Birthday Play Dough Kit – Easy Party in a Box!

This birthday play dough kit is so much fun! You only need to assemble it once, but then kiddos can use the loose parts to make cupcakes time and time again! It’s such a great way to encourage creative and independent play.

Celebrate Anytime with This Birthday Play Dough Kit

We love making play dough kits! And this one takes the cake (pun definitely intended – ha!). Play dough kits are easy to make and super convenient to have on hand – say if it’s a rainy day or you simply need a fast-to-set-up quiet time activity!

One of our favorite things to do with play dough kits – give them as gifts! And this birthday-themed one is perfect for any young child as they celebrate turning a new age!

For more sensory-based activities, visit our comprehensive list of ideas! We have a lot of other great play dough ideas and kits including an ocean-themed kit, insect-themed kit, and a fun process of making play dough swirls!

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Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make Your Own Play Dough!

If you’ve never made play dough before, you may think it is going to be a lot of work! But, nope! Our simple recipe is super easy to make. There is no cooking involved, just using a microwave!

Making play dough together with kids is such a fun way to include them in the process. They can learn so much by just measuring and counting ingredients. Plus, if you’re like us, you’ll want to make it in every color!

How to Make Your Own Play Dough!

If you’ve never made play dough before, you may think it is going to be a lot of work! But, nope! Our simple recipe is super easy to make. There is no cooking involved, just using a microwave!

Making play dough together with kids is such a fun way to include them in the process. They can learn so much by just measuring and counting ingredients. Plus, if you’re like us, you’ll want to make it in every color!

How to Set Up This Birthday Play Dough Kit

Whether you are assembling this activity in a kit or on a tray, it is a great way to give the kids everything they need for creative play. Here’s what you should include:

Storage Container
Individual Play Dough Containers (to preserve freshness)
Homemade Play Dough
Fake Sprinkles or Rainbow Rice
Cupcake Liners
Wooden Beads
Rolling Pin and other tools like an ice cream scoop
Candles

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Beyond a Birthday Play Dough Kit – The Benefits of Playing with Dough!

Play dough offers so many great learning benefits. The kids will be able to use their fine motor skills to create while also using their sensory skills. I also love that play dough has the kids creating and thinking outside the box on fun things to create.

The more that they can create using play dough, the more that they’re going to be thinking creatively, too. You can even use play dough to teach the kids to learn their colors, letters, and numbers too!

Beyond a Birthday Play Dough Kit – The Benefits of Playing with Dough!

Play dough offers so many great learning benefits. The kids will be able to use their fine motor skills to create while also using their sensory skills too. I also love that play dough has the kids creating and thinking outside the box on fun things to create.

The more that they can create using play dough, the more that they’re going to be thinking creatively, too. You can even use play dough to teach the kids to learn their colors, letters and numbers too!

More Play Dough Kits to Explore

Take this birthday play dough kit as inspiration and try out some more themes kids will love!

Princess Play Dough Kit

peppa pig activity for kids play dough kit sensory

Peppa the Pig Play Dough Kit

Dinosaur Play Dough Kit

Ocean Play Dough Kit

preschool insect activity bug play dough kit loose parts play bug study

Insect Play Dough Kit

frozen the movie play dough doh kit for kids sensory play fine motor skills homemade gift

Frozen Play Dough Kit

aladdin party idea play dough kit sensory play

Aladdin Play Dough Kit

Edible Play Dough Recipes

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Food Activity for Kids – The Real Life Mr. Potato Head

food activity for kids classic real mr. potato head

This food activity for kids is a great way to expose children to fruits and veggies while constructing a real life Mr. Potato Head! This is a sensory-driven experience that is not only great for fine motor skills, but also a great opportunity to talk about facial features and expressions! Keep on reading to find out how easy this is to set up!

A Food Activity That Promotes Healthy Eating

Did you know that before the store-bought Mr. Potato even existed, it was very common for kids to make Mr. Potato Head at home using a potato and kitchen scraps? Yup! It’s a classic. There are so many reasons to love this activity, but one of the highlights is that it exposes kids to fruits and veggies that they may or may not already love. For those with picky eaters (like me!), exposure is critical and one of the ways to get kids comfortable with foods they may not love is through touching, exploration, and play.

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Ages:

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Adapt This Food Activity for Kids

We definitely do not want to promote food waste, so this activity should be super adaptable. Take a few days to save up some food scraps – you know, the trimmings and bits and pieces that would otherwise end up in the trash bin! Got some blueberries that are getting too soft to eat? Use them! Eating some carrots, but don’t need the leafy ends? They can make great hair! And the list goes on and on!

Adapt This Food Activity for Kids

We definitely do not want to promote food waste, so this activity should be super adaptable. Take a few days to save up some food scraps – you know, the trimmings and bits and pieces that would otherwise end up in the trash bin! Got some blueberries that are getting too soft to eat? Use them! Eating some carrots, but don’t need the leafy ends? They can make great hair! And the list goes on and on!

Tips on How to Set Up This Food Activity for Kids

Once you have saved up enough food scraps, setting this up is so simple! I like to sort the pieces into a sectioned tray. Here’s a secret – chips and salsa trays make the best trays for invitations to play! This tray with removable sections is one of our favorites!

Other than food scraps and whole potatoes, make sure you have a bunch of toothpicks. If you are afraid of your little one poking themselves, just tap the toothpick down on the table or snip the ends to make sure they are dull!

Oh, and when finished with all that fun play, eat the potatoes! They’ll have enough holes in them that they will be sure to boil and soften quickly!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Big Potato
Food Scraps

Toothpicks
Tray

Big Potato
Food Scraps
Toothpicks
Tray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Grab a tray or plate and set up the food scraps, potato, and toothpicks.

Step 2

Invite your kiddo to create a face on the potato using the fruit and veggies and the toothpicks to hold the pieces in place. And use this opportunity to talk about the foods (textures, colors, smells) as well as facial features and expressions!

Step 1

Grab a tray or plate and set up the food scraps, potato, and toothpicks.

Step 2

Invite your kiddo to create a face on the potato using the fruit and veggies and the toothpicks to hold the pieces in place. And use this opportunity to talk about the foods (textures, colors, smells) as well as facial features and expressions!

printable worksheets for kids fruit and vegetable activities food

Printable Bundle All About Fruits and Vegetables!

This printable bundle is all about fruits and vegetables! It is a fantastic way to extend this food activity for kids!

With over 20 pages of unique activities, it explores so many different early childhood education skills while exposing kids to a variety of healthy foods!

From scissor skills, to color matching, tracing and writing letters, counting, phonics, patterns, and the life cycle of an apple, these are just a few of the many unique opportunities to play and learn with all things fruits and veggies!

The Educational Benefits of The Real Mr. Potato Head

There are so many fun learning experiences that you can use with this food activity for kids! If you have a picky or selective eater, this is a great way to expose them to healthy fruits and vegetables that they may not be too keen on touching! Touching, smelling, and talking about the colors, these are all great first steps that can lead to licking, tasting, and even eating!

Beyond food exposure, this invitation to create is sensory-based and will help strengthen fine motor skills. Using those toothpicks to connect the facial features requires a lot of hand-eye coordination!

Plus, talk to them about the names of facial features and expressions. There are so many ways you can build Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head – make them happy, mad, scared, or excited!

If your kiddo loved this, you have to try our fun science experiment all about regrowing food scraps!

And don’t forget about our printable worksheets all about fruits and vegetables!

The Educational Benefits of The Real Mr. Potato Head

There are so many fun learning experiences that you can use with this food activity for kids! If you have a picky or selective eater, this is a great way to expose them to healthy fruits and vegetables that they may not be too keen on touching! Touching, smelling, and talking about the colors, these are all great first steps that can lead to licking, tasting, and even eating!

Beyond food exposure, this invitation to create is sensory-based and will help strengthen fine motor skills. Using those toothpicks to connect the facial features requires a lot of hand-eye coordination!

Plus, talk to them about the names of facial features and expressions. There are so many ways you can build Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head – make them happy, mad, scared, or excited!

If your kiddo loved this, you have to try our fun science experiment all about regrowing food scraps!

More Food Activities for Kids!

Here are my top picks for fun ways kids can explore all things food!

Play Kitchen

This wooden play kitchen is adorable and has every feature a kid needs – oven, stove, microwave, sink, and storage!

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magnetic wooden cutting and cooking toy wooden food pretend play set

Slicable Play Food

This set of wooden food is connected magnetically. Learn about lots of different types of foods and use the toy knife to slice and strengthen fine motor skills!

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Picky Eater Plate

This plate is so great for picky or selective eaters. Make a game out of trying new foods! It rotates one way, taste or eat what’s in the spot before moving on to the next!

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food activities for kids baking gift set knife set junior chef

Cooking and Baking Set

This fun set comes with everything you need to inspire your little chef! It has baking gear as well as food prep items like a knife set and cutting board!

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Making Play Dough into Beautiful Rainbow Swirls

Making play dough with our simple recipe is so easy and fast! Take it one step further by transforming it into beautiful rainbow swirls! Keep reading to find out how you can make it too!

Our No Cook Homemade Play Dough Recipe!

Before you can combine your colors to make a fun swirl, you’ll have to make some homemade play dough! Our no-cook homemade play dough recipe is super easy to make and doesn’t require any cooking beyond heating up the water in the microwave! You can make any color you’d like, and while we made all 6 colors of the rainbow, all you need is 2 colors to make a fun swirl pattern!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

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Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch How to Create Swirl Play Dough!

If you’ve ever made or watched someone make swirl cookies or cinnamon bread, the process of making swirl play dough is very similar! It is all about layering each color and then rolling them all up together to create a fun, vibrant pattern!

Adapt the colors with whatever preference or theme you are going for. In the past, we’ve made a rose-scented swirl for Valentine’s Day with white and pink play dough, and we’ve also made a unicorn-themed play dough swirl with pink, yellow, and turquoise!

Watch How to Create Swirl Play Dough!

If you’ve ever made or watched someone make swirl cookies or cinnamon bread, the process of making swirl play dough is very similar! It is all about layering each color and then rolling them all up together to create a fun, vibrant pattern!

Adapt the colors with whatever preference or theme you are going for. In the past, we’ve made a rose-scented swirl for Valentine’s Day with white and pink play dough, and we’ve also made a unicorn-themed play dough swirl with pink, yellow, and turquoise!

Making Play Dough for Kits and Gifts!

Play dough is so fun to include in kits that you can use whenever you need a quick activity to set up (definitely a great rainy day idea!), or as a gift!

We have made play dough kits in so many themes: ocean, insect, unicorn, car, princess, Mickey Mouse, Power Ranger, alphabet, dinosaur, Frozen, Aladdin, Peppa the Pig, birthday, and more!

Play dough can last up to 6 months if sealed properly. We like to use clear plastic container jars with lids. These lids are small enough to fit in kits too!

Keep in mind that overtime, swirl play dough will lose some of it’s vibrancy when stored.

Making Play Dough for Kits and Gifts!

Play dough is so fun to include in kits that you can use whenever you need a quick activity to set up (definitely a great rainy day idea!), or as a gift!

We have made play dough kits in so many themes: ocean, insect, unicorn, car, princess, Mickey Mouse, Power Ranger, alphabet, dinosaur, Frozen, Aladdin, Peppa the Pig, birthday, and more!

Play dough can last up to 6 months if sealed properly. We like to use clear plastic container jars with lids. These lids are small enough to fit in kits too!

Keep in mind that overtime, swirl play dough will lose some of it’s vibrancy when stored.

Materials

Container for Storage

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Make at least two colors of play dough.

Step 2

Roll out each of the layers using a rolling pin.

Step 3

Stack the layers on top of each other.

Step 4

Use the rolling pin to flatten all the layers together a little more.

Step 5

From bottom to top, roll the play dough into a roll to desired thickness.

Step 6

Trim the edges and then cut into individual portions and enjoy!

Step 1

Make at least two colors of play dough.

Step 2

Roll out each of the layers using a rolling pin.

Step 3

Roll out each of the layers using a rolling pin.

Step 4

Use the rolling pin to flatten all the layers together a little more.

Step 5

From bottom to top, roll the play dough into a roll to desired thickness.

Step 6

Trim the edges and then cut into individual portions and enjoy!

Perks of Playing with Play Dough

Play dough is the ultimate sensory play experience. There are a lot of sensory bases available to explore (more on that below), but play dough is such a classic! The kids can mold it, hold it, shape it, and use it to make letters and other fun designs as well. You can also explore color mixing with play dough!

It is also fantastic for strengthening fine motor skills. As they grip and mold, kid’s hands and fingers are getting a great work out! Just think about all the different movements the hands will make in just a short time of playing with play dough – roll, stretch, mold, pinch, push, to name a few!

They can also use it to work their creativity and imagination as well and build and create fun artwork and projects.

I also love to give play dough as gifts to toddlers and preschoolers, often in a themed-kit! For example, dinosaurs, unicorns, ocean, and super heroes are just some of the many themes I’ve put together! It is such a nice way to give a gift with a personal, homemade touch!

Perks of Playing with Play Dough

Play dough is the ultimate sensory play experience. There are a lot of sensory bases available to explore (more on that below), but play dough is such a classic! The kids can mold it, hold it, shape it, and use it to make letters and other fun designs as well. You can also explore color mixing with play dough!

It is also fantastic for strengthening fine motor skills. As they grip and mold, kid’s hands and fingers are getting a great work out! Just think about all the different movements the hands will make in just a short time of playing with play dough – roll, stretch, mold, pinch, push, to name a few!

They can also use it to work their creativity and imagination as well and build and create fun artwork and projects.

I also love to give play dough as gifts to toddlers and preschoolers, often in a themed-kit! For example, dinosaurs, unicorns, ocean, and super heroes are just some of the many themes I’ve put together! It is such a nice way to give a gift with a personal, homemade touch!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for sensory bases you can buy!

Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

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Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

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The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

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Sensory Sand – Easy to Make and Taste Safe!

diy sensory sand play taste safe toddler baby

This sensory sand recipe is made with just a few taste-safe ingredients including stale cereal! The consistency is the coolest – it can be both moldable and crumbly, but isn’t sticky! It is so fun to squeeze and break up in the hand, and it’s also perfect for small world play set ups like ones that are construction or beach themed!

Taste Safe Sensory Sand

This sensory sand recipe is safe for even the littlest of kiddos to play with because it is made with taste-safe ingredients. What is taste-safe? It means that if a child were to put the sensory sand in their mouth, it would be completely safe. Could they eat it? Sure, but it’s not going to taste very good! Plus, there’s a big reason to discourage it. This is the perfect time to teach young kids to not put sensory bases in their mouth even if they are taste-safe, so when they start playing with the real stuff they don’t try to eat it!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make Sensory Sand

Watch the video to see how quick and easy it is to make sensory sand! It’s so easy you and your kiddo could even make it together! We used stale cereal instead of flour (because why not use it instead of toss it?), but you could also toast up some flour and use that instead.

Once the sensory sand is made, you can decide whether you want to combine it with a small world set up, like we did with a construction theme!

How to Make Sensory Sand

Watch the video to see how quick and easy it is to make sensory sand! It’s so easy you and your kiddo could even make it together!

We used stale cereal instead of flour (because why not use it instead of toss it?), but you could also toast up some flour and use that instead.

Once the sensory sand is made, you can decide whether you want to combine it with a small world set up, like we did with a construction theme!

Tips for Making Sensory Sand

Instead of Stale Cereal. The key ingredient we used was stale cereal, but that’s just because we had some to use up. And using stale cereal for play instead of throwing it away is a total win in our book! However, if you don’t have any on hand, you can use regular flour. Make sure you toast the flour in the oven at 350F for at least 5 minutes though because flour is consider raw until cooked!

Blend Until Powdery. You’ll want to make sure you blend your cereal until it is like powder. You don’t want chunks of cereal in there for your kiddo to think they can eat! (Of course, if they do, it is taste-safe, but the goal is to not encourage that!)

Too Sticky or Dry? If too sticky, add a little more corn starch until the consistency is moldable when you squeeze it and crumbly if you squish it up. If too dry, be sure to add a little more vegetable oil.

How to store and How long. In a sealed container, we store our DIY sensory sand in the fridge for up to a month!

Materials

Sensory Play Table
2 cups Stale Cereal, like Cheerios (or you could use toasted flour, see instructions above!)
Blender

Sensory Play Table
2 cups Stale Cereal, like Cheerios (or you could use toasted flour, see instructions above!)
Blender
2 cups corn starch
1/3 cup cooking oil
Tray
Small World Construction Play Items

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

If using cereal, blend in a food processor until powder-like.

Step 2

In a bowl, mix corn starch and the cereal powder.

Step 3

Mix in the vegetable oil, using your hands if you like!

Step 4

Have fun setting up a small world set-up like a construction site, under-the-sea, or beach!

Step 1

If using cereal, blend in a food processor until powder-like.

Step 2

In a bowl, mix corn starch and the cereal powder.

Step 3

Mix in the vegetable oil, using your hands if you like!

Step 4

Have fun setting up a small world set-up like a construction site, under-the-sea, or beach!

transportation printable worksheet kids cars trains planes boats

Printable Worksheets for the Transportation Fan!

If your kiddo loves construction vehicles, they are probably a transportation fan! From trains to planes to buses and boats, we created a bundle full of early childhood activities that integrate all things transportation!

These worksheets feature vehicles that move on land, air and sea while giving your little one a strong foundation for early childhood education skills.

Topics covered include letter writing, phonics, number recognition, counting, scissor skills, patterning, color recognition, and so much more.

And for more hands on transportation crafts, definitely check out our Milk Jug Car Wash and DIY Race Track made out of paper tubes!

The Benefits of Making DIY Sensory Sand

Taste Safe. I’ve said it a million times already, but this sensory sand recipe is taste-safe – which means grown ups don’t need to worry if their little one sneaks a taste. The other sensory sands available for purchase are not taste-safe and usually recommended for kids at least 3 years and up.

Sensory Play. Did you know that sensory play has been said to create new nerve connections in the brain? Not to mention, sensory play is so immersive, you’ll likely find that your kiddo with the shortest attention span will play sensory-based activities longer than expected! Being able to use their eyes to see the sand, their hands to feel it, and their nose to smell it makes for the perfect combination of sensory play!

Fine Motor Skills. Squish, squeeze, scoop, transfer, mold, and beyond, sensory sand like play dough and other sensory bases is fantastic for strengthening the little muscles in hands and fingers!

The Benefits of Making DIY Sensory Sand

Taste Safe. I’ve said it a million times already, but this sensory sand recipe is taste-safe – which means grown ups don’t need to worry if their little one sneaks a taste. The other sensory sands available for purchase are not taste-safe and usually recommended for kids at least 3 years and up.

Sensory Play. Did you know that sensory play has been said to create new nerve connections in the brain? Not to mention, sensory play is so immersive, you’ll likely find that your kiddo with the shortest attention span will play sensory-based activities longer than expected! Being able to use their eyes to see the sand, their hands to feel it, and their nose to smell it makes for the perfect combination of sensory play!

Fine Motor Skills. Squish, squeeze, scoop, transfer, mold, and beyond, sensory sand like play dough and other sensory bases is fantastic for strengthening the little muscles in hands and fingers!

More Taste Safe Play Recipes to Explore

Don’t stop at this slime for toddlers recipe. Explore more ways your toddler can play safely with sensory bases!

12 Edible Play Dough Recipes

Taste Safe Sand

Taste Safe Slime

how to make mud for play taste safe oobleck

Taste Safe Mud

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for sensory bases you can buy!

Kinetic Sand

Kinetic sand is moldable! This bulk pack of sensory sand comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

SHOP NOW

Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

SHOP NOW

Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

SHOP NOW

The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

SHOP NOW

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Hand and Eye Coordination – Easy Feed the Baby Game

hand and eye coordination game for toddlers fine motor skills

This Feed the Baby activity is a fun and silly way for young kids to strengthen their hand and eye coordination and fine motor skills! It couldn’t be easier to set up, but will result in lasting fun even for the littlest’s short attention spans. Plus, they’ll be exercising critical skills in the process of playing!

Adapt the Activity Based on Your Child’s Development

The fun part about this activity is that you need very few household supplies to create it. You can easily make this with an empty cardboard box or even an empty milk carton as well. The most important thing to choose is what object the “baby” will be fed. We used pom poms, but use them with caution if your kiddo puts things in their mouths because if the pom pom is small enough it is a choking hazard. It is best to use large pom poms, or something edible like cereal that can be safely consumed, or a larger object that cannot be placed in the mouth. Afraid your kiddo may try to feed a real baby? See below for our “Feed the Animals” free printable activity!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Create This Fun Hand and Eye Coordination Game

I just grabbed an old box and used my mediocre art skills to draw a baby! Your kiddo won’t care if it’s not perfect and their hand and eye coordination will still benefit no matter how realistic it looks or not. If you simply prefer not to draw at all, you could also print out a picture of a baby (grab one from google!), tape it to a box, and cut out a hole for a mouth! Easy peasy!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Create This Fun Hand and Eye Coordination Game

I just grabbed an old box and used my mediocre art skills to draw a baby! Your kiddo won’t care if it’s not perfect and their hand and eye coordination will still benefit no matter how realistic it looks or not. If you simply prefer not to draw at all, you could also print out a picture of a baby (grab one from google!), tape it to a box, and cut out a hole for a mouth! Easy peasy!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

What is Hand and Eye Coordination?

Hand-eye coordination is a gross motor skill all about the hands and eyes working together. It’s the process by which hands accurately coordinate with information processed by the vision system. This is a skill that is developed during the early years and instrumental for completion of simple daily tasks like pouring a glass of water to more advanced actions in playing sports.

In this activity, the child’s eyes are coordinating with their hands and fingers to accurately place the item inside the small “mouth” opening in the box. It may look easy, but for the littlest one it can be tricky!

For more hand-eye coordination games, don’t miss our DIY Fishing Game and Hatch the Egg printable activity!

Plus, in addition to hand and eye coordination, this activity strengthens the small muscles and hands and fingers known as fine motor skills, including the pincer grasp.

What is Hand and Eye Coordination?

Hand-eye coordination is a gross motor skill all about the hands and eyes working together. It’s the process by which hands accurately coordinate with information processed by the vision system. This is a skill that is developed during the early years and instrumental for completion of simple daily tasks like pouring a glass of water to more advanced actions in playing sports.

In this activity, the child’s eyes are coordinating with their hands and fingers to accurately place the item inside the small “mouth” opening in the box. It may look easy, but for the littlest one it can be tricky!

