Ages 3-5 - Child's Play In Action

Animal Games that Will Inspire Your Kid’s Imagination

Animal games are an awesome gateway to dramatic play. Here’s a blueprint for play that will help kids – and adults – venture into imagination with a Roar!

reading boosting kindness and compassion

4 Astounding Books That Will Make Your Kids Love Kindness

Kindness blossoms in kids when you have the right tools. Use these 4 books, recommended by a school librarian, to spark empathy in your child. Watch the video to see the books and learn why they strengthen our kids’ compassion.

How to Get Your Kid to Sleep: Playful Bedtime Routines that Work

Getting kids to sleep can be a challenge! But bedtime can actually be the most meaningful time of the day, where we tell stories, sing songs and wind down through relaxation. Read on to learn tips that add a little play and a lot of calm to your nightly routine. Sweet dreams!

Teacher playing with kids dressed in costume, expressive movements with arms

Boom Chica Boom is that screen free game you need to play now

This simple chant helps kids regulate their emotions and boosts their social intelligence. You can play it as a car game, while walking to school, or even at bedtime. Kids will have fun exploring “characters” and you’ll like this easy format for fostering new words to develop feelings.

playground games and kids playing with toys that make outdoor play great

15 Playground Toys That Will Make the Outdoors Awesome

Make time on the playground meaningful with these tools that boost imagination! Here are 15 of my favorite toys under $15 that I can slip into a bag when we go. They are collaborative, creative and physical and will certainly add a spark to your kids’ outdoor play! Plus, watch how the classic “Red Light Green Light” gets a dramatic play twist!

boy reading picture books outdoors under tree

11 Picture Books That Will Make Your Kid Read Like Crazy

Use wordless picture books to inspire imagination and a love of reading. These suggestions from my Child’s Play NY theater classrooms will deepen the conversation and the bonding time between you and your children. Watch the video to see adorable toddlers using picture books as a springboard for storytelling, and get tips from a school librarian about the usefulness of wordless books.

Watch What Happens When You Play I Spy the Mindful Way

Add this dramatic play twist to the classic game I Spy. Your kids will have more fun and get calm in the process. Here I share other games, tools and toys for mindful observations.

Jocelyn sitting with kids as they clean up putting things away in basket

How To Make Clean Up Fun

Using positivity and playfulness you can transform even the most annoying task of clean up, into a game! Watch this short video I made about

3 Simple Tricks That Will Make Your Kids Eat Better

Kids eat healthier when mealtimes are fun! Here’s some inspiration for table games and ways to use improv to get great eaters.

children sitting in a circle playing outside

The Kind of Scores You Can Really Love

Need a rainy day game? Turn to musical scores to elevate your child’s playtime. With instrumental music from their favorite films and shows, kids can go deep into characters they already love. Orchestrations will help boost their mood, inspire gross-motor play and provide a great backdrop for imaginative indoor time.