photos via MADE and the rigneys The popularity of our current giveaway for a 6 month kid craft club subscription tells me that you guys are hungry for some quick and easy kid activities to fill up your winter months. So today we're gonna talk about a magical little wonder know as "the busy bag". If you're not familiar with the concept then it's your lucky day - this post may just change your world. The definition of a busy bag varies somewhat based on who you talk to. … [Read more...]
Make Like a Montessori Mama: Part 4 – Shape Activities
Part 4 of the "Make like a Montessori Mama" series is definitely my favorite, it's right up our alley. C loves creating pictures with his Magnetic Pattern Blocksand learning the names of the shapes (everything from quadrilaterals to trapezoids). Plus this shape sorter is currently S's toy of choice. I can't wait to try out these activities with the kids later this week... Take it away Kylie: Five great Montessori inspired activities about SHAPES! There are many Montessori … [Read more...]
We Tried It! – Discovery Bottles
I've been on the lookout lately for a new activity both the kids would enjoy. S is going through an afternoon crankiness phase (at least I hope it's a phase) and C is always up for something novel to play with. After thinking over my options a bit, my mind turned to the various discovery bottles I've seen popping up on pinterest. These guys are easy to make and open to lots of interpretation. I figured if I came up with multiple version, C and S were each bound to like a few of them. … [Read more...]
The Super-Sized-Mega-Big-Post on Playing with Shadows
photos via Small Types So I bet you're expecting a slew of shadow puppets and Halloween fun from this post, right? You won't be disappointed - there's TONS. That is, afterall, what sparked the idea for today's collection. But in tracking down lots of interesting shadow activities, I found a surprising number of ideas that don't involve puppets or jack-o-lanterns. In fact, I've found activities for every occasion - indoors, outdoors, daytime, nighttime, sun, or … [Read more...]
Simple DIY Hammer & Nails Toy
Do you guys remember the play workbench roundup I did a while back? After all that research we ended up deciding we just didn't have the space. Plus, one of C's favorite games lately is to "fix" one of his riding toys with a series of pretend tools that I hand to him one by one (Now I need a hammer Mommy, OK now I need a screwdriver Mommy) and I didn't want to kill all that imagination with actual tools. Every once in a while, though, C just really wants to pound on something. So I … [Read more...]
Found: 10 Ways to Have Fun with Clouds
Lately I've noticed an abundance of cumulonimbus coolness popping up... must be something in the air (sorry, I'm ridiculous, I know). Today I've got no less than 10 clever ways for you and your little ones to have fun with clouds. Whether you're looking for science, art, or just something fun to play with - I've got all the bases covered: Make DIY Clouds - Done in celebration of Eric Carle's Little Cloud, these DIY clouds are a great sensory activity for kids of all ages. Make … [Read more...]
We Tried It! – Milk Colors
These magic milk colors have been on our to-do list for a long time (like ever since I first got on Pinterest long). I'm sure you can tell by the photo above, this project is the perfect mix of art, science, and fun. I've seen the idea several places over the last few months but I first spotted it here. I'd highly recommend checking it out (hint: there are two equally exciting bonus activities). It's a good bet you already have everything you need for this one in your … [Read more...]
We Tried It! – DIY Edible Fingerpaints
I was recently lamenting on the facebook page that I find myself blogging about fun activities for the kids more often than we actually do them. I've told myself engaging in messy art projects with a toddler and a baby is just too difficult. And while that may have been true in the past, S is a year old now and the name of the blog is Modern Parents MESSY kids... it's time to put up or shut up. So today I'm introducing a new series, called "We Tried It!", in which I'll be trying … [Read more...]
DIY Puppet Theaters & the Benefits of Puppet Play
I'm so honored to have Amanda of Not Just Cute guest posting today. If you've been an MPMK reader for long then you know what a big fan I am of both her blog and her e-book, Parenting with Positive Discipline. I've referenced Amanda's insightful posts many, many times on topics ranging from picking the right preschool and talking to young children about death to being a better listener and Dr. Seuss. Today, in typical Not Just Cute fashion, Amanda shares with us not only her favorite DIY … [Read more...]