Heuristic Play Heuristic (hewr-iss-tisk) play enables children to discover and learn things for themselves. It works so well because toddlers learn best from doing and experimenting with their environment. And it is a very enjoyable free toddler game too. Examples of heuristic play objects: • Natural objects: shells, pebbles, driftwood, pine cones, fallen leaves, conkers, […]
 Obtain at least 2 clear plastic containers (35mm film canisters, herb jars, etc). The two containers should be the same size. Place a small pompom or other small object inside one of the containers. It should be able to be dumped out easily without sticking. Invert the second container on top with the open […]
 Small, Sturdy Boxes (school boxes, match boxes, cigar boxes, etc) Pictures of family, or other comforting and interesting objects Contact Paper Glue Scissors  Cut pictures to fit inside the boxes and glue or tape them to the inside bottom of the box. Cover the outside of the boxes with patterned contact paper if […]
There are a myriad of games to help your child develop coordination and language skills. Some of the most fun are action rhymes. Your little one will find the rhymes amusing and will want to play along with you. This leap from passive to active is an important step in your child’s development.    Open/Close […]
9 – 24 months Putting dirty clothes in hamper. “Helping” with grocery shopping (putting items in basket and on check-out counter, handing things to mom to be put away at home.) Cleaning with mom (give child a dust rag, child size broom, empty spray can/windex bottle for “pretend” cleaning). Watering plants (with pre-measured amounts!). Beginning […]
Ziploc bags glue cardboard scissors magazine/photographs of animals stickers markers 20″ shoelace, 25″ ribbon or cording Cut cardboard to fit inside Ziploc bag. Decorate cardboard with pictures, stickers, drawings and words. Put inside bag and “zip” closed. Repeat until 2-5 “pages” can be assembled. Punch holes along edge of pages and thread ribbon or cord […]
Babies quickly become antsy when sitting in a high chair. If you find the child is grabbing the spoon from your hand when you try to feed him, consider giving him his own spoon. He’ll love the independence of holding his own utensil. More than likely he will bang it on the food tray, try […]
Cardboard tubes Pipe cleaners Ruler Pencil Scissors Hole punch Thread or string  For each ornament, flatten a 7 1/2-inch length of cardboard tube. Mark and cut it into 3/4-inch-wide rings; you’ll need 10 for this project. On each flattened ring, mark dots 3/4 inches in from each folded edge. With a hole punch, make […]
