On these cold winter days I find myself pulling out all the “tricks” to keep the twins occupied. Even though they are in Pre-K for a few hours each morning, we still have an entire afternoon at home most days and the twins aren’t much on naps…so I try to have fun things for them to do to pass the time. Of course, I could just let them watch TV all afternoon, they would love that, but we try to save that for when I’m cooking supper.
As a former elementary school teacher, the desire to extend the twins’ learning is just in my being. I can’t help it. There are some days they just “freeplay” all afternoon, and then there are days I try to have a few activities planned to extend what they are learning that week in school.
If you find yourself longing for simple things to do with your kids, just read below! I’ve compiled a list of all of our favorite activities to do at home, complete with Pinterest links and links to some of our favorite products. The number one thing to remember? An activity doesn’t have to be extensive, most of the time your child just wants time with you!
Do-A-Dot Markers
These markers are awesome. Kids can simply create with them or you can find TONS of free printable online. Simply Google “do a dot printables” for links to any kind of free printable you could want. The twins have been working on letter recognition lately, so for the worksheets shown above I just searched “do a dot letter recognition”. It’s a fun way for them to practice their letters!
For the exact worksheets we used, click here for your free download!
To purchase your own Do-A-Dot Markers, click here.
Kinetic Sand
I’m obsessed with Kinetic Sand! It’s the best thing ever! It feels like sand, but it’s a bit gooey. It’s so easy to clean up and doesn’t get stuck in carpet. Mom win!
I’m comfortable letting the twins play with this just about anywhere, but for my sanity they usually play with it on a table. You can mold it, squish it, build with it, the possibilities go on and on! It’s the perfect indoor activity for toddlers and young kids. Oh yeah, it never dries out! How awesome is that?
Purchase your new favorite kids product here.
Kwik Stix
Paint, in a stick! You heard that right, and it dries in 90 seconds! You can use it on just about anything. The twins love to simply use it on paper, and it’s fun to use on small wooden projects that you can buy at any craft store. Kwik Stix are super easy to clean up they come in a pack of 12 colors.
For only $8.99 they are a great product to keep in your craft bin for the kiddos. We’ve had ours for over a year and all of the “stix” are still full of paint!
Purchase yours here.
Activities with things you have on hand…
So you’ve fallen in love with some of the products I mentioned above, but you need something to do with your child today! Never fear! Below I’ve listed some of our favorite things to do that require just a few items, that you more than likely already have on hand. Sometimes, these activities are the twins favorites!
Name Writing Practice
Click here to create custom name writing practice sheets for your child. My tip is to print out at least two copies the first time, one for your child to use immediately and one to keep on hand to make copies from. Simply find the letter your child’s name starts with on the left and click on a handwriting sheet option to customize.
Sticker Names
All you need is paper, a marker, and stickers. See the full post here.
Cheerio Tower
I let the twins do this all the time, and they love it! It’s a great thing to set up for your kids while you’re in the kitchen working and they can be right with you, but occupied! See the full post of things to do with Play-Doh here.
Sticker Sorting
I’m convinced all kids love stickers. This is a great activity for kids to work on their colors and fine motor skills! Check out the full post here.
Giant Shape Matching
So much fun! You can use any toys you have on hand and just trace them. It’s sweet to see and hear them think through what fits where. Find the full post here.
Ten Frame
This one is on my list of activities to try. How fun! A fun math activity that introduces a new concept, my former co-worker, who was a math teacher, will be so proud! To read about this simple concept click here.
Animal Parade
So fun, right? A simple and easy activity, read all about it here.
Cornmeal Construction Site
Talk about a happy little boy! All you need is cornmeal, a bin, and some toys and you’ve got your toddler entertained and happy. Not to mention it’s great for kiddos to be exposed to all sorts of textures. Click here to read more about the set up.
While I could go on and on about some of our favorite activities, I think that’s enough for now. For me, it’s all about using things I have on hand and creating fun activities for the twins. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, it doesn’t have to have a lesson plan attached to it, it just needs to be interactive! Play along with your child for enhanced fun.
Do you have any favorite activities you like to do with your kiddos?
A HUGE thanks needs to be given to Susie over at the Busy Toddler. I pin ideas on Pinterest all the time, until I gathered my favorites for this post I didn’t realize that most of my pins are from her site! Click here to check out her amazing site full of great ideas for playing and learning with littles.