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Usborne Playtime
Playtime Activities
Combining four of Usborne''s titles in one bo ok, Playtime Activities features original yet simple things for very small children to do, from cut and sticking to fing erpainting and drawing. '
- GenresChildrens
128 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 8, 2022
Oof. There wasn't a single idea here I haven't seen before, and done better, if I'm honest (and nothing new or recent, either - I think I did all of this in school 40 years ago. I did a lot of those black-washed 'night sky' crayon drawings). Skip this.
If you are serious about creative fun and crafts for kids of all ages, look no farther than the The Australian Women's Weekly publications (Children's Arts and Crafts, for example - but there are others). Ed Emberley's fingerprint and how-to-draw books (i.e. Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals and Ed Emberley's Complete Funprint Drawing Book) are also far superior than the "I can draw animals" section of this one.
There must be a higher standard held for these craft books now that the internet (and Pinterest, Flickr) exists. This is yet another stinker from Usborne - whoever is in charge of the preschooler's segment is tanking it on purpose, I'm convinced (there was a counting one that came our way that was absolutely pathetic and without effort). Also, here's an example of the instructions, for 'a bee' (how to draw a bee, they mean):
If you want craft books, stick to the classics. I'd throw in a beginner's papier mache and/or a beginner's origami book with the Aussie Ladies' one (though it'll have something of those crafts and more anyway) and at least one of Emberley's (make sure you buy multiple, skin-safe coloured inkpads if you get one of the finger-printing ones; otherwise frustration ensues!), and you'd never be at a loss for an accessible and inspired preschool - grade 5ish kid's afternoon project.
If you are serious about creative fun and crafts for kids of all ages, look no farther than the The Australian Women's Weekly publications (Children's Arts and Crafts, for example - but there are others). Ed Emberley's fingerprint and how-to-draw books (i.e. Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals and Ed Emberley's Complete Funprint Drawing Book) are also far superior than the "I can draw animals" section of this one.
There must be a higher standard held for these craft books now that the internet (and Pinterest, Flickr) exists. This is yet another stinker from Usborne - whoever is in charge of the preschooler's segment is tanking it on purpose, I'm convinced (there was a counting one that came our way that was absolutely pathetic and without effort). Also, here's an example of the instructions, for 'a bee' (how to draw a bee, they mean):
1. Crayon a black head.CRAYON is NOT a verb, you illiterate dunces! Way to contribute to the deterioration of the English language, Gibson, Barlow and editor Tyler! For shame! :p
2. Add a yellow body.
3. Crayon wings and stripes.
4. Add feelers. Fill in the wings.
If you want craft books, stick to the classics. I'd throw in a beginner's papier mache and/or a beginner's origami book with the Aussie Ladies' one (though it'll have something of those crafts and more anyway) and at least one of Emberley's (make sure you buy multiple, skin-safe coloured inkpads if you get one of the finger-printing ones; otherwise frustration ensues!), and you'd never be at a loss for an accessible and inspired preschool - grade 5ish kid's afternoon project.
January 13, 2011
I have done many of the activities in this book...both with my own children and with my students. I love the step by step instructions.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews