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The Toddler's Busy Book: 365 Creative Games and Activities to Keep Your 1 1/2- to 3-Year-Old Busy
The Toddler’s Busy Book is a must-read for anyone raising or teaching toddlers! This book contains over 365 activities (one for each day of the year) for kids ages 18 months to 3 years, using items found around the home. It shows parents and day-care providers how to prevent boredom during the longest stretches of indoor weather, stimulate a child’s natural curiosity with entertaining math, language, and motor-skills activities, encourage a child’s physical, mental, and emotional growth, celebrate holidays and other occasions with special projects and activities, and keep toddlers occupied during long car trips or while running errands. The Toddler's Busy Book is written with warmth and sprinkled with humor and insight.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 28, 2012
I can't say that the ideas in this book are overly creative. They get very repetitive, too: Sit your diapered kid in the tub with a bucket of water and some cups! Sit your diapered kid in the tub with some soap bubbles and let him blow bubbles himself! Sit your diapered kid in the tub and let him finger paint! The subtitle boasts 365 ideas, but I think that's stretching it.
Still, if you're at a complete loss for things to do, it might inspire some new projects and games that your kiddo might enjoy. There are also numerous recipes for playdoughs and paints. All these can certain be found on the internet, too.
My kiddo was only 1.5 when I picked up this book, so it could be that he's just a wee bit too young for me to recognize the benefits of the variations on simple activities that the author suggests. Maybe I'll revisit this when he's closer to 3 and adjust the review if appropriate.
Still, if you're at a complete loss for things to do, it might inspire some new projects and games that your kiddo might enjoy. There are also numerous recipes for playdoughs and paints. All these can certain be found on the internet, too.
My kiddo was only 1.5 when I picked up this book, so it could be that he's just a wee bit too young for me to recognize the benefits of the variations on simple activities that the author suggests. Maybe I'll revisit this when he's closer to 3 and adjust the review if appropriate.
January 9, 2018
Knygoje aprašyta daugybė, daugybė idėjų, ką galima veikti su vaikais įvairiausiose situacijose, panaudojant įvairiausias priemones - tiek paprastas, lengvai randamas namuose, tiek kažką sudėtingiau ir reikalaujančio pasiruošimo. Taip pat yra pasiūlymų, ką veikti tiek su pačiais mažiausiais, tiek su kiek vyresniais. Ir netgi receptų, švenčių idėjų. Skaitydama pagalvojau, kad įvairiausius tokius žaidimus ar darbelius būtų buvę be galo smagu išbandyti vaikystėje.
March 17, 2008
I love this book. I turn to it again and again in a parenting pinch. When kids get unruly and bored and bratty, I pull this out and voila, a simple activity and everyone's happy again for another 20 minutes.
One thing I REALLY appreciate about this book is the activities are things I can actually do. They require no special preparation, generally don't create a giant mess, and a lot of time don't involve tons of parental supervision. Perfect for me, the mostly-hands-off mom.
It's cheap, too. I think I bought it at Michaels a few years ago for about $5. It's siblings (busy books for preschoolers and children) are great, too. I have all three.
One thing I REALLY appreciate about this book is the activities are things I can actually do. They require no special preparation, generally don't create a giant mess, and a lot of time don't involve tons of parental supervision. Perfect for me, the mostly-hands-off mom.
It's cheap, too. I think I bought it at Michaels a few years ago for about $5. It's siblings (busy books for preschoolers and children) are great, too. I have all three.
May 10, 2022
Knyga apie tai kaip užimti vaikučius, kelionės metu ir ne tik. Nors manoji fantazija labai gera, kad knygą įsigijau vedama smalsumo gal kažką čia galima sugalvoti dar naujo ir įdomaus vaikučiams. Turėjau kažkokių didelių lūkesčių, jog knygoje bus prirašyta įdomiausių žaidimų, dėja taip nenutiko.
Pirmiausia kas man kliuvo:
1. Labai daug veiklų kartojasi ir, mano manymu, galėjo būti surašyta į vieną, tik išskirtos skirtingos priemonės. Tarkim pvz.:
– pasodinkite vaiką vonioje ir leiskite žaisti su puodukais;
– pasodinkite vaiką vonioje ir leiskite žaisti su kempinėlėmis;
– pasodinkite vonioje, atsukite vandenį, jog galėtų maudyti žaisliukus;
– ir t.t. Na tas pats per tą patį tiesiog.