For more hand-eye coordination games, don’t miss our DIY Fishing Game and Hatch the Egg printable activity!

Plus, in addition to hand and eye coordination, this activity strengthens the small muscles and hands and fingers known as fine motor skills, including the pincer grasp.

Materials

Recycled Cardboard Box
Marker

Craft Knife
Extra Large Pom Poms, or something edible like cereal

Recycled Cardboard Box
Marker
Craft Knife
Extra Large Pom Poms, or use something edible like cereal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Draw a baby face on the cardboard box and cut out a hole for the mouth.

Step 2

Have your child put the objects in the baby’s mouth to work on their hand and eye coordination.

Step 1

Draw a baby face on the cardboard box and cut out a hole for the mouth.

Step 2

Have your child put the objects in the baby’s mouth to work on their hand and eye coordination.

FREE Printable: Feed the Animals Activity

Don’t want your baby to try and feed another baby? This Feed the Animals activity is a great alternative, plus it’s free and a printable you can easily set up!

Plus, not only do you get a bunny who is hungry for carrots, but a dog who wants bones and a cat who wants sardines are also included!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities for early childhood education!

easy to make play dough recipe homemade no cook

feed the animals printable activity worksheet fine motor skills for toddlers and preschool

FREE Printable: Feed the Animals Activity

Don’t want your baby to try and feed another baby? This Feed the Animals activity is a great alternative, plus it’s free and a printable you can easily set up!

Plus, not only do you get a bunny who is hungry for carrots, but a dog who wants bones and a cat who wants sardines are also included!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities for early childhood education!

More Hand and Eye Coordination Activities For Toddlers

Hand-eye coordination spans from big actions to small actions, here are a few ways kiddos can continue to strengthen this skill while playing!

Basketball Hoop

This indoor and outdoor basketball hoop adjusts to six heights from 2.5 to 4 feet. Great for motor skills!

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wooden shape threading for hand-eye coordination game

Wooden Threading

These chunky wooden shapes are great for little hands to thread. It includes 8 different shaped beads and a stylus with a thread.

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Pounding Toy

This classic pounding toy includes a wooden mallet. Great for strengthening fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

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velcro baseball and mitt for hand-eye coordination game

Velcro Balls and Mitts

This velcro set of mitts and balls is great for young kids just learning how to throw and catch balls!

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Rock Artwork – Beautiful Way to Use Sticks and Stones!

rock art, craft with sticks and stones for kids

Nature can make the most beautiful masterpieces! Here’s one way to make Rock Artwork using sticks, stones, and other nature from the backyard! I love how this activity shows kids they don’t have to have fancy toys or electronics to have a good time! All they need are a few items from nature that they can easily use to create something beautiful, unique, and fun.

Use the Gifts of Mother Nature for Art and Play

We’re always looking for new ways to be creative in our house. And when that means that we’re able to use supplies that we already have, it’s even better! All you have to do is head outside and explore what’s around you. You may be surprised at how full your little one’s pockets will get!

Beyond Rock Artwork, sticks, stones, leaves, snail shells (you name it!), are also really great manipulatives for playful learning. Count the rocks, arrange the sticks into letters, thread the leaves through a piece of string – these are just a few easy ways to strengthen many early childhood education skills!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Many Ways to Create Rock Artwork

Once you’ve collected all your nature treasures, you can start to figure out how you want to construct your art project! My kiddos wanted to create zebras, painting the sticks and rocks white and black, as well as some yellow for a sun, and then adding some grass for some texture! In this video, you can see how you can integrate some fun techniques like whittling sticks to make them easier to paint. Of course, supervision is key and use your best judgment on when you think your kiddo is ready to use a peeler.

Many Ways to Create Rock Artwork

Once you’ve collected all your nature treasures, you can start to figure out how you want to construct your art project! My kiddos wanted to create zebras, painting the sticks and rocks white and black, as well as some yellow for a sun, and then adding some grass for some texture! In this video, you can see how you can integrate some fun techniques like whittling sticks to make them easier to paint. Of course, supervision is key and use your best judgment on when you think your kiddo is ready to use a peeler.

Tips and Techniques

Paint Choice. The best type of paint for rock artwork is Acrylic Paint. It is more vibrant and will not wash away if, for example, you want to keep the Rock Art outside. That being said, not being washable means you’ll have to keep that in mind when painting with messy kids! So grab the art smocks and table coverings! We decided to use paint sticks which came out vibrant and are washable.

Whittle the Sticks. Using a peeler to peel away the top layer of the stick will help in creating a more even coat when painting! But definitely use caution as peelers can be sharp.

Use an Old Shoe Box as a Canvas. We used an old box for our Rock Artwork and it made for a great shadow box! Plus, it doesn’t get more budget-friendly than that!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Sticks
Rocks
Acrylic Paint or Paint Sticks

Kid-Friendly Peeler
Glue
Cardboard Box

Sticks
Rocks
Acrylic Paint or Paint Sticks
Kid-Friendly Peeler
Glue
Cardboard Box

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Have the kids head outside and gather up some sticks, rocks, and other nature items from the yard.

Step 2

Paint the rocks and other items. Plus you can whittle the sticks for a more even painting.

Step 3

Create fun scenes or animals with the objects and glue them on.

Step 1

Have the kids head outside and gather up some sticks, rocks, and other nature items from the yard.

Step 2

Paint the rocks and other items. Plus you can whittle the sticks for a more even painting.

Step 3

Create fun scenes or animals with the objects and glue them on.

The Educational Benefits of Creating Rock Artwork

Going outside and gathering raw nature materials and then creating something beautiful out of them is a fun way to be creative and think outside the box. It is also a great way to simply enjoy the outdoors and explore the world around them.

Plus, kids can also use their fine motor skills to pick up, whittle, paint, glue all these objects. Whittling sticks is extra exciting, but it’s also hard work!

It takes a lot of hand-eye coordination to do it safely, so be sure to do that when they are ready to follow directions safely!

For more arts and crafts activities, visit our comprehensive list of ideas and activities!

The Educational Benefits of Creating Rock Artwork

Going outside and gathering raw nature materials and then creating something beautiful out of them is a fun way to be creative and think outside the box. It is also a great way to simply enjoy the outdoors and explore the world around them.

Plus, kids can also use their fine motor skills to pick up, whittle, paint, glue all these objects. Whittling sticks is extra exciting, but it’s also hard work!

It takes a lot of hand-eye coordination to do it safely, so be sure to do that when they are ready to follow directions safely!

For more arts and crafts activities, visit our comprehensive list of ideas and activities!

More Ways to Explore Artistic Mediums

Here are my top picks for arts and crafts kits that encourage hands on creations!

Water Marbling Kit

Create beautiful marbled art with this easy to use kit. This is water based art and comes with all the tools needed to create 10 masterpieces!

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Spin and Spiral Art

This fun kit allows kiddos to explore both spin art and spiral art. The kit comes with 3 spiro gears, 6 markers, 3 ink bottles, 15 paper discs, and an art station base.

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Sand Art Kit

This sand art kit comes with 8 different colors of sand to create sand bottles and pendant bottles. A great way to discover art through a different medium!

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String Art Kit

This kit is a fun way for kids to create and display amazing shapes and designs artistically made with string. Use a pattern included in the kit or create your own!

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Painting with a Spray Bottle – Vibrant Process Art for Kids

spray bottle painting for kids fine motor skills

Painting with a spray bottle is such a fun and vibrant way to create process art while strengthening important fine motor skills! Keep on reading to find out how you can easily set up this activity in no-time!

Beyond Painting with a Spray Bottle

No doubt, kids love to get messy with paint, and this activity, satisfies that urge one hundred percent! But what kiddo’s don’t realize is that this art project is actually a fine motor skills activity in disguise!

Using spray bottles are tricky to function – pulling back the trigger exercises some very important muscles in the hands and fingers. Developing fine motor skills is critical for accomplishing so many life long skills from writing to buttoning a shirt and tying a shoe! By combining spray bottles with vibrant colors, each pull lands in a colorful splatter making this hand and finger workout so much fun and one they want to do over and over again!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Painting with a Spray Bottle in Action

This fine motor activity disguised as an art activity gives kids the freedom to create their artwork any which way that they want. It’s all about the process, not the results! The more paint splatters, the better (because it means those hands are really working!).

In terms of mess, use washable paint, and keep it outside in an area you can easily hose down. Using old newspaper keeps things budget-friendly!

Painting with a Spray Bottle in Action

This fine motor skills activity disguised as an art activity gives kids the freedom to create their artwork any which way that they want. It’s all about the process, not the results! The more paint splatters, the better (because it means those hands are really working!).

In terms of mess, use washable paint, and keep it outside in an area you can easily hose down. Using old newspaper keeps things budget-friendly!

Tips for Painting with a Spray Bottle

The Canvas. Unless you plan on saving the artwork, feel free to use recycled materials like newspaper or cardboard.

Paint Choice. As you can see with the mess, washable paint is key. Even washable paint can sometimes me stubborn, so if paint does land on the wall be sure to wash off with soap as soon as the art session ends.

Spray Bottles. Use easy to pull spray bottles, this will allow your kiddos to be able to pull the trigger to release the paint with minimal frustration!

After Spraying. When the kid’s are finished, be sure to rinse out the spray bottles. If paint dries in the top part it may clog and make it difficult to use in the future.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Combine paint or liquid watercolor in a spray bottle in a 1 to 1 ratio. (You can dilute this even further if you are low on paint!)

Step 2

Tape up craft paper or newspaper in an area that can get messy.

Step 3

Let the kids have a blast spraying the paint all over the canvas!

Step 4

When finished, rinse out the spray bottles to avoid dry paint clogging the spout.

Step 1

Combine paint or liquid watercolor in a spray bottle in a 1 to 1 ratio. (You can dilute this even further if you are low on paint!)

Step 2

Tape up craft paper or newspaper in an area that can get messy.

Step 3

Let the kids have a blast spraying the paint all over the canvas!

Step 4

When finished, rinse out the spray bottles to avoid dry paint clogging the spout.

The Educational Benefits Painting with a Spray Bottle

As mentioned in the beginning of this article, spray bottles are such a fun tool for strengthening fine motor skills! They can be tricky to use, but the fun in spraying the paint outweighs all that work!

This activity is also a great opportunity to talk about process art. You can explain that process art isn’t about the final result, it’s about the method used to create. In this case, using a spray bottle! Allow them the freedom to explore the materials and express themselves. If they want to take a break from spraying and use their hands instead encourage this independent and creative curiosity!

The Educational Benefits Painting with a Spray Bottle

As mentioned in the beginning of this article, spray bottles are such a fun tool for strengthening fine motor skills! They can be tricky to use, but the fun in spraying the paint outweighs all that work!

This activity is also a great opportunity to talk about process art. You can explain that process art isn’t about the final result, it’s about the method used to create. In this case, using a spray bottle!

Allow them the freedom to explore the materials and express themselves. If they want to take a break from spraying and use their hands instead encourage this independent and creative curiosity!

More Ways to Explore Artistic Mediums

Here are my top picks for arts and crafts kits that encourage hands on creations!

Water Marbling Kit

Create beautiful marbled art with this easy to use kit. This is water based art and comes with all the tools needed to create 10 masterpieces!

SHOP NOW

Spin and Spiral Art

This fun kit allows kiddos to explore both spin art and spiral art. The kit comes with 3 spiro gears, 6 markers, 3 ink bottles, 15 paper discs, and an art station base.

SHOP NOW

Sand Art Kit

This sand art kit comes with 8 different colors of sand to create sand bottles and pendant bottles. A great way to discover art through a different medium!

SHOP NOW

String Art Kit

This kit is a fun way for kids to create and display amazing shapes and designs artistically made with string. Use a pattern included in the kit or create your own!

SHOP NOW

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Preschool Insect Activity – Fun Sensory Kit They’ll Love

Preschool Insect Activity – Fun Sensory Kit

This insect preschool activity is a great way for kids to get hands on while learning all about bugs! Themed play dough kits are a wonderful experience where sensory and imaginative play collide.

Read on to learn how to assemble a kit like this and to extend the insect learning with our printable worksheets!

Play Dough Kits Save the Day!

There are lots of benefits for putting together, playing with, and storing play dough kits! Not only do they provide an awesome hands on opportunity for learning, but by organizing them as kits, they are a great item you can grab when you need to keep the kiddo’s busy, you can take them along on vacation, and they also make fantastic gifts! They are my personal go-to birthday presents for kids aged 2-5. In fact, we made this exact preschool insect activity a birthday present for one of my kiddo’s friends!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

preschool bug insect activity play dough kit loose parts play bug study

Why Preschoolers and Toddlers Love This Insect Activity

Whether you are assembling this activity in a kit or on a tray, it is a great way to give the kids everything they need for creative play. Everything that you can pack inside keeps it all organized and a fun way to create different types of bug habitats as well. All the fun of learning about bugs without having to deal with actual bugs!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Why Preschoolers and Toddlers Love This Insect Activity

Whether you are assembling this activity in a kit or on a tray, it is a great way to give the kids everything they need for creative play. Everything that you can pack inside keeps it all organized and a fun way to create different types of bug habitats as well. All the fun of learning about bugs without having to deal with actual bugs!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

bug insect printable worksheets preschool

More Preschool Insect Activities with this Printable Bundle of Worksheets

Whether you are doing an insect-study at school or home, or simply have a kiddo who LOVES all things bugs, these printable worksheets are perfect for you!

These hands-on playful learning pages feature all types of insects while giving your little one a strong foundation for early childhood education skills. Topics covered include tracing, comparing and differentiating, color recognition, counting letter writing, phonics, shape recognition, positional words, patterns, and so much more.

For more themed-worksheets for preschoolers, check out our full collection of printable resources!

Materials

Homemade Play Dough
Insect Figurines
Rocks
Fabric Flowers and Leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Start by making homemade play dough. You can add glitter to it or use food coloring to make different colors based on your theme. In this kit, I included two colors, green (grass) and brown (dirt).

Step 2

Once the play dough is cooled down, add it to the storage containers.

Step 3

Select loose parts, figurines, and other items you want to include. I grabbed some fabric flowers, wooden slices and rocks from Dollar Tree!

Step 4

Close it up and cover in gift wrap if giving as a present!

Step 1

Start by making homemade play dough. You can add glitter to it or use food coloring to make different colors based on your theme. In this kit, I included two colors, green (grass) and brown (dirt).

Step 2

Once the play dough is cooled down, add it to the storage containers.

Step 3

Select loose parts, figurines, and other items you want to include. I grabbed some fabric flowers, wooden slices, and rocks from Dollar Tree!

Step 4

Close it up and cover in gift wrap if giving as a present!

Educational Benefits of This Preschool Insect Activity

This kit is a great way to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to the many types of insects and their habitats. By having a collection of figurines, you can talk about the name of each insect and other facts. This is a great opportunity to reinforce language development. Be sure to also give kiddos time to explore independently – it is truly amazing to watch the imaginative play unfold as they build homes for their bugs!

Of course, playing with play dough is also great for sensory and fine motor skills. Squishing, squeezing, pulling, and molding play dough is fantastic for hand and finger muscle strength.

For another play dough kit activity idea, be sure to check out our ocean-themed play dough kit!

Educational Benefits of This Preschool Insect Activity

This kit is a great way to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to the many types of insects and their habitats. By having a collection of figurines, you can talk about the name of each insect and other facts. This is a great opportunity to reinforce language development.

Be sure to also give kiddos time to explore independently – it is truly amazing to watch the imaginative play unfold as they build homes for their bugs!

Of course, playing with play dough is also great for sensory and fine motor skills. Squishing, squeezing, pulling, and molding play dough is fantastic for hand and finger muscle strength.

For another play dough kit activity idea, be sure to check out our ocean-themed play dough kit!

More Play Dough Kits to Explore

Take this insect play dough kit as inspiration and try out some more themes kids will love!

Princess Play Dough Kit

Peppa the Pig Play Dough Kit

Dinosaur Play Dough Kit

Ocean Play Dough Kit

Birthday Play Dough Kit

Frozen Play Dough Kit

Aladdin Play Dough Kit

Edible Play Dough Recipes

More Ways to Explore Insects

Whether you are doing an insect-study or know an insect-lover, here are some ways to extend the play and learning!

Butterfly Growing Kit

A pop up and reusable habitat perfect for butterfly viewing, includes voucher for receiving caterpillars.

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insect bug kit for kids gift explorer outdoor play nature walk

Explorer Kit

This kit is perfect for the kiddo who wants to catch some bugs! Includes binocular, flashlight, critter case, and so much more!

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Real Bug Dig Kit

This diggable kit includes 3 real bugs. The perfectly preserved specimens include a spider, fortune beetle, and scorpion.

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Giant Ant Farm

This kit allows kids to observe live ants as they dig tunnels, build bridges, move mountains, and so much more!

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

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Teaching Colors to Toddlers – Make Cotton Vibrant

Teaching Colors to Toddlers – Make Cotton Rounds Vibrant

teaching colors to toddlers color match worksheet toddlers preschoolers learn colors printable free

Teaching colors to toddlers has never been more fun with this color matching worksheet that makes ordinary cotton rounds turn vibrant! Your little one will love this match-the-color activity. It’s a simple way to help them figure out how to sort colors based on real world objects they are already familiar with.

Where Teaching Toddlers Colors and Fine Motor Skills Collide

Whether you decide to use a paint brush or droppers, both of these tools are great for fine motor strengthening! Babies are not born with fine motor skills, but doing fun activities like this will help them tremendously in gaining this valuable and necessary skill! For more information about what fine motor skills are and why they are important, read all about it here.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Teaching Colors to Toddlers Made Easy!

There’s nothing hard about setting up this activity! Watch to see just how easy it is in this video. All you need is our free printable (read on to get it!), plus some ordinary cotton rounds to be colored!

Be sure to integrate lots of language development during this activity as well. In other words, talk about the colors and the items. For example, ask your little one what color the turtle is, and repeat the correct response to reinforce that vocabulary!

Teaching Colors to Toddlers Made Easy!

There’s nothing hard about setting up this activity! Watch to see just how easy it is in this video. All you need is our free printable (read on to get it!), plus some ordinary cotton rounds to be colored!

Be sure to integrate lots of language development during this activity as well. In other words, talk about the colors and the items. For example, ask your little one what color the turtle is, and repeat the correct response to reinforce that vocabulary!

Tips for Making This Discover the Colors Activity

Budget Friendly Printer. We love the Canon PIXMA MegaTank Printers because they are budget-friendly and produce super vibrant colors! Its refillable MegaTank ink system prints up to 6,000 black / 7,700 color pages from one set of ink bottles— that’s 30 times what you can print with a conventional ink cartridge set!

Choice of Color. We love liquid watercolor because you can dilute it significantly and still have incredibly vibrant colors – lots more bang for your buck than food coloring! You could also simply use a paintbrush and watercolors too!

Laminate. I would highly recommend using a laminator because this is an activity your little one is going to want to do over and over again! Just swap out the colored cotton swabs for a fresh one and toddlers and preschoolers can keep on learning colors over and over again!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Print out our free printable worksheet and laminate for multiple uses.

Step 2

Use double-sided tape to stick cotton rounds inside the circles on the worksheet.

Step 3

Dilute liquid watercolor with water in individual containers and provide large droppers. Alternatively, provide a liquid watercolor set and paint brush.

Step 4

Task your kiddo with using a dropper to soak up the liquid watercolor and drop it onto the correct cotton pads.

Step 1

Print out our free printable worksheet and laminate for multiple uses.

Step 2

Use double-sided tape to stick cotton rounds inside the circles on the worksheet.

Step 3

Dilute liquid watercolor with water in individual containers and provide large droppers. Alternatively, provide a liquid watercolor set and paint brush.

Step 4

Task your kiddo with using a dropper to soak up the liquid watercolor and drop it onto the correct cotton pads.

discover the colors worksheet printable color matching

Get the Free Printable and Other Fun Ways to Explore Colors!

This printable worksheet is such a fun way to learn and match colors! For an alternative, mess-free, way to play with this worksheet you could split a cotton pad in half and color the top of one layer with washable markers. Then, cover the colored half with the plain half so that the color is hidden! Give your kiddo water and a dropper to pour on top of the cotton pads to discover the colors!

To dive even deeper into learning colors, you have to download our All About Colors printable bundle. We shine a light on every color of the rainbow and beyond! Each color gets a dedicated page where kiddos can dive deep into learning all the vibrant details. These pages are hands on and fun, integrating paint, scissor skills, and games too! If your kiddo loves colors, don’t miss our full printable bundle all about colors!

We also have the following free worksheets: Dot the Rainbow, Rainbow Color Match using Cotton Swabs, and our bundle that is all about Color Mixing!

Beyond Teaching Toddlers Colors

This activity is not only a perfect way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn colors, but it’s great for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as well. Using droppers may look easy, but it is quite tricky for young kids! Squeezing the dropper and picking up the water takes a lot of coordination while strengthening pincer grasp.

Whether using a dropper or paint brush, both tools provide excellent practice for aim and precision. Utilizing hand-eye coordination, kids will learn how to get the color to fall directly on the cotton rounds.

And as mentioned above, this activity is a great opportunity for language development. Talk about the colors. Talk about the objects. Repeat your child when they say the color to emphasize the vocabulary!

Also talk to them about how the water disperses through the pad and “bleeds” into other areas. This will be a great way to show them that science and learning can be so much fun!

Beyond Teaching Toddlers Colors

This activity is not only a perfect way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn colors, but it’s great for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as well. Using droppers may look easy, but it is quite tricky for young kids! Squeezing the dropper and picking up the water takes a lot of coordination while strengthening pincer grasp.

Whether using a dropper or paint brush, both tools provide excellent practice for aim and precision. Utilizing hand-eye coordination, kids will learn how to get the color to fall directly on the cotton rounds.

And as mentioned above, this activity is a great opportunity for language development. Talk about the colors. Talk about the objects. Repeat your child when they say the color to emphasize the vocabulary!

More Ways to Match Colors

Here are my top picks for toys you can buy that strengthen color recognition skills!

Color Sorting Rainbow

Transfer pom poms or balls to color sort this rainbow! If you use tongs it is great for fine motor skills too! (Caution: small parts!)

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rainbow wooden stacking toy for color recognition

Wooden Rainbow Stacker

This wooden rainbow stacker is not only great for color sorting, it is also a fantastic open-ended play toy!

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Color Sorting Maze

This wooden board has a magnetic wand and beads that can be sorted based on color! Great for fine motor skills too!

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Color Sort the Objects

This game is a great way to learn color recognition while strengthening language development.

