Tot School ~ Dig, Scoop, Pour, Explore, Match, Cut, Sort

~Eliana is 28 months~
Here is what we did last week!
Bird Seed Dig, Scoop, Pour and Explore
This has been a favorite activity with all my kids. I used wild bird seed this time, and it made for an interesting feel. We played this while camping last weekend. We played Hide and Seek with some of her toys too, and she enjoyed that. I love using bird seed as an alternative to sand play, because the birds can eat up all the seed that falls out! The seed will actually sprout and grow, so keep that in mind if you try this!
Color Matching and Sorting
We played Hi-Ho Cherry O with Malachi for letter H activities. Elli's job was to sort the berries and match them to their bucket. Then we worked on learning how to work the spinner, counting berries, and taking turns! The later of which we need to work more on.
Cutting
I miss my trays! One broke and I cannot find the other. I really miss the defined play space. But, she was good to keep the scraps on the table in one place!
Bead Sorting
She sorted the beads in the tray by color then she mixed them up and played.
Transferring and Spooning
She was so cute, looking at me to make sure she was doing it right! I made sure to encourage her and ask her what she thought instead of telling her what was right. As soon as she made her decision I praised her efforts. Her focus on this tray was to just transfer with the tongs and spoon and put them in the tray and of course just explore with the materials.
To see what else we have done for Tot School, click here. To see what others are doing for Tot School, click here!

4 comments

  1. I am going to try the bird seeds...I think Emily would love the change for her sensory tub!!

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  2. Fun ideas! I have never used trays. Can you tell me why you like them so much? I've started putting Eliana's things in boxes (with lids) and she loves bringing them to me to do. We do a lot of work on the floor though. Just curious as I do like the look of the trays.

    Blessings
    Leslie

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  3. Hi Leslie,

    I like the trays for a defined workspace. When she is working, the items stay on the tray and don't roll away or spill. Like when she is cutting, she keeps the papers on the tray, rather than cutting anywhere and leaving a mess (although that one would have been fine in a box, I just didn't think of it because I had the strips already in the tray basket). I still use the workboxes for many activities, like the ones you can see here: http://delightfullearning.blogspot.com/2009/03/tot-school-in-box.html . But, some need more of a flat open space and easier access (ie w/o walls). Carissa's page on Tot Trays really inspired me: http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/TraysforTots.html

    I found my missing tray, btw. :-) I stuck it under the box cart for safe keeping and accessibility and then put some activities in the boxes. I don't put all the tray activities in the boxes anymore. One day she took them all out and scattered them all over the living room floor. I may just put a few tray baskets in the box. Then, when she learns to take care of the ones in the boxes, I will bring more out. Lids are a good idea! Never thought of that.

    I would love to see your little one in action!

    Michelle,
    I hope Emily enjoys the bird seed tub!

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  4. I love the large birdseed tub. I love our "trays" (quotes because some aren't actually trays, but they function that way). I need to get Hi Ho Cherry-O. Thanks for sharing!!

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