2. Dauguma vadinamų “veiklų” yra tiesiog natūralios auginant vaikus ir man net nekilo mintis tai pavadinti “aktyvia veikla” ar “žaidimu”. Tarkim pvz.:
– prie helio baliono pririšti virvutę, kad vaikas galėtų tampydamas virvutę žaisti su balionu;
– lauke duoti kibirėlį akmenukams rinkti;
– leisti pabarškinti puodais ir t.t.
Nežinau, man atrodo čia elementari vaiko veikla su tėvais, kurios net nereiktų rašyti į knygą.
Nežinau kaip ir pasakyti, gal ir gali pasirodyti, jog joje daug neigiamų dalykų ir man knyga nepatiko, bet negaliu taip sakyti. Ji man kažkiek pasirodė įdomi, tačiau labiau gal vertėtų sakyti – nuvylė. Lūkesčiai buvo dideli, o gavosi kaip gavosi. Nevertinu jos kaip “kažko įpatingo”, tačiau joje tikrai daugybė pasiūlymų! Ir tikrai tikiu, kad kiekvienas išsirinks tai kas jam ar jo vaikui arčiau širdies. Visu 100 procentu pritariu šiai autorės minčiai, kad reikia vaikui laisvę pasireikšti.
Pirmiausia kas man kliuvo:
1. Labai daug veiklų kartojasi ir, mano manymu, galėjo būti surašyta į vieną, tik išskirtos skirtingos priemonės. Tarkim pvz.:
– pasodinkite vaiką vonioje ir leiskite žaisti su puodukais;
– pasodinkite vaiką vonioje ir leiskite žaisti su kempinėlėmis;
– pasodinkite vonioje, atsukite vandenį, jog galėtų maudyti žaisliukus;
– ir t.t. Na tas pats per tą patį tiesiog.
2. Dauguma vadinamų “veiklų” yra tiesiog natūralios auginant vaikus ir man net nekilo mintis tai pavadinti “aktyvia veikla” ar “žaidimu”. Tarkim pvz.:
– prie helio baliono pririšti virvutę, kad vaikas galėtų tampydamas virvutę žaisti su balionu;
– lauke duoti kibirėlį akmenukams rinkti;
– leisti pabarškinti puodais ir t.t.
Nežinau, man atrodo čia elementari vaiko veikla su tėvais, kurios net nereiktų rašyti į knygą.
Nežinau kaip ir pasakyti, gal ir gali pasirodyti, jog joje daug neigiamų dalykų ir man knyga nepatiko, bet negaliu taip sakyti. Ji man kažkiek pasirodė įdomi, tačiau labiau gal vertėtų sakyti – nuvylė. Lūkesčiai buvo dideli, o gavosi kaip gavosi. Nevertinu jos kaip “kažko įpatingo”, tačiau joje tikrai daugybė pasiūlymų! Ir tikrai tikiu, kad kiekvienas išsirinks tai kas jam ar jo vaikui arčiau širdies. Visu 100 procentu pritariu šiai autorės minčiai, kad reikia vaikui laisvę pasireikšti.
December 1, 2009
While this book has a cheesy feel to it- something about the type? Headings? I found it useful as a guide to keeping Owen busy. Basically, it was explicit about being prepared (as in, lesson plan prepared) because with a two year old, there is no time to come up with something on the fly. Prep work is crucial, which i never would have thought about unless i read this book.
However, many of these activites were not a success with Owen. Once I read the Preschooler's busy book, I see why. At two and a half, he is straddling the fine line between toddler and preschooler. The activities I chose for him were, frankly, boring him. Ooops.
However, many of these activites were not a success with Owen. Once I read the Preschooler's busy book, I see why. At two and a half, he is straddling the fine line between toddler and preschooler. The activities I chose for him were, frankly, boring him. Ooops.
February 2, 2012
As I read the reviews, I'm surprised by the number of people who feel that this book has activities to do that DON'T require prep time, or require minimal prep time. I have not used this book a great deal yet, but, as I flipped through it, I was struck by the number of activities requiring stuff that I just didn't have.
The other thing I will say is that the majority of these activities are more appropriate for the older toddler. I have a 14-month-old who is technically a toddler, but a lot of these activities are beyond her. I will say that she enjoyed systematically pulling Kleenex out of the box, which is perhaps a loose use of the word "activity".
The other thing I will say is that the majority of these activities are more appropriate for the older toddler. I have a 14-month-old who is technically a toddler, but a lot of these activities are beyond her. I will say that she enjoyed systematically pulling Kleenex out of the box, which is perhaps a loose use of the word "activity".
