The Everything Toddler Activities Book (15 page)

1. Make a small hole in the center of the paper plate.
   
2. Cut a small arrow out of the poster board, and make a small hole in the center. Use the brad to fasten the arrow to the plate. Leave it loose enough to spin freely.
   
3. Use the markers to draw a clown onto the plate; incorporate the spinner as one of his arms. (If your artistic skills are lacking, you can just call the game Stick Man Says.)
   
4. Divide the plate like a pie into 4 or 6 sections. In each section, either draw or glue on a picture that depicts a movement. For example, a picture of 2 hands could mean clapping.
   
5. Have your child spin the spinner, then act out the movement that the clown is pointing to. You may need to assist the younger child.
   
6. Consider taking a few turns yourself. Perhaps let your child spin the wheel for you.
   

There is no end to the games that you can create! The easiest place to start is to adapt some of the basic sports. A tennis ball and broom can be used for a golf game. Use a beach ball for a gentle variation of soccer. Here are some other ideas to get you started.

This simplified version focuses on the skill of throwing and aiming the ball.

1. Choose various objects that you will use for baskets.
   
2. Let your child stand back from the basket and try to toss a ball or beanbag in. Keep track of how many shots he makes in a row.
   

Your child will be using his large motor skills when playing this game.
You can set this game up inside or outside.

1. Arrange the soda bottles like bowling pins. If you are playing outside, put some sand in the bottles to keep them from blowing over.
   
2. Show your child how to roll a ball to knock down the pins.
   

Toddler games don’t need to take a lot of time or preparation. Count on these ideas to add some fun whenever you need it!

Players work together in this fun game that helps pass the time.
Younger children who cannot count can still help spot the items.

1. One person is the leader. She announces a common item such as trucks or stop signs to be counted by the group.
   
2. Everyone works together to spot and count the objects.
   
3. Once the group counts to ten, a new leader chooses a new item.
   

Some toddlers can spend a lot of time repeatedly filling and dumping! Be sure to choose items that are not a choking hazard for your child. Large empty thread spools or bristle blocks work well.

1. Give the child the containers filled with the objects. If the container has a lid, show the child how to shake the container to make noise.
   
2. Encourage your toddler to dump and fill the containers!
   

This easy game is a variation of Peek-a-Boo.

1. Show your child how to hide behind the drape or curtain. You can even have her go behind a shower curtain.
   
2. Either you or your child may push the curtain aside for the big reveal. Take turns hiding and revealing.
   
3. When you reveal, you may wish to make a funny face or posture to surprise your child.
   

CHAPTER 10

Backyard and Nature Activities

There is no better classroom for your child than the world around him. He learns best by direct, hands-on exploration. Abstract concepts are made real when your child can touch and smell and squish the things he is learning about. You do not have to go far to find interesting and fun things for your child to explore. Right outside your door are plenty of opportunities for play and learning. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Gardening can be fun for all ages. Your young toddler may simply enjoy playing in the dirt and feeling the cool breeze on her skin. In addition to the wonderful sensory experiences of gardening, there is a special gratification in nurturing something and watching it grow. Let your child help you plant this year’s garden. Sunflowers, beans, and zinnias are particularly hardy and grow quickly, making great starter plants for the youngest gardener.

This is a magical science experiment. Your child can concretely see how plants drink.

1. Fill a clear glass with water. Add enough food coloring to distinctly color the water.
   
2. Cut the celery stalk and place it in the glass. See how long it takes for the celery to take on the color of the water.
   

You will be surprised how easy it is to get a nice result from pressing flowers.

Arrange the blossoms between layers of newspaper or waxed paper. Press them under the wooden blocks or between the pages of the large book.

This is a very gratifying activity because your child can see the sprouting process up close.

Moisten the paper towel with very clean hands and slide it into a zip-top bag. Add seeds and seal. Keep towel damp and place bag in a sunny spot.

You may be wrinkling your nose in disgust, but the fact is most children are fascinated with insects. Toddlers are naturally curious and usually only become afraid of insects when they are imitating the reactions of someone else. There are certainly more insects on this planet than any other species, and they are just about everywhere. Don’t ignore them. Capitalize on your child’s interest in learning. This section includes some fun activities having to do with insects, but the most valuable activity may be to simply provide your child with a magnifying glass and some time to observe the insects all around him!

This fun activity will help your child develop eye-hand coordination and motor skills.

1. Cut the construction paper into butterfly shapes. Be sure they are small enough to fit into your child’s net.
   
2. Wait for a windy day. Go outside with your child. Toss one or more butterflies in the air and let your child try to catch them with the net.
   

Your child will most likely enjoy the sensory experience of having his feet
dipped in paint as much as he likes the end result.

1. Fill the pie tin with the paint. Help your child remove his shoes and socks, and then help him step into the paint.
   
2. Have him step directly out of the paint and onto the paper. Help him arrange his feet so he puts them down with heels together and toes pointed outward. (You can spread newspaper to catch any drips.) Have your child step directly off the paper again.
   
3. Once the picture is dry, your child can decorate the butterfly by drawing in a body and antennae.
   

This is a great open-ended art project for the child who finds these
garden dwellers fascinating rather than icky.

1. Pour the paint into the pie tin.
   
2. Have your child dip and coat the yarn pieces in the brown paint.
   
3. Show him how to drag the yarn across the paper to create worm tracks.
   

These personalized insects will help your child develop creativity and fine motor skills.

1. Pour the paint into the pie tin.
   
2. Have your child dip his thumb into the paint.
   
3. Help him press his thumb onto the paper to create a thumbprint. He can use crayons to add the head, legs, and antennae.
   

Both adults and children will love these simple and colorful creations!
You can use colored tissue paper instead of dying the coffee filters.

1. Open a coffee filter, and have your toddler squeeze different colored drops of food coloring onto it. The colors will blend together in a beautiful design.
   
2. Fold the colored filter into a fan shape and help your child insert it into the clothespin. Leave an equal amount of the filter on each side of the pin. Fluff out the coffee filter so that it looks like wings.
   
3. Let your child glue on the pipe cleaners to make antennae and use markers to make eyes on the head of the clothespin.
   

You do not have to go far to explore the world with your young child. The weather affects us all, and it is constantly changing. Regardless of your climate, there are many ways to explore and learn about weather. Here are some ideas for your budding scientist.

This is a great way for your child to observe how water reacts with other materials.
Your child will also be able to experiment with mixing colors.
This activity is only appropriate if your child will not be upset when the painting is altered.

1. Let your child create a colorful design by putting drops of food coloring onto a paper plate.
   
2. Have your child take her creation out in the rain to observe how the colors run when the rain falls on them. Be sure to stop before all the color is washed away or the plate becomes too soggy.
   
3. Return indoors, and let the altered picture dry.
   

Your child will learn a bit about clouds and explore a unique texture with this project.
Older toddlers can first color a landscape picture to use as a backdrop.

1. Mix the shaving cream and glue in equal portions.
   
2. Have your child use this mixture as a paint to create cloud forms. The fluffy mixture will dry and become stiff.
   

This is a fun way for your child to learn about the power of an invisible force such as the wind.

1. Thin the tempera paint with water to consistency of watercolor paint. Spoon small amounts of paint onto the paper.
   
2. Show your child how to use the straw to blow the paint around on the paper. You may need to poke a few small holes in the straw to prevent her from sucking instead of blowing the paint.
   

Outdoors is often the best and healthiest place for your child to play and explore. When your child is outdoors, he is less restricted. He is free to use a louder voice, to move around more, and to make more of a mess. Toddlers and the great outdoors are often a perfect match.