Robots!

This month we have been enjoying playing with our robot sensory bin. I got some clear beads for playing with but they weren't enough to cover the bottom of the bin. I didn't want to spend any more money on them (being the big cheapskate I am) so, I decided to get shiny, metallic foam sheets (.50/each)to cover the bottom & then put the beads on top. I'm pleased with how it turned out and Mia loves it!

 In the bin: 

Foam star stickers ($5 but will reuse in other projects), Letter beads ($1), Clear pony beads ($4), Foam sheets ($2) Pasta we dyed with rubbing alcohol & food coloring (free), Robots ($1, Michael's). Total cost: $13.

Christmas Tot Trays

This week we had fun with a few new Christmas themed tot trays!

First Up: Jingle Bell Push Through: I poked a few holes in a cereal box, wrapped it and put a small bowlful of jingle bells to push through. Turned out to be tons of fun! (Note: if you make one be sure to leave one end of the box open so you can get the bells back out!)

Christmas themed peg game (think Cracker Barrel).  Although Mia is too young to play the real version of this game she has fun putting them in the holes and making patterns from the snowmen and gingerbread men. I think I picked this up at the dollar store.

Foam Sticker Patterning/Matching Game: I saw an idea here about making a patterning game using foam stickers but wasn't sure if it would be too advanced for Mia. So, I made cards with only one sticker and some with multiple ones to try to make it challenging but not frustrating.  Mia loves it! She actually likes the cards with multiple stickers best.  She puts the first piece on and then says "What's it need?"  Because they are a little easier we lay them all out and it doubles as a matching game. We definitely will be adding this and its variations to our permanent rotation!