July 18, 2013
This book was a disappointment. It has some good ideas in it, and it's not very expensive, so it might still be worth it to buy it, but I was disappointed. A lot of it is the same kind of advice for entertaining the age group that can be found in a lot of other places. The number 365 is a huge stretch, since there are a bunch of different ways to fingerpaint, or a bunch of different ways to do printmaking, with each material listed as a separate idea. In the Birthdays and Holidays chapter, many of the ideas already given are just repurposed for a holiday. The format, for me, is not very helpful in finding the ideas I liked, either.
July 14, 2018
I did most of the activities listed in this book. Some of the activities listed in this book involved more resources than I wanted to buy, while others I felt just wasted my resources I already had at home. But most my toddler enjoyed doing.
It says it was for 18 months to 3 years, but most were suitable for the 2-3 year range.
This is the type of book you need if your kid gets bored, needs a change of pace, or your creative thinking juices need some help.
My toddler's favorite ones: memory game, digging in dirt with measuring cups and spoons (he still demands that), grocery store pretend, most of the painting ones, safari in the dark, and many more.
It says it was for 18 months to 3 years, but most were suitable for the 2-3 year range.
This is the type of book you need if your kid gets bored, needs a change of pace, or your creative thinking juices need some help.
My toddler's favorite ones: memory game, digging in dirt with measuring cups and spoons (he still demands that), grocery store pretend, most of the painting ones, safari in the dark, and many more.
February 28, 2014
I'm sure this book was innovative before Pinterest. Nevertheless, I wrote down four new ideas...so that's more than I had before I read the book!
May 30, 2018
Pradėkime nuo to, jog esu labai savikritiška ir visuomet galvojau, jog nelabai turiu fantazijos. Tuo vedama ir įsigijau šią knygą. Buvau įsitikinusi, jog man TIKRAI reikia pagalbos organizuojant užsiėmimus savo mažylei. Ir turbūt turėjau kažkokių didelių lūkesčių, jog knygoje bus prirašyta įdomiausių žaidimų, kurie užims mano aktyvistę valandų valandoms. Deja taip nenutiko.
Pirmiausia kas man kliuvo:
1. Labai daug veiklų dubliuojasi ir mano manymu galėjo būti surašyta į vieną, tik išskirtos skirtingos priemonės. Na tas pats per tą patį.
2. Dauguma vadinamų “veiklų” yra tiesiog natūralios auginant vaikus ir man net nekilo mintis tai pavadinti “aktyvia veikla” ar “žaidimu”. Pvz.:
– prie helio baliono pririšti virvutę, kad vaikas galėtų tampydamas virvutę žaisti su balionu;
– lauke duoti kibirėlį akmenukams rinkti;
– leisti pabarškinti puodais ir t.t.
Man atrodo čia elementarus vaiko smalsumo tenkinimas ir to net nereiktų rašyti į knygą kaip atskirų veiklų.
3. Nors knygos aprašyme tvirtinama, jog darbelius paprasta atlikti ir specialių priemonių pirkti kaip ir nereikia, nes beveik viską galima rasti namie, man pasirodė tai nelabai realu. Iš tiesų reikia labai daug ko. Nors gal mamoms, kurios mėgsta pačios užsiiminėti įvairiais darbeliais, gal joms tikrai pasirodys kitaip nei man, bet aš iš tų, kur jei gali nupirkti burbulų skysčio iš kart, tikrai nepirks glicerino ir kitų priemonių, kad jį pasigamintų namų sąlygomis. Tad mano atveju, įsigyti reikia daug ko.
4. Knygoje siūlomi užkandžiai, kuriuos galima pasigaminti su vaikais. Šioje vietoje mano ir autorės požiūris gan smarkiai išsiskyrė. Toks pasiūlymas kaip pasidaryti cukruotus obuolius, man nelabai priimtinas (ypač turint mintyje, jog siūloma veikla yra vienerių dvejų metų vaikams). Bet žinoma, visada galime į siūlomus variantus pažiūrėti kūrybiškai ir prisitaikyti pagal save.
Gali pasirodyti, jog prirašiau daug neigiamų dalykų ir man knyga nepatiko, bet iš ties yra kitaip. Nevertinu jos kaip “kažko genialaus”, tačiau joje tikrai daugybę siūlymų! Ir kiekvienas išsirinks tai kas jam ar vaikui arčiau širdies. Pati pasižymėjau kai kuriuos žaidimus, kuriais bandysiu užimti savo žvirblį. Tiesa ką jau spėjau išbandyti, tai nesuveikė ir įdomumo mano vaikui nesukėlė. Bet viskam savas laikas. Bandysiu ateityje kažką įsiūlyti. Tikrai knygos toli nepaslėpsiu ir kartas nuo karto pavartysiu.
