Puffy Heart

Materials:
* pink and white tissue paper, cut into 1" squares
* white craft glue
* scissors
* piece of card stock or construction paper
* pencil with an eraser

1. Cut out a heart shape from the construction paper or card stock.
2. Put some white craft glue into the center of the heart, shaped like a heart.
3. Using the eraser end of your pencil, place the eraser into the center of a white tissue paper square. Twist the tissue paper square around the eraser and dot it onto the glue. Continue this process until entire middle of the heart is covered with white tissue paper.
4. Repeat the process from step #3 with pink tissue paper for the border of the heart.
5. Glue a hanger to the back if you like.

Tips:
* For younger children who have trouble working the pencil steps, allow them to wad up the tissue paper squares and press them onto the glue with their fingers.
* Instead of a hanger, try gluing a magnet strip to the back and hang on your fridge.
* Always save tissue paper from gifts for craft projects like this one.

Picture and Activity from: http://crafts.kaboose.com

Snowman On A Stick

Ingredients:
* bananas
* grapes
* carrot
* apple
* bamboo skewers
* mini chocolate chips
* pretzel sticks

For each snowman, you will need three thick slices of banana, a grape, a sliver of carrot, and a triangular piece of apple. (Tip: Poke a hole in the apple pieces with a bamboo skewer first to make assembly easier for your child.)

Have your kids slide the fruit onto the skewer, then use the carrot slivers for noses, mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, and pretzel sticks for arms.

Picture and Activity from: http://familyfun.go.com

Behavior Bucks

Create some simple "behavior bucks" to use as rewards for good behavior in the car and while on a trip. These bucks can be as simple as small strips of colored paper with a denomination on them or even just a smiley face. Reward kids for good behavior by giving them bucks that they can later redeem for a special treat or souvenir. Provide each child with a ziploc back with his/her name on it, wallet, or some other holder to help them keep track of their individual "money".

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Backseat Driver

Create a steering wheel for your child to "help" you drive. A soft foam tube with the ends hot glued together works well. To drive away boredom on the road, ask him to follow the road and make turns accordingly. If you're planning on a long car ride, you can have your child decorate his steering wheel in advance so it's ready for action.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

American Flag Find

Many car dealerships and other companies display the American flag at their place of business. Turn spotting the flag into a counting game, with each sighting counting as one pint until you get to 10. Kids get a bonus point for spotting state flags.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Water Wonder

Bring a pan of water outdoors and let your child explore its wonders through simple play. Encourage your child to experiment to see whether certain toys float or sink, which things tilt to their side or flip over, and what happens when ice cubes are placed in water.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Water Mister Master

Provide your child with his very own water mister and let him water plants outdoors. When the job is done, he can cool down by misting himself.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Water Balloon Throw

Fill small balloons with water, draw a target on the fence or driveway with chalk, and let your toddler have some fun. Bursting the water balloons and watching the water explode out is fascinating to toddlers.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Tree Thanks

Sit with your child under a nice shade tree and talk about why trees are important in nature and how they help us. Give a few examples of things made from trees and of fruits that come from trees. Later, have your child draw a picture of a tree.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Trash Walk

Arm your child with a small plastic bag and gloves and the two of you pick up trash that you see along your walk. Talk about the effects of littering and why items should always be placed in trash cans. To avoid any dangerous or unsanitary items being picked up, ask your child to scout for trash and get your okay before it is touched.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Toddler Ball

How many bounces can your toddler do with a big bouncy ball? Show your child how to dribble a ball, bounce and catch, and do other eye-hand coordination skills.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Three-fer Challenge

Have your child do three of something (e.g., three claps) it doesn't matter what it is then have her add three of something else. Keep adding and see how well she can remember the pattern. An example pattern: three hops on one foot, three claps, three jumping jacks, etc.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Sunrise, Sunset

Invite your toddler to experience a sunrise breakfast with you. All you need is a blanket to sit on and some morning treats. Later, watch a sunset together. Ask your child to compare what was the same and what was different about the sunrise and the sunset. Find out whether your child prefers morning or evening and create a tradition watching the sun rise or set on a regular basis together.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Statue Freeze Play

Crank up the music and let your kids dance. When the music stops, they must freeze like statues. Start the music again for some wild dancing. Whoever is caught moving after the music has stopped becomes the next one to start the music.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Ribbon Twirl

Tie a long ribbon around a small plastic hoop or bracelet (for easy holding) and let your child dance with it outside in the wind. Encourage arm waving, twirling, running, and dancing with the ribbon in tow.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Pine Cone Bird Treat

Materials:
* 1 pine cone
* narrow ribbon or string
* peanut butter
* birdseed
* butter knife or spoon

Fasten a ribbon or string under the ridges around the top of the pine cone. Knot it with enough ribbon left for hanging. Have your child spread peanut butter all over the pine cone and roll it in birdseed. Hang it outdoors and watch the birds enjoy a tasty treat.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Penguin Parade

Show your children pictures of penguins and have them dress in black and white, wear mittens on their hands, and tie pillows around their tummies. March or waddle around the yard like penguins.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Painting Fun

Materials:
* powdered tempera paints (available at most craft stores)
* 2-4 cups baby shampoo (baby shampoo should not irritate toddler's eyes or skin; the amount you need will depend on how many colors of paint you plan on mixing)
* plastic bowls
* paint brushes (fingers can also work)

