The reason you see fine motor activities all over the internet for preschoolers is that developing these skills is so important. They're the foundation for the formal skills of writing and tying shoes, but also are used for building, playing, creating, cooking and more. Giving kids opportunities to practice and develop their fine motor skills--like with this apple lacing busy bag--increases their confidence and ability to engage in their … [Read more...]
Color Matching Fine Motor Busy Bag
Kids love busy bags. They can be created to meet a child's interests while boosting learning and fine motor skills. This Color Matching Fine Motor Busy Bag is a fun way to play and build skills this summer. We created a fish and ocean themed busy bag in preparation for our summer plans of visiting the beach with family. Kids can use this busy bag activity to match colors and improve fine motor strength. It would even be a great travel activity … [Read more...]
Fruit Slices File Folder Game
Keeping kids happily entertained while you get something done is such a lifesaver when you are a parent or teacher of young kids. A file folder game or a busy bag is an independent activity for kids that you prep once for them to do again and again. They can be a great way for kids to practice new skills, while you get to go to the bathroom in peace! If your kids love to learn and play with file folder games (or if you need a simple one to … [Read more...]
ABC Matching Ice Cream Busy Bag
"Who has the time to make all of these things on Pinterest? I can barely get dinner made!" Don't we all feel like that to some extent? Blogging about kids activities is my job and there's no way even I could find the time to make half of the activities you can find online, no matter how cool they care. Busy bags are my one exception. Spending a little bit of time to prep an activity once for kids or a class can do it again and again has always … [Read more...]
Get the Bugs Out Sensory Bin
Do your kids love to solve problems? Mine do! Give them a mission and they can't wait to figure out how to complete it. Challenge you kids to get the bugs out of this simple sensory bin and see how fast they rise to the challenge. It's a great way to keep them engaged and learning, especially this time of year when they start to see bugs everywhere. Bug Sensory Bin Supplies small plastic bin 2-3 bags of dry black beans small plastic … [Read more...]
Simple Rainbow Sensory Bottle for Kids
So you want to drink your coffee? Before it gets cold? Ha! Your kiddos have other plans. That's why you need a rainbow sensory bottle. Make it in minutes and watch as the kids are occupied long enough for you to drink a cup of coffee! Rainbow Sensory Bottle A sensory bottle, or discovery bottle, is a plastic bottle filled with materials that will engage kids' senses. Which in turn stimulates their brain and gets them thinking! This rainbow … [Read more...]
Christmas Tree Decorating Felt Busy Bag
My kids love to decorate and redecorate the Christmas tree. They get to have a tree in their rooms each year to display their homemade ornaments and are constantly moving things around. Something about the power to actually touch and play with the tree is just intoxicating. I decided to build on this enthusiasm and make a Christmas tree felt busy bag that they could decorate (and redecorate) as much as they wanted. It has proved to be a great … [Read more...]
Super Simple Alphabet Puzzles Kids Love to Play With
Teaching a child how to read can be intimidating. The stakes are high and every day there is a new program or fancy app that everyone swears is the best thing for kids. It's overwhelming. Parents often end up feeling guilty and worried they aren't doing enough for kids. But it doesn't have to be this way! Affiliate links are included in this post. Parents and teachers can use play and everyday interactions to help kids gain the skills they need … [Read more...]