Bowling Playdate

We got to bowl for free today thanks to AMF's Summer Unplugged program. We will be receiving a coupon for two free games a week through September 5.

I was little bummed that we had to pay a shoe rental fee of just over $4 for each child. But....I'd say it was worth it just to see how cute they looked in their little bowling shoes.

It was a wonderfully worthwhile playdate with four of our favorite playmates. The children got lots of good physical benefits from their bowling experience:

• practice with motor planning skills
• fine motor exercise
• heavy work

More importantly, they got to play cooperatively with their peers.

The children in the group ranged in age from 2 to 6. They all played so nicely together. By the time each child had taken a couple turns, they all had a pretty good handle on how to play the game. They even kept track of whose turn it was with minimal help from the adults.

My favorite moment was when the oldest boy in the group (who happens to attend a Montessori school) tenderly taught Big Brother the proper way to hold a bowling ball. So sweet!

To find free bowling near you, check out one of these two websites:

Kids Bowl Free
AMF Bpwling Center

Sensory Fun on the Backyard Swings

The backyard (or playground) swings are a great place to get sensory input.

There was a time when Big Brother couldn't tolerate being on a swing at all. Now, after months of doing it in occupational therapy, he's learned to enjoy it.

Little Brother...well, he's always loved the swing and can't ever seem to get enough. "Faster-ter," is what you'll hear him say.

We had lots of good sensory input on this day. We also had lots of good fun!

• swinging
• spinning around by twisting the swing
  (be sure to go equally in both directions)
• hanging upside down
• the heavy work of pushing & twisting someone else

Big Brother started pushing Little Brother in various shapes - a circle, square, triangle, and oval. He even tried doing an octagon! That was funny to watch.

Take a picture, Momm

Twisting & spinning is the new favorite game.

 

 

Then twist & spin Little Brother.

10 Reason We Love This Vacuum

1. Didn't cost much. About $10 at Big Lots (the brand is Simple Human).
2. Doesn't make a loud, scary sound. Does make a soft, interesting sound.
3. Doesn't use electricity. 
4. A simple design that will (hopefully) outlast a typical electric vacuum. We've already had it four years and it's as good as new.
5. Can easily be switched from adult-sized to child-sized by unscrewing the middle section of the handle.
6. A good source of "heavy work".
7. Gives the children a meaningful way to contribute to the housework.
8. Orange is the Raccoon School signature color.
9. Easy to store, and can be hung flat against the wall.
10. Fun to use!