Can you believe it’s the last day of April? Whether you are just joining us or have been using these invitations all month, we are so glad you are here. Below you will find three ideas for twos and young threes to explore on what looks like it will be a wet and possibly stormy day.
Sensory Invitation: Water Play with Sponges
Gather any sponges you have available. Use a small plastic bin, bucket, or even the bathtub filled with enough water to cover the bottom surface. Show your child how to squeeze the sponge to release the water.
Have your child practice filling a small bucket or bowl from squeezing the water from the sponge.
Observe how the sponge floats.
Place small toys on the sponge to see if they sink or float.
Intent: This sensory activity is full of motor development. These repetitive motions of squeezing will help build fine motor strength. Playing with water can also be calming for your child to play with as well as a fun sensory experience.
Fine Motor Invitation: Tracing numbers and letters. Write out numbers 1-10 (or higher if you want) and have your child trace over them. They can use their favorite color marker or even finger paint to trace.
You could also write out your child’s name or letters that they are familiar with for them to trace, as well.
Intent: The middlers have become increasingly interested in letters recently, especially the letters in their names. This activity enhances fine motor development by using the hand muscles to move over the numbers and letters.
Art Invitation: Draw a picture for one of your friends, teachers, extended family, etc. and send it to them. This can be through email or snail mail.
Intent: We’re hoping to help provide connection and a sense of contribution to young children.
Outdoor/Nature/Gross Motor Invitation: Make your own bird feeder!
Use an empty toilet paper roll. Spread a small layer of peanut (or other nut) butter on the outside of the toilet paper roll. Then roll the whole covered roll in bird seed. When you’re done, add string through the roll and hang your bird feeder on a branch outside!
Intent: Get outside and enjoy the nice weather and beautiful spring scenery. We want to encourage the middlers to use all of their big body and fine motor muscles to enhance gross motor development.
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