Dot-A-Dot Tractor

I came across some adorable vehicle templates from learncreatelove.com. For our project, I chose the back hoe, since D is really into "diggers" and construction these days.

I decided we would use it a bit differently than they suggested.

We had just received our Dot-A-Dot markers in the mail and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to have D try them out. I printed out the template and let him go to town. He enjoyed banging down the markers as hard as he could and painting his hands. I had to help him focus on specific areas so that all the parts were covered.

Once he was done, I cut out each part and glued them to a piece of construction paper. When Daddy came home that night, he showed it off. He was pretty proud of it.

Setting the Table

One idea I've come across several times on Pinterest, is how to teach children responsibility through play. There are many lists of chores children can do at different ages. One such chore for toddlers is setting the table. I loved this idea; I think its important for every family member to have responsibilities in the home. So I pulled out some basic items from D's play kitchen and had him practice setting the table in his play room. 

I gave him two sets of play placemats, plates, utensils and cups. He did a great job.

Then we had to do a little pretend play, of course.

Then onto the real world. At dinnertime, I handed him each item saying: One for Daddy, one for Mommy and one for  Deshy. He quickly got the hang of it and now loves to help set the table each night.

Bubbles in the Sink

There are some days, that we don't have anything going on and I don't have anything planned and we need to kill time. So I'll put D up on the counter next to the sink and fill it with water and liquid dish detergent bubbles. A funnel and a giant spoon are all he needs to have fun with this one.