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Cutting Skills – Silly Pet Salon for Strong Hand Muscles

pet salon cutting skills for kids strengthen hand muscles

Strengthen cutting skills while giving your kids their dream “job” with this fun pet salon activity! Best part? It’s made up of recyclables! This activity may take a little time to set up, but once done, you can use it over and over again!

Creative Ways to Explore Cutting Skills

When my oldest was struggling with his fine motor skills, I knew that working on his scissor skills would help him get on the right track. But handing him scissors and a paper wasn’t going to do the trick!

He needed to be engaged, and so I found creative ways for him to explore cutting skills. I found that he had the strongest connection to activities that had a specific purpose and result – like grooming his “dog” or cutting spoon people’s hair!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Where Imaginative Play and Cutting Skills Collide

This cutting activity is a great way to show kids how fast and straightforward it can be to upcycle items that you have sitting around the house. It is amazing how everyday objects can create something unique and inspire such amazing imaginative play.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Where Imaginative Play and Cutting Skills Collide

This cutting activity is a great way to show kids how fast and straightforward it can be to upcycle items that you have sitting around the house. It is amazing how everyday objects can create something unique and inspire such amazing imaginative play.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tips for Setting Up This Activity

Use what you have! An egg carton, tin can, cardboard, and paper tubes were all we needed, but feel free to mix this up based on what you have and what type of pet you want to recreate!

Quick Adhesives. Use tape and hot glue to put everything together quickly!

Type of Paint. The coloring process was quick for us as I used a white spray paint that took minutes to spray and dry. However, there is no need to rush the process especially if you are crafting together – be creative and as colorful as you’d like using acrylic paint!

Type of Fur. We used yarn. It was the perfect texture and not too tough for the kids to cut through!

How to Reuse. Don’t toss your cardboard pet away when your kiddos are finished grooming! All you have to do is hot glue on more yarn and they can work on their cutting skills over and over again!

Materials

Tin Can
Egg Carton
Toilet Paper Tubes
Cardboard
Heavy Duty Tape

Tin Can
Egg Carton
Toilet Paper Tubes
Cardboard
Heavy Duty Tape
Spray Paint or Acrylic Paint
Yarn
Hot Glue
Googly Eyes
Kid-Safe or Toddler-Safe Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Start by taping or gluing together the parts of the body. Attach the tin can to the egg carton body and then attach to the toilet paper tube legs.

Step 2

Once all the pieces are attached, the kids can paint in whatever color they want. Alternatively, an adult can spray paint outside.

Step 3

After the paint dries, attach the googly eyes and the yarn with hot glue.

Step 4

Let the kids cut the different lengths of hair to give the dog a haircut!

Step 1

Start by taping or gluing together the parts of the body. Attach the tin can to the egg carton body and then attach to the toilet paper tube legs.

Step 2

Once all the pieces are attached, the kids can paint in whatever color they want. Alternatively, an adult can spray paint outside.

Step 3

After the paint dries, attach the googly eyes and the yarn with hot glue.

Step 4

Let the kids cut the different lengths of hair to give the dog a haircut!

scissor skill printable fun haircut worksheet for preschoolers and toddlers learning how to cut and strengthen fine motor skills

FREE Printable Cutting Skills Activities

Grown ups are busy, I get it! That’s why I created a bunch of different FREE printable cutting worksheets.

If your kiddo loves this pet salon idea, you have to try our Spoon Salon activity!

We also have a very fun vertical cutting skills activity that will get kids on their feet and having fun with scissor skills!

If your little one is still learning how to hold the scissors in the right way, try our Cutting with Cars activity which encourages thumbs up!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

The Educational Benefits of the Pet Salon

There are a lot of great benefits to this silly grooming activity. This is the perfect kind of imaginative play that gives them independence while also boosting their confidence. Since they can help create this activity from start to finish, there’s no limit on how many times they can play with it again and again.

This cutting activity is also great for muscle building and hand muscle control too. This helps them get more strength in their hands and gives them the ability to have more control of their fine motor skills, too.

This can also be used as a fun activity to talk about the length of hair and comparing long, medium, and short.

This activity is building on such an essential practical life skill – cutting! It is a skill they will learn now and use the rest of their lives! For more fine motor skills activites visit our comprehensive list of play ideas!

The Educational Benefits of the Pet Salon

There are a lot of great benefits to this silly grooming activity. This is the perfect kind of imaginative play that gives them independence while also boosting their confidence. Since they can help create this activity from start to finish, there’s no limit on how many times they can play with it again and again.

This cutting activity is also great for muscle building and hand muscle control too. This helps them get more strength in their hands and gives them the ability to have more control of their fine motor skills, too.

This can also be used as a fun activity to talk about the length of hair and comparing long and short.

This activity is building on such an essential practical life skill – cutting! It is a skill they will learn now and use the rest of their lives! For more fine motor skills activites visit our comprehensive list of play ideas!

More Ways to Explore Cutting Skills

Here are my top picks for resources and items you can buy that strengthen toddler fine motor skills!

Scissor Skills Workbook

This set includes 3 workbooks all about scissor skills. Each book includes a pair of scissors!

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fine motor scissor skill game with apples

Apple Picking Game

This unique game includes magnetic apples that can be picked from the tree using a scooper scissor!

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Travel-Size Cutting Book

This small book is packed with scissor skills activities for children as young as 2 years old!

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Decorative Scissors

This fun set of scissors comes with 6 designs of patterns for decorating paper crafts!

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Ocean Activity in a Fun-Filled Play Dough Kit

Explore the deep blue sea and all of its creatures with this fun ocean activity play dough kit. Keep on reading for all the details for the items included in this box!

Why We Love DIY Play Dough Kits

What I love about making play dough kits is that they are great for a wide variety of uses. I can make them for the kids and have them in the car for travel or have them on the shelf at home for whenever I need a quick and easy activity to set up. They also make fantastic gifts for kids! There is nothing like getting a present with homemade play dough and hand selected loose parts and figurines!

We also love incorporating play dough kit areas at birthday parties, or if you have the time, preparing them as a parting gift for each child who attends.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How To Make Sand Play Dough for This Ocean-Themed Activity

This how-to video shows the easy steps to making sand play dough. Full step-by-step directions, tips for making the perfect batch, and a list of materials with links are available in this article.

Making play dough is super easy and lasts for months! Plus, involving kids in the process of making play dough is an entire fun activity in and of itself!

How To Make Sand Play Dough for This Ocean-Themed Activty

This how-to video shows the easy steps to making sand play dough. Full step-by-step directions, tips for making the perfect batch, and a list of materials with links are available in this article.

Making play dough is super easy and lasts for months! Plus, involving kids in the process of making play dough is an entire fun activity in and of itself!

Building the Perfect Ocean Activity Kit

We make a ton of play dough kits. It’s my go-to for birthday presents for kids aged 2-5 years old! We have made kits for dozens of themes, but whichever you choose (ocean activity, race cars, Disney-themed, you name it!) Here’s a list of materials you should consider including in this kit:

Storage Container
DIY Play Dough
Individual Play Dough Containers (to preserve freshness)
Dinosaur Figurines
Cookie Cutters
Rolling Pin
Marine Creature Figurines
Shells
Glass stones
Fake moss balls

The Educational Benefits of Ocean Activity Kit

One of the most significant benefits is that it is a great sensory activity that sparks imaginative play. Kids will be able to feel and use their senses to mold and shape the play dough while using their creativity to explore an entire world in their mind.

Molding, pulling, shaping, twisting, and pushing play dough are also fantastic for fine motor skills and hand muscle strengthening!

The other great advantage of this activity is that you can expose your kiddo to a miniature world – in this case, under the sea with lots of marine creatures! Talk about what figurines you’ve included and provide them with facts about the ocean habitat!

Best part for parents? This is a great way to always have something fun ready and waiting for the kids that takes minimal time and effort to set up.

The Educational Benefits of Ocean Activity Kit

One of the most significant benefits is that it is a great sensory activity that sparks imaginative play. Kids will be able to feel and use their senses to mold and shape the play dough while using their creativity to explore an entire world in their mind.

Molding, pulling, shaping, twisting, and pushing play dough are also fantastic for fine motor skills and hand muscle strengthening!

The other great advantage of this activity is that you can expose your kiddo to a miniature world – in this case, under the sea with lots of marine creatures! Talk about what figurines you’ve included and provide them with facts about the ocean habitat!

Best part for parents? This is a great way to always have something fun ready and waiting for the kids that takes minimal time and effort to set up.

More Play Dough Kits to Explore

Take this ocean play dough kit as inspiration and try out some more themes kids will love!

Princess Play Dough Kit

Peppa the Pig Play Dough Kit

Dinosaur Play Dough Kit

Birthday Play Dough Kit

Insect Play Dough Kit

Frozen Play Dough Kit

Aladdin Play Dough Kit

Edible Play Dough Recipes

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Sand Play Dough – Exciting Ocean Sensory Activity

A cup of sand and a few simple ingredients create this easy no-bake sand play dough recipe for a fun textured-filled sensory experience!

Kids will love helping to make this recipe – it’s so much fun to create! It is nearly identical to our regular play dough recipe except adding in sand gives it a grainy texture and tan color that will inspire the coolest moldable play dough sand castles!

No-Cook Sand Play Dough

Skip the stove with this recipe! The key to making this no-cook sand play dough is heating up the water in the microwave until it is boiling. Then, while it is still super duper hot, the water is mixed into the flour mixture thoroughly – wearing gloves is essential for safety! I love that the texture still comes out great and I save myself from washing extra dishes in the process!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make Sand Play Dough

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make sand play dough. It only takes a few minutes to whip together, but will result in lasting sensory play fun!

Keep on reading for step by step instructions, a list of materials, tips, and ideas for creating the perfect ocean-themed sensory bin experience!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make Sand Play Dough

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make sand play dough. It only takes a few minutes to whip together, but will result in lasting sensory play fun!

Keep on reading for step by step instructions, a list of materials, tips, and ideas for creating the perfect ocean-themed sensory bin experience!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tips for Making the Perfect Batch

Wear gloves while mixing the water! The mixture will be very hot so protect yourself with gloves and keep the kiddos away!

Why is my batch too sticky? Too much water was added! If too sticky add a little more flour.

Why is my batch too dry? Not enough water was added! If too dry add a little more water.

Do I need to add oil? The coconut oil gives the dough a super silky texture. You could also use glycerine. Alternatively, other vegetable oil will work too, but I’ve found that coconut oil makes it super silky!

What is cream of tartar, and do I need it? The cream of tartar is a preservative and it makes the play dough have a longer shelf life. You can omit it, but the dough will not last as long!

Materials

1 cup play sand
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1/3 cup of fine salt
1 tablespoon of cream of tartar

2 tablespoons of coconut oil (optional)
3/4 cup of boiling water
Storage Jars (optional)

1 cup play sand
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1/3 cup of fine salt
1 tablespoon of cream of tartar
2 tablespoons of coconut oil (optional)
3/4 cup of boiling water
Storage Jars (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Mix together the sand, flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl.

Step 2

Add the coconut oil for a soft and silky texture. You can also use food-grade glycerine.

Step 3

Boil the water. In my microwave, it takes about 2 minutes to reach best temperature.

Step 4

Mix the water to the flour mixture, transfering to a flat surface to knead until smooth and not sticky. Don’t miss my note above about wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat!

Step 1

Mix together the sand, flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl.

Step 2

Add the coconut oil for a soft and silky texture. You can also use food-grade glycerine.

Step 3

Boil the water. In my microwave, it takes about 2 minutes to reach best temperature.

Step 4

Mix the water to the flour mixture, transfering to a flat surface to knead until smooth and not sticky. Don’t miss my note above about wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat!

Sensory Play Ideas with Sand Play Dough

This simple play dough recipe is easy to make and will allow kids to deeply engage in sensory play. This play dough is also a great item to incorporate in a ocean-themed kit, exposing your kiddo to lots of fun imaginary marine life play!

The top items I like to include in play dough kits are figurines, cookie cutters, a rolling pin, loose parts (like the sea shells and blue glass stones), and of course, homemade play dough in a few different colors.

We love giving play dough kits as gifts – making homemade play dough and then thoughtfully selecting the loose parts to be included makes for a really special and personal present!

For more detailed information and links for all the items in the above ocean-themed sensory kit, visit this article!

Sensory Play Ideas with Sand Play Dough

This simple play dough recipe is easy to make and will allow kids to deeply engage in sensory play. This play dough is also a great item to incorporate in a ocean-themed kit, exposing your kiddo to lots of fun imaginary marine life play!

The top items I like to include in play dough kits are figurines, cookie cutters, a rolling pin, loose parts (like the sea shells and blue glass stones), and of course, homemade play dough in a few different colors.

We love giving play dough kits as gifts – making homemade play dough and then thoughtfully selecting the loose parts to be included makes for a really special and personal present!

For more detailed information and links for all the items in the above ocean-themed sensory kit, visit this article!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

From sensory sand to slime, there are so many sensory bases to sink your hands into!

Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

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Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

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The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

How to Make a Maze with Natural Materials

how to make a maze using nature items crafting with kids

Making a DIY nature maze is the perfect summer activity for kids! They’ll love being able to roam around the yard and find items in nature that they can then use to create a fun maze. This is such a simple way to have them get outside and be creative, all at the same time.

How to Make This DIY Nature Maze

Since you just need a few items from around your house (literally!), there’s no reason that the kids can’t hop in and make this fun activity any day of the week. Not only can they choose whatever items that they can find in the yard, but it’s a fun way to have them start to think creatively about the whole process of building and engineering, too.

For more arts and crafts activities, visit our comprehensive list of ideas and activities! You can never have too many art ideas and activities for the kids!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Create This DIY Nature Maze

There really isn’t a right or wrong way to create this maze as long as the kids are having fun and being active. They’ll just need to throw on some shoes and see what they can find outdoors. The great part about this simple activity is that each time they make it, it’s going to look completely different!

My kiddos grabbed sticks, acorns, empty snail shells, sea shells from past vacations, and pine cones to name a few. This activity is great for all seasons because it allows the kids to get fall leaves, summer flowers, or even unique rocks that are colorful throughout the year.

How to Create This DIY Nature Maze

There really isn’t a right or wrong way to create this maze as long as the kids are having fun and being active. They’ll just need to throw on some shoes (or not!) and see what they can find outdoors. The great part about this simple activity is that each time they make it, it’s going to look completely different!

My kiddos grabbed sticks, acorns, empty snail shells, sea shells from past vacations, and pine cones to name a few. This activity is great for all seasons because it allows the kids to get fall leaves, summer flowers, or even unique rocks that are colorful throughout the year.

Tips for Making This DIY Nature Maze

No gift box? No Problem! If you don’t have an old gift box to use, you can create your own with pieces of cardboard like we did!

Use Strong Glue! We used tacky glue. It dries quick, has a strong hold, and is safe for my kids to handle.

Can’t collect nature items? Is the weather bad or don’t have a yard or park nearby? Collect recyclable items in your house instead! Paper straws, bottle caps, paper tubes, are just a few examples of things you can use to create a maze as well!

Be creative! Unleash your creativity on this very open ended nature craft. Just make sure to have a start and finish if you want to be able to use it as a game! Visit our comprehensive list of arts and craft supplies to see some of our go-to items!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Old gift box, or pieces of cardboard to create a bordered frame as we did!
Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue
Nature items, like sticks, rocks, shells, pine cones, etc.

Old gift box, or pieces of cardboard to create a bordered frame as we did!
Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue
Nature items, like sticks, rocks, shells, pine cones, etc.
Acrylic Paint
Permanent Markers
Wooden Beads or Balls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

To make a cardboard frame, cut one big piece and corresponding border pieces. Use glue to secure, and include a handle if you wish!

Step 2

Decorate your pieces of nature!

Step 3

With your sticks, start with the basic structure from start to finish, gluing to secure. Add decorative pieces and the words “start and finish” to complete the design!

Step 1

To make a cardboard frame, cut one big piece and corresponding border pieces. Use glue to secure, and include a handle if you wish!

Step 2

Decorate your pieces of nature!

Step 3

With your sticks, start with the basic structure from start to finish, gluing to secure; (4) Add decorative pieces and the words “start and finish” to complete the design!

The Educational Benefits of this DIY Nature Maze

I love using this nature maze as a great way to be creative and have the kids thinking analytically. The great part about a maze is that it works their brain and has them thinking a few steps ahead to ensure that there is a starting and a finishing point for the maze.

This activity is also great for exploring nature and their hand-eye coordination for building the maze. All the items that they’ll find in nature are great for sensory skills and sensory learning, too.

The Educational Benefits of this DIY Nature Maze

I love using this nature maze as a great way to be creative and have the kids thinking analytically. The great part about a maze is that it works their brain and has them thinking a few steps ahead to ensure that there is a starting and a finishing point for the maze.

This activity is also great for exploring nature and their hand-eye coordination for building the maze. All the items that they’ll find in nature are great for sensory skills and sensory learning, too.

More Ways to Explore Artistic Mediums

Here are my top picks for arts and crafts kits that encourage hands on creations!

Water Marbling Kit

Create beautiful marbled art with this easy to use kit. This is water based art and comes with all the tools needed to create 10 masterpieces!

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Spin and Spiral Art

This fun kit allows kiddos to explore both spin art and spiral art. The kit comes with 3 spiro gears, 6 markers, 3 ink bottles, 15 paper discs, and an art station base.

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Sand Art Kit

This sand art kit comes with 8 different colors of sand to create sand bottles and pendant bottles. A great way to discover art through a different medium!

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String Art Kit

This kit is a fun way for kids to create and display amazing shapes and designs artistically made with string. Use a pattern included in the kit or create your own!

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Teaching Toddlers Colors – Fireworks Inspired Activity

teaching-toddlers-colors-firework-inspired

Teaching toddlers colors doesn’t have to be complicated! This simple set up requires minimal supplies and time to set up. Plus whether you are celebrating Independence Day or New Year’s Eve, this is a festive way to get in the holiday spirit!

Not only that, but it also helps with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination too. Read below on how to set up this color matching activity and to grab our free printable version!

An Simple Way for Teaching Toddlers Colors

Gaining confidence and learning how to match colors is a skill that is important for toddlers to learn. Instead of just sitting down at a table and reading through the process, why not create an interactive, hands on way to approach to teaching colors to kids? I love how this simple pom pom activity will help kiddos visually recognize matching colors and use their senses to put them into place.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch How Fun it is Teaching Toddlers Colors!

Here’s how you can make and play with this fireworks color matching activity. In this video, you’ll see how fast and straightforward this idea can come together to create a fun and interactive learning experience for your child.

Not celebrating the 4th of July or New Years? You can alter this activity if you don’t want to use it as fireworks, and just turn them into squiggly spiders instead!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. Pom poms can be small parts and a choking hazard. They can be sold in larger sizes to prevent risks. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch How Fun it is Teaching Toddlers Colors!

Here’s how you can make and play with this fireworks color matching activity. In this video, you’ll see how fast and straightforward this idea can come together to create a fun and interactive learning experience for your child.

Not celebrating the 4th of July or New Years? You can alter this activity if you don’t want to use it as fireworks, and just turn them into squiggly spiders instead!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. Pom poms can be small parts and a choking hazard. They can be sold in larger sizes to prevent risks. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

printable color matching worksheet fireworks

How to Set Up This Activity, Plus Grab the Free Printable!

Not only is this activity educational, but it’s just full of magical and sticky fun as well. My kids loved this activity because the vertical set up made it super engaging. By keeping the set up vertical, you’ll need to grab some kind of adhesive paper or tape!

And even though this activity is super simple to put together, we totally understand that grown ups are busy! So we created a free printable version of this activity! There are lots of ways to play with it – use dot markers, or even practice using tongs to place poms poms on top! Also try these free printables: Dot the Rainbow, Rainbow Color Match, and 5 Hands on Color Mixing Activities.

Teaching toddlers colors is one of our most favorite things – so be sure to check out our comprehensive list of color learning ideas!

Materials

Pom Poms

What is adhesive paper?

Adhesive paper (the Con-Tact brand for exaple) is typically used for covering surfaces and lining things like drawers and shelves, but it’s also an excellent tool for play activities! I use this all the time for crafts, and it’s just so slick and easy to set up.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Draw fireworks in various colors on the non-sticky side of the transparent adhesive paper.

Step 2

Remove the paper backing to reveal the sticky size of the adhesive paper.

Step 3

For a vertical set up, tape the paper to the wall, sticky side up.

Step 4

Provide pom-poms and task your kiddo to match them with the correct firework!

Step 1

Draw fireworks in various colors on the non-sticky side of the transparent adhesive paper.

Step 2

Remove the paper backing to reveal the sticky size of the adhesive paper.

Step 3

For a vertical set up, tape the paper to the wall, sticky side up.

Step 4

Provide pom-poms and task your kiddo to match them with the correct firework!

Educational Benefits for Sticky Fireworks

This is all about teaching toddlers colors. Whether just beginning, or continuing to exercise established color recognition skills, this is a fun way to match and identify colors. Always integrate opportunities for language development by saying the names of each of the colors, and asking your kiddo to repeat them.

Plus, use this simple fireworks craft as a great way to work on fine motor skills. In addition to learning their colors, they’ll be able to work on picking up the pom pom balls with their pincer grasp and apply them directly to the adhesive paper. This action is perfect for hand-eye coordination.

Educational Benefits for Sticky Fireworks

This is all about teaching toddlers colors. Whether just beginning, or continuing to exercise established color recognition skills, this is a fun way to match and identify colors. Always integrate opportunities for language development by saying the names of each of the colors, and asking your kiddo to repeat them.

Plus, use this simple fireworks craft as a great way to work on fine motor skills. In addition to learning their colors, they’ll be able to work on picking up the pom pom balls with their pincer grasp and apply them directly to the adhesive paper. This action is perfect for hand-eye coordination.

More Ways to Match Colors

Here are my top picks for toys you can buy that strengthen color recognition skills!

Color Sorting Rainbow

Transfer pom poms or balls to color sort this rainbow! If you use tongs it is great for fine motor skills too! (Caution: small parts!)

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Wooden Rainbow Stacker

This wooden rainbow stacker is not only great for color sorting, it is also a fantastic open-ended play toy!

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color sorting magnetic game color recognition

Color Sorting Maze

This wooden board has a magnetic wand and beads that can be sorted based on color! Great for fine motor skills too!

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Color Sort the Objects

This game is a great way to learn color recognition while strengthening language development.

