Make this summer a season of wonder for you and your children. Here are some ideas for a toddler-friendly season.
The Costume Box
Take everyday household items (that are easily replaceable) and turn them into props and costumes that your children will cherish. Take wooden spoons and turn them into magic wands with paints and glitter and ribbons. Old baby blankets can become super-hero capes with a little felt and glue or a few quick stitches at the sewing machine. Old hats and scarves are always fun for children to pretend. A feather boa is a must. Costumes are also fun to make.
Nature Walks
Explain to your children why there is dew on the grass early in the morning. Take your children to the park or to the mountains or to the beach and explore. Before you go you can check out nature books from the library that identify different birds, insects, trees, and flowers. Take them with you and point out the different animals and plants you see. Collect leaves and twigs and make a collage or collect enough sticks and twigs and go home and build a small log cabin or teepee for your child's dolls. Pack a healthy lunch and take a break in a pretty place.
Drawing and Painting
Let your kids experiment with different mediums in art. Try pastels, chalk, oil pastels, crayons, colored pencils, tempera paints, finger paints, and clay. If you have older children, you could take them to a paint-your-own-pottery shop.
You can always make your own pottery with homemade playdough—just let it dry for a few days and then paint it once it's dry.
Mix together in a heavy bottomed pot:
The Library
Most local libraries have story-time for children of many different age groups. These story-times usually include singing and puppets and can introduce your children to many new and interesting books they may not have had any interest in outside of such a fun venue. Call your local library to find out when the story-times are for your child's age group and plan to attend regularly. It will give you something to do each week and provide some needed summertime structure for children who are accustomed to going to school during the week.
The Costume Box
Take everyday household items (that are easily replaceable) and turn them into props and costumes that your children will cherish. Take wooden spoons and turn them into magic wands with paints and glitter and ribbons. Old baby blankets can become super-hero capes with a little felt and glue or a few quick stitches at the sewing machine. Old hats and scarves are always fun for children to pretend. A feather boa is a must. Costumes are also fun to make.
Nature Walks
Explain to your children why there is dew on the grass early in the morning. Take your children to the park or to the mountains or to the beach and explore. Before you go you can check out nature books from the library that identify different birds, insects, trees, and flowers. Take them with you and point out the different animals and plants you see. Collect leaves and twigs and make a collage or collect enough sticks and twigs and go home and build a small log cabin or teepee for your child's dolls. Pack a healthy lunch and take a break in a pretty place.
Drawing and Painting
Let your kids experiment with different mediums in art. Try pastels, chalk, oil pastels, crayons, colored pencils, tempera paints, finger paints, and clay. If you have older children, you could take them to a paint-your-own-pottery shop.
You can always make your own pottery with homemade playdough—just let it dry for a few days and then paint it once it's dry.
Mix together in a heavy bottomed pot:
- 2 cups flour (any kind but self-rising will do)
- 1 cup salt
- 4 tablespoons oil (any type of cooking oil will do)
- 2 cups water
- 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
The Library
Most local libraries have story-time for children of many different age groups. These story-times usually include singing and puppets and can introduce your children to many new and interesting books they may not have had any interest in outside of such a fun venue. Call your local library to find out when the story-times are for your child's age group and plan to attend regularly. It will give you something to do each week and provide some needed summertime structure for children who are accustomed to going to school during the week.
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