e's first "bank"

I made this simple activity by cutting a slit into the lid of a baking soda container.  Elise still puts things in her mouth, so I opted for large washers rather than real coins.  The satisfying "clink" they make when they land at the bottom of the container is definitely a big point of interest.  After all the washers are in the container, Elise usually gives it a shake or two before taking the lid off to retrieve them - an additional fine motor challenge!

I love watching Elise's mind work as she tries to figure out which way to orient the washer to make it fit through the slot.  I also kind of envy her casual flexibility - really, who sits like that?  ;)

on the shelves - 14 months

 the learning tower

Elise is now able to climb into and out of her learning tower all by herself!  This is a great spot for stirring, scrubbing, and sampling (E's favorite!).  If you're deterred by the cost of a new learning tower, check craigslist - that's where we found ours, and I see them on there frequently.

 

 

nesting tubes

A friend loaned us this Plan Toys Cone Sorting activity.  There are actually two parts to this activity:  the nesting tubes on the inside and the cone-forming rings on the outside.  Right now, Elise is exploring the tubes - next, she'll try out the rings.

 

rainbow people mover

Minus one blue person - any guesses where he could be???  He's eluded us since day one.  Hmmm...  This is the first "toy" I've bought Elise in months, and she loves taking the people out and putting them back in the holes. 

 

Ball!

"Ball!" is a word Elise has been saying a lot lately.  This rubber ball from Crocodile Creek is just the right size for her to carry, throw, and kick. 

 

first purse

Elise continues to love having her own purse.  Occasionally, I change the contents to keep it fresh.  Yes, it's waaaay more organized than mine - no old shopping lists and receipts for this girl!

 

  Louise and friends

Elise has recently become very into playing with dolls and stuffed animals.  She wraps them up, feeds them, and carries them everywhere.  I put together a little basket of fabric and ribbons to help support her play.  Honestly, I am over the moon that Elise likes Louise so much -  I definitely feel inspired to make more toys!    

naturally-colored play dough

After seeing the gorgeous, autumn-themed play dough over at Sixtine et Victoire (Seriously!  Play dough can be gorgeous - check it out.), I was inspired to make some with Elise. Although it was always one of the most popular activities in my classroom, I realized that Elise had Never. Played. With. Play. Dough.  

GASP!

Not only is play dough endlessly fun, it's also good for you!  I couldn't believe I'd been depriving Elise for so long.  

Here's a quick list of the benefits of playing with play dough:

• builds fine motor strength
• allows for open ended play
• emotionally therapeutic

Read more about the benefits of play dough and discover some exciting variations at The Imagination Tree.  

Naturally-Colored Play Dough Recipe:

Over high heat, stir 2 cups water and 1 cup salt until salt is mostly dissolved and water is boiling.

To make yellow play dough, mix 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon cream of tartar, and 1 tablespoon turmeric in a bowl.  Combine dry ingredients with 1 cup of the hot water and salt mixture and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.  After it's cooled slightly, knead until a smooth dough is formed.  If dough seems too wet, add more flour; if it seems too dry, add more oil.

To make brown play dough, follow the same steps, replacing the turmeric with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.    

Keep play dough stored in an airtight container between use, and it should last for a long time - unless your little one is like Elise and eats it all!  Ha, ha!  No, Elise didn't eat it all, but I was surprised at how much she actually put in her mouth considering it's so salty.

busy hands - 14 months

filling an egg carton with rocks

Elise is endlessly fascinated with rocks - soon they'll all be covered up by snow!

stacking rings on a post

We have borrowed a couple of these types of stacking activities from friends.  This one is made by Plan Toys.

caring for Louise 

Elise has been really into tending to her dolls lately.  She will spend the better part of the morning covering them in blankets - it's really sweet. 

picking the seeds out of a spaghetti squash

We sprinkled the seeds with salt, pepper, and cumin and then toasted them in the oven.  They were yummy, but kind of hard for someone with only six teeth to eat! 

reading in the book nook

Elise continues to enjoy hanging out in her book nook.  Right now, she's really into "lift the flap" books.

sweeping leaves off the sidewalk with Nana (my mom)

I love that somehow Elise ended up with the big broom, and my mom with the child-sized one!

inspiration from blogland

I want to share two blogs that I've come across recently that have given me a TON of inspiration.  As a Montessori mama, I'm always on the look out for ways to help my 14-month-old daughter become independent and successful in our home environment.  I'm sure I'm late to the party, and you've all been reading these blogs for ages!  If not, please click on the links below to read about two creative, Montessori-inspired approaches to parenting!

Here are two ideas that I just can't wait to try with Elise...

(Sixtine et Victoire)

This cheese and bread food preparation activity from Sixtine et Victoire takes me back to my teaching days.  The children in my classroom all had one thing in common: they all liked to eat, and they all LOVED eating food that they had prepared themselves.  I can't wait for Elise to experience this! The other day, I watched her use her finger to smear the yolk from an over-easy egg onto a slice of toast, so I think she may be ready to do a simple spreading activity like this one.

(Eltern vom Mars)

There are only a few things in life that Elise dislikes so far... being strapped into her car seat and having her hands and face wiped off after meals.  This bathroom set-up from Eltern vom Mars (Parents from Mars) seems like it would be a much more pleasant and respectful way for Elise to care for herself.  Really, what toddler wouldn't love using a bathroom space designed just for them? 

Thank you to all the mamas, papas, and teachers out there who take the time to share their creativity and wisdom -  you definitely keep this mama feeling fresh and inspired!