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Educational toddler activities that promote development through play!

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Category: Fine Motor Activity

Home / Fine Motor Activity
Fine Motor Activity how to play Play Ideas sensory play Uncategorized

DIY Crunchy Cotton Ball Apples Smash

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on August 13, 2020July 18, 2020Leave a Comment on DIY Crunchy Cotton Ball Apples Smash

How would your toddler react if you set them up an activity that meant they needed to destroy something? If you think this concept will bring them joy, please keep …

DIY Bottle Top Alphabet Board Pin
craft Fine Motor Activity how to play Play Ideas Uncategorized

DIY Bottle Top Alphabet Board

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on July 7, 2020July 7, 2020Leave a Comment on DIY Bottle Top Alphabet Board

We love reusing resources that would otherwise end up contributing to landfill. Bottle tops are a favourite amongst other resources such as cardboard boxes, egg cartons, fruit netting, and toilet …

Fine Motor Activity how to play Play Ideas sensory play Uncategorized

DIY Kinetic​ Sand

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on June 20, 2020June 6, 2020Leave a Comment on DIY Kinetic​ Sand

Sensory play is has been long known to offer so many opportunities for learning and development. I have seen some folks using Kinetic Sand in their play trays however never …

chia seed oobleck slime pinterest
Fine Motor Activity how to play Play Ideas sensory play

How to Make Chia Seed Oobleck Slime for Sensory Play

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on October 7, 2020April 21, 2020Leave a Comment on How to Make Chia Seed Oobleck Slime for Sensory Play

Long have we known of and explored the amazing sensory substance that is Oobleck. When wondering how to take glorious oobleck to the next level, the texture of kids chia …

craft Fine Motor Activity play Play Ideas sensory play

Isolation Family Time for Easter

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on April 11, 2020April 11, 2020Leave a Comment on Isolation Family Time for Easter

This Easter, for many, is a first separated from families and loved ones. This being said, self-isolating does not mean that family traditions need to stop. Rather, they need to …

Fine Motor Activity how to play Play Ideas sensory play Uncategorized

Pine Cone Bird Feeders

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on April 10, 2020April 10, 2020Leave a Comment on Pine Cone Bird Feeders

Heading into winter, we are well aware that food can become more scarce for our native birds. After collecting a surplus of pine cones, it only made sense for us …

Fine Motor Activity play Play Ideas sensory play Uncategorized

Fine Motor Jelly Rescue

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on April 1, 2020April 1, 2020Leave a Comment on Fine Motor Jelly Rescue

Whats your toddlers favourite toy at the moment? Dinosaurs, bugs, cars or zoo animals? Either way this Fine Motor Jelly Rescue is so versatile, you can combine it with so …

Fine Motor Activity play Play Ideas

Tape Animal Parade Activity for Toddlers

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on April 19, 2020March 29, 2020Leave a Comment on Tape Animal Parade Activity for Toddlers

Designing activities for your toddler can be so effective when the play is kept simple. This Tape Animal Parade is the perfect example of a simple play idea being engaging, …

Fine Motor Activity Learning Through Play play Play Ideas sensory play

Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on March 24, 2020March 24, 2020Leave a Comment on Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs

Dapple with a bit of science at home with the kids with this two part, sensory activity! These Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs are easy to create at home with your toddler …

Colour matching activity for toddler
craft Fine Motor Activity play Play Ideas Uncategorized

DIY Colour Matching Craft Sticks and Pegs

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on April 6, 2020February 6, 2020Leave a Comment on DIY Colour Matching Craft Sticks and Pegs

Colour Matching Craft Sticks and Pegs is a fun activity that you can do at home with your toddler. Learning about colours is a lesson that you can start discussing …

Fine Motor Activity how to sensory play Uncategorized

How to Make Cinnamon and Ginger Scented Play-dough

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on December 19, 2019November 28, 2019Leave a Comment on How to Make Cinnamon and Ginger Scented Play-dough

Christmas is coming and what better way to start the celebrations than to let the Christmas activities begin! Something that sings Christmas in our household is the smell of spicy …

Fine Motor Activity how to Play Ideas sensory play Uncategorized

How to Make Sand Dough

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on December 19, 2019November 21, 2019

Learn how to make this easy sensory play, sand dough! It’s gritty, looks amazing in small worlds and so easy to make at home!

