Planned play dates for toddlers have become wonderful ways to teach youngsters social and developmental skills, as well as providing a nice break for parents. Including creative arts and crafts activities during play will also provide practice of developmental skills such as following directions and motor skills. The following activities are ideal for toddlers ages 3 to 5 years old.
- Puppet Pals-Cut the fingers from old mittens and let children add eyes and hair using white glue or a glue stick. A hole punch can be used to punch eyes from colored construction paper and hair cut from rug yarn. Use a big box as a theatre and invite children to use their puppets to act out their favorite cartoon characters.
- Turtle Time-Read a book aloud to the children about turtles, then let them make their own pet turtles using paper plates. Legs, tail, and head shapes may be cut beforehand, then children glue on the parts and use large crayons or finger paint to decorate the backs of the turtles. Have children name their turtles and tell about them.
- Bird Snacker-Give each child a large pinecone. Let them stuff the pinecones with peanut butter and bird seed. Help each child attach a string to the cone and hang from a tree outside, or send the cones home so they can enjoy them in their own yards, or outside their windows.
- Flower Friends-Print each child's name on a large plastic cup, also punching a few holes in the bottom beforehand. Provide dirt, water, and a small flower for planting, Have different colors for children to choose from, then send the flowers home for children to watch grow or to give to a friend.
- Paper Doll Kids-You will need a large roll of butcher paper for this activity. Have each child lay face up on the paper while you trace around their bodies with a black crayon or marker. Cut out the shapes and let children use white glue to add faces using large pasta shapes. They might also add pictures torn from old magazines of things they like and glue on shapes. When dolls are finished and completely dry, hang on the wall and encourage children to tell what is alike and different about each of them.
If you find the toddlers in your play group enjoy the active learning, and might also like other activities that involve drawing, printing, and painting, be sure to check out the Family Eduction activities online.
Candy Carlile - Candy has 28 years of experience in education and writing. She has a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, with certifications in ...
