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.

Indoor Mini Construction Site

One of D's favorite things at the moment is TRACTORS! He loves construction sites. We live in a community where homes are being built around us, so we have lots of opportunities to watch the giant tractors at work. He could sit and watch them for hours if I let  him.

I've seen several pins about creating construction theme sensory boxes such as....

from pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com

from in lieuofpreschool.com and

from one of my favorite mommy bloggers dirtandboogers.com

I knew D would love this. Dirt, tractors, rocks...what more could a boy ask for? 

I put my spin on it and made moon sand (or cloud dough) to use as the sand. We spread out a giant beach towel to contain the mess but quickly realized we didn't need it. The "sand" somehow made it off the towel and all over my floor. I have hardwood and the sand is easy to vacuum so it wasn't a big deal. 

I poured the "sand" mixture into a big tub, added small rocks and miniature toy tractors, and he was good to go. (I'm about 9 months pregnant right now, so on days we don't leave the house, D ends up staying in his pjs.)

A bit later we added some miniature sea animals....

He liked the feel of the sand.

Then we added some blocks.

Took a break to color. 

Made a hat out of some pipe cleaners.

And then played with it some more....

I kept the moon sand for a couple of weeks and occasionally pulled it out again. My bag of sand got smaller with each use. It was easy to make and loads of fun, so I'm sure we'll be doing this again soon.