Toys I Make, Trips I Take – Resources

The semester of Toys I Make, Trips I Take, of the Kindermusik Imagine That! program is so CHOCK full of themes, it is an interesting challenge to collect and present the information. 

First, there is the theme of the toymaker making toys for his toy shop.  AND the aspect of each of the classic toys to enjoy, ie. the Jack In the Box, the drum, the spinning top, etc.  I’ve got lots of songs, and other resources, as you will see, but not so many books about the classic toys or the toymaker. 

I am open to someone sharing books or resources they love on this subject, by making a comment on this blog.   I have found a few online, and ordered them, but cannot yet recommend them.  Maybe you’ll see some new entries soon.  Only if they’re the best!

I must first recommend a fabulous classical music piece,  The Toy Symphony by Leopold Mozart.    You can find a great recording of this symphony on the CD set described in this posting:  Classics for Children – Great set of classical music 

——————————————————————-

Within the semester, we have the opportunity to help the toymaker build a boat, and a train, and to explore adventures that we might have in our imaginations.  The following blog posting include resources for these themes.

 

Traveling with Trains by books, music, and more.  (NEW)

Travel by boat – in a book or two  (book resources and ideas)

Children, Children, build me a boat  (activity idea and slide show)

 

———————————————————————

During our train travels, the children are encouraged to explore map reading and map making skills.  I have recently found a wonderful book that introduces map skills to young children.

Treasure Map  by Stuart J. Murphy, Harper Collins

A group of children on Elm Street find a treasure map, and learn some important mapping skills on the way to finding a wonderful “treasure” under the X.  Readers will be intrigued by the treasure, and may want to start their own tradition.

.

Mighty Maddie by Stuart J. Murphy,  , Harper Collins, Inc.  Maddie has toys ALL over the house, big heavy ones, and very light ones, and needs to have them all cleaned up before her friends start arriving for her birthday party.  She decides to become MIGHTY MADDIE, and does an amazing job with things both heavy and light.

The previous two books are part of the MathStart series. Cora (4) and I have just discovered the MathStart series through our local library, and we are loving them.  Each book is a wonderfully interesting story that introduces a basic math concept.  Check out more information on these books, and fun math activities on the author’s website, www.stuartmurphy.com .

——————————————————————-

During the last part of the semester, we focus on the enjoyment of stuffed animals as friends, confidants, and playmates.  Along that line, I do recommend:

 

 

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear  – Ill. by Michael Hague;  Scholastic, 1993 .  It is the classic rhyme that encourages specific movements, and the illustrations are classic and delightful.  Try to make each of the positions that you see the little bear doing, even along the borders of the pages.

———————————————————————

 

Fabulous videos about Toys: 

Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys – GoodTimes Entertainment, 2001 – This is an excellent follow up, with top notch voices, for Rudolph to join with an elf that would rather be a dentist than make toys.  Feeling like they don’t fit in, they find more misfits – toys that are made incorrectly – and end up saving Christmas by foiling the plans of the Toy Taker. 

The Tangerine Bear – Feature Films for Families , 2005  – A toy bear that no one wants longs to find a home.  When no one buys him, he ends up in a story specializing in damaged merchandise.  He meets new friends, including a Jack in the Box, and eventually discovers his true home.   

I would highly recommend ANY of the films from this company; they are all fully designed to “strengthen traditional values through entertainment”.  And they do.  Check them out at www.familyfilms.com .  We personally have more than 30 of the films by this company and both the children and grown ups enjoy them.  See my blog posting: Feature Films for Families .

 

Feature Films for Families

Want great movies for the family?  No, not Disney, or any other commercial venue.  These films are made by a film co. in Salt Lake City, Utah, who focus solely on making great wholesome stories, with interesting characters, come to life. 

There are cartoon films for the younger set.  For example, “The Seventh Brother” is about a puppy who gets separated from his family, and lost in the woods, and is adopted by a family of rabbits.  Then they help him find his way back home.  This movie comes with a coloring/activity book featuring the characters, and the activities focus on each letter of the alphabet.  The second in the series “Tiny’s Heroes” has a workbook that focuses on numbers.  Only some movies have these activity books. 

There are also movies for older children, teenagers, and adults.  These are all really rivoting stories that keep you engaged, yet offer no violence, bad language, indecency, or immorality. The videos are made for families to watch together, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.  They even come with a parent’s guide to help discuss the events of the movie, and help children learn good principles and how to apply them.  These do not include any religious perspectives, they just promote good morals and healthy attitudes. 

Check out their new website:  www.familytv.com to get a glimpse of what they have.  I have LOTS of the cartoon features, and some live action ones as well, so you can email me for some of my favorites.  Or you can contact Feature Films for Families at 1-800-FAMILY_TV  (1-800-326-4598), and talk to a customer service person.  They are excellent at helping you choose just the right films for your family.   

Be aware, they are dedicated to providing this service for families and do occasionally (about once a year) call to invite you to support their “mission” through purchasing more videos, and usually have some great specials to offer.  They do take “no” for an answer, but I usually talk to them about purchasing films that fit MY families need, and I’ve never been disappointed.