Mix the paints with shampoo and let the kids paint their bodies in their swimsuits outside on a warm day. The best part of this activity is that the paint will come off easily with a quick run through the sprinkler or hose.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Obstacle Course Challenge

Invent a noncompetitive obstacle course that involves stations or steps. (Do not make it too hart or complicated.) A sample course could be 1) run to a tree and crawl around it; 2) walk backward to the sidewalk; 3) jump over this stick three times; and 4) hop to the finish line. If more than one child is participating have them do the obstacle one at a time and never time them to determine who is faster. Remind them that everyone is a winner! Finish off with a refreshing drink and a delicious healthy snack.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Moon Magic

Create a monthly moon chart that allows children to chart the cycles of the moon through easy graphic symbols. Charting the moon can be as simple as using a calendar and helping a child to draw lunar phases. Take your child outside to view the moon and see how its shape corresponds to the phases on your moon calendar.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Jump Overs

Create an obstacle course for outdoor jumping. Use empty boxes, milk cartons, and other small objects (nothing that could hurt your child) to create your course and have your child practice jumping over each object, landing on both feet. When your child has mastered the course, start again, but this time jumping backwards!

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Hide The Ball

Using a fairly large ball, play hide and seek outdoors by having your child find the object you have hidden. Be sure not to hid something too high or hard for your child to view. When she finds it, it is her turn to hide it and your turn to search.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Helicopter Spin

Have your child extend her arms out like helicopter blades and take flight. Have her spin and turn, go high and low, land, and take off again.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Gemstone Hunt

Wad some masking tape into nugget-sized "rocks". Paint them with gemstone colored shades and add some glitter glue for extra accents. When the paint is dry, have a gemstone hunt in your backyard or at a nearby park. Make some stones glittery gold and bury them just beneath the surface for a special miner's find.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Garden Creation

Let your child have his own garden area, and craft a special sign so everyone will know whose garden it is. Keep the plot small and simple.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Frog Jump

Have your child crouch with bent knees and fingers touching the ground, then leap up and extend his arms like a jumping frog. Join in with your child and you will find out this exercise is not easy! Count your frog leaps together and you'll get to practice your numbers while becoming more physically fit.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Flashlight Stroll

Take an unhurried evening stroll around the neighborhood with flashlights and marvel at the sights and sounds of the night. Bring a bug catcher or jar to temporarily collect any interesting insects. Take time to let your child look at how bugs are attracted to street lights and be sure to explain to your child why. Listen to sounds of dogs, cars, crickets, and other sounds of the night. Let kids explore!

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Driveway or Sidewalk Bowling

Use easy to knock over items such as plastic water bottles filled with dirt or some rock at the bottm to create outdoor bowling fun. Have your child use a small sports ball that can be rolled int a formation of "bowling pins". Whoever bowls gets to be the one to set up the pins next. It's helpful to use chalk or some other type of marker to indicate where the pins should stand. Your child will love keeping score of how many pins get knocked over.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Zoo Pretend Adventure

Take your child on a visit to the zoo without ever leaving your living room. First, on your own, find zoo animals features in books or on the Internet. (Many zoos have websites that feature interesting facts and pictures of animals in their care.) Then, together, make a list of animals your toddler would like to see on an imaginary visit to the zoo. Using the books or Internet as a guide, visit the animal areas one by one and talk about each animal with your child. How told is an adult giraffe? How big is a hippo? What is the difference between a monkey and an ape? Your kid will love hearing these neat facts about wildlife and the pretend visit will make them much more informed an excited to visit the zoo for real!

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Wastebasket Ball

All you need is a wastebasket and some wadded-up paper for great kid fun! Let kids practice their trash basketball skills by lobbing in a few shots. Increase the challenge by moving the wastebasket farther and farther away.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Treause Map Adventure

Surprise your child one morning with a simple handmade treasure map made of construing paper, rolled up and tied with a ribbon. The map should depict simple symbols such as an "X" over an obvious location (refrigerator, chair, dog bowl) to indicate treasure. The map should bear the child's name and be placed where it will be easily spotted. Ahoy, matey, it's a map for a treasure hunt! You might have to help your child with the clues and what to do next but he will quickly catch on. When the location is figured out, another rolled-up ma with a clue awaits! After four or five locations, leave a small surprise (a treat, a family movie to watch, bubbles, or a new book) for your child. This unexpected adventure will surely inspire please for future treasure hunts and bounties.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Tambourine Magic

Materials:
* 2 paper plates
* cotton or newspaper
* hole puncher
* string or yarn
* small jingle bells
* decorations (stickers, glitter, crayons, etc.)

Have your child decorate the bottom of both plates. Place the two plates together (decorated sides out) and fill the space between them using cotton or newspaper. Punch holes about 2 inc es apart all the way around the plates, and have your child string them together as a lacing activity. Last, attach jingle bells to each set of holes using string or yarn. Let the music start!

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Stretch 'n' Grow

Simple exercises are great for toddlers and adults. Create a simple routine (toe touches, jumping jacks, stretches, and jogging in place), and you'll both be more fit and feel more alert.

