Unconventional Toys

Sometimes I look around my house and wonder what plastic invader has taken over. There are great developmental toys out there, don't get me wrong. There is something made to teach your child everything they ever need to know. But we didn't always have these toys, and maybe we don't need them? I read an interesting article recently about European schools that have "forest" classes, where kids spend a lot of time playing in nature with all sorts of tools and sticks and ingenuity. Sounds great to me!

So I started thinking about what I let A play with that isn't specifically designed for a small child (read really safe). The answer is not too much - non-sanctioned items are whisked away pretty quickly. What can I let him play with that is outside of the conventional wisdom?

The winners I have come up with:

1. Hours and hours of fun can be had with anything that has a top that twists off. Toothpaste is the biggest winner by far!

1. Zydeco music - ok, not unconventional in all areas, but who knew it would get him spinning, dancing and clapping with such enthusiasm? How about, any music that is fun and doesn't include high pitched weird noises (ie any kid music these days). Spinning to music, even better. Though dizziness can be dangerous too!
2. Rocks are fun for sorting, throwing into the water table, trying to feed to the dog. All sized rocks are good for something!

1. Buckles. Buckles on daddy's shoes are the best. Buckles on the carseat, high hair, changing pad. Buckles are amazing. But they can catch little fingers...
2. Whatever tool daddy is currently using. He particularly likes the spade, and is good at digging up my garden plants with it. Rakes and shovels are fun too.
3. Oh, and of course anything in Dad's office. I think I am noticing a trend here. The little guy just wants to be like his dad!

What's next? For more suggestions check out Toddle-Along-Tuesday over at Growing up Geeky!