There is so much happening in April (besides a few more days of snow...), there's never a reason to be bored. It's National Poetry Month and the Month of the Young Child. Earth Day happens on the 22nd, and Easter's only 11 days away. Not to mention Straw Hat Month, Kite Month, and Fresh Florida Tomato Month!
But forgetting the tomatoes for a moment, lets talk about music and poetry. I recently attended the annual fundraising dinner for the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts (RMCMA), a community based music school in Lafayette. Besides meeting some wonderful people, I came away thinking about the role of music in our lives.
The RMCMA event reminded me of how what a powerful force music is in bringing people together. There was a teenage opera singer, a law firm that played and wrote rock and roll together, and a community jazz ensemble with a big band sound. All this from... where? Where does music come from? Music is so pervasive in our lives, with media ever present, that it's easy to take for granted. Music is based on math, but what is astounding is that organized sound can cause our brains to react in a way that creates - joy! Pure joy!
Music is fundamentally part of life. Certain species - whales and birds - incorporate music into their mating behavior. Humans often do the same thing, but in a slightly different way - we often use external music rather than singing ourselves (often for good reason!). The touching of our emotions by music is fundamentally a human, or even just an animal, trait. But with our giant brain capacities, we have taken music to new levels and complexities that expand infinitely.
From mothers singing lullabies to their babies to families singing together to orchestras to whale song, music brings us together with each other and bonds us as humans. It always amazes me how we can spend hours, even days, together creating and enjoying music. In tribute to the glory of music in our lives, PlayFair Toys and the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts bring you Play Notes Now! A Day of Family Music, on Saturday April 18th. There will be live music, an instrument petting zoo, poetry readings, musical games and puzzles, and more, from 10 am to 2 pm. This incredibly fun day of musical activities is for everyone, whether you are an ardent music fan, a prodigy, or think that you can't play a note (a misconception - everyone can play at least one note!), there will be something here for you.
As much as I am a biologist by training, and therefore appreciate and understand that fundamentally this is all about my neurons, in my heart I believe that music is proof that there are, indeed, miracles.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
PlayFair's Free Family Fun in 2009
OK, so New Year's was 3 weeks ago, but for me, the inauguration was truly the start of a new beginning. So, let's move on to the resolutions, shall we?
Although obviously I can't read your collective minds, I'll bet that many of you have one or both of these on your list: (1) finally get the house organized, and (2) remember that my time with my family is both short and precious, so remember to enjoy it and make time for it. Probably some of you also have vowed to lose a few or more pounds, or to stick to your budget.
I can't help you with the pounds thing, but PlayFair has been making a few resolutions of our own, and we want to help you with the organization and the family fun part, all at a price that will fit into absolutely any budget (that would be free).
All through 2009, we're bringing you free concerts, free art lessons, free movement classes, storytelling, and even free seminars on all sorts of things, including how to organize your house (or your garage or...), how to play with your children in ways that promote learning, and other useful and fun things. We'll be singing, dancing, and celebrating the birthdays of famous scientists, poets, authors, and more. We're kicking this all off on Valentine's Day with a free concert. Details will follow shortly.
In order to make sure that you don't miss out on any of the fun, make sure that you are signed up for our email newsletter. That's the first place that events will be announced.
Meanwhile, if you've got a talent, a profession, or a business that is potentially of interest to our customers, let us know. We are actively seeking community partners that want to be part of this fun series. You should be willing to offer something free that can be done in our store. You'll get free marketing and promotion and the opportunity to let people know what you are doing. Don't worry if you're not sure if the fit is right. Email me and let me know what you're thinking - I'd love to see if we can fit you in.
Although obviously I can't read your collective minds, I'll bet that many of you have one or both of these on your list: (1) finally get the house organized, and (2) remember that my time with my family is both short and precious, so remember to enjoy it and make time for it. Probably some of you also have vowed to lose a few or more pounds, or to stick to your budget.
I can't help you with the pounds thing, but PlayFair has been making a few resolutions of our own, and we want to help you with the organization and the family fun part, all at a price that will fit into absolutely any budget (that would be free).
All through 2009, we're bringing you free concerts, free art lessons, free movement classes, storytelling, and even free seminars on all sorts of things, including how to organize your house (or your garage or...), how to play with your children in ways that promote learning, and other useful and fun things. We'll be singing, dancing, and celebrating the birthdays of famous scientists, poets, authors, and more. We're kicking this all off on Valentine's Day with a free concert. Details will follow shortly.