Picture from: http://www.squidoo.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Rubber Duckies

Purchase a few inexpensive rubber ducks and float them in the bathroom sink. Secretly number the bottoms of each and assign the number to a fun activity or treat. Let your child pick a duck and view the bottom, and reward her the prize.

Picture from: http://www.babyswimmers.co.uk
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Measurement Mania

Give your toddler a ruler and let him measure things. It is great for teaching numbers and the concept of big and small. He'll feel like a big kid checking measurements, and even if he's too small to really "get" the concept, he'll have fun pretending.

Picture from: http://www.zazzle.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Key Keeper

Purchase an inexpensive kid's lock and key set and put the key on a lanyard or a coiled key holder bracelet or simply make a necklace with string or ribbon. Attach the lock to something of significance for the child and let him have responsibility of locking and unlocking it and keeping the key safe. Kids may like locking up the carrying case for their toy cars, their doll tote, or some other container of prized possessions. Be sure that you have a way to open the lock in case the key is lost. To avoid losing the key, choose a designated spot (such as a peg on the wall) that serves as a key holder when the key is not being worn by your child. Praise your child for being responsible with the key over a period of time.

Picture from: http://gadgetnation.net
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

I Did It! Board

Find a place in the house where you can create a weekly "I Did It!" board. Children learn so many amazing things every single week, and it is nice to be recognized for them. Each Sunday write the week's date (e.g., "August 1-7") and your child's name on the board. List any new accomplishments as they occur during the week. At the end of the week, discuss the things learned, offer praise, and start a new week. Consider keeping a scrapbook of past weeks that can be reviewed at the end of the year.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Nail Shop

Let your toddler "polish" your fingernails and toenails with a paintbrush and water (or dab in some water based paint and some pretty glitter for color if you're really daring!).

Picture from: http://justaddcolor.blogspot.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Food Dye Experiments

It's so fascinating how a squirt of food dye can change water, icing, and many other things in the kitchen into something else! Introduce your child to the magic of food dye and how mixing colors can create something new. Consider letting them dip eggs into food dye (even when it is NOT Easter). They'll love experimenting!

Picture from: http://www.bonappetit.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Face-off

Sit crisscross style across from each other and have a face-off. Your child begins by making a funny face that you have to copy in return. Then you create one for your child to mimic. There's just one small catch: whoever laughs first has to get up and run around in a circle (or do 10 jumping jacks or whatever you choose) before starting the game again.

Door Hanger Art

With a simple piece of foam paper or heavy paper, your child can create a door hanger for outside his room. Simply cut a 4 inch by 6 inch piece of paper, then punch a hole in each top corn and tie a string long enough to fit over the door. Then let your child have fun decorating it. Suggestions include foam shapes or leters, stickers, glitter glue, etc. Parent's can help by writing a message on it such as "A Princess Sleeps here" or "Beware: You're Entering Timmy's Pirate Den". For extra fun, decorate both sides and let your child choose which side to display.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Dinosaur Food (No-Bake Cookie Recipe)

Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup of dirt (cocoa)
* 1/4 cup swamp water (milk)
* 1 cup crushed bones (sugar)
* 1 cup dino fat (butter)
* 1 cup grass (uncooked oatmeal)
* 1/4 cup squashed bugs (peanut butter)

Mix dirt, swamp water, crushed bones, and fat in a saucepan. Cook 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in grass and squashed bugs. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let cool and eat. Makes 2-3 dozen.

Picture from: http://thesistersdish.blogspot.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Crazy Glasses

Who would have thought some pipe cleaners could create so much fun? In this activity use them to create eyeglasses for toddlers. Consider a bright-colored mixture to fashion rainbow glasses, make round lenses with black pipe cleaners to look like Harry Potter, or add accent to the frames to create a unique, zany pair. This is a good activity for when a classmate or friend gets glasses of his own.

Picture from: http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Container Mystery

Divide your child's toys into several containers and allow him to choose and play with the toys in one container at a time. Limit a container "discovery" to once a week or so. Too many toys overwhelm children and half the fun is playing with something "new" or rediscovered.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Cardobard Creations

Many stores are happy to give away cardboard boxes from large appliances or furniture if you ask for them. Request one or two of them and transform them into a tent, race car, puppet theater, robot, or castle. Parents should take their cue from children about what they want, and then be the ones to cut out windows, create a drawbridge or help with other elements. Let kids decorate the box with markers or kid-friendly paint if desired.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Box Of Dreams

Have your child create her very own "box of dreams" that she can look at and keep by her bed or in a cherished location. A show box works great but any box will do. Start by decorating the box based on your child's interests or wrap it in black paper and have your toddler decorate it with glittery stickers like stars and moon along with more glitter. If your child wants to become a ballerina, find pictures of ballerinas from magazines to put into the box. A race car driver? Maybe a few toy cars can be included. An astronaut? How about tucking in some star shapes and a toy rocket or astronaut action figure? Encourage your child to look at the contents of the box every few weeks and make changes as desired.

