Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Tiny Tots !!!

We are back into school after a small break this spring. A new challenge for us is having little ones take over our schooling space. So...instead of getting frustrated, we have decided to embrace these early learners.

I found some inspiration for having something for our tiny tots to do. I spent some time online coming up with creative and inspiring ideas for fine motor activities. This is all very new to the boys.

The idea is to have some organized activities for them to work with while I teach the girls. It has taken a little bit of getting used to our new routine, but it works well.I ordered a few basic supplies and we were set to go. I just needed a little boost to get my creative teacher juices flowing.

Here is Tyce sorting texture rings. He is using plastic tongs.


Here is Tate pushing beads into a can. Great fine motor skill builder.


Even the big kids like to work with hands on learning. Tissy is working on a phonics game.



This set of geometric shaped blocks are sure fun. I had no idea what I would do with them until they arrived from Oriental Trading. So far...they are tons of fun.

I love how these small balls fit into these paint trays.



Let's just say...I am just getting started. These activities are fun to put out onto the table and watch the kids (both big and little) explore. It seems to keep them entertained for a while.



Then...after a bit...Tate is done and he runs off to play.

9 comments:

K-Sue said...

You are so good at amassing bright, fun toys that teach. The boys look like they are having such fun. Soon you will have them doing lacing cards.

Lee and Bev said...

What fun. Great picture of Tate - I can see a big resemblance to Tyce!

junglemama said...

Love the can in the bean idea! I've got to try that! Thanks!

Tim and Susan said...

Fun to see the kids learning and growing. Great ideas.

Did you jut poke holes in a can for the beans? How is it not sharp?

I can see that those activities to improve fine motor skills are extra good for orphans...

Tim and Susan said...

Sorry, duhhh, it's a plastic lid on the peanut can.

Bonner Family said...

I can't wait to start little man on these activities!!! I'm definitely going to use your examples. They are great!!

carrie said...

I always wonder how homeschooling Moms do it when they have little ones around - my little ones were (are) always so social and demanding of my time and attention. That is so great to have activities to help them learn and keep them busy - at least for a few minutes at a time! :)

DebiH. said...

They look like they are really enjoying their learning time. The tot tray idea has been wonderful for us as well. There are some amazing and creative ideas on the tot school blog link-ups! It just takes a long time to look through them. Sometimes I do, if I am needing something new to try.

Melissa said...

How fun!