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Bread Machine Brioche Recipe – How to Make Brioche Easily

Bread Machine Brioche Recipe – How to Make Brioche Easily

Bread Machine Brioche Recipe – How to Make Brioche Easily!

brioche bread machine recipe

This easy bread machine brioche recipe is so easy to make and delicious! You’ll never go back to store bought!

Easy Bread Machine Brioche Recipe

For decades now, bread machines have made baking bread at home incredibly easy. With the convenience of a bread machine, you simply add the ingredients, press a button, and let the machine do the work. But what about brioche bread?

Even with brioche, often revered for its richness, the process remains so simple, with just the additional step of incorporating butter. Not only is homemade bread cost-effective, but it also allows you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more satisfying loaf for you and your loved ones.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. 

This Bread Machine Brioche Recipe versus Traditional Version

Traditional brioche-making methods involve meticulous hand kneading and multiple proofing stages to achieve its signature light and airy texture.

This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the dough’s development and yields a more artisanal result with potentially superior flavor complexity. However, it demands significant time and effort.

Conversely, utilizing a bread machine streamlines the process, requiring minimal hands-on time and providing consistent results with the push of a button.

While the bread machine method sacrifices some of the artisanal charm and nuanced flavors of traditional brioche, it offers unparalleled convenience, making it accessible for busy individuals who still like to make homemade food without the labor-intensive process. 

This Bread Machine Brioche Recipe versus Traditional Version

Traditional brioche-making methods involve meticulous hand kneading and multiple proofing stages to achieve its signature light and airy texture.

This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the dough’s development and yields a more artisanal result with potentially superior flavor complexity. However, it demands significant time and effort.

Conversely, utilizing a bread machine streamlines the process, requiring minimal hands-on time and providing consistent results with the push of a button.

While the bread machine method sacrifices some of the artisanal charm and nuanced flavors of traditional brioche, it offers unparalleled convenience, making it accessible for busy individuals who still like to make homemade food without the labor-intensive process. 

bread machine homemade recipe brioche

A Vintage-Inspired Bread Machine

I love this bread machine! It is a timeless addition to any kitchen with its classic vintage design – it looks gorgeous on our countertops (I never feel the need to hide it!). It comes in a cream color or a mint green color with gold trimmings. It has an array of 15 settings to choose from, 3 choices for crust shades (light, medium or dark), and also has a nut dispenser.

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast
  • 10 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
  • Bread Machine
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast
  • 10 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces

Instructions 

Step 1

As is the case for most bread machine recipes, at your liquids first – milk and eggs – into the bread machine pan.

Step 2

Next, layer bread flour, sugar, salt, and lastly yeast on top of the liquid ingredients.

Step 3

Start the bread machine on the Basic Bread setting and let it knead for 10 minutes.

 

Step 4

After 10 minutes, add the pieces of butter into the dough slowly one piece at a time until fully integrated.

Step 5

Let the bread machine complete its cycle. On my machine, it takes about 3 hours.

Step 6

Once the cycle is finished, carefully remove the brioche from the bread machine. Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Step 1

As is the case for most bread machine recipes, at your liquids first – milk and eggs – into the bread machine pan.

Step 2

Next, layer bread flour, sugar, salt, and lastly yeast on top of the liquid ingredients.

Step 3

Start the bread machine on the Basic Bread setting and let it knead for 10 minutes.

Step 4

After 10 minutes, add the pieces of butter into the dough slowly one piece at a time until fully integrated.

Step 5

Let the bread machine complete its cycle. On my machine, it takes about 3 hours.

Step 6

Once the cycle is finished, carefully remove the brioche from the bread machine. Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

The Joy of Making Everyday Items at Home 

Crafting everyday items like bread, yogurt, and cheese at home is not just a culinary endeavor; it’s a transformative experience that reconnects us with the essence of food. In a world inundated with mass-produced goods, reclaiming the power to create these staples offers a profound sense of empowerment and fulfillment. Beyond the satisfaction of savoring the fruits of our labor, homemade creations carry a unique authenticity and purity, untainted by additives or preservatives. 

brioche bread machine recipe
brioche bread machine recipe

The Joy of Making Everyday Items at Home 

Crafting everyday items like bread, yogurt, and cheese at home is not just a culinary endeavor; it’s a transformative experience that reconnects us with the essence of food. In a world inundated with mass-produced goods, reclaiming the power to create these staples offers a profound sense of empowerment and fulfillment. Beyond the satisfaction of savoring the fruits of our labor, homemade creations carry a unique authenticity and purity, untainted by additives or preservatives. 

More Homemade Recipes!

Check out these totally do-able recipes. Making your own food from scratch doesn’t need to be complicated. Like this bread machine brioche recipe, you’ll be shocked at how easy each of these are to make!

how to make greek yogurt at home

Greek Yogurt!

RECIPE HERE!
colorful popsicles rainbow layers frozen yogurt snack for kids

Rainbow Popsicles!

RECIPE HERE!
rainbow pasta recipe

Homemade Pasta

RECIPE HERE!
ice cream maker toy ball how to use it

Ice Cream in a Ball

RECIPE HERE!

What’s Next?

Ice Cream Maker Toy Ball – How to Use and Recipes

Ice Cream Maker Toy Ball – How to Use and Recipes

Ice Cream Maker Toy Ball – How to Use and Recipes

ice cream maker toy ball how to use it

This ice cream maker toy ball isn’t just a delicious treat; it’s a gateway to getting kids off screens so that they are more active, moving, having fun, and learning about the science behind making ice cream!

Where Can You Get This Ice Cream Maker Toy Ball?

You can get the exact ball we used HERE. It comes with a recipe book as well. This ball will make one pint of ice cream. They also have THIS set available that includes both the ice cream ball and the special rock salt used for making ice cream.  

No electricity is needed to make ice cream in this toy ball! All the energy your kiddos have can be put towards playing with this ball and they’ll soon find out how easy it is to make ice cream!

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

Gross Motor, Science

Ages: 
Prep Time:

Watch to See How To Make Ice Cream in a Ball!

Using this ice cream mixer toy ball is as simple as add in your ingredients, playing, and enjoying homemade ice cream!

Start by adding your favorite ice cream ingredients into one compartment of the ball, ensuring to seal it tightly. In the other compartment, fill it with rock salt and ice, again making sure it’s securely closed.

Now, the fun begins! Roll, shake, and toss the ball around for about 20 minutes – whether it’s in the backyard, at the park, or even indoors.

As the ball moves, the ingredients inside churn and freeze, transforming into delicious homemade ice cream.

Once the time’s up, open up the compartments, scoop out your creamy creation, and enjoy in the fruits of your labor. It’s such an interactive and hands-on experience resulting in something delicious!

Watch to See How To Make Ice Cream in a Ball!

Using this ice cream mixer toy ball is as simple as add in your ingredients, playing, and enjoying homemade ice cream!

Start by adding your favorite ice cream ingredients into one compartment of the ball, ensuring to seal it tightly. In the other compartment, fill it with rock salt and ice, again making sure it’s securely closed.

Now, the fun begins! Roll, shake, and toss the ball around for about 20 minutes – whether it’s in the backyard, at the park, or even indoors.

As the ball moves, the ingredients inside churn and freeze, transforming into delicious homemade ice cream.

Once the time’s up, open up the compartments, scoop out your creamy creation, and enjoy in the fruits of your labor. It’s such an interactive and hands-on experience resulting in something delicious!

ice cream maker toy ball how to use it

Tips for Using This Ice Cream Ball

Firstly, ensure all compartments are tightly sealed before you start rolling to prevent any leaks or spills. For optimal freezing, use a combination of ice cubes and rock salt in the designated compartment. Our ice stayed frozen during the 20 minutes of play, but if it melts before your ice cream freezes replenish as needed throughout the process.

Make sure you explain the science behind creating the ice cream! Inside the ball, there’s ice and salt, which make it super cold. Normally, ice melts and turns into water when it gets warm. But when we mix salt with ice, something cool happens – the salt lowers the temperature of the ice. When we roll the ball around, the cold makes the ice cream mix freeze. That’s because the cold stops the ice cream from melting, and it gets all thick and yummy! Rolling it around helps mix everything up just right, so we get delicious ice cream every time we play!

 

 

Materials

  • 1 Pint Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Step-by-Step Instructions 

.Step 1

Open the side of the ball with the white handle and pour in the cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Then seal it tightly.

Step 2

Open the other side (neon yellow handle) and fill it up with ice with about a cup of rock salt.

 

Step 3

Play with the ball for 20 minutes (keep reading for suggestions on games you can play!)

Step 4

After 20 minutes of vigorous play, your ice cream should be well formed! I suggest eating it right away!

.Step 1

Open the side of the ball with the white handle and pour in the cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Then seal it tightly.

Step 2

Open the other side (neon yellow handle) and fill it up with ice with about a cup of rock salt.

Step 3

Play with the ball for 20 minutes (keep reading for suggestions on games you can play!)