In order to make sure that you don't miss out on any of the fun, make sure that you are signed up for our email newsletter. That's the first place that events will be announced.
Meanwhile, if you've got a talent, a profession, or a business that is potentially of interest to our customers, let us know. We are actively seeking community partners that want to be part of this fun series. You should be willing to offer something free that can be done in our store. You'll get free marketing and promotion and the opportunity to let people know what you are doing. Don't worry if you're not sure if the fit is right. Email me and let me know what you're thinking - I'd love to see if we can fit you in.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Construction Toys As Family Activities
When you think of family activities within the home, often the first picture that comes to mind is games. And make no mistake, games are powerful ways to keep families together, and to help children learn important life lessons.
But today I want to talk about another activity that families can do together, no matter the size. And these involve the extensive group of toys known as "construction sets". Let's see - how many can I name? Zoob, Legos, K'Nex, Lincoln Logs, Quadrilla, Frigits, Puzzibits, Wedgits, and Keva Planks. That was without taking a breath. There are many others. It takes me back to sitting on the floor with my dad (who has now been revealed as an ultra-cool dad because he was so often down there with us, playing and inventing new games) and seeing how many ways we could stack the Lincoln Logs.
All of these sets and more offer great opportunities for group play and for adult-child interaction. Children's brains can often go places their fingers cannot, or they may miss a key detail. And that's where you can be an important part of the system. Construction sets are also great ways for siblings of different ages to play together.
With so many types of sets to choose on, there is definitely one for your family or interest. There are two that you may not have heard of. The first is called Quadrilla, and it's almost become a classic in its own time. Quadrilla is a wooden marble run "system". I call it a system because it's infinitely expandable. You start with a set that lets you create a marble run. But these are no simple marble runs! For one thing, they combine wood with spirals, a difficult and fascinating combination. The wood is beautiful to look at and to touch, and the sculptures are amazing. It's science meets art and mechanics. Fabulous. This is an heirloom-quality toy.
The second one is something you either remember from earlier times or never have heard of. But few people seem to know that this fun toy is available now. These are the Girder and Panel building sets by Bridge Street Toys. This toy was originally manufactured by Kenner in the 1950s. Using plastic pieces that are miniature versions of the girders that are used to create skyscrapers. Each set has the pieces to create one particular building, but you can combine them and mix and match as you want. Creating a city or a skyscraper together would be a great family activity that everyone can participate in.
Whatever you choose, I hope that you build many happy family memories this year. Our families always grow and change, and yours will never be the same as it is now. So spend time together this year, and cherish each moment and each stage.
"Turn around and you're two. Turn around and you're four. Turn around and you're a young girl, going out of my door." --Harry Belafonte
But today I want to talk about another activity that families can do together, no matter the size. And these involve the extensive group of toys known as "construction sets". Let's see - how many can I name? Zoob, Legos, K'Nex, Lincoln Logs, Quadrilla, Frigits, Puzzibits, Wedgits, and Keva Planks. That was without taking a breath. There are many others. It takes me back to sitting on the floor with my dad (who has now been revealed as an ultra-cool dad because he was so often down there with us, playing and inventing new games) and seeing how many ways we could stack the Lincoln Logs.
All of these sets and more offer great opportunities for group play and for adult-child interaction. Children's brains can often go places their fingers cannot, or they may miss a key detail. And that's where you can be an important part of the system. Construction sets are also great ways for siblings of different ages to play together.
With so many types of sets to choose on, there is definitely one for your family or interest. There are two that you may not have heard of. The first is called Quadrilla, and it's almost become a classic in its own time. Quadrilla is a wooden marble run "system". I call it a system because it's infinitely expandable. You start with a set that lets you create a marble run. But these are no simple marble runs! For one thing, they combine wood with spirals, a difficult and fascinating combination. The wood is beautiful to look at and to touch, and the sculptures are amazing. It's science meets art and mechanics. Fabulous. This is an heirloom-quality toy.
The second one is something you either remember from earlier times or never have heard of. But few people seem to know that this fun toy is available now. These are the Girder and Panel building sets by Bridge Street Toys. This toy was originally manufactured by Kenner in the 1950s. Using plastic pieces that are miniature versions of the girders that are used to create skyscrapers. Each set has the pieces to create one particular building, but you can combine them and mix and match as you want. Creating a city or a skyscraper together would be a great family activity that everyone can participate in.
