 |
Baby school is a baby play idea that my kids invented – and I’m writing about it because I think it’s a great way for siblings to interact with a baby! The idea is very simple: the kids identify something they want to teach Anna about, and then they decide how to teach her. In this case, they cut out some pictures from a baby catalog to teach her about baby gear.
Catalog pictures only work if you have a baby like Anna who is content to watch and not eat, but this can be done with just about anything – play food from a kitchen (check for choking hazards first), wood blocks, and even baby toys. My kids have talked to Anna about colors, shapes, numbers, and sizes. They are practicing their own knowledge more than anything, but since they see themselves as teachers they interact with their baby sister in a particularly empathetic way – giving her plenty of space, waiting for her to react to what they are doing, and treating her with a lot of respect.
This (short) little clip captures both my “big” kids’ enthusiasm for the idea, as well as five-month-old Anna’s interest:
What are your favorite ways for siblings to interact with baby siblings?
|
I’m saving this idea for the future.
Visit Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories … E is for Experiment
[Reply]
That is so incredibly sweet and your photo really captured a special moment. You have amazing kids.
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
I am very grateful for my kids. I do think they are pretty amazing!
[Reply]
I don’t know if there is anything that I love more..than to watch the older ones teach the younger ones! It’s truly beautiful!
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
It is pretty amazing to watch! I remember loving that role as a child, too.
[Reply]
What a wonderful idea! J loves coming up with ideas to try, and I’m always shocked when it comes to his level of comprehension.
Visit Jessica … Hover Balloon
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
I love the ideas kids come up with – so innovative!
[Reply]
That’s so sweet that your kids want to teach Anna so many things. So sweet!
Visit Jen … back into routine
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 6:29 pm
I <3 my sweet kids!
[Reply]
I absolutely love this. Fun for the baby, builds connections and positive play with the siblings and is the best way for the older siblings to learn – by teaching! Another lovely post from you!! Pinned, of course.
Visit Jen Fischer … Inspired by Award Season – The Good Long Road in 2012
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 6:27 pm
Thank you, Jen!
[Reply]
Gorgeous! My favourite way for my kids to interact with baby siblings is sharing toys, particularly by playing games that the younger sibling enjoys. Lots of smiles from everyone when the baby is especially happy or excited!! :)
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 6:27 pm
I love seeing how happy a baby’s excitement makes older siblings!
[Reply]
What a fabulous idea! It must be so much fun to watch the older ones teach the baby. It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it :)
Visit Ann @ My Nearest and Dearest … Toy Trucks in the Snow: Simple Winter Fun
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 8:17 pm
I really love watching it!
[Reply]
How sweet, MaryAnne! This brings back wonderful memories of my son’s “baby school” activities when my daughter was a baby. I think “baby school” is a perfect way for siblings to interact with babies. Your kids and video are so precious! I pinned your post to my Babies – Activities and Ideas Board at http://pinterest.com/debchitwood/babies-activities-and-ideas/
Visit Deb @ Living Montessori Now … Montessori Monday – Montessori-Inspired Winter Playdough Activities
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Thank you, Deb – how fun that your son did this as well! Thanks for pinning, too!
[Reply]
I can’t believe Anna didn’t try to eat those! LOL! That is so cute that the kids like to teach her.
Visit Jenny … Links I Like: Favorite Books
[Reply]
First of all, those baby cheeks are killing me. I actually said, “Ohhhh!” out loud. Secondly, this is great. I freaking love when my daughter decides to teach my son his letters and numbers. Sometimes she jumps into more complex ideas, and I just assume he’s absorbing it all for when he’s older.
Visit Jeanette Nyberg … Teenage Boys Get Creative – Paracord Bracelets
[Reply]
This is so fun, and I love the picture!
[Reply]
That is so amazingly cute!
[Reply]
I totally love this idea, and my kids do it with the youngest who is 2. They love trying to teach her counting and numbers, it gives them a sense of great accomplishment and she feels so special getting attention from her older siblings!
[Reply]
What a great idea!!!! T loves reading to A and play with her. She introduces toys to her. A still doesn’t sit on her own but it works during tummy time!
[Reply]
I love this idea and cannot wait to try it with my almost 4 year old and 9 month old! Thanks for the idea
Visit Leah … Food Inventory
[Reply]
This is so very sweet! Your kids are so lovely with baby Anna! She is so lucky!
Visit PragmaticMom … Arthur Dove Abstract Art Project for Kids
[Reply]
“baby school”… aren’t they just precious! such love in your house :)
Visit andiejaye … for when i need a laugh
[Reply]
LOVE this post! Collin and Reagan play “preschool” and Kate is their student. They are always trying to teach her things. She is always interested in what they have to offer.
Visit Christy … Monster Smoothies for Kids
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 17th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
I love watching kids teach younger siblings. So sweet!
[Reply]
That is great and the highchair is the perfect little first desk!
Visit Ann … Bored
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 18th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Highchairs to make excellent baby desks!
[Reply]
I love that Emma and Johnny are so engaged with Anna. I think this is the best part of big families – younger kids get to learn not just from parents but also from their older siblings…
Visit Natalie … “Follow Your Dreams” Day
[Reply]
MaryAnne Reply:
January 19th, 2013 at 4:37 pm
I agree, it is definitely one of the biggest perks.
[Reply]