6 Fun Educational Activities with Toddlers

Toddlers need fun and engaging activities

It is true that kids have brains like sponges. Especially young children between the ages of one to three. Because toddlers absorb new things fast, parents should make the most of this stage. They can help their kids achieve their full learning potential. You should choose activities that are both fun and educational for your little ones. By selecting the right kind of activities, you help boost your child’s physical, emotional and cognitive skills.  Below is a list of some fun and educational activities you can try with your toddler.

Cookie cutter painting

The cookie cutter painting activity is perfect for toddlers who love to play with colors. It is simple and fun. You only need cookie cutters, paint in different colors, a large sheet of white paper and trays for the paint. Pour the paint on to different trays and have these trays placed on top of a long sheet of paper. Let your toddler make use of the cookie cutters as stamps from the paint trays to the paper. Doing this will develop your little one’s fine motor skills as they try to get a good grip of the cutters. This is also a perfect opportunity to introduce them to basic colors.

Simon Says

Simon Says is an excellent game for teaching kids how to listen and follow instructions. This game can be played one-on-one or with a group of kids. The mechanics are easy. You play the role of Simon and all you have to do is to give out commands or instructions such as, “Simon says raise your hand!” or “Simon says hop like a frog!” They should only follow commands starting  with Simon Says. Instructions without this phrase shouldn’t be followed. If they do, they are eliminated. Try this game to help improve your child’s listening skills and concentration while having fun!

Scavenger hunt

A scavenger hunt is another exciting game your kids will love! Send them hunting for objects around the house based on your specific commands. For example, you can say, “Find me something soft” or “Find me something colorful”. You may also ask them to bring you a couple of random objects, teaching them how to identify shapes and colors. You can ask which object is round, or which one is blue.

Simple Lego Challenges

Lego blocks make for great toys

The Simple Lego Challenge is a fun and interesting game for kids. It brings out the natural creativity in children. For this activity, you will need different colorful card boards cut into rectangles. Then make them look like paper Legos by drawing small circles on one side. Flip the cards to the other side and write one secret challenge for each card. Some of the challenges may include, “Draw your favorite stuffed animal” or “Build your dream house”. Taking on each challenge will get their imagination and creativity working.

Obstacle course

A simple obstacle course is a perfect game for restless toddlers. This will help promote balance, coordination and gross motor skills in kids. If you have adequate space at home, you can set up a small course inside your living room or outside in the backyard. Your child can safely run around, roll and jump.

Puzzles

Puzzles are excellent for toddlers. They cover all aspects when it comes to their growth and development. This activity requires physical efforts as they try to make the pieces fit. The solving of the puzzle is good practice of their cognitive skills. Because they may not solve the puzzle immediately, the game is a good test of their patience. This taps into their emotional well-being. You can also squeeze in an introduction to recognizing basic shapes as they complete the puzzle.

If you’re looking for the best activities to keep your toddler busy, these are excellent ideas to try. Not only are they fun and exciting, they are also educational! If you’re looking for a preschool that offers a fun and educational toddler program, please feel free to visit Creative Learning Academy.

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Find out How You Can Help Others on World Food Day

World Food Day is observed on the 16th of October each year. This day is celebrated to honor the date when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was founded in 1935. It is also recognized to raise awareness about hunger, as well as encourage the public to take action is to help eliminate world hunger.

The World Food Day is celebrated by organizing food drives and distributing free meals for the homeless and less fortunate. If you have the heart to participate in this holiday, here are some of the ways you can take a stand against hunger and make a difference.

Take a photo of your meal and share it on  social media

If you think taking photos of your sumptuous meals and uploading them on the social media is meaningless, then you have been thinking wrong. By sharing photos of your meals, you are also literally sharing your food. All you have to do is to download FoodShareFilter or Feedie. Both applications were designed to help fight global hunger. Every time photos of food are shared using the app, the restaurant donates a meal to an organization called the Lunchbox Fund that provides meals for orphaned children in South Africa.

Volunteer in your local community garden

Food scarcity and insecurity affect people living in poverty and those who have limited access to healthy and fresh food. Help make a difference by volunteering in your local urban garden. Address hunger by getting outside, by connecting with people, and by distributing fresh produce to people who need it most.

Participate in local community events

There are plenty of local events you can participate in if you want to help fight hunger in your community. Search World Food Day USA on Google to find some ways you can help. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities: packing meals for the homeless, walking for hunger, or helping out in a soup kitchen to name a few. No matter how big or small, your efforts will make a difference. However, you help out will be valuable for the nourishment of those who are in need. So serve your community by giving your time and efforts.

Help improve the quality of school lunches

In different parts of the United States and throughout the world, a school lunch or breakfast may be the only full meal a student eats in a day. The sad part is that these meals do not always contain important nutrients a child needs for growth and development. By improving the quality of food at schools, children can enjoy better health and improve their academic performance.

Treat yourself

Did you know that by treating yourself with your favorite food at your favorite restaurant, you are also making a difference in the world’s problem with hunger and food scarcity? So go ahead and invite a friend for a meaningful and sumptuous meal. As soon as the check arrives, donate the cost of your meal by joining the #HungerFree movement. This movement is organized to help fight hunger in South Sudan, Kenya, and many other parts of the globe.

Attend an event

If you are looking for other ways to participate in  World Food Day, you can visit foodday.org and enter your zip code to find an event near you. It doesn’t matter which event you choose, whether you dine or donate, the important thing is that you are helping spread awareness. You are also encouraging people to join the fight against hunger.

Food scarcity and hunger may seem to be overwhelming global problems. But if we all decide to take action, even in our little ways, and become advocates for health and food, we can all make a difference to make this world a better place.

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