Clip-on toys. What a novel idea!

They clip onto virtually anything, change out easily, are portable, movable, inexpensive and entertaining. When you are going to the park, take it on the stroller, strap it to your purse, snap it onto the car seat, your belt loop!

If you are a parent you probably know about the huge variety of these small wonders, but if you are new to the concept you can check out a number of quality products at www.infantino.com, www.fisherprice.com, www.brightstars.com, www.playskool.com, www.toysrus.com, and www.babiesrus.com.

My personal favorite is the jittery pal line from Infantino. This was my daughters’ first toy (the fox) and she is now five months old and we don’t leave the house without him or one of his friends, the moose, the zebra, or the elephant. They are bright and colorful, easy to grab and easy to take anywhere you and baby go.

These small toys encourage your baby to practice their motor skills and help them learn hand eye coordination as well as object recognition. They can also serve as a security buddy on the go or when visiting new places as they are familiar and non-threatening to the child. The best part about these clip on toys is that they can be used in multiple ways in multiple different play areas, cribs, bouncers, tummy time mats, dangle gyms and car seats to make sure that your child is constantly stimulated with a change rotation of toys and does not become bored and complacent with the same old song.

They are also relatively inexpensive, most of them ranging from 2.99-13.99 depending on size and complexity, so it is cost effective and fun to change the toys for you and the baby.

Summer vacation is half over and the natives might be getting a little restless. I was shocked to see Back to School items in the stores already and the latest Lands End catalog is showing new packs, book bags and cool weather outfits for kids.

Here’s a couple ideas if your child is complaining of boredom:

At Fun Brain Kid Center you child will find all sorts of activities and games that target science, music, geography, art and technology. The games in each category are ranked by age appropriatness.

Gamequaruim offers dozens of free online videos. There is everything from Berenstain Bears and Curious George to videos on the presidents and black history. You can learn sign language or take a tour of the human body.

If the computer isn’t an option your child can read, read, read! It doesn’t matter what they read really-the sports page, nonfiction on butterflies, a cookbook or a challenging novel. The American Library Assoication has a list of suggested titles for 8-11 year olds and a list for 12-14 year olds. Reading fills your brain with facts and expands your vocabulary AND there are so many good books!

I’ll never forget having a play date with a fellow teacher’s two year old. We thought it would be fun to let the little girls play while we relaxed and chatted. I was floored to see her lower kitchen cupboards covered in sight words, letters and common nouns. Actually many of her household furnishings were labeled too with a flash card and the name of the object. Her two year old happily lead me through the house reading each one to me as my child examined the lint between her toes.

While there are some children who read very young, others just don’t “get it” until they are a little older. I personally don’t believe in pushing a very young child to read but there are some common sense things you CAN do to get them interested in reading.

Two and three year olds aren’t ready to sit down and learn letters and words but you can help them develop their oral language skills. Encourage them to talk about a story you’ve read together. Expand their experiences and vocabulary. Do fun activities together and talk about them. Sing and count things together. Make up silly rhymes.

Four year olds will begin showing more interest in print. But even that is an individual thing. Cash in on teachable moments! Teach them sounds, letters and numbers when they show an interest. If you want to excite him, teach him to read and write his name. He will be more interested in this word than any other. Next move on to Dad or Mom or a siblings name.

The most important thing you can do is read to your child. This builds language skills and keeps their curiosity alive. Give them age appropriate learning toys but don’t discount building blocks, leggos or puzzles.

Even though more is expected now days out of preschoolers and kindergartners, as long as you encourage them and help them to progress at their own speed you will find them enjoying a variety of print in no time.

 Fun is the ticket to raising a reader! And summer is the season for fun.  Reading is not an elective in life, it’s a necessity.  Find out what your kids like and start reading about those subjects with them.  Enjoy books together and let them see you read.  The joy of sharing books is the most wonderful gift you can give your child and what better time then this summer?

 You will need:  A warm snuggly toddler or perhaps a sullen preteen-whatever you have lying around, a fun variety of books and printed materials, endless enthusiasm, patience, a positive attitude, the love of reading and a good sprinkling of FUN!