hide-n-(sensory)-seeking

Here is another treasure from the backfiles. This started as an act of desperation on my part, I just needed her to be occupied so I could finish something, but it quickly became one of her favorite activities. If you have a chalkboard (we made ours on a half wall with chalkboard paint), all you need is a paintbrush, sponge, or washcloth, and a cup of water. Dip the brush in the water and have at it! Kit LOVES how the water turns the board black. So often, she will be at this so long that by the time she gets across the board, the first area she painted will be dry and a fresh pallet once again. You can get creative with the things you use as paintbrushes, but she has been completely happy with our basic art brushes from Walmart. I love watching her do this.

So this was an awesome Pinterest find that I was able to put together in less than 15 minutes! I happened to have all the supplies already which made it all the more awesome! Supplies: 1 Clear storage container (the lid for mine was white, so I simply turned the container upside down.) 1 string of twinkle lights (I used white, but different colors would create cool different effects) A strip of wax paper the length of the container (this makes the surface opaque, which diffuses the light more evenly) White duct tape ( any color would do, I just like the cleaner look of the white.) Use small strips of tape to secure the twinkle lights evenly arranged on the bottom of the container, or in my case to the lid, since that was going to be the bottom of our light box. Leave the length of wire with the plug loose and make sure you have arranged the lights so as to have the plug where you will have ease of access to an outlet. Secure the lid onto the cont...

This is a variation of  pie dough play that I wrote about awhile ago. This will keep Kit busy for maybe five to ten minutes by herself. It's not long, but sometimes it's enough to let me get the pasta drained, or take something out of the oven, or sweep.   Supplies:   1/2 or 1 whole roll of refrigerated pie dough. (The dough softens and is easier to mold and stays together better when it warms up a little.)   Wax paper (or a cutting board, just for ease of clean up, optional)   Cookie cutters   Roll out the dough, demonstrate if nessasary, and let your kiddo enjoy!   When they are done, any dough that didn't go in the mouth can be collected and saved for later in a sandwich baggie.   Have a happy Monday everyone!