Playing creatively with a toddler

I like to think that I am pretty creative when it comes to playing.

I may not be able to built a mini Lamborghini. But I will always succeed in

getting giggles and laughter from my kids.

Teaching them is such a wonderful learning process for me.

I know I have not posted a lot of our study time pics lately.

Blame the girl.

She doesn't like the camera in her face.

On with creativity.... this is one of her fav tot tray.

Just an old raisin can (from Tiger's tot days) and some poker chips

We'd done this for an entire month previously.

By now, it was obvious that she is right-handed.

I made it more tricky by rendering it useless.

Use your left hand, baby!

A lil struggle but nothing beyond her capabilities.

I placed some chips between her toes.

I thought it was funny but she frowned at me.

Not too impressed, I guess.

I stacked them up to see if she noticed.

Yup, she was more careful in picking them up.

To increase the task difficulty, I changed the direction of the slit

repeatedly so that she had to adjust her hand position each time

 

I am sure you can think of more ways but always add a new twist 

to keep things fresh.

 This is Tiger's Playdoh Station, where I set up some

knick knacks for him to explore and create.

This is inspired by Reggio.

Note 'inspired'. The thought of bringing wood and rocks indoors.

*faint*

They can play with those in the outdoor class, not here. 

I have a lot of confidence in my kids

But I just remind her from time to time that these are not for eating.

 

I think because I do not deprive them of junk,  there is no need to eat the pony beads.

They get their sugar fix now and then.

Non-organic, sugar-loaded stuff.

My mantra in life is you only live once.

Eat, play and live in moderation.

If anyone dies tomorrow, it would be a shame to think

he/she didn't have that cheeseburger/gummy worm.

So, if you tell me your kid is on an organic, vegan diet, wearing hemp

and only play with natural wood...

you have my respect but we won't get along.

I do buy organic but just the dirty dozen vegetables.

Cannot afford to buy organic apples

Anyhoo, back to the knick-knack setup, she picked her ingredients

and set up this tray for pouring.

 

The cartoon

Picture again??!!??....No! Hmmphh...I close my eyes

OK la...I pose for you...Faster a bit

What about this look? Cute or not??

 Every parent his/her kid is the best, smartest & cutest.

I am no different.

She has us all smitten, esp hubs.

 

You do not need fancy equipments to be creative.

Boxes, old cans, bottle caps, knock knacks are excellent.

 Think open ended play.

Think of ways to extend play.

Think about combining different methods.

Think of textures, smells and sensation.

Google creative play space and like Let the Children Play on Facebook

You will be inspired.

Water Beads Bin

I have been meaning to do this for a while now and started hunting for them since last year.
Lo and behold they were in the neighbourhood. The GLEE and JOY!
I bought these water beads from a nearby plant nursery, ermmm, during Chinese New Year.

Yeah, that's how long they have been waiting patiently for me to add water and make them oh-so-fun.

Water beads are super water absorbing co-polymer, the same material used to make contact lenses.
They are non toxic and if ingested by animals they come out the looking the same  :)
They can last for two years and re-watered as necessary.

I soaked 2 packets for 8 hours and during that time I could not keep my hands away. Funny how I felt the same way about my hubby not too long ago. Muahahahaha  *Note: to delete last sentence before sharing blog with Tiger.

Tiger enjoyed the bin very much.

He couldn't keep away too :)

Really, if I could soak my hands, feet and heck immerse myself in a tub of these,

I'll probably never lose my temper again.

 I kept his pacifier on the entire time just in case he thinks they are gummies.

He didn't try to eat any but these suckers are real tempting.

Oh, and they bounce like anything.

If your child is a thrower, you may want to do it outdoors

To dispose, just mix into your soil.
Not recommended for plants indoors in Malaysia as they may serve as mosquito breeders.

Art & Craft: Glitter Star

I hot-glued a tongue depressor star for Tiger to apply his creative side.

The glitter paint tubes are from ELC (30% discount)

Very nice consistency and easy to squeeze tubes, unlike the cheapo China ones.

See how he enjoyed it?

This is the first time he crafted so intently till he needed to be prone.

In the evening, I filled up the giant pool but my boss refused to get into the water o.O

So, we made a mess instead.

He insisted that the puppets must be around.

The tiger puppet nearly drowned in the pool :p

The monkey got dirty.

Casualties of art...

At the end of the day, Tiger:

1. Slipped on the paint and got a bump on the back of his head

2. Scratched his left cheek from playing 'Mommy Monster' indoors

3. Bruised his right cheek from falling in crawling tunnel

Bad mommy moment!!

Grandma must be secretly glad I am usually working...

