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Educational toddler activities that promote development through play!

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Tag: early childhood learning

Home / early childhood learning
problem solving with your toddler
Learning Through Play Uncategorized

Problem Solving with your Toddler

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on December 19, 2019September 30, 2019Leave a Comment on Problem Solving with your Toddler

Problem solving is a valuable life skill. As a parent, I often have to consciously remind myself, that I am here to teach and guide my children. To remember, that …

how to play sensory play Uncategorized

DIY Rainbow Foam for Sensory Play

by Play Inspired Mumupdated on December 19, 2019June 9, 20192 Comments on DIY Rainbow Foam for Sensory Play

Rainbow Foam is so easy to make and you probably already have all you need in your kitchen!Within minutes, you can create a beautiful rainbow or simply a couple of …

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 …

Play Inspired Mum Stick Man Julia Donaldson
Book Reviews Uncategorized

Must Have Titles for Baby’s First Book Collection

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019March 6, 2019Leave a Comment on Must Have Titles for Baby’s First Book Collection

It has long been known that reading to our children offers so much more than just entertainment. Laying back with your child has been proven improve their cognitive development, speech …

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 …

play Uncategorized

Frozen Fuzzy Spheres

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019February 4, 2019Leave a Comment on Frozen Fuzzy Spheres

Truth be told, I am a little embarrassed as to how long it has taken me to write this post! It has been sitting on the back burner for close …

Exploring Math play Uncategorized

Learn about Adding and Subtracting with Frogs in a Pond!

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019December 19, 201829 Comments on Learn about Adding and Subtracting with Frogs in a Pond!

Learning how to count is such an important math skill. We use numbers in some way or form every day. Putting our well rehearsed numbers into context will help deepen …

how to sensory play Uncategorized

How to Make Crisp White Homemade Corn Flour Clay

by playinspiredmumupdated on November 20, 2020December 11, 201832 Comments on How to Make Crisp White Homemade Corn Flour Clay

We have done homemade salt dough before. It is great however the brown, burnt biscuit look really isn’t very appealing as a base to work with. Yes, a good coat …

Uncategorized

Play Ideas for Nature Hoarding Toddlers

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019December 9, 20182 Comments on Play Ideas for Nature Hoarding Toddlers

Both of my girls have been, well still are, nature hoarders. They will find, pick up and cherish rocks and gumnuts. Along with these they will also collect leaves, sticks, …

Uncategorized

Edible Gloopy Slime for Sensory Play

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019November 27, 201827 Comments on Edible Gloopy Slime for Sensory Play

One of the common questions I have been asked by parents lately has been requests for sensory play ideas for toddlers who are still putting everything in their mouth. This …

Learning Through Play Uncategorized

What Could Be More Important Than Teaching Our Toddlers To Share

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019November 19, 201829 Comments on What Could Be More Important Than Teaching Our Toddlers To Share

“Sharing is caring” Yes, this is true however it is also a learned skill that our toddlers need to develop over time. What is more important than teaching your toddler …

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 …

Fine Motor Activity play Uncategorized

Milking Cows with Your Toddler

by playinspiredmumupdated on November 21, 2020November 12, 2018Leave a Comment on Milking Cows with Your Toddler

We are celebrating all things farming in our play this week. What do farmers do first thing in the morning? Your toddler will love to as well! They milk their …

Uncategorized

A Small World Trip to Antarctica with a Toddler

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019November 10, 201813 Comments on A Small World Trip to Antarctica with a Toddler

Standing in kitchen this afternoon, I was watching the girls playing nicely but I could see that we were about to hit THAT time of day. Seams were beginning to …

Learning Through Play Uncategorized

How to Survive a Three Year Old

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019November 2, 201814 Comments on How to Survive a Three Year Old

(Written November 2016) I love my daughter, I really do however the last few months I have wondered if perhaps she has been possessed or had a body swap with …

craft play Uncategorized

A Balloon Alien Friend

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019October 24, 20186 Comments on A Balloon Alien Friend

Our ‘Out of this World’ play theme for the week has taken us to planets, stars and the moon. This morning we toyed with the idea of a balloon alien! …

Fine Motor Activity how to sensory play Uncategorized

How to Make Moon Dust and Luna Craters

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019October 23, 201821 Comments on How to Make Moon Dust and Luna Craters

Our Space themed play for the week has been a hit and we are only at day 1. Miss 4 was so proud to share her newly learnt knowledge with …

Exploring Math Fine Motor Activity Uncategorized

Pom Pom Sorting with Toddlers

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019October 22, 201830 Comments on Pom Pom Sorting with Toddlers

Pom Poms are such a versatile little item. They are great for sensory play, crafts, counting, colour recognition, teaching spatial awareness, sorting activities and so much more! Today I thought …

craft Uncategorized

DIY Safe to Travel Small Worlds

by playinspiredmumupdated on December 19, 2019October 11, 2018Leave a Comment on DIY Safe to Travel Small Worlds

Small world play is always popular at our house. All three children love exploring the sensory medium and the two older ones get lost in a story with influenced by …

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  • 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
  • 🟣 Purple Cabbage Sizzling Potions🟣

Potion making is always a popular activity at our place. Mixing a little bit of this and that, watching the reactions, making up stories of magical remedies and mystical powers and getting lost in their imaginations can keep the girls engrossed in play for ages! 

This time we paired up some cabbage water with lemon slices & wedges, bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar and glitter. 

The sizzle of the bicarb reacting with the lemon and vinegar and the colour changing wonder of the cabbage water kept the girls attention for a good part of an hour.

Did you know that cabbage water reacts with alkaline and acidic substances? Read more about in our post on the blog. Simply search β€˜cabbage’ via link in bio or comment below and I can send you the link πŸ™

#playinspiredmum #sciencewithkids #sensoryplay #potionmaking #funwithkids #sensoryplayideas #sensoryplaytime #imaginativeplay #learningthroughplay #experimentalplay #openendedplay #playtray #playtolearn #playmatters #earlyyearslearning #playideasforkids #fairiespotion
  • πŸ‘£ Baby Sensory Exploration πŸ‘£

Mr 13 weeks met some new textures and sounds today- artificial grass and good old bubble wrap! Surprisingly he didn’t seem phased by the grass which is rougher texture compared to others he is more accustomed too. 

The bubble wrap really got him moving! He seemed to really enjoy either the sound or feel of the bubble wrap beneath his toes as he did not stop moving them! 

#sensoryplay #babysensory #babysensoryplay #textures #sounds #learningthroughplay #babyactivities #activitiesforbabies #babyplaytime #babyplayideas #learningthoughplay #buildingbrains #aussieblogger #aussiemumbloggers #perthmum
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