The shape sorting box is a classic toy. We have one, got one or at least know someone who still has one. They are a classic for a reason. Babies and toddlers love posting things. But it takes a while before they are able to fit the right shapes in the right openings. So we've come up with an ...
Simple BIG / small Sorting Activity
We have this book at home, titled "Big Things". My two older kids went through a stage where they absolutely loved it. They couldn't get enough of this book. The funny thing is that it only has 3 pages. Three pages with an image of a big thing. There are no words, just a whale, a truck and an ...
How to Put Together a Portable Tinker Box for Creative Play
The inventor's box is hands down one of the most favourite "toys" in our home. The kids love tinkering their little hearts out, creating who knows what. Our inventor's box is usually a mess, filled with recyclables and random craft materials. And while that works great for our all-over-the-place Mr ...
Stuff the OBall Heuristic Play Activity for Babies
After having 3 babies and being around them on a regular basis for over 6 years, I can honestly say that the OBall is hands down my favourite baby toy. So much so that it is one of my go-to gifts for baby showers and birthday gifts. That may surprise some of you since it's no secret I am a huge ...
Making Mini Play Mats from Fabric Scraps
I'm so excited about sharing this idea for making mini fabric play mats with you today. It's been the best invention since sliced bread in our family and I truly hope it will bring just as much joy and creative play to yours! The concept in itself is simple, crazy simple even. But let me talk you ...
Fun DIY Letter Sound Game
My daughter has recently started school. From day one she got straight into it and wants to read and write like "a big girl" yesterday. There's no slowing her down. Since I don't have time to sit with her for hours on end each day, I decided to duplicate some of the resources I've seen her teachers ...
Treasure Basket Play for Babies
I've been wanting to write about treasure basket play for babies for a long time now. The topic is timeless and I'm sure you'll have come across many heuristic play ideas on line and in real life. Here's my take on the 'good old treasure basket', I hope it will inspire you to create something unique ...
7 Creative Ways to Play with Loose Parts
In my previous two blog posts I've been talking about the theory of loose parts and have been sharing ideas on ways to play with loose parts at home. You'd think I would have covered most of what there is to say about loose parts in two extensive posts, right? No. There is more. There are ...
The Importance of Independent Play
We all know about the importance of independent play. Through play children learn about the world, themselves and others. For children, play comes naturally. They intuitively discover and interact with the world around them, using all of their senses. Children love to play and seem to easily find ...