Activities
It doesn't take a lot of money-just a little imagination to create fun activities you and your child can do together. Here are some you'll both enjoy.
Learning the Letters
Pick three letters and write each one on two index cards (stick with all capitals for now). Put the six cards facedown and show your child how to turn over two at a time to look for a match. When she finds a pair, set it aside; when she doesn't, turn the cards over and try again. Gradually add more letters to the mix (no more than 10 at a time, though, so it's not overwhelming).1
Picture It
Purchase an inexpensive, 4"x 6" photo album with plastic sleeves. Gather snapshots of grandparents, friends, siblings, etc. and insert them on the right. On the left, insert 4" x 6" index cards with the person's name and a word or two to describe them. Kids love to look at pictures, and it will also help your child remember who's who.2
Love Notes
Let your child create her own postcard by drawing or painting a picture on one side of a 4" x 6" index card. Turn it over and ask her to dictate a message for you to write. Add the address and a stamp, and mail to a family member or favorite friend.2
Hear the Chimes
String beads, bells and other noise-making objects onto thin strands of yarn or fishing line. Tie them onto an embroidery hoop or a wire hanger twisted into a circle, with the strings spaced closely enough so the objects strike each other and make music when the breeze blows. Hang the chimes on your porch or in a tree.2
Print a Game
Printable coloring pages, puzzles, craft templates and more are available at http://familyfun.go.com/printables.3
Get Active Games
Find exercise/fitness oriented activity appropriate for toddlers & parents. It's great to plan special outdoor activities together to encourage your toddler to be active and make exercise fun. When it's fun, they probably won't even realize it's exercise.4
Nature Sightings
Introduce your child to the miracles of nature on a walk through the park, an outdoor recreational area or your own backyard. Encourage her to collect things that interest her, including pebbles, leaves, flowers and tree bark, making sure the items are safe first. At home, find creative ways to have fun with her finds, such as creating a collage with cardboard and glue.5
Reward them after your hike for the points they earned with a healthy snack like an apple with peanut butter and a bottle of Nursery® Sesame Street steam distilled water.