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The Best Gifts for Dads in 2025

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Easy to Make Play Dough – No Cook Recipe

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this easy to make play dough recipe is a fast, no-cook way to make the ultimate sensory base for kids! The best part about making dough is that it can last a really long time – up to 6 months! – and can be used for so many fun learning activities, too.

Sensory Fun with Play Dough

Not only is play dough fun to play with, but it is also super fun to make together! It is an awesome sensory experience mixing all the ingredients together and kneading the dough to form the perfect consistency. I also think that this is a super cool and unique idea for birthday parties as well as a parting gift for each child who attends.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How-to-Video for this Easy to Make Play Dough!

We’ve been making this play dough recipe for years and it’s always a hit. Just be certain that if you have little hands helping you, that you don’t let them handle the mixture when it’s hot. I even wear gloves myself, taking extra precautions so that I don’t burn my hands either! Full step-by-step instructions and more tips below on how to make this easy to make play dough the best consistency (or salvage a batch that needs some help!).

How-to-Video for this Easy to Make Play Dough!

We’ve been making this play dough recipe for years and it’s always a hit. Just be certain that if you have little hands helping you, that you don’t let them handle the mixture when it’s hot. I even wear gloves myself, taking extra precautions so that I don’t burn my hands either! Full step-by-step instructions and more tips below on how to make this easy to make play dough the best consistency (or salvage a batch that needs some help!).

Easy to Make Play Dough – Tips and Tricks!

Mix while hot, but use caution!

I wear gloves and mix the *very hot* play dough by hand to make sure that the dough is kneaded thoroughly, which spreads the heat, dissolving the granules to make a smooth texture. Don’t have your kiddos do this part!

Why is my batch too sticky?

Too much water was added! If too sticky add a little more flour.

Why is my batch too dry?

Not enough water was added! If too dry add a little more water.

Do I need to add oil?

The coconut oil gives the dough a super silky texture. You could also use glycerine. Alternatively, other vegetable oil will work too, but I’ve found that coconut oil makes it super silky!

What is cream of tartar, and do I need it?

The cream of tartar is a preservative and it makes the play dough have a longer shelf life. You can omit it, but the dough will not last as long!

How can I store and how long does it last?

Play dough can last up to 6 months if stored in a sealed container. We like using 4oz jars as pictured below. But with all things that kid’s touch, there is risk of germs entering once touched, so always be sure to look for mold – seen as black dots. If black dots form, it’s time to throw out!

Easy to Make Play Dough – Tips and Tricks!

Mix while hot, but use caution!

I wear gloves and mix the *very hot* play dough by hand to make sure that the dough is kneaded thoroughly, which spreads the heat, dissolving the granules to make a smooth texture. Don’t have your kiddos do this part!

Why is my batch too sticky?

Too much water was added! If too sticky add a little more flour.

Why is my batch too dry?

Not enough water was added! If too dry add a little more water.

Do I need to add oil?

The coconut oil gives the dough a super silky texture. You could also use glycerine. Alternatively, other vegetable oil will work too, but I’ve found that coconut oil makes it super silky!

What is cream of tartar, and do I need it?

The cream of tartar is a preservative and it makes the play dough have a longer shelf life. You can omit it, but the dough will not last as long!

How can I store and how long does it last?

Play dough can last up to 6 months if stored in a sealed container. We like using 4oz jars as pictured below. But with all things that kid’s touch, there is risk of germs entering once touched, so always be sure to look for mold – seen as black dots. If black dots form, it’s time to throw out!

Materials

1 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1/3 cup of fine salt
2 tablespoons of cream of tartar

1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
3/4 cup of boiling water
1 tablespoon Food coloring or Liquid Watercolor
Storage Jars (optional)

1 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1/3 cup of fine salt
2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
3/4 cup of boiling water
1 tablespoon Food coloring or Liquid Watercolor
Storage Jars (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Mix together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl.

Step 2

Add the coconut oil for a soft and silky texture. You can also use food-grade glycerine.

Step 3

Add food coloring into the 3/4 cup of water.

Step 4

Boil the water. (In my microwave, it takes about 2 minutes to reach best temperature.)

Step 5

Mix the water to the flour mixture, transferring to a flat surface to knead until smooth and not sticky. Don’t miss my note above about wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat!

Step 1

Mix together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl.

Step 2

Add the coconut oil for a soft and silky texture. You can also use food-grade glycerine.

Step 3

Add food coloring into the 3/4 cup of water.

Step 4

Boil the water. (In my microwave, it takes about 2 minutes to reach best temperature.)

Step 5

Mix the water to the flour mixture, transferring to a flat surface to knead until smooth and not sticky. Don’t miss my note above about wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat!

Perks of Playing with Play Dough

Play dough is the ultimate sensory play experience. There are a lot of sensory bases available to explore (more on that below), but play dough is such a classic! The kids can mold it, hold it, shape it, and use it to make letters and other fun designs as well. You can also explore color mixing with play dough!

It is also fantastic for strengthening fine motor skills. As they grip and mold, kid’s hands and fingers are getting a great work out! Just think about all the different movements the hands will make in just a short time of playing with play dough – roll, stretch, mold, pinch, push, to name a few!

They can also use it to work their creativity and imagination as well and build and create fun artwork and projects.

I also love to give play dough as gifts to toddlers and preschoolers, often in a themed-kit! For example, dinosaurs, unicorns, ocean, and super heroes are just some of the many themes I’ve put together! It’s such a nice way to give a gift with a personal, homemade touch!

Perks of Playing with Play Dough

Play dough is the ultimate sensory play experiece. There are a lot of sensory bases available to explore (more on that below), but play dough is such a classic! The kids can mold it, hold it, shape it, and use it to make letters and other fun designs as well. You can also explore color mixing with play dough!

It is also fantastic for strengthening fine motor skills. As they grip and mold, kid’s hands and fingers are getting a great work out! Just think about all the different movements the hands will make in just a short time of playing with play dough – roll, stretch, mold, pinch, push, to name a few!

They can also use it to work their creativity and imagination as well and build and create fun artwork and projects.

I also love to give play dough as gifts to toddlers and preschoolers, often in a themed-kit! For example, dinosaurs, unicorns, ocean, and super heroes are just some of the many themes I’ve put together! It is such a nice way to give a gift with a personal, homemade touch!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for sensory bases you can buy!

Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

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Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

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The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

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Number Recognition Game – Feed Cookie Monster

number recognition game with cookie monster

Make your own Feed the Cookie Monster game. It is super budget friendly and teaches number recognition while strengthening fine motor skills.

This simple activity can be customized to fit almost any child’s skill level. Even little toddlers that can’t yet count will enjoy feeding the cookie monster – which strengthens their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Keep reading and discover how easy it is to make your very own cookie monster activity out of some cardboard!

For more early math activities, don’t miss our comprehensive list of easy to set up, and budget-friendly ideas!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See How to Make this Number Recognition Activity!

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make this number recognition activity. Bonus points for also talking about the digestive system while playing this game as you see cookie monster eat the cookies and have them make their way into his tummy!

You don’t have to change the actual activity for toddlers or older children, just change how they interact with it.

Watch the Video to See How to Make this Number Recognition Activity!

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make this number recognition activity. Bonus points for also talking about the digestive system while playing this game as you see cookie monster eat the cookies and have them make their way into his tummy!

You don’t have to change the actual activity for toddlers or older children, just change how they interact with it.

Number Recognition With Cookies

This is an activity that grows with your kiddos! As they touch and explore the cookies (and count the chocolate chip dots) they are seeing numbers in real life.

You can see in the video above how the older child played the activity, finding the numbers and counting the chocolate chips whereas the toddler simply enjoyed feeding Cookie Monster!

There are so many other things you can do with this simple activity (simple addition and subtraction for those that are ready for it!).

Here’s how to make a DIY number recognition for your kiddos. This is a basic tutorial, please change things up and make it fit your child’s needs.

If your kiddo loves this, you have to try our free printable Pizza Counting Worksheets as well as the Ice Cream Scoop Counting Worksheets!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Draw Cookie Monster on top of an old box;

Step 2

Cut a slot within the mouth and a hole for the belly;

Step 3

On the inside of the box, place down the plastic bag (zipper side up), ensuring that it begins above the mouth, and can be visible within the belly.

Step 4

Line up the plastic bag where the slot is, and cut the plastic around the slot to provide an opening for the cookies to enter;

Step 5

Secure the plastic bag on each side with tape, and secure the plastic around the mouth with tape as well. This will allow the cookies to enter through the mouth, and fall into the bag for a fun transparent view as well as easy retrieval.

Step 6

Secure the cardboard box to the wall with painters tape!

Step 1

Draw Cookie Monster on top of an old box;

Step 2

Cut a slot within the mouth and a hole for the belly;

Step 3

On the inside of the box, place down the plastic bag (zipper side up), ensuring that it begins above the mouth, and can be visible within the belly.

Step 4

Line up the plastic bag where the slot is, and cut the plastic around the slot to provide an opening for the cookies to enter;

Step 5

Secure the plastic bag on each side with tape, and secure the plastic around the mouth with tape as well. This will allow the cookies to enter through the mouth, and fall into the bag for a fun transparent view as well as easy retrieval.

Step 6

Secure the cardboard box to the wall with painters tape!

Educational Benefits of This DIY Number Recognition Game

There are so many educational benefits of this simple activity. This is perfect for school readiness or to help your kiddos become more familiar with numbers. You can also adapt this activity as pictured!

Number Recognition: When you ask them to pick up the cookie with 6 chocolate chips, they have to match the amount of dots with the number. This one simple act exercises their number recognition. It also helps them see how much 1 chocolate chip is compared to 10 chips. This is the foundation of all math skills.

Early Math Skills: There are lots of early math skills that this one simple activity teaches. The first one is representation – making mathematics real by using pictures and objects (like chocolate chips). It also teaches patterns. As they grab the next number in line, they will discover that it has one more chocolate chip on the cookie.

If your child is ready for it, they can also practice and learn early addition and subtraction from it. Ask them, “Grab the cookie that is the answer to 3 chocolate chips plus 1 chocolate chip!”

And if you decide to make the Cookie Monster with the visible belly, this is a great opportunity to talk about the digestive system!

Educational Benefits of This DIY Number Recognition Game

There are so many educational benefits of this simple activity. This is perfect for school readiness or to help your kiddos become more familiar with numbers. You can also adapt this activity as pictured!

Number Recognition: When you ask them to pick up the cookie with 6 chocolate chips, they have to match the amount of dots with the number. This one simple act exercises their number recognition. It also helps them see how much 1 chocolate chip is compared to 10 chips. This is the foundation of all math skills.

Early Math Skills: There are lots of early math skills that this one simple activity teaches. The first one is representation – making mathematics real by using pictures and objects (like chocolate chips). It also teaches patterns. As they grab the next number in line, they will discover that it has one more chocolate chip on the cookie.

If your child is ready for it, they can also practice and learn early addition and subtraction from it. Ask them, “Grab the cookie that is the answer to 3 chocolate chips plus 1 chocolate chip!”

And if you decide to make the Cookie Monster with the visible belly, this is a great opportunity to talk about the digestive system!

Store-Bought Math Puzzles

Here are my top picks for the best math puzzles you can buy!

Pom Pom Counting Cupcakes

This Montessori activity uses soft pom poms and wooden cupcakes for early counting. It strengthens fine motor skills too.

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Wooden Number Puzzle

If you want something really simple, this is perfect! It’s a puzzle made of wooden numbers.

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Math Shapes Puzzle

This wooden puzzle lets your toddler match both the number with the correct amount of shapes.

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Colorful Dinosaur 3D Puzzle

Older kids will love putting together this 3D dinosaur puzzle. The numbers tell them in which order the pieces fit.

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Splatter Paint Art – Fun Painting Idea for Kids!

Splatter paint art is a fun way to express yourself artistically! Here are some tips on making the most of this messy yet awesome activity! The kids will be channeling their inner Jackson Pollock, and creating fantastic artwork in no time at all.

Paint Like Pollock with Splatter Painting Art

This messy, fun activity is a great way to introduce your kiddos to art history! Jackson Pollock was known as Jack the Dripper because of his method of dripping and splashing paint on canvas. This type of artistic style is often called action painting. Show your kiddos a picture of Jackson Pollock, and a sample of his artwork before going outside and making their own pieces! For more arts and crafts activities, visit our comprehensive list of ideas and activities!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Splatter Painting Art Activity in Action

This is what complete and utter freedom to paint looks like. At first my kiddos didn’t know what to do, but when I told them they could fling the paint across the yard for all I cared, they just went totally wild! Is this messy? Yes. Will the kids get paint on them from head to toe? Mine sure did! So is it worth the clean up? We sure think so! My kiddos had the absolute best time expressing themselves and experimenting with house paint moves (or flies). Plus, I dunked them in the pool afterwards and we were as good as new!

The Splatter Painting Art Activity in Action

This is what complete and utter freedom to paint looks like. At first my kiddos didn’t know what to do, but when I told them they could fling the paint across the yard for all I cared, they just went totally wild! Is this messy? Yes. Will the kids get paint on them from head to toe? Mine sure did! So is it worth the clean up? We sure think so! My kiddos had the absolute best time expressing themselves and experimenting with how paint moves (or flies). Plus, I dunked them in the pool afterwards and we were as good as new!

Tips on Setting Up This Splatter Painting Activity

Setting up splatter paint art is super adaptable! I like to provide a tray of paints, and a tray of paint tools (think industrial brushes and random household objects like a funnel, measuring cups, a spatula, and ladle). For a canvas, you can provide a big sheet of paper if you have it. I only had 12 x 12 squares on hand, so I laid those out next to each other to resemble a large canvas. You can also do this on a much smaller scale, if you prefer!

We used non toxic, washable kids paint. For my kiddos, they flung the paint high and wide landing not just on the paper but their hair and clothes! So washable was key! To make the most of your paint, you can add water to dilute it. You can create splatter painting with small amounts of paint, and can even use watercolors too. We kept things budget-friendly with paint from the dollar store.

Materials

A Collection of Paint Tools (industrial brushes and random household objects like a funnel, measuring cups, a spatula, and ladle)

Paper
Washable Tempera Paint or Watercolors
A Collection of Paint Tools (industrial brushes and random household objects like a funnel, measuring cups, a spatula, and ladle)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Talk to your kiddos about Jackson Pollock and what drip painting is! Show a picture of Pollock and his work if possible.

Step 2

Lay out your paper, ideally outside.

Step 3

Line up the paint and paint supplies for the kids.

Step 4

Have the kids start to create an outstanding work of art!

Step 1

Talk to your kiddos about Jackson Pollock and what drip painting is! Show a picture of Pollock and his work if possible.

Step 2

Lay out your paper, ideally outside.

Step 3

Line up the paint and paint supplies for the kids.

Step 4

Have the kids start to create an outstanding work of art!

The Educational Benefits of Splatter Painting

This activity is great for confidence and self expression. Giving the kids the freedom to use the paints and painting tools for whatever they think of is a great way to boost their artistic creativity.

They’ll also be using their fine motor skills to hold the painting tools and the paint, which is excellent for building the muscles in their fingers and hands. Introduce tools they may have not handled before, like a funnel or spatula!

I also love that this works on their sensory art skills and helps them see that they can create beautiful artwork using their minds, eyes, and even their ears when creating artwork based on noises or things that they’ve heard.

And as mentioned above, this is also a great opportunity to introduce art history and some facts about Jackson Pollock who is famous for drip and splatter painting!

The Educational Benefits of Splatter Painting

This activity is great for confidence and self expression. Giving the kids the freedom to use the paints and painting tools for whatever they think of is a great way to boost their artistic creativity.

They’ll also be using their fine motor skills to hold the painting tools and the paint, which is excellent for building the muscles in their fingers and hands. Introduce tools they may have not handled before, like a funnel or spatula!

I also love that this works on their sensory art skills and helps them see that they can create beautiful artwork using their minds, eyes, and even their ears when creating artwork based on noises or things that they’ve heard.

And as mentioned above, this is also a great opportunity to introduce art history and some facts about Jackson Pollock who is famous for drip and splatter painting!

More Ways to Explore Artistic Mediums

Here are my top picks for arts and crafts kits that encourage hands on creations!

Water Marbling Kit

Create beautiful marbled art with this easy to use kit. This is water based art and comes with all the tools needed to create 10 masterpieces!

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Spin and Spiral Art

This fun kit allows kiddos to explore both spin art and spiral art. The kit comes with 3 spiro gears, 6 markers, 3 ink bottles, 15 paper discs, and an art station base.

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Sand Art Kit

This sand art kit comes with 8 different colors of sand to create sand bottles and pendant bottles. A great way to discover art through a different medium!

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String Art Kit

This kit is a fun way for kids to create and display amazing shapes and designs artistically made with string. Use a pattern included in the kit or create your own!

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DIY Stress Toy – Super Fun Squishy Ball

Does your kiddo love squishy, stretchy, smooshy toys?! This DIY stress toy is super easy to make and is a budget-friendly way to get out that urge to squish!

DIY Stress Toy For Sensory Fun

I love this fun sensory toy because it helps kids work through big emotions and feelings. We all know that feeling, right? When we’re stressed and needing to unwind, being able to distract ourselves with this DIY stress toy is a great place to channel that energy! And since kids can quickly help make this fun sensory activity, it’s really a win-win for all.

One of the main supplies for creating this DIY stress toy is water beads. For more information about what water beads are and where to get them check out our post that explains Everything You Need to Know About Water Beads.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make a DIY Stress Toy

This DIY stress ball is so simple to make! Watch the video to see our hack to easily getting water beads inside balloons with no mess! And don’t forget to include the kids in the making of this toy – they will enjoy the process! They can easily hold the funnel and help build this squishy ball from start to finish. Just be there for grown up supervision and to assist if they need help tying the balloon.

How to Make a DIY Stress Toy

This DIY stress ball is so simple to make! Watch the video to see our hack to easily getting water beads inside balloons with no mess! And don’t forget to include the kids in the making of this toy – they will enjoy the process! They can easily hold the funnel and help build this squishy ball from start to finish. Just be there for grown up supervision and to assist if they need help tying the balloon.

Skip the Store and Make it Yourself!

Once you realize how simple it is to make your own stress ball at home, you’ll save some money and skip buying them at the store! The steps are clear and concise and are simple so that kids will be able to join in on the fun. When we can, we love making sensory bases ourselves like slime and dyed pasta!

We used clear balloons so that we could see the colorful water beads inside, but you can switch it up based on your color preferences!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Water Bottle
Funnel

Small Water Beads
Water
Balloon
Water Bottle
Funnel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Make water beads by adding them to water and waiting 24 hours for them to expand to full size.

Step 2

Use a funnel to add the water beads into a water bottle.

Step 3

Blow up a clear balloon and secure it to the lid of the bottle.

Step 4

Drop the water beads into the balloon.

Step 5

Let the air out of the balloon, making sure to prevent any water beads from spilling out.

Step 6

Tie the balloon shut.

Step 1

Make water beads by adding them to water and waiting 24 hours for them to expand to full size.

Step 2

Use a funnel to add the water beads into a water bottle.

Step 3

Blow up a clear balloon and secure it to the lid of the bottle.

Step 4

Drop the water beads into the balloon.

Step 5

Let the air out of the balloon, making sure to prevent any water beads from spilling out.

Step 6

Tie the balloon shut.

The Benefits of This DIY Stress Toy

This sensory activity is the perfect way to help kids learn how to feel items and process them. This activity also strengthens the muscles in their hands for stronger fine motor skills. You can also use this to identify colors based on the water beads that they see and work on spelling out those colors.

The squeezing of the sensory ball is excellent for helping with anxiety and emotions as well. This is a great way to help them learn how to calm themselves while keeping their hands and mind busy at the same time.

The Benefits of This DIY Stress Toy

This sensory activity is the perfect way to help kids learn how to feel items and process them. This activity also strengthens the muscles in their hands for stronger fine motor skills. You can also use this to identify colors based on the water beads that they see and work on spelling out those colors.

The squeezing of the sensory ball is excellent for helping with anxiety and emotions as well. This is a great way to help them learn how to calm themselves while keeping their hands and mind busy at the same time.

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for sensory bases you can buy – great for sensory bins!

Sensory Sand

This sensory sand is similar to the texture of Kinetic Sand, but it comes in a bulk pack of 11 pounds to fill up a sensory bin nicely! It is eco friendly and non-toxic.

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Multi Size Water Beads

This set of water beads comes in two sizes, including the jumbo size! Water beads are a wonderful sensory experience, and non-toxic. Needs supervision!

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Sensory Modeling Dough

This sensory material is a super-soft moldable, stretchable dough that never dries out! A sensory sand and play dough had a baby, this would be it!

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Pluffle

This sensory base is super weird, but awesome! It literally comes to life before your eyes – super mesmerizing! It sticks together, but doesn’t stick to your hands!

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Alphabet Learning – DIY Matching Game with Coins

Alphabet Learning – DIY Game with Coins!

Make alphabet learning fun with this Alphabet Coin game! It’s the perfect way to combine ABC learning with fine motor skills, too! Perfect for early learners or a quick review for older kids familiar with alphabet letter matching.

Alphabet Learning with Fine Motor Strengthening

There are so many fun aspects of this alphabet learning activity. Not only are you able to use materials that you more than likely have around the house, but you can then create an entertaining interactive learning toy that you can use time and time again. Plus, did you know that pushing coins through slots is an excellent fine motor skills activity?!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How To Make and Play With This Alphabet Coin Game

It’s so easy to do! Just grab an old box and let the learning fun start! Using coins is a great sensory experience with an added fine motor activity where kids will be able to pick them up and find the matching letter like a puzzle. The sound of the coin clinging as it fell through the slots and onto our kitchen table was one of my kid’s favorite parts of this game! The simple step by step instructions on how to set up this activity are below!

How To Make and Play With This Alphabet Learning Game

It’s so easy to do! Just grab an old box and let the learning fun start! Using coins is a great sensory experience with an added fine motor activity where kids will be able to pick them up and find the matching letter like a puzzle. The sound of the coin clinging as it fell through the slots and onto our kitchen table was one of my kid’s favorite parts of this game! The simple step by step instructions on how to set up this activity are below!

Alphabet Learning Made Fun!

The great part about this alphabet learning activity is that it really does a perfect job of helping your child identify all the alphabet letters. With so many choices, this activity will help them identify and thoroughly learn all the letters of the alphabet. The game pictured includes matching uppercase to uppercase, however, this can be easily adapted if your kiddo is matching uppercase with lowercase. Plus, younger kids who aren’t learning the alphabet yet could use this set up for color matching!

