"In" and "Out"

"In" the egg carton

"Out" of the egg carton

I just attended a wonderful workshop that encouraged open-ended materials for your children. I could not agree more. I believe strongly in providing materials that will stimulate a child's imagination. 

J was very interested in this activity and it was so easy to provide. He liked putting the stones inside the egg carton and taking them out again.  With the proper supervision a baby is capable of handling these objects and it allows for creative expression and fosters a sense of imagination. I also think it builds pre-math skills as the child starts to categorize and sort the objects.

Here is how:

White blanket

Large stones (Dollarama)

Clear egg carton

Homemade Kitchen

This is a work in progress and I plan to add more as we (the boys and I) brainstorm more ideas. Right now M loves to pretend play “Your house and my house” as he calls it. This game consists of making all kinds of food, which he delivers and serves you at "your house". It is also complimented by costumes, which are usually a hat, scarf and sunglasses.  I thought it was time to create a space that the boys could pretend in. Baby J loves to help in the kitchen so I thought he would also love this idea.

Again, it is a work in progress and, as with all play areas, it is likely to evolve.

Toy shelf turned stove top. 

Here is J tapping the lime with his spoon (lol).
Just making supper, I guess!
Who loves limes?



More supper. Mmm!

 Just sticks, stones, lemons and limes!

I believe that this encourages imagination and helps develop creative thinking. It is so easy to provide a rich learning environment without breaking your bank. I love including our children in all aspects of life and connecting them to each experience through play.

All the items were already in our home.

Here is how:

• I had a low wooden shelf that we used for toys and placed baskets on the shelves. Inside the baskets are jugs, containers, cups, plates, spoons, a colander and yogurt containers with lids.
• I cut spirals of black construction paper and circles of tin foil. I placed the tin foil and the spirals on top of each other then used contact paper to hold them in place.
• The black and white canvases on the wall are from Dollarama - $2 each.
• I used a pasta sauce jar as a centre piece vase and placed pinecones and a pine tree branch inside for a natural homey touch.
• Lemons and limes in clear container
• Glass stones (Dollarama) on black tray.
• Sticks from our backyard, which M collected himself.

Potato Heart Stamps

 A Valentine for Mommy!

I have the best husband who loves me dearly. He is so thoughtful and gets full credit for this piece.

On Valentines Day he made a carving of a heart from a potato, added paint, and had the boys make me a Valentine. It's an activity he remembers his mom doing for him and now he is doing it with his children. He had M hand deilver it to me as I came home from work. It made my day. This little Valentine will be in a frame as it is my first from my true loves, my boys.

I guess I am not the only nifty thrifty parent in our household!  

Materials needed:

Knife for carving (Adults only please)

Potato

Paint

Paper



Crayon Explosion

I asked M if he wanted to do an experiment with Crayons. He responded “Yes, my am!”

Here is the story:



Sorting the colours.



Plugging his ears from the sound of the hairdryer.

Too curious to let the loud noise bother him for long.

I did help as his attention drifted,
however he watched in fascination as the colours melted and blended.

We hung it in our playroom after it was finished.
M: "It's wonderful!"

This was such a neat and easy experiment to do with my toddler. Plus, it is a great piece of art to hang on the wall. I found the idea on pinterest! All the materials were purchased at Dollarama.

All you need:
Two packs of crayons
Large canvas
Hot glue gun to glue the crayons in place
Hairdryer

Total Cost: $5.00

Surprise Smoothie!

The art of hiding vegetables in food is one that many mothers abroad have mastered.

My children love this smoothie and so do I because it is packed with bone building nutrients.

Here is the recipe:

Frozen spinach cubes

Blueberries

Banana

Milk or unsweetened almond milk

Blend in food processor and serve immediately.

Make enough for the entire family to enjoy.

You can add anything to a smoothie. I have had cucumber, carrots and apples as well.

~ Enjoy!

Ice Skating

I love that as a young child my uncle taught me how to rollerblade and ice skate. I have wonderful memories of him taking the time to teach me these skills. He always demonstrated patience and offered helpful tips like making the letter “C” when skating backwards. He would also attend skating field trips and always brought so much humor and fun to the activity that most of the class would surround him and beckon for silliness. I have now had the pleasure to enjoy this wonderful past-time with my lovely aunt who also shares a love for skating and who was also taught by her husband, my uncle. I am truly thankful for this as I have built beautiful memories of sharing this experience together.

Now, as a mother, I want to pass this same joy to my children. I believe that children learn from their experiences and when they are given time and attention they build self-confidence which enables them to take more risks and allows for more accomplishments as they learn new skills. I certainly had to help M a lot during this activity but the joy he exuded when he finally stood all by himself was worth every back breaking second. I exclaimed “You must be so happy that you are doing it.” He responded happily “Yes, my am mama.”

There are many arenas that offer free ice time and many used sporting goods stores that sell equipment at a reasonable rate. You can also ask for hand-me-downs from family or friends.

Heart Stamps

Stamping at 12 months

Heart Stamps with Your Wee One

Simple and easy! Thanks to my new love for pinterest I found this cute stamp idea for your child.  This is a great homemade valentine’s card for loved ones.

My baby J liked this activity. He also enjoyed tasting and painting on himself as well. You may want a paint shirt or clothes off if doing it with a young child.

Have fun!!

All you need is:

Toilet paper roll

Red non-toxic paint

White paper

Tray or cup for paint

Just bend the top of the roll to create a crease that forms a heart shape in the tube. Dip into red paint and stamp away.