Category Archives: Toddlers

Candy Shop

      4 Comments on Candy Shop

This was a left over activity from Valentine’s Day. We used the candy boxes with the chocolate play-dough to make some pretend treats. Here are some of the things we made and the skills we are working on using play-dough. What’s on the tray: Chocolate play-dough, Candy boxes, Measuring cup and spoons, Rolling pin, Play-dough tools Cookie cutters. Fine Motor… Read more »

Melting Hearts

      2 Comments on Melting Hearts

We did this simple science activity before Valentine’s Day and Rosebud loved it. It kept her occupied for over an hour. What I love about science for young kids is that is so simple and they are learning without even realizing it. What you need: Ice cube trays, Water, Food coloring, Small bowls, Eye droppers Directions: 1. Make some ice… Read more »

Hot Coco Play-dough

      6 Comments on Hot Coco Play-dough

I found this chocolate play-dough recipe several years ago and it smells good enough to eat. When you cook it, it smells so much like brownies. I’ve never tried eating it, but I’m guessing it doesn’t taste as good as it smells. Anyway, I love using this play-dough for a Valentine’s Day or hot coco theme. Ingredients 1 1/4 cups… Read more »

Are Our Children Missing Something?

      8 Comments on Are Our Children Missing Something?

It has been a long winter and these past couple of days have been especially horrible at work. One bright spot has been the weather. It’s finally warmed up a bit and not feeling so much like the arctic. Normally, the last thing I want to do when I get home is to go outside and freeze. I get my… Read more »

Five Sleep Essentials for Toddlers

      15 Comments on Five Sleep Essentials for Toddlers

For the first 15 months of Rosebud’s life, we co-slept. While it’s not a good option for everyone, it’s what worked best for us. I will write about my experience with co-sleeping in a future post, but this post is about our transition into her own toddler bed. I have to say I was pretty lucky. Our transition wasn’t as… Read more »

Valentines Day Gift Guide for Infants and Toddlers

Valentines day will be here before you know it. The holiday is so commercialized, but for me it’s about spending quality time with those I love. I try to do that anyway during the rest of the year. When I was a kid, my mom would always buy me a little Valentines gift and I have been doing the same… Read more »

Water Beads Sensory Tub

      8 Comments on Water Beads Sensory Tub

One of Rosebud’s stocking stuffers this year was a bottle of water beads. I’ve been seeing these things on early childhood blogs for several years, but have never seen them in person. They always looked so cool and I’ve always wanted to try them, but never had the opportunity with any of my classes. Well, I finally got the chance… Read more »

Holiday Goody Bags for Toddlers

      11 Comments on Holiday Goody Bags for Toddlers

At work, we usually do a secret Santa gift exchange the week before Christmas. Sometimes we give to a family in need and fill a box with gifts. Some of our teachers make up bags for the children and some of them don’t. This year, I wanted to do something a little different. Right now, I don’t have a class… Read more »

Gift Giving Sensory Tub

      10 Comments on Gift Giving Sensory Tub

This week, I decided to make up a festive sensory tub for Rosebud. I’m calling it the gift giving sensory tub. What’s in the tub? Wrapping paper, Small boxes, Ribbon, Bows, Tissue paper, Bells, Snowman rings, Sparkly pompoms, A bulb shaped ornament that opens, A gift bag A small stocking. Today was the first time Rosebud got to play with… Read more »

Do’s and Don’ts of Working with Children Who May be Different from You

I’ve been thinking about this post for a while. This topic is close to my heart as I can not only relate to it from my own childhood, but it comes up on some level in my work every day. I know that working with children is stressful. Add to that, behaviors, issues or cultural differences that you may be… Read more »