Speaking of alphabet learning, be sure to check out our Alphabet Tracing Cards, Alphabet Flash Cards, and our Alphabet Matching Puzzle as well. And don’t miss our full list of alphabet learning activities.

Materials

Craft Knife
Coins

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Grab an old box and place down dot stickers for each letter in the alphabet.

Step 2

Write the letters on each dot sticker.

Step 3

Use a sharp knife to cut out slots above each letter.

Step 4

Place dot stickers on top of coin, one for each letter of the alphabet.

Step 5

To play the game, match the coins letters to the letters on the box!

Step 1

Grab an old box and place down dot stickers for each letter in the alphabet.

Step 2

Write the letters on each dot sticker.

Step 3

Use a sharp knife to cut out slots above each letter.

Step 4

Place dot stickers on top of coin, one for each letter of the alphabet.

Step 5

To play the game, match the coins letters to the letters on the box!

The Educational Benefits of this Alphabet Coin Game

First and foremost, this activity is a great way to pratice alphabet recognition! Being able to manipulate the letters in the form of coins is a great tactile experience that will help an abstract understanding of the alphabet become more concrete.

This activity is also so great for strengthening fingers and hand muscles. Pushing the small coins into slots is fantastic for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Fine motor skill development is critical at a young age so we constantly find ways to incorporate it within our playful learning activities!

If your kiddo loves coins and is interested in learning which coins are which don’t miss our Coin Recognition Game.

The Educational Benefits of this Alphabet Coin Game

First and foremost, this activity is a great way to pratice alphabet recognition! Being able to manipulate the letters in the form of coins is a great tactile experience that will help an abstract understanding of the alphabet become more concrete.

This activity is also so great for strengthening fingers and hand muscles. Pushing the small coins into slots is fantastic for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Fine motor skill development is critical at a young age so we constantly find ways to incorporate it within our playful learning activities!

If your kiddo loves coins and is interested in learning which coins are which don’t miss our Coin Recognition Game.

More Ways to Encourage Alphabet Learning

Here are my top picks for alphabet puzzles that teach both uppercase and lowercase letters!

Wooden Uppercase and Lowercase Matching Puzzle

This beautifully crafted interlocking wooden puzzle is a great way to explore uppercase and lowercase letters.

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ABC Picture Puzzles

This picture puzzle not only encourages letter recognition, but can be used for word creation, color recognition, memory, and fine motor skills!

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alphabet matching game puzzlealphabet matching game puzzle popsicle

Alphabet Popsicle Match

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Alphabet Worm Puzzle

This fun puzzle is shaped like a worm. By including both lowercase and uppercase letters, this is a fun way for kids to be able to match the alphabet!

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Easy Activity for Toddlers – Paper Tube Pom Pom Run

Easy Activity for Toddlers – Paper Tube Pom Pom Drop

easy-activity-for-toddlers-pom-pom-paper-tube

Are you on the hunt for an easy activity for toddlers? This Paper Tube Pom Pom Drop is one of my favorites! All you will need is just a few simple supplies, and yet there is so much to learn and engage with!

From Color Recognition to Fine Motor Skills and Beyond

There are so many reasons that I love this simple activity for toddlers. While this color sorting activity’s main focus is all about putting the colors where they belong, there is a tremendous amount of fine motor skill strengthening happening here! Plus, older kids can enjoy moving and positioning the paper tubes, a great introduction to physics and engineering!

If you are looking for more ways to combine color recognition and fine motor skills for toddlers, don’t miss our Color Sorting Paper Clip Sticky Wall and Push and Twist the Rainbow Bottle Cap activities!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See This Easy Activity for Toddlers in Action!

In this video, you’ll see that there are many ways to create this fun and easy toddler activity. Young kids can enjoy watching the cause and effect of dropping the pom poms into the paper tubes and seeing them fall out the other end. As your child picks up a color, say it out loud to reinforce vocabulary and language development.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch the Video to See This Easy Activity for Toddlers in Action!

In this video, you’ll see that there are many ways to create this fun and easy toddler activity. Young kids can enjoy watching the cause and effect of dropping the pom poms into the paper tubes and seeing them fall out the other end. As your child picks up a color, say it out loud to reinforce vocabulary and language development.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How To Make This Easy Activity for Toddlers

The key to making this a color recognition activity, is to make your paper tubes colorful! You can use regular paint or spray paint, which will give you the fastest drying results. Alternatively, you can use colorful tape around a portion of the paper tube to designate it a particular color.

The other important tip in creating this set up is using a strong double sided tape or painters tape to secure the paper tubes to the wall!

With respect to toddlers using pom poms, it is important to keep in mind that objects like pom poms and marbles are small parts and are a choking hazard. Adult supervision is required! Pom poms can be sold in an extra large size which may be preferred for children who are very young and tempted to put them in their mouths.

Materials

Paper Tubes
Non Toxic Spray Paint

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Spray paint (or paint) the empty paper tubes.

Step 2

Once the tubes are dry, take them and add tape to the back and stick them on the wall.

Step 3

Let your little one have fun matching up the pom poms and dropping them in the right color-coded tube. Older kids can enjoy positioning them and exploring angles, gravity, and other early physics concepts!

Step 1

Spray paint (or paint) the empty paper tubes.

Step 2

Once the tubes are dry, take them and add tape to the back and stick them on the wall.

Step 3

Let your little one have fun matching up the pom poms and dropping them in the right color-coded tube. Older kids can enjoy positioning them and exploring angles, gravity, and other early physics concepts!

Educational Benefits of This Easy Activity for Toddlers, and Beyond

There is so much to learn from this easy activity for toddlers and beyond. I want to reiterate beyond, because even older kids can enjoy using simple materials like these paper tubes and pom poms in a meaningful way!

Color recognition. As mentioned above, this activity is first and foremost a crash course in color recognition! Making the paper tubes colorful allows a child to match the pom poms and drop them through.

Fine Motor Skills. Picking up small objects like pom poms strengthens pincer grasp, an important fine motor skill! Plus, pushing those pom poms through the small hole into the paper tubes works more of those small muscles in the fingers and hands. Strengthening fine motor skills is critical at this young age! Placing the pom poms inside the paper tubes over and over again is also great hand-eye coordination practice!

easy-activity-for-toddlers-pom-pom-paper-tube-engineering-physics

Physics. This simple activity for toddlers can also be lots of fun for older kids! By using double sided tape, you can make the pom poms moveable so kids can experiment with angles, speed, velocity, and more! It is a great way to introduce physics, engineering, and problem solving at an early age!

Educational Benefits of This Easy Activity for Toddlers, and Beyond

There is so much to learn from this easy activity for toddlers and beyond. I want to reiterate beyond, because even older kids can enjoy using simple materials like these paper tubes and pom poms in a meaningful way!

Color recognition. As mentioned above, this activity is first and foremost a crash course in color recognition! Making the paper tubes colorful allows a child to match the pom poms and drop them through.

Fine Motor Skills. Picking up small objects like pom poms strengthens pincer grasp, an important fine motor skill! Plus, pushing those pom poms through the small hole into the paper tubes works more of those small muscles in the fingers and hands. Strengthening fine motor skills is critical at this young age! Placing the pom poms inside the paper tubes over and over again is also great hand-eye coordination practice!

Physics. This simple activity for toddlers can also be lots of fun for older kids! By using double sided tape, you can make the pom poms moveable so kids can experiment with angles, speed, velocity, and more! It is a great way to introduce physics, engineering, and problem solving at an early age!

More Ways to Strengthen Color Recognition Skills

Here are my top picks for toys you can buy that are all about recognizing colors!

Wooden Rainbow Stacker

This wooden rainbow stacker is not only great for color sorting, it is also a fantastic open-ended play toy!

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Color Sorting Rainbow

Strengthen fine motor skills while using tongs to color sort this beautifully crafted rainbow! Caution: small parts!

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Color Sorting Maze

This wooden board has a magnetic wand and beads that can be sorted based on color! Great for fine motor skills too!

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Color Sort the Objects

This game is a great way to learn color recognition while strengthening language development.

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More Crafts and Activities Using Paper Tubes!

Explore a world of creativity with these additional crafts and activities that turn simple paper tubes into fun crafts for kids!

DIY Race Track

toddler fun activity paper tube recycled hand eye coordination stacker

Paper Tube Stacker Toy

Match the Animals

DOWNLOAD HERE

teach addition diy math addition games for preschoolers

Learn Addition with this DIY Game!

Paper Tube Car Garage

Paper Tube Bee Craft

Xylophone Craft

color matching activity with paper tubes and pom poms great for fine motor skills

Paper Tube Color Match

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Rainbow Science Experiment – Fizzy Frozen Cubes

Rainbow Science Experiment – Frozen Fizzy Cubes

rainbow-science-experiment-frozen-baking-soda-vinegar-science-kids-toddlers

This rainbow science experiment is a colorful explosion of kitchen science at it’s best! All you need are some household items for your kiddo to explore the thrill of chemical reactions. It is so much fun to release white vinegar onto frozen baking soda cubes to discover the fizzy reaction over and over again!

Rainbow Science Experiment for Kids

This rainbow science activity is safe for toddlers, preschoolers, and beyond! It is not only an awesome hands on way to demonstrate what a chemical reactions is, but also a great opportunity to talk about freezing an object and reaching it’s melting point!

Short on time and won’t be able to freeze the mixture? Don’t worry! Try our super simple Easy Experiment to Do at Home – Fizzy Science project that can be set up in minutes!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Create Frozen Cubes That Fizz

Here’s how you can make and play with this simple fizzy rainbow science experiment.

In this video, you’ll find that it’s a simple process that results in a ton of hands on discovery and curiosity. Once the cubes are entirely melted, exploring the colorful tray of leftovers is a great sensory experience!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Create Frozen Cubes That Fizz

Here’s how you can make and play with this simple fizzy rainbow science experiment.

In this video, you’ll find that it’s a simple process that results in a ton of hands on discovery and curiosity. Once the cubes are entirely melted, exploring the colorful tray of leftovers is a great sensory experience!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How To Set Up This Rainbow Science Experiment

Kitchen science experiments are the best because it usually means you have most if not all the supplies in your pantry! For this experiment, there is definitely no special science supplies required!

The one thing your little one will need for setting up this experiment though is patience! Creating the mixture itself is super simple, but you have to wait several hours for it to freeze into cubes!

I definitely recommend using a tray or deep dish to contain all of the baking soda and vinegar. Once everything has melted your kiddos will likely want to dig their hands in, so this will contain the mess!

Have a toddler? They can enjoy this experiment too! Conducting it in their high chairs is a great way to keep their eyes level. Plus, using the dropper is an added fine motor skills strengthening activity for them too!

Materials

Tray
Baking Soda
Water
Liquid Watercolor or Food Coloring

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

To make all 6 colors, use 6 separate bowls and in each mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup water and enough liquid watercolor for the desired vibrancy. You could also use food coloring, but I prefer liquid watercolor because it is washable.

Step 2

Add the baking soda mixtures to an ice cube tray;

Step 3

Freeze for several hours;

Step 4

Once frozen, lay out your ice cubes on a tray, and provide a cup of white vinegar with a dropper;

Step 5

To conduct the experiment, have your kiddo drop vinegar onto the baking soda cubes for a fizzy reaction and brilliant display of colors!

Step 1

To make all 6 colors, use 6 separate bowls and in each mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup water and enough liquid watercolor for the desired vibrancy. You could also use food coloring, but I prefer liquid watercolor because it is washable.

Step 2

Add the baking soda mixtures to an ice cube tray;

Step 3

Freeze for several hours;

Step 4

Once frozen, lay out your ice cubes on a tray, and provide a cup of white vinegar with a dropper;

Step 5

To conduct the experiment, have your kiddo drop vinegar onto the baking soda cubes for a fizzy reaction and brilliant display of colors!

Educational Benefits of This Rainbow Science Experiment

There is a tremendous amount of learning and skills being strengthened from this hands on rainbow science experiment!

First off, this is a great intro to chemistry science experiments! It is the perfect time to discuss what a chemical reaction is. Well, you may be thinking, what is the chemical reaction in this experiment? In short, when the vinegar (an acid) comes into contact with the baking soda (a base), a reaction occurs and gas is released (carbon dioxide) causing the fun fizz. The fact that the cubes are frozen, is another great science observation about freezing temperatures and melting points!

Color recognition is a great skill to strengthen during this rainbow science experiment. This is especially good for toddlers who are learning color vocabulary. Older kids can enjoy exploring color mixing and discusing what primary and secondary colors are.

Fine motor skills are also being strengthened during this activity. Using droppers is one of those common household tools that are great for strengthening fine motor skills. If you are unfamiliar with what fine motor skills are and why the are important, be sure to read more about it!

Educational Benefits of This Rainbow Science Experiment

There is a tremendous amount of learning and skills being strengthened from this hands on rainbow science experiment!

First off, this is a great intro to chemistry science experiments! It is the perfect time to discuss what a chemical reaction is. Well, you may be thinking, what is the chemical reaction in this experiment? In short, when the vinegar (an acid) comes into contact with the baking soda (a base), a reaction occurs and gas is released (carbon dioxide) causing the fun fizz. The fact that the cubes are frozen, is another great science observation about freezing temperatures and melting points!

Color recognition is a great skill to strengthen during this rainbow science experiment. This is especially good for toddlers who are learning color vocabulary. Older kids can enjoy exploring color mixing and discusing what primary and secondary colors are.

Fine motor skills are also being strengthened during this activity. Using droppers is one of those common household tools that are great for strengthening fine motor skills. If you are unfamiliar with what fine motor skills are and why the are important, be sure to read more about it!

More Ways to Explore Chemical Reactions

Here are my top picks for science experiment kits!

science experiment chemical reactions for kids

Science Kit for Kids

This science kit for kids includes 30 scientific experiments plus fun gear like a lab coat, goggles, and other scientific equipment!

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rainbow science experiment chemical reactions for kids

Rainbow Science Kit

This kit is specifically about exploring color-related science experiments! It includes 12 fun experiments and a lab book!

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chemistry set for kids chemical reactions

Chemistry Kits

This 3-Pack Chemistry Kits will ignite a passion for science. Including an electrochemistry lab, fire lab, and vortex lab.

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Earth Science Kit

This kit lets your children learn hands-on about geology and chemical reactions in volcanoes.

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Bubble Slime – How to Make Slime That Pops!

rainbow pasta being played with in sensory play and for fine motor skills development

Welcome to the world of slime popping fun! This simple sensory activity is great for developing oral motors skill too! The kids will love this homemade bubble slime activity because it’s fast, simple, and entertaining to interact with!

Bubble Slime Aids in Oral Motor Skills Development

You can make these easy peasy slime bubbles with little effort at all. Not only is making slime the coolest thing ever for kids, but little do they know, they are also getting to work on their oral motor development with this activity too. This is great for helping with speech issues or speech delays – more on this below!

If you’re looking for a fun STEM learning activity for kids, this DIY bubble slime recipe is a must try!

Slime is not recommeded for children under 3 years old. For a taste-safe sensory play activity for toddlers and babies, don’t miss our Taste Safe Foam Recipe!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make Bubble Slime!

In this video, you’ll see how simple it is to make and play with bubble slime! Such a quick-to-make and easy activity that will have the kids coming back over and over again! Just be prepared for a lot of giggles and “woahs!”. Below you’ll find the simple steps and materials used to make this fun recipe!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make Bubble Slime!

In this video, you’ll see how simple it is to make and play with bubble slime! Such a quick-to-make and easy activity that will have the kids coming back over and over again! Just be prepared for a lot of giggles and “woahs!”. Below you’ll find the simple steps and materials used to make this fun recipe!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Slime Bubble Tips

Making slime bubbles is super easy and fast, but there are definitely a few important tips to help make the perfect slime experience! Steby step instructions are below along with links to materials used!

How to make slime less sticky?

What might appear a bit sticky and messy at first won’t be for very long! The more you knead, the less tacky it’s going to be! Just be sure to pay close attention to the measurements. If you notice that it’s still a bit tacky after kneading it for some time, add a little bit more liquid starch.

How do I get slime out clothes?

The earlier you get to the slime, the better! If you catch it early slime is so simple to remove from clothes, hair, the carpet, and lots of other places it shouldn’t be! The secret solution: white vinegar! That’s right, it’s that simple! For clothes, I’ll soak them in warm water with a splash of vinegar on top of the affected area. In just a few seconds, you’ll begin to be able to rub it clean. Easy peasy!

Materials

Water
Paper Straws

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Mix 1 cup white glue with 1/2 cup water;

Step 2

Add food coloring. We used a pink color so it looked like bubble gum bubbles!

Step 3

Add 1 cup liquid starch; and

Step 4

Knead until firm and not watery or too sticky.

Step 5

Provide a paper straw and blow some bubbles!

Step 1

Mix 1 cup white glue with 1/2 cup water;

Step 2

Add food coloring. We used a pink color so it looked like bubble gum bubbles!

Step 3

Add 1 cup liquid starch; and

Step 4

Knead until firm and not watery or too sticky.

Step 5

Provide a paper straw and blow some bubbles!

Educational Benefits for this Slime Bubble Activity!

Did you know that oral motor skills are important for so many practical life skills including speaking, facial expression, feeding, and drinking? Oral motor skills include the movement, and coordination of the mouth, jaw, tongue, cheeks and lips and begin to develop in the womb. Oral motor delays can happen, and one technique to strengthen that skill is with straws! Sucking, and in this case, blowing into a straw is a fun way to exercise those important oral muscles!

Additionally, the science of creating slime is the coolest! Talk about the reaction that forms with the combination of the slime ingredients. Use this as a great learning lesson on how reactions occur and different ways that they can be changed to produce different results.

boy holding up rainbow sensory bottle with pasta

If you add too much liquid starch, the slime will become rubbery. If you add too little liquid starch, the slime will be too sticky.

Plus, it is a fun opportunity to talk about the anatomy of breathing. Take a deep breath of oxygen in, and as your kiddo exhales, watch as the bubble captures the carbon dioxide!

slime-bubbles-recipe-oral-motor-development

Educational Benefits for this Slime Bubble Activity!

Did you know that oral motor skills are important for so many practical life skills including speaking, facial expression, feeding, and drinking? Oral motor skills include the movement, and coordination of the mouth, jaw, tongue, cheeks and lips and begin to develop in the womb. Oral motor delays can happen, and one technique to strengthen that skill is with straws! Sucking, and in this case, blowing into a straw is a fun way to exercise those important oral muscles!

Additionally, the science of creating slime is the coolest! Talk about the reaction that forms with the combination of the slime ingredients. Use this as a great learning lesson on how reactions occur and different ways that they can be changed to produce different results.

If you add too much liquid starch, the slime will become rubbery. If you add too little liquid starch, the slime will be too sticky.

Plus, it is a fun opportunity to talk about the anatomy of breathing. Take a deep breath of oxygen in, and as your kiddo exhales, watch as the bubble captures the carbon dioxide!

Other Sensory Bases to Explore!

There are so many sensory bases worth exploring. Here are just a few of our favorites!

The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

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Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

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Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

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Water Beads

This set comes in 3 different sizes – small, medium, and large. Water beads are non toxic and reusable, and recommended for children 3 and up.

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Earth Day Craft for Kids – Earth Collage

dinosaur activity with clothespins pegs for fine motor skills color matching and number learning

This Earth Day craft for kids is a super fun way to celebrate our planet! Even the youngest of kids can enjoy using simple resources at home to create one giant beautiful Earth! Even better, use recycled paper! This Earth Day craft is a great opportunity to talk about the main colors of planet earth – blue and green – and what they are – the land and sea! This talking point makes a great segue on how human beings can work together to keep our land and sea clean and healthy!

Ripping Up Paper is a Great Fine Motor Exercise!

This activity not only sparks important environmental conversations, but the act of ripping up the blue and green paper is awesome for fine motor skill strengthening and hand-eye coordination! Fine motor skills are incredibly important and ripping paper is a fun way to strengthen those small muscles!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Set Up This Earth Day Craft for Kids

Here’s how you can make and create this fun Earth Day Craft for Kids. In this video, you’ll see how easy it can be to show the kids what the Earth looks like with just a few simple supplies that you likely already have at home.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Set Up This Earth Day Craft for Kids

Here’s how you can make and create this fun Earth Day Craft for Kids. In this video, you’ll see how easy it can be to show the kids what the Earth looks like with just a few simple supplies that you likely already have at home.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

2 Pieces of Cardboard (identical sizes)
Green/Blue Paper
Round Bowl and Pencil (for tracing)
Tape

2 Pieces of Cardboard (identical sizes)
Green/Blue Paper
Round Bowl and Pencil (for tracing)
Tape
Adhesive Paper
Permanent Markers
Craft Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Trace a circle using the bowl and pencil.

Step 2

Use the knife to cut the circle out. (you’ll want to do this part so it’s safe!)

Step 3

Put a piece of the adhesive paper and stick it onto the round part, sticky side up.

Step 4

Place the other piece of cardboard underneath and tape them together.

Step 5

Outline the land and the sea in marker.

Step 6

Tear up the blue and green paper and mix them up in a bowl.

Step 7

Have the kids sort and stick the pieces.

Step 1

Trace a circle using the bowl and pencil.

Step 2

Use the knife to cut the circle out. (you’ll want to do this part so it’s safe!)

Step 3

Put a piece of the sticky paper and stick it onto the round part, sticky side up.

Step 4

Place the other piece of cardboard underneath and tape them together.

Step 5

Outline the land and the sea in marker.

Step 6

Tear up the blue and green paper and mix them up in a bowl.

Step 7

Have the kids sort and stick the pieces.

earth-day-free-printable-for-kids-worksheet-sorting-trash

More Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Looking for another way to celebrate Earth Day? You have to try this fun and free waste sorting activity! It is a great way to talk about what items are recyclable and which are not. Best part? It is a wonderful conversation starter on things we can do in our life to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Just print and cut out the trucks. Tape the trucks to an old box or old metal can making sure their is an opening for the truck’s mouths! Then cut out the trash and recyclables and “feed” them to the correct truck!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

Educational Benefits for this fun Earth Day Craft for Kids

There is so much to love about this Earth Day craft for kids. From fine motor skills, to color sorting, and simply visualizing this big beautiful planet we call home!

Fine Motor Skills. As mentioned above, ripping paper is fantastic for muscle strength in hands and supporting fine motor skills.

Color Sorting. With the outline of Earth in view, children can learn how to color sort blue and green to make the land and sea! This will help them learn how much water is on the surface as well as how much land.

