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15 Must Have Books for Your Two Year Old
Reading is one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s speech, language, and cognitive development by introducing them to new vocabulary and new ideas. When choosing a book for your two year old, focus on books that would be of interest, use short text, have fun illustrations, and incorporate rhyming and repetitive language. Just a few of our favorites… You Are Two by Sara O’Leary. A baby’s second year is full of memorable milestones. Walking, running, understanding more words, speaking their names, and forming first memories are all exciting achievements. You Are Two looks back on these moments, inviting little ones and their parents to celebrate how much they have…
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27 Ways to Play This Winter in Columbus
A few years ago we decided to change our mindset and really start to embrace winter. One of the main ways we do this is by creating a list with the anticipation of looking forward to the things that we generally only do during the winter months. This is an updated version of the list we pull from each year for inspiration. Check it out and let us know if you are up for the challenge of shifting your mindset towards winter this year. Opt Outside Check out Quarry Trails Metro Park, the newest addition to the Columbus Metro Parks system. While still under construction, so far this park features…
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58 Ways to Stay-N-Play at Home: Winter 2022 Edition
It’s cold, it’s dark, and we are all home. So, here is a list of ways to stay and play at home adjusted for this season. Fingers crossed we get more snow, because snow play can take up an entire morning! Snow Play Build a Snowman: Then label body parts, clothing items, and use spatial concepts in order to build your child’s vocabulary. Snow Angels: Describe how to make it and then make one together. Which angel is bigger? Snow Paint: Liquid watercolors are a perfect way to color the snow and can be spread via a spray bottle or a paint brush. What colors are you using? Snow Gems: Create these gems by…
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Holiday Happenings in Columbus – 22 Family Friendly Ways to Celebrate the Season
The holiday season is upon us and the anticipation to create magical moments is real. I have compiled a list of ideas that include some of our favorite holiday traditions and some that we have been waiting to try out. Holiday Lights at the Columbus Commons Holiday lights will be twinkling at the Columbus Commons from November 19th through January 2nd from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. A 50 ft tall holiday tree has been installed along with more than 400,000 lights throughout the park. Bundle up, stream some holiday music, and take a stroll through the park to take in the sights. Sounds of the Season at the Holiday Pops Concert…
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A November for Giving Back and Spreading Kindness
World Kindness Day falls on November 13th and the past few years we have really decided to spend time this month focusing on kindness and how we can give back. Children learn by observing adults, even when those adults aren’t intentionally trying to teach them anything. This month I will continue to challeng myself to be more intentional in spreading kindness in hopes that my children will learn and follow my lead. Join us in celebrating World Kindness Day on November 13 by completing 1 random act of kindness. Put together snack packs for the Ronald McDonald House. Your gift of an on-the-go snack pack allows families to stay close…
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Fall in Columbus – 15 Tried and True Things to Do
Another fall is upon us and some of my favorite events and outings happen during this time of year. Check out the list of 15 tried and true things to do this fall season. Visit The Plant Kindness Project in Mechanicsburg, Ohio. This magical place started out as a personal garden and has evolved into a community garden and kindness initiative. Walk the gourd tunnel, take in the beauty of the flowers, and hang out with the farm cat, “Cheese.” Be sure to pick up produce at the farm stand, where nothing is priced and everything is donation based. Located at 2075 Bullard-Rutan Rd, Mechanicsburg, OH 43044. Go Apple Picking. Nothing says…
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Literacy in the Wild – 10 Story Trails in Central Ohio
Story Trails have been popping up in local parks all over Columbus and we are here for it. These Story Trails are an educational activity that places pages of a children’s story along a popular walking route in your community in order to create a fun and engaging way to experience literacy in the wild. Alum Creek State Park – The Storybook Trail The Storybook Trail at Alum Creek State Park is a half-mile, interactive loop that combines the fun of reading with outdoor exploration. The trail is lined with pages from “In the Trees, Honeybees,” and early literacy questions have been included on the pages to get you and…
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55 Ways to Stay-n-Play at home: Winter 2021 Edition
It’s cold, it’s dark, and we are all home. So, here is a list of ways to stay and play at home adjusted for this season. Fingers crossed we get more snow, because snow play can take up an entire morning! Snow Play Build a Snowman: Then label body parts, clothing items, and use spatial concepts in order to build your child’s vocabulary. Snow Angels: Describe how to make it and then make one together. Which angel is bigger? Snow Paint: Liquid watercolors are a perfect way to color the snow and can be spread via a spray bottle or a paint brush. What colors are you using? Snow Gems: Create these gems by…
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10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues in Columbus
Happy New Year! 2021 is finally here and I am feeling cautiously optimistic. But, I am realistic enough to recognize that things will not be changing over night. With that in mind I have compiled a list of ways to stay busy and safe this winter here in Columbus. Hunt for Bison at Battelle Darby Creek. The bison are in the winter field which makes them a short walk from the parking lot. Finding your way there can be a bit tricky, so be sure plug 1415 Darby Creek Dr into the GPS and park by the Nature Center (which is temporarily closed). Volunteer with Seeds of Caring to help your kids…
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13 Ways to Make This Holiday Season in Columbus a Little Brighter
The holiday season is upon us, which usually means the anticipation to create magical moments is real. This year is looking extremely different from years past and finding enjoyable and safe ways to celebrate the season is important. I have gone through previous holiday lists and picked out the activities that are still happening and feel like safe bets. I then added some simple ways to celebrate at home. Find an alternative way to Visit with Santa. Sonja Lynn Photography is offering socially distanced Santa photos and the end result is seriously the cutest! Pick out a template from one of the 4 choices she is offering, email her at sonja@sonjalynnphotography.com…