Shape collage

I got the idea for shape collage here .  She used sticky foam shapes.  I decided to cut some shapes out of colorful paper, tape contact paper (sticky side UP) to the table, and let A stick all the shapes she wanted to the contact paper.  When she was done, I took a piece of white paper and stuck it to the contact paper.  Simple and fun!

Marbleworks

We got the Marbleworks out recently and A had so much fun!  she would choose the piece and Daddy or myself would help connect the pieces.  We would give her four marbles and she would watch them go through all of the loops and turns.  I believe this set is from Discovery Toys.  This is a fun toy to play with, but definitely one that is only brought out under close supervision because of the marbles. 

Postman

Last week, we worked on shapes.  I got this shape matching game idea from a blog that I can't seem to find right now!  I traced shapes from A's shape puzzle and laminated them.  I put two envelopes on the wall and all of the shapes in a bowl near the envelopes.  I showed A how the circles go inside of the circle envelope and the stars go inside the star envelope.  She LOVED it!  When she was done, she would immediately ask for, "more please?"  I eventually added a third shape to see if she could sort 3 at a time and she could.  Such an easy project to make and so worth it for A to play with it for so long!

Practicing pouring

I purchased these two clear measuring cups at The Dollar Tree so I could teach A how to pour.  She loves helping me cook in the kitchen and one of her favorite things to do is "dump" or pour the ingredients.  I liked these measuring cups because they are clear, and it's easy to see whatever is inside.

We put the empty cup in a clear shoebox and she poured the beans.  She did this over and over.  It was very entertaining for her, and her pouring skills improved with practice.

Quiet Time Box

Several months ago, A was taking a very short nap, leaving me with very little down time during the day.  I'm home with her all day until about 30 minutes before bedtime (when Daddy comes home), so my down time is much needed in order to rejuvenate for the rest of our day.  After looking on some forums and talking with my sister-in-law, I decided to make a special quiet time box.

I put safe toys in this box and stored it under A's crib.  When she would wake up, I would put her on the floor in her bedroom with low light and quiet music playing, pull out the box and walk out of the room.  I only pulled this box out after naptime, and I put a baby gate in the hallway.  This way, she could wander out of her room into mine where I would be (folding laundry, reading, etc.) but not get into anything unsafe.

It really worked!  She's back to taking a good nap, but the box is still under her crib and she takes it out occasionally to play with.

Egg Carton Game

I made this game for A when she was 15 months old.  I cut holes in the bottom of an egg carton, and stuck clothespins in each hole.  A would carefully take each clothespin out of the hole and then try to put them back.  She played with this toy a lot and if I bring it out, she'll still play with it.  I remember her having a harder time putting the clothespins inside the holes than taking them out.  Now she's a pro and can do both quite easily. 

Art Box

When A began doing art projects, I put together this little art box.  It was nice to have the materials at my fingertips, but away from hers.  Whenever she saw it, she would want to bring it out.  She's still that way today. 

Contents: 

-watercolor pad

-coloring book

-Play-Doh and Play-Doh tools

-watercolor paint

-paintbrushes with paint already inside

-markers

-crayons

-glue sticks

-stickers

-painter's tape (to tape down paper for A to paint or color on)