Geography. Even the youngest of kids, can begin to understand the basics of geography through this activity. Discuss continents, countries, bodies of water. Pointing to where you live on this planet is a great way to spark the converastion!

Solar System. You can take this conversation a step further and talk about Earth and where it is located within our solar system. It is the third planet from the sun, the fifth largest within the solar system, and it is the only planet to have liquid water on its surface.

Educational Benefits for this fun Earth Day Craft for Kids

There is so much to love about this Earth Day craft for kids. From fine motor skills, to color sorting, and simply visualizing this big beautiful planet we call home!

Fine Motor Skills. As mentioned above, ripping paper is fantastic for muscle strength in hands and supporting fine motor skills.

Color Sorting. With the outline of Earth in view, children can learn how to color sort blue and green to make the land and sea! This will help them learn how much water is on the surface as well as how much land.

Geography. Even the youngest of kids, can begin to understand the basics of geography through this activity. Discuss continents, countries, bodies of water. Pointing to where you live on this planet is a great way to spark the converastion!

Solar System. You can take this conversation a step further and talk about Earth and where it is located within our solar system. It is the third planet from the sun, the fifth largest within the solar system, and it is the only planet to have liquid water on its surface.

More Ways to Enjoy Learning About the Earth and Outerspace

Here are my top picks for educational toys and games that can be explored not only on Earth Day but truly any day!

Earth Puzzle

This beautifully crafted puzzle teaches the layers of planet Earth from crust to inner core. A fun way to visualize the inside of Planet Earth!

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Astronaut Kit

Build and launch a pair of model orbiter spaceships using the power of pumps. Paint a set of model planets, then construct a miniature solar system that really spins.

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science-experiment-food-earth-day-activity

Plant Growth Kit

This kit provides the perfect view of the plant life cycle. It comes with this self-standing planter that can be placed on a tabletop or window sill.

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Globe Puzzle

This 3D globe puzzle is a great way to learn about Earth and each continent! It comes with 6 removable pieces and labels for each continent.

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Tracing Activity – Printable Pre-Writing Cards

pre-writing-tracing-activity-cards-lines-curves-preschool-toddlers

If you’re looking for a tracing activity for preschoolers and toddlers, don’t miss out on these fun printable line, curve, and pattern cards! They are easy to print and a great way to prepare young kids for writing!

What I love most about this tracing activity is that the cards are erasable so children can do them over and over again. Once you dive into this simple tracing activity, kids will be on a great path to writing letters and numbers!

Preparing Kids for Writing

Before kids can start writing letters and numbers, mastering the process of writing lines and curves is key. Tracing activities are fantastic for strengthening fine motor skills, improving pencil grip, and practicing hand-eye coordination. This pre writing activity comes with 30 trace-able cards from simple lines to complex real-life patterns.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Set Up This Tracing Activity

Here’s how you can make and play with this fun and simple pre writing activity. In this video, you’ll see that you’re just a few steps away from having so many tracing cards for your little one to use! It’s a fast and easy way to give them the confidence they need to start writing!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Set Up This Tracing Activity

Here’s how you can make and play with this fun and simple pre writing activity. In this video, you’ll see that you’re just a few steps away from having so many tracing cards for your little one to use! It’s a fast and easy way to give them the confidence they need to start writing!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

A Tracing Activity You Can Print!

This pre writing activity couldn’t be more simple to set up! First and foremost, go grab our printable tracing cards! This tracing activity set comes with 30 cards from simple lines to detailed patterns on real life objects.

Writing lines and curves can be tricky for young kids, so making the cards erasable and reusable is important! If a kiddo makes a mistake, they can easily erase and try again without getting discouraged. To make the cards erasable be sure to use a laminator and dry-erase markers.

Has your kiddo mastered the art of writing lines and curves? Don’t miss our printable books for uppercase and lowercase letter writing – it’s all about learning letter formation, tracing, and then writing letters independently. Plus, we also have traceable cards for letters and numbers too!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Laminate the tracing cards.

Step 2

Cut out the cards.

Step 3

Use dry erase markers to trace over and over again.

Step 1

Laminate the tracing cards.

Step 2

Cut out the cards.

Step 3

Use dry erase markers to trace over and over again.

Educational Benefits for this Tracing Activity

Tracing activities have so many benefits for young kids! It is a pre writing activity that strengthens many skills, setting the foundation for writing letters and numbers. Here are just a few benefits from doing this activity:

(1) Fine Motor Skills: Before a child can write, fine motor skills must be strengthened. Fine motor skills are the small muscles in the hands and fingers that are critical for writing. Read more about what are fine motor skills and why they are important? Tracing activities like this allow the fingers and hand muscles to get stronger and movements more smooth.

(2) Pencil Grip: This pre writing activity improves pencil grip through practice. Correct pencil grip involves the pencil being positioned between the thumb, index and middle fingers while the ring and pinky is bent into and resting, and the pencil rests on the hand between the thumb and the index finger. Correct grip is critical for transitioning to writing letters and numbers as an incorrect grip can make writing more difficult and cause young kids to get tired and discouraged.

pre-writing-tracing-cards-lines-curves-preschool-toddlers

(3) Hand Eye Coordination. Tracing activities help young kids in coordinating their hand motions to what the eyes see.

(4) Crossing the Midline. What is crossing the midline? For writing, it is the act of moving your hand/arm across the middle of your body to work on the opposite side of your body. This is a skill we are not born with and develops in the early years. It also occurs, for example when one side of your body crossing to the other side of your body to tie a shoe.

Educational Benefits for this Tracing Activity

Tracing activities have so many benefits for young kids! It is a pre writing activity that strengthens many skills, setting the foundation for writing letters and numbers. Here are just a few benefits from doing this activity:

(1) Fine Motor Skills: Before a child can write, fine motor skills must be strengthened. Fine motor skills are the small muscles in the hands and fingers that are critical for writing. Read more about what are fine motor skills and why they are important? Tracing activities like this allow the fingers and hand muscles to get stronger and movements more smooth.

(2) Pencil Grip: This pre writing activity improves pencil grip through practice. Correct pencil grip involves the pencil being positioned between the thumb, index and middle fingers while the ring and pinky is bent into and resting, and the pencil rests on the hand between the thumb and the index finger. Correct grip is critical for transitioning to writing letters and numbers as an incorrect grip can make writing more difficult and cause young kids to get tired and discouraged.

(3) Hand Eye Coordination. Tracing activities help young kids in coordinating their hand motions to what the eyes see.

(4) Crossing the Midline. What is crossing the midline? For writing, it is the act of moving your hand/arm across the middle of your body to work on the opposite side of your body. This is a skill we are not born with and develops in the early years. It also occurs, for example when one side of your body crossing to the other side of your body to tie a shoe.

More Pre Writing Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Here are my top picks for toys and resources you can buy that prepare your kiddo for writing!

Magnetic Alphabet Game

This magnetic alphabet game is not only a great way to reinforce letter recognition, but it is so great for strengtheing pencil grip!

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tracing activity wooden writing board alphabet reversible

Wooden Alphabet Board

This beautifully crafted wooden board is all about tracing the alphabet. Plus, it is reversible featuring both uppercase and lowercase letters!

SHOP NOW

wooden writing board alphabet reversible tracing activity

Magnetic Letter Writing

This 2 sided board is a great tool for teaching writing. Children use the stylus pen to help them stay on the stroke.

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wooden stencil writing set lines tracing activity

Wooden Stencil Pattern Set

This wooden resource for pre-writing is a great stencil tracing set. It is a simulator for writing.

SHOP NOW

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Fine Motor Skills – Why Are They Important?

Fine Motors Skills – Why Are They Important?

why are fine motor skills important, kids practice fine motor skills

Early childhood is full of learning through daily interactions and play – strengthening fine motor skills is an essential part of early childhood development. But what are fine motor skills and why are they so important?

What Are Fine Motor Skills and Why are They Important?

Fine motor skills are essential to our daily living, from stacking to painting and even cutting with scissors. We usually don’t think about the impact cutting lines on paper or picking up cereal will have on our children’s future, but wow oh wow, the muscles required for these actions are oh so important!

Fine motor skills may be the most valuable skill your children can ever learn, as they truly intersect with so many aspects of our daily life skills.

So, What Are Fine Motor Skills?

They are a skill set that involves small muscles in your hands, arms, and even eyes that manipulate objects. These skills are essential to children’s development but are often taken for granted, being deemed something one will just pick up naturally.

Motor skills help your child grasp small objects, follow you with their eyes across the room, write with a pencil and button-up cloths. While we build on these skills as we grow and learn through everyday tasks, to sharpen them, having our kids do activities that require them to use these particular muscles is imperative.

In this video, you will see a collection of fine motor activities for toddlers, plus don’t miss this spaghetti pull activity that strengthens pincer grasp, a feed the bunny activity that involves posting, and a fishing game that encourages hand-eye coordination (to name a few!).

So, What Are Fine Motor Skills?

They are a skill set that involves small muscles in your hands, arms, and even eyes that manipulate objects. These skills are essential to children’s development but are often taken for granted, being deemed something one will just pick up naturally.

Motor skills help your child grasp small objects, follow you with their eyes across the room, write with a pencil and button-up cloths. While we build on these skills as we grow and learn through everyday tasks, to sharpen them, having our kids do activities that require them to use these particular muscles is imperative.

In this video, you will see a collection of fine motor activities for toddlers, plus don’t miss this spaghetti pull activity that strengthens pincer grasp, a feed the bunny activity that involves posting, and a fishing game that encourages hand-eye coordination (to name a few!).

Why Are Fine Motor Skills Important?

Motor skills are intertwined in almost every aspect of our lives. Their importance is unquestionable when you think about all the things you would not be able to do without them. With undeveloped motor skills, a child can suffer in feeding themselves, playing games alone and with friends, and taking care of their daily hygiene.

Motor skills catapult children into becoming self-sufficient and are connected to children’s confidence building, peer to peer play, and academics.

In this video, I share a compilation of activities preschoolers can do to help develop their fine motor skills. Plus, don’t miss our vertical scissor skills activity, DIY scooper tong which makes a great fine motor skills tool, and pre-writing activity board (to name a few!).

These activities will strengthen motor skills such as isolating the index finger from all other fingers, separating colors, properly holding both objects and tools all through sensory play.

Examples of Fine Motor Skills

Grasping with fingers
Holding Bottle
Passing objects from hand to hand
Using a pencil
Scissor cutting

Building blocks
Combing hair
Buttoning
Zipping
Tying

Grasping with fingers
Holding Bottle
Passing objects from hand to hand
Using a pencil
Scissor cutting
Building blocks
Combing hair
Buttoning
Zipping
Tying

Printable Resources to Strengthen Motor Skills

If you are looking for some easy to set up activities, don’t miss our collection of printable resources! We have countless printables that will strengthen motor skills in addition to so many other early childhood education skills.

There are lots of scissor skills activities like this Scissor Skills Haircuts activity. Plus also find our Cut the Patterns, Cutting with Cars, and Sports Scissor Skills activities.

If your little one isn’t quite using scissors yet, we also have some great printable activities for toddlers including our Feed the Animals, Poke the Animals, and Peg-osaurus printables!

Plus, preschoolers who are just beginning to write can enjoy strengthening their pencil grasp with our Pre-writing Tracing Cards, and Uppercase Letter and Lowercase Letter Booklets.

Developmental Milestones to Watch For

Fine motor skill development starts at birth! Your little one starts learning about their visual perception and surroundings as soon as they take that first sweet breath. They start with things like holding your finger with their tiny hand to grabbing bottles. These fine motor skills become even more pivotal as they grow from a toddler to a teen. Here are some of the significant developmental keys one can look forward to in developing fine motor skills:

When your babies are 3+ months, they should hold small objects in their hand, with their thumb not tucked. By 5 months, they may reach for toys and be able to keep them briefly. By 6 months, they may be able to follow objects in all directions with their eyes – an excellent sign that your baby’s fine motor skills are on a good trajectory. As your baby grows, you’ll notice they can do more and more with their hands as they follow you across the room.

The journey continues as they are able to move objects from hand to hand, keep their hands opened and relaxed for most of the day, pick up small items like cereal, give toys back when asked, and put objects down voluntarily.

scissor skill activity for preschoolers cutting patterns vertical set up

As your baby grows into a toddler, their motor skills will start to take a major leap; turning pages of a coloring book, putting toys in their container, using both hands to play with, and pointing with their index finger at objects. Yes, it all happens so quickly; during this time, your child is learning fast and is ready to put what they’ve maybe learned intuitively into some skilled activities.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Developmental Milestones to Watch For

Fine motor skill development starts at birth! Your little one starts learning about their visual perception and surroundings as soon as they take that first sweet breath. They start with things like holding your finger with their tiny hand to grabbing bottles. These fine motor skills become even more pivotal as they grow from a toddler to a teen. Here are some of the significant developmental keys one can look forward to in developing fine motor skills:

When your babies are 3+ months, they should hold small objects in their hand, with their thumb not tucked. By 5 months, they may reach for toys and be able to keep them briefly. By 6 months, they may be able to follow objects in all directions with their eyes – an excellent sign that your baby’s fine motor skills are on a good trajectory. As your baby grows, you’ll notice they can do more and more with their hands as they follow you across the room.

The journey continues as they are able to move objects from hand to hand, keep their hands opened and relaxed for most of the day, pick up small items like cereal, give toys back when asked, and put objects down voluntarily.

As your baby grows into a toddler, their motor skills will start to take a major leap; turning pages of a coloring book, putting toys in their container, using both hands to play with, and pointing with their index finger at objects. Yes, it all happens so quickly; during this time, your child is learning fast and is ready to put what they’ve maybe learned intuitively into some skilled activities.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Play

While developmental milestones are a marker for us to measure where our kids should be, we also MUST know that each child develops at their own pace.

Researchers are not always sure what may cause a delay in the direct impact on a child’s fine motor skills. There are things grown ups can do at home to ensure they are giving their child the best outcome of fine motor skills. Playing one of the games we’ve featured above or simply sitting them in their high chair and giving them food to eat will make all the difference.

Tracking these milestones in your child’s development will help you correct any delays or inconsistencies in their growth. By continuing to help your child develop their fine motor skills, your son or daughter will be on the fast track to learning the most essential and overlooked set of skills they will ever need.

Practical Steps to take:

Try the above activities to assess your child development through play;
Talk with your doctor about your child’s development of motor skills; and
Give your child access to age-appropriate tools to strengthen their skill set the best headstart to their education and beyond.

Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Play

While developmental milestones are a marker for us to measure where our kids should be, we also MUST know that each child develops at their own pace.

Researchers are not always sure what may cause a delay in the direct impact on a child’s fine motor skills. There are things grown ups can do at home to ensure they are giving their child the best outcome of fine motor skills. Playing one of the games we’ve featured above or simply sitting them in their high chair and giving them food to eat will make all the difference.

Tracking these milestones in your child’s development will help you correct any delays or inconsistencies in their growth. By continuing to help your child develop their motor skills, your son or daughter will be on the fast track to learning the most essential and overlooked set of skills they will ever need.

Practical Steps to take:

Try the above activities to assess your child development through play;
Talk with your doctor about your child’s development of fine motor skills; and
Give your child access to age-appropriate tools to strengthen their skill set the best headstart to their education and beyond.

More Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

Here are some top picks for games and tools that will strengthen motor skills!

fine motor skills buckles and strings toy

Buckle and Threading Pillow

This colorful pillow is fantastic for fine motor skills with 12 buckles to explore as well as a threading exercise!

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Sensory Bin Tools

This set comes with 7 items including bowls, scoops, and a tong. A great set for learning practical life skills through sensory play.

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Color Sorting Rainbow

Strengthen motor skills while using tongs to color sort this beautifully crafted rainbow! Caution: small parts!

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Color Sorting Maze

This wooden board has a magnetic wand and beads that can be sorted based on color! Great for fine motor skills too!

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Dinosaur Activity – Fun Peg-osaurus!

Dinosaur Activity – Peg-osaurus!

Kids just love this “Peg-osaurus” dinosaur fine motor skills activity! Giving the dinosaurs their spikes back is so much fun! Not only does this teach them their colors and counting, but it also helps to work on their fine motor skills too.

Plus, we made things extra easy for the grown ups with our free printable dinosaurs. Keep reading to get them!

Dinosaur Fine Motor Activity For Kids

The great thing about this activity is that it’s fun and full of learning. Add this to your list of dinosaur educational activities that you want to try! Hands-on learning is the perfect way for early learners to be able to use their hands and their minds at the same time.

You can make a DIY version out of cardboard, or save time with our free printable!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make This Dinosaur Activity

Here’s how you can make and play with this fun and easy dinosaur activity. In this video, you’ll find that it’s a fast and easy activity to set up, and the kids can use it to start learning right away. This is the perfect dinosaur activity idea for kids.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make This Dinosaur Activity

Here’s how you can make and play with this fun and easy dinosaur activity. In this video, you’ll find that it’s a fast and easy activity to set up, and the kids can use it to start learning right away. This is the perfect dinosaur activity idea for kids.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

dinosaur activity printable fine motor skills color recognition counting

Printable Dinosaur Activity

We understand that grown ups are busy and might not have the time to make hand drawn dinosaurs on cardboard! We got you covered with a set of printable dinosaurs! The set includes 6 different dinosaurs that have a range of 1-6 peg spikes that need to be added.

To make this printable dinosaur fine motor activities last, be sure to laminate it first! If you are looking for a laminator, visit our comprehensive Arts and Crafts Supplies List for what we use!

Is using pegs still too tricky for your toddler? Then, make sure you download our free Poke the Animal printable where younger kids can strengthen fine motor skills while giving 3 spikey animals their spikes back using objects that are easier to handle like straws!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

Materials

Cardboard, or download our free printable dinosaurs
Paint Sticks
Colorful Circle Stickers
Pegs/Clothespins

Cardboard, download our free printable dinosaurs
Paint Sticks
Colorful Circle Stickers
Pegs/Clothespins
Scissors
Googly eyes
Craft Sticks
Tape

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

On a piece of cardboard, draw your dinosaur and stick on a googly eye. You can create this yourself or get the kiddos involved! Alternatively, use our free printable dinosaurs!

Step 2

Use a sharp scissor to cut out the dinosaur shapes.

Step 3

Put colorful stickers on the dinosaur’s back.

Step 4

Tape a craft stick to the back for a fun handle!

Step 5

Provide colorful pegs/clothespins to match while strengthening fine motor skills!

Step 1

On a piece of cardboard, draw your dinosaur and stick on a googly eye. You can create this yourself or get the kiddos involved! Alternatively, use our free printable dinosaurs!

Step 2

Use a sharp scissor to cut out the dinosaur shapes.

Step 3

Put colorful stickers on the dinosaur’s back.

Step 4

Tape a craft stick to the back for a fun handle!

Step 5

Provide colorful pegs/clothespins to match while strengthening fine motor skills!

Educational Benefits for This Fun Dinosaur Activity

This simple dinosaur activity is excellent for teaching kids to learn and match colors. You can also use this activity for learning numbers. Once a child has matched all the pegs, have them count how many there are!

One of the most important skills being strengthened in this activity is fine motor skills. Clothespins or pegs are perfect for targeting the small muscles in hands and fingers. As both ends are being squeezed to the open position, those fingers are getting a great workout!

This type of activity is a fantastic stepping stone to preparing kid’s hands for important practical life skill tasks like writing, buttoning, and zipping to name a few! For more fine motor activities be sure to visit our comprehensive Fine Motor Skills List!

dinosaur fine motor activities with clothespins pegs for fine motor skills color matching and number learning free printable

dinosaur activity with clothespins pegs for fine motor skills color matching and number learning free printable

Educational Benefits for This Fun Dinosaur Activity

This simple dinosaur activity is excellent for teaching kids to learn and match colors. You can also use this activity for learning numbers. Once a child has matched all the pegs, have them count how many there are!

One of the most important skills being strengthened in this activity is fine motor skills. Clothespins or pegs are perfect for targeting the small muscles in hands and fingers. As both ends are being squeezed to the open position, those fingers are getting a great workout!

This type of activity is a fantastic stepping stone to preparing kid’s hands for important practical life skill tasks like writing, buttoning, and zipping to name a few! For more fine motor activities be sure to visit our comprehensive Fine Motor Skills List!

Store-Bought Dinosaur Learning Activities

Here are my top picks for educational toys and games for the dino-fan!

dinosaur dig game fossil gift archaelogy science stem

Dinosaur Egg Discovery Kit

Discover 12 unique dinosaurs while strengthening fine motor skills while excavating them from eggs. The kit comes with 12 matching cards.

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Alphabet Dinosaur Puzzle

This puzzle includes 26 easy-to-grasp pieces, one for each letter of the alphabet. A great way to encourage fine motor and letter recognition skills!

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Build a Dinosaur Toy

This set includes 3 dinosaurs that can be taken apart and assembled. It includes a low-speed motor drill with 2 kinds of drill bits. Great item for STEM and fine motor skills.

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Big Book About Dinosaurs

This book is the Ultimate Dinopedia for kids! It includes stunning illustrations with fun facts that are age appropriate for ages 4 to 8 years old.

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Pre-Writing Activity – DIY Tracing Board

pre writing activity with a diy tracing board

This DIY pre-writing activity board is a budget friendly way for kids to enjoy strengthening their pencil grip while practicing drawing lines! It is the perfect stepping stone to writing letters and numbers! Using simple materials, this pre-writing activity is easy to construct, customizable, and reusable!

A Pre-Writing Activity Kids and Growns Up Will Love

Preschool-aged children love this fun pre-writing activity because it keeps them busy and requires them to show their independence to complete it. Grown ups love this DIY tracing board because it’s a simple way to create an activity that doesn’t require a ton of time and effort.

For more ways to practice pre-writing tracing, read on to get our free printable pre-writing tracing cards and alphabet writing booklet!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make a Pre-Writing Activity Tracing Board

Here’s how you can make and play with this creative DIY tracing board. In this video, you’ll see how fast and easy it is to create a dedicated area for the kids to trace and create. This can easily be altered and used over and over again.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make a Pre-Writing Activity Tracing Board

Here’s how you can make and play with this creative DIY tracing board. In this video, you’ll see how fast and easy it is to create a dedicated area for the kids to trace and create. This can easily be altered and used over and over again.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Printable Pre-Writing Activity

Not only is this DIY activity super fun and easy to make (step by step instructions below!), but don’t miss our printable pre-writing tracing cards. They are a great way to practice tracing lines and patterns. The set of cards not only includes simple lines and shapes, but also real-life images with lines that need to be completed.