Picture from: http://www.go2share.net
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Beary Nice Day

Proclaim a certain day "Bear Day". Have your child invite her bear friends for a snack, and serve Teddy Grahams with "bear juice." Before the guests arrive, create a bear crown for the hostess. Make this by having her color a picture of a bear (creative parents can simply draw a bear face on paper and have their child color it), cut it out, and glue it to a paper band that is cut to fit around your child's head.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Airplane Adventure

Kids will love packing their bags and pretending to soar through the sky bound for some exciting destination. Once the passengers present their tickets to the gate agent, board the plane, and fasten their seat belts, you can take on the personality of the airplane itself by extending your arms, taking off, leveling out, showing passengers scenic sites (check out those mountains and clouds!), and finally, coming in for a landing.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Santa Hat

Materials:
* red construction paper
* scissors
* white cotton balls
* glue
* glitter
* stapler
* tape

Cut a red strip to fit around a child's head and tape or staple it closed. Next cut out a hate shape (using a basic triangle shape works best). Write your child's name in glue on the front center of the hat, and let your child sprinkle glitter on the glue to create a sparkly name. When dry, tape or staple the "hat" part to the front of the red strip, creating a basic Santa hat design. Now it's time to decorate with cotton balls. Use glue dabs and let your toddler place cotton balls on the base section of the hat and then do the same in a circle design at the triangle's point to create a white "ball" at the top of the hat.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Rudolph Candy Cane

Materials"
* individually wrapped candy canes (you pick size and flavor)
* 2 wiggle eyes for each reindeer (5 mm size works great)
* very small red pom-poms (one for each reindeer, for Rudolph's nose, of course!)
* 18-inch pipe cleaners (any color is fine, but metallic silver or gold is really catchy)
* tiny jingle bells
* craft glue

Glue eyes on the rounded (hook) part of the candy cane. Glue red pom-pom "noses" onto the cane below the eyes. To make a jingle-jangle reindeer collar, cut a 3 inch or 4 inch segment of pipe cleaner (see what works best for the candy cane and your child's hands), then slide the pipe cleaner through the opening of a jingle bell. Fasten it to the cane by twisting it closed at the back. Take an uncut pipe cleaner and twist it around the top of the cane (make both ends of equal length) to form simple antlers.

Picture from: http://goodknits.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Reindeer Food

Ingredients:
* oatmeal
* "magic reindeer dust" (gold or brightly colored glitter)

Put ingredients in a snack-sized bag. Shake it up, and it's ready to give to children to put out before going to bed on Christmas Eve. The magic dust will glisten in the snow or grass, making it easy for the reindeer to spot. If you live in an area where you are concerned about wildlife eating the glitter, substitute bakery sprinkles or even sugar (colored with food color, if desired).

Picture from: http://melissagoodsell.typepad.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Reindeer Antlers

Materials:
* 2 sheets of fun foam (preferred for durability, but construction paper or even plain white paper will also work)
* pen or marker to trace around child's fingers
* stapler or tape
* glitter glue (or glue stick and glitter of choice)
* scissors

Cut a brown foam sheet lengthwise into a 2 inch strip to fit snugly around your child's head. (It may take 2 strips affixed together for older children.) Have your child decorate the band if desired. An adult can also write the child's name or the name of the "reindeer" he s about to become. Staple or tape the band to size. Trace around your child's hands (fingers apart) on either a brown sheet or, if preferred, a contrasting color. An adult should cut out the hand shapes. Kids should then decorate the hands (now "antlers") with some sparkly glitter or other colorful accents. Once the antlers are complete and dry, and adult should staple them to either side of the band. Kids will magically become part of Santa's sleigh team!

Picture from: http://crafts.kaboose.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Jingle Bell Bracelet

Have your toddler string some jingle bells onto a pipe cleaner. Twist it closed around your child's wrist and trim it for size. Toddlers will love the sound so much they may want one for each wrist and ankle!

Picture from: http://www.drjean.org
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Glitter Pinecone

Materials:
* pinecones (quantity depends on you)
* craft glue
* plastic gallon-sized resealable bags filled with glitter (use traditional red and green or perhaps gold and silver)

Have your child begin decorating the pinecones by applying glue over the ridges and ends. Then have your child drop the pinecone into the glitter, close the bag, and shake it. Make several of these pinecones and display them around your home. They look great displayed in a basket.

Picture from: http://themccradys.blogspot.com/
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Elf Watch

Start a tradition by introducing an elf-like character to your family right after Thanksgiving. Have the new guest arrive at your front door in a package. The elf should be placed somewhere high in the home to watch over the toddlers on behalf of Santa. Make it more interesting by moving the elf from place to place and room to room and letting kids hunt for him. The elf can leave small treats, appear with a notepad and pencil nearby, or leave a trail of glitter. On Christmas Day he disappears, only to return the following year for another holiday season of watching the children to see if they've been naughty or nice.

Picture from: http://www.primsisterstalkradio.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Turkey Handprint Cookies

Trace your child's handprint on a piece of paper. Use that paper as a pattern to cut handprint-shaped cookies out of a batch of cookie dough. Bake as directed and cool. Have your child decorate the cookie like a turkey by turning the fingers into tail feathers and the thumb into the neck and head. Use an M&M or chocolate chip for the eye, a small piece of licorice or candy string to make a mouth, and use sprinkles or colored icing for the rest of the feathers.

Picture from: http://www.tasteofhome.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Neighborly Cheer

Spend an afternoon with your kids making sugar cookies and decorating them. Decorate paper plates as desired with markers, glitter, or stickers. Wrap the cookies in cellophane and place on plates. Add a note telling the recipients why they are special and why you are thankful to be part of the neighborhood. Deliver them in person for some unexpected, but much appreciated, cheer.


