The Fuzzy Felt Sorting Nest

The Fuzzy Felt Sorting Nest

Steps:

  • Use scissors to cut your colorful felt sheets into small, one-inch squares.
  • Use your markers to color the bottom of each cup in the egg carton a different color.
  • Place all the colorful felt squares into a pile on the table next to the egg carton.
  • Hand your child the tweezers and show them how to squeeze them with their thumb and pointer finger.
  • Challenge your child to pick up one felt square at a time using the tweezers.
  • Ask them to place the felt square into the egg carton cup that matches its color!
  • Repeat this playful process until all the felt pieces are sorted into their matching nests.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors or handling small tweezers.

The Brave Cardboard Shield

The Brave Cardboard Shield

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut a large, sturdy circle out of a piece of cardboard.
  • Let your child decorate the front of the shield using their favorite colorful markers.
  • An adult should poke two small holes near the center of the cardboard circle.
  • Thread a piece of ribbon through the holes and tie a knot to make a handle.
  • Have your child slide their arm through the ribbon handle and hold the shield tight.
  • Stand a few feet away and gently toss soft pom-poms toward the child.
  • Challenge your child to move the shield to block every single pom-pom!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the play area is clear of furniture to prevent falls while your child moves around to block the pom-poms.

Zigzag Beam Clip Challenge

Zigzag Beam Clip Challenge

Steps:

  • Lay out three long strips of cardboard in a zigzag line on the floor.
  • Use masking tape to stick the cardboard firmly to the ground.
  • Use markers to draw five small circles along the cardboard path.
  • Place a paper cup at the very end of the line.
  • Fill a plastic container with colorful pom-poms and place it at the start.
  • Give your child a handful of paper clips to hold in one hand.
  • Ask your child to walk slowly along the cardboard beam.
  • As they walk, they must place one pom-pom inside each drawn circle.
  • While standing on the beam, they must use pincer fingers to slide a paper clip onto the paper cup.
  • If they step off the cardboard, they have to go back to the start!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the floor area is clear of other toys to prevent tripping. Make sure the cardboard is taped flat so it is not slippery.

The Cardboard Compass Navigator

The Cardboard Compass Navigator

Steps:

  • Use your scissors to cut a large square out of cardboard for your map base.
  • Draw a colorful landscape with markers including a river and a forest.
  • Glue a craft stick at each edge of the board and label them North, South, East, and West.
  • Use a pencil to poke a tiny hole right in the center of your map.
  • Thread a piece of string through one button and then through the hole in the cardboard.
  • Tie a thick knot on the back of the board so the button stays attached.
  • Ask your child to rest their palm on the cardboard without lifting it.
  • They must use their thumb and index finger to slide the button to different targets.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they are using scissors or small buttons.

The Musical Ribbon Shaker

The Musical Ribbon Shaker

Steps:

  • Give your toddler two paper plates to decorate with markers.
  • Place one plate face up on the table.
  • Help your child pick up a handful of beans.
  • Ask them to use their thumb and pointer finger to drop the beans one by one.
  • Place the second plate upside down on top of the first.
  • An adult should staple the edges together firmly.
  • Glue several colorful ribbon strips to the sides of the shaker.
  • Show your toddler how to hold the shaker with both hands.
  • Shake the plates to the beat of your favorite song!

Safety Tip:
CHOKING HAZARD: Beans and staples are small. Always supervise your child and ensure the plates are sealed tightly.