Make counting and sorting fun by using clothespins
What You Need:
- 9 Clothespins
- A clean gallon size plastic jug with a wide mouth
- 3 colors of Jumbo crayons or washable markers
What To Do:
- Help your child color the sides of the clothes pins, three of each color.
- Ask her to drop the clothespins in the container, while you’re counting one to nine.
- Ask her to empty the clothespins out of the container – does she reach in with her hand or does she turn the container over to empty it out? Talk about how she decided to empty it and whether there is another possible way.
- Now ask her to drop only the “red” pins in the container, counting each red clothespin as it drops, 1, 2, 3.
- Repeat for each of the other two colors.
- Continue the game as long as she’s interested and include more talk about numbers, colors, and the sounds.
Enjoy this bite-sized healthy snack with your little one!
What You Need:
- ½ medium head cauliflower
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- nonstick cooking spray
What To Do:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray mini muffin tin generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and coarsely chop the cauliflower. Using a food processor, pulse until the cauliflower is finely chopped. Do not over process.
- Place the finely chopped cauliflower into a large mixing bowl. And have your child help add the remaining ingredients. Have her stir to blend well.
- Together, place a rounded tablespoon of mixture into each mini muffin well. Pat down to form a nugget.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until bites are crispy brown on both sides.
Adapted from the Kansas City Star
Make your own rattle to encourage your baby to reach or move toward it.
What You Need:
• An empty cylindrical oatmeal or salt container
• Bells, buttons, pennies, or other items to be used as noisemaker
• Strapping or masking tape
What To Do:
1. Place noisemakers in cylindrical container.
2. Securely tape shut the opening.
3. Find an open space where you and your child can move around freely.
4. Place your baby on his tummy to encourage him to hold his head up.
5. Place the rattle where he can see it and must reach or move in order to touch it.
6. Roll the rattle to make some sounds; then help him shake/move the rattle.
7. Talk about what he hears.
8. Encourage him to reach for the rattle and rock it back and forth.
Safety Alert: Do no let your baby play with a small object or put it in his mouth. Items that are small enough to fit through a toilet paper tube can cause choking if swallowed. Check the size of items for safety before you let your child play with them.
Have your child help set the table for mealtime.
What You Need:
• Cups
• Forks or chopsticks
• Plates
• Napkins
!Safety Alert: Always supervise young children in the kitchen, where there are many dangerous utensils and appliances. Do not allow your child to handle sharp utensils such as knives or to operate electrical appliances.
What To Do:
1. Have your child help set the table for mealtime.
2. Set one place setting at the table as an example for him to follow. Explain to your child that each person needs one plate, one napkin, one cup, and one fork.
3. Have him count the number of cups, plates, forks, and napkins needed for mealtime.
4. Ask him to place these items in the appropriate places, reminding him to use the place setting you have done as an example.
5. Talk with your child about each family member and the tableware. For example, “Is Daddy’s cup the same size as yours? Which one is bigger?” “Popo (Grandmother) likes to eat with chopsticks. How many chopsticks does she need?”