Fine Motor Activity play sensory play Uncategorized

Taste Safe Construction Sensory Play

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on December 19, 2019September 1, 20191 Comment on Taste Safe Construction Sensory Play

Do you have a fan of trucks and vehicles at your place? This Construction themed small world, sensory play tray, is going to be right up their alley! Are you …

Fine Motor Activity how to play sensory play

Taste Safe Sensory Aquafaba Foam

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on January 23, 2020August 19, 20192 Comments on Taste Safe Sensory Aquafaba Foam

I have inherited a little saying from my dear, lovely Grandma – ‘Waste not, want not,’. When I heard about the numerous ways to use this amazing substance, I was …

Fine Motor Activity play Uncategorized

Water Drops in Bottle Tops

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on December 19, 2019July 14, 2019Leave a Comment on Water Drops in Bottle Tops

We love reusing items that would otherwise end up in the rubbish bin, heading off to landfill. This mornings activity repurposed some of our collection perfectly – Water Drops in …

Fine Motor Activity play Uncategorized

Colour Matching Popstick Posting Toddler Fun

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019March 13, 2019Leave a Comment on Colour Matching Popstick Posting Toddler Fun

So the other day, I was wondering what type of activity to set up for Miss 2 before her nap. We didn’t have much time before her routine nap time …

Fine Motor Activity play Uncategorized

Nature Snipping with Your Toddler

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019March 1, 2019Leave a Comment on Nature Snipping with Your Toddler

Watching our little ones growing up is such a rewarding experience. They discover through experiences, practise new skills and love to learn. Growing up is so much fun! In saying …

Fine Motor Activity play Uncategorized

Taking Tape Rescue to a New Level

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019February 19, 20191 Comment on Taking Tape Rescue to a New Level

After I first saw a Tape Rescue on Pinterest, I was inspired to replicate the idea straight away. What is a Tape Rescue? A Tape Rescue is a fun fine …

Fine Motor Activity Uncategorized

DIY Lego Maze Board!

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019November 14, 20182 Comments on DIY Lego Maze Board!

I’m all for generational, long lasting toys. This morning I asked Miss 4 what type of activities she felt like enjoying today. When she mentioned she would like to build, …

Fine Motor Activity

Fine Motor Fun With Play Dough Letter and Numbers

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019November 12, 201821 Comments on Fine Motor Fun With Play Dough Letter and Numbers

Learning letters and numbers doesn’t have to be all text books and flash cards. Your child certainly doesn’t need a pencil in hand to begin to build up skills that …

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  • 🎈 Baby Balloon Play 🎈 

For something different we attached a balloon. With freshly filed baby nails and a splash of water in the bottom of the balloon, we presented him with his entertainment for however long it kept his attention. 

To begin with, he laid with his arms back behind his head just staring at the balloon. With a bit of encouragement, his curious hands began to investigate. Before too long, him and his frame were moving across the mat with all his movements. 

His loofah is still number one, however he did enjoy rolling around underneath his balloon. 

βœ… Gross Motor Skills
βœ… Hand Eye Coordination
βœ… Spatial Awareness
βœ… Cause and Effect

Inspired by @play_at_home_mummy πŸ’œ

#babyplaytime #playwithbaby #grossmotorskills #playtime #playtimefun #developmentthroughplay #learningthroughplay #babyframe
  • 🌈 Ball Run 🌈

After sharing Mr 17 weeks and I’s early morning play in stories this morning, we had a lot of questions about our ball run. 

I have added this ball run to our featured resources via the link in bio πŸ™Œ 

Our whole family love building with these tiles! They are such a valuable open ended resource! 

#magnetictiles #ballrun #openendedtoys #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #learningisfun #playtolearn #ballrun #meaningfulplay #playathome
  • πŸ‡¦πŸ‡ΊπŸ“š Possum Magic Bookish Play πŸ“šπŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί

πŸ“£ COMING SOON πŸ“£

Calling all parents, carers, teachers, early childhood educators and child development professionals! 

We have been privileged enough to enjoy a sample of a brand new subscription from Little Wooden Toybox! 