Step 4

After 20 minutes of vigorous play, your ice cream should be well formed! I suggest eating it right away!

Gross Motor Games to Play While Using Your Ice Cream Maker Toy Ball

There are lots of fun ways you can play with the ball, but keep in mind that the ball will be heavy, similar to a medicine ball. Here are a few games you can try:

Rolling Relay Races: Divide kids into teams and set up relay races where they must roll the ice cream ball to a designated spot and back. This not only gets them moving but also adds an element of friendly competition.

Ice Cream Ball Bowling: Set up empty plastic bottles or pins and take turns rolling the ice cream ball to knock them down, similar to bowling. Adjust the distance based on the age and skill level of the participants for added challenge.

ice cream maker toy ball how to use it

Hot Potato Ice Cream: Have kids stand in a circle and pass the ice cream ball around while music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding the ball performs a fun action or answers a question before passing it on.

ice cream maker toy ball how to use it

Gross Motor Games to Play While Using Your Ice Cream Maker Toy Ball

There are lots of fun ways you can play with the ball, but keep in mind that the ball will be heavy, similar to a medicine ball. Here are a few games you can try:

Rolling Relay Races: Divide kids into teams and set up relay races where they must roll the ice cream ball to a designated spot and back. This not only gets them moving but also adds an element of friendly competition.

Ice Cream Ball Bowling: Set up empty plastic bottles or pins and take turns rolling the ice cream ball to knock them down, similar to bowling. Adjust the distance based on the age and skill level of the participants for added challenge.

Hot Potato Ice Cream: Have kids stand in a circle and pass the ice cream ball around while music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding the ball performs a fun action or answers a question before passing it on.

 

More Frozen Treats You Can Make a Home!

Here are my top picks for frozen treat gadgets to make more yummy things at home!

individual portion homemade ice cream cups dash

Homemade Ice Cream in a Mug!

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slushy maker slushie

DIY Slushy Maker – Just Squeeze!

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yonanas frozen treat with fruit ice cream

Turn Frozen Fruit into Ice Cream!

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homemade popsicle molds

Make Your Own Popsicles!

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What’s Next?

How to Teach Shoelace Tying – Free Printable Activity Included!

How to Teach Shoelace Tying – Free Printable Activity Included!

How to Teach Shoelace Tying – Free Printable Activity Included!

how to teach shoelace tying to kids

This is all about how to teach shoelace tying to your kiddo! Our guide is here to equip you with effective methods, practical tips, and an engaging printable for helping your child master this essential practical life skill.

Is your child ready to start tying shoes? 

Typically, children begin showing interest and the necessary motor skills around the ages of 4 to 6 years old. However, with so many lace-less shoe options dominating the shoe market, even an older child might have not found the need to learn and, in effect, has not learned yet or even showed interest.

Look for signs of readiness, such as the ability to follow simple instructions, manipulate small objects with their hands, and show an interest in learning new skills. Additionally, observe if they can tie simple knots with other materials like ribbons or strings. Once you notice these signs, it’s a good indication that your child may be ready to start learning how to tie their shoes. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, so be patient and supportive as they embark on this new skill.

Skills:
Ages: 
Prep Time:

Free Printable Resource for Learning How to Tie Shoes!

Here are the step-by-step instructions for using your printable resource to help kids practice tying shoes:

(1) Download and print the “How to Tie Shoes” printable;

(2) Carefully cut out the shoe images along the outer edges.

(3) Take a hole punch and punch holes in each of the lace holes indicated on the paper shoe cutouts.

(4) Take a pair of old shoelaces and thread them through the lace holes in the paper shoe cutouts. Pro Tip: if your kiddo is having trouble handling the laces, try swapping in different colored pipe cleaners to use instead. The metal of the pipe cleaner keeps the shape of the loops well for early learners!

(5) Securely tape each paper shoe to a sturdy board, such as a piece of cardboard or a foam board. 

Now, your kiddo is ready to practice tying shoes! They can use the paper shoe cutouts with laces to practice the steps of tying shoelaces independently.  

Free Printable Resource for Learning How to Tie Shoes!

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to set up this printable resource to help kids practice tying shoes:

(1) Download and print the “How to Tie Shoes” printable;

(2) Carefully cut out the shoe images along the outer edges.

(3) Take a hole punch and punch holes in each of the lace holes indicated on the paper shoe cutouts.

(4) Take a pair of old shoelaces and thread them through the lace holes in the paper shoe cutouts. Pro Tip: if your kiddo is having trouble handling the laces, try swapping in different colored pipe cleaners to use instead. The metal of the pipe cleaner keeps the shape of the loops well for early learners!

(5) Securely tape each paper shoe to a sturdy board, such as a piece of cardboard or a foam board. 

Now, your kiddo is ready to practice tying shoes! They can use the paper shoe cutouts with laces to practice the steps of tying shoelaces independently.  

how to tie shoes

How to Teach Shoelace Tying

Sit facing your child with the printable shoes or a real shoe in hand and show them the following steps slowly and clearly, emphasizing each movement:

  1. Cross the laces.
  2. The back lace goes around the front lace and then pull them tight.
  3. Form two loops with each lace. You can also refer to the loops as bunny ears. Make sure to grab low, close to the knot to make the loops. Also make sure there is some tie left below the loops.
  4. Cross one loop over the other. Pinch the cross with one hand to keep it steady.
  5. Use the other hand to take one loop and pull it under the other loop.
  6. Pull both loops to tighten the knot.

Encourage your child to mimic each step as you guide them through the process. Positive reinforcement and repetition is key to mastery. If your kiddo is struggling with holding the laces and/or getting the laces mixed together, try the pipe cleaner hack I mentioned in the previous section!

What is an Alternative Method to Tying Shoes?

Above I described the double loop aka Bunny Ear method which includes teaching kids to make two bunny ears with the laces and tie them together. However, you can alternatively show them the one loop or bowknot method:

Make a loop with one end of the shoelace, wrap the other end around the loop, and pull a loop through the “hole” in the middle.

The Importance of Learning How to Tie Shoes

Learning how to tie shoes is a crucial skill for children that goes beyond mere practicality. It fosters independence and self-reliance, empowering children to take charge of their own daily tasks.

Tying shoes also promotes fine motor skills development, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Moreover, mastering this skill builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment in children as they conquer a task that once seemed challenging.

Additionally, knowing how to tie shoes properly ensures comfort and safety by preventing tripping hazards and keeping shoes securely fastened during active play and daily activities. 

how to teach shoelace tying to 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 teach shoelace tying to kids

The Importance of Learning How to Tie Shoes

Learning how to tie shoes is a crucial skill for children that goes beyond mere practicality. It fosters independence and self-reliance, empowering children to take charge of their own daily tasks.

Tying shoes also promotes fine motor skills development, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Moreover, mastering this skill builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment in children as they conquer a task that once seemed challenging.

Additionally, knowing how to tie shoes properly ensures comfort and safety by preventing tripping hazards and keeping shoes securely fastened during active play and daily activities. 

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

Top Picks for Strengthening Practical Life Skills

Here are some great gifts for continuing to strengthen practical life skills!

fabric busy book fine motor skills practical life skills

Fabric Busy Book

This high quality fabric busy book is jam packed with practical life and fine motor skill activities! From dressing, to tying, buckling, and beyond!

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wooden sensory bin tools that are great for fine motor skills through play

Sensory Bowls and Tools

Scooping, pouring, and transferring are all important practice life skills! This set of wooden bowls, scoops, and a tong are great for sensory play!

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Screw Driver Board

This car shaped screw driver board is a fun way for kids to learn how to screw and thread real life objects while using real life tools!

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practical life skills busy board book fine motor skills

Activity Board

This alligator shaped busy board will help young kids learn even more practical life skills. It is lightweight and folds into a book for easy carrying on the go!

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What’s Next?

How to Make Greek Yogurt at Home

How to Make Greek Yogurt at Home

How to Make Greek Yogurt at Home

how to make greek yogurt at home

This is your easy peasy guide on how to make Greek Yogurt at Home! In just a few simple steps, you’ll be crafting creamy, dreamy Greek-style yogurt right in your own kitchen, perfect for busy families looking for a nutritious and delicious snack or meal addition.

How to Make Greek Yogurt at Home: A Family Friendly Guide

In the whirlwind of family life, finding nutritious options that are both convenient and satisfying can feel like a never-ending quest. However, fear not! Making Greek yogurt at home is not only achievable but surprisingly straightforward. While it does require some patience as it works its magic on the countertop or in the fridge, the actual hands-on time is minimal, making it a feasible project even for the busiest of parents. By employing a couple of clever tricks, such as opting for ultra-pasteurized milk and utilizing a handy Greek yogurt strainer, we can streamline the process, ensuring that the journey from milk to tangy, thick yogurt is both effortless and rewarding. 

Watch How to Make Greek Yogurt At Home

In this comprehensive video tutorial, I’ll take you through each step of the Greek yogurt-making journey, providing visual guidance that simplifies the process even further.