Pilnas aprašymas blog'e www.knygugurmane.com
Pirmiausia kas man kliuvo:
1. Labai daug veiklų dubliuojasi ir mano manymu galėjo būti surašyta į vieną, tik išskirtos skirtingos priemonės. Na tas pats per tą patį.
2. Dauguma vadinamų “veiklų” yra tiesiog natūralios auginant vaikus ir man net nekilo mintis tai pavadinti “aktyvia veikla” ar “žaidimu”. Pvz.:
– prie helio baliono pririšti virvutę, kad vaikas galėtų tampydamas virvutę žaisti su balionu;
– lauke duoti kibirėlį akmenukams rinkti;
– leisti pabarškinti puodais ir t.t.
Man atrodo čia elementarus vaiko smalsumo tenkinimas ir to net nereiktų rašyti į knygą kaip atskirų veiklų.
3. Nors knygos aprašyme tvirtinama, jog darbelius paprasta atlikti ir specialių priemonių pirkti kaip ir nereikia, nes beveik viską galima rasti namie, man pasirodė tai nelabai realu. Iš tiesų reikia labai daug ko. Nors gal mamoms, kurios mėgsta pačios užsiiminėti įvairiais darbeliais, gal joms tikrai pasirodys kitaip nei man, bet aš iš tų, kur jei gali nupirkti burbulų skysčio iš kart, tikrai nepirks glicerino ir kitų priemonių, kad jį pasigamintų namų sąlygomis. Tad mano atveju, įsigyti reikia daug ko.
4. Knygoje siūlomi užkandžiai, kuriuos galima pasigaminti su vaikais. Šioje vietoje mano ir autorės požiūris gan smarkiai išsiskyrė. Toks pasiūlymas kaip pasidaryti cukruotus obuolius, man nelabai priimtinas (ypač turint mintyje, jog siūloma veikla yra vienerių dvejų metų vaikams). Bet žinoma, visada galime į siūlomus variantus pažiūrėti kūrybiškai ir prisitaikyti pagal save.
Gali pasirodyti, jog prirašiau daug neigiamų dalykų ir man knyga nepatiko, bet iš ties yra kitaip. Nevertinu jos kaip “kažko genialaus”, tačiau joje tikrai daugybę siūlymų! Ir kiekvienas išsirinks tai kas jam ar vaikui arčiau širdies. Pati pasižymėjau kai kuriuos žaidimus, kuriais bandysiu užimti savo žvirblį. Tiesa ką jau spėjau išbandyti, tai nesuveikė ir įdomumo mano vaikui nesukėlė. Bet viskam savas laikas. Bandysiu ateityje kažką įsiūlyti. Tikrai knygos toli nepaslėpsiu ir kartas nuo karto pavartysiu.
Pilnas aprašymas blog'e www.knygugurmane.com
July 31, 2024
Some aspects helpful and some not so much…. BUT it gave me good direction with my daycare kiddos in crafts, play and memory book ideas! Highly recommend at least one read through to grab the ideas you love or want to implement, but not super useful enough to own your own copy!
Consider ordering either ebook to save space or borrowing it from the library or friend. It def gave me a list of other books I can look into to create more creative learning play for my little ones ❤️
Consider ordering either ebook to save space or borrowing it from the library or friend. It def gave me a list of other books I can look into to create more creative learning play for my little ones ❤️
July 2, 2020
Bought this book in 2003/2004 when my first kid was toddler. Then I used it again for my second kid. Now I'm working with kindergarten-aged children, I still use this book to get some ideas. Really useful.
May 18, 2018
I'm glad I was able to get this book from the library because I probably wouldn't buy it. It had a few good ideas for a rainy day but I don't have a lot of the "crafty" items that were used.
March 16, 2024
Bookmarked quite a few activities to reference for later
April 8, 2016
A great book with quick ideas for enjoyable toddler activities, crafts, nursery rhymes, finger plays, food prep and more. Many of the crafts use common materials, such as: paper and crayons for foot tracing; paper plates and ribbon/yarn for a toddler pouch; photos, tape, paper, and Popsicle sticks to make people puppets. The book is only a 5" x 7" paperback and its small size makes it super appealing and manageable for families on the go. Fun ideas for a snugly day at home or for preschool curriculum planning. Recommended for caregivers with preschool children. Check out our Parent/Teacher section at the library for similar books. Reviewed by: Alyson D., Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
July 27, 2012
I was given this book when I had a toddler. My Toddler is now a preschooler, so we're past a lot of these activities. This was an OK book. I do like that is has several paint and play dough recipes- which is great if you have to watch the ingredients due to food allergies! I would say the best way to approach this book (and probably ones like it) is to see it as a resource. Once I put the mom stick away and stopped wondering why I don't do super-creative things with my kid every day, I could look at it as a compilation of neat ideas, a handful of which might work will with my next toddler.
