Lacing Bucket

Fine Motor work is so important, just think of all you do with those little hand muscles!

If you really need a reason....Pre-Writing skills!  You're little baby needs strong muscles to start writing all of those college essays!  ;o)  Plus, it's fabulous developmentally appropriate fun!

This Lacing Bucket is homemade...

I know, I know, it looks like a Melissa & Doug toy.  (NOT.)

Materials needed:

1. Coffee tub, with cardboard sides, not the metal sides.  

2. Thin rope.  I found mine at the Dollar Store.  

I like this better than yarn because it is stiffer and easier for his little hands.  

If you DO use yarn, tape up the ends to make it stiff!!

How to make it?

1. Spray paint the tub...optional.

2. Make holes in it.  

I stabbed it with a screwdriver...I was too lazy to find the screws.

3. Cut the rope into different lengths.

Threading is tough!! 

Show them how and let them at it!

 

I was expecting and ready for some frustrated melt downs! But pleasantly surprise.

If they do seem a bit frustrated, help them out.  

If a meltdown occurs, try again another day.

They may not be ready for the job and they are letting you know!

When all done, put the ropes in the tub, and lid back on!  It stores nicely!

~Sarah  (Carter 20 months)

Beach Net Weave

Some recent blog posts on here and here brought up some old memories of a Weaving Fence at my favorite preschool of all time.

Little Preschool on the Prairie

Tinker Lab

Well, as I was cruising our "Chinese Dollar Store" for a blow-up pool, I stumbled upon some beach/water toys wrapped up nicely in a fishing net. Now, you know I can't pass up a treasure like that!! ;) Low and behold:

What? Not impressed? Neither was Carter.

HA!

He added the Q-tips, though!

I thought it was a nice touch.

He is a bit young for this...but those of you with kiddos a bit bigger, give it a try!

This, of course, was a trial run for us. I'm thinking next time, I will look for a bigger piece and stake it into our big back-yard, with grass and blue skies...in CANADA! Woo Hoo! We are moving to Canada next month!

Okay, I had to sneek that in.

Last revelation through doing this pathetic attempt at art and fine-motor work...I'm thinking it would be fun to weave our chairs with colorful yarn and decor for a "special" chair! The Birthday Chair. The Valentine's Chair. The Father's Day Chair. Etc.

There is no way, my pictures could have inspired you, so go, explore, please check out these great posts from strangers I've never met:

Little Preschool on the Prairie

Tinker Lab

If you try it out, let us know, we'd love to feature a much better example on our blog!!