Activity Idea #3

Lisa's prize from this post consisted of the following:

1. Golf Tees for pounding into playdough or styrofoam
2. Homemade Kool-Aid playdough
3. Put-n-Take Jar with tongue depressors inside
4. Sprinkles for cookie making
5. Spatula, also for cookie making
6. Squirt bottle for water activities
7. Squeegee for little hands to wash windows
8. Magic Treehouse Book
9. File folder games (not pictured yet because they're not finished...I'm such a slacker!)

I hope her and the kids have enjoyed their activities. Lisa, I would love to see some pictures and am anxious to know if Tyson liked the put-n-take.

Put-n-take jars are one of my favorite things. The purpose is as obvious as the name. Put something in, then take it out. You can use any jar with a lid, and anything that will fit inside. I've used tongue depressors, popsicle sticks, pennies, erasers, bouncy balls, etc. It is an excellent way to develop some good small motor skills and can keep some kids busy for a good length of time. Here's Sophie playing with her most recent put-n-take:





Those are little erasers, in the shape of bugs, that I found at the dollar store. As you can see, I didn't take the time to fancy-up the jar, I usually don't and she doesn't care! These are super quick and easy to make, especially if you don't care what the container looks like. For Lisa's I covered this container with scrapbook paper:



And the one Sophie is using is just a small Pringles can. Once you have your container, decide what you're going to have the kids put in the jar. That will help determine how to cut the lid.




This one had some pretty sharp points so I cut the tips off. Be careful not to make the whole too big, it's better if there is some resistance when they're putting in the objects. Put the lid back on, give them their objects to put in, and let them play! Some lids may be hard for them to get on and off so be prepared for a little assistance, let them try to do as much of it as possible since it's another great way to strength motor skills, and teach a little independence!