It’s finally spring, my favorite season, and the inspiration is endless. In our toddler group this week we introduced a few simple ideas to spark your creativity. Here's a round up with links:
Walks and Nature Tables
“What new flowers do you see today?”
“I smell new smells in our yard today. Shall we go and find them?”
By simply taking a walk you can invite all sorts of questions! If you find treasure it’s a great way to begin a nature table. We’ve had a nature table since my boy was 1. We started simple with rocks, sticks and leaves. Now we have things like coral, bones, skulls, and teeth! We try to clear the (small) table each season to make room to observe the next one. It seems to bring a sense of seasonal rhythm into our home and it provides a space for all those treasures they will undoubtedly pick up.
A mama asked us today if that table needs to be inside. Definitely not! Plenty of families create a nature space outside.
Simple Crafts and Play
You can search Pinterest for spring crafts to your heart’s content. Here are some of my favorites!
These Simple Suncatchers are super easy to make and are actually something you can hang up. Often with toddler art it's all about the process but this project is fun to hang and it can provide plenty of opportunity for future observations. Don't forget to make your own! Kids love it when you sit down together to craft.
Walks and Nature Tables
“What new flowers do you see today?”
“I smell new smells in our yard today. Shall we go and find them?”
By simply taking a walk you can invite all sorts of questions! If you find treasure it’s a great way to begin a nature table. We’ve had a nature table since my boy was 1. We started simple with rocks, sticks and leaves. Now we have things like coral, bones, skulls, and teeth! We try to clear the (small) table each season to make room to observe the next one. It seems to bring a sense of seasonal rhythm into our home and it provides a space for all those treasures they will undoubtedly pick up.
A mama asked us today if that table needs to be inside. Definitely not! Plenty of families create a nature space outside.
Simple Crafts and Play
You can search Pinterest for spring crafts to your heart’s content. Here are some of my favorites!
These Simple Suncatchers are super easy to make and are actually something you can hang up. Often with toddler art it's all about the process but this project is fun to hang and it can provide plenty of opportunity for future observations. Don't forget to make your own! Kids love it when you sit down together to craft.
Chalk can entertain toddlers and young children for hours! Create your own chalk trail to wind around your driveway or patio making fun twists and turns. Include shapes and numbers to make it more dynamic. Chalk play is also great for color recognition.
Rock and Stick Painting is another great way to mix art with your outside play. And these treasures also make great additions to your nature table. If you're little one is still tasting all of her toys you can simply use water with your paintbrush on rocks.
Easter Ideas: I love to check in with Jean at Artful Parent at the turn of each season. She always has wonderful art and seasonal ideas for kids of all ages. Here are her Easter Egg Dying tips for those of you eager to share this tradition.
Easter Baskets might also be on your mind. Aren't those filled with candy? Jean also shares tips for non-candy basket treats for your little one so you don't have to worry about fighting that battle. Another tip shared by a mom in our group this week. If you plan to attend a local, public egg hunt bring your own plastic eggs filled with non-candy treats that you can trade your little one at the end of the hunt.
I hope you enjoy the spring season with your little ones!
I hope you enjoy the spring season with your little ones!
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