Good morning. It looks like cool weather will continue today. Here are three invitations for toddlers.
Fine Motor Invitation: Tubes and fuzzy wire
We suggested this invitation for slightly older children recently and wondered what toddlers would do if presented with the same invitation. You will need a hole punch, some empty paper towel tubes, and fuzzy wire (aka pipe cleaners or chenille stems). Cut the toilet paper tubes into sections and punch holes at random. Set the tubes on a tray with some fuzzy wires and invite your toddler to explore. Will they push the wire through the small holes? Will they string the tubes on the wire? Will they use the wire to make shapes?
This invitation uses fine motor skills and creativity.
Sensory/Art Invitation: Watercolors on bubbles
You can present this invitation using a tub of bubbles (baby wash and a small amount of water whipped with a whisk), or at bath time when there are plenty of bubbles in the tub. Invite your child to see what happens when they try to paint the bubbles using (washable) watercolor paints. Will the bubbles change color?
This invitation builds sensory schema, is a place for experimentation and creative expression.
Music/Movement: “The More We Get Together”
The toddlers at Lakewood love signing and singing this song together. You can learn the signs using this video. Signing can support young children who are struggling with expressive language.