Why You Should Set Up “Invitations to Play” at Home (And Five to Try)
according to Sarah Robinson, The Wonder founder
At The Wonder, we’re all about setting up “invitations to play” (read: prompts) that encourage kids to use those active little imaginations and get creative with certain toys or materials.
A playroom full of toys can be overwhelming to a child — so many toys, so little time, who even knows where to start!? — while a prompt gives them a specific nudge TO start playing independently.
Sometimes picky eaters can be intimidated at mealtimes for similar reasons, so we’ve also asked a registered dietitian for tips on how to bring more playfulness into mealtime. You’ll want to keep reading to the end of this blog!
Here are five invitations to play that you can usually find at The Wonder and can / should recreate at home:
1. Sensory Bins
At The Wonder, we swear by our sensory bins — called, what else, Wonderbins! Our themes change on the regular — construction site! ski chalet! ice cream everything! — but yours don’t need to be that complicated.
Just fill a bin with small (but safe) items you have around the house. Pasta. Rice. Beans. Throw in a few cups and large spoons, and voila! Instant entertainment.
2. Loose Parts
Toys made up of many, many loose parts (Lego, Magna-Tiles, wooden blocks) allow for the kind of open-ended play that will keep a child engaged for a nice, long time.
Set up a “loose parts” toy at a table, and create an example of what, exactly, CAN be built — a skyscraper, a tunnel, a castle — and then give your child a challenge:
“I wonder how tall we can stack the blocks before they fall?”
3. Crafts
Contrary to popular disbelief, crafts don’t HAVE to be complicated or messy. (Leave that to us at The Wonder!) All you need to set up a craft station at home is a roll of paper and some markers or crayons. Maybe some washi tape and stencils.
4. Play Dough
Yes, we know — DUH, but we have a secret to share, which is… ACCESSORIES. You’ll get way more mileage out of that playdough if you add in a few choice accessories.
- Put out some cupcake wrappers and a couple of candles along with the playdough and you’ve got a bakery.
- Combine little sea animals with blue playdough for an ocean adventure.
- Add some toy trucks to that brown playdough and CONSTRUCTION SITE.
Get even more tips on playing with dough from a preschool teacher!
5. Costumes
Pull out all the old Halloween costumes, maybe some of your old clothes, or even just a few bedsheets and towels (great for superhero capes!), and ask your kids to put on a play.
PLUS! 3 Playful Invitations to Nosh
by Stacey Segal, RD
Sometimes young children are apprehensive to begin eating a meal. This can be for various reasons. They can be intimidated by a large portion, overwhelmed by pressure to eat, or unsure what a new food might taste like.
It can be helpful to consider the way in which you present food to kids. It can make all the difference in achieving that ‘first bite’, which is typically half the battle.
Consider these three tips to help picky eaters:
1. Portion Sizing
Try putting smaller portions of food on your child’s plate. Small portions appear more manageable to children and results in less anxiety at the table.
2. Colorful Condiments
Add a colorful dipping sauce to the meal to entice your little one and make the meal fun.
Try mixing plain greek yogurt and a bright orange puree, like Cerebelly Organic Carrot Pumpkin Puree.
3. "Fairy Dust"
Add ‘fairy dust’ to sprinkle on top of a food.
Try putting a little nutritional yeast in a tiny bowl next to their food. They can dust a little onto pasta or any savory food. It adds a delicious cheesy flavor and a boost of vitamin B12 too.
Want brain supporting baby food?
Cerebelly® is the first and only science-backed baby food that delivers whole food nutrition designed for optimal cognitive development. Check out our purees and smart bars with key brain-supporting nutrients to support your little one at every stage of their growth.
Want to go play?
The Wonder is an absurdly playful space for kids AND grown ups with crazy cool classes and seasonal experiences and an all-around vibe of merry-making. You can currently visit The Wonder (and spend the day playing) at their locations in New York, NY, Arlington, VA and Westport, CT.
Have more questions? Send us an email at support@cerebelly.com and we will be sure to get back to you!
