30 April - 5 Days Of Toddler Activities
Hi there. It's Sumari from EasyHealthyKids.com.
Here in New Zealand we have at least 2 more weeks left of lock down before my kids can attend kindy/Playcentre.
I've devised a detailed activity plan for the next few weeks and thought you'd like it too.
Here are 5 days of activities to do with your kids if you are stuck at home:
The family: Fred is a headstrong 3 year old toddler boy, and Sarah is my sweet 1 year old baby girl.
Day 1
Art activity - Leaf rubbing
Leaf rubbing is something I often do with the kids. It's so much fun, and you can combine it with a walk to pick up the leaves.
Quiet time activity - Alphabet letters object match
This list of 25 Low Prep Activities has some great quiet time activities.
My kids love the alphabet letters object match. You place letters and objects in a bag and let your kids match it. Simple, fun and educational!
Indoor activity - The best ever playdough recipe
This is my go-to playdough recipe for soft and stretchy playdough that lasts a long time.
My son has been playing with this playdough for the last month and it still remains soft and stretchy.
I just store it in a zip lock bag.
Baking recipe - Choc Avocado Brownie Muffins
Another great way to get some avo in kids - disguise it as dessert!
These Choc Avocado Brownie muffins taste great, and they are full of healthy ingredients.
Outdoor activity - Sink and float experiment
My toddler son loves to see if items will sink or float in water.
This guide to Sink and Float Water Play shows you how to include natural items like leaves and stones into this activity.
Day 2
Art activity - Fizzing rainbow art activity
I'm excited to try out this cool version of the classic baking soda and vinegar art experiment.
See how fun it is to create a beautiful rainbow.
Quiet time activity - Toy outline puzzles
We love the toy outline activity from this list of simple independent play activities.
You draw the outlines of items on paper and then you let your kids match the items to their outlines. Easy and fun.
Indoor activity - Playing with rice
One of my son's favorites is to play with rice in his wooden box, like this Scooping Rice Sensory Bin activity.
It's a great sensory activity that fulfills his need to transport things.
I just add his magnet animal shapes, a few scoops and bowls, and he loves it.
Baking recipe - Almond crackers recipe
These almond flour crackers use only a few ingredients, are easy to make, and yummy to snack on.
Outdoor activity - Toddler car wash
My son loves to wash things, and he is crazy about his cars. Here's how to combine cars, washing and even a special fizzy effect.
Day 3
Art activity - Painting on foil
Why not try letting your kids paint on a different medium than paper? See how fun it is to paint on foil here.
Quiet time activity - Clothes pin
Clothes pins is great for quiet time since they are bound to be in your home and they perfect your kids fine motor skills. Here are lots of ideas to develop your child's fine motor skills, all using clothespins.
I like the play with mega blocks.
Indoor activity - Playing Simon says
While my toddler boy doesn't exactly understand this game it's still fun to play and helps with his listening skills.
When I say Simon says, he has to do what I say. When I don't say Simon says he shouldn't.
He loves it when he gets it wrong and laughs out loud.
Baking recipe - Banana chia seed pudding
Chia seeds are so healthy to eat and this banana chia seeds pudding is fantastic and great for any age.
Outdoor activity - Bubble snake for toddlers
I've seen a video of a dad that made this bubble snake for his kids and they had a blast.
It is much easier to make than you think and lots of fun to play with.
Day 4
Art activity - Dot sticker name craft
This Dot Sticker Name Recognition craft doesn't need a lot of equipment, and is perfect if you have dot stickers.
Let your toddler learn their name and work on their fine motor skills.
Quiet time activity - Felt faces
Your kids can make different funny faces if you have felt on hand, or you can try the same activity with paper face pieces.
Indoor activity - Counting to 5
I've used my son's white board, a marker and his magnets for this activity.
I took 5 magnets and then placed one on his whiteboard. I then wrote the number 1 next to it and asked my son how many magnets are on the board. He said one. I then erased the number 1, added another magnet, wrote the number 2 and asked him how many magnets are there. He said 2. I continued this until the number 5.
Baking recipe - Scrumptious cinnamon bun muffins (coconut flour)
If you ever make only 1 coconut flour recipe, let it be this cinnamon bun recipe. Yum!
Outdoor activity - Moon sand
One of my favorite materials to play with is this DIY moonsand (only 2 or 3 ingredients).
If it's warm out, I like to add a bin of water alongside the moon sand to have a beach day at home.
Day 5
Art activity - DIY edible paint
Got paint? Nope, me neither. Got yogurt and food coloring. Yep! DIY edible paint it is.
Quiet time activity - Printable playmats
A printable down time activity is great and easy (less equipment needed). Here are a few printables to entertain your kids with during quiet time.
Indoor activity - Name recognition
We played this fun name recognition game with his whiteboard and his alphabet blocks.
I wrote his name on his whiteboard in big letters and took his corresponding letters from his alphabet puzzle.
I then asked him to spell his name with his alphabet puzzle blocks.
It worked really well, and I was surprised by how quickly he figured it out.
Baking recipe - Low carb chocolate donuts (coconut flour)
Chocolate donuts that are healthy to eat!
Outdoor activity - Veggie soup pretend play
Take your kids' pretend food, add some water, and let them make soup (pretend soup that is).
You can also use real food if you don't have pretend food, but it is much less messy and less wasteful to use fake food.
Do you have any great recipes or fun activities that you want to share? Let me know by replying to this email.
Talk to you next week.
Sumari
P.S. If you try any of these activities or recipes, let me know! I'd love to hear how you found them.