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:

  1. Buttons ThoughtsJanuary 7, 2015 at 6:35 AM

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

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  2. AlicaJanuary 7, 2015 at 6:42 AM

    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!

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  3. Steve SurrattJanuary 7, 2015 at 7:13 AM

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

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  4. Out on the prairieJanuary 7, 2015 at 7:34 AM

    Looks fun, I have never seen them

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  5. Bas.January 7, 2015 at 7:44 AM

    weer twee jongens blij gemaakt.

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  6. UnknownJanuary 7, 2015 at 8:11 AM

    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!

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  7. TexWisGirlJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:08 AM

    that's neat!

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  8. mail4roseyJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:10 AM

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

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  9. MonkeywranglerJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:13 AM

    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...

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  10. SandraJanuary 7, 2015 at 10:35 AM

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

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  11. UnknownJanuary 7, 2015 at 10:51 AM

    Their smiles tells the story of happiness.

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  12. SallyJanuary 7, 2015 at 11:26 AM

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

    xoxo

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  13. Ginny HartzlerJanuary 7, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    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.

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  14. jp@A Green RidgeJanuary 7, 2015 at 3:10 PM

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

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  15. Karen thisoldhouse2.comJanuary 7, 2015 at 3:32 PM

    New to me too! But what a great idea!

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  16. AodhnaitJanuary 7, 2015 at 4:16 PM

    Glad the boys liked them!

    We have them in the library that I work in.

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  17. AodhnaitJanuary 7, 2015 at 4:16 PM

    Glad the boys liked them!

    We have them in the library that I work in.

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  18. Sonya @ Under the Desert SkyJanuary 7, 2015 at 8:23 PM

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

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  19. Tweedles -- that's meJanuary 7, 2015 at 9:23 PM

    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

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  20. Gail DixonJanuary 7, 2015 at 10:26 PM

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

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  21. Endah MurniyatiJanuary 7, 2015 at 11:47 PM

    A very positive activity!

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  22. OurWanderingAdventures January 7, 2015 at 11:55 PM

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

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  23. MontanagirlJanuary 8, 2015 at 10:39 AM

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

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  24. Marie January 8, 2015 at 1:16 PM

    very cool! cute pics!!

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  25. Janettessage.blogspot.comJanuary 8, 2015 at 4:41 PM

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

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  26. Jenn JilksJanuary 8, 2015 at 8:41 PM

    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!

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  27. LindaJanuary 10, 2015 at 1:09 AM

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

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  28. Tina Fariss BarbourJanuary 11, 2015 at 9:13 PM

    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.

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  29. UnknownJanuary 12, 2015 at 11:50 PM

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

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  30. An Apel a DayJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:22 PM

    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!

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  31. An Apel a DayJanuary 20, 2015 at 5:26 PM

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

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I love hearing from my readers!