Number Run

We've been cooped up quite a bit lately, due to the constant blizzard, leaving me with a toddler with a lot of energy to burn. I wanted to do a game or activity that would let him run around and get some energy out so I came up with this "Number Run" game, which also serves as an introduction to number identification.

Rowin really doesn't recognize numbers yet, so I thought we'd just start with 1, 2, and 3. I wrote the numbers on different pieces of construction paper and since he doesn't know which is which yet, I also drew big dots under the numbers to help him identify them.

I taped the numbers up all around the room, far enough apart that he'd have room to run in between. We went over the three numbers and I modeled how to play. I would call out a number and he had to run and touch it. Then I'd call out another number and he'd have to run and touch that one...and so on...

Since this is a new concept for him, he got caught up in the running and just started running to whichever one he wanted and touching it. :) Haha, we'll keep practicing. At least he got some energy out!

Depending on your child's age, you could easily adapt this to practice letters, colors, shapes, or words. You could even combine two concepts (which is what I ended up doing since he needed a little help), by saying, "Touch the BLUE number 2" or "Touch the GREEN TRIANGLE". Adapt it to work on the concepts your child is learning right now.

Fun with Cardboard Boxes

I'm all about free entertainment, and with a two year old, we still go through a lot of diapers, so we always end up with big diaper boxes around the house. Here are a few things we've done with our boxes. I've found that the simplest things are usually the most fun!

Decorate:

We've decorated boxes several different ways. Sometimes I'll just give him markers, lay the box flat, and let him have at it. Other times, we've tried painting with random household items like plastic forks and spoons and bottle caps/tops. He thought both were fun!

Roads or Race Tracks for Cars:

Rowin could play with cars all day, every day. Well, not really....but he loves them! With one diaper box, I drew roads all over it for him to drive his cars on. He also likes to tuck part of the box under the couch cushion so that it makes a big ramp for all of the cars to drive down. Endless fun! :)

Make a Fort:

Once we had several flattened boxes, we taped them together with thick masking tape, threw some pillows in the middle and called it a fort! Actually, Rowin called it his house. 

He even got Daddy to read him some books in his house!

Valentine's Day Crafts

Yay!! We made it through January! Throw yourself a little party! :) With Valentine's Day around the corner, we've been busy working on lots of little Valentine crafts. These were all ideas I found on Pinterest, so I'll be sure to include the link with each one...

Tie Dye Hearts

These were super simple and really cute! Here's what you'll need:

If you don't already have these dot markers, go get some!! They're great for little hands still learning to hold markers and paint brushes. My son asks to use them all the time.

SO...fold the coffee filter in half and cut out a heart. Fold the heart a few more times (I honestly don't think it matters how you fold it. We tried a few different ways.) Use the dot markers to create a pattern, making sure to push hard so that it soaks through. Then flip it over and color the other side too. Open them up and TADA! Aren't they cute?

Here is the original link: http://www.momto2poshlildivas.com/2012/01/valentine-craft-tie-dye-hearts.html 

Toilet Paper Roll Hearts

These turned out cute too. Take an empty toilet paper roll and bend it so that the end makes a heart shape. Once you like the shape of the heart, rubber band it to hold it in place.

Dip the end in paint and use it as a stamper. Rowin made a bunch of hearts and then we cut them out to make some little valentine's for his buddies.

Original link: http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Paper-Roll-Heart-Stamp/1342

Celery Flower Stamps

This is a really cool idea that could POTENTIALLY be adorable. You'll see how ours turned out. :)

You just need celery and paint! Cut off the end of the celery, dip it in your paint, and stamp away!

I made one to show you what it SHOULD look like. :) You could add leaves, stems, or a little message if you wanted. 

Rowin tried it and then decided that painting with his entire hand sounded like more fun. So we went with that instead. :)

Original link: http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/01/valentine-activities-for-kids.html 

I hope yours turn out cute! And even if they don't, I hope you have fun!