Wow. Seven short months ago, a group of Aussie bloggers who believe that play matters started using the #playmatters hash tag on Instagram and invited the whole world to join them. Seven short months later, we have over 10,000 playful moments. 10,000 + playful moments proclaiming, play matters.

My mind boggles at the number a bit. If you have been part of the #playmatters crowd, thank you so much. It’s inspiring and so comforting to see so many families in the world playing. Too awesome.

Looking forward to the next 10,000. xo P

You can become part of the #playmatters community on Instagram by simply:

• Uploading your play related photos onto Instagram;
• Then pick a fun filter; (choices, choices!);
• Add a caption and the hashtag #playmatters;
• Click share!
• Then, (here’s the fun part), check out other #playmatters photos by searching for the #playmatters hashtag. Be inspired, laugh and cry with others. Meet, support and be supported by others who also believe that play matters.

(P.S. My Instagram user name is @pauline_lessonslearntjournal. Would love it if you would come and say Hi!).

Don’t have Instagram? You can still see #playmatters photos through Facebook and Twitter. Simply search for #playmatters. Want to share a photo? Upload your #playmatters pic through Facebook or Twitter and add #playmatters as part of your caption for the photo.

Follow our #playmatters Pinterest Board for more playful moments. We’re a team of play loving bloggers pinning fab play ideas wherever we find it. We all have one thing in common, we all believe that play matters and we hunt down the best kids activities for you.

More Activities for Preschoolers

Three to Five: Playful Preschool is stuffed to the brim with tried, tested and loved playful learning ideas for preschoolers. There are 25+ ideas for preschoolers, ten printable resources and additional links to over 50 more activities. A great resource for parents. Download your copy here.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment; I’d love to hear from you. If you are new here, you might like to receive updates direct to your email. We have many fun ideas to share.

The post #playmatters: 10,000+ playful moments by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

We love play of all types, but I make it a point to write about our short and simple play because it’s just that – it’s so simple to set up, and thoroughly engaging. (Exactly what I am on the look out for).

This collage on sticky-back paper has got to be one of our all time favourite short and simple plays. We have been creating collages on sticky-back paper ever since N&M were toddlers. Now Miss K is reveling in her own sticky-back paper collages.

How to set up for sticky-back paper collages:

You’ll need some sticky-back paper (or as we call it here in Australia, contact paper); sticky tape or masking tape, collections of bits and bobs of your choice to collage.

Remove the sticky-back paper from its’ paper backing. Using the masking tape or sticky tape, adhere the sticky-back paper to a surface of your choice, e.g. horizontally on a table, or vertically on a wall or window.

Provide your child with a collection of materials to create their collage with. I have used a handful of things our bits and bobs box.

Miss K loved creating her collage – to stick stuff onto the sticky-back paper, only to remove them, and rearrange them then remove them again. With her, the possibilities were endless.

Miss K was having such a great time that her older brothers cottoned on to this playful space. They started to create collages too and brought extra materials to create with. They loved adding stickers to their collage. M created some robots and drew in some facial features using our extra chunky crayons.

If you wanted to keep the final collage, simply add another layer of sticky-back paper on top of the existing layer to seal it all up.

More Activities for Babies and Toddlers

Zero to Two: The Book of Play is full of fun activities for babies and toddlers. There are 25 ideas for babies and toddlers, with additional links to over 50+ activities. A great resource for parents. Download your copy here.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment; I’d love to hear from you. If you are new here, you might like to receive updates direct to your email. We have many fun ideas to share.

The post Collage with Sticky Back Paper by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.