Learning through Play
On the Blog...
Water Painting
Water on a dry surface like concrete or wood is the CLEANEST, messy play experience you'll ever have. Unless it's raining - there's no excuse not to do this activity...
Painting with a brush
We've done a lot of finger painting in the past but not a lot of using a brush. It's HARDER for little ones to get their heads around using a...
Mud Pies
Messy play is incredibly important for development, so I like to provide August with as many messy opportunities as possible. Sunny days make it easy because we can wreak havoc...
Blow your own bubbles
Ok the secret is out, I absolutely HATE bubble machines! I'd hazard a guess that there's not one Speech and Language Therapist who would use one - they're fresh out...
Crayon Corner
I've taken to setting up August's little play table as a crayon corner in between snack times (as he sits here for his snacks if we're home). Whilst felt tips...
Scent Bags
@navybabynz packages their toys in these gorgeous organza bags and I've been saving them for an activity! Today we picked lavender when I spied a big bush of it in the...
Mystery Bag
August is truly in the 'enclosure schema' of play. This just means that he's really enjoying hiding things inside of other things, putting blankets/clothes over his head and crawling into...
Blue Goop
Just a chill one this afternoon. I chucked the last of the cornflour I had into his play tray with a little bit of water and some blue food colouring....
BYO Puddle
Yesterday in the park, August showed interest in a puddle and I couldn't let him explore it because it was just before naptime (in the pushchair) and I'd forgotten a...
Spray Bottle Play
Until they can use a spray bottle as a weapon to soak your entire home - things are only going to get a little bit wet, so hand over your...
Smelling Jars
Are you thinking about ALL the senses when you're planning sensory play?! Don't forget their sense of smell! August absolutely loves it when we carry him to the cupboard and...
Same toys, new tub
August is sick so he can only engage in something for a short period of time before needing cuddles and a rest. We're also exhausted so there's no time for...
Learning to care for others
If you think dolls are just for girls then you have a whole lot of learning to do. Dolls are an incredible tool for learning and they're for everyone. August...
Treasure Tubes
We were gifted these gorgeous treasure tubes from @playitforwardnz. I've wanted them for aaaaages so I felt super lucky to have them turn up.I really want to use these to display...
Clock Creation
I found this fab plywood clock kit on the kmart website and knew it'd be PERFECT for August because he's obsessed with pointing out clocks and saying 'tick tock'. Plus...
Make the gate great
Easy play set up this morning. I stuck magnets to the baby gate on August's bedroom door. I've seen that August has really been enjoying the magnet wall at nursery...
Loose Part Play
I've introduced a few more small loose parts to August's play over the past few days. It's been interesting to watch him in action with them. For me, it's been...
Do you even lift?
Have you noticed your baby picking up things that are heavier than you thought they could handle? There's a reason! Not only does all this heavy lifting strengthen their muscles,...
Post and Shake Buttons
Buttons are SO easy to pick up from opshops, $2 shops and craft shops and they're great small parts for play. I set up this quiet activity for Auggie this...
Living Room Ramp and Roll
Shout out to my Mam who is an expert in keeping active little boys occupied. I came in to find my sofa taken apart and cushions everywhere and the pikler...