Toddler Tip Day

So sorry I'm a day late. Here are todays ideas......

*The first is a construction activity. You will need mini marshmellows and toothpicks. Show them how to stick the toothpicks and the marshmellows together and let them go at it. Tons of fun and the best part is when you're done you can eat them. Too much fun.

*Also I know last week I mentioned playing with snow (water or sand), but another fun item to let your kiddos explore is rice. You can put it in a large container for measuring and playing or use it for art as a collage material. To dye the rice: place 1-2 cups of rice in a ziploc bag. Add a few drops of food coloring and about a capful of rubbing alcohol. Mix well and spread out on a paper towel to dry. (DO NOT let your children eat this) Here's an activity you can do with the rice:
You will need a set of matching cards (from a memory game or a favorite card game), a bin or large tupperware container, rice.
1. Place some cards at the bottom of the bin and cover with rice...taping them to the bottom helps them stay in place.
2. Let your children dig to find them
3. When they find them then they have to find the match to the card.
It's a nice twist on a memory game.

I'd also like to share a site with you. As our children our reaching an age where we are choosing preschool programs for them and beginning the task of cultivating a lifelong love of learning, their is a site that can give you excellant direction. From things like how to raise a problem solver, to why learning through play and the different areas of play are so important, to how to choose a preschool that's right for you....NAEYC is THE place to go. They are the National Association for the Education of Young Children and they are the guiding force in early ed. Fantastic site with loads of info. Hope you'll check it out.