Showing posts sorted by date for query fine motor. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query fine motor. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Fun and Creative Kids Activity: Stamping Bunches of Grapes Process Art

 Looking for a fun and creative kids activity that is both educational and festive? Look no further than stamping bunches of grapes with pencil erasers and wine corks! This activity is perfect for kids of all ages, and it can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors.


We love to paint with all kinds of things! From wine corks, to dried flower heads, and everything in between. This easy painting project is perfect for kids of all ages. Little ones will love working on a few bunches or grapes, while tweens and teens can create more elaborate works of art.

What is Process Art for Kids

Process art for kids is a type of art where the focus is on the process of creating the art, rather than the finished product. This type of art is often open-ended and allows kids to be creative and expressive. There are many different types of process art that kids can do, such as:

  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Collage
  • Sculpture
  • Performance art
  • Installation art

Process art is a great way for kids to explore their creativity and to learn about different art materials and techniques. It can also help them to develop their fine motor skills and their problem-solving skills.

Here are some tips for doing process art with kids:

  • Provide a variety of art materials and let kids explore them.
  • Don't be afraid to get messy!
  • Encourage kids to be creative and expressive.
  • Don't judge their art.
  • Celebrate their creativity.

Process art can be a lot of fun for kids. It's a great way for them to express themselves and to learn about art. So get creative and let your kids explore the world of process art!


Supplies:

  • Purple Paint
  • Green Paint
  • A paper plate
  • A pencil eraser
  • A wine cork
  • White paper


Begin by stamping one purple dot, then on the next row, stamp two. Repeat thru 4 to 5 rows of grapes.



Repeat until your paper has plenty of purple bunches of grapes. 



Now grab your wine cork and dip into the green paint.


Fill the blank space in between grapes with green dots for leaves. When you are finished your paper should look like this.



So pretty! Let this dry and display it somewhere in the house. You could stick it on the fridge, but this turns out so cute you might want to frame it.


This is a perfect spring or summer craft for kids of all ages. It is easy, and needs no special supplies. I know you will have fun with this process art project.




Find more fun kids craft ideas here:

Pineapple process art

Cork and Button Apple Trees


Here are some process art for kids ideas:

  • Painting with natural materials: Gather some natural materials, such as leaves, flowers, twigs, and grass. Dip the materials in paint and then stamp them onto paper.
  • Collage: Collect a variety of materials, such as magazines, newspapers, fabric, and yarn. Cut out shapes from the materials and then glue them onto paper to create a collage.
  • Sculpting with playdough: Playdough is a great material for sculpting. Kids can use their imaginations to create anything they want, such as animals, people, or objects.
  • Performance art: Performance art is a type of art that is performed in front of an audience. Kids can create their own performance art pieces, such as dances, songs, or plays.
  • Installation art: Installation art is a type of art that is installed in a specific space. Kids can create their own installation art pieces, such as sculptures, paintings, or photographs.

These are just a few ideas for process art for kids. There are many other possibilities, so get creative and let your kids explore their imaginations!

Homemade Play Dough Recipes: A Fun and Easy Way to Keep Kids Entertained

 Play Dough Recipes: A Fun and Easy Way to Keep Kids Entertained

Play dough is a great way to keep kids entertained for hours on end. It's also a great way to help them develop their fine motor skills and creativity. And best of all, it's easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.




Here are a few of our favorite play dough recipes:


Ice Cream Playdough by Bitz n Giggles

This playdough idea is perfect for a mess free ice cream play session with the kids.


Thanksgiving Playdough by Making Frugal Fun

Make this for the family feast, and give the kids something to do while they wait to have dinner!


Shimmer Makeup Playdoh by In the Playroom

Who knew you could make playdough with make up?! This is a fun idea for girls who love all things glam.


Cornstarch and Lotion Playdough by The DIY Nuts

This recipe makes for the softest playdough ever. You are going to want to squish this a few times before letting the kids have it.


Pumpkin Spice Playdough by Suburbia Unwrapped

Playdough is always fun, but when it smells of pumpkin spice, the experience is twice as nice.