Picture from: http://food-fun.wisconsinfood.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Boo Your Neighbors

You and your toddler put together a mix of inexpensive goodies in a container or bag. Enclose an "I've been boo'd" sign of your own making. Start the "booing" by secretly leaving the goodies with two neighbors (ring the doorbell and run!) and include these instructions:

(1) Enjoy your treats!
(2) Please place your BOO sign on your front door or window
(3) Withing 24 hours please copy this twice and make two treat bags and two BOO signs, secretly deliver to two neighbors who don't have a BOO sign.
(4) If you do not wish to participate, please place the BOO sign on your front door so neighbors won't think you're being ignored.

Picture from: http://shimabukurofamily.blogspot.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Patriotic Ice Cube Creations

Make red and blue drink (such as Kool-Aid) and freeze in ice cube trays. For a special Fourth of July drink, place the frozen cubes in water or a clear carbonated drink for red, white, and blue fun.

Picture from: http://javaline.wordpress.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Macaroni Heart Photo Frame

Materials:
* dinner size paper plate cut
* macaroni noodles
* kid craft glue
* paint, glitter or even spray paint (if parents use it only) in colors of choice
* wallet size photo of child
* scissors
* tape

Cut plate into a heart shape and cut out a smile heart or circle in the middle that is the right size for the child's photo to be seen. (Do not put the photo in yet!) Let the child glue macaroni all over the plate for decorations then use glue, spray paint, or regular paint to create a fancy frame. When dry, simply tape the child's photo on the back along with the tot's name and date.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Father's Day Coupons

Dad or gramps can be hard to buy or make gifts for but he is sure to love some special help or time from a loving toddler. Have your toddler create a coupon or check book and decorate each page. Use full sized pages or coupon-size sheets stapled together with a cover that your toddler colors or stamps handprints on. Ideas for coupons include a back rub, an afternoon together playing a sport he loves, an undisturbed afternoon nap, one sleep-in on Saturday morning, and perhaps a daddy-child outing!

Picture from: http://puppylovepreschool.blogspot.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Flowerpot Feet and Hands

Honor grandma or mom with a special flowerpot that is decorated with hand and feet prints! Tempera paint makes this fun and easy for kids. Have kids add thumbprints around the rim for extra flair. Sign the bottom and fill the pot with soil and their favorite flower or plant.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Bountiful Bouquet

Materials:
* drinking straws (pick the ones with flexible necks, if available)
* cupcake liners in assorted colors
* photos featuring your kids
* green construction paper
* scissors
* glue
* paint
* glitter
* markers or other decorating items of your choice
* colored vase or short glass

Cut a photo sized to match the circle portion of a cupcake liner and glue the photo inside the liner so that the sides of the liner become the outside of the flower. You can create one flower, or you can make several showing different children or scenes. Glue a straw to the back of the cupcake liner. (For straws with flexible necks, put the bendable end closer to the flower for easy positioning.) Create a couple of leaves from green paper and glue them to the straw below the flower. Arrange the flowers in a vase or other container you have chosen. (You can trim the ends of the straw to fit.)

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Mexican Hat Dance

You do not need a sombrero to do the Mexican Hat Dance; any hat will do! Crank up some Mexican inspired music and teach kids how to dance around the hat. This also teaches kids to appreciate this style of music and encourages their sense of rhythm.

Picture from: http://party411.makesparties.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Learn Spanish

Teach youngsters the names of colors, days of the week, simple household things, or how to count to 10 in Spanish. Practice in the week leading up to Cinco de Mayo and celebrate the Mexican national holiday.

Picture from: http://www.purpletrail.com/
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Bunny Footprints

Fashion some bunny-style footprints from paper, and on Easter morning lay out prints leading to various points in the house where special treats are hidden, culminating in an Easter basket - just in time for an egg hunt! Your child will love tracking the prints.

Picture from: http://www.activityvillage.co.uk
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Mother Earth

Materials:
* paper plate
* crayons or markers
* water
* figurines or pictures representing things found on earth (on both land and water)
* glue

Show your toddler a simple picture of earth. Using that as your guide, have your child create her own earth by coloring the paper plate blue and green. (Very young children may need an adult to draw on continents and let them color the land green and water blue.) To help kids understand the difference between land and water, have them glue on small and simple items (figurines or pictures) such as fish, dolphins, and boats in the water areas and trees and animals on the continents.

Picture from: http://ourdayourjourney.blogspot.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Identity Exchange

Switch identities for some family fun! Agree on which roles everyone will play and what responsibilities they will be in charge of. Your toddler may like acting like dad, and you can act like your toddler! It's sure to provide some good laughs!

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Leprechaun Sandwich Bites

Add green food coloring to peanut butter and spread it on bread. Cut sandwiches into fourths or even better, cut them into shamrocks using a cookie cutter. Add other green side dishes such as leprechaun dip (add green food coloring to ranch dressing) served with broccoli, cucumbers and carrots.