From utilizing a pressure cooker for speedy yogurt creation to the meticulous straining of whey for that signature creamy texture, every detail is covered.

Watch to see how I prefer to flavor the homemade yogurt, catering to the taste buds of even the pickiest eaters – our beloved kids!

Discover how to portion your homemade yogurt into convenient containers, ideal for lunch boxes or snacking at home.

With this visual guide at your fingertips, crafting homemade Greek yogurt has never been more accessible or enjoyable for busy families. So, grab a seat, hit play, and see how easy it is to make Greek yogurt at home!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. 

 

Watch How to Make Greek Yogurt At Home

In this comprehensive video tutorial, I’ll take you through each step of the Greek yogurt-making journey, providing visual guidance that simplifies the process even further.

From utilizing a pressure cooker for speedy yogurt creation to the meticulous straining of whey for that signature creamy texture, every detail is covered.

Watch to see how I prefer to flavor the homemade yogurt, catering to the taste buds of even the pickiest eaters – our beloved kids!

Discover how to portion your homemade yogurt into convenient containers, ideal for lunch boxes or snacking at home.

With this visual guide at your fingertips, crafting homemade Greek yogurt has never been more accessible or enjoyable for busy families. So, grab a seat, hit play, and see how easy it is to make Greek yogurt at home!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. 

Our Greek Yogurt-Making Essentials

These gadgets and tools make creating Greek yogurt at home super easy!

how to make yogurt at home instant pot

Instant Pot

An Instant Pot simplifies the process as it is 100% controlled and fool proof! Read more about making yogurt without one below!

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silicon ice tray to freeze pancakes

Greek Yogurt Strainer

If you plan on making Greek yogurt weekly like I do, then I highly recommend you grab one of these! It is much more efficient than using cheese cloth!

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how to make yogurt at home instant pot

Small Yogurt Cups

These small 4 oz snack cups are great for young kids. I’ve found these smaller portions often leads to less waste. It comes with 12 sets.

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how to make yogurt at home instant pot

Yogurt Parfait Cups

These cups have leak-proof lids that separate toppings like fruit and granola from the yogurt. It comes in a set of 4 and hold up to 17 ounces.  

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how to make greek yogurt at home

Do You Need a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot to Make Yogurt?

While Instant Pots and pressure cookers offer undeniable advantages for yogurt-making, such as speed, precise temperature control, multi-functionality, hands-off operation, and consistency, it’s still entirely possible to craft delicious homemade yogurt without them.

Traditional stovetop methods involve heating milk to a specific temperature, adding yogurt culture, and fermenting the mixture in a warm spot. Alternatively, specialized appliances like yogurt makers provide controlled environments for fermentation, ensuring reliable results. Some home cooks also utilize warm ovens or sous vide machines for consistent temperatures during fermentation. With these alternative methods, you can still achieve creamy homemade yogurt, even without an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, however, the Instant Pot method is my go-to approach and I’ll share the ingredients and step by step directions on how I make it next!

Ingredients

Instructions 

Step 1

Add ultra-pasteurized milk to the Instant Pot. I get my milk from Trader Joe’s at a decent price – they sell ultra-pasteurized milk by the half gallon, so I will use two of these. If you cannot find ultra-pasteurized milk, heat the milk over medium heat until it reaches 180°F (82°C), stirring occasionally. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool to around 110°F (43°C). You can speed up cooling by placing the pot in a cold water bath. 

Step 2

In the Instant Pot, mix 2-3 tablespoons of the yogurt starter to the milk. 

Step 3

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Yogurt” function on your Instant Pot and adjust the time to 8 hours. The Instant Pot will automatically maintain the ideal temperature for yogurt fermentation.

Step 4

Allow the Instant Pot to ferment the yogurt for 8 hours. Avoid moving or jostling the Instant Pot during this time to ensure consistent results.

Step 5

Once the yogurt has finished fermenting, you can strain it for a thicker Greek-style consistency by removing some of the whey. This will lead to a thicker, creamier consistency. Pour the yogurt into the strainer and let it drain in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

Step 6

Transfer the yogurt into airtight containers and refrigerate. Serve it plain or with your favorite toppings. We like to make vanilla yogurt by adding a sweetener like honey or agave to taste and 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

Step 1

Add ultra-pasteurized milk to the Instant Pot. I get my milk from Trader Joe’s at a decent price – they sell ultra-pasteurized milk by the half gallon, so I will use two of these. If you cannot find ultra-pasteurized milk, heat the milk over medium heat until it reaches 180°F (82°C), stirring occasionally. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool to around 110°F (43°C). You can speed up cooling by placing the pot in a cold water bath. 

Step 2

In the Instant Pot, mix 2-3 tablespoons of the yogurt starter to the milk. 

Step 3

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Yogurt” function on your Instant Pot and adjust the time to 8 hours. The Instant Pot will automatically maintain the ideal temperature for yogurt fermentation.

Step 4

Allow the Instant Pot to ferment the yogurt for 8 hours. Avoid moving or jostling the Instant Pot during this time to ensure consistent results.

Step 5

Once the yogurt has finished fermenting, you can strain it for a thicker Greek-style consistency by removing some of the whey. This will lead to a thicker, creamier consistency. Pour the yogurt into the strainer and let it drain in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

Step 6

Transfer the yogurt into airtight containers and refrigerate. Serve it plain or with your favorite toppings. We like to make vanilla yogurt by adding a sweetener like honey or agave to taste and 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

Embracing Homemade Yogurt: A Healthier and Customizable Option

Making Greek yogurt at home not only offers a rewarding culinary experience but also presents a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

By making yogurt in your own kitchen, you gain control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust sweetness levels, avoid additives like preservatives, coloring, gums, and artificial flavors, and tailor the yogurt to your dietary preferences and health goals.

Homemade yogurt is a wholesome and nutritious addition to any diet, providing probiotics and essential nutrients while offering the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your food. I hope you have found that the process is really quite simple, yet tremendously rewarding!

how to make greek yogurt at home yogurt strainer

Side Note: Don’t Throw Your Whey Away!

Don’t toss that leftover whey from making Greek yogurt—put it to good use! Whey is a versatile ingredient packed with nutrients. Add it to smoothies for a protein boost, use it in baking recipes for added moisture and flavor, or incorporate it into marinades to tenderize meat. It’s also great for enhancing homemade soup stocks, fermenting vegetables, and cooking grains. Additionally, you can dilute whey with water to fertilize plants in your garden or supplement livestock feed. With these creative uses, you can maximize the nutritional value of whey while minimizing food waste.

how to make greek yogurt at home yogurt strainer

Embracing Homemade Yogurt: A Healthier and Customizable Option

Making Greek yogurt at home not only offers a rewarding culinary experience but also presents a healthier alternative to store-bought options. By making yogurt in your own kitchen, you gain control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust sweetness levels, avoid additives like preservatives, coloring, gums, and artificial flavors, and tailor the yogurt to your dietary preferences and health goals. Homemade yogurt is a wholesome and nutritious addition to any diet, providing probiotics and essential nutrients while offering the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your food. I hope you have found that the process is really quite simple, yet tremendously rewarding!

Side Note: Don’t Throw Your Whey Away!

Don’t toss that leftover whey from making Greek yogurt—put it to good use! Whey is a versatile ingredient packed with nutrients. Add it to smoothies for a protein boost, use it in baking recipes for added moisture and flavor, or incorporate it into marinades to tenderize meat. It’s also great for enhancing homemade soup stocks, fermenting vegetables, and cooking grains. Additionally, you can dilute whey with water to fertilize plants in your garden or supplement livestock feed. With these creative uses, you can maximize the nutritional value of whey while minimizing food waste.

What’s Next?

12 Genius Cutting Activities Kids will Love to Do

12 Genius Cutting Activities Kids will Love to Do

12 Genius Cutting Activities Kids will Love to Do

scissor skill activity for preschoolers cutting patterns vertical set up

Developing fine motor skills and mastering the art of cutting are vital milestones for children’s overall development. In this article, we’ll explore 12 genius cutting activities, including some with printable resources, designed to enhance scissor skills while fostering creativity and imagination.

The Benefits of Cutting Activities 

These activities are not only super fun for kids but also play a crucial role in enhancing strengthening fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and dexterity. Strengthening these skills at a young age sets a solid foundation for future academic success and promotes independence in various daily tasks!

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

Explore 12 Cutting Activities for Kids!

 This list of cutting activities involve hands-on scissoring tasks, creative crafting, and imaginative play with printable resources, all aimed at enhancing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and creativity in kids.

cutting activity printable

Cut the Pattern Printable!

Download Here!
Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath! Check out the printable version!

DIY Reveal the Rainbow Activity!

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cutting practice rainbow reveal lady bug reveal

Printable version of Reveal the Rainbow and Other Scenes!

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pet salon cutting skills for kids strengthen hand muscles

Create a DIY Pet Salon with Yarn Fur

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scissor skills activity spoon salon

DIY Spoon People Haircuts!

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best learning toys for building words

Printable Version of Haircut Activity!

