The rainbow blocks have been rediscovered by the kids and they spent nearly an hour building outside in the sun with them or using them as glasses and viewing everything in a different color! When we moved back inside we transitioned the blocks to the window and the kids were amazed to discover that […]
Apple Pie Playdough Recipe for Preschoolers
Originally published September 2013. Updated August 2026. There is something about apples and fall that just go together! When apple season rolls around, we usually have plenty of apple books, songs, and hands-on activities happening in my home daycare. This easy apple pie playdough recipe is one of my favorite ways to add sensory play […]
Counting with Bears; A Child-Developed Activity!
If you’ve read some of my other posts then you may now that MB and the daycare kids are really into sorting and counting currently. I’ve been trying to find ways to help them develop these skill through hands on activities. Recently I created this clothespin counting activity for them with clothespins and paint samples. I had […]
Clothespin Counting and Color Matching Game
Here is a hands-on color matching and counting game for toddlers and preschoolers. This simple activity is a great way for kids to learn about different shades of colors and do some counting! Best of all it’s super easy and affordable! Just grab a pack of clothespins and some paint samples. Creating learning activities doesn’t […]
Tissue Paper Collages! Process Art for Toddlers
A few days ago I decided to clean out and reorganize my art supply closet and in order to keep MB busy so I could finish I let her tear up a bunch of odd scraps of tissue paper we had left over from other projects, like our collage candle holders. We ended up with a […]
Coffee Filter Flower Craft for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Coffee filter flowers are an easy, colorful craft that toddlers and preschoolers can make with just a few basic supplies. Children decorate coffee filters with washable markers, brush them with water, and watch the colors blend together before turning the filters into flowers. This process art activity is low-prep, inexpensive, and perfect for spring, summer, […]
[No Cook] Homemade Puffy Paint
This homemade puffy paint recipe is easy to pull together, it uses three simple ingredients that are typical to any kitchen (even my very lacking kitchen), and is always a hit with the kids. You can find our microwave puff paint version here for a fun art and science activity all rolled in one! Ingredients: 1 Cup Salt 1 […]
Ping Pong Ball Counting and Number Matching Games
Updated August 2026 These simple ping pong ball counting games give toddlers and preschoolers a hands-on way to practice counting and number recognition through play. There are two easy ways to prepare this activity. Children can match numbers written on the ping pong balls to the same numbers on the tray, or they can count […]
Gak Recipe & Play!
My kids love anything sticky, slimy, or gooey so today I offered them two choices, Gak (AKA Flubber) or Goop. After much debate the older ones decided on Gak because it was “more bouncy” and they didn’t have to share one container. The goop (cornstarch and water mix) is gooey and messy but we only make […]