Highlighting a popular book, each week there are a range of printables to further develop comprehension of the literature and other learning areas through play! 

I just love how both Miss 6 and Miss 3 have been able to benefit from our Possum Magic themed collection! 

Comment below and I’ll let you know as soon as it has been released! 😘

#bookishplay #subscriptionforkids #subscriptionfortoddler #learningthroughplay #learning #comprehension #teachersofinstagram #aussieliterature #possummagic #earlyliteracymatters #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhoodeducator #playathome #learnathome #teacherresources #teacherprintables #preprimary #toddleractivities #readingwithkids #readingtime #funwithbooks
  • 🌱 Seeds Exploration 🌱 

The girls were tired this morning after a later night last night. They were driving each other a bit batty so we went for a walk. To give them a bit of direction (and to help them leave each other alone), we went on a seed hunt! We collected seeds, pods and nuts - there were so many varieties! 

We then dropped into the store to get some yummy stone fruits so we could inspect the seeds from these too. Miss 6 asked if we could try growing them. From there we spent the afternoon smashing nuts and pits to reveal the seeds, then placing them in vials with damp cotton. 

Watch this space! Hopefully we will be showing you a plum tree and some gum trees 🌳 

#growingseeds #seeds #natureplay #biology #playinspiredmum #sciencewithkids #experimentalplay
  • 🌈 Baby’s First Felt Busy Book 🌈 

Mr 16w has really found his hands this week. He loved exploring his @bookywoo felt book this morning. 

His hands were exploring the different textures, running his fingers between the ribbons and materials. 

We even managed to slip in some tummy time while the contrasting shapes caught his attention πŸ™Œ

Love this book? Use coupon code PLAYINSPIREDMUM15 to get a 15% discount 😘

#playinspiredmum #feltbook #busybook #lookbook #babyplay #babyplayideas #tummytime #tummytimehack #playtolearn #learningthroughplay #sensoryplay #parentingunplugged #mummyblogger
  • πŸƒ Baby Nature Play πŸƒ 

I love incorporating nature into our play. On the way home from collecting gum leaves for our pet stick insects, I noticed Mr 16w watching the leaves. A prime clip on his frame and we had a happy chappy exploring the leaves. No fussing for ages - take that #forthleap! πŸ’ͺ 

Super multi sensory experience between the sound, smell, texture and gentle swaying of the leaves as his hands brushed through them.

πŸƒ Grasping
πŸƒ Hand eye coordination 
πŸƒ Spatial awareness
πŸƒ Cause and effect
πŸƒ Fine motor skills
πŸƒ Gross motor skills
πŸƒ Cognitive development

#playinspiredmum #babyplay #natureplayb#babynatureplay #playtime #babyplaytime #learningthroughplay #wonderweeks #happybaby #babyplayhack #babyplayhacks #mummyblogger #aussiemumbloggers
  • πŸ’¦ Tummy Time Splash πŸ’¦

Continuing on our quest to find Mr 16w happiness while tummy timing, we gave him a little baking dish with some water and cups. 

It bought us an extra few minutes before he started protesting. He did really enjoy watching Miss 3 scoop and pour water between the cups. 

Thank goodness for our Rudie Nudie Waterproof Playmat! There was water splashed everywhere. Luckily it was sucked up quickly and the waterproof backing prevented the water from getting on the carpet! 

There is a link on our resource page to save 10% off your own Rudie Nudie too πŸ˜‰

#playinspiredmum #tummytime #tummytimehack #playwithbaby #babyplay #babyplayideas #learningthroughplay #sensoryplay #sensoryaywithbabies #playtime
  • πŸƒ Leaf Anatomy πŸƒ 

We are very lucky to be surrounded by a plentiful variety of flora. We collected samples during this mornings walk. 

We then sorted by attributes including

🍁 shape
🍁 texture
🍁 veins
🍁 edges

#playinspiredmum #natureplay #groundingplay #explorativeplay #sciencewithkids #earlynumber #leaves
  • ⚫️βšͺ️ Baby Contrasts βšͺ️⚫️

We moved Mr 16w contrasts sheets from his change to table to his play mat this morning. 