Toys: Bouncy, bouncy fun

We had a pool party on Saturday with the usual suspects.

(pictures to be included after I seek permission)

We brought out the pool, a small sand pit, the water table and a NEW bouncy toy.

I made some sandwiches and lemonade.

Auntie Sharon made jelly and apple crumble.

Here's my party pooper / pool cleaner / sand scooper.

He was cranky due to the fact that he didn't get his 2 hours afternoon nap,

all thanks to Prettichubbi's thundering voice :p

Using the pool party as an excuse, I purchased a bouncy toy.

It was on sale, okay?

Also, that means I don't have to buy a trampoline, we have a new reading cum chill-out spot,

Tiger gets more exercise...you get the idea :)

Here's my boy enjoying himself post-party/following morning:

MINE, ALL MINE!

On Sunday, we had steamboat dinner at home &

then I spent the whole evening redoing his playroom.

We dragged the bouncy thing indoor. ('We' would be the help and I)

Tiger had so much fun filling it up with balls and pillows.

We camped inside, reading and chilling out till bedtime.

He was a little upset about the missing slide..actually, he threw a tantrum..he he

Then he asked for the water table (sans legs).

He said, "Boat!!", sat in it with the alphabets and started singing.

I love his imaginary play  ^.^

My hubby 'helping out' in front of the TV, using Tiger's tunnel as blanket

o.O

Letter: Terrible Two & Stuff

Letter to Tiger Thursday Friday

Dear Tiger,

It has been a while since I wrote a letter. You can blame your sister for wrecking my hormones and making me lazy. So, this is going to be long one.

I still think you are growing up way too fast. I wish I can prolong each day so that I can devour all your cuteness before we fast forward to 15 years down the line and I can imagine you smoking and telling me "Get a life".

Lately you have actually acquired hair. Yes, hair!!! Thank God. Your hair is no longer spiky and sparse which means, now you look like Daddy even more. *grumble grumble*

The haircut last weekend seemed to come with a complimentary personality change. To suit the new style, perhaps? Even Daddy and Auntie Sharon commented that the new style makes you look 'naughty'. Unfortunately, I have to agree with them. Now, I have a son who is rambunctious and loud as well as demanding. The Terrible Two has officially arrived.

Don't worry, when you came into my world, you were given a lifetime pass to my heart. I will never love you any less even when you drive me up the wall. Or when you make me climb up and butt shuffle down the stairs twenty times (which, by the way, you really did make me do!). Or tell me I cannot use the bathroom (it's your sister, again, in this case. I have to pee every hour or so).

Oh, because you have so much sass now, you pretty much dictate school time. here's a sample of what went on during 'school day/night':

Date: 5th April 2011
Venue: Tiger's home


Time: 6 pm.
After work, I drove home as fast as possible because I missed you so much. When I reached, I could hear you shout, "Ma ma, ma ma ma" before I open the car door  ^.^  Do you miss me too?
I smothered you with kisses and hugs. You pushed me away. Not cool, huh?
Then I asked, "Painting"
You shook your head.

"Swimming?"
Nods and Cheshire cat grin.

You pretended that you wanted to drink when in fact you wanted to fill up the pool.

 

We crafted a bit with stars and mod-podge mix. No attire needed. It was freaking HOT!

Then, you enjoyed playing with the water hose. Who needs toys?

We bathe outdoors.

 

I am so sorry I made you slip on the wet floor. I was trying to get you out of the pool, so I said the magic words "Ipad?"
You literally jumped out and ran indoors. See, magic?
Unfortunately, you slipped sideways and fell. Then it was bawling-your-eyes-out in front of Grandma just to make me look bad.
No worries, Ipad to the rescue. You stopped the drama the moment I handed it over.

8pm: After Mommy showered, washed hair and had dinner
Tot School Time
I only managed to flash one set of cards. You said no to all the trays. Brat!!
Played with the sensory bin. Poured out all the beans!!
You made me read out loud each of the planet's name at least twenty times.

When I suggested reading, you made a sign which looked like a cross between 'milk' and 'little bit'.
"Milk?"
"Little bit?"
"Nai nai? (Grandma)"
"Star?"
You gave me look. (Translation: "What an idiot!)
Then you opened the door and asked to go down.
"Are you hungry?"
Gave me another look (Probably with an expletive if you could speak well)
We went down and you went straight for the puppets, making your high-pitched puppet voice.
LOL!! You wanted your reading pals...Silly me :p
You were signing puppets + dancing. Darn it!
Why couldn't you just say "E-E"?
We read a little.

 Then, you chose to do See & Spell.

