Here is a collection of ten favorite, fabulous fine motor activities from CCK. They are open-ended and include art, construction, stringing, scissor, and writing skills.
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Top Nine Pregnancy Apps
I’m pleased to have Bethany Barkey guest posting today. She is my daughter and mother to my first grandbaby. (We are excited!) We expected our little Ruby to arrive yesterday…literally! Bethany has been talking about all of the apps she has enjoyed during the last nine months, so I’ve invited her to share them with you too.
Technology and information has changed so much since the smartphone, and I was somewhat surprised when my doctor recommended I check out apps for keeping up to date on baby’s progress and development! Since that nine week appointment, I’ve discovered a whole new world of information via my phone. Here are some of my favorite apps that I’ve loved and used a lot during pregnancy. The title links are clickable and will take you straight to the app.
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Snow Cream Frappuccino
Ten inches of snow encouraged me to go to our readers in search of a new snow ice cream recipe. Then to address grown-up tastes we made a snow cream frappuccino. Your kiddos will love helping make this winter treat.
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Diaper Babies
These sweet little diaper babies are adorable gifts and so easy your kids can help make them too. I will be making several to give to new parents in my program along with a bag of diapers. I would love to claim the idea but Pharma blog has a detailed post for creating these little people.
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Pumpkin Light ~ Drilling for fun!
We are going to drill a pumpkin! There is much inspiration on Pinterest for carving and decorating pumpkins this season. From yarn, to paint, hammer and nails, and drills you can find just about any tool or material. However, drilling a pumpkin is absolutely fun and then best.
Supervision: You might not be comfortable having your child handle a drill and that is fine. You know your child’s capabilities.
If you choose to do this activity with your child, supervision, teaching, and guidance is an absolute must!!!
To drill a pumpkin pumpkin here is what you need:
- A pumpkin (This one came from Ritters Fruits and Vegetables.)
- Drill and bit
- Knife for carving the top
- Candle or battery powered light of your choice to put inside the pumpkin
First, cut out the top and back of the pumpkin. The cut that goes down the back provides easy access to clean and light the pumpkin.
Thoroughly clean out the seeds and ‘guts’ of the pumpkin. This is so sensory! Get in there and get messy! (You should probably check out our post called Pumpkin Guts!)
Instruct your child on how to use the drill safely, then supervise their work at all times.
Carefully drill away!
We chose a random pattern.
This was so fun. When you were a kid do you remember opening a gift that your parents loved to play with? You will be the one who wants to use the drill.
Once drilling is complete, clean up your pumpkin. Wipe it down inside and out. I used a straw to poke through holes that were slightly clogged. A tip I learned from Pinterest is to smear the inside with vaseline to help prevent molding. The drill was easy to clean by rinsing with water and drying.
Add the lighting of your choice. This pumpkin has a medium sized pillar candle. Another option is too use battery powered candles.
Update – Here is a video showing this year’s pumpkin. 🙂
Have fun drilling pumpkins together!
Finger Paint!
Finger painting is loved by kids and is nearly a perfect activity. Why? It combines creativity, fine motor, sensory integration, color theory, cause and affect, and imagination. It is playful and fun! Even young toddlers can participate if given the right kind of paint.
I’ll be sharing finger-painting with my kids at work and will give their parents a sample of paint. Since I need a big batch of paint and a super easy recipe, I spent an afternoon playing in the kitchen and created this one from edible ingredients. It is toddler friendly too!
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Water Science with Everyday Objects
Duct Tape for Kids
Hot Glue + Color = Beautiful Easter Eggs
We are going to create unique easter eggs by using hot glue and standard easter egg dye.
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Weather in Jar
We are going to create a little weather in a jar! This is a simple science and observation activity that is especially fun when winter lingers and spring is on the horizon. 
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