Locks and keys for toddlers
The kids tried locks and keys a couple of months ago. This simple activity is very challenging for little fingers. They were not interested. This time they were to unlock the boxes with surprises inside. To lock a box, I made holes with the needle and threaded pieces of chenille stems to make loops.
Camilla had several boxes a day with different contents for several days. Some surprises to unlock - she was looking forward to have her green boxes every day. On the picture below: some examples of things she discovered in the boxes: mini dinosaurs from the discount store (they roared for some time after getting out of the box), oversized buttons (we sorted them by color or shape), bracelets to try on and see how the colors look together, new fish for splashing in her toy pool, baby jar caps (she counted and named the animals, then placed them in her Zoo), numbers 1-5 (she still needs a lot of assistance to put them in order at 31 months old).
Phonemic awareness and listening skills for toddlers
Before unlocking each box, we shook it to hear the sound and tried to guess what could be inside. I put jingle bells in one of the first boxes. That was the easiest sound for her to guess. Another easy box for guessing the sound was filled with several M&Ms, and her favorite too.We talked about that it is a sound, that we can hear sounds with the ears, and sounds are all different. I think it's one more great activity for beginning phonemic awareness and just awesome for practicing to pay attention and listening skills.
Nature boxes and sensory play for toddlers
We went to the park with many roses. Camilla discovered fresh moist rose petals under the roses and got fascinated by them!
The best nature sensory box ever!
That inspired her to explore flowers around our neighborhood. I used this opportunity to dress her up and have a photo session. That turned out to be lots of fun for both of us... and Daddy loved to join us with his camera.
We gathered some flowers and extended our play at home. This is a quick and easy sensory bin. I let Camilla add any supplies and characters to the flower bin she wanted, and enjoyed playing along with the pretty bin.
Our very own - all natural perfume
Camilla got the petals into the pan and helped me wash them. I added boiling water and let her - very carefully - stir the petals. I kept it in the lowest heat on the stove for 20 min and let it stand coved through the night.
Next morning we filtered it using a coffee filter and transferred it to the pretty spray bottle. It smells amazing when sprayed on the skin.
Attention: even a tiny drop leaves a stain! We spayed hands/ bare feet/ doll's dress/ anything else. Camilla went through a couple of little spray bottles a day. She loves this sensory experience!
K is for keys for toddlers
We continue with out Tot School Printables and a letter of the week through the summer. These activities printed for free from 1+1+1=1 are super easy and exciting by now! Kids expect a new package every week.Introduction to the letter K. We make sure to hear the sound /k/ in the beginning of the words before seeing the letter!
Find the keys on letter K. This week our friends Koala, Kangaroo, and King visited and helped with finding the keys. Camilla doesn't need a lot to trigger pretend playing nowadays. This little twist has completely changed our usual activity.
Match the keys to the shadow. It is so easy now. Was it that difficult just a month ago?
I hope you are enjoying your summer!