Is your kiddo great at tracing lines? Preschoolers can enjoy our printable uppercase letter writing bundle and lowercase letter writing bundle where they will not only learn letter formation, but have the opportunity to trace and write letters independently.

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Put the adhesive paper on top of a piece of cardboard to make the workspace erasable and reusable!

Step 2

Hot glue the toothpicks to the cardboard in various patterns to encourage lines and curve making.

Step 1

Put the adhesive paper on top of a piece of cardboard to make the workspace erasable and reusable!

Step 2

Hot glue the toothpicks to the cardboard in various patterns to encourage lines and curve making.

What else can you use to create lines and curves on the cardboard?

I’ve used string and yarn as well as popsicle sticks too. Anything that you can use as a border so that the kids can push up against it to trace it is perfect. Keep in mind, you’ll want to use items that you don’t mind gluing to cardboard!

Educational Benefits for this Pre-Writing Activity

This pre-writing activity is the perfect stepping stone to writing letters and numbers. The fine motor skills required to write letters and numbers need to be strengthened first.

Pre-writing activities like this DIY pre-writing board, and tracing activities like our printable cards are great ways for kids to get comfortable holding a pencil to achieve proper grip and stability.

Plus, it is a great way to encourage hand-eye coordination and become familiar with shapes and patterns.

Educational Benefits for this Pre-Writing Activity

This pre-writing activity is the perfect stepping stone to writing letters and numbers. The fine motor skills required to write letters and numbers need to be strengthened first.

Pre-writing activities like this DIY pre-writing board, and tracing activities like our printable cards are great ways for kids to get comfortable holding a pencil to achieve proper grip and stability.

Plus, it is a great way to encourage hand-eye coordination and learn become familiar with shapes and patterns.

Store-Bought Pre-Writing Activities

Here are my top picks for toys and games that will strengthening hand muscles and improve pencil grip!

magnetic alphabet learning game pre writing

Magnetic Alphabet Game

This magnetic alphabet game is not only a great way to reinforce letter recognition, but it is so great for strengtheing pencil grip!

SHOP NOW

wooden writing board alphabet reversible

Wooden Alphabet Board

This beautifully crafted wooden board is all about tracing the alphabet. Plus, it is reversible featuring both uppercase and lowercase letters!

SHOP NOW

Magnetic Letter Writing

This 2 sided board is a great tool for teaching writing. Children use the stylus pen to help them stay on the stroke.

SHOP NOW

Wooden Stencil Pattern Set

This wooden resource for pre-writing is a great stencil tracing set. It is a simulator for writing.

SHOP NOW

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This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Fine Motor Activity for Toddlers – Poke the Porcupine

child plays game to strengthen pincer grasp

This fine motor activity for toddlers is a fun way to strengthen pincer grasp, hand eye coordination, and more!

Setting it up is simple, but we made it even easier with a free printable porcupine that you can just tape to a box! Read on to get it!

A Fun Fine Motor Activity for Toddlers

If you are looking for a way to help your toddler strengthen their fingers and pincer graps, then this the perfect activity!

Picking up toothpicks takes some serious concentration for toddlers. Sticking them into the porcupine will give them satisfaction and encourage them to keep going! For safety, use toothpicks that have a blunt tip, I link to one below!

Don’t miss our full list of fine motor activities for more fun ideas!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See This Fine Motor Activity for Toddlers in Action!

Here’s a quick video of my toddler pushing the toothpicks into the cardboard porcupine. As you can see, she loves adding all the sticky quills to the cute little porcupine. Remember, it is always important to supervise an activity like this!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch the Video to See This Fine Motor Activity for Toddlers in Action!

Here’s a quick video of my toddler pushing the toothpicks into the cardboard porcupine. As you can see, she loves adding all the sticky quills to the cute little porcupine. Remember, it is always important to supervise an activity like this!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

printable fine motor skills activity with animals

Make Your Own Cardboard Porcupine Activity or Grab Our Free Printable!

The prep work and set-up could not be easier! You don’t have to spend a lot of time buying lots of supplies either. And since we know grown ups are busy, we also have a free printable with spikey animals that you can just pop on a box instead of drawing one!

For more activities you can easily print visit our Printable Shop.

The pointy ends of the toothpicks make this a fantastic sensory activity for toddlers. Be careful though – use blunt toothpicks and always supervise. If you can’t find blunt toothpicks, use cotton swabs, paper straws, or pipe cleaners instead!

Read on for the step by step instructions and the educational benefits of this fine motor activity for toddlers!

Materials

Cardboard
Free Printable Animal or Markers

Toothpicks (or pipe cleaners)

Cardboard
Free Printable Animal or Markers
Toothpicks (or pipe cleaners)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Draw a porcupine on a small box or tape our free printable porcupine instead!

Step 2

Use a small screwdriver or sharp knife to create the holes. Remember to keep them small because they will expand as your kiddo pokes the toothpick through.

Step 3

Stick toothpicks or pipe cleaners through the holes you made in the porcupine.

Step 4

Younger toddlers can pull the spikes out of the porcupine or push them through the holes. Older toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy putting the toothpicks in the holes themselves!

Step 1

Draw a porcupine on a small box or tape our free printable porcupine instead!

Step 2

Use a small screwdriver or sharp knife to create the holes. Remember to keep them small because they will expand as your kiddo pokes the toothpick through.

Step 3

Stick toothpicks or pipe cleaners through the holes you made in the porcupine.

Step 4

Younger toddlers can pull the spikes out of the porcupine or push them through the holes. Older toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy putting the toothpicks in the holes themselves!

Educational Benefits of the Porcupine Activity

You are going to love how many early childhood education benefits there are of this simple little activity.

Picking up or pushing down on the toothpicks is sensory play. Not only do they see the toothpicks, but they feel the edges too. When toddlers feel different textures, it creates new connections in their minds.

Not only does it engage their mind, but it strengthens their fine motor skills. That movement of trying to pinch the toothpicks with their thumb and fingers is called the pincer grasp. It’s important for other skills like tying their shoes and holding a pencil.

child playing game to strengthen fine motor skills by poking toothpicks or cotton swabs into a box shaped like a porcupine

Add some letters and numbers to the porcupine for older kids. Then, ask them to poke the toothpicks through each letter and number. This is a fun activity that can grow with your child!

Educational Benefits of the Porcupine Activity

You are going to love how many early childhood education benefits there are of this simple little activity.

Picking up or pushing down on the toothpicks is sensory play. Not only do they see the toothpicks, but they feel the edges too. When toddlers feel different textures, it creates new connections in their minds.

Not only does it engage their mind, but it strengthens their fine motor skills. That movement of trying to pinch the toothpicks with their thumb and fingers is called the pincer grasp. It’s important for other skills like tying their shoes and holding a pencil.

Add some letters and numbers to the porcupine for older kids. Then, ask them to poke the toothpicks through each letter and number. This is a fun activity that can grow with your child!

Store-Bought Fine Motor Activities For Toddlers

Here are my top picks for toys you can buy that strengthen toddler fine motor skills!

Buckle and Threading Pillow

This colorful pillow is fantastic for fine motor skills with 12 buckles to explore as well as a threading exercise!

SHOP NOW

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog

These chunky spikes are easy for little hands to grasp while strengthening muscles as they fit into the back of the hedgehog!

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Big Lacing Beads

Threading large wooden beads are great for strengthening fine motor skills! This set includes 30 beads and 2 colorful laces!

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Pull and Play Tissue Box

This fun toy is a play tissue box that comes with 12 reusable scarves to encourage grasping and fine motor skills!

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The Best Gifts for Dads in 2025

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Fine Motor Skills Development – Fill Up the Bottle

Here is a fun way to strengthen fine motor skills development while recognizing all the colors in the rainbow!

Keep on reading to find out how simple it is to set up this activity, plus more ways to play with it!

Fine Motor Skill Development and so Much More with this Rainbow Sensory Activity

There are so many different skills that are being tapped into using this simple activity. From hand-eye coordination to fine motor skills and color recognition, you can use one activity to teach so many different skills.

Selecting the different colored pastas and organizing them in the bottle is such a great exercise! Plus, you can even extend the learning by using the rainbow pasta bottle as a sensory bottle!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See This Fine Motor Skills Development Activity in Action!

Older kids can enjoy sorting the pasta by color and collecting them all together in the bottle. The pasta’s colors and textures make this a fun sensory activity for any child and even would make a great activity for toddlers. For younger toddlers, skip the color sorting and just have fun picking up the pasta and pushing it into the bottle – that is all they need for fine motor skills development!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch the Video to See This Fine Motor Skills Development Activity in Action!

Older kids can enjoy sorting the pasta by color and collecting them all together in the bottle. The pasta’s colors and textures make this a fun sensory activity for any child and even would make a great activity for toddlers. For younger toddlers, skip the color sorting and just have fun picking up the pasta and pushing it into the bottle – that is all they need for fine motor skills development!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Dye Pasta and Other Alternatives

Pasta is one of the best sensory play objects because it’s cheap and easy to find at the grocery store! Learn more about how to safely dye pasta for sensory play.

If you feel uncomfortable using a food product in play, there are other great alternatives like pom poms and craft sticks! These objects can be picked up and pushed into a recycled bottle in the same way the pasta is.

Keep in mind that objects like pom poms are small parts and are a choking hazard. Parental supervision is required!

Materials

Empty Bottle

Rainbow Pasta
Empty Bottle
Tape

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Using your tape, make stripes of each color across the bottle.

Step 2

Lay out your rainbow pasta.

Step 3

Let your kids sort the pasta into the bottle, based on the colors on the side of the bottle.

Step 4

Once done, you can use the rainbow pasta end bottles to create rainbow sensory bottles!

Step 1

Using your tape, make stripes of each color across the bottle.

Step 2

Lay out your rainbow pasta.

Step 3

Let your kids sort the pasta into the bottle, based on the colors on the side of the bottle.

Step 4

Once done, you can use the rainbow pasta end bottles to create rainbow sensory bottles!

Benefits of Fine Motor Skills Development

Strengthening fine motor skills is so important. We aren’t born with fine motor skills. Rather, the early years are a crucial time to develop them as they are critical for so many practical life skills like buttoning, zipping, tying and holding a pencil.

Fine motor skills refers to the strengthening of the muscles in the hands and fingers. As these muscles get stronger, their movements become more refined and coordinated.

So, while this rainbow pasta bottle activity may seem simple and easy for grown ups. It is actually quite tricky for young kids! Plus, adding the tape allows for color recognition skills and introduces the concept of capacity!

If you are looking for more activities for fine motor skills development, check out our comprehensive list that we are constantly adding to!

Benefits of Fine Motor Skills Development

Strengthening fine motor skills is so important. We aren’t born with fine motor skills. Rather, the early years are a crucial time to develop them as they are critical for so many practical life skills like buttoning, zipping, tying and holding a pencil.

Fine motor skills refers to the strengthening of the muscles in the hands and fingers. As these muscles get stronger, their movements become more refined and coordinated.

So, while this rainbow pasta bottle activity may seem simple and easy for grown ups. It is actually quite tricky for young kids! Plus, adding the tape allows for color recognition skills and introduces the concept of capacity!

If you are looking for more activities for fine motor skills development, check out our comprehensive list that we are constantly adding to!

Store-Bought Activities For Fine Motor Skills Development

Here are my top picks for toys you can buy that strengthen fine motor skills!

Buckle and Threading Pillow

This colorful pillow is fantastic for fine motor skills with 12 buckles to explore as well as a threading exercise!

SHOP NOW

Color Sorting Rainbow

Strengthen fine motor skills while using tongs to color sort this beautifully crafted rainbow! Caution: small parts!

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Color Sorting Maze

This wooden board has a magnetic wand and beads that can be sorted based on color! Great for fine motor skills too!

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Pull and Play Tissue Box

This fun toy is great for babies and toddlers! It is a play tissue box that comes with 12 reusable scarves to encourage grasping and fine motor skills!

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Color Sorting – Paper Clip Sticky Wall

Where color sorting meets fine motor skills! Turn a part of your wall into a place for your toddler to stick and sort colorful paper clips.

This fun activity will keep your small kiddos entertained – all while learning about their colors in an engaging way.

Strengthen Little Fingers with this Toddler Fine Motor Activity

This fun activity will strengthen your toddler’s fingers muscles and help them develop the important pincer grasp. Plus, older kids can enjoy the challenge of sticking paper clips to the wall themselves!

Paper clips are small parts and can be a choking hazard. Parental supervision required at all times!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See the Color Sorting Activity in Action

Here’s a quick video of my toddler and preschooler enjoying this DIY color sorting activity. My toddler enjoys picking up the paper clips and sticking them to the wall. Then her brother comes in and as an older toddler / early preschooler is able to distinguish each color and sort!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch the Video to See the Color Sorting Activity in Action

Here’s a quick video of my toddler and preschooler enjoying this DIY color sorting activity. My toddler enjoys picking up the paper clips and sticking them to the wall. Then her brother comes in and as an older toddler / early preschooler is able to distinguish each color and sort!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make Your Own Color Sorting Activity

This activity is super simple to set up. We popped the activity up on the wall to encourage gross motor skills and shoulder strength!

To make it more educational, I suggest using large colorful paper clips and then coloring the inside of the egg carton so they can sort the colors when they are done.

I’ll share more ways that you can teach your child about colors and even early math skills, further in this post. For a comprehensive list of arts and craft supplies don’t miss our checklist!

Materials

Adhesive Paper
Painter’s Tape
Recycled Egg Carton

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Attach the adhesive paper to the wall sticky-side out, using tape to hold it in place.

Step 2

Use a dot sticker or color the inside of an egg carton. You can sanitize a cardboard egg carton by heating it in an oven for 10 minutes at 200F.

Step 3

Attach the egg carton to the wall with tape beneath the sticky paper.

Step 4

Ask your child to stick the paper clips to the sticky paper and then sort them in the egg carton!

Step 1

Attach the adhesive paper to the wall sticky-side out, using tape to hold it in place.

Step 2

Use a dot sticker or color the inside of an egg carton. You can sanitize a cardboard egg carton by heating it in an oven for 10 minutes at 200F.

Step 3

Attach the egg carton to the wall with tape beneath the sticky paper.

Step 4

Ask your child to stick the paper clips to the sticky paper and then sort them in the egg carton!

Educational Benefits of This Color Sorting Game

Don’t miss our full list of color recognition activities!

This activity is full of mind-engaging sensory play. When your toddler feels different textures, they interact with their environment and their mind creates new connections that help it grow. This activity not only has the contrasting textures of the firm paper clips and the sticky paper, but it has bright colors too!

It also helps your toddler strengthen their pincer grasp. In order to pick up the paper clips, they have to pinch them with their index finger and thumb. This movement is the foundation for important practical life skills like buttoning, unzipping, and holding a pencil!

As they grab each paper clip, teach your toddler the names of the colors. This will teach them color recognition and early communication skills too. As they develop an understanding of colors, they will then be able to sort each color!

Educational Benefits of This Color Sorting Game

Don’t miss our full list of color recognition activities!

This activity is full of mind-engaging sensory play. When your toddler feels different textures, they interact with their environment and their mind creates new connections that help it grow. This activity not only has the contrasting textures of the firm paper clips and the sticky paper, but it has bright colors too!

It also helps your toddler strengthen their pincer grasp. In order to pick up the paper clips, they have to pinch them with their index finger and thumb. This movement is the foundation for important practical life skills like buttoning, unzipping, and holding a pencil!

As they grab each paper clip, teach your toddler the names of the colors. This will teach them color recognition and early communication skills too. As they develop an understanding of colors, they will then be able to sort each color!

Store-Bought Color Sorting Activities

Here are my top picks for toys you can buy that strengthen color recognition skills!

Color Sorting Rainbow

Transfer pom poms or balls to color sort this rainbow! If you use tongs it is great for fine motor skills too! (Caution: small parts!)

SHOP NOW

Wooden Rainbow Stacker

This wooden rainbow stacker is not only great for color sorting, it is also a fantastic open-ended play toy!

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Color Sorting Maze

This wooden board has a magnetic wand and beads that can be sorted based on color! Great for fine motor skills too!

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Color Sort the Objects

This game is a great way to learn color recognition while strengthening language development.

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Easy Teeth Brushing Activity For Kids

Teach kids how to brush their teeth and why it is so important with this fun activity. This teeth brushing activity will keep them engaged! This is a fun way to teach your kids about why they need to brush their teeth and how to do it correctly.

Plus, it has lots of other benefits too. Read on below for the options on how to set this up, including our free printable version, and learn about the many ways to play with this set up!

Teach The Science Of Healthy Teeth

Learning how to brush your teeth is a very important practical life skill! Plus, from plaque to what cavities are, brushing your teeth is pretty scientific. There are so many early science facts you can teach your children when they learn why they need to brush their teeth.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See the Teeth Brushing Activity in Action

Here’s how you can make and play this fun teeth brushing game! In this video, you’ll see many ways you can approach this activity. You can create a DIY version of a big mouth, or see how easy it is to grab our free printable and laminate that instead.

Once a child has mastered the concept of cleaning the teeth, you can incorporate other fun early childhood concepts like alphabet and numbers!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch the Video to See the Activity in Action

Here’s how you can make and play this fun teeth brushing game! In this video, you’ll see many ways you can approach this activity. You can create a DIY version of a big mouth, or see how easy it is to grab our free printable and laminate that instead.

Once a child has mastered the concept of cleaning the teeth, you can incorporate other fun early childhood concepts like alphabet and numbers!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make Your Own Teeth Brushing Game

This activity isn’t just educational, it helps them with a very important part of their hygiene, too. After doing this with my kids, I discovered how much happier they were to brush their teeth.

If you want to do the DIY version, the materials are simple and I’ve listed below! Don’t miss our comprehensive Arts and Crafts Supply list if you are looking to start or refresh your supplies!

If you are short on time, keep on reading to get our free printable version of this activity that also includes pages for cleaning cat teeth and dog teeth!

Materials

Craft Paper
Paint Sticks
Old Tooth Brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Draw a giant mouth on a piece of paper, or download our free printable below!

Step 2

Cover the paper in contact paper, or laminate.

Step 3

Use dry-erase markers to draw germs/plaque around the edges of the teeth. Alternatively, write letters or numbers!

Step 4

Tell your child to use a toothbrush to brush away the markings to make the teeth clean!

Step 1

Draw a giant mouth on a piece of paper, or download our free printable below!

Step 2

Cover the paper in contact paper, or laminate.

Step 3

Use dry-erase markers to draw germs/plaque around the edges of the teeth. Alternatively, write letters or numbers!

Step 4

Tell your child to use a toothbrush to brush away the markings to make the teeth clean!

FREE Printable Version of This Teeth Brushing Activity

Short on time? We’ve got you covered with a free printable version! Plus, it also includes pages for cleaning cat teeth and dog teeth! It is such a silly way to learn how to brush teeth!

If your kiddos love animals, you have to try our Feed the Animal activity! It includes a dog, cat, and bunny and young children enjoy not only feeding them, but seeing the food go down into their bellies!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

Educational Benefits of the Teeth Brushing Game

The main thing this activity teaches your kiddos is the importance of brushing their teeth. Personal hygiene is a very important part of a child’s education.

While they are learning about why they brush them and how to do it correctly, they are also learning a lot about science, too.

The very first step in digestion is chewing up the food and saliva helps break the food down. What causes cavities? What causes bad breath?

These are all scientific questions that are also early biology education too. They will learn about decay and cleanliness and physical health.

As a side benefit, it makes the daily act of brushing their teeth a lot more fun!

Plus you can use this set up to learn a host of other early childhood education skills. Write the alphabet on the teeth and task your kiddo with scrubbing the letters away. This is great for letter recognition.

Alternatively, write numbers on the teeth and have your kiddo erase them in number order or use a multi-sided dice for a game! There are so many ways to adapt this teeth brushing activity!

Educational Benefits of the Teeth Brushing Game

The main thing this activity teaches your kiddos is the importance of brushing their teeth. Personal hygiene is a very important part of a child’s education.

While they are learning about why they brush them and how to do it correctly, they are also learning a lot about science, too.

The very first step in digestion is chewing up the food and saliva helps break the food down. What causes cavities? What causes bad breath?

These are all scientific questions that are also early biology education too. They will learn about decay and cleanliness and physical health.

As a side benefit, it makes the daily habit of brushing their teeth a lot more fun!

Plus you can use this set up to learn a host of other early childhood education skills. Write the alphabet on the teeth and task your kiddo with scrubbing the letters away. This is great for letter recognition.

Alternatively, write numbers on the teeth and have your kiddo erase them in number order or use a multi-sided dice for a game! There are so many ways to adapt this teeth brushing activity!

Store-Bought Teeth Brushing Activities

Here are my top picks for toys you can buy that help your kids learn how to brush their teeth!

Wooden Dentist Set

This set comes with 16 wooden pieces including dental tools, toothbrush, and storage bag. Great for learning about dental health and role play!

SHOP NOW

Crocodile Dentist

Press down on a tooth and see if the crocodile will chomp down! Great way to strengthen the skill of taking turns! This is super easy to set up and loads of fun!

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Teeth Brushing Model

Use this life-size model, toothbrush, wooden tray, and flashcards with names of the teeth. Kids learn about teeth and how to care for them.

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Brushing Buddy

This soft and huggable plush has plastic teeth and a toothbrush for your child to use to learn how to brush their teeth.

SHOP NOW

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Toddler Activity – Feed The Bunny

This toddler activity teaches fine motor skills and cause and effect. All you need is a box and pipe cleaners! This game will keep your toddler busy while teaching them skills they will use the rest of their life. Keep reading to see how to make this super-easy game!

Cardboard, Pipe Cleaners, and Fine Motor Skills

One of the best things about this game is that it uses things you probably already have at your house. The bunny is super easy to draw and paint and the carrots take just a few seconds to create out of pipe cleaners. If you are short on time or prefer not to draw, keep reading for our printable version of this activity that includes not only a bunny to feed, but a cat and dog too!

It is so fun to watch your toddler giggle with joy as they see the carrot go in the bunny’s mouth and end up in the bunny’s tummy. These are the building blocks of scientific curiosity that will stay with them for years.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See How to Make the Bunny Todder Activity

In this video you’ll see how easy it is to make this fun game yourself. Making the bunny’s tummy visible seems tricky, but it is quite easy to do!

You probably have all of the supplies at home already! Feel free to use any-sized box that you have on-hand.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch the Video to See How to Make the Bunny Todder Activity

In this video you’ll see how easy it is to make this fun game yourself. Making the bunny’s tummy visible seems tricky, but it is quite easy to do!