Although he had seen them about 5-6 times a day already, they held his attention for his longest tummy time yet! Just goes to show, location, location, location πŸ˜†

That was until his sister came to join in. He seemed very happy to be relieved of his work out πŸ˜‰
#playinspiredmum #tummytime #babycontrast #grossmotorforbabies #babyplaytime #playwithbabies #babyplayhacks #babyplayideas #tummytimehack
  • πŸ’¦ Sponge Water Bombs πŸ’¦ 

After having a blast with some water balloons recently, the girls had been asking to get some. Although they are so much fun, I struggle with the waste element of them. So to replicate the play, we made some that can be reused again and again! 

Surprisingly they weren’t all that interested in throwing them at each other so we drew targets on the fence. They loved it!

#playinspiredmum #grossmotorskills #handeyecoordination #sponges #craftidea #diyplayideas #playhack #diyplaythings #summerfun #waterplay #finemotorskills
  • πŸͺž Tummy Time Inspiration πŸͺž 

Mr 15w and I were hanging out on his play mat when I thought I might pop into the kitchen to get some aluminium foil. The plan was to tape a square on the carpet to engage Mr 15w in his tummy time session. Then amongst the mess the girls had made, I noticed this baking dish thing they use in their toy kitchen. Propped up on the kinderboard and it worked a treat! The light shone off it beautifully and held Mr 15w attention for a good few minutes- yes, he still is not a fan... at all! Getting stronger though! πŸ’ͺ 

#playinspiredmum #tummytime #tummytimeideas #playhacks #babyplay #babyplayhacks #babyplayideas #babyplayidea #tummytimefun #mummyblogger
  • πŸŒ‹ Volcano Discovery πŸŒ‹ 

To further understand volcanoes, we set up a little experiment. Referring to our volcano book, Miss 3 and Miss 6 used sheets of paper and some dried mung beans to represent layers of the earth. A few pieces to create a little setting before the tectonic plates started shifting! 

#playinspiredmum #sciencewithkids #scienceexperiment #volcanoes #earthquakes #smallworld #smallworldplay #learning #makinglearningfun #funlearning #funlearningathome #bookishplay #pantryplayideas
  • ✨ Sensory PomPom Shakers ✨

With tummy time becoming increasingly challenging since Mr 14w learnt how to roll over, we impulsively gave him something to help keep his attention. The girls had been playing dress ups and one of their pom poms was hanging out of the box. As Mr 14w start to grump, I placed the sparkly strands in front of him. He stayed on his belly for a good few minutes longer (which is huge for him).

Once he rolled, we then used it as a prop for some sensory play. He loved the way it felt and he seemed to respond to the sound too!

I was very mindful of him trying to mouth the streamers. For this reason, whenever he started to bring them to his mouth, they were removed from his hands - definitely not something to encourage your baby to mouth! πŸ˜‰

#playinspiredmum #sensoryplay #sensoryplayforbabies #babysensory #babysensoryplay #playtolearn #tummytime #tummytimefun #babyplayhacks #babyplayideas
  • ✨ Magic Milk✨

Colours dancing across the surface with the most delicate touch of a cotton tip! Is it even the holidays if you haven’t done this super easy science experiment?

Search β€˜Milky Tray’ via link in bio to learn how or comment below and I’ll send you the direct link πŸŒˆπŸ˜‰

#playinspiredmum #magicmilk #science #scienceforkids #scienceathome #simplescience #learningthroughplay #funwithscience #mummyblogger
  • πŸŒͺ Tornado Bottle πŸŒͺ

Miss 6 was keen to do a science experiment today however Mr 15w had other plans for Mummy 🐨 

Within 10 minutes we created this little contraption using some things around the house. 

Fill a plastic bottle two thirds the way up with water. Add a tiny drop of dishwashing liquid and a sprinkle of glitter. Secure a second bottle (the same size), opening to opening with some tape. Turn it over, give it a swirl and presto! Tornado in a bottle πŸ˜‰

Everyone in the house enjoyed this little science experiment. In hindsight, next time we will use smaller bottles so they are easier to manage.

