This is a simple activity that can be used in many different ways, over and over again!

Using cut-out foam shapes, a paintbrush and some water, your child can create scene after scene using a very fun canvas... glass!

 Cut out some basic shapes from thin foam

 Use a paint brush dipped in water to stick the foam shapes to the window

Arrange and rearrange the shapes to make different scenes and tell a story

Handy tips:

- To simplify this activity, simply provide the shapes, brush and water and let your child stick and move them on the glass

- To extend this activity, let your child help with the cutting of the shapes. Let them decide which shapes they need. Encourage them to make other objects using simple shapes ie. a square and a triangle to make a house

- Encourage your child to tell you a story using the shapes. Use this chance to talk about storytelling. "How does the story start, end?" etc "What is going to happen?"

- Let your child paint the foam shapes as an extension on this activity



Happy playing,
Debs :)

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Here is a super simple little bag for toddlers!

Help them to get creative, practice their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills and then use it for imaginative play once it's done!

Toddlers LOVE putting things into things so they will be sure to give this a try.

My little girl wanted to make hers a pretty handbag but remember that your child can make and decorate theirs however they want! Using your child's own interests is the key to keeping them engaged and interested.

 Cut out a handle shape on 2 paper plates making sure they line up.

Lay out the materials for your child so they can see and use them easily.

 Straight to work gluing down her chosen items

 Now to add some sequins!

Practicing wiping excess glue from her paddle pop stick so as not to drip on her bag.

When both sides are decorated and dried, simply staple together and it's ready for use!

Some tips:

- This time I chose a load of various items for her to choose from, including foil, sequins, pasta, glue, pipe cleaners, recycled goods (feather boa, ribbons, flowers etc), glitter glue, crayons and textas. Use whatever you have on hand.

- Instead of just sticking everything she could see down, we talked about choosing particular items and the order they would need to be done in, ie. texta before glue.

- To extend this activity you could assist your child in cutting the handles out themselves. This will require a small amount of measurement to ensure the 2 handles are exactly the same and will line up.

- Take the time to focus on improving particular skills with your child and help them to practice, ie.wiping excess glue before pasting to avoid drips.

- You can make great bags for pretend play like a Dr or Vet bag, Detective bag, Police bag etc. These can look great using the same method but painting the outside instead.

Debs :)

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For this fun and easy activity we split it into 2 segments. Painting the crown with water colour paints and cut out sponge shapes and after it dried, adding the decorations.

We used 2 pieces of cardboard to "measure" around Maddie's head and then I cut them to size, stapled the 2 pieces together and cut the points out.

The idea was to do sponge prints on the crown with water colour paints 

 However, she decided she'd rather paint the whole thing using a sponge piece

 When the crown was dried, it was time to decorate! Together we talked about what "embellishments" she'd like on her crown and set them out for her.

Using fine motor skills to peel stickers off a sheet and stick them on.

 Gluing

 Glittering!!

The crown all finished and ready for imaginative play!

Some tips:

- This is an easy activity for kids of all ages and you can decorate however you please with whatever you have on hand.

- To extend this activity, have your child do the measuring of their head and the cutting of the crown points.

- Talk about what you are doing with your child. Use new language and descriptive words like, "embellishments" This will help with their language development.

- Repeat the activity as many times as you like using different crafty ways to decorate each time.

- Once your crown is finished, use it for imaginative play. We have a whole set of them in our "fantasy tub" next to our dress up box.

- Further extend this activity by finding and reading together books about Kings, Queens, Princesses and Princes. A favourite series at our house is, "Little Princess" by Tony Ross.

Debs :)



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