Monday, June 3, 2013

Summer Activities for a Toddler: Inspiration!

By: Laura


   My little lady Ella Jane will soon be turning three and now that summer has finally arrived, it's time to get into some exciting, educational and engaging activities.  I vowed last summer that I would try to create some things for Ella to play with and learn from, but I must admit, that my ambition didn't last and I never did follow through.  This summer though, I want to challenge her with more activities that require thought, fine motor skills and, of course, fun!
    The key, though, to my activities is to keep it simple and on the cleaner side.  I don't want to do a project that entails an endless amount of prep work or a mop and bucket kind of clean up.  So, I found inspiration from the following Pinterest sites.

The first activities I found were from the blog "Toddler Approved."  I loved the idea of sorting activities.  I teach first graders and we do a lot of sorting, but it makes sense for toddlers too, they are capable, I do believe.  The file folders are another great idea. This might take some more time to create, but they might last for another child as well!
http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2013/05/simple-independent-play-activities-for.html

This next blog, "Mess for Less" has some awesome fine motor activities that I think would be great to try with Ella.  I especially like the fact that most of the items used for the activities can be found around the house (no prep work, sweet!)
http://www.messforless.net/2013/02/18-fine-motor-activities-for.html

Finally, the "Blissfully Domestic" blog has some nice craft and game ideas, especially for rainy days.
http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/50-sensational-summer-crafts-for-kids/124409/

   Now, not only have I found some excellent websites with ideas, but I happened upon a lovely little craft book at the library as well today entitled, "Side by Side, 20 Collaborative Projects for Crafting with Your Kids."  In this book, I found at least five suitable activities to do with a toddler, and then there are more to do with older kids, but the ideas are simple; from autumn crowns (a band of paper that fits arounds your child's head is decorated with autumn leaves and the like) to glitter glue mono prints.  It was great to look through all these fun ideas and know that Ella and I could accomplish them!  I also liked that the author of the book stated that crafts now a days seem to be "junky" and considered junk because they are not useful and they're ugly, therefore, her goal was to make useful, pretty crafts.  I say, yes to that!
    So, let's get going, I'm challenging myself to complete one activity or craft a week, which is very doable, so who's with me?  See you back here in a few days with some action shoots!

Can't wait to see more smiles from Ella when our projects begin this summer.  See you soon!



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Monday, June 3, 2013

Summer Activities for a Toddler: Inspiration!

By: Laura


   My little lady Ella Jane will soon be turning three and now that summer has finally arrived, it's time to get into some exciting, educational and engaging activities.  I vowed last summer that I would try to create some things for Ella to play with and learn from, but I must admit, that my ambition didn't last and I never did follow through.  This summer though, I want to challenge her with more activities that require thought, fine motor skills and, of course, fun!
    The key, though, to my activities is to keep it simple and on the cleaner side.  I don't want to do a project that entails an endless amount of prep work or a mop and bucket kind of clean up.  So, I found inspiration from the following Pinterest sites.

The first activities I found were from the blog "Toddler Approved."  I loved the idea of sorting activities.  I teach first graders and we do a lot of sorting, but it makes sense for toddlers too, they are capable, I do believe.  The file folders are another great idea. This might take some more time to create, but they might last for another child as well!
http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2013/05/simple-independent-play-activities-for.html

This next blog, "Mess for Less" has some awesome fine motor activities that I think would be great to try with Ella.  I especially like the fact that most of the items used for the activities can be found around the house (no prep work, sweet!)
http://www.messforless.net/2013/02/18-fine-motor-activities-for.html

Finally, the "Blissfully Domestic" blog has some nice craft and game ideas, especially for rainy days.
http://blissfullydomestic.com/life-bliss/50-sensational-summer-crafts-for-kids/124409/

   Now, not only have I found some excellent websites with ideas, but I happened upon a lovely little craft book at the library as well today entitled, "Side by Side, 20 Collaborative Projects for Crafting with Your Kids."  In this book, I found at least five suitable activities to do with a toddler, and then there are more to do with older kids, but the ideas are simple; from autumn crowns (a band of paper that fits arounds your child's head is decorated with autumn leaves and the like) to glitter glue mono prints.  It was great to look through all these fun ideas and know that Ella and I could accomplish them!  I also liked that the author of the book stated that crafts now a days seem to be "junky" and considered junk because they are not useful and they're ugly, therefore, her goal was to make useful, pretty crafts.  I say, yes to that!
    So, let's get going, I'm challenging myself to complete one activity or craft a week, which is very doable, so who's with me?  See you back here in a few days with some action shoots!

Can't wait to see more smiles from Ella when our projects begin this summer.  See you soon!



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