#playinspiredmum #createrecycleandplay #sciencewithkids #tornado #scienceexperimentsforkids #scienceexperiments #playtolearn #learningthroughplay
  • πŸ₯ 🎢 Loose Parts Music Play 🎢 πŸ₯ 

I was packing away some random bowls, scoops and bottles that the girls had been using for a tea party earlier in the afternoon when Mr 14w started to become unsettled. 

When I placed these next too him, before I intended to pick him up, the sound of them clanking together caught his attention. From there we clanked and twanged all the vessels together. He loved listening to the sounds!

Miss 3 heard the commotion and grabbed some of her toy drum sticks to join in too. We spent a good 20 minutes exploring the different sounds, creating rhythms and beats.

#playinspiredmum #noisemakers #looseparts #babyplayhacks #babyactivities #activitiesforbabies #activitiesforbabiesandtoddlers #loosepartsplay #causeandeffect #learningthroughplay #makingmusic #witchinghour #sensoryplay #babysensoryplay
  • πŸ’¦ Baby Water Play πŸ’¦ 

Mr 14w was having a right grump of a morning. To try and snap him out of his funk, we set up this super simple water sensory play activity.

Literally, a baking dish half full of water for him to splash about in with his feet πŸ™Œ 

To say he loved it would be an understatement! The water seemed to be the perfect distraction from his worries. We took turns spooning water over his feet, experimenting with different heights so the water would sound and feel different. 

Our waterproof Rudie Nudie play mat sucked up the spilt water beautifully, protecting the carpet. I was impressed with how it held the water, especially after the girls got their feet in the dish too! For more info on the mat (and a 10% discount) check out the link on our resource page in the bio 😘

#playinspiredmum #babysensoryplay #babyplay #sensoryplayforbabies #moodbooster #waterplay #babywaterplay#playmat #sensoryplay #babyplayhacks #babyactivities #babyplayideas #learningthroughplay #buildingbrains #playingwithbaby #makingmemories #mummyblogger #aussiemumblogger #aussiemumbloggers #playtolearn #meaningfulplay #easybabyplay
  • 🌈 Magnetic Tile Rainbow 🌈 

Inspired by the rainbow song Mr 14w’s nursery rhyme song book, Miss 6 made her own rainbow using our magnetic tiles. 

The challenge certainly offered opportunities to develop resilience and problem solving skills. She stuck to the task at hand, took on advice when she asked for it and made a beautiful rainbow 🌈 

#playinspiredmum #rainbow #magnetictiles #magnetictilescreations #magnetictilesaustralia #rainbows #learningthroughplay #openendedplay #playtolearn #parentingunplugged #childhoodunplugged #aussiemumbloggers #mummyblogger
  • 🍼 Baby Loofah Sensory Play 🍼 

A little left of centre but I am not kidding when I say that this is Mr 14w favourite toy at the moment.

We suspended a pink (unused) loofah to his A-frame. We offered a little encouragement to start him off by brushing the loofah against his hands. It didn’t take long before he was reaching, gripping and rolling onto his side with his new discovery. 

Busy hands were working on gripping the loofah. He was mouthing it and lifting his feet to it. When he lost his grip, his little arms would bat at it until he coordinated its retrieval. 

After a little time passed, we repositioned his frame to give his feet some game time. Mr 14w protested after a few minutes so we moved the frame back within the reach of his hands. He loves his loofah! 

βœ… sensory play
βœ… fine motor skills
βœ… gross motor skills
βœ… grasping
βœ… cause and effect
βœ… hand eye coordination 
βœ… visual tracking 

#playinspiredmum #sensorybaby #babysensoryplay #playathome #babyplay #playideasforbabies #playtolearning #learningthroughplay #babyboy #babyplayhacks #playhacks #babyactivities #mumblog #mummyblogger #playideas #aussiemumbloggers #aussiemum
  • 🌈 Ball Run Rattle 🌈 

Miss 6 kindly made her brother a rattle using pieces from her magnetic tile ball run. 

While he need to wait until he is older to play with them, he loved watching the ball spin through the coloured tubes- great for visual tracking and getting some smiles! 

#playinspiredmum #siblings #creativeplay #diyrattle #visualtracking #babyplay #babyplayideas #learningthroughplay #brotherandsister #openendedtoys #buildingbrains #causeandeffect #activitiesforbabies #playwithbaby
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