Have you ever found it tricky to keep your toddler or preschooler entertained while sneaking in some learning? It can be a challenge, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this week’s guide, I’ll share fun, hands-on activities that blend nature, art, music, and math, all while helping your little one build important skills. These simple activities are perfect for curious minds and will keep them engaged, learning, and having fun!
Do you ever feel like it’s tough to find activities that keep toddlers and preschoolers engaged while learning? You’re not alone! Many parents wonder how to blend fun with education, but it’s easier than you think.
Whether you’re new to this or have been planning activities for a while, I’ll share simple and creative ways to incorporate nature, art, music, and more into your child’s routine. You’ll learn how these activities help build essential skills like focus, observation, and creativity.
And best of all, these activities are fun, easy to set up, and adaptable for any age!
Ever wonder how to make learning fun and engaging for toddlers? This week, I tackled a range of activities to keep little ones entertained and educated. From a Tree Scavenger Hunt to an Art Exploration inspired by Vincent van Gogh, our activities are designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Are you looking for creative ways to enhance your toddler’s learning experience? This post is packed with insights and tips for making the most of these activities.
- Explore Nature: Learn how a Tree Scavenger Hunt can teach observation and comparison skills while connecting with the natural world.
- Encourage Artistic Expression: Discover how creating a Squares Collage and studying Vincent van Gogh can boost fine motor skills and art appreciation.
- Engage in Interactive Learning: Find out how kitchen play and music activities can provide hands-on learning opportunities and enhance cognitive development.
- Foster Emotional Growth: Understand the benefits of self-care and kindness activities, like surprising someone with flowers, to nurture empathy and social skills.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Toddler Activities Keeping toddlers engaged requires a mix of fun and educational activities. This week’s activities blend art, nature, and interactive play, designed to stimulate your child’s imagination and growth. Each activity is crafted to be both enjoyable and enriching, making learning a delightful experience.
A structured plan for toddlers, integrating math, science, and literature, fosters balanced development by stimulating curiosity, building core skills, and encouraging creativity. It keeps learning engaging, promotes independence, and prepares them for future education. This holistic approach ensures toddlers are well-rounded and excited about learning.
Here it is:
Activity 1: Tree Scavenger Hunt
Our week started with a Tree Scavenger Hunt. I picked a few common trees we often see on our walks, Texas Live Oak, Ashe Juniper and Cedar Elm. WE printed out a picture guide and went on a scavenger hunt. I’ll leave a PDF link if you want to use the same tree guide!
As we walked, my little explorer got to match the trees with the printed images. Every time she found one, we added a sticker to her sheet. It’s such a great way for them to practice observation, comparison, and memory skills while having fun.
Activity 2: Exploration Station
Next up, we created a Tree Exploration Station at home! We collected leaves, acorns, and branches from our walk, added a few tree books, and even brought out a magnifying glass for some up-close inspection. This little corner encourages curiosity, and it’s amazing to see the excitement when everyday objects become little treasures.
Activity 3: Math – Taller and Shorter Trees
We also played a simple but fun Taller or Shorter game with the trees in our neighborhood. I asked her to find the tallest and shortest trees, and we compared them. Then, we collected sticks and lined them up from tallest to shortest. It’s a fun way to sneak in some early math skills while exploring outside.
Activity 4: Art Exploration – Vincent van Gogh’s “Bedroom in Arles”
For art this week, I introduced her to van Gogh’s famous painting, Bedroom in Arles. We spent some time looking at the painting, talking about the colors and shapes, and comparing it to her own bedroom. I love how this activity helps her slow down and really appreciate art.
Activity 5: Squares Collage
From there, we took inspiration from van Gogh’s painting and created a Squares Collage. The painting is filled with square shapes, so we cut out squares from different papers and textures and made our own artwork. She’s been practicing her scissor skills, and this was a great way to tie that into a creative project.
Activity 6: Kitchen Play
In the kitchen, we did a simple cooking activity—making an omelet together. While I loosely follow the Blossom and Root curriculum, I always try to make room for real-life experiences like cooking. It’s a wonderful way for her to be involved and learn hands-on.
Activity 7: Visualizing Music with Mozart
We also explored music by watching a Classical Body Percussion video featuring Mozart’s music on YouTube. It’s a fun, interactive way to introduce classical music and rhythm. We even tried out some body percussion ourselves!
Activity 8: Read “A Tree is Nice” Together
This week’s reading was “A Tree is Nice,” a beautifully illustrated book celebrating all the wonderful things trees give us. It talks about planting trees and the many gifts they provide—like fruit, oxygen, and shade. It’s a lovely way to foster a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature.
Activity 9: Make a Handprint Tree
We ended the week with an art project—Make a Handprint Tree! We painted a large brown trunk on paper and used finger paint to add colorful handprint “leaves.” It’s drying now, but once it’s done, it’ll go right into her art book.
I hope you enjoyed these activities! Remember, each little adventure with your child is an opportunity to connect, explore, and create memories together. Thanks for joining me this week. Be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already, and I’ll see you next time with week 5 activities!
Full Disclosure: If you’re interested in more, check out the Blossom and Root curriculum for a full list of activities and materials. This isn’t sponsored—I just love their approach and wanted to share what I’m doing with my child!