Whatever you choose, I hope that you build many happy family memories this year. Our families always grow and change, and yours will never be the same as it is now. So spend time together this year, and cherish each moment and each stage.
"Turn around and you're two. Turn around and you're four. Turn around and you're a young girl, going out of my door." --Harry Belafonte
Monday, November 24, 2008
World Discovery Box - A "Toy" for a Lifetime
The natural world, starting with our own backyards, is filled with wonders that encourage and deserve further discovery. A butterfly, an interesting rock, a shell on the beach - these are the treasures that many children love to collect, to study, to ponder. Now there's a product that encourages children to protect and save their treasures. The World Discovery Box is a furniture-quality box of varnished wood with either 18 or 9 drawers. The full-size version is 29" wide, 10.5" tall, and just over 10" deep. The drawers slide in and out easily, and are well sanded and pleasing to touch.
But here is the best part. The World Discovery Box is not just a box - it comes with treasures from around the world to fill your drawers - insects in resin, rocks, shells, and more - a miniature natural history museum for your home or your classroom.
There are so many different ways that you can "play with" or enjoy this product. Think of collecting at least one treasure from every family trip. Play a memory game. Arrange and rearrange your specimens. This is truly a gift for the whole family. It is lovely enough to have a place anywhere in your home. The beauty of the box is striking. I have it stored in a special place in my office, and everyone who walks in asks where they can get one.
That part I can help with. You can purchase the World Discovery Box at PlayFair Toys in Boulder or at www.playfairtoys.com. At the time of this writing, this is the only retail location that carries this new product. The prices that we currently offer are likely to change substantially after the new year, so there is also an opportunity now to purchase this striking product at a great price.
The story of the World Discovery Box begins in the depths of the Smithsonian Institution, where a young physical anthropologist brings her baby in to work with her. As he grows, he discovers the wonder of the many drawers. As he grows, his parents encourage his exploration of the world, and one day his father decides to build him a case for his treasures. As friends and family see the case, they want their own. Visitors are always drawn to the Discovery Box, wanting to see what is new, to explore its many drawers. And soon the lightbulb goes off, and a product is born. Now this remarkable new product is available for your family as well.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Cute customer spotted
One of our beloved customers was spotted on the information highway, having fun in our book section:
http://juliamacmonagle.blogspot.com/2008/10/toy-store.html
Just wanted to share such a sweet face!
http://juliamacmonagle.blogspot.com/2008/10/toy-store.html
Just wanted to share such a sweet face!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Examples of Science Fair Projects
We've started a fun new section at PlayFair Toys - examples of science fair projects. Our hope is to give you some ideas that might work, and we also welcome your own ideas, what worked, what didn't, why did you like it, why not.
This one's a great science experiment for kindergarden kids, or slightly older. Answer the question, "Will a bean seed grow faster if it is cut through the cotyledon or down the middle (between the cotyledons)?" A cotyledon is a "seed leaf". It's that first leaf that comes out when a seed sprouts. If you look closely at a bean, you'll notice that it has two halves that are identical, and if you tap it lightly it will split down the middle into these halves. These are the two cotyledons.
This experiment or science fair project is fun because it involves a saw! I suggest using at least 6 beans for each treatment, in case some of your beans don't sprout at all. Your treatments will be: (1) split the bean into its two cotyledons, (2) saw the bean across the cotyledons, so that you have two halves, each with a part of one of the two original cotyledons, and (3) just leave the bean as it is.
With a parent or teacher helping (very important!), saw your beans as noted. You need to keep your beans moist in order for them to sprout. The easiest way to do this is to place them between two pieces of moist paper towel inside a closed plastic bag. Write the treatment on the bag! Then check them each day, and note how many days have gone by. Once your seeds have sprouted, take them out of the plastic bag, and place them in a small pot with potting soil, but keep them moist and warm. Each day measure all the seeds (now the sprouts) in each treatment.
What do you think will happen?
And if you've got a fun idea that you don't mind sharing, then send it in. If we like it, we'll post it here and give you credit. Just shoot us an email with your idea, addressed to Professor PlayFair, and with the subject line: Science Fair Experiment Example. Also if you try any of our example science fair experiments or science experiments, we'd love to hear what happened. Please email the Professor and let her know what you discovered!
