Activities

Young children learn through play. When young children are actively involved in their own learning and having fun at it, they learn better. You can support their learning by engaging them playfully in everyday activities. The activities on our site are based on everyday experiences, use materials commonly found in the home, and most importantly designed to encourage children’s healthy development in all areas (physical, social emotional, language and literacy, and cognitive).

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Fruity Avocado Toast PDF FACEBOOK SHARE ICON.

Make this delicious and healthy snack, allowing keiki to add sliced fruits to create a colorful masterpiece.

What You Need:

• 1 large or 2 small avocados, pits removed and flesh scooped from peels


• ½ lime, juiced


• Pinch of salt


• 4 slices of bread, toasted


• A variety of fruit, sliced thinly

 

What To Do:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the avocado, lime juice, and pinch of salt.


2. Mash with a fork or potato masher until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.


3. Spread ¼ of the avocado mash over each slice of toasted bread.


4. Encourage your child to add sliced fruit to the tops of each bread. Let her choose the colors and talk about what she’s doing. For example, “I see you added red strawberries and green kiwi. I like the colors you chose.” Serve immediately.

Adapted from CA Grown Kids https://californiagrown.org/recipes/ca-grown-kids-fun-food-art-ideas/

Homemade Finger Paint PDF FACEBOOK SHARE ICON.

Make this "taste safe" homemade finger paint for fun art experiences

What You Need:

• 1 cup cornstarch


• ½ cup cold water


• 2 T dish soap


• ½ cup hot water


• Food coloring


• Cups (such as recycled yogurt cups)

What To Do:

1. In a medium bowl, stir together cornstarch, cold water, and dish soap.


2. Slowly add the hot water while mixing continuously. You can beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is creamy.


3. Let the mixture cool.


4. Divide the mixture among containers/cups. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container and stir well to make a variety of colors.


5. This paint is best used on the day it’s made.

Homemade Playdough PDF FACEBOOK SHARE ICON.

Make your own playdough using commonly found ingredients.

What You Need:

• 1 cup flour


• ¼ cup salt


• 1T cream of tartar


• ½ cup hot water


• Food coloring

 

What To Do:

1. Mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar together in a large mixing bowl.


2. Slowly pour the water into the flour mixture, stirring as you pour. Stir until combined, then knead the mixture with your hands until the flour is completely absorbed. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour until it doesn’t stick at all.


3. Divide dough into three different segments.


4. Add a few drops of food coloring to each dough segment to make a variety of colors.


5. Your child can play with the dough, using his fingers to knead and roll or using props to add to the fun.


6. Afterwards, store the dough in an air-tight container. It should stay fresh for a week.

Recycled Crayons PDF FACEBOOK SHARE ICON.

Reuse small, broken crayons by melting them together to create a new art tool.

What You Need:

• Mini muffin pan or oven safe silicone ice tray


• Old crayons (broken and small pieces)

 

What To Do:

1. Remove paper wrappers from crayons and if there are large pieces, break them into smaller sizes.


2. Place crayon pieces in the pan, filling each circle at least half full. Try to group similar colored crayons together or mix them all up and create a rainbow colored one.


3. Bake at 250 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until wax has completed melted. You may want to place the silicone tray onto a baking sheet to avoid melted wax drips or spills!


4. Remove from the oven and cool completely (overnight is best).


5. Once the crayons have fully cooled, flip pan over and tap each circle till the crayons pop out. (If they don’t pop out, place the pan in the freezer for 10-15 minutes then try again.