More Toddler Ideas

Let's face it... having a toddler in the house while schooling older children is definitely a challenge. This year has definitely been the trickiest in that regard. However, the past month or so Aaron has really gotten into the groove. He clearly understands what is expected of him and keeps me on my toes changing out his workboxes. And praise be to God... he actually cooperates most days and does the activities I've prepared for him!! Amen!

With that in mind, here is a quick glimpse at what he's been up to. I've tried to include where I've gotten most of my ideas. I've said it before, but I love to borrow ideas I see out there on the web. Hope this is helpful for anyone else out there with a toddler in the house.

1) large clip art image of a horse found free online, printed on cardstock and laminated,

add hole punches around the perimeter and a shoe lace 

2) Tracing the letter Hh - found here, letter of the week curriculum

3) Letter Hh pin punch. Can't remember where I got this idea, but it's not my own. 

I just printed the letters and gave him a toothpick. He poked out all along the letter 

and we hung it in the window to see the light shine through the holes.

4) Using do-a-dot marker to dot the "h" on the hammer - taken from here, Tot School Printables.

 

5) matching the snowflakes - got these here

6) transferring glass beads (bought at dollar store) into ice cube tray with tongs

7) Crayola Dry Erase Activity Center - really cool because I can slip sheets 

into the slot and he can trace and erase!

8) foam shapes - I called out a shape and color and ask him to step on it.

9) I found this gem at a yard sale. It is a file folder that has been laminated with envelopes and cards. Aaron uses it for matching the pictures. There is also a second set of cards to be used for reading that does not have pictures. I bought 10 file folder sets for only $1 from a former teacher. 

10) Got this from here - letter of the week curriculum. It can be used with magnets on 

a cookie sheet, but Aaron was really enjoying the glass beads and they worked well. 

(Definitely a choking hazard so keep a watchful eye.)

11) eeBoo Preschool Lotto Game - intended to be used with others, 

but he enjoyed just matching the cards to the boards. 

*** Edited 2/23... I think it's pretty funny that the day after I posted this Aaron refused to work on his boxes and cooperate. A good dose of humility for me and the reality that Aaron is still a typical three year old. I'm not discouraged, but needed to share this to encourage other moms of toddlers that I think it's normal to have a bad day every now and then. Things are NOT picture perfect over here... as much as my pictures may fool you. :) ***