Our Weekly Rhythm: Planned Possibilities
Weekly Rhythm: Planned Possibilities is a new weekly post that is a review of our weekly activities. You will find lots of fun ideas for toddlers that you can do at home. We have characterised each day by something that happens on that day, this gives a predictable pattern for our week.
I posted have previously posted our weekly rhythm. The idea of having a rhythm comes from the works of Rudolf Steiner (a philosophy I loosely follow in my day-to-day life). The purpose of having a rhythm is to develop a sense of regularity to the day-to-day life of your child. Having a rhythm assists the development of confidence because your child 'knows' what's coming next.
I find that life is so much easier when Chook knows what's happening next. It is easier to talk with him about events because you only need to say "We go to the library after morning tea" or "After your bath, we get into our PJs and then it's time for Story Candle". This really helps his understanding that there is a process, that things don't just happen when you want them to happen. It is a good life lesson. The twins will naturally also benefit from having this in place.
Fun Activities for Toddlers
Our theme is:
Birthdays
Monday is Story Day
Our story was Happy Birthday Lulu!
Wednesday is Play Day
Card making. In the Birthday Exploration box is card and stickers. Chook had many opportunities to create cards. We also made a card with a footprint from each child, using a paint pad.
Friday is Discovery Day
This week we added coloured rice to the Birthday Exploration box, a scoop and a bowl. Chook spent a bit of time transferring rice from the exploration box to the bowl using a scoop. When no more rice could be scooped he poured the rest into the bowl. Chook commented that pouring rice sounds like rain. Hmmmm...that gives me an idea. Let's make Rain Makers!
Saturday is Game Day
Gamer and Chook played some running games today. A favourite would have to be chasey! I came across two great outside games to play over at Creative Family Fun. Both of these games will help develop listening skills and following directions. Click on the link to check them out!
Sunday is Family Day
Sorry there are no photos of this activity. My camera went stupid on me and I had to format the memory card, losing all the photos of this activity :(
We made fizzy playdough! We had a lot of fun making this stuff. What a fun activity for an older toddler! It is a one off activity, that is you have to make it from scratch everytime, as it won't keep as playdough. The essence is just adding the smell dimension to the experience.
On your marks...
1 cup of bicarbonated soda
1 x 75g container of citric acid
Several drops of essence of your choice (optional)
Small chunk of cocoa butter
Spray bottle with water
Get set...
Explain to your child that this is not edible and hands need to be kept away from mouth and eyes. It doesn't taste nice and stings the eyes. Wash eye with water if some makes it way there.
Go...
Measure the bicarbonated soda into a bowl. Add the entire contents of the citric acid. Add several drops of essence if using. Grate the cocoa butter over the ingredients and mix well.
Your toddler can do this bit: While you are mixing the ingredients together, have your toddler spray a couple of spurts (set to fine mist spray) of water into the mix. The mix is ready if it looks like slightly damp sand. If too much water is added it will turn into a fizzing mess and you wont get to play with it...but it's still fun!
When you scoop this stuff up in your hand, squash it into a ball and then flatten out on the table. The warmth from your hand softens the cocoa butter making it maleable. Now your toddler still has that spray bottle and is probably spraying the cat so direct their spray over to the table. Watch what happens as the water lands on the dough...fizzy playdough. Your toddler can press and shape this stuff and spray until their little hearts are content!
Come back on Tuesday to check out what else we are doing with this stuff! I promise there will be photos!
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