Picture from: http://www.southernplate.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Catch A Leprechaun

Those leprechauns are sneaky and hard to catch, and they can make big ole messes too. But if you catch on, you'll get some gold or other riches! A few days before St. Patrick's Day, have your kids create some traps around the house to see if they can catch the leprechaun. Smaller children will need help to set up traps before they go to sleep and they should check them in the morning to see if they've caught anything. Shoe boxes, large containers or mixing bowls, or even sheets can work. While the children are sleeping, leave small signs that leprechauns have been nearby, including some gold pieces (plastic, chocolate coins, and bubble gum coins), green glitter trails, or just a big mess! Sometimes, on the morning of St. Patrick's Day, kids may find some telltale signs that they got really close to catching a leprechaun - such as a four-leaf clover, green beads or a necklace, or other trinkets. Better luck next year!

Picture from: http://scrapetv.com/
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

President For A Day

If your child could be the President of the United States for one day, what would she do? Ask your child to think of actions she would take, what she would eat, where she would live, etc. Does your child know what a president is, why we have one, and how a president is chosen for this job?

Picture from: http:/www.eduinreview.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Coins & Bills

Use this holiday to show your child various U.S. coins and bills bearing pictures of past presidents. Talk to them about who these men were and why they are an important part of American history. Have kids sort and stack the coins and bills.

Picture from: http://store.math.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Reasons Why I Love You

Establish a loving tradition by providing your toddler with a "Top 10 List of Reasons You Are Loved." Include silly reasons, poignant memories, and notable successes! Read it aloud on Valentine's Day. Be sure to date it, and keep it in a special place. Each year, read the new top 10 list together, and then look at the previous years' lists too.

Picture from: http://www.gimmiesumsugar.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Lovin' Bookmark

Materials
* foam paper in Valentine's Day colors
* glue
* markers
* scissors
* photos of your child
* optional decorations (foam hearts, sequins, stickers, etc.) as desired

Cut a 7 inch by 1 1/2 inch rectangle of foam paper. This will form the base part of the bookmark. Cut out a large foam paper heart (about 3 1/2 inch wide is ideal). Trim a photo of your child into a heart shape the same size as the foam paper heart. Have your child assemble the bookmark by gluing the heart to the base and then her photo to the heart. Let her decorate as she desires. On the base, write a Valentine's message and include the child's name.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Book Of Love

Cut 10 identical sized hearts out of plain white paper (5 inch by 4 inch size works well). Then cut two identical heart shapes using white or red construction paper. Stack the plain white paper hearts, and then place on colored heart on top of the stack and on on the bottom; staple them all together in a corner to create a small book. Have your child think of 10 things he loves and on each page draw a picture or find a sticker that conveys that message. This same idea can be used for a Valentine's Day gift, with the child expressing 10 things he likes about a person such as a teacher, friend, parent, grandparent, caregiver, etc. Attach a small candy or treat to the front to complete!

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Dream Share

Martin Luther King Jr. is known for his famous "I have a dream" speech, so why not celebrate his birthday by asking family members to share their dreams? Have your kids draw a picture of their dream or, while eating a special family dinner, talk about what they'd like ot become when they grow up. Use the holiday to celebrate as a time to talk about your child's dreams and be sure you share yours too.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

New Year's Day Traditions

Make New Year's Day a family day by initiating some silly traditions that you can carry forward every year. Ideas include staying in your pajamas all day, eating breakfast for dinner and vice versa, or baking a birthday cake to celebrate Baby New Year. Let your child have a hand in planning some fun family time!

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Annual Time Capsule

Create a family time capsule for the year. A cylindrical snack canister works well. Have each member of the family write down or state goals for the coming year and successes (and even regrets) from the previous year. Young toddlers may need help to recall events or milestones, but may be particularly proud of learning to swim or regretful of falling off the monkey bars and getting hurt, for example. Throughout the year tuck in notes of special achievements or highlights. On the next New Year's Day open and review the time capsule together. Tuck in any additional summaries from the year and be sure to include a photograph or tow of everyone. Close it up and then begin a new time capsule for the new year. These will become treasured keepsakes!

Picture from: http://www.nestlefamily.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Squirrel Mix

Mix up a fall treat with cereal, nuts, cranberries, mini marshmallows, and even chocolate chips. Enjoy it at the park on a beautiful autumn day.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Pumpkin Family

You and your toddler can use mini pumpkins to make a pumpkin family as a festive fall decoration. Use curled pipe cleaners to create hair (an adult may need to poke holes for the pipe cleaners using a skewer or other object) and make the hairdo as simple or crazy as you would like. Add a face with markers and, with heavy paper, craft small place cards that depict the names or nicknames in your family.

Picture from: http://familycrafts.about.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Nut Adventure

Gather some nuts and let your child act like a squirrel. (You can also buy nuts or use other items as pretend nuts.) What do squirrels do when they find a nut? How do they prepare for the winter season ahead? Make it a game by hiding 10 nuts and then letting your youngster find them. Let your child create a squirrel burrow and swish his imaginary bushy tail.

Picture from: http://firekragthorpenow.com/archives2007.html
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Leaf Rubbings

Young kids are amazed at all the neat shapes that can be found outdoors. In the fall take a nature hike at a local park or around your neighborhood. Have your child collect leaves of various shapes and sizes. Once inside, take a piece of plain white paper and place it over a leaf. Next, have your child color over it. The image of the leaf will appear on the paper. Encourage the use of different colors for various leaf shapes to make a more interesting collection. If your child is old enough, have him cut around the image (adults will need to do this for younger children) provide a simple storage basket for the rubbings for your child to keep and return to often.

