MagicBag for Babysitters

Reading to kids is so important. Before I go sit for someone, I hit the library and grab a dozen or so children's books. Actually, I basically get a new set every week because that's about how often I sit. Then, I read them to about three or four sets of kids. (Getting new books regularly helps keep me from getting bored. It also has helped me create several lenses about my favorite children's books.

Generally, to pick out books, I just grab some random ones off the shelf. I like to read new ones every time, or else I get bored. Sometimes, I find certain books I've heard of that I want to read or that I may get for my nieces. There really is no secret to picking them out. Sometimes they're great, sometimes they're not. If you'd like some ideas of good books to start with, you can check out my lens about some of my favorite children's books. I've read hundreds of them now, and I've tried to keep a list of my favorites. These days, I am working my way through the alphabet and pick up any books that look appropriate. I'm finished with all the A books and working my way through the Bs.

Depending on the age of the kids, I ask them questions about the books. "Do you see a duck in this picture?" "What color is her shirt?" "What letter does this start with?" "What do you see happening in this picture?" "Do you know what this word means?" This helps get them more engaged and learn different things.

Need some ideas on which books to read? Check out my lens about my favorites!

Bubbles are always fun for kids. Heck, I like blowing bubbles! Plus, they are super cheap, or you can make your own. While they can be used inside, they make a mess, so they are better for outside. When I was a kid, there was pretty much just one size/shape/container for bubbles. The small container with the round bubble wand. Now there are zillions of types of bubble contraptions. Find what you like and have fun!

Another cheap form of entertainment is sidewalk chalk. It comes in lots of colors and can be used pretty much anywhere. The large pieces are the right size for small hands to hold while they let their imaginations roll. As a bonus, it's easy to clean up. It comes out of clothes and wipes off concrete with water, as my young friend shows us here. Lately, I've been using chalk to help kiddos learn numbers and letters.

I have also read about making your own sidewalk chalk paint. I haven't done it, but it sure looks interesting!

While I much prefer books over movies, sometimes a movie can be great to have. In the winter, especially, when we can't really go outside and the kids are cooped up, a new movie can be a great incentive for kids to behave. Plus, it gives me a bit of quiet time to make dinner or do homework. I really only take movies on days I have kids for 6 or 8 or 10 hours, so it gives us an extra activity. I have a personal collection of Disney movies, and the kids love to watch them, especially if they don't own them so they're new and exciting. You can also get movies at the library or Redbox if you need one.

Bouncy balls are also great to have rolling around. You can get them for a quarter, and it's not a big deal if they are lost. They can be fun outside on the driveway or inside in the kitchen. (Make sure the kids are big enough so they won't choke!)

Tennis balls, frisbees and other things that "go" can also be fun to have. Especially if your day finds you heading to the park or out in the yard.

Out of habit, I always have my camera with me. The kids I take care of are pretty stinkin' cute, and often I can get great pics of them doing fun stuff. I burn the pics to CDs for the parents since I often get shots that they couldn't get. It's always fun to have a camera around.

Also, I keep a tube of sunscreen in my bag. I use it for me and sometimes for the kids (if there isn't kid sunscreen available at the house.). If we decide to go outside, occasionally I can't find sunscreen in their house anywhere handy, so I just use mine to make sure the kids are covered. (Pun intended.)

One last part of my MagicBag is that I always try to use the same bag. I know it's silly, but the kids know to look for my big green bag and that whatever is in there is for them. (They also know not to get into it without permission.) There's something about the familiarity and routine in this. And, out of habit, I always set it down in the same place. So find yourself a fun, reusable bag that can become your MagicBag. Grocery sacks are fine, or you can get get more creative.

Since I am in school, I always take my computer so I can get work done when the kids nap. The kids know that my MagicBag has stuff for them in it, and that my backpack is not for them to get into. It's amazing what they pick up on!