Keeping Kids Busy - Books on CD

So, being that I was a teacher I have tons of books on CD (plus I visit amazon and ebay to add to my collection - the way I look at it is that I can resell them later or use in a future classroom). My five year old has been listening to them since he was three and my hope is that my two year old will soon start listening too. I download my kids audio books to playlists on my ipod. The great thing about this is that I can have a bunch of books on one playlist, saving me and my son the time of changing CD's... if the book is on the playlist it just keeps on playing. Also, I will burn a few books on one CD and he can listen to it on a potable player or I can share a set of books wih my friends who I trust to return them when they are done. I organize the books in groups of about an hour to an hour and a half long of listening. The number the books with a sticky note. This way my son knows what order the books will be playing in. The books are kept in a large crate and each set is in a zip lock baggie. This keeps the sets that are on the same playlist or CD together. Ahhhh.... the best part, just hand your kiddo the bag and they are busy for an hour or so. Great quiet time for mommy!!!! Below are a few of my favorite read alongs found on Amazon.

Love It - IPOD for your Kiddos

Thought I would share something I love:
If you allow your younger kiddos (ages 2 - 10) to use your IPOD, this is the case you need to keep it safe! We got one recently because we allow our five year old son to watch downloaded shows on it when we are flying or if we are out to eat. Also, our two year old uses it too for the same reasons. Basically one of our take-along babysitters we use in those Mommy and Daddy need a break times!!! The material of the TADPOLE is sturdy and our video IPOD fits right in. The handles on the side are the perfect fit for little hands. It is easy for them to hold and watch a show without accidentally dropping the IPOD. The earphones worked well with our 2 year old, but our five year old prefers the earpods. The IPOD has been a wonderful helper when we are out to eat with the kids and want to stay a little longer than they do. Placing the IPOD in the TADPOLE has made it even better. It's great to know the IPOD is safe from kiddo accidents. Great buy + Amazon has it at a lower price than most other sites!

For Tips on Using Your IPOD in education, try:
http://www.teachingheart.net/ipod.htm