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Creative Play for Your Toddler: Steiner Waldorf Expertise and Toy Projects for 2 - 4s
Give your kids more than a diet of television and plastic toys with this inspiring course. Following hot on the heels of the hugely popular Creative Play for your Baby , this is the ideal resource for modern parents who want their children to expand their creativity and imagination through play. Discover child development according to the Steiner theory, which helps toddlers realize themselves both naturally and holistically in mind, body, and spirit. Each chapter deals with a different element of your child's growth and includes an expert summary of the theory that goes behind it. You'll find step-by-step instructions for making over 20 beautiful toys from natural materials to help your child develop resourcefulness, originality, awareness, and confidence.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 4, 2008
If you're plagued by parenting guilt, this might not be the best book for you. As I read it, I feel assaulted (from inside, NOT by the author) that I wasn't going out, buying supplies, and making gorgeous wool bunnies for my daughter to play with. ("But I'm not crafty!" I tried to argue. "But is that really how we should be spending our time? Driving to the fabric store? Buying more stuff?")
But now that I've taken a step back, let the book simmer a bit, and put a lid on my type-A self, I've realized this isn't a to-do list. You don't need to make your kid every toy in the book. If you're not the sew-wool-bunnies sort, you can make the magnetic fishing pole. There is something for you in here; there is something for your kid.
And it doesn't matter if your wool bunnies are shapeless lumps. This book might just be about the Waldorf way of play for you, as much as for your child.
But now that I've taken a step back, let the book simmer a bit, and put a lid on my type-A self, I've realized this isn't a to-do list. You don't need to make your kid every toy in the book. If you're not the sew-wool-bunnies sort, you can make the magnetic fishing pole. There is something for you in here; there is something for your kid.
And it doesn't matter if your wool bunnies are shapeless lumps. This book might just be about the Waldorf way of play for you, as much as for your child.
February 15, 2011
I have an allergy to a tone of self-righteousness in books. Sometimes, like with "Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method", I persevere with it because I feel like there's important stuff that I want to read anyway, no matter how it's written.
But with this book, "Creative Play for Your Toddler", it was all I could do to turn each page to skim through the entire book, since smug and closed-minded phrases kept leaping out at me. So I tried to just look at the pictures. The reason why I opened this book in the first place is because my toddler and I were snowed in, in weather well below zero, for about a week, and I realised that I had to expand my repertoire of indoor activities.
There are a couple of really good ideas in here, and a few more that are good enough, but on the whole I tend to reject any parenting philosophy that posits (irreversible) damage to a child if it's exposed to plastic.
But with this book, "Creative Play for Your Toddler", it was all I could do to turn each page to skim through the entire book, since smug and closed-minded phrases kept leaping out at me. So I tried to just look at the pictures. The reason why I opened this book in the first place is because my toddler and I were snowed in, in weather well below zero, for about a week, and I realised that I had to expand my repertoire of indoor activities.
There are a couple of really good ideas in here, and a few more that are good enough, but on the whole I tend to reject any parenting philosophy that posits (irreversible) damage to a child if it's exposed to plastic.
May 26, 2010
I thought the intros to each section were boring, but maybe it is because I have read too much of the Steiner stuff lately. The crafts initially looked really intimidating but are often easier than they appear. I don't think there is much here that a child within the targeted age range could actually help you with, but they will play with them if you make them. As the mom of three girls who ignore their huge store bought doll house and instead rig furniture and houses for their dolls under their desk or out of cereal boxes taped together, I understand and appreciate his philosophy of promoting handmade toys that allow room for the imagination. This book is a good start for parents who want to do the same but are only mildly to moderately crafty themselves.
January 24, 2009
As I try and discover more about the Waldorf traditions, I was fortunate to stumble across this book. It has all sorts of projects for homemade toys and their significance to the Waldorf way of life. Ronan and I have already gone through and picked out some of the projects we would like to make (his favorite: the fishing pole with magnets). I highly recommend this book if you are looking for some ideas or just want a basic overview of the Waldorf method of education.
April 13, 2010
I love the introduction to each section of this book-helpful parenting tips and information regarding child development (from a Waldorf philosophy/perspective). As for the crafts...well, I can't say I love them. Most of them are too advanced for what I was looking for. I may use 2-3 of the 15+ ideas. However, as my child grows, I may be able to revisit a few other craft/toy ideas. This book is filled with beautiful photography.