Picture from: http://artfulparent.wordpress.com/
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Food Harvest Drive

Have your toddler help you to conduct a food harvest drive. With the support of friends, neighbors, or care givers, initiate a food drive over a few weeks. Each week can feature a different food staple: canned vegetables, pasta, beans, peanut butter, dinner mixes, juice, etc. (If possible, call your local food bank and ask what is most needed.) You and your toddler can design a very simple flyer that your child can help apss out to participants in your neighborhood. Have your child accompany you when you deliver the food to the food bank if they do not offer a pickup service.

Picture from: http://southerngaming.com/
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Falling Leaves Game

Have your youngster pretend she is a leaf on a tree, soaking up the sunshine. Then imagine the wind blowing and the leaf falling. What will the leaf do in the wind before it lands on the ground?

Picture from: http://all-free-download.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Fall Journal

Create a fall journal of fun things to do this season with magazine and newspaper cutouts, illustrations, stamps, and more. Have your youngster include anything that is reminiscent of the season - for example, brightly colored leaves, cooler temperatures, and fall sports such as football and soccer. Include blank pages so that things can be added throughout the season. Make a separate journal for each season!

Picture from: anabelleom.blogspot.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Autumn Leaves

Cut a piece of brown foam paper into a basic tree design with some branches and let your child decorate their own fall tree.

Materials:
* 1 sheet of brown foam paper
* 1 sheet of blue foam paper
* assorted colors of foam paper to be cut into fall-colored leaves
* glue stick

Have your toddler glue the tree base onto the blue paper. Cut leaf shapes (You can keep it simple by cutting simple oval shapes, if desired) while your toddler is gluing on the trunk. Let your child glue leaves onto the tree. Show how some can be glued around the base or in the area to denote fallen and falling leaves. This makes a great autumn craft decoration.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Worm Dirt

This is a favorite with toddlers and also makes a fun summer dessert! For special flair, serve the treat in a plastic bag or plastic wrap placed inside a clean clay pot (so that it is clean and leak-proof).

Ingredients:
* instant chocolate pudding
* milk
* Oreo (or other chocolate) cookies
* whipped topping
* snack size plastic bags
* gummy worms

Make and refrigerate the instant chocolate pudding with youngsters. Then have them separate the cookies and scrape off the cream with a small spatula, spoon or dull knife and put the cookies in one pile and the cream filling in another pile. (For an easy recipe, forgo the cookie separation and just let toddlers crumble the entire cookies in the bag.) Put the cookies into a plastic bag. Close the bag and have kids break them into "dirt" by squeezing the bag. Pour the crumbled dirt into the bottom of a cup or small clay pot lined with plastic wrap. Leave just a little bit in the bag for topping, if desired. Next, scoop chocolate pudding into each cup. Place a scoop of whipped topping on the top of each cup and add teh white cream filling to it, as desired. Sprinkle with remaining crumbled chocolate cookie topping and then garnish with a couple of gummy worms!

Picture from: jigglesandwigglesandgiggles.blogspot.
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Watermelon Cookies

Cut a seedless watermelon into 1/2 inch slices. Place the slices on a flat surface outdoors and use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. Kids will love eating their tasty "cookies" and the shapes make the fruit easier to handle.

Picture from: http://www.dulcinea.com/recipes/PureHeart-Fun-Bites.html
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Rain Sticks

Materials:
* paper towel rolls
* noisemakers such as rice, beans, small pebbles, or even marbles
* cardboard cut to fit ends
* construction paper in colors of your choice
* tape
* decorations as desired

Cut a circle out of a cardboard or poster board to fit one end of the paper towel roll, and tape it securely shut. Have your toddler drop items into the tube. While covering the open end with your hand, turn the rains stick from end to end to find out how it sounds. Let kids experiment with adding more or using less of the filling until it sounds just right. Use another cardboard circle to close the other end of the tube. You can tape construction paper over the roll to make it more attractive and then let your child decorate it.

Picture from: http://crafts.kaboose.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Painting Van Goghs

Let your child showcase their talent outdoors! Set up a large sheet of paper either on a n easel or on a flat surface. Dress your child in a swimsuit or old clothing, provide selections of water-based paint, and let the art begin!

Picture from: http://explorations-in-learning.blogspot.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Made In The Shade

Establish a shady outdoor area for special summer reading. Grab some chairs or a blanket and establish this as your special reading area. Find books about summer that involve outdoor activities, vacations, or just fun ways to soak up the summer sunshine and read them with your child in your special spot.

Picture from: http://www.princevillelibrary.com/summer_reading.html
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Flip-Flop Fun

You and your child can create a unique pair of fashionable flip-flops for a caregiver, babysitter, friend, or themselves. Have your child help you pick some ribbon and gemstones or other decorative items to add to a pair of flip-flops. Cut a 19 inch strip of ribbon (You can always trim the ends shorter to fit the size of flip-flops you have chosen.) and fashion a pretty bow from it. Trim the ends off at a diagonal. Use a hot glue gun (adults only!) to fasten the ribbon onto the Y-part of the flip-flop. Add a charm, stone, or other decorative item to the center of the bow or don't use anything at all.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Bobbing For Blueberries

You've heard of bobbing for apples, but your toddlers will love bobbing for blueberries also! Place the fruit in some water and let them eat whatever they can with their tongues!

