Our toddler loves music and she is beginning to learn, recognize and clap along to some Christmas songs - "Frosty the Snowman" being one of her favourites. She excitedly sits in front of the tree and stands up in anticipation when we turn on the lights. She has a favourite ornament which she visits and greets throughout the day.
Now that she is a toddler, it excites me (as a new mom and teacher) and my husband (new dad and this being his favourite season) to introduce her to holiday themed books, movies (eventually) and of course, hands-on activities for her shelf.
Today on the blog, I am sharing the activities we have included on her shelf this month - so simple and some items of which you probably already have in your decor boxes or can be purchased at your local Dollar Store.
Check them out! Start with 2-3 themed items and then rotate or add a new item every few days. The last few days before Xmas, we will have all the items on the shelf.
*AS WITH ALL PLAY ITEMS AND ITEMS AROUND THE HOME - ADULT SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES*
Sorting Clothespins:
This can start with simply exploring each item ie. "this is a snowflake", "It is blue", etc., and your little one taking each item out, walking around, bringing it to a table or the mat or Mama/Dada, and putting them back into the tray, for example.
Our little one recently showed interest in the sandpaper numbers box. They are like cards, and have a sandpaper texture, so I added these to the shelf beside the clothespins. We count the items and the numbers on the cards. Just by using simple language.
Christmas Discovery Basket:
Love adding themed items to this basket. There are so many ideas on Pinterest! Foam shapes, blocks, Xmas colours, bows, shaker bottles with bells, etc + possibilities are endless!
Stacking rings:
My husband built this out of items from the hardware store. You can find ones that are similar to this or use a multi hook coat hanger from the dollar store. Add teething rings and there you go!
Shaker bottles:
Add some bells or beads to the bottles (ensuring that they are sealed). Shake- shake -shake along to some holiday songs.
Toy train/blocks:
This train by Melissa and Doug has three trains with removable blocks - we usually take out one at a time and included for this time of year- the green and red blocks.
Stacking/discovery boxes:
Small boxes from - YOU GUESSED IT - The Dollar Store! If your little one likes to open and close and remove and put back items like ours does, then they will love this. Stack boxes and/or add an item inside each one for your little one to discover.
Books, books and more books!
Our toddler loves books - have ones of different sizes and with some characters that they may be familiar with. Enjoy storytime!
Hope that you find some inspiration to add to your shelves at home and to help encourage your little ones to explore!
LOOKING FOR MORE MONTESSORI-INSPIRED ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE? CHECK THEM OUT HERE.
What are your favourite Holiday activities to do with your little ones?
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from our family to yours!