Download Here!
Cut the pasta snacktivity for kids using rainbow colored pasta

Snacktivity: Cut the Spaghetti!

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leprechaun activity cutting scissor skills printable

Printable Cut the Leprechaun’s Beard!

Check it Out!
scissor cutting skill activity sports theme

Printable Sports Themed Cutting

Download Here!
simple subtraction free printable activity for kids

Cut Hair While Learning How to Subtract!

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scissor cutting skill activity using cars and roads

Cutting with Cars Printable!

Download Here!
best learning toys for following directions

Free the Cars Activity!

Check it Out!

How to Make Cutting Practice Fun!

You may have known that the 12 activities that I’ve just shared are all hands on, playful ways that integrate cutting skills.

Handing kids a pair of scissors and a piece of paper may not always be met with much enthusiasm, especially for kids who struggle with fine motor skills. That’s why I love to make the activities more interactive and goal-oriented.

If you are short on time, downloading one of our printables is a great option. You could even hand your kiddo a pair of scissors and ask them to trim the grass outside!

learning through play quote
scissor skill activity for preschoolers cutting patterns vertical set up

How to Make Cutting Practice Fun!

You may have known that the 12 activities that I’ve just shared are all hands on, playful ways that integrate cutting skills.

Handing kids a pair of scissors and a piece of paper may not always be met with much enthusiasm, especially for kids who struggle with fine motor skills. That’s why I love to make the activities more interactive and goal-oriented.

If you are short on time, downloading one of our printables is a great option. You could even hand your kiddo a pair of scissors and ask them to trim the grass outside!

What’s Next?

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Best Learning Toys for Kids

Best Learning Toys for Kids

best learning toys for kids compilation list

There’s something truly special about giving a gift that is not only fun for kids, but also fuels them educationally. Whether it’s for your child or a birthday celebration, find the best learning toys here!

Why Choose Educational Gifts for Children?

From interactive STEM kits to colorful puzzles, educational toys aren’t just playthings; they’re gateways to a world of discovery. Whether it’s fostering creativity, honing problem-solving skills, or simply making education a blast, these best learning toys are the perfect companions on our parenting adventure. 

With these gifts, you can create a space where playtime isn’t just fun but also an opportunity for our kids to grow, explore, and learn in the most delightful ways. 

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

Shop the Best Learning Toys for Kids!

Find educational gifts that spark curiosity and learning in kids. Here are 16 of some of our favorite learning toys for kids. If you want even more ideas, check out this comprehensive list of +60 toys perfect for playful learning!

best learning toys for writing

Best Toy for Learning and Writing Letters

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science kit for kids educational toy

Best Science Experiment Kit

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best learning toys for colors and shapes

Great Toy for Matching Shapes and Colors

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best learning toys for counting cookie monster

Fun Toy for Learning Numbers 1-10

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best learning toys for the human body

Best Toy for Learning the Human Body

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best learning toys for building words

Great Resource for Beginning Reading

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best learning toys for fine motor skills

Great Toy for Fine Motor Skills

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best learning toys interactive book quiet time book

Best Quiet Time Interactive Book

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best learning toys for letter sounds

Great Puzzle for Learning Letter Sounds

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best learning toys for the alphabet

Best Toy for Matching Letter Cases

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best learning toys for money education

Board Game for Learning Money

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best learning toys for following directions

Fun Toy for Learning Patterns and Directions

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The Importance of Playful Learning!

Educational toys play a pivotal role in fostering comprehensive child development across various domains. And the above mentioned best learning toys for kids is a great place to start looking for gifts, but I also want to mention how these purposeful playthings contribute to cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth in several ways.

Cognitive Development: Educational toys stimulate mental processes, enhancing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. Puzzles, building blocks, and interactive games, for example, engage children in tasks that promote cognitive development.

Motor Skills Enhancement: Toys designed for learning often involve hands-on activities, refining both fine and gross motor skills. From manipulating small objects in intricate tasks to engaging in physical activities that enhance coordination, educational toys provide a platform for skill development.

Social Interaction: Many educational toys are designed for collaborative play, encouraging social interaction and communication. Board games, group activities, and cooperative play contribute to the development of social skills, teamwork, and understanding others. 

learning through play quote

Emotional Intelligence: Toys that involve role-playing, storytelling, and emotional expression contribute to the development of emotional intelligence. Children learn to identify and manage their emotions while understanding others’ feelings, fostering empathy and social awareness.

Language Skills: Educational toys often incorporate language development elements. From interactive books to language-based games, these toys support the acquisition of vocabulary, language comprehension, and communication skills.

Educational toys create an enriching environment where learning is seamlessly woven into the fabric of play, promoting holistic child development.

 

 

learning through play quote

The Importance of Playful Learning!

Educational toys play a pivotal role in fostering comprehensive child development across various domains. And the above mentioned best learning toys for kids is a great place to start looking for gifts, but I also want to mention how these purposeful playthings contribute to cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth in several ways.

Cognitive Development: Educational toys stimulate mental processes, enhancing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. Puzzles, building blocks, and interactive games, for example, engage children in tasks that promote cognitive development.

Motor Skills Enhancement: Toys designed for learning often involve hands-on activities, refining both fine and gross motor skills. From manipulating small objects in intricate tasks to engaging in physical activities that enhance coordination, educational toys provide a platform for skill development.

Social Interaction: Many educational toys are designed for collaborative play, encouraging social interaction and communication. Board games, group activities, and cooperative play contribute to the development of social skills, teamwork, and understanding others. 

Emotional Intelligence: Toys that involve role-playing, storytelling, and emotional expression contribute to the development of emotional intelligence. Children learn to identify and manage their emotions while understanding others’ feelings, fostering empathy and social awareness.

Language Skills: Educational toys often incorporate language development elements. From interactive books to language-based games, these toys support the acquisition of vocabulary, language comprehension, and communication skills.

Educational toys create an enriching environment where learning is seamlessly woven into the fabric of play, promoting holistic child development.

 

 

What’s Next?

How to Make the Best Homemade Pancakes for Kids

How to Make the Best Homemade Pancakes for Kids

How to Make the Best Homemade Pancakes for Kids

best homemade pancakes for kids

Pancakes are pretty much a staple around our house. My kids have been requesting them for breakfast nearly on a daily basis since my oldest could talk. So, you might say I’ve perfected the art of making the best homemade pancakes for kids.

I get asked a lot about fun meal ideas for kids, and pancakes are always at the top of my list. Not only do we make them a family affair (my kids love to stir the batter), but we have fun with the mix-ins too.

Over the years, I like to think I’ve perfected my pancake chef skills, so I thought it’d be helpful to share some of my learned tips and tricks. One of these, I just started doing this year, and I’ll never look back!

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 Pancakes

Add Baking Soda and Baking Powder to the Mix

When it comes to making perfect homemade pancakes, you have to achieve the right balance between light and fluffy. To take your pancake game up a notch, add both baking soda and baking powder to your mix. This creates a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide, resulting in those airy, tender pancakes that kids adore. It’s a simple yet effective trick that guarantees a stack of flapjacks with the ideal texture every time.

Don’t Flip Your Pancakes Too Early

Patience is key when it comes to achieving the perfect pancake. Resist the urge to flip too early. Wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface of the batter. This is a clear sign that the bottom is golden brown and ready for flipping. This is the best way to guarantee that each pancake is evenly cooked and gives you that gorgeous golden color that we love to see.

 

Tips for Making The Perfect Pancakes

Add Baking Soda and Baking Powder to the Mix

When it comes to making perfect homemade pancakes, you have to achieve the right balance between light and fluffy. To take your pancake game up a notch, add both baking soda and baking powder to your mix. This creates a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide, resulting in those airy, tender pancakes that kids adore. It’s a simple yet effective trick that guarantees a stack of flapjacks with the ideal texture every time.

 

Don’t Flip Your Pancakes Too Early

Patience is key when it comes to achieving the perfect pancake. Resist the urge to flip too early. Wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface of the batter. This is a clear sign that the bottom is golden brown and ready for flipping. This is the best way to guarantee that each pancake is evenly cooked and gives you that gorgeous golden color that we love to see.

best homemade pancakes for kids

Freeze Your Leftover Batter

We used this genius hack to freeze leftover batter in an ice cube tray! Now, whenever my kiddos want a batch of pancakes, I don’t have to whip up an entire bowl of batter and instead pop out only what I need from this tray!

This ice cube tray is particularly good because it has a silicone bottom that makes releasing the portioned-size pancake batter out easily. It also has a top, which makes it a much more sanitary way to store as well as stack!

When you are ready to use your frozen batch, make sure to put your stove on medium-low and once the cube has pretty much melted, you can increase the heat to get a golden brown outside and a perfectly fluffy inside!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on syrup preferences)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or oil
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on syrup preferences)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or oil

Instructions 

Step 1

Mix wet ingredients in one bowl.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients.

Step 3

Slowly integrate wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 4

Cook on a hot griddle or nonstick frying pan until bubbles form on the surface, then flip.

