Pom Pom Scoop

 

These cold and windy winter days with an active toddler have been interesting to say the least, ha! On a whim, I dug out a few supplies from a craft/homeschool box and set them in front of my 16 month old in hopes it would give us just a few minutes of entertainment. 

And thankfully, she was INTO it!

She wouldn't even look up at me for a picture, the concentration was real!

We're trying to work on more independent eating with utensils (all. the. messes.), so this scooping activity was perfect for her. It also helps that the pom poms are soft and sparkly...she was ready to dive in!

All of these supplies can be found at the dollar store, but I'm pretty sure the pom poms came from Hobby Lobby. 

Here's what you'll need:

• a medium sized bin (or shoebox or tupperware container...anything to hold the pom poms!)
• pom poms
• a scoop (mine is an ice scoop from the Dollar Tree)
• a plastic cup or bowl (or any other containers for pom pom transfer

Tips for the parent:

• These fuzzy little pom poms will be tempting for your toddler to put in his/her mouth, so don't leave your little one unattended! I fully expected mine to pop one in her mouth....and she only did it once as we were cleaning up. Be sure to watch the whole time!
• You'll probably have to model what to do a few times before your toddler understands what to do. Show what to do and then pass the scoop with an exciting, "Your turn!". Put your hand over theirs and make the wrist turns together. 
• Stay positive if they don't get it! These moves are new and difficult for your little one, so they may need lots of encouragement. 
• Talk through it! Use this as an opportunity for some language development. Talk about everything...the different colors, "Now it's your turn!", words of encouragement, "thank you!", praise...anything!

If you try this activity, tag me on Instagram @the_elementary_mama and share your little one at work!

Our Favorite Valentine's Day Books 2021

My 4 year old has recently discovered that I like to decorate for holidays early. What can I say? It makes me happy. :) We've been ready for Valentine's Day for a couple of weeks now, and since it's the first week of February, I guess we can start talking about all things Valentine's Day! 

I've shared before that my girls love, and I mean LOVE, books. I'm on my fifth book of 2021, so they come by it honestly, ha! 

Today, I'm sharing the Valentine's Day books we're loving around here. And surprise! Some of them have extra little goodies that are included! I ordered all mine from Amazon, but if you find another deal somewhere else, feel free to share!

Click on any title or picture to be directed to the book!

*May contain affiliate links*

Avery - 16 months old

Llama Llama I love you by Anna Dewdney: We're Llama Llama fans over here! These books are always sweet, short, and fun.

My Fuzzy Valentine: I'm pretty Avery's love for Elmo has only grown over the months, ha! This one has a little velvet touch to Elmo which your toddler will love!

Where is Baby's Valentine?: This was Ella Mae's book when she was a toddler, and I promise you she is still obsessed with it. It has flaps, need I say more? :)

Ella Mae - 4 years old

Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart - Her vocabulary has grown so much with her love for Fancy Nancy! It's a sweet, short story for a Fancy Nancy book. 

*BONUS* it comes with a sheet of stickers!

Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day is Cool by Kimberly and James Dean - Yes, Pete the Cat is still around our house, and Ella Mae says quotes from this book all the time now. It's a cute one!

*BONUS* it includes 12 Valentine's Day cards, a fold-out poster, AND stickers! Is the poster hanging on the back of her bedroom door as we speak? Yup. 

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose by Lucille Colandro - My 4 year laughs at every. single. page. in these books! She thinks that old lady is "so silly, Mama!".  I guess we'll be getting one for every holiday. 

Pinkalicious: Pink of Hearts by Victoria Kann - All the little girls in her class love Pinkalicious. It's a sweet story about friendship!

*BONUS* includes 8 Valentine's Day cards, a fold-out poster, and stickers!