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Perhaps you've seen the show, on Nick
Jr., called Dora The Explorer. It features a lovable Latina who is full of
energy and curiosity. Dora is never seen without her trusty backpack!!
We catch
the show sporadically and it has made an incredible impact on my adorable
daughter. She is wanting to learn more Spanish and Dora inspired scenarios are
creeping into her imaginative play. As we play she often says "I have one
in my backpack" and reaches behind her back to hand me something.
EVERYthing was in this imaginary backpack :) Watching the fun she had with her
"backpack" set me to thinking. I knew we could get a lot of mileage
out of such a backpack, well.....IF one existed that is. The shelves were bare
this holiday season past - not a Dora item to be found.
I ended up making her an Exploring Backpack for Christmas and I can tell you its
the only thing she plays with everyday. I found a clear vinyl backpack with
purple and green trim at Toys R Us. It was filled with toy dinosaurs.
Our son
ended up with them. At Target we found a hard green box in a camping theme.
This
was near the Police Officer dress up kits.
We pulled a classic switcharoo and both kids received what they liked. The
camping kit came with a pair of binoculars, a canteen, a lantern and a 3 in one
plastic knife. I added a flashlight and some homemade maps. And we added a good
magnifying lens. She's now ready to go.
Even if your young one isn't a Dora fan I'm betting they'd like to have an
exploring backpack. You don't even have to wait for spring to take a nature
walk. Of course, I suggest that in winter you make that a brisk walk --wink-- it gets COLD out
there!
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