Step 5

Experiment with creative toppings and enjoy your perfect homemade pancakes!

Step 1

Mix wet ingredients in one bowl.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients.

Step 3

Slowly integrate wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 4

Cook on a hot griddle or nonstick frying pan until bubbles form on the surface, then flip.

Step 5

Experiment with creative toppings and enjoy your perfect homemade pancakes!

Pancake Toppings & Mix-Ins

Transform your pancakes into family favorites by getting creative with toppings. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild with a variety of options like colorful sprinkles, fresh fruit, and chocolate chips. Not only does this add a burst of flavor and texture, but it also makes breakfast a visually appealing and exciting experience for your little ones. Experiment with different combinations to find your family’s favorite pancake masterpiece.

best homemade pancakes for kids

 

 

best homemade pancakes for kids

Pancake Toppings & Mix-Ins

Transform your pancakes into family favorites by getting creative with toppings. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild with a variety of options like colorful sprinkles, fresh fruit, and chocolate chips. Not only does this add a burst of flavor and texture, but it also makes breakfast a visually appealing and exciting experience for your little ones. Experiment with different combinations to find your family’s favorite pancake masterpiece.

Our Pancake-Making Essentials

Take your pancakes up a notch with these cooking and serving must-have items!

wooden kitchen stool for kids

Wooden Kitchen Stool for Kids 

Kids love to help in the kitchen! They gain such important practical life skills, so this stool that brings kids at the right counter level is a must!

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silicon ice tray to freeze pancakes

Ice Cube Tray to Freeze Batter 

These ice cube trays are great for pancake portioning and I love that they come with a lid so it stays clean and stackable!

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nonstick frying pan

Nonstick Frying Pan for Pancakes

Not only do we love the look of these non stick frying pans, but they are super affordable.

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porcelain white plate with silicone sleeves

Plates We Use to Serve Pancakes

These divided plates are great for babies and young kids. The plate itself is porcelain and it is protected with a silicone sleeve.

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What’s Next?

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Printable Version

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Printable Version

Cutting Practice for Preschoolers with Printable

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath! Check out the printable version!

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath! 

Multi-Step Cutting Practice for Preschoolers

What I love about this activity is that it is multiple activities all in one to keep kids busy and engaged longer!

The kids can start off by drawing and creating a rainbow. Once drawn, they can then help cut out strips of rain and clouds to cover up the rainbow. And finally, they can cut away the rain to reveal their rainbow! If you have multiple kids, or a classroom, it would be fun to switch papers to have the sibling or classmate do the big reveal!

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 Create This Activity  

There are two ways you can do this cutting practice for preschoolers! You can do the multi-step handmade approach described above, or you can grab our printable below.

Both ways are lots of fun and great for strengthening fine motor skills!

Keep on reading to get the printable which includes 3 different scenes to discover! 

How to Create This Activity  

There are two ways you can do this cutting practice for preschoolers! You can do the multi-step handmade approach described above, or you can grab our  printable below.

Both ways are lots of fun and great for strengthening fine motor skills!

Keep on reading to get the printable which includes 3 different scenes to discover! 

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

Get the Printable Version for This Cutting Practice for Preschoolers

We wanted to make things extra easy for you with a printable version of this activity! Just print, cut along the dotted lines, and tape for a super quick activity to set up for your preschoolers!

In addition to the rainbow discovery, the printable set includes 2 other scenes to have kids uncover – dolphins hiding behind seagrass and ladybugs hiding behind grass!

For more printable resources to help with scissor skills, be sure to check out our Cut the Patterns and Scissor Skills Haircuts worksheets!

And to see all our printable resources including lots of freebies, visit our Printable Shop! 

Materials
Step-by-Step Instructions 
Step 1

Have your little one draw a rainbow on a piece of paper, or draw one for them, or grab our printable! 

Step 2

Cut clouds and strips for the “rain” on blue paper, leaving a 1/4 inch border to keep all the strands together.

Step 3

Glue the rain just above the rainbow. And then glue the clouds above the rain.

Step 4

Hand your kiddo child-safe scissors and challenge them to cut the rain away to find the surprise underneath!

Step 1

Have your little one draw a rainbow on a piece of paper, or draw one for them, or grab our printable! 

Step 2

Cut clouds and strips for the “rain” on blue paper, leaving a 1/4 inch border to keep all the strands together.

Step 3

Glue the rain just above the rainbow. And then glue the clouds above the rain.

Step 4

Hand your kiddo child-safe scissors and challenge them to cut the rain away to find the surprise underneath!

The Importance of Cutting Practice for Preschoolers

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.

Read more about what fine motor skills are and why the are important!

Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!
Make cutting practice for preschoolers fun with this activity! Kids will cut away the top layer of paper to reveal a picture underneath!

The Importance of Cutting Practice for Preschoolers

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.

Read more about what fine motor skills are and why the are important!

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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What’s Next?

Life Skill Activity for Toddlers – DIY Zipper Board

Life Skill Activity for Toddlers – DIY Zipper Board

Life Skill Activity for Toddlers – DIY Zipper Board

girl playing with diy zipper board

This DIY zipper board is an easy-to-make life skill activity for toddlers. It’s such a fun way for kids to learn how to zip up and down! Keep on reading to find the simple instructions on how to make one yourself!

A Life Skill Activity for Learning How to Zip and Unzip

Life skills are exactly what they sound like – skills that we will use throughout the course of our life! There are a lot of life skills that kids can start practicing at an early age – zipping, buttoning, cutting, washing, brushing – to name a few!

And this zipper board has the zipping and unzipping category covered! 

Learning practical life skills like this at an early age not only allow kids to be independent, but can also provide grown ups relief by allowing their kids the opportunity to learn to dress themselves!

Skills:
Ages: 
Prep Time:

Watch this Life Skill Activity in Action!

There are loads of sensory boards and books you can buy (and I have some really good recommendations for them below!). But there are also easy life skill activities like this that we can make ourselves!

In this video, you’ll see how much fun my 1 year old and 3 year old had practicing the skill of zipping this colorful board over and over again! It is one of those DIY items that made it’s rotation in our play room just as much as a store bought toy!

Watch this Life Skill Activity in Action!

There are loads of sensory boards and books you can buy (and I have some really good recommendations for them below!). But there are also easy life skill activities like this that we can make ourselves!

In this video, you’ll see how much fun my 1 year old and 3 year old had practicing the skill of zipping this colorful board over and over again! It is one of those DIY items that made it’s rotation in our play room just as much as a store bought toy!

girl playing with diy zipper board

Tips for Creating This DIY Zipper Board

Colorful Set of Zippers. It is not necessary at all to have all of these colors, however it is a great opportunity to talk about colors during the activity to build on language development and vocabulary!

Glue. When gluing down the zippers make sure you keep the glue as far away as possible to the zipper itself. If it gets inside the zipper, it will be really tricky to zip it up and down without it getting stuck in the dried glue!

Cardboard. This is definitely a fun activity to save cardboard for! Cardboard is such a great DIY resource for kids activities since it is durable and basically free (if you get as many packages as we do!).

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

      Get a piece of cardboard that is square in size and large enough to hold multiple zippers. 

      Step 2

      Apply hot glue to the material on the side of the zippers making sure to leave plenty of space from the zippers themselves. 

      Step 3

      Let the glue dry completely, and that’s it! 

      Step 1

      Get a piece of cardboard that is square in size and large enough to hold multiple zippers. 

      Step 2

      Apply hot glue to the material on the side of the zippers making sure to leave plenty of space from the zippers themselves. 

      Step 3

      Let the glue dry completely, and that’s it! 

      More Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

      The greatest benefit of creating this zipper board is strengthening the muscles and coordination in the hands in fingers to move the zipper up and down. In other words, strengthening fine motor skills!

      When your kiddo is ready, cutting activities are another great way to practice this skill! This free printable haircutting activity is so much fun and will allow your kiddos to strengthen their fine motor skills while also learning the practical life skill of cutting!

      For more fine motor skills activities, visit our comprehensive list!

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

      More Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

      The greatest benefit of creating this zipper board is strengthening the muscles and coordination in the hands in fingers to move the zipper up and down. In other words, strengthening fine motor skills!

      When your kiddo is ready, cutting activities are another great way to practice this skill! This free printable haircutting activity is so much fun and will allow your kiddos to strengthen their fine motor skills while also learning the practical life skill of cutting!

      For more fine motor skills activities, visit our comprehensive list!

      Top Picks for Strengthening Practical Life Skills

      Here are some great gifts for continuing to strengthen practical life skills!

      fabric busy book fine motor skills practical life skills

      Fabric Busy Book

      This high quality fabric busy book is jam packed with practical life and fine motor skill activities! From dressing, to tying, buckling, and beyond!

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      wooden sensory bin tools that are great for fine motor skills through play

      Sensory Bowls and Tools

      Scooping, pouring, and transferring are all important practice life skills! This set of wooden bowls, scoops, and a tong are great for sensory play!

