That table in our hallway has a monthly theme. I haven’t posted one for a while but it made sense to post this month’s as we were sent a Jumping Bean Bag pack which inspired the theme of ‘activity’- perfectly timed as the weather is glorious, and I hope that it lasts!
So, on the table, which is covered in chalkboard paper and there are chalks for drawing- something we often do on the outside patio, so I wanted to bring a little of that activity inside.
We have books, including Grandma Plays for the All Blacks- a great one sent by friends from New Zealand (of course) – as well as Ladybird books with ‘play’ vocabulary and a collection of books and stories to do with playing and games.
On the table there are some traditional games such as jacks, pick-up-sticks and marbles. I have two ball-and-cup games given to The Girls by my mum, and a velcro bat and ball game that we take to the beach and when camping.
The key thing we have been using though are our two Jumping Bean Bag club bean bags: beanbags are a great tool for playing with generally, since they are heavier and more stable than a ball when balancing and throwing. But the Jumping Bean Bag team have turned their fleecey green bean bags into characters to help promote activity, balance and co-ordination in pre-schoolers. We were sent a set to try out, along with accompanying DVD and booklet. We’ve yet to watch the DVD because the beanbags get so much air-time that we don’t have time! There is a visible difference in the abilities that each of my children has- their balance and co-ordination- from using them regularly, but also in their confidence to try doing things. As they are aware that they can do things they couldn’t before, their individual confidence and willingness to try is developing quickly too: they are now suggesting ways in which they can use ‘Beanie’ to play. I cannot recommend them enough: such a simple tool but the Jumping Bean Bag package has made me see a whole world in a bean bag.
Other themes this year include:
March: spring
April: Easter
May: Cake. LBG had her fifth birthday, but we used the wider cake theme with cake books, play cakes, paper cupcake cases, a tea set, bunting made from cupcake cases and the tree was decorated with bits of fabric and balloons that formed part of the decor for LBG’s party. I also added in birthday invitations, cards and thank you notes as the month wore on.
*disclosure: we were sent a Jumping Bean Bag set free of charge for the purposes of a review. Our opinions are our own*
Go on! You know you want to tell me what you think!