Watermelon Activities for Toddlers
This week has been all about watermelons for me and my toddler. I was inspired to create some toddler activities as I was slicing up a beautiful specimen on Mother’s Day. Watermelons are not only colorful and tasty, but they have several different dimensions to them. All of this, to me, equals a great learning opportunity for a little person! So, here are a whole week’s worth of waterm...
Mosaic Watermelon Activity
This is a great toddler craft for many reasons. It involves just a few, inexpensive materials, it’s engaging, and it aids in skill development (fine motor control, color and shape recognition). Here’s how to create a mosaic watermelon… Cut some green and red construction paper into strips and then into squares. Two pieces of paper should be plenty. Cut a piece of contact paper th...
Felt Watermelon Counting Activity
This is a super simple counting activity that I came up with on the fly. I love that it features the watermelon (our theme for this week) and is something I can keep “on file” as my little one grows in his understanding of numbers. For example, this could easily be used with preschoolers to not only teach counting, but basic number operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and ...
Watermelon Popsicles
Today, Nathan and I experimented with different phases of matter. Yep, even a 19 month old can begin learning about solids and liquids just by using watermelon. To do so, we began with watermelon fresh off the rind. In its solid state, we ate a few pieces, but could observe liquid escaping with each bite. We then took the left over watermelon pieces and blended them in the food processor to form a...
Watermelon Songs
In keeping with our watermelon theme this week, I wanted to teach by toddler a fun song that was either about watermelons or at least mentioned them. The first song that came to mind was the classic “Down By the Bay”. I quickly went to You Tube and was happy to find a sweet little video for us to watch and sing along to (check out our favorite kids songs–with videos!). I then wan...
Kids Songs
My son LOVES listening to music (he gets it from his mom). It doesn’t matter if he hears a commercial playing on the radio or a song playing overhead in a store, he will start movin’ and shakin’ to the rhythm he hears. It really is the funniest thing to look in my rearview mirror and see him in his carseat with is little head bobbing. To foster that enormous love for music, I am ...
Paper Plate Watermelon
This cute little toddler craft is super simple and only requires a few materials. To get started, you will need: a toddler 2 large paper plates red and green washable paint dry watermelon seeds glue (I used Tacky) a Q-tip Procedure: Have your child paint (by hand or with a brush) each paper plate. One should be green and the other red. Once dry, cut out the center of the red paper plate. Using a Q...
Building Block Activities
Building blocks, also referred to as “blocks” or “toy blocks”, have been around for decades and for all good reason. Their simple design and construction encourage a host of developmental skills, which make them the ultimate educational toy. In order to maximize the educational benefits of building blocks, try these 10 building block activities to aid in building your child...
Sensory Play With Watermelon
Since this week is going to be all about watermelons, I thought it was appropriate to begin our fun with some sensory play. This took place by simply cutting a watermelon into slices and then watching my toddler explore. It turns out that watermelon is a great “material” to use for sensory play. Not only does it have texture and is edible (a must for my toddler), but it is colorful and...
Toddler Sensory Activity Using Jello
Of all the things a mom can pull out of her kitchen cupboard and give to her toddler for an amazingly good time, Jello has got to be the cheapest and easiest to make. Prepare the Jello according to the package directions (remember that it has to “set up” in the fridge for a bit) and serve with a nice side of toddler-friendly utensils. My toddler loves to use a spatula and a handheld st...