You probably have all of the supplies at home already! Feel free to use any-sized box that you have on-hand.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Teach Fine Motor Skills With This Toddler Activity

This is a really cute and fun game for both toddlers and preschoolers. The immediate reward of seeing the carrots in the bunny’s tummy encourages them to keep playing. This is a fun game for independent play or for young children to play together.

It’s not just a game, it’s a repetitious exercise for those all-important fine motor skills. It’s so fun to feed that cute bunny the soft carrots and see them in their tummy.

In this video you can see my toddler playing the game over and over again! After the video is the written tutorial with all the materials and steps listed out for you.

Materials

Cardboard Box
Marker
Paint Sticks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Draw a bunny on top of an old box, or download our free printable below and tape it to the box instead!

Step 2

Cut a hole for the mouth and the belly.

Step 3

Place the plastic bag inside the box, with the zipper-side facing up. Make sure it begins above the mouth and you can see it within the belly.

Step 4

Before taping the plastic bag down, trace a hole on the plastic bag where the mouth is, and cut out the hole on the side of the bag facing the mouth.

Step 5

Secure the plastic bag on each side with tape, and secure the plastic around the mouth hole with tape as well. This will allow the carrots to enter through the mouth, and fall into the bag for a fun transparent view as well as easy retrieval.

Step 6

For a vertical set up, tape the cardboard box to the wall, leaving the top part of the box open so that you can retrieve the carrots!

Step 7

To make the carrots, cut 3-4 green pipe cleaners for the stems. Wrap an orange pipe cleaner around the stems. Make them really tight at first and then a little looser until you reach the end. This will make it look wide at the top and thin at the bottom.

Step 1

Draw a bunny on top of an old box, or download our free printable below and tape it to the box instead!

Step 2

Cut a hole for the mouth and the belly.

Step 3

Place the plastic bag inside the box, with the zipper-side facing up. Make sure it begins above the mouth and you can see it within the belly.

Step 4

Before taping the plastic bag down, trace a hole on the plastic bag where the mouth is, and cut out the hole on the side of the bag facing the mouth.

Step 5

Secure the plastic bag on each side with tape, and secure the plastic around the mouth hole with tape as well. This will allow the carrots to enter through the mouth, and fall into the bag for a fun transparent view as well as easy retrieval.

Step 6

For a vertical set up, tape the cardboard box to the wall, leaving the top part of the box open so that you can retrieve the carrots!

Step 7

To make the carrots, cut 3-4 green pipe cleaners for the stems. Wrap an orange pipe cleaner around the stems. Make them really tight at first and then a little looser until you reach the end. This will make it look wide at the top and thin at the bottom.

FREE Feed the Bunny, Dog, and Cat Printable Version of This Toddler Activity

One of the most often responses to this toddler activity I get is that it is difficult to draw a bunny (or you simply don’t have the time!).

Well, I’ve got you covered with a free printable version!

Plus, not only do you get a bunny who is hungry for carrots, but a dog who wants bones and a cat who wants sardines are also included!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities for early childhood education!

Educational Benefits of the Feed the Bunny Toddler Activity

There are so many wonderful things that this simple game can teach your child!

The very first skill you’ll notice it strengthening is hand-eye coordination. That bunny’s mouth is just the right size for the carrots, so your child has to match it up just right.

As they pick up the small carrots and push them through the bunny’s mouth, your toddler is exercising fine motor skills that they will use for things like writing and self-care (tying shoes).

Early Science Skills: This little bunny game teaches science too. They begin to learn the connection between food and the tummy as they see the carrots go from the mouth to the stomach.

If you want to teach your child early math, you can ask them to count how many carrots they feed to the bunny. Older children can practice addition and subtraction. “Put 2+2 carrots in the bunny’s belly.” Or “If you have 5 carrots and give the bunny 3 of the, how many do you have left?”

Educational Benefits of the Feed the Bunny Toddler Activity

There are so many wonderful things that this simple game can teach your child!

The very first skill you’ll notice it strengthening is hand-eye coordination. That bunny’s mouth is just the right size for the carrots, so your child has to match it up just right.

As they pick up the small carrots and push them through the bunny’s mouth, your toddler is exercising fine motor skills that they will use for things like writing and self-care (tying shoes).

Early Science Skills: This little bunny game teaches science too. They begin to learn the connection between food and the tummy as they see the carrots go from the mouth to the stomach.

If you want to teach your child early math, you can ask them to count how many carrots they feed to the bunny. Older children can practice addition and subtraction. “Put 2+2 carrots in the bunny’s belly.” Or “If you have 5 carrots and give the bunny 3 of the, how many do you have left?”

Fine Motor Skill Toys for Toddlers

Here are my top picks for toys that help strengthen toddler fine motor skills!

Wooden Carrot Game

This game will help your toddler develop those same fine motor skills by sticking the carrots into the wooden block.

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Quiet Time Book

This soft fabric book is filled with high quality activities that encourage strengthening of fine motor skills, like buckling and zipping!

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Wooden Lacing Game

These cute wooden fruits encourages hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as your toddler threads the cute worm through!

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Peg Board

This peg board can grow with your child. Great for fine motor skills for babies and toddlers, color recognition, and patterning for preschoolers!

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Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

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Cutting Practice – Vertical Scissor Skills

Teach your child fine motor skills while strengthening shoulder and arm muscles with this vertical cutting practice activity. This is super easy to set up, but if you are short on time, I’ve got you covered with a free printable!

A Fun Cutting Practice Activity That Gets Kids on Their Feet!

This is a fun way to exercise those small muscles in the hands and fingers, while staying active and on your feet! By cutting on a vertical surface, arms and shoulders will be sure to get a good workout too!

I’ll show you how easy it is to create your own vertical scissor cutting practice activity with just construction paper and markers. And don’t forget I also have a free printable you can use too!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch the Video to See How to Make the Cutting Practice Activity!

This cutting activity is so easy to make, the most important thing is to make the lines match your child’s skill level. For example, young kids who are just learning how to use scissors should start with straight lines. The more advanced they are, the more complicated the patterns can be! For example, older kids can do loops and swirls!

For the written step-by-step instructions, read on below for more information!

Watch the Video to See How to Make the Cutting Practice Activity!

This cutting activity is so easy to make, the most important thing is to make the lines match your child’s skill level. For example, young kids who are just learning how to use scissors should start with straight lines. The more advanced they are, the more complicated the patterns can be! For example, older kids can do loops and swirls!

For the written step-by-step instructions, read on below for more information!

FREE Printable Version of This Cutting Activity

Grown ups are busy, I get it! That’s why I created a FREE printable version of this cutting activity. Kids can sit at a table and cut along the patterns, or each pattern can be cut out and then taped to the wall for a vertical set up!

If your kids love cutting practice, you have to try our Spoon Salon activity! If your little one is still learning how to hold the scissors in the right way, try our Cutting with Cars activity which encourages thumbs up!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Cut out a 3-inch wide piece of construction paper, one in each color if you like!

Step 2

Using a marker, draw your preferred patterns on each piece of paper.

Step 3

Use painter’s tape to attach each strip of paper to the wall, leaving the bottom unattached so your child can grab the paper with their hands.

Step 4

Ask your child to follow the dotted lines with their scissors as they cut.

Step 1

Cut out a 3-inch wide piece of construction paper, one in each color if you like!

Step 2

Using a marker, draw your preferred patterns on each piece of paper.

Step 3

Use painter’s tape to attach each strip of paper to the wall, leaving the bottom unattached so your child can grab the paper with their hands.

Step 4

Ask your child to follow the dotted lines with their scissors as they cut.

Educational Benefits of Developing Scissor Skills

There are lots of things that cutting practice will teach your kids. It’s not just so they can make crafts in school (although that is a benefit for sure!).

Strengthens Hand Muscles: Moving the scissors forces your child to move fingers independently, which strengthens their hand muscles.

Visual Perceptive Skills: This one cutting activity also teaches them directionality. Basically, this means how to follow directions with their hands.

Tripod Grasp: The way they hold the scissors will influence how they hold a pen and pencil, so this is a fantastic precursor for writing skills.

Focus And Attention: As they follow the dotted lines, it will require them to pay close attention to what they are doing. In fact, cutting activities are known to calm children who are feeling hyperactive and need help focusing.

You can continue to do this activity as they become more adept at their scissor skills. Make the patterns more difficult. Create a maze that they have to follow with their scissors.

Older children can also help out by making cutting mazes for their younger friends and siblings.

Educational Benefits of Developing Scissor Skills

There are lots of things that cutting with scissors will teach your kids. It’s not just so they can make crafts in school (although that is a benefit for sure!).

Strengthens Hand Muscles: Moving the scissors forces your child to move fingers independently, which strengthens their hand muscles.

Visual Perceptive Skills: This one cutting activity also teaches them directionality. Basically, this means how to follow directions with their hands.

Tripod Grasp: The way they hold the scissors will influence how they hold a pen and pencil, so this is a fantastic precursor for writing skills.

Focus And Attention: As they follow the dotted lines, it will require them to pay close attention to what they are doing. In fact, cutting activities are known to calm children who are feeling hyperactive and need help focusing.

You can continue to do this activity as they become more adept at their scissor skills. Make the patterns more difficult. Create a maze that they have to follow with their scissors.

Older children can also help out by making cutting mazes for their younger friends and siblings.

Store-Bought Cutting Activities

Here are my top picks for the best cutting activities you can buy!

Scissor Skills Workbook

This set includes 3 workbooks all about scissor skills. Each book includes a pair of scissors!

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Apple Picking Game

This unique game includes magnetic apples that can be picked from the tree using a scooper scissor!

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Travel-Size Cutting Book

This small book is packed with scissor skills activities for children as young as 2 years old!

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Decorative Scissors

This fun set of scissors comes with 6 designs of patterns for decorating paper crafts!

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Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Fishing Game for Toddlers

Need an activity that is quick to set-up and your toddler will play with it for more than 5 minutes!? This DIY fishing game for toddlers is so much fun, budget-friendly, and long lasting!

Strengthen Fine Motor Skills with This Fishing Game for Toddlers

This activity is the perfect combination of sensory play and fine motor skills! For toddlers in particular, integrating a bowl of water (even a small one!) often results in such long-lasting engaging experiences! Plus, this activity can be so great for fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, color recognition, and counting!

If you have a little one that really loves fishing, read on below for some fun games you can buy that not only let them fish, but also explore other early childhood education skills like the alphabet!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch to See How You Can Make and Play This Fishing Game for Toddlers

I love that this activity uses simple materials and can be set up in minutes! Pipe cleaner fish couldn’t be easier to create! Watch to see this toddler enjoy catching and then releasing them over and over again!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch to See How You Can Make and Play This Fishing Game for Toddlers

I love that this activity uses simple materials and can be set up in minutes! Pipe cleaner fish couldn’t be easier to create! Watch to see this toddler enjoy catching and then releasing them over and over again!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Simple Materials Plus Quick Set-Up Equals A Happy Grown Up!

Let me be frank, grown-ups are busy! And yet, we want our children to be engaged in meaningful (long-lasting!) activities. That’s why we aim to share activities that are easy to set-up and won’t break the bank! This fishing game for toddlers achieves just that!

If you love this activity, you have to check out our DIY Catapult activity, which is also made out of easily accessible materials and super fun for young kids!

No doubt, we love creating activities out of materials we already have at home, but if you are in need of ideas for what arts and crafts supplies to stock up on, you have to check out our Comprehensive Arts and Crafts Supply List!

Materials

Pipe Cleaners
Bowl

Water
Chopstick

Pipe Cleaners
Bowl
Water
Chopstick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Make a loop with a pipe cleaner and twist the end so that it resembles a fish. Make them as big or small as you like!

Step 2

Pour water in a bowl and provide a separate bowl for the caught fish to be transferred to.

Step 3

Provide a chopstick for “catching” each fish!

Step 4

Once all fish are caught, “release” them back in the water and play over and over again!

Step 1

Make a loop with a pipe cleaner and twist the end so that it resembles a fish. Make them as big or small as you like!

Step 2

Pour water in a bowl and provide a separate bowl for the caught fish to be transferred to.

Step 3

Provide a chopstick for “catching” each fish!

Step 4

Provide a chopstick for “catching” each fish!

Step 3

Once all fish are caught, “release” them back in the water and play over and over again!

Educational Benefits of This Fishing Game for Toddlers

First and foremost, this activity is so great for fine motor skills. The chopstick is a perfect tool for guiding through and picking up each fish. Encourage your child to hold it like a pencil to strengthen hand grip!

Looping the chopstick through the small hole is also great for hand-eye coordination. The strengthening of this skill continues as the child transfers the fish to the second bowl!

You can also extend learning with this activity by exploring other early childhood education skills like color recognition and counting.

Counting and saying the names of the colors out loud will further enhance language development.

Educational Benefits of This Fishing Game for Toddlers

First and foremost, this activity is so great for fine motor skills. The chopstick is a perfect tool for guiding through and picking up each fish. Encourage your child to hold it like a pencil to strengthen hand grip!

Looping the chopstick through the small hole is also great for hand-eye coordination. The strengthening of this skill continues as the child transfers the fish to the second bowl!

You can also extend learning with this activity by exploring other early childhood education skills like color recognition and counting.

Counting and saying the names of the colors out loud will further enhance language development.

Even More Ways to Explore Fishing!

Here are my top picks for fishing games you can buy!

Catching and Counting

These magnetic fish are not just great for catching, but encourage counting and number recognition!

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Fish the Alphabet

This wooden magnetic fish game includes two rods and is all about matching the alphabet!

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Fishing with Water

Here’s a fun way to integrate real water with a fishing game! It includes 2 rods, 6 fish, and a pond that recirculates water!

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Fishing Puzzle

Where a fishing game collides with a chunky puzzle! Great way for toddlers to explore matching many different sea creatures!

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What’s Next?

The Best Gifts for Dads in 2025

Discover the best gifts for dad in our ultimate guide, featuring top picks for every type of dad, from tech lovers to adventure enthusiasts!

Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Fine Motor Skills Toy – DIY Scooper Tong

fine-motor-skills-toy-hand-strengthening

Are you looking for a budget friendly way to strengthen fine motor skills? This fine motor skills toy can be made out of household materials in minutes and is great for hand strengthening!

Strengthening Muscles with a DIY Fine Motor Skills Toy

Fine motor skills involves the strengthening of the small muscles in hands and fingers. They are critical for so many important tasks like writing, tying our shoes, buttoning, and zipping! We aren’t born with these skills, but there are some fun ways children can strengthen them in their early years! This DIY fine motor skills toy is a great budget-friendly tool you can make!

And if you love this DIY, you have to try our Twisty Pom Pom Drop Game!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

How to Make and Play with This DIY Scooper Tong!

This DIY scooper tong can be made in minutes! Watch the video to see how simple and budget-friendly it truly is! You’ll also see how we paired this DIY fine motor skills toy with a DIY color recognition game!

How to Make and Play with This DIY Scooper Tong!

This DIY scooper tong can be made in minutes! Watch the video to see how simple and budget-friendly it truly is! You’ll also see how we paired this DIY fine motor skills toy with a DIY color recognition game!

The Budget-Friendly Alternative to Fine Motor Skills Toys

This DIY scooper tong is made of recycled materials and readily available household materials! There are some fabulous store-bought products that can help kids strengthen fine motor skills (and I’ll share some top picks below!), but I absolutely love it when we can make our own! It’s a great way to test our children’s ability without making a huge investment. It’s also a great way to show our children that you can make something useful out of everyday objects!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Materials

Dot Stickers
Pom Poms
Egg Carton

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Hot glue 2 craftsticks on each side of 1 clothespin, leaving some space for the fingers to squeeze the clothespin open.

Step 2

Hot glue 2 bottle caps on the inside of the craft sticks so that they close flush with each other.

Step 3

To play the color matching game, place dot stickers inside an egg carton. Make sure to sanitize your cardboard egg carton by heating it in the oven for 20 minutes at 170F.

Step 4

Use the DIY scooper tongs to scoop up pom poms and color match them into the egg carton.

Step 1

Hot glue 2 craftsticks on each side of 1 clothespin, leaving some space for the fingers to squeeze the clothespin open.

Step 2

Hot glue 2 bottle caps on the inside of the craft sticks so that they close flush with each other.

Step 3

To play the color matching game, place dot stickers inside an egg carton. Make sure to sanitize your cardboard egg carton by heating it in the oven for 20 minutes at 170F.

Step 4

Use the DIY scooper tongs to scoop up pom poms and color match them into the egg carton.

Benefits of Everyday Objects as Fine Motor Skills Toys

Strengthening fine motor skills can be tricky! But using tools like this DIY scooper tong can make the process fun and engaging! Other everyday items that can be used for fine motor strengthening include spray bottles, tweezers, tongs, clothespins, droppers, putting coins into slots, and scissors to name a few!

When you approach these everday objects in a fun way, you can transform them into toys that strengthen fine motor skills.

Children will be able to strengthen their finger and hand muscles so that they can accomplish important life skills like writing, tying shoes, buttoning, unbuckling, and zipping to name a few!

Benefits of Everyday Objects as Fine Motor Skills Toys

Strengthening fine motor skills can be tricky! But using tools like this DIY scooper tong can make the process fun and engaging! Other everyday items that can be used for fine motor strengthening include spray bottles, tweezers, tongs, clothespins, putting coins into slots, and scissors to name a few!

When you approach these everday objects in a fun way, you can transform them into toys that strengthen fine motor skills.

Children will be able to strengthen their finger and hand muscles so that they can accomplish important life skills like writing, tying shoes, buttoning, unbuckling, and zipping to name a few!

More Fine Motor Skills Toys

Here are my top picks for awesome fine motor skills toys you can buy!

Tool Set

This set includes 4 different tools including a tweezer, dropper, scissor scooper, and a squeeze scooper!

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Busy Book

This fabric book is great for quiet time with many activities including pages dedicated to strengthening fine motor skills.

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Large Droppers

This set of large droppers is great for fine motor skills and can be used in many fun STEM and sensory activities!

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Mushroom Screw

This wooden mushroom toy with a screw is Montessori inspired and great for fine motor strengthening for toddlers.

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What’s Next?

The Best Gifts for Dads in 2025

Discover the best gifts for dad in our ultimate guide, featuring top picks for every type of dad, from tech lovers to adventure enthusiasts!

Dinosaur Kids Craft – Fun Handprint Keepsake

This dinosaur kids craft is super easy to create and makes a great handprint keepsake! Read on for tips for making the perfect handprints!

Fathers Day Card Template – Get the Free Slider Hug Card

Looking for a creative way to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Our free, printable Fathers Day card template is the perfect solution!

Scissor Skills Activity – Spoon Salon

Scissor Skills Activity: Spoon Salon

How confident is your child with scissors? This spoon salon is a really fun scissor skills activity for toddlers, preschoolers, and beyond!

Teach Cutting Skills With Spoons and Yarn

There is so much to love about this activity! Kids can enjoy crafting their own spoon people and then channeling their inner hair dresser to give them haircuts!

This activity helps children strengthen their fine motor skills. Yarn isn’t as easy to cut as paper, so it will take more finger strength to cut. That’s why this is such a great learning tool. It helps your child build up that finger dexterity.

If you are short on time, I’ve got you covered with a printable version of this activity! Read on below for more info!

Skills:

Ages:

Prep Time:

Watch to See How You Can Make and Play This Scissor Skills Activity

Spoon people are so fun to make – being able to give them a haircut takes this craft and play to the next level! Kiddos can get creative and draw their own faces on the spoons. As they cut their hair, ask them to tell you what color it is, and count how many pieces of yarn they cut off. So much to learn and enjoy!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Watch to See How You Can Make and Play This Scissor Skills Activity

Spoon people are so fun to make – being able to give them a haircut takes this craft and play to the next level! Kiddos can get creative and draw their own faces on the spoons. As they cut their hair, ask them to tell you what color it is, and count how many pieces of yarn they cut off. So much to learn and enjoy!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

A Printable Version of This Scissor Skills Activity

We understand that grown ups are busy and may need a shortcut to setting up an activity like this! We got you covered with this printable!

This printable is an even bigger version of this spoon salon. Kids can enjoy tracing the lines first in addition to cutting through the pattern!

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Using markers, decorate the wooden spoons with faces.

Step 2

Glue Yarn on the top of the spoons as hair. For a fast dry, grown ups can use hot glue!

Step 3

Ask your child to give the spoon people a hair cut. Use toddler scissors for first-time cutters, or sharper ones for preschoolers and beyond. For a full list of our favorite supplies, visit our Arts and Craft Supply List.

Step 4

Optional: Print out the haircut-themed printable and do another fun scissors activity.

Step 1

Using markers, decorate the wooden spoons with faces.

Step 2

Glue Yarn on the top of the spoons as hair. For a fast dry, grown ups can use hot glue!

Step 3

Ask your child to give the spoon people a hair cut. Use toddler scissors for first-time cutters, or sharper ones for preschoolers and beyond. For a full list of our favorite supplies, visit our Arts and Craft Supply List.

Step 4

Optional: Print out the haircut-themed printable and do another fun scissors activity.

Educational Benefits of The Spoon Salon

This scissor skills activity can teach so much more than just how to cut!

As a child strengthens their scissor skills, they are simultaneously strengthening their fine motor skills. These are the small muscles in the hands and fingers that will help kids accomplish many life skills including writing, buttoning, zipping, and so much more.

You can also explore emotions with this activity. Kids can learn about emotional awareness by drawing different feelings on the spoons. Make one spoon look sad, another one look happy, and so on.

If you have older children, you can help them learn how to braid by braiding the yarn on the spoons.

Educational Benefits of The Spoon Salon

This scissor skills activity can teach so much more than just how to cut!

As a child strengthens their scissor skills, they are simultaneously strengthening their fine motor skills. These are the small muscles in the hands and fingers that will help kids accomplish many life skills including writing, buttoning, zipping, and so much more.

You can also explore emotions with this activity. Kids can learn about emotional awareness by drawing different feelings on the spoons. Make one spoon look sad, another one look happy, and so on.

Store-Bought Scissor Skills Activities

Here are my top picks for scissor skill products you can buy!

Scissor Skills Workbook

This set includes 3 workbooks all about scissor skills. Each book includes a pair of scissors!

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Apple Picking Game

This unique game includes magnetic apples that can be picked from the tree using a scooper scissor!

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Travel-Size Cutting Book

This small book is packed with scissor skills activities for children as young as 2 years old!

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Decorative Scissors

This fun set of scissors comes with 6 designs of patterns for decorating paper crafts!

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