March 9, 2011
This is a wonderful book of crafts to make for your child. The title is misleading, as I thought it would be more of a book of things to make and do WITH your child. The crafts included are very original, the tutorials look easy to follow. Even if you're not a waldorf fan, these are still really cute projects.
May 28, 2011
Not only does this book give activity suggestions, it also is a how to on making many play items. It is enjoyable to look at and read without being overwhelming with activities.
April 18, 2024
I love the natural elements to a lot of these crafts, I will probably do a couple out of the book, but I don’t see my child knitting anytime soon so probably won’t be doing most of these. Maybe one day in my dream world we will get to make felt horses together. I think it is handy and maybe once I dive more into some of the Waldorf concepts I will pull this book out more often for craft time.
December 31, 2020
Honestly, this book brought on too much parental guilt for me. It came from within, but the Montessori books I’ve read didn’t illicit the same response. I took away a few things, and I will probably even refer back to it at points. Maybe it’s just that Montessori feels more right for my family than Waldorf?
June 17, 2020
love it!!!
December 24, 2020
I love, love, LOVE this book and can’t wait to get started on the activities! Very detailed step-by-step instructions and diagrams.
January 20, 2017
This book is much more than a toddler "activity" book. The play and toy ideas are presented simply and thoughtfully. (Though few, if any, are "beginner" crafts - the book assumes you can sew, knit, crochet, and do basic woodworking!)
I might dust off my crochet hook at some point, but in the meantime, the background information was my favorite part. The book contains a brief overview of toddler development, a quick history of child-centric education, and then connects the various play ideas and toys with Steiner Waldorf philosophy throughout -- so even if I don't knit my daughter a bunny, I'm confident we can have a grand old time playing "Waldorf style" with the cuddly bunny from grandma. ;)
I might dust off my crochet hook at some point, but in the meantime, the background information was my favorite part. The book contains a brief overview of toddler development, a quick history of child-centric education, and then connects the various play ideas and toys with Steiner Waldorf philosophy throughout -- so even if I don't knit my daughter a bunny, I'm confident we can have a grand old time playing "Waldorf style" with the cuddly bunny from grandma. ;)
April 6, 2013
A great place to start for an introduction to Steiner - Waldorf philosophy in action. Even better if you find it looking for some inspiration for playing with your kids (and making things to support that play). On Amazon a lot of dedicated Steiner / Waldorf parents were extremely negative about this volume, saying there was nothing new. I think they miss the point. If your kids already go to a Waldorf school, you don't need this book. If you are looking for a more authentic way to support your children's creative play, with or without a deeper commitment to the full Steiner program, there are sooo many sweet ideas here.
November 7, 2014
This is not the book for busy moms. Honestly, I don't think most moms don't have time to do all the craft projects described in the book.
Still, I really liked the idea that we should use more natural objects to play with our kids. As the book says, most of plastic toys at our home have the way it should be used and those can be interpreted only as it was intended. In contrast, a beautiful shell can be a hat, plate, accessary etc... leaving room for interpretation. Thanks to this book, I am more aware for my kid's imagination potential and I want to try my best to provide the appropriate materials for my baby.
Still, I really liked the idea that we should use more natural objects to play with our kids. As the book says, most of plastic toys at our home have the way it should be used and those can be interpreted only as it was intended. In contrast, a beautiful shell can be a hat, plate, accessary etc... leaving room for interpretation. Thanks to this book, I am more aware for my kid's imagination potential and I want to try my best to provide the appropriate materials for my baby.
July 29, 2015
Well planned out read on Waldorf philosophy and early childhood development with added bonus of ideas and patters for beautiful handmade goodness. Even if you are not looking to be a Waldorf educator or parent, the writing on developmental stages is clear and well written.
October 20, 2008
EXCELLENT! Soule's ideas are motivating, inspiring, and yet (thankfully) seem easy to implement as well as tailor to your child, family, supplies, etc.
December 5, 2008
Not an uber fan of this one. Crafts are for someone much more advanced than me. I want them to be quick and easy b/c my children are so small. I may pick it up again when they are a few years older.
February 1, 2009
Some interesting nature-based projects that look fun to make!
June 11, 2015
There are some great projects in here which I plan to try. I skimmed through the introduction as Steiner's ideas are a little too way out for me.
November 18, 2015
Pretty pictures and creative ideas--exactly what I was expecting from this book!
May 3, 2019
Muy bonito libro de proyectos de juego para niños de 2-4 años basado en la pedagogía Waldorf. Lo recomiendo mucho.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews