It went by way too fast and my little baby is growing up too quickly. I dread the day I have to send her off to school. Thankfully I have some time, which I plan to cherish every second of.
Since school is starting, I thought why not start something educational for Eden each day. I understand that she is only 16 months old, but I think she can learn a lot of skills from simple activities each day.
For example, today for our first activity, I took an old box and taped a piece of paper to it and had her put her feet in it and used that as her table to color on. She LOVES to color but it's hard because at this stage it gets everywhere if you aren't watching them every second. When it gets cooler we will do this activity again outside, but for now inside on a box works great.
I also went through each color she was using with her. The funny part is that she didn't seem too interested when I did it in English, but when I said the colors in Spanish, she got very still and wanted to learn. She actually pointed to the right colors when I said them in Spanish. Isn't that funny??
(Looking at the box she is using reminds me that we are potty training - I will post about that later.)
Yesterday we went on a walk and collected pine cones. On our walk we talked about what everything was (flower, leaf, grass, sidewalk etc.) I had her repeat everything I said and she had so much fun. This afternoon, we are going to make a bird feeder with the pine cone by spreading peanut butter on it and sprinkling it with bird seed. I anticipate Eden will most likely be eating the peanut butter, but I'm sure it will be fun. She will love watching the birds.
I am still working on what we will be doing the rest of the week for our activities and I'm seeking some suggestions.
Do you have a suggestion for an activity for us to do??
I would love help being creative and keeping a toddler busy.
9 comments:
Well, I'm by no means creative...especially when it comes to children (that's what Henry is for), but I will say that kids are most receptive to other languages the younger they are :) I think it's TERRIFIC that you are telling her the colors in Spanish. She'll be more likely to remember them at this age than at 13 or 18 in Spanish classes :) I say tell her more words in Spanish! :)
Note: I think it's totally inappropriate for me...me...to give you ideas on parenting. I'm not sure I should be allowed to do it, personally! Hahah!
hey carissa, my friend whitney is doing lessons with her 3-yr old & almost 2-yr old, you may be interested in what she does for the younger one... you can find her blog linked on mine.
I can't believe how big she's getting! They grow up so fast!! Your little activities sound so fun! I will have to get them from you seeing as how this time next year we will be doing the same thing.
Miss you guys! Hope everything is going well.
Can't wait to hear how potty training is going. Way to start early!
Since you walked around and talked about nature...you can always plant a seed and watch it grow.
Since we've recently been through this phase/age with Syd, here are a few ideas! 1)hummingbirds are migrating right now, so get a feeder, fill with one part sugar to 4 parts water, do not add color, then hang by a window to watch! You might also find hummingbird videos on youtube. 2) sort toys by color, or shape. Then count them as you put them back in their place. 3) music time! then you just have to have dance time! I'm sure you already do this! 4)Speaking of youtube, Syd and I regularly look at musical numbers. The latest song we're learning is "I'd Do Anything" from the musical Oliver. 5)There is a series of videos called Pocoyo, we bought one, they are adorable! You can look that up on youtube also. Syd also LOVES the old classic Chip and Dale, and old school Mickey Mouse videos. Okay, I'm hogging, I'll stop here!
One more thing, when building a library of books for her, check out "Animalia" by Graeme Base, a beautiful, creative way to learn the alphabet!
I apologize, but there's something else I couldn't possibly forget! Go to www.Highlights.com and check out the High Five monthly magazine for 2-5 yr olds! Syd LOVES it, asks if "her mail" has come today!
Hey Carissa
Ok so I know Eden isn't 3 yet but I am working at a preschool with the three years old and always coming up with table time ideas! If you want any ideas
let me know. My favorite thing to make with the kids is Monster Goo! It is great for workig on sensory and color. I believe it is 2 parts Elmer's glue and one part StaFlo liquid starch. You can google silly putty recipe and I always use food coloring to make it a fun color! I think it's GREAT your starting to do activities with her! If you need any ideas let me know!
Oh my gosh Eden is getting so big! I think it is GREAT that you are starting to do activities with her! I am working with the 3 yr olds at a preschool right now so if you ever need any ideas let me know!!!
My favorite activity is making Silly Putty! It is great to work on sensory and having fun! It is 2 parts Elmers Glue to 1 part StaFlo Liquid Starch(at the grocery store with the laundry soap). I always add food coloring to it so that the kids can learn their colors. Finger painting is also a GREAT activity! Anyways if you need any ideas let me know! :)
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