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      practical life skill construction toy screw driver board

      Screw Driver Board

      This car shaped screw driver board is a fun way for kids to learn how to screw and thread real life objects while using real life tools!

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      practical life skills busy board book fine motor skills

      Activity Board

      This alligator shaped busy board will help young kids learn even more practical life skills. It is lightweight and folds into a book for easy carrying on the go!

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      What’s Next?

      Christmas Cutting Activity – Printable Trim Santa’s Beard

      Christmas Cutting Activity – Printable Trim Santa’s Beard

      Christmas Cutting Activity – Printable Trim Santa’s Beard

      christmas cutting activity trim santa's beard scissor skills free printable worksheet

      This Christmas Cutting activity is such a fun way to strengthen scissor skills! Keep on reading to get the printable worksheet to trim Santa’s beard!  

      Scissor Skills with a Holiday Twist!

      One of the best ways for kids to strengthen fine motor skills is through cutting activities! It takes time to build up the muscles in the hands and fingers, but activities like this make it fun!

      This Christmas cutting activity is a super fun way to practice these skills during the holiday time! Kids will enjoy giving Santa’s beard a cut and a trim.

      We made things extra easy for grown ups with a printable worksheet. There are 4 different Santa’s each with different patterns on his beard to explore with varying levels of difficulty!

       

      Skills:
      Ages: 
      Prep Time:

      This Christmas Cutting Activity in Action!

      This activity can be set up in no time! Since it is a printable, all you have to do is grab the printable from the link below, print it, and then either cut out the Santas yourself, or have your kiddos do it themselves!

      Then, kids can have fun using scissors along the patterns to cut Santa’s beard and give it a trim if they would like too!

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

      This Christmas Cutting Activity in Action!

      This activity can be set up in no time! Since it is a printable, all you have to do is grab the printable from the link below, print it, and then either cut out the Santas yourself, or have your kiddos do it themselves!

      Then, kids can have fun using scissors along the patterns to cut Santa’s beard and give it a trim if they would like too!

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

      scissor skills cut santa's beard printable activity worksheet holiday

      Get the Printable Christmas Cutting Activity Here!

      We understand that grown ups are busy which is why we often make printable activities! For this Christmas, cutting activity, we’ve got you covered with this printable!

      We have lots of Holiday themed printables available. Be sure to check out our Christmas Bundle, Hanukkah Bundle, and Kwanzaa Bundle too! Each of these are filled with activities that will be sure to keep your kiddos busy before and during the holiday break!

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

      The Importance of Scissor Skills

      Cutting with scissors is one of those practical life skills that will be useful for the rest of your kiddo’s life!

      It also happens to be a wonderful tool for strengthening fine motor skills! Opening and closing a scissor will increase the muscle strengthen in kid’s hands and fingers.

      This printable has a number of different patterns with varying degrees of difficulty. Each are great for supporting hand-eye coordination.

      Overtime, as kid’s hands get stronger, their movements and accuracy will be more precise.

      christmas cutting activity trim santa's beard scissor skills free printable worksheet
      christmas cutting activity trim santa's beard scissor skills free printable worksheet

      The Importance of Scissor Skills

      Cutting with scissors is one of those practical life skills that will be useful for the rest of your kiddo’s life!

      It also happens to be a wonderful tool for strengthening fine motor skills! Opening and closing a scissor will increase the muscle strengthen in kid’s hands and fingers.

      This printable has a number of different patterns with varying degrees of difficulty. Each are great for supporting hand-eye coordination.

      Overtime, as kid’s hands get stronger, their movements and accuracy will be more precise.

      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!

      SHOP NOW

      Apple Picking Game

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

      SHOP NOW

      Travel-Size Cutting Book

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

      SHOP NOW

      Decorative Scissors

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

      SHOP NOW

      What’s Next?

      Practical Life Skills – DIY Learning Board

      Practical Life Skills – DIY Learning Board

      Practical Life Skills – DIY Learning Board

      practical life skill fine motor skill board zipping tying buckling

      Buckling, zipping, tying: these are all practical life skills that take time and practice! This DIY board is a fun way to help kids learn! With three different sections included, the kids can learn how to tie shoes, buckle a belt, and zip up a shirt, strengthening fine motor skills and building confidence along the way!

      The Importance of Practical Life Skills

      The activities that you’re going to create on this board are all very important for the kids to learn as they will use those skills for the rest of their life. Tying and zipping and buckling are not only done on clothes and shoes but they’re also used daily in other aspects of life. 

      This shows the kids the importance of being independent so that they can start working on all these skills on their own. This will help with their confidence and allow them to practice over and over again until they succeed!

      Skills:
      Ages: 
      Prep Time:
      practical life skill fine motor skill board zipping tying buckling

      How We Created Our Life Skill Board

      Since the kids are all about trying to do things on their own, they loved diving in and making this board. They were super pumped that it had three parts to it that worked on various new skills that they’re trying to master. 

      We like to choose some time daily to sit down and work on this board.

       

      A Budget Friendly DIY Toy for Learning Practical Life Skills!

      Cardboard, glue, and some leftover clothing helped to create this DIY practical life skills board! 

      For example, save a zipper from an old sweater, a buckle from an old bag, or a shoelace from an old shoe! All of these things can be used for a busy board like this!

      You can even add buttons and clips to provide even more fine motor skills opportunities!

      practical life skill fine motor skill board zipping tying buckling
      practical life skill fine motor skill board zipping tying buckling

      Tips for A Practical Life Skills Board

      As mentioned above, there is no need to spend a lot of money on this! Save old clothing, shoes, and bags and use the materials from them to build this practical life skills board.

      Cardboard makes a great board because it is cheap and sturdy! To make the cardboard colorful, I like to use tempera paint sticks because they are vibrant like paint, but roll on like a crayon and dry in seconds!

      Also make sure you use a strong glue, like tacky glue. Since kiddos will be tugging at the strings, zipper, and buckle, you’ll want to make sure everything adheres well!

      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

      Cut out cardboard shapes for the shoes, shirt, and pants.

      Step 2

      Have the kids color them in and glue them on a sheet of cardboard.

       

      Step 3

      Add the laces to the shoes, the belt to the pants, and the zipper to the shirt.

      Step 4

      They can then work on tying, zipping, and buckling over and over again.

      Step 1

      Cut out cardboard shapes for the shoes, shirt, and pants.

      Step 2

      Have the kids color them in and glue them on a sheet of cardboard.

      Step 3

      Add the laces to the shoes, the belt to the pants, and the zipper to the shirt.

      Step 4

      They can then work on tying, zipping, and buckling over and over again.

      More Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

      The three practical life skills covered in this activity all require the strengthening of fine motor skills.

      While we definitely don’t want to encourage our kiddos to cut their own hair, this free printable haircutting activity is so much fun and will allow your kiddos to strengthen their fine motor skills while also learning the practical life skill of cutting!

      For more fine motor skills activities, visit our comprehensive list!

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

      More Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

      The three practical life skills covered in this activity all require the strengthening of fine motor skills.

      While we definitely don’t want to encourage our kiddos to cut their own hair, this free printable haircutting activity is so much fun and will allow your kiddos to strengthen their fine motor skills while also learning the practical life skill of cutting!

      For more fine motor skills activities, visit our comprehensive list!

      Top Picks for Strengthening Practical Life Skills

      Here are some great gifts for continuing to strengthen practical life skills!

      fabric busy book fine motor skills practical life skills

      Fabric Busy Book

      This high quality fabric busy book is jam packed with practical life and fine motor skill activities! From dressing, to tying, buckling, and beyond!

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      wooden sensory bin tools that are great for fine motor skills through play

      Sensory Bowls and Tools

      Scooping, pouring, and transferring are all important practice life skills! This set of wooden bowls, scoops, and a tong are great for sensory play!

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      practical life skill construction toy screw driver board

      Screw Driver Board

      This car shaped screw driver board is a fun way for kids to learn how to screw and thread real life objects while using real life tools!

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      practical life skills busy board book fine motor skills

      Activity Board

      This alligator shaped busy board will help young kids learn even more practical life skills. It is lightweight and folds into a book for easy carrying on the go!

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      Cutting Skills – Silly Pet Salon for Strong Hand Muscles

      Cutting Skills – Silly Pet Salon for Strong Hand Muscles

      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.

      pet salon cutting skills for kids strengthen hand muscles

      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

      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.

      pet salon cutting skills for kids strengthen hand muscles

      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!

      pet salon cutting skills for kids strengthen hand muscles

      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 cutting activity books

      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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      scissor cutting skills

      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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      scissor cutting skills decorative

      Decorative Scissors

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

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      Simple Slime Recipe – Ooey Gooey Egg Inspired

      Simple Slime Recipe – Ooey Gooey Egg Inspired

      Simple Slime Recipe – Ooey Gooey Egg Inspired

      egg slime sensory play taste safe slime

      This simple slime recipe looks just like an egg! Not only is it taste-safe, but it also makes for a fun egg-making pretend play set up! Read on to find out just how easy this slime recipe is to make and how kids of all ages can enjoy it!