Super Soft Fairy Dough by Little Bins for Little Hands

This recipe for fairy dough is so soft it feels nothing short of magical!


Glittery Pumpkin Pie Playdough by Retro Potluck

A pinch of glitter takes this pumpkin pie play dough experience to the next level.


Glow in the Dark Playdough by Our Wabi Sabi Life

This playdough glows in the dark for an incredibly fun experience for kids.


Kool Aid Playdough  by The Best Ideas for Kids

This playdough is made with kool aid for such a vibrant color!


Chocolate Play Doh by Rainy Day Mum

Make a batch of chocolate play doh for kids to play with!


5 Minute Playdough by Made in a Pinch

This recipe only takes 5 minutes to make and is just the thing for a rainy day activity!


Color Changing Playdough by STEAM Powered Family

This recipe makes for a magical color changing dough that kids are going to love to play with.


Extract Scented Play Doh by The Typical Mom

This dough is scented with extracts for a sensory experience that kids are going to love.


Glittery Blue Playdough by Tikkido

This glittery blue play doh is perfect for a Frozen themed play session.


Conditioner Playdough by Sweet Silly Sara

Make this recipe with conditioner for a really soft playdoh to share with the kids.





Play Dough Variations There are endless possibilities when it comes to play dough variations. Here are a few ideas: Add glitter or confetti for a festive touch. Add essential oils for a calming aroma. Add herbs or spices for a sensory experience. Add different types of flour for different textures. Add salt dough to make ornaments or other crafts. With a little creativity, you can make play dough that's perfect for your kids. So get started and have fun!

Find more play doh ideas here:
Play Doh Food Puzzles
Play Doh Pie Counting

Button Sorting Sensory Bag

Toddlers need sorting skills for a variety of reasons. Sorting helps them learn about the world around them, develop their fine motor skills, and improve their problem-solving skills.



Learning about the world around them

When toddlers sort objects, they are learning about the different characteristics of those objects. They are learning about colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. They are also learning about the relationships between objects. For example, they may learn that all of the blue objects go together, or that all of the small objects fit in the small container.

Developing fine motor skills

Sorting requires toddlers to use their fine motor skills. They need to be able to pick up small objects, hold them in their hands, and move them around. This helps to strengthen their muscles and improve their coordination.

Improving problem-solving skills

Sorting also helps toddlers to develop their problem-solving skills. When they are faced with a problem, such as how to sort a group of objects, they need to use their logic and reasoning skills to come up with a solution. This helps them to learn how to think critically and solve problems on their own.

If you would like to make a DIY sorting activity for your little learners, you might love this easy buttons sorting bag. You might have everything you need at home to make this easy and engaging activity.





Supplies:
A zipper seal baggie
Clear hair gel
Buttons
Markers


First, figure out what colors of buttons you have to work with. You will want to use coordinating markers to make this work.


Start by drawing a large circle with one color of marker.


Then repeat using all of your marker colors.


When you have used all of the colors of markers, add about 2 tablespoons of hair gel into the baggie. You don't need a lot; just a little to make the activity extra fun! Little hands will love the way the buttons glide thru the hair gel. Spread the gel out with your hands.


Add the buttons to the bag.


Seal the bag. You can secure the seal with duct tape if you like.


Encourage your toddler to sort the buttons by color, and maneuver the buttons into the circle.


This activity is so simple but so awesome for hands on learning because it combines sorting skills with fine motor work.

Fine motor skills are the small, precise movements of the hands and fingers. They are important for a variety of tasks, such as eating, writing, and playing musical instruments. Fine motor skills also play a role in cognitive development, as they require children to use their brains to coordinate their movements.

Here are some of the reasons why kids need fine motor skills:

  • To perform everyday tasks: Fine motor skills are essential for performing everyday tasks, such as eating, dressing, and using the bathroom. Children who have difficulty with fine motor skills may struggle with these tasks, which can lead to frustration and delays in development.
  • To learn: Fine motor skills are also important for learning. Children who have good fine motor skills are better able to hold a pencil, write neatly, and turn pages in a book. This can help them to learn more effectively in school.
  • To participate in activities: Fine motor skills are also important for participating in activities, such as playing sports, playing musical instruments, and doing arts and crafts. Children who have good fine motor skills are better able to participate in these activities, which can help them to develop their social skills and have fun.

