This is a sponsored blog post. I received compensation from Gymboree. The opinions and text are all mine.
Remember how I used to be a teacher? And then I was an early intervention special instructor? Well, now I’m a mom. A mom to a boy who loves books SO much that it makes my heart explode!
Isaac isn’t really such a “toy kid”. This is good and bad! I love that this really grows his imagination at such a young age, but it also makes it hard to leave him with toys to occupy himself while I get work done (they don’t occupy him = I don’t get work done when he’s awake!!)
But if you sit down with him and read books – you’re golden. Of course, who am I to deny this to my little guy?
We try to add literacy into Isaac’s life throughout many of our daily routines.
We read books before every nap (usually 3-4) in his rocking chair in his nursery. Then when his “dada” puts him to bed at night, he snuggles in for about 6-8 books (and some quality dad snuggles!)
(see more bedroom pictures here)
Isaac & I love visiting our local library, and usually try to go once a week. I think it’ll be even more when it’s so cold outside & we have cabin fever through the winter!
I LOVE buying books, but that can get really expensive! We go get books at our local thrift store regularly. All of their board books are only 29 cents a piece! I sit on the floor with Isaac and see which ones he gravitates towards. I don’t feel so bad buying 6 books when it costs me less than $2
One of our favorite authors is Eric Carle (I even wrote up a post about The Very Hungry Caterpillar activities a few years ago!) When I heard that Gymboree was teaming up with Eric Carle, I may or may not have done a little happy dance around my living room.
The clothes were even cuter than I had imagined – can you please just take a minute to realize how HAPPY this makes my teacher/mommy heart?
(see more pictures of our family room here)
If you’re even half as excited as me, please check out Gymboree’s website for all of the details about this new & exciting collaboration. They even have free activities on the site!
They don’t just have pajamas either – I picked up this adorable Brown Bear shirt (a size up) for Isaac to wear this fall/winter:
In celebration of this collaboration, Gymboree is hosting a photo contest, encouraging parents to help their little ones take pictures of what THEY see. How cute, right?
Entrants can submit a photo via Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr or via their designated direct photo upload site, using the hashtag, #WhatDoYouSee (runs until 9/30/2014)
- Entrants of the #WhatDoYouSee contest will have the chance of winning one of ten Eric Carle gift baskets including: A House for Hermit Crab book, a signed copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar book, figurines, stickers, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Sippy Cup, Chunky Colored Pencils, Match and Munch Game, Place Mats Book, and Stage & Play (Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) $144.99)
They’ve also come out with a super cute app where you can submit your picture to the contest & your little ones can play a caterpillar game
Oh, and just in case you thought Isaac sits really still & takes beautiful pictures effortlessly, think again:
I have to hit the “delete” button a LOT.
Do your little ones love reading too? What is your favorite Eric Carle book?
Like this post? You’ll also like:
1. Very Hungry Caterpillar activities
2. 14 Best Board Books for Babies
3. Teaching about friendship with “The Rainbow Fish”
This is a sponsored blog post. I received compensation from Gymboree. The opinions and text are all mine.
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