Toddler play activities 2

April 4th, 2008

Posted by Melitsa in play activities

This is part 2 of a series looking at everyday play activities and toys for toddlers.

Lacing animals is a new play activity for my toddler.

Lacing animal

Why he likes it?

Likes to choose which animal.
Putting the string in and swinging it around.
Gets to sit with someone to help him push the string in the other way.
Enjoys matching the string colour to the animal colour.

Why we like it?

improving his fine motor control & dexterity.
improving concentration and determination.
likes to play with the animals.
Easy to take with you anywhere.
Each loop is an achievement that he celebrates- building confidence.

This is really a skill he is trying to master. He returns to it many times a day and plays with it longer each time.

We bought our set on ebay.

Melitsa Avila is a former teacher, mother of three boys and military wife who talks about living an intentional play lifestyle using practical and everyday play activities to do with the under 5s. She publishes related ebooks & newsletters. Melitsa is the host and producer of a weekly Early Childhood radio show: Raising Playful Tots bringing parents and carers together with Early childhood practitioners. Thanks for reading!

Melitsa

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Technorati Tags: play activity, toddler, fine motor control, improving concentration

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This entry was posted on Friday, April 4th, 2008 at 8:46 am and is filed under play activities. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

http://www.parentingissuesuk.com Rosie

My daughter loved activities like this when she was a toddler, infact she still does and she’s 4 now. And they keep her busy for hours which is often a good thing! You have a lovely site.
http://www.play-activities.com Melitsa

Hi Rosie

It’s funny how they don’t grow out of activities you think they might. My 5 yr old is the same way.. Thanks for stopping by.
http://thinkmama.blogspot.com Nicole J.

What a great idea. I remember loving lacing toys when I was little. I think I will even try to make some for my son. What ages are best for this kind of toy?
http://www.play-activities.com Melitsa

Hi Nicole
It’s really hard to say. I decided to get ours when he showed he could control his pincer grip. We played with the shapes though and sometimes threaded one or two holes only. I find it’s one of those toys they come back to over again and try to conquer in stages. My little guy is 2 and is just getting interested. I’d say give it a try and see how he does.
Thanks for dropping by. See you again.

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