Toddler Play: Water Table Discussion Questions
A water table is a great sensory tool. The possibilities are endless for the table. Here are a few questions that will help expand your childs water table education. What can we do with water? How can we collect water? Does water have a taste? If so, what do you think causes that? How far can you make the water spray? What happens if you … Continue reading Toddler Play: Water Table Discussion Questions
“Working” through grief – 7 tips
Recently a dear friend of mine passed away. It has thrown me for a loop because it was unexpected and she was so young. So how to I process the grief? Many people throw themselves into their work. This only helps to keep the grief at bay. It does not help to feel the grief and move through it. I found that I could focus … Continue reading “Working” through grief – 7 tips
Heartwarmer
When my daughter, 2 months, cries, my son, 18 months, will go over and make sure she is alright. Yesterday, she was crying in the swing and my son went over and started to rock the swing. He was “talking” to her. The best part was that she stopped crying. She was content watching him. My son loves his sister and is over protective of … Continue reading Heartwarmer
Tips on Preparing a Stimulating Activity
Infants, toddlers, and children learn using all 5 senses. They have a very short attention span, so when preparing an activity it needs to be stimulating. They love to use more than one sense, so create an activity that will use 2-3 senses. Children love to get involved and interact, make sure it is something that they can participate in. Create it based off of your child’s … Continue reading Tips on Preparing a Stimulating Activity
Positive Parenting Tips
Instead of focusing on what you don’t want your child to do, focus on what you do want them to do.’ Instead of providing a model for an art projects, encourage them to create their own art. Instead of sending children to time out, redirect them with a new activity. Instead of memorization drills, create meaningful learning experiences. Instead of your children competing against each … Continue reading Positive Parenting Tips
Brain Games for Toddlers
Saying Names: To help your toddler learn that people and objects have different names, touch an object and say the name. Then take your toddler’s hand and touch the object and say the name again. Now say “(your toddlers name) is touching the (object)”. This can be done with all different objects and people. Early Block Fun: Make disposable blocks out of small milk cartons. … Continue reading Brain Games for Toddlers
This Works for Me: Markers
Solve the lost/dry problem by gluing the caps (open ends up) onto the inside of a container top. The markers can be put into the caps and will stand upright for use again. Give new life to old, dried up markers by adding a few drops of water to the tip. Recycle dried up markers by dipping them in paint and using them as a … Continue reading This Works for Me: Markers
Ways to Include your Toddler in the Kitchen
Toddlers can take an active role in preparing foods. Based on your childs abilities you can get them involved by pouring, slicing, whisking, squeezing, and garnishing. Here are some ideas: Preparing finger foods by stacking foods. ex: stacking cheese on top of crackers, or cucumbers on top of toast Using a spatula to spread fruit or butter on crackers, toast or bread Stirring together ingredients … Continue reading Ways to Include your Toddler in the Kitchen
The “Do-Get” Theory
Children learn that when the “do” something, they “get” something. This is the “do-get” theory. It works both ways. When they do something well, we praise them, get excited for them. Hang their art work on the refrigerator. They learn that by “doing” that particular action or activity, they receive positive reinforcement. It encourages them to continue doing that activity and doing it well. They … Continue reading The “Do-Get” Theory
Crunchy Living: Homemade Glue
This is a great nontoxic recipe for homemade glue. It won’t have the same stickiness as the store-bought glue, but it works. Ingredients: 1/3 cup flour 2 tbsp sugar 1 cup water Directions: Mix the flour and sugar together. Pour in the water slowly, continuously stirring. Cook over low heat, continuously stirring. Allow to Cool. Do you have any recipes for homemade glue? Please share! … Continue reading Crunchy Living: Homemade Glue
ART with Angela DiCicco, The Italian Grandmama's Guide 