There are many things that parents can do to help their children develop fine motor skills. Here are a few tips:

  • Provide opportunities for practice: One of the best ways to help children develop fine motor skills is to provide them with opportunities to practice. This could include giving them toys that require them to use their hands, such as blocks, puzzles, or play-dough.
  • Encourage exploration: Children learn best by exploring. Encourage your child to explore their environment and use their hands to interact with objects. This could include letting them help you cook, garden, or clean.
  • Be patient: It takes time for children to develop fine motor skills. Don't get discouraged if your child doesn't master a skill right away. Just keep providing them with opportunities to practice and they will eventually get there.

Fine motor skills are an important part of child development. By providing children with opportunities to practice and develop these skills, you can help them to succeed in school and in life.




Find more fine motor ideas here

Boredom Busters That Will Keep Your Kids Entertained for Hours

Boredom is a natural part of life, but it can be especially challenging for kids. When kids are bored, they may be more likely to engage in risky or destructive behaviors, such as getting into fights, using drugs or alcohol, or engaging in self-harm. Boredom can also lead to academic problems, such as poor grades and difficulty paying attention in class.

There are many benefits to offering boredom buster activities to kids. These activities can help kids:

  • Develop their creativity and problem-solving skills
  • Learn new things
  • Improve their social skills
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Stay physically active
  • Have fun!



 Jello Playdough by Momma Lew

This play dough uses jello to make a recipe for fun with a great scent to it too!


Rock Painting Party by Mom Junky

This is the ultimate free boredom buster. Grab some rocks and paint, and what do you know? You have an impromptu party on your hands!


Minecraft Block 3D Art by Down Redbud Drive

Get the kids off the screens, with a minecraft craft that is sure to hold their interest as long as a video game can!


Seed Hearts by Bunny’s Garden

Spread some love and seeds with this adorable craft idea. 


Toy Car Wash by Craftidly 

Got dirty cars? Then create a space to tidy them up. This is a squeaky clean idea for fun!


Homemade Sidewalk Chalk by Pop Shop America

You may never buy sidewalk chalk again after checking out this tutorial. Summer fun will be chalked up as a great time.


Scribble Dice by Barley and Birch

Scribble and roll up a fun time when the kids feel restless with this unique activity.


Lego Fidget Spinner by Creative Green Living

Fidget spinners meet legos with this really engaging activity for kids. They will spin with pride at the chance to make their own fidget toy!


Cupcake Liner Jellyfish by Kids Activities Blog

This craft is great for the days when you miss the beach; it brings a cute jellyfish swimming into craft time with minimal supplies.


Cactus Rock Painting by Messy Momma Crafts

This is such a cute idea for rock painting and can double as much loved home decor too!


Toothpick Cacti by Mod Podge Rocks

This craft is perfect for older kids, and will have them making a prickly cactus to show off!


Plastic Bag Friendship Bracelets by Craftidly

Give plastic bags new life with this bracelet tutorial! This is a great upcycle project for kids.


Paracord Bracelets by Needlepointers

These bracelets make great fashion, and in a pinch can be used for actual rope in an emergency situation.

Galaxy Slime by Sweet Silly Sara

This is slimy, goopy and it glows in the dark for an out of this world experience kids will love.




Here are some tips for offering boredom buster activities to kids:

  • Make a list of different activities that your kids might enjoy. This list could include things like playing games, reading books, doing arts and crafts, going for walks, or playing sports.
  • Talk to your kids about what they would like to do when they are bored. This will help you to tailor the activities to their interests.
  • Be prepared to offer some guidance and support when your kids are trying new activities. This will help them to have a positive experience.
  • Make sure that the activities are safe and appropriate for your kids' age and interests.
  • Be patient and understanding. It may take some time for your kids to get used to doing things on their own.