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Umbrella Dance

Get our your umbrellas and perform an impromptu umbrella dance during a light spring rain. Twirl your umbrellas, dance in circles,a nd just enjoy an improvised moment of fun in the rain.

Picture from: http://leesidestory.wordpress.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Spring Flowers

Materials
* 3-5 different colored sheets of tissue paper
* pipe cleaners
* vase (if desired)

Let your child choose three or four different colored sheets of tissue paper and set them on top of each other. Show how to fold the paper into an accordion fold (or fanfold) and wrap a pipe cleaner or twist tie in the middle of the folded tissue. Next, have your toddler carefully open his flower by pulling the different colors of paper either up or down as desired to separate and "fluff." Add a pipe cleaner stem. If you like, you can even craft leaves from additional colored pipe cleaners.

* We like to cut the ends of the tissue paper when folded into strips or a ruffly edge to add some texture to the flower when it's finished!

Picture from: http://ourfunlife.typepad.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Rain Gauge

Use a plain glass jar to help your toddler make their own rain gauge. Mark the jar with measurements using a ruler and a permanent marker. Place the jar outside where it won't tip over and let your child check on it to see how much it rains. As an educational exercise, you can ask comparison questions such as whether today's rainfall is "less or more" than the last time you checked.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Mud Puddle Hurdle

Turn a rainy spring day into a mud puddle hurdling event! Don some rain boots and see who can jump the farthest over a rain puddle. Who can make the biggest splash? Toddles love stepping in mud puddles, and, on occasion, you should let go and let them do so!

Picture from: http://familynature.wordpress.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Flower Fun

Create colorful petals out of paper and let your child have fun playing a safe version of Pin The Tail On The Donkey. Apply rolled tape or double sided tape to the backs of the petals and have your blindfolded child stick them onto a large drawing of a flower stem. You can add some leaves to make the outcome even funnier!

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Egg Yolk Paint

Let your toddler decorate cookies with egg yolk paint. Help your toddler crack an egg and separate the yolk from the white. Add 1/2 teaspoon of water to the yolk and mix. Add food coloring. Shape sugar cookie dough into an egg or other spring design and let your toddler pain on the dough with the colored yolk. Bake according to sugar cookie directions; the egg yolk paint will bake the design right into the cookie.

Picture from: http://weecookery.blogspot.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Crepe Paper Wind Sock

Materials:
* foam paper (preferred for durability), construction paper or plain white paper
* hold puncher (or scissors)
* stapler or tape
* crepe paper
* materials for decorating (markers, foam shapes, glitter glue, stickers, odds and ends)
* yarn or string

Have your child decorate one side of the thin foam sheet using markers, glitter glue, stickers, etc. With adult help, shapes can be cut from the foam and then glued on as accent pieces. Once finished, roll the foam sheet lengthwise into a cylinder and staple it to hold its shape. Staple or tape strips of crepe paper on one end. Punch four holes at equal distances apart near the top edge, tie a piece of yarn to each end, and join and pieces of yarn in the middle with a knot. (This will serve as the handle.) Toddlers may like to run around outside with the wind sock to watch the tailes soar, and then find a place to hang it where they can watch it move in the wind.

Picture from:http://crafts.kaboose.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Bean Plant Sprout

This is a simple project for young children to experience the sprouting of a plant from a seed! You can use a lima bean or something similar, such as a corn kernel. Use dirt or potting soil in a small paper cup to plant it. Every young child enjoys watering a plant (use a tablespoon or something similar that won't result in accidental overwatering) and watch the plant sprout and grown with water and sunlight. Older toddlers who show interest may also find growing a simple tomato plant fascinating, especially when they get to eat the delicious end result.

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Winter Placemat

Create a winter placemat using a large foam sheet as a base (for easily wiping clean) and have your child create a scene with designs such as snowflakes, snowmen, and anything else that denotes the season, using different colored foam sheets. Help with cutting out shapes (some craft stores have pre-cut shapes), and then have your toddler glue them in place using a glue stick. For younger toddlers, use the stick-on foam shapes by simply pulling of the adhesive back. Add some sparkle with glitter glue.

* This can easily be done for any holiday or season!

Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)

Sock Snowman

Materials:
* large men's tube sock
* single roll of toilet paper (intact)
* medium Styrofoam ball
* large pipe cleaner (orange)
* large google eyes
* large pom-pom (any color)
* ( several small pom-poms (black)
* rubber band
* craft glue
* three buttons

Place the toilet paper roll inside the sock and push it all the way to the bottom. Next, place the Styrofoam ball on top of the toilet paper roll inside the sock. Twist the rubber band on top to close the sock and create a winter hat. To decorate, glue the eyes in place, then cut off a small piece of orange pipe cleaner, bend it in half, and push it through the sock into the Styrofoam for a "carrot" nose. Glue small black pom-poms into a "coal" smile shape, and then glue the large pom-pom to the tip of the sock (for the end of the hat). Finally, glue buttons onto the toilet paper portion of the sock.

Picture from: http://myheartisalwayshome.blogspot.com
Activity from: The Playskool Toddler's Busy Play Book by Robin McClure (2007)