Enchantment of Water

FOR AGES: TODDLERS

Although it may be simple, a sponge and a bowl of water can keep a toddler fascinated for a long time.

THE ENCHANTMENT OF WATER

MATERIALS:
Dishpan and water
optional objects:
clean dry sponges
plastic bottles
corks and straws
tennis ball
ice cubes

DIRECTIONS:
Cut the sponges into pieces that are too big to swallow.

Put a shallow amount of water in the pan and toss the sponges in.. Show your child how to soak up the water with the sponge and then squeeze it out.

Cut a plastic bottle in half to make a funnel and a cup. (Tape the edges if needed)

Put a tennis ball in the water to chase around as it moves freely in the dishpan.

Add corks to the water and blow them around with a straw.

Add ice cubes for another interesting variation.

Stone Painting

FOR: ALL AGES
Painting lines on a rock with water can make anything done look like elegant Japanese calligraphy.

STONE PAINTING

MATERIALS:
Smooth flat rocks
Paintbrush
Container with water

DIRECTIONS:
Experiment with making designs on a rock. Noone has to worry about making a "mistake" because when it dries it disappears! Have several rocks handy so a variety of designs can be tried.

Deck of Cards

FOR AGES: 2-5 years

Don’t underestimate the fascination of a deck of cards to a child just getting interested in recognizing numbers and sorting colors and shapes

Deck of Cards

MATERIALS:
Deck of cards.

DIRECTIONS:
Bring out a deck of cards and just show your child the different aspects of the cards. Name the suits, and point out how the written numbers correspond with the actual amount of objects. "5 of hearts is suppose to have 5 hearts on it--let’s count and see if that’s true 1-2-3-4-5. It is true!"

Offer to sort the cards with him according to suit or color or put them in order from ace to king..

If he’s ready, play some simple card games such as "War". Each player gets an equal part of the deck. Then, one by one, each person shows their top card . The one with the highest card wins that hand!

Batting Practice

For ages 3-7 years
Here’s a simple activity that can keep a child amused for long periods while increasing her focusing skills and eye-hand coordination

Batting Practice

Materials:
Ball or balloon
Rope
Pantyhose or net bag (optional)
Rolled up newspaper or bat

Directions:
Hang a ball or balloon from a low tree branch so that it's at the right height for your child to hit with a bat. A ball can be put inside a torn pair of pantyhose or net bag and hung.

Use a rolled up newspaper or stick for a bat and let your child whack away!