      Sensory Play to Inspire Your Little Chef

      My kids are always asking to help in the kitchen, but there are some things that I just don’t know if they’re quite ready to do. Egg cracking is one of those things! This simple slime recipe is a fun way to teach kiddos how to crack and handle eggs before helping with the real stuff! The fact that the recipe is taste-safe (aka not made with borax, glue, or boric acid), allows even the youngest kids to enjoy and explore! I love seeing the imaginative play that unfolds, as they begin cracking each egg into a pan to cook and serve!

       

      Skills:
      Ages: 
      Prep Time:

      Egg Slime – A Simple Slime Recipe for All Ages

      Here’s a video showing you how you can easily mix up this simple slime recipe. I made this egg slime, no glue recipe, with just three ingredients! Continue to watch to see how kids of all ages will love learning how to crack eggs, finding the homemade egg slime right inside, and using it to dish up a imaginative meal!

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

      Egg Slime – A Simple Slime Recipe for All Ages

      Here’s a video showing you how you can easily mix up this simple slime recipe. I made this egg slime, no glue recipe, with just three ingredients! Continue to watch to see how kids of all ages will love learning how to crack eggs, finding the homemade egg slime right inside, and using it to dish up a imaginative meal!

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

      egg slime sensory play taste safe slime

      How to Make This Simple Slime Recipe

      Making slime is so simple with this DIY recipe. Bonus points for using taste safe ingredients that babies and toddlers can safely handle! Traditional slime has boric acid and sodium borate, which should not be ingested or put in the mouth – this recipe has none of that bad stuff! If you’re hoping to teach kids the best way to crack eggs with a fun sensory twist, they’ll have a lot of fun with this unique egg slime activity.

      Plus, it’s a great way to use toy eggs, even if it isn’t Easter! And remember to do it during the Easter Holidays too along with our printable bundle of over 20 Easter and Spring Themed Activities. This bundle includes worksheets for practicing early childhood education skills, including alphabet recognition, number recognition, tracing, writing, coloring, counting, shapes, patterning, and so much more!

       

      Materials

      Step-by-Step Instructions 

      Step 1

      For the Egg Whites: Mix 2 tbsp psyllium husk powder and 2 cups of water in a big microwave-safe bowl; Microwave for 10 minutes, and be sure to let the mixture cool before handling!

      Step 2

      For the Egg Yolks: Mix 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder, 1 cup of water, and yellow food coloring in a big microwave-safe bowl; Microwave for 10 minutes, and be sure to let the mixture cool before handling!

       

      Step 3

      Assemble the Eggs: Separate a piece of the clear slime and add a small ball of the yellow slime to the center to resemble an egg. Then, close them up in plastic eggs for your kiddos to discover!

      Step 4

      Provide a skillet or pan and other cooking tools for your kiddo to explore with the egg slime.

      Step 1

      For the Egg Whites: Mix 2 tbsp psyllium husk powder and 2 cups of water in a big microwave-safe bowl; Microwave for 10 minutes, and be sure to let the mixture cool before handling!

      Step 2

      For the Egg Yolks: Mix 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder, 1 cup of water, and yellow food coloring in a big microwave-safe bowl; Microwave for 10 minutes, and be sure to let the mixture cool before handling!

      Step 3

      Assemble the Eggs: Separate a piece of the clear slime and add a small ball of the yellow slime to the center to resemble an egg. Then, close them up in plastic eggs for your kiddos to discover!

      Step 4

      Provide a skillet or pan and other cooking tools for your kiddo to explore with the egg slime.

      Educational Benefits for this fun Egg Slime Activity

      Sensory Play. Did you know that sensory play has been said to create new nerve connections in the brain?! Yes, there is so much educational value in allowing your kiddo to experience sensory play. Sensory play is often long-lasting with a ton of engagement – even with young kids who have typically short attention spans. Plus, it provides opportunities for kids to play independently.

      Additionaly, by making this activity taste-safe it allows even the youngest of kids to learn how to play with sensory bases. Taste-safe does not mean it is intended to be eaten, but it is safe if it is ingested. In other words, you do not want to encourage your toddler to eat the egg slime, but rather, if a child was to put it in their mouth and even consume it, this is the perfect opportunity to explain verbally that slime is not for the mouth and is not food. This is how they will learn to safely play with sensory bases of all types in the future!

      egg slime sensory play taste safe slime

      Fine Motor Skills. Fine motor skills are so important! Slime itself allows kiddos to engage the small muscles in their hand and fingers. Think: stretching, pulling, smooshing. But you can extend that fine motor strengthening further by providing tools like whisks, spoons, and bowls where kids will also be able to practice some important practice life skills like pouring, transferring, and scooping! 

      egg slime sensory play taste safe slime

      Educational Benefits for this fun Egg Slime Activity

      Sensory Play. Did you know that sensory play has been said to create new nerve connections in the brain?! Yes, there is so much educational value in allowing your kiddo to experience sensory play. Sensory play is often long-lasting with a ton of engagement – even with young kids who have typically short attention spans. Plus, it provides opportunities for kids to play independently.

      Additionaly, by making this activity taste-safe it allows even the youngest of kids to learn how to play with sensory bases. Taste-safe does not mean it is intended to be eaten, but it is safe if it is ingested. In other words, you do not want to encourage your toddler to eat the egg slime, but rather, if a child was to put it in their mouth and even consume it, this is the perfect opportunity to explain verbally that slime is not for the mouth and is not food. This is how they will learn to safely play with sensory bases of all types in the future!

      Fine Motor Skills. Fine motor skills are so important! Slime itself allows kiddos to engage the small muscles in their hand and fingers. Think: stretching, pulling, smooshing. But you can extend that fine motor strengthening further by providing tools like whisks, spoons, and bowls where kids will also be able to practice some important practice life skills like pouring, transferring, and scooping!

      More Sensory Bases to Explore

      Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases.

      sensory sand play for kids

      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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      mad mattr sensory dough modeling dough

      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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      play dough wild dough sensory

      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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      slime kit sensory play for kids

      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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      What’s Next?

      Water Activity for Toddlers – Milk Jug Car Wash

      Water Activity for Toddlers – Milk Jug Car Wash

      Water Activity for Toddlers – Milk Jug Car Wash

      water activity for kids diy milk jug car wash station

      Make a car wash water activity for toddlers using a milk jug, plastic cups, and garden hose! This is a really easy way to keep your kiddos engaged in sensory play outside. 

      Don’t be afraid of a little mud. This activity will get your kids to mess around with mud and soil – and they are going to love it! I’ll share some tips that will help you minimize the mess a bit. 

      Learning to Clean Up with This Water Activity for Toddlers

      This fun water activity for toddlers will encourage your kiddos to enjoy washing things (which is a fantastic life skill).

      It also encourages imaginative play. They will become immersed in the world of washing their toy cars – watching them go from completely muddy to nice and clean. The best part is, it doesn’t require any expensive parts!

      Skills:
      Ages: 
      Prep Time:

      Watch the Video to See This Water Activity for Toddlers in Action

       

      Here’s a quick video of my toddler getting his toy cars really dirty and then washing them off in the car wash. As you can see, he loves washing the cars off as much as he likes smothering them in the dirt.

      One tip for the best car wash: use really strong tape. Another tip, make your own bowl of soil for your kiddos to mix onto their toy cars. This way, it controls how messy they can get. Also, just turn the hose on a little bit to conserve water and place activity nearby grass or a garden bed that could use some extra hydration!

      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 Water Activity for Toddlers in Action

      Here’s a quick video of my toddler getting his toy cars really dirty and then washing them off in the car wash. As you can see, he loves washing the cars off as much as he likes smothering them in the dirt.

      One tip for the best car wash: use really strong tape. Another tip, make your own bowl of soil for your kiddos to mix onto their toy cars. This way, it controls how messy they can get.Also, just turn the hose on a little bit to conserve water and place activity nearby grass or a garden bed that could use some extra hydration!

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

      transportation printable worksheet kids cars trains planes boats

      Printable Worksheets for the Transportation Lover!

      When the weather is warm enough, this activity will encourage your kiddos to want to be outside! However, if going outside isn’t an option, and you simply don’t want to do this activity inside, this printable bundle is perfect for the transportation lover!

      Planes, trains, cars, and boats – these worksheets feature all things 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, color recognition, and so much more.

      For more printable materials, definitely check out our full collection!

      Materials

      Step-by-Step Instructions 

      Step 1

      Poke holes into the center-bottom of an empty gallon of milk.

      Step 2

      Use strong tape to secure 2 tall plastic cups on either side of the poked holes.

      Step 3

      Decorate with car wash sign (if you so wish!)

       

      Step 4

      Place your hose inside the top of the milk gallon & turn it on to it’s lowest level.

      Step 5

      Mix some soil in a bowl with a little water. Let your kiddo get their toy cars dirty and then wash them in the water that is pouring out of the bottom of the toy car wash.  

