So it seems like I'm not the only mom out there looking for interesting new play activities to try with a rambunctious toddler. I decided to start a semi-regular series called Make a Mess Mondays where I'll post an idea for something messy and entertaining Lorelei and I tried recently. I'm not guaranteeing success -- I plan to post failed ideas, too, with thoughts for how to improve it next time. Just hoping it might spark some possibilities for you, too!
Is there a linky party out there already dedicated to this? (There must be, right?) Otherwise, I'm thinking about starting one -- any thoughts?
Okay, on to the actual post:
After our success with making a mess with flour last week, I decided to try rice this time. I had read that it's fun for kids to "discover" objects hidden in the rice, so I buried a few small toys in the bowl.
Turns out I should have used a bigger bowl and more rice. Oh -- and though finding buried objects was fun, it was a lot more fun to fling the rice all over the kitchen instead. That garbage bag idea was a good thought but not even close to sufficing for clean-up purposes. Next time maybe we'll try this outside! Though it did get me to clean the kitchen floor better than I otherwise would have. Dual purpose playtime?
Oh, and I was worried Lorelei would try to eat the rice, and she did put a few grains in her mouth. But mostly she seemed more interested in exploring the texture through her fingers than in trying to taste it -- and she has quite the oral fixation, so rest assured that your little one can't be any worse!
When we attempt this again, I'm also planning to introduce some empty jars and containers for her to use for scooping and pouring the rice -- if it works in the sandbox, it should work for this, too.
Looking forward to trying more of these activities and sharing them with you -- and I would love to get ideas from you, too, so please post your links in the comments below!
What a fun activity AND series! As far a link party, I do link up to The Imagination Tree sometimes for their "It's Playtime!" link party if you're looking for something similar, but I still think if you hosted one it would be great too. (http://www.theimaginationtree.com/2012/06/beach-and-seaside-activities-for-kids.html)
ReplyDeleteI think we'll definitely have to try this. Darwin's been to the beach several times and loves the sand so I think he'd really get into the rice! We just got one of those cheap formed plastic kiddie pools to have out at his little party so I bet that would be a good place to have some CONTAINED fun!
In the baby pool?! SO BRILLIANT. And thanks for the tip about The Imagination Tree!
DeleteI am so excited for this series as I am always looking for more activities I can do with Chloe! This looks like such a fun activity, and I bet Chloe would absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great idea!
Great idea! We use a bucket of dried beans of all colours and various dried pasta on a king sized sheet for rainy days. Scoops, animal toys, and bottles are all good additions for bean day. I will have to try rice.
ReplyDeleteI love the beans and pasta idea, Stephanie -- and the sheet! Way bigger and better than my lame-o garbage bag.
Deletegreat idea! i'm certainly going to try that with max and mo.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to this series!
She is so cute! One time I put a little rice in an empty water bottle and glued the lid on. Avery used it as a musical instrument for about a year. : )
ReplyDeleteShe looks so excited and intrigued! I love it!
ReplyDelete♥ Kyna
So clever! I think Sophie would love this. Keep these posts coming!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, and I'd love to read more of your ideas! I think it's pretty empowering as a mom to look at a mess, take a deep breathe, and totally embrace it. It's even more empowering to guide the kiddo towards mess in the first place!
ReplyDeleteThis is great. We made a robot discovery bottle last week with nuts, bolts, etc. I haven't gotten around to posting about it yet. I can't wait to see more of your ideas.
ReplyDelete