March 7, 2008
Jessica reminded me of these wonderful books! They are small and handy and easy to pull out. Each page has an activity and the few things you need to make a fun time with your toddler. I bought two of her books around the time Julia was born so I could focus on creating fun at home for Elizabeth and give her more attention. I will freely admit we did only about a dozen of the many many activities in here but what it did do is inspire me to think outside the box about what fun we can have with a box, string, and jar lids!
May 25, 2010
I think that this is an awesome book for anyone that has toddler/preschool age kids. It has 365 ideas (one for each day) for you to do with your child. I love it because most of the items that you need are things that you already have on hand. They also have tons of recipes for homemade play dough, clay, paint etc. I do a home preschool and it has saved me many times when I needed a last minute easy actvity that doesn't require a lot of set up. I would say it is definitely worth the time and money to read
August 20, 2010
This book has lots of great ideas to do with my 18-month-old as well as fun activities for older toddlers. I would say it gears more towards older toddlers, but still has some fun games for the younger ones. She also has a great list for things to keep around after we're done using them and a list for some essentials.
But I will admit that some of the activities or games are just not my style. I'm either too lazy or not creative enough to even attempt these. I would say overall the activities look really fun and am looking forward to a few years of doing them with my son!
But I will admit that some of the activities or games are just not my style. I'm either too lazy or not creative enough to even attempt these. I would say overall the activities look really fun and am looking forward to a few years of doing them with my son!
April 1, 2011
A good book to get you in the right mindset for coming up with new and simple activities for your toddler. Her ideas in and of themselves are helpful but also allow you to see that entertaining your child doesn't have to involve unusual materials or a lot of prep time. After reading this, I didn't feel that I needed her books for older children (I perused them) as I was able to figure out myself how to creatively use household objects in unique and diversionary ways.
November 21, 2012
Not a bad book to have on your shelf when you need a quick idea and are feeling brain dead. I liked the sensory stuff and recipes for art materials (I get a lot of satisfaction from making things for kids to play with out of things in my kitchen). But a lot of this stuff is just silly (Give them a tissue box and let them pull all the tissues out?? I have this book precisely because I don't want them to do that).
June 28, 2008
Fun activities for little ones - with advice on what to do and how to do it, things to save and ways to improvise. It's a handy book for new parents. There are so many different arts and crafts, recipes to make and specific holiday selections, that it would be virtually impossible to do them all!
October 13, 2008
Fabulous activity book--full of tons of ideas of things to do with the little ones. None of the activities are cost prohibitive, and most involve stuff I already have around the house. It is all divided into sections, like "water" and "car trips" and "grocery shopping" which makes it easy to find what I need. Great book!
December 18, 2008
I really like this book. It gives so many great ideas of things to do with your toddlers and children. The actitvities use basic supplies from the house. The book formatting is easy to understand and accessible when needing an idea for a game. I would like to purchase this book and mark it up for my favorite ideas.
June 21, 2011
Ten! I give it a TEN! (Clearly, I love the movie Varsity Blues.) This book is awesome. There are so many activites easy to do in a pinch with stuff you have lying around the house. None of it is rocket science, but they're all excellent ideas for the age group, and also things I wouldn't have thought about myself. If you have a toddler (or a friend with a toddler), BUY IT NOW!!!
September 18, 2016
What a great book for mom's, caregivers or teachers working with toddlers. It's packed with ideas for everyday use. Most of the activities are very simple and require inexpensive supplies, often things you would normally have on hand. I can't wait to use these activities with a little guy I'm going to be working with.
Read
May 2, 2007This book gave me some good ideas for new things to do on rainy days with my 2 year old son, but a lot of the ideas were activities that we already do. I do plan on using some of the recipes for fingerpaint and gingerbread ornaments.
May 30, 2008
A good go to book for ideas when the kids are running pell-mell and nothing seems to keep them occupied. Nothing earth shattering, but a good ideas. The recipe for goop was worth the price of the book!
June 8, 2008
Excellent quickie ideas to keep toddlers busy. I love that it has a list in the beginning of the supplies needed for th rest of the book, and that if you have those supplies on hand, you can do an activity without much prep. If it had more inside activities, I'd give it five stars.
October 13, 2009
Pretty good book with a long introduction about toddlers development and the author's interactions with her own kids, followed by 365 pages of ideas to: do, make, play, create, sing, and generally keep from going insane on those long day (of rain, or endless winter, or when everyone is sick!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews