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Tuesday, January 13, 2026

The Thing About Yetis

 Fact: Young children rarely sit still for long.
Solution: Read about a Yeti!

The hidden Yeti in No Yeti Yet turns reading into a game, engaging toddlers as they spot the creature before the characters do.  It focuses on discovery, sibling dynamics, and the fun of uncovering hidden things.

The thing about a Yeti is an idea of a hidden creature that sparks curiosity, prompting questions and imaginative play about where it lives and what it does.
Create a playful Yeti (instead of a terrifying monster) who helps children explore emotions and seasons.

GAMES
Yeti Smash focuses on counting from 1 to 10. 
Also, on-hand strengthening and manipulation with Play-Doh and toy hammers.



READ ALOUD BOOKS / VIDEOS
No Yeti Yet,  by Mary Ann Fraser

The Thing About Yetis, by Vince Vogel

CRAFT TEMPLATE

YETI GAMES

Monday, January 12, 2026

Construction Sensory Bin

 Whoever thinks girls don't play with construction trucks and rocks is wrong!  

Two little girls, full of giggles and curiosity, dove right into the construction sensory bin, completely captivated by all the scooping, pouring, and digging. What started as simple play quickly turned into a busy little worksite, with tiny hands moving “dirt,” filling buckets, and discovering hidden treasures beneath the surface.

Their 7-year-old helper jumped right in, taking on the role of teacher and teammate. He showed them how to use the tools, helped them problem-solve, and turned the whole activity into an imaginative construction adventure. The toddlers looked up to him with excitement, eager to copy everything he did.

It was such a sweet mix of ages—little ones exploring textures and practicing fine motor skills, while the older child built confidence, patience, and leadership. Together, they created not just a construction zone but a moment full of teamwork, learning, and joy.






Friday, January 9, 2026

Snowman Craft and Winter Games

Today was full of winter fun as our toddlers made the cutest snowman paper crafts! ☃️ Little hands were busy gluing, sticking, and decorating, each snowman turning out perfectly unique. From wiggly stick arms to colorful buttons, their creativity truly stole the show.

These simple crafts are about more than just art—they help build fine motor skills, encourage imagination, and create sweet moments we’ll always remember. Nothing beats seeing proud smiles as they hold up their snowy masterpieces! 💙❄️

Snowman 10 Frame Game
toddler snowman 10-frame game is a simple, hands-on counting activity that helps little ones practice early math skills in a fun, playful way.
 
Using a snowman-themed 10 frame (two rows of five blocks), toddlers are invited to place small items onto the circles. As they add each piece, they count aloud, building number recognition and one-to-one correspondence.

The snowman theme keeps it engaging and familiar, while the open-ended setup allows toddlers to work at their own pace. Some may simply explore filling the frame, while others may practice counting up to ten or comparing “more” and “less.”  
This game supports early math development, fine motor skills, and focus—all while feeling like play instead of learning. ⛄
It wasn't long until the kids decided to build with the blocks instead. 

Snowball Race Tracing Cards
Tracing is a wonderful activity for toddlers because it supports so many early developmental skills in a gentle, playful way.

When toddlers trace lines, shapes, or pictures, they are strengthening the small muscles in their hands and fingers. This builds fine motor skills that are essential for future tasks like writing, coloring, buttoning clothes, and using scissors. Tracing also helps improve hand-eye coordination as children learn to control their movements and follow a path with their eyes and hands working together.

Tracing encourages focus and patience, giving toddlers a chance to practice sitting and completing a simple task at their own pace. It also builds confidence—each successful line helps them feel proud of what they can do.

Most importantly, tracing feels like play, not pressure. With fun themes and simple designs, toddlers are learning foundational skills while enjoying the process and celebrating their progress. ✏️😊

Snowman Memory
Snowman number-matching is a fun and engaging way to introduce early math skills and to recognize numbers during the winter season. Using snowman-themed pieces, toddlers and preschoolers match the numbers, turning learning into a playful, hands-on activity.


TEMPLATES