Boredom buster activities can be a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged. They can also help kids to develop important skills and learn new things. So next time your kids are bored, don't despair! There are plenty of fun and educational activities that you can do together.

Find more kids activities here:

Mud Ice Cream Cones

Fine Motor Counting

Easy Fine Motor Sensory Ball Activity


Preschoolers will love this easy to set up and totally engaging sensory ball activity. It combines fine motor work and sensory play for a boredom buster with benefits. Best of all this activity is super affordable to set up. You can get everything you need at the dollar store.


If you have been reading this blog over the last decade, you might know I am passionate about fine motor and sensory activities. I love creating activities that are fun and benefit development. This is no exception. It is so easy to set up, but it is engaging for kids and helps them build fine motor skills. No fancy equipment required.


All you need to make this fine motor ball is two simple things.
A bumpy ball 
Tiny rubber bands



This is so easy to set up.

Simply stretch the bands over the bumps of the ball
For younger children, use fewer bands
To challenge older children use more bands and make the loops complicated. 


Offer the ball to your child and encourage them to remove the bands. 
Have your child place the bands in a container, storage bag etc as these can be a choking hazard and dangerous to pets. Supervise this activity please!



If you are looking for more sensory and fine motor activities check out these popular posts.

Fine Motor Counting Activity

This activity is perfect for small hands. It combines counting and fine motor work for a fun, hands on approach to learning. This introduction to math is perfect for preschoolers. Best of all, you can get everything you need to set this up at Dollar Tree.




Little hands love pinching, so this activity is perfect for making math fun while engaging fine motor skills! My kids both loved this early introduction to counting when they were smaller, and I often pull this activity out when we have little guests in our house who need something to do. This is the ultimate boredom buster and will always have a place in my busy bag collection.



All you need to make this is some tiny clothespins from dollar trees craft section and a few craft sticks. Mark the numbers you are using on the craft sticks and hand the kids some clothespins. Encourage your child to count the clothespins and put them on the craft stick. 

This is one of those activities you will want to supervise, to keep the pins from mouths, noses and ears. 


If you enjoyed this easy activity for kids, you will want to check out some of my other preschool projects.

Pot of Gold Sensory Bin

Saint Patrick's Day is right around the corner and I have the perfect sensory bin to share with you for the occasion. This Pot of Gold Bin is easy to set up, is loads of fun to play with, and will get kids excited for the holiday!

St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin. This easy activity is perfect for kids who want to find the gold at the end of the rainbow!

Sensory bins are so much fun for kids. They combine fine motor work, the engagement of the senses, and imagination into one awesome invitation to play. This Pot of Gold St. Patrick's Day Bin was so easy to set up, and I got everything I needed at the dollar store. This sensory bin is easy to set up, and the kids will want to play with it many times. 



Supplies:

  1. A plastic storage bin with a lid.
  2. St. Patrick's Day Foam Scatter
  3. 4 Leaf Clover Confetti
  4. Buttons in assorted colors
  5. Small black cauldrons from the party favor section of Dollar Tree



Instructions:
  1. Dump the confetti, foam scatter and buttons into the storage bin.
  2. Add a few of the cauldrons to the bin.
  3. Offer your child tweezers, spoons, or any other tool you like for scooping.
  4. Allow your child to fill the buckets with a rainbow of colors (beads) and the gold foam coins.


I encouraged my daughter to tell me what colors she would find in a rainbow and place one bead from each color in the bucket.

We also used this as a counting exercise; how many gold coins could she find? How many big clovers? And so on.


Harper also had fun just digging in the scatter and confetti. She brought a few little action figures into the mix and had a fun small world session later. 

I like to make these bins in shoe box sized plastic containers so we can snap a lid on it and revisit the activity later. The kids always want to play with the bin again!

If you like this idea you can find all of my sensory bins and bags here.
Reader favorites include:
Sensory Party in a Bag
Birthday Cake Sensory Bin
Grab some FREE St. Patick's Day Coloring Pages here
Check out these End of the Rainbow Snacks
Check out these easy 3d Shamrocks