To celebrate that Spring is about to burst forth, we’re making a blooming tree craft with packing pink packing peanuts. It is a wonderful way to recycle them whether they be pink or white! We have so many beautiful spring trees in Missouri.
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Motor
Balloon Hockey
Balloon Hockey is a game that gets the kids moving and is perfect for a winter day. Just a few items are needed for fun and invigorating play!
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PVC Pipe Play
One of our local home improvement stores is having a going out of business sale. I bought some PVC pipe at a great price for toddler play. You may not be comfortable letting small children play with this product and that is fine. In Missouri, this material can be found in state accredited preschool classrooms. So again, please choose what is best for your child. You may choose another material for the activities as another option. But if you don’t like PVC, please just click away.
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Finger Paint!
Finger painting is loved by kids and is nearly a perfect activity. Why? It combines creativity, fine motor, sensory integration, color theory, cause and affect, and imagination. It is playful and fun! Even young toddlers can participate if given the right kind of paint.
I’ll be sharing finger-painting with my kids at work and will give their parents a sample of paint. Since I need a big batch of paint and a super easy recipe, I spent an afternoon playing in the kitchen and created this one from edible ingredients. It is toddler friendly too!
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Why is Sensory Play so Important?
Why is sensory play such as finger-painting, play dough, sand, mud, and etc important to a child’s development?
When engaged in sensory play children use all of their senses. It promotes sensory integration which is the ability of the body to integrate and process all of the information it receives via the sensory modalities of touch, taste, smell, hearing, and vision. As children pour, dump, build, scoop, and explore they are learning about spatial concepts (full, empty). They learn pre-math concepts along with language and vocabulary. Messy play can be calming to children. It is not just about making a mess and getting dirty; it is an essential component to learning that encourages exploration and discovery through play.
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The Lion – Fierce for Fine Motor
March is arriving soon and we are prepared to usher the month in when this cute little lion. I love that how it implements so many fine motor skills.
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Fun with a Marble Run!
We have been playing with a marble run; and my older preschoolers and their parents have loved it.
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Milk Jug Toss
This activity is a favorite with my kiddos. It’s the Milk Jug Toss. A wiffle ball or yarn pom pom is attached to a milk jug with yarn or string. Then the pom pom or ball is tossed up and caught in the jug. Simple fun!
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Play Velcro Ball!
Easy Christmas Candy Cane
The holiday rush is in full swing as we finish shopping, attend holiday events, and wrap up last minute preparations. This is a super easy craft that the kids can do while you address that last Christmas card.
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