Keeping Toddlers busy

[minimiracles]

I have a busy toddler room (who doesn't) it is very boy heavy. I feel like we are already out of ideas and it is only October. We have done LOTS of sticky (contact) paper activities, which they love, but they need a break. Can you PLEASE share your easy, inexpensive ideas to keep my little guys happy.
Thanks in advance.
S

[mopar]

You could paint with marbles or any other objects- put a piece of paper in a tray or box, then put different blobs of paint in the box. Put marbles in the box and have the students make pictures by shaking the box and moving the marbles around.

Or paint with magnets. Put magnetic objects in and have the students move the objects around using magnets.

Lots of story time and creative movement opportunities (play music for the students)

Nature walks are nice and work on colors, shapes, letters with the students. Simple fun making the letter a cover it with things that start with a.

[minimiracles]

Thank you. I can't do the marble painting because they are chocking hazards, but i Love the magnet idea. That might be todays rainy day activity.

[mopar]

Another great rainy day activity is to use paint on a paper and put it out in the rain. Don't do this in a downpour, but light rain works well.

Also find activities related to a holiday or theme. Try making caterpillars out of egg cartons or invent a bug and tell a story to the class.

[Boxcar]

I saw this in one classroom and thought it looked cool.

You take little cars and dip the wheels in paint. Then you make tracks on the paper with the wheels.

[kenyeart]

My toddlers love painting with squishy (spikey looking) balls.

[Chef Dave]

Here is a link for various toddler activities.

Best wishes,

David

http://fun.familyeducation.com/early-learning/family-learning/33372.html

[teach1027]

Make playdough in your class the kids LOVE it. Also try taping bubble wrap to the floor bubble side up and have them take off their shoes and walk on it. Paint is also gun at that age, and you can paint with feathers, sandpaper, string, bubbles, ice cubes, hands, you name it.

[redroomteacher]

My kids love stickers...it also helps with fine motor skills. My boys love driving cars around the room. Sing the jumping song..."(name of child 2x) jump up and down jump up and down jump up and down (child's name 2x) jump up and down, now sit down. If you have a large class, put two kids names in to make it faster but my kids love it. Other songs they love are to sing the ABC's really loud while patting their laps. If the kids are busy, have them wiggle their fingers, put them on their nose, their head and they laugh when you tell them to tickle their belly or touch their hiney.

For inexpensive books or puzzles go to Ollie's or sometimes Barnes and Nobles or Borders have discount things in the front of the store

Good Luck :)

[Alesia]

Shaving cream with food coloring on tables.
Flour in sensory table.

[Boxcar]

Food coloring will stain the children's hands. Some of our parents got upset about this...

I love the idea of shaving cream though. I bought the watermelon scented kind and my kids really enjoyed it.

[Vcovarrubiaz]

I have implemented an exercise program in the class room the kids really get into it. Singing is great too.Make sure that you have multiples of as many toys and activities as possible if you dont that promotes fighting.

[Vcovarrubiaz]

Have a sign in sheet so toddlers can sign it just like their parents do.

[Vcovarrubiaz]

also let the children paint the things outside in the play area with wayer let them use water.

[Vcovarrubiaz]

wayer is water sorry