Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Playaways

The week before Christmas my kids were wild.  I was trying to find something to keep them busy, and we were at a library that we don't normally frequent.  As I was hunting for the books on cd, I stumbled across a section labeled "Playaways, No cds or tapes needed!  Just plug in headphones and go!"  They looked like VHS tapes.  But as I examined them, I realized inside the cases were little units that held recorded books.

I picked out three - one for each boy, and figured we would give them a shot.  Pierce got The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

These are so awesome.  The boys can slip them in a pocket and listen as they play Legos or work puzzles.  They are easy to use, and I love that they let each boy enter the world of reading at their own convenience.

I enjoyed having some moments of silence in my house, reduced squabbling, and some random bursts of laughter (Cort and Reid both had more humorous children's books). 
Apparently, the Playaways are just geared towards libraries.  They cost $50 - $100 a piece!  Only one of the libraries in our region has them, and it is a bit of a drive from our house, but I can get them shipped to our closest library through interlibrary loan.  We are really enjoying them.

Readers, have you heard of Playaways?

31 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

I have never heard of these what a wonderful idea. Hug B

Alica said...

I've not heard of these, but they sound wonderful! Our libraries are such great resources...and I'm so thankful for what they have to offer!

Steve Surratt said...

Neat-O. If our blind kids are not already using I want to check into this as a resource for them.

Out on the prairie said...

Looks fun, I have never seen them

Bas. said...

weer twee jongens blij gemaakt.

Unknown said...

I have not heard of Playaways, and as I do not have any little ones at home any more, probably wouldnt use them. Unless they have books for adults on there too!

TexWisGirl said...

that's neat!

mail4rosey said...

I haven't heard of them until now, but they sound awesome!

Monkeywrangler said...

Never heard of them...My kids kept asking for bookson cd, but I declined, as I wanted my younger two , to develop their actual reading ability, and get hooked on books. My oldest is already a book worm...

Sandra said...

Those would have come I. Handy when my girls were little. We love the Chronicles of Narnia Books-enjoy!

Unknown said...

Their smiles tells the story of happiness.

Sally said...

awww look at those sweet boys. Such an awesome find, Lisa; good for them and for you. Can't beat that. :)

xoxo

Ginny Hartzler said...

This is a new one on me! I'm guessing they have them geared to ages. This is awesome! I will have to remember them for baby sitting.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Plus they would help enhance listening skills I would think....:)JP

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

New to me too! But what a great idea!

Aodhnait said...

Glad the boys liked them!

We have them in the library that I work in.

Aodhnait said...

Glad the boys liked them!

We have them in the library that I work in.

Sonya @ Under the Desert Sky said...

Great idea! I've never heard of them. Glad your boys have a new fun way to jump into literature.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

How fun! My mommy is listening to HEIDI,,,and loves it,,, and another one,, about the river rat and the mole... we forget what its called,,, but she never did have something like that to listen to!
How wonderful!
love
tweedles

Gail Dixon said...

These are great! I've never heard of them, but what a fabulous way to keep kids occupied.

Endah Murniyati said...

A very positive activity!

OurWanderingAdventures said...

WHAt?!?! I have never heard of these and now I want them! LOL! Thank you!

Montanagirl said...

I've never heard of these either - I'll bet the boys really enjoyed them.

Marie said...

very cool! cute pics!!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh I need to check on this for my youngest son. Double duty Lego play and listening to books...great

Jenn Jilks said...

What a fun idea. My daughter loved the Lion, With & Wardrobe! She read it in grade 1! She has a tough time finding time to read now! You know how it is!

Linda said...

Yes, when I volunteered at a small library where we used to live, they had them. Look at those smiles!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

I've never heard of them, but they are cool! So nice for your kids to be able to do a quiet activity while listening to a story. Too bad they are so expensive.

Unknown said...

This is all new to me but very cool!I enjoyed you writing about hearing the occasional laughter! :)

An Apel a Day said...

I have never heard of them, but I think I saw them at our. I wondered, "What are these things?" Now I want to go check them out!

An Apel a Day said...

We got some after you posted this. My boys love the audio books.