Time: 8.30pm
Milk break


Time: 9pm
Play dough time

 

Time: 9.20pm
Tiger's teaching time, also the highlight of Mommy's day
YOU KNOW YOUR ALPHABETS!!
Your speech and language is developing rapidly and I am so proud of you!
You made mommy write the alphabets as you recite them. A few bumps along the way but it was excellent work, ba-beeeeee!!

Time: 10 plus
Little J came to play for a while.

Time: Almost 11pm
Daddy came home. You stole some rice from Daddy
Prepare for bedtime with Grandma. Changing into pyjamas is still a nightmare.
Daddy put your shorts onto Mr Teddy Bear :)
Made me smell you feet and wave bye bye, telling me to go.




Goodnight, my love



Your eternal slave....Mommy

Messy art: Our Piece Of Space

We try to do something artsy-crafty everyday since Tiger's a little older now.

Well, I think he's OLD for his age except when he whines, clings or throw tantrums.

We missed messy art yesterday as we went for his DPT booster.

Note: I CANNOT imagine myself sticking a needle into my son's cute buttocks. So, I get other people to do it.

When we arrived at the hospital, he flirted with the nurses  =.="

This time, he stood on the weighing machine by himself. 

Simply because I told him to find number 10

Hehe...cheated!!

As we entered the examination room, he started telling Grandma to, "Go, go, go"

The wailing started the moment we tried to remove his diapers (he has nudity issues)

UNTIL I said,

"There is a spider in your pants and we are going to catch it"

After the jab, he was pissed and wanted to leave immediately.

He kept rubbing his butt after that :)

I found that so funny that I kept asking him, "Where did the spider bite?"

"THERE!!!" he shouted as he patted his butt.

At night, he got an ice cream treat from Mommy and we played school as usual. No truancy!!

Oh, and he complained to Daddy when he came home ^.^

We did make a mess on Tuesday night and it was from this tray.

When I said, "Do you want to paint?"

He immediately ran to his supply drawer where I keep his art stuff and pulled out another bottle of yellow paint.

Then he opened his closet to select his swimwear!!

LOL!!!

It was 8 o'clock at night and there was no way he was swimming after art :)

When I told him that, he settled for the Thomas swimming cap  

=.="

That's why he is wearing a swimming cap indoors, on dry land in the following pics.

I laid out his splash mat, a large IKEA container (for mess control), a small container for paint,

and his foam shapes.

After he covered the paper in paint,

I squeezed some glue onto his art and gave him a bottle of silver glitter.

It was shake, shake, shake = fun, fun, fun time :)

Tadaa!

I added a border for a more finished look.

When I asked Daddy "Nice or not?"

He replied without really looking, "Ummm, nice."

Irritated, I questioned him "Do you know what this is?"

He squinted at the piece and said "Mickey Mouse?"

@$%#@@...Mickey Mouse!

Tot Trays: S is For Star and Space

~~Tiger's 21.5 months ~~

Welcome to Space Week presented in trays!

This week, I am trying to focus the trays on space-y stuff.

We moved the educational toys & puzzles to his new IKEA shelf in the living room.

<<< >>>

S is for star printout from 1+1+1 = 1

& stickers

A craft basket:

A hot-glued tongue depressor star and some shiny stars

 

I printed out 2 sets of space cards just to see if he prefers the actual pics or the cartoon-y ones.

The ones on the left are the Planets 3 part cards from MontessoriMom.com.

We are using them for matching only.

The cards on right are printed from the Space Tot pack at 2teachingmommies

This tray consist of a phases of the moon card from Tweedlewink,

a scratch card and a wooden tongue depressor (to scratch out the moons)

We will most definitely not get the moons but it would be fun to see the colours :)

These are some space themed gel window clings that we are using on a clear display

Some foam stars, moon and planet and a bottle of paint

to make our own solar system.

Magnet page from Makinglearningfun and some glass beads.

Worksheets and printouts

To break the monotony of space, some numbers work :)

The top of the shelf's a little messy :p

On the left:

• Alphie with S card
• Music box (tuning fork and bell for note A)
• Mr Schubert's pic and POI

On the right:

• Right brain stuff in basket: Chinese, Doman, Dolch, ESP, memory, expressions, TW actions card.
• Trace letter S, sandpaper S, touchy-feely S
• TW flashcards of Earth structure, Solar system and life cycle of star

Tiger's been enjoying the space center and his sensory bin very much.

I am hoping he loves the trays too!

More wonderful resources and ideas from:

1. Montessori-inspired Astronomy activities from Living Montessori Now
2. Preschooler trays from Counting Coconuts
3. A detailed month of science unit on Solar System from Nurturing the Tender Years

Linking up to Tot School at 1+1+1 = 1

&

World Space Week 2012 Bloghop