This one's a great science experiment for kindergarden kids, or slightly older. Answer the question, "Will a bean seed grow faster if it is cut through the cotyledon or down the middle (between the cotyledons)?" A cotyledon is a "seed leaf". It's that first leaf that comes out when a seed sprouts. If you look closely at a bean, you'll notice that it has two halves that are identical, and if you tap it lightly it will split down the middle into these halves. These are the two cotyledons.
This experiment or science fair project is fun because it involves a saw! I suggest using at least 6 beans for each treatment, in case some of your beans don't sprout at all. Your treatments will be: (1) split the bean into its two cotyledons, (2) saw the bean across the cotyledons, so that you have two halves, each with a part of one of the two original cotyledons, and (3) just leave the bean as it is.
With a parent or teacher helping (very important!), saw your beans as noted. You need to keep your beans moist in order for them to sprout. The easiest way to do this is to place them between two pieces of moist paper towel inside a closed plastic bag. Write the treatment on the bag! Then check them each day, and note how many days have gone by. Once your seeds have sprouted, take them out of the plastic bag, and place them in a small pot with potting soil, but keep them moist and warm. Each day measure all the seeds (now the sprouts) in each treatment.
What do you think will happen?
And if you've got a fun idea that you don't mind sharing, then send it in. If we like it, we'll post it here and give you credit. Just shoot us an email with your idea, addressed to Professor PlayFair, and with the subject line: Science Fair Experiment Example. Also if you try any of our example science fair experiments or science experiments, we'd love to hear what happened. Please email the Professor and let her know what you discovered!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Goodbye Longmont, Hello Boulder!
The sun shines brightly
On my shiny white backyard
Green will soon be here
What would our world be like without seasons? Even growing up in Florida, where winter was a mere suggestion, I was aware of seasons, of changing patterns in light, temperature, and growth. I've spent my adult life in Colorado and Alaska, where the seasons are dramatic and beautiful. They make me feel so much a part of this earth - a reminder that I am one small piece of a large system that is very connected. Now that Valentine's Day is past, although winter still holds us firmly in her grasp, I know that spring is not that far away.
Now we will start to see robins. Soon we will be able to buy strawberries that have flavor again. And one day, in the next few weeks, I'll be out walking and I'll see, in some spot that gets just a bit more warmth than others, the very first flowers popping out, diminutive species grown from bulbs, here to let us know that the cycle of life is still going on. A college roommate once told me, "Everything always changes. That's how we know we are alive." Although it's a simple statement, it's always struck me as a very profound one. There are times when we mourn change, but it is very much a defining part of our nature.
And so I am writing to let you know that, at the end of business today, February 16, 2008, PlayFair Toys will close the doors of our Twin Peaks Mall location in Longmont, Colorado, and not open them again. And yes, there is some sadness about this. We have staff there who have been with us for years who will be moving on. There are customers who have found in our store a refuge, a place to come with their children, a place filled with wonder and fun. We are glad that we were able to be there for you, in your community, and we enjoyed every one of you.
Yet this is not all sorrow, no, not at all! In fact, this is actually quite good news. Because it means that we can fully focus our attention on our strongest location, our Boulder toy store, and make it even better than ever. Because what we are, what we have always been about, is a destination business. Our Boulder store survived being the only remaining retail business on the Crossroads mall property as it was torn down and redeveloped into 29th Street. That was not a fun time for us, but it was always heartening to see how our customers found us even when construction made that difficult. In 2007, I began studying the concept of destination business, the idea that there are certain businesses where the phrase "location, location, location" is not the success driver at all, but rather the businesses themselves are so exciting, so unique, that people will seek them out. PlayFair Toys withstood that test, and it made me realize that, instead of trying to expand into multiple locations, I needed to really work on strengthening that uniqueness at our "Flagship" store.
2008 is PlayFair Toys' 26th year in business in Boulder. The Longmont location was an experiment of sorts. If you've been to Twin Peaks lately, you'll understand that this decision is a necessity for a small, locally-owned business. But the hard times at the mall represent a great opportunity for us and for you, our faithful customers. We have some amazing new plans for 2008 that we're not quite ready to announce, but that will make the store even more intriguing than ever.
