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...]
How to Make Ice Cream in a Coffee Can
Making your own ice cream is so much fun for kids! Last year we made ice cream in a bag and it was a huge hit. This year we tried something new and made ice cream in a coffee can! Ice Cream in a Coffee Can: 1 small clean coffee can 1 large clean coffee can (ours held 3x the amount of the small one) 1 cup of milk 1 cup of half and half 1/2 cup of sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 1/3- 1 1/2 cups of ice cream salt crushed ice duct … [Read more...]
Potato Print Octopus Craft
My kids love taking print art and turning it into fun creations. That is just what we did for this potato print octopus craft. The possibilities are endless it seems for taking print art and turning it into something. With the hot weather outside, all things ocean animals have been on our minds. So making a fun octopus craft one afternoon with the kids seemed like the thing to do. We could not wait to add our ocean animal craft to the art wall … [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...]
Tips for Traveling to the Bahamas with Kids
Soft white sand beaches. Gorgeous blue and turquoise water. Delicious food. Tropical breezes... Raise your hand if a trip to Nassau Paradise Island in the Bahamas sounds like fun. (Waving both of my hands high in the air!) If you like to have fun and relax with your family then it is definitely a place to add to your travel bucket list. Worried it's out of reach for your family right now? Then keep reading because I have some tips to make traveling … [Read more...]
How to Make Colored Sand
Sand is one of our very favorite sensory materials! It's so much fun to play and create with and can be used with a group or as a quiet time activity. My kids can't get enough of kinetic sand and love all of the different fun colors. I decided to spice up our regular sand play by dyeing sand in our favorite colors. If you want to know how to make colored sand you will love how easy this method is! Affiliate links included below. How to Make … [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...]
How to Make Ice Paint
Ice paint is so easy to make and lots of fun! It's a great summer STEAM activity for kids--a colorful way to keep cool on a sunny day while learning about cause and effect and the properties of ice. Don't be nervous about the mess. It's so simple to clean up if you do it outside, the watered down paint rinses away easily! How to Make Ice Paint tempera paint water ice cube or other tray sticks (optional) glitter … [Read more...]
