:34:37.365-07:00I came across this very informative web-site whilst looking for activities to do with the children at Easter. Hope you find it useful too.http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/index.htmhttp://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-activities.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-1067866395950542869Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:52:00 +00002009-03-16T05:03:19.091-07:00bookmemories.mothers dayWith Mothers Day fast approaching I want to recommend a book to give, called 'The Mothers Book' by Elma Van Vliet, it is delightful and was pointed out to me by my 18yr old daughter saying what a lovely idea it was.Mothers can write all the details about their children that may not be passed on and possibly forgotten in time.Happy reading and reminiscing.I'm also publishing this on my other http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2009/03/mothers-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-1050027241807573862Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:47:00 +00002009-02-27T04:51:04.694-08:00WalesToday many schools throughout Wales will be a celebrating St. David’s Day. Dydd Dewi Sant. The National day of Wales [March 1st]Many children will dress up in traditional Welsh costume and perform songs and poems of welsh culture, usually set by the youth organization of Wales called the Urdd. The children compete for prizes or certificates and have the chance to qualify through to the next http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2009/02/st-davids-daydydd-dewi-sant.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-2952931621469722748Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:20:00 +00002009-02-24T02:23:58.563-08:00pancakes.Happy Pancake Day.Kids love pancakes.Make it a family occasion.Don’t eat too many!!!http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2009/02/pancake-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-8267856874151580849Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:31:00 +00002009-02-20T02:34:17.209-08:00children discoveringnature.springDon’t miss out on one of the nicest seasons- start talking to your children about spring.Take them out for walks, pointing out spring flowers and new growth on the trees, listen to the birds singing, and look for nests that are being built.Take trip in the country to find lambs and calves in the fields.We all take these nature events for granted, but it’s all about exploring and discovering the http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2009/02/spring.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-3642703853155315754Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:32:00 +00002009-02-09T02:40:07.408-08:00FloridaHolidaysOrlandoSpace CentreTheme parksVaction.Because of all the snow, lots of us are thinking about holidays in the sun.With children I highly recommend going to Orlando Florida.There is a lot to do for every age range, including parents. The place has been transformed into a huge vacation area, but in the very best way.A lot of planning has gone into making sure the vacationer has everything they need to have the best holiday ever.You havehttp://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2009/02/take-holiday-in-orlando.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-8109073714172234281Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:11:00 +00002009-01-12T06:21:26.070-08:00Jigsaw puzzles can be one of the most effective ways of teaching children many skills, concentration, achievement, sorting, social, sharing, calming, intricate finger movements, language etc.However to teach the child is not an easy task, I find help and encouragement is the key, a line has to be drawn as to how much the child completes before he/she gets very frustrated and gives up, it should http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2009/01/doing-jigsaw-puzzles-with-children.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-1678338789938873105Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:23:00 +00002008-12-30T07:25:34.030-08:00I consider one of the most important part of childcare, is settling down to read a story to a child or children.When childminding I had a set part of the day when we all snuggled up on the sofa. I chose about 4 picture books, made sure I sat in the middle so that everyone could see. The children were capsulated I really enjoyed myself, everyone was calm and relaxed. I put as much expression http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2008/12/reading-stories-to-children.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-3575089432600518524Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:26:00 +00002008-11-24T04:39:45.883-08:00This is an old post of mine March 26, 2007My reason for starting childminding was because I had a career in childcare and a dream of running my own nursery, whilst having my own children and doing it my way.I did not want the ‘institution’ approach but the homely mother/grandmother feeling.When I started out it was just looking after other peoples children, you did your own thing. Not many http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2008/11/this-is-old-post-of-mine-march-26-2007.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-4105595505824311111Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:59:00 +00002008-11-24T04:15:14.082-08:00Children reflect your moods, so spare a thought when you have those days when you feel agitated or snappy. Be in control, try to think positive because in the end you’ll reap the benefits of a happy child.Try learning techniques of switching on and off your moods, pushing away bad and irritating thoughts, promising yourself a treat – a glass of wine at the end of the day or a bar of chocolate!I http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2008/11/positivity.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-1862426196841501674Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:58:00 +00002008-11-03T04:07:34.549-08:00When training to look after children one of the most important aspects is providing written observations. This is an essential part of childcare.Finding out what values the children are learning and achievements they are reaching. Also it is a good way of finding out how the children "tick".I find it fascinating and even now, after many years of observing, find great pleasure in doing my weekly "http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2008/11/observations.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-6651843879060384622Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:26:00 +00002008-10-27T07:44:26.036-07:00A Simple pizza recipe:225g. plain flour4 level teasps. baking powder1 level teasp. salt25g. butter or marge150ml. cold milkSift flour and baking powder into a bowl.Rub in butter or marge.Add milk at once and using a round edged knife mix to a soft dough.Turn out onto a floured surface, knead to a small ball.Leave to one side.Divide into 2, roll out each into a round about 25cm.Transfer to 2 http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2008/10/easy-pizza.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-2275835674875697937Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:25:00 +00002008-10-20T04:01:23.894-07:00Another way of keeping children entertained is to do some simple cooking with them. It's educational and fun, creative and rewarding at the end.Here's a simple recipe to start with You will need-100g/4oz soft butter or marge.100g/4oz Castor sugar2 eggs 100g/4oz self raising flour sifted.1. Cream sugar and butter together until light and fluffy.2. Beat in the eggs.3. Fold in the flour with metal http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2008/10/cooking.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-2109213907873778799Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:43:00 +00002008-10-13T04:43:23.012-07:00 Educational and creative things to do with Autumn Nature. Going outdoors in the autumn or fall can be a fun time with children. Get prepared for any kind of weather and definitely not your best clothes. Take something with you, to carry the treasures you will be collecting. Obviously a wood is the best place, but a park or even the pavement on the way to nursery or school will be littered withhttp://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2008/10/autumn.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37131482.post-2250715567516883233Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:22:00 +00002008-10-06T06:28:41.342-07:00I came across a lovely site the other day, with good ideas, product reviews, information and a chance to share thoughts on bringing up children.I think it’s great to have access to new suggestions, it keeps one motivated and makes looking after children even more enjoyable.If you are a childminder this is a good site to visit because it keeps you in touch with some of the latest products http://magicalchildhood.blogspot.com/2008/10/review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Magical Childhood)0