Meanwhile - goodbye Twin Peaks, hello Boulder! We are more than worth the drive. And to further entice you to visit, I make this very special offer. Come into our Boulder store, and tell us that you read this blog and want to take advantage of our "Hello Boulder T-shirt deal!". This lets you purchase our unique, cannot-buy-them-anywhere-but-PlayFair, 100% heavyweight cotton t-shirts with the professor's wild and silly grin on the front, for only $8! Yes, only $8 for a cotton shirt, designed and printed right here in Boulder County. These normally sell for $16.95, still a great deal, but we are giving you this special opportunity only through March 15, 2008, as a way of thanking you for reading this and for being a part of our lives. Remember, just say that you want the "Hello Boulder T-shirt deal!". We currently have shirts available in natural fibers with red ink, deep purple with white ink (not coincidentally just perfect for Boulder High School students and families), and deep red with white ink (also not coincidentally just perfect for Fairview High School students and families).
With appreciation,
Marilyn Walker, Owner
PlayFair Toys
Boulder, Colorado
On my shiny white backyard
Green will soon be here
What would our world be like without seasons? Even growing up in Florida, where winter was a mere suggestion, I was aware of seasons, of changing patterns in light, temperature, and growth. I've spent my adult life in Colorado and Alaska, where the seasons are dramatic and beautiful. They make me feel so much a part of this earth - a reminder that I am one small piece of a large system that is very connected. Now that Valentine's Day is past, although winter still holds us firmly in her grasp, I know that spring is not that far away.
Now we will start to see robins. Soon we will be able to buy strawberries that have flavor again. And one day, in the next few weeks, I'll be out walking and I'll see, in some spot that gets just a bit more warmth than others, the very first flowers popping out, diminutive species grown from bulbs, here to let us know that the cycle of life is still going on. A college roommate once told me, "Everything always changes. That's how we know we are alive." Although it's a simple statement, it's always struck me as a very profound one. There are times when we mourn change, but it is very much a defining part of our nature.
And so I am writing to let you know that, at the end of business today, February 16, 2008, PlayFair Toys will close the doors of our Twin Peaks Mall location in Longmont, Colorado, and not open them again. And yes, there is some sadness about this. We have staff there who have been with us for years who will be moving on. There are customers who have found in our store a refuge, a place to come with their children, a place filled with wonder and fun. We are glad that we were able to be there for you, in your community, and we enjoyed every one of you.
Yet this is not all sorrow, no, not at all! In fact, this is actually quite good news. Because it means that we can fully focus our attention on our strongest location, our Boulder toy store, and make it even better than ever. Because what we are, what we have always been about, is a destination business. Our Boulder store survived being the only remaining retail business on the Crossroads mall property as it was torn down and redeveloped into 29th Street. That was not a fun time for us, but it was always heartening to see how our customers found us even when construction made that difficult. In 2007, I began studying the concept of destination business, the idea that there are certain businesses where the phrase "location, location, location" is not the success driver at all, but rather the businesses themselves are so exciting, so unique, that people will seek them out. PlayFair Toys withstood that test, and it made me realize that, instead of trying to expand into multiple locations, I needed to really work on strengthening that uniqueness at our "Flagship" store.
2008 is PlayFair Toys' 26th year in business in Boulder. The Longmont location was an experiment of sorts. If you've been to Twin Peaks lately, you'll understand that this decision is a necessity for a small, locally-owned business. But the hard times at the mall represent a great opportunity for us and for you, our faithful customers. We have some amazing new plans for 2008 that we're not quite ready to announce, but that will make the store even more intriguing than ever.
Meanwhile - goodbye Twin Peaks, hello Boulder! We are more than worth the drive. And to further entice you to visit, I make this very special offer. Come into our Boulder store, and tell us that you read this blog and want to take advantage of our "Hello Boulder T-shirt deal!". This lets you purchase our unique, cannot-buy-them-anywhere-but-PlayFair, 100% heavyweight cotton t-shirts with the professor's wild and silly grin on the front, for only $8! Yes, only $8 for a cotton shirt, designed and printed right here in Boulder County. These normally sell for $16.95, still a great deal, but we are giving you this special opportunity only through March 15, 2008, as a way of thanking you for reading this and for being a part of our lives. Remember, just say that you want the "Hello Boulder T-shirt deal!". We currently have shirts available in natural fibers with red ink, deep purple with white ink (not coincidentally just perfect for Boulder High School students and families), and deep red with white ink (also not coincidentally just perfect for Fairview High School students and families).
With appreciation,
Marilyn Walker, Owner
PlayFair Toys
Boulder, Colorado
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