       

      Step 1

      Poke holes into the center-bottom of an empty gallon of milk.

      Step 2

      Use strong tape to secure 2 tall plastic cups on either side of the poked holes.

      Step 3

      Decorate with car wash sign (if you so wish!)

      Step 4

      Place your hose inside the top of the milk gallon & turn it on to it’s lowest level.

      Step 5

      Mix some soil in a bowl with a little water. Let your kiddo get their toy cars dirty and then wash them in the water that is pouring out of the bottom of the toy car wash.  

      Educational Benefits of this Water Activity for Toddlers

      This water activity for toddlers might not teach reading or writing, but being outside and playing in the earth and water is still very good for your kids! 

      Even though young kids will enjoy it, this is truly a fantastic sensory activity for kids of all ages! From the grit of the soil to the ice-cold water from the hose, there are so many textures to experience. 

      Playing in the mud can help kids reduce their stress levels and even make them feel calmer. It’s one of the many benefits of both sensory play and being out in the sunshine. 

      When kids interact with different textures in sensory activities like this one, their brain actually forms new connections. It gives them the foundations they need later on to learn new concepts.

      water activity for kids diy milk jug car wash station

      As they make the car dirty and then wash it off, they are also exercising their curiosity and problem-solving skills. Why isn’t that one wheel getting clean? How can they make the water come out faster? It’s all part of cause and effect.

      This is also fun for all ages. Everyone can gather around the car wash and share it. It’s a fun way to encourage them to play together too.

      water activity for kids diy milk jug car wash station

      Educational Benefits of this Water Activity for Toddlers

      This water activity for toddlers might not teach reading or writing, but being outside and playing in the earth and water is still very good for your kids! 

      Even though young kids will enjoy it, this is truly a fantastic sensory activity for kids of all ages! From the grit of the soil to the ice-cold water from the hose, there are so many textures to experience. 

      Playing in the mud can help kids reduce their stress levels and even make them feel calmer. It’s one of the many benefits of both sensory play and being out in the sunshine. 

      When kids interact with different textures in sensory activities like this one, their brain actually forms new connections. It gives them the foundations they need later on to learn new concepts.

      As they make the car dirty and then wash it off, they are also exercising their curiosity and problem-solving skills. Why isn’t that one wheel getting clean? How can they make the water come out faster? It’s all part of cause and effect.

      This is also fun for all ages. Everyone can gather around the car wash and share it. It’s a fun way to encourage them to play together too.

      Store-Bought Outdoor Activities For Kids

      Here are my top picks for toys you can buy that kids can play with outside!

      gardening kit for kids outdoor play

      Kids Gardening Set

      This cute set comes with a watering can, gloves, tools, and even a wheelbarrow. These can be enjoyed both indoors or outdoors!

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      outdoor play bubble making set

      Bubble Making Set

      All kids love bubbles! This set comes with the supplies to make bubbles in many different sizes – from small to huge!

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      outdoor play stepping stones for kids

      Balancing Stepping Stones

      Encourage gross motor skills with this fun game. Kids will balance from one stepping stone to the other in this fun game.

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      outdoor play cornhole toss game bean bag game for kids

      Bean Bag Toss Game

      This is a fun game that kids can all play together! They will build hand-eye coordination as they try to toss the bean bags into the holes.

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      Tracing Activity – Printable Pre-Writing Cards

      Tracing Activity – Printable Pre-Writing Cards

      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.

      pre-writing tracing cards printable

      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.

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

      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!

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      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.

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      What’s Next?

      Fine Motor Skills – Why Are They Important?

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

      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.

      scissor skill activity for preschoolers cutting patterns vertical set up

      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.

      fine motor skills toy tool scooper

      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. 
      fine motor skills toy tool scooper

      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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      wooden sensory bin tools that are great for fine motor skills through play

      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 magnetic game

      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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      What’s Next?

      Science Experiment with Food – Regrowing Food Scraps

      Science Experiment with Food – Regrowing Food Scraps

      Science Experiment with Food – Regrowing Food Scraps

      food scrap science experiment scallion celery romaine

      Observing how vegetables regrow from scraps is a fun science experiment with food for kids to do at home or beyond with no yard required! My kids love watching vegetables regrow from the windowsill, and if you have the yard space, you could even start a little garden with your kids!

      You can teach your little ones about how they can turn garbage into food that you can eat! Which is pretty cool if you ask me!

      Learn About Your Food and Where it Comes From

      Teach your children about plants’ life cycle, basic gardening skills, and even the scientific method with regrowing food scraps. This easy DIY food scrap garden activity is a fun way for your kids to practice hands-on science and learn.

      Plus, even parents can get in on the fun and save a little bit of money on your next trip to the grocery store too!

      Skills:
      Ages: 
      Prep Time:
      how to grow food from food scraps

      Teach Science with Regrowing Food Scraps

      We saved the bottoms of celery, green onions, and romaine lettuce to regrow our own vegetables. All you have to do is plop them into some water and make sure they get plenty of sun! Two weeks later and we had an entirely grown vegetable ready to eat!

      Using a plant’s ability to grow new roots is a great way to study plants and help you save money on food and reduce your food waste.

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

      A Science Experiment with Food That Reduces Waste

      We saved the bottoms of celery, green onions, and romaine lettuce to regrow our own vegetables. All you have to do is plop them into some water and make sure they get plenty of sun! Two weeks later and we had an entirely grown vegetable ready to eat!

      Using a plant’s ability to grow new roots is a great way to study the plant life cycle and help you save money on food and reduce your food waste.

      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 grow food from food scraps
      food scrap science experiment green onio

      What Foods You Can Save for This Science Experiment with Food!

      • Celery
      • Potatoes
      • Garlic
      • Carrots
      • Turnips
      • Leafy Greens
      • Ginger
      • Tumeric
      • Pineapple
      • Turnips
      • Onions, including chives and shallots
      • Herbs: Basil, Mint, Cilantro

      Materials

      Step-by-Step Instructions 

      Step 1

      Use your toothpicks or skewers and poke into your scrap from three or four sides. Just enough that it can support itself on top of the cup! 

      Step 2

      Place your skewered scrap on top of the cup so that the bottom dangles into the cup below the rim.

       

      Step 3

      Fill the cup with water, making sure it reaches your scrap so it can drink! Alternatively, you could place your food scraps on a plate or shallow dish with water, but we used a longer, clear cup so that we could see the root growth!

      Step 4

      Check in each day and watch your fresh veggies grow!

      Step 1

      Use your toothpicks or skewers and poke into your scrap from three or four sides. Just enough that it can support itself on top of the cup!

      Step 2

      Place your skewered scrap on top of the cup so that the bottom dangles into the cup below the rim.

      Step 3

      Fill the cup with water, making sure it reaches your scrap so it can drink! Alternatively, you could place your food scraps on a plate or shallow dish with water, but we used a longer, clear cup so that we could see the root growth!

      Step 4

      Check in each day and watch your fresh veggies grow!

       

      Educational Benefits of This Science Experiment with Food Scraps

      This fun science experiment with food combines science and gardening to make a fun STEM activity that your kids will love!

      It teaches your kids about the plant life cycle, food waste, and where our food comes from a scientific perspective. Your kids can even practice the scientific method by making observations and developing hypotheses about how long they will take to grow.

      It also helps your kids learn about the basics of gardening and growing their own food. How is food grown? Root vegetables don’t always start from a seed but can be grown from the very roots that grew the vegetables you ate!

      food scrap science experiment
      food scrap science experiment

      Educational Benefits of This Science Experiment with Food Scraps

      This fun science experiment with food combines science and gardening to make a fun STEM activity that your kids will love!

      It teaches your kids about the plant life cycle, food waste, and where our food comes from a scientific perspective. Your kids can even practice the scientific method by making observations and developing hypotheses about how long they will take to grow.

      It also helps your kids learn about the basics of gardening and growing their own food. How is food grown? Root vegetables don’t always start from a seed but can be grown from the very roots that grew the vegetables you ate!

      More Gardening Activities For Kids

      Here are my top picks for kits you can buy to continue to explore gardening with kids!

      Sprout and Grow Plant cycle Learning with kids

      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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      child sized potting bench for seed starting, potting up plants, and maintaining potted plants

      Kid’s Workbench

      This 2-in-1, child-sized potting bench has a flat work surface for seed starting, potting up plants and maintaining potted plants.

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      gardening kit for kids includes 6 heirloom seeds

      Veggie Garden Kit

      This egg carton garden includs 6 packages of heirloom seeds, starter soil, wooden stakes, instructions, a journal, and the egg carton planter!

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      Wooden Gardening Pretend Play Toy

      This adorable set is a great way to spark a young gardener’s imagination. It comes with 3 seed packets, 3 flower pots with a sunflower, carrot and tomato plant!

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      What’s Next?

      Easy Teeth Brushing Activity For Kids

      Easy Teeth Brushing Activity For Kids

      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

      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!

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      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.

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      What’s Next?

      Scissor Skills Activity – Spoon Salon

      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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      What’s Next?

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