We’ve been doing some fun activities this first week of Advent and I thought I’d share a couple of them with you now in a bit more detail. You’ll also see them in the weekly Tot School post.
We did a great clothespin counting activity. I found these cute Christmas tags and ribbon at the Target dollar spot. I wrote a number from 1 to 10 on the tags, then attached a length of ribbon to each one with a stapler. I put some foam Christmas stickers on clothespins (you’ll need 55 clothespins total) and M clipped them to the ribbons, counting up to the number on each tag as he did so. This great idea came from here, where it was done with an autumn theme. 
He really stuck with this and did all 10 tags! Why I don’t have a picture of that, I’m just not sure. :) Crazy mommy-brain.
Next, a fun patterning activity with clothespins (again!) and cardstock Christmas lights. I made a pattern, then traced it onto red, green, blue, and yellow cardstock. I cut out the lights then added detail with a black marker.
M and I strung the lights up on some yarn which was tacked into his flannel board, which is just flannel on a foam core board and comes in handy for things like this.
There are no action shots because we took turns holding the Christmas light and yarn together while the other person clipped on the clothespins. M is really into patterns now that he’s got it all figured out. He told me, “they’re taking turns!” Um, why didn’t I think of that? Weeks of trying to figure out how to help him understand patterns… I could’ve used that idea!
We did a simple ABAB pattern as you can see. I’m going to do this with him again next week and see how he does with an ABCABC pattern – I’m running with the taking turns idea. I’m not sure if an AABB pattern would make sense at this point.
Both of these activities were really enjoyed by M and I love that he was honing those fine-motor skills as well as learning a little math!
Have a beautiful day! :)
Wow! Genius ideas! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteM is so lucky to have a mommy always thinking up these great activities!
ReplyDeleteI was going to hit the $ spot tonight and couldn't make it b/c of doggie issues. Hopefully I can get there Sat. These tags are just too darn cute.
ReplyDeleteYou have the best ideas! I just have to find time to do them,lol. Thanks for the tip:)
ReplyDeleteMichelle
So cute. Just the past month or so I finally started calling the AB pattern the 'taking turns' pattern. It makes so much more sense to 3 year olds that way!! Too funny, I don't know why we don't think of these things sooner. :)
ReplyDeletevery cool, great ideas Nicole. :)
ReplyDeleteThe patterning activity with lights is awesome. I keep telling myself to get those clothespins out.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea as usual.
ReplyDeleteOOH, taking turns! I'll have to try this. We're going to make the magic, eye opening paper chain this week and I'm